Never Ending Woes for the Men in Blue

M.S. Dhoni was in for a rude shock yesterday when it was confirmed that the Singh duo namely: Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh will play no further part in the ongoing test series due to their respective injuries. The Turbanator has been sidelined for the next 4 weeks with a Grade 1 Abdominal Muscle Strain whereas, Yuvi will be laid low for 3 weeks due to a fracture in the left index finger.

The phenomenal question reeling everybody’s mind is, how did Bhajji actually manage to pick up an Abdominal Strain when he has seldom strained himself in this series? Receiving flak from every quarter due to his poor bowling performance in the first two tests, the offie, who has claimed more than 400 wickets in test cricket, has looked a shadow of his old self. What may be interesting to note over the last two tests is the fact that even Dhoni’s patience seems to be wearing out thick and fast with the temperamental Punjab bowler. The man who was essentially India’s second bowling change in test matches was virtually reduced to an extra in the second test, fielding near the boundary. Harbhajan was brought on by the Indian skipper only around the 40th over during the second innings of the second test held at Nottingham which showed a complete lack of faith in MS Dhoni‘s belief in the Turbanator’s ability.

Harbhajan: Out for the series

Technically, Harbhajan seems to still possess the same sting, but, what is lacking is the self-confidence to grab wickets. The lynch pin of Indian spin bowling attack post Kumble’s retirement has been reduced to an incumbent bowler over the past year. The once wicket taking bowler is now a run containing bowler, looking to stem the flow of runs rather than go for the kill. Maybe, Bhajji just needs a sports psychologist who is able to analyze his mental block and reform himself.

Coming to Yuvi, bad luck continues to mar his growth as he seems to be grappling from one injury to another. Though, he seems to be in the pink of his health over the past few years, looking extremely fit and agile, the Man of the Series of ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 has no option but to pack his bags and head home.

Another burning issue which can be raised with so many injuries striking key Indian players is- injury management. It is whimsical to witness so many key Indian players break down after every match due to some injury, most of which are related to stress and work-overload. With BCCI laughing its way to the bank, players are the individuals bearing the brunt for a cramped schedule. The Great Indian Cricket Dream seems to be coming to a grinding halt with the Men in Blue looking dejected and really dis-spirited on field. Most of the Indian players seem to be craving for a well deserved break to cool down their breaking bodies. The England tour is proving to be a major embarrassment for the Men in Blue staking their claim as the numero uno test team in the world. Now is the time for the Indian team to get their act/s right before its gets too late. With third test round the corner, India have to lift themselves to have any chance of leveling the series.