Javagal Srinath
Any ardent Indian cricket fan would have asked for one thing, a 4-1 result in the series. No doubt it's hard not to be complacent after winning a series. The best of best teams has bitten dust in being contended. It all happens in the context of giving a chance to player's who have not played enough on the tour. But the fact remains that the chances of winning is quite remote when the reserve players make it into the side. I thought it would have been a good tendency to continue winning irrespectiv
e of where the series stands. I guess the gains would have been plenty in winning the last match than experimenting with the reserves. My only contention is that the team should not jeopardize the new found upward mobility by being complacent.
e of where the series stands. I guess the gains would have been plenty in winning the last match than experimenting with the reserves. My only contention is that the team should not jeopardize the new found upward mobility by being complacent.Nevertheless, it is time to measure the gains and losses from this series. The biggest plus has come from Dhoni's strong leadership. His communication and inspiring press messages have had a huge bearing on the players. On this trip Dhoni's mantra has been "collective efforts Vs individual performance". An essential and effective method in bringing the team together. Dhoni made it clear that a small contribution aligned to the team's interest is more important than stints of individual brilliance.
Seems like both the captain and the coach have successfully addressed the concerns of the youngsters and have tempered the irrational exuberance of the seniors in the side. To be honest with the Indian cricket history, the problems of the incumbent captain and the seniors in the side always existed in a subtle way. Intermittently but with justifiable pride Dhoni has spoken about his teams laurels.
The bowling side has clicked like an engine well-oiled. The set patterns with which they attacked Srilanka's top batsmen suggested a definite plan in place. Zaheer and Munaf's perseverance on probing off stump line with the new ball brought back the much required spark in the opening bowling. Harbhajan after all the fiasco in the IPL could have dreamt of a better outing by pegging wickets at crucial junctures. Zaheer under Prasad's leadership is crucial in developing an all-round bowling team. At least now, I hope the relevant quarters have realized the importance of a bowling coach.
Indian batting excelled mainly on Dhoni's efforts. Although Yuvraj and Rohit showed an indifferent form, the short comings were well managed with Dhoni cleverly moving up and down the order. Rohit Sharma must realize soon that the expectation would simply double in his 2nd year of international cricket. Rohit's temperament being his greatest asset, should translate his talent into runs.
Dhoni taking a break from test matches to recoup, selectors pinning faith on youngsters and the seniors assuming responsibilities have all paid dividends.
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