Indian Cricket: A Stairway to Nowhere- Part-1

The title itself will generate some criticism, let alone the article. Well aware of the flak I may face, it is time to do a reality check as to what the Indian Cricket Team is heading towards. Since the sport has various dimensions and 3 formats, I will be dividing this into a few parts.

Tests

The ultimate form of cricket. A test of skill, patience and dedication. India is currently ranked 5th in the ICC Rankings. Dravid and Laxman have retired and we have a new young middle order which includes a 39-year young Sachin who will sooner or later call it quits too.

So how is life going to be in the future of our test squad?

The Batsmen:

The opening pair of Sehwag and Gambhir is losing touch and one has to rewind a long time to find a good start that we might have had in an innings. But do we have openers who can replace them? The first name that comes to my mind is Ajinkya Rahane. Sadly, it is also the only one I can think of currently. Names like Murali Vijay do crop up in several discussions but he doesn’t look ready for test cricket as of now.

At No. 3 and 4, we will have a reliable Pujara-Kohli pairing will looks pretty formidable as both are talented players with loads of potential..oh wait, converted potential if I may say. They have shown form and touch over some time and I am not worried about these two places as an Indian fan.

As we come down at No.5, we are in trouble again. When playing at home, Raina is a good addition. Not sure if he can be useful while being peppered with short deliveries on the bouncy overseas wickets . So it is a spot which awaits a worthy suitor, a Very Very Special suitor.

At No.6, A-Duleep-double-proved-fit Yuvraj will be taking this spot back and keep some solidity in the squad. Also would be nice if there is some solidity in the middle of his torso. Surely can improve on the fitness, but his batting talent is unquestionable. He also serves some delightful pies as said by an England player who has been re-integrated into the squad.

At No.7, Captain Rigid Tactics will take time out from his busy endorsements schedule to bat-keep-captain the squad. His convincing average of 31.95 from 2011 to date which only 1 scrappy Century and half-a-dozen 50s and 4 smashing noughts are enough to cement his place as a reliable No.7 who can bat with the tail. Also, a brilliant captain who has an ultra-defensive field no matter what the situation demands. A deserving test player the team needs. Really?

The bowlers:

The spin department looks safe with Ashwin and Ojha doing well, Bhajji trying to come back and Amit Mishra always on the fringes. For those who are wondering why I haven’t mentioned Chawla, he comes directly when the ICC schedules a World Test Championship.

In the quickies, there is a spot of bother or rather a couple of spots. Irfan Pathan is effective with the new ball without doubt but is he good enough to bowl spells with a slightly older ball? Umesh Yadav looks to be cementing his place but he stills needs to work a lot to shine against the Clarkes, Husseys and the likes. Zak and Ishant are injury-prone. Aaron is yet to prove his mettle.

All in all, this Test squad doesn’t look good enough to take on the now-mighty English and Proteas or the rejuvenated Australians. Yes, there will be times when we will win against them at home but can we beat them in their dens? A lot to look forward to in 12 months from now.

P.S. More to follow. Healthy criticism is welcome.