It is said wisely by someone that "It is easier to reach at the top, what is tough is to remain there." And Indian Cricket Team testified the statement by giving up so easily (4-0) against English team. I text to my facebook wall immediately after the match, "Indian team's expected 4-0 defeat against England, i call it blackwash as whitewash is too sophisticated a word to waste on this kind of performance".
My above outburst is a mix of sheer frustration, anger and depression, over the abysmal performance which could not have been any worse. In my opinion, no statistics or post series analysis can bring out the real cause of this debacle.
We, the Indians, not so long ago were over the moon when the same team brought World Cup to us. What a day it was! Many who had witnessed the most spectacular world cup victory, ever, in 1983 at Lord's, were almost lost all their hopes to see that happening again. It happened, history repeated itself. We danced like maniacs, all night and all day. It was a strange feeling, cannot be comprehended in words. To the generation, who have only seen video footage and heard the heroic stories of the team who fought like winners, the moment when MSD lifted the adored trophy, left them mesmerized for years to come.
In the same contrast, the current defeat is too harsh and too soon. What happened suddenly? The people of this country was jolted and awaken by the English storm and the glory is written-off in a flash, mercilessly.
My above outburst is a mix of sheer frustration, anger and depression, over the abysmal performance which could not have been any worse. In my opinion, no statistics or post series analysis can bring out the real cause of this debacle.
We, the Indians, not so long ago were over the moon when the same team brought World Cup to us. What a day it was! Many who had witnessed the most spectacular world cup victory, ever, in 1983 at Lord's, were almost lost all their hopes to see that happening again. It happened, history repeated itself. We danced like maniacs, all night and all day. It was a strange feeling, cannot be comprehended in words. To the generation, who have only seen video footage and heard the heroic stories of the team who fought like winners, the moment when MSD lifted the adored trophy, left them mesmerized for years to come.
In the same contrast, the current defeat is too harsh and too soon. What happened suddenly? The people of this country was jolted and awaken by the English storm and the glory is written-off in a flash, mercilessly.
Who should be blamed ... the great batting line-up on paper, school like bowling on bowler friendly pitches and conditions, injuries, too much cricket, wrong selection, IPL, BCCI ??? The list is endless and patience is challenged.
In my opinion, team either took the tour not seriously or they lack the skill set to adapt (both technically & physically) to the conditions. Whatever the case may be, we had a chance to reaffirm our position in the world cricket, in all forms of the game. The fact is, commercialization of the sport is causing serious threat to the pure form of the game called 'Test'. This format surfaces the fragility of both the team and the individual players. The real dominance on this game cannot be established till a team rule over this format with resolute and long term focus.
As life is about moving on, team India must also. We must give them a chance. They have done some gross errors on the field and they must look into it and correct it. We have slipped on to third position in ICC Test ranking after the series loss, still many test matches are scheduled this and coming year. We can make it back to the top, provided we show the 'focus and 'will'. BCCI should also look into the matter more holistically and at micro level. Players fitness should not be compromised and all should get enough room to relax their muscles.
The Test series in England have dissected our fall back strength and our dependence on the charisma of few greats. So the most important task of the team management will be on priority to cement the bench strength, aiming the long term goals. There is a necessity like never before, to relook at the talent hunt, from the nook & corners of this vast nation. When Najafgarh and Ranchi can give Sahwag and Dhoni, respectively, then i am sure that we do need to seriously take note of this fact.
Let's hope we do better in the upcoming one day series in England.
