Things are back to normal

          India, after a little rise in fortunes mid-series, have gone back to their sad old losing ways. This is hardly surprising, considering how the rest of the tour went for them. Unlike the horrendous England tour, however some sparks of brilliance, both individual and team, could be seen.
          The rotation policy has come under fire from all quarters, barring the most important - the BCCI. The Board has rather unsatisfactorily explained that this funny system is to train young players for the 2015 World Cup down under. This is one of the most illogical explanations I have heard in recent times. Would anyone in their senses train people 36 months before the actual tournament? India may even tour them again before the far-off World Cup. Why throw out an in-form Gambhir for a young man who may not be around for the tournament?
          Unlike in football, where the World Cup is unrivalled in prestige and importance, there are a lot of international tournaments in cricket which are highly coveted. The cashy domestic leagues too are assuming importance. Planning for such a tournament three years in advance is not a great idea.
          Dhoni, in his usual style, took a dig at the top three's fielding. But he is justified. Younger legs - and hands - are helpful and necessary.
          India very large-heartedly withdrew the appeal to have Thrimanne out 'Mankaded'. This went on to cost them a lot of  runs.
          Something should change. The bowlers should step up. The batsmen should stop walking back for single-figures. Chases should not go to the last over. Older people may gracefully retire and younger ones should show why they should replace Tendulkar, Dravid, Laxman and the like.
         Things cannot continue this way.

Djokowin!

          After a while, the Australian Open does not have a new champion. Djokovic held his nerve and serve to defend his title in a match that lasted a giddy five hours and fifty-three minutes. This match will go down in history, statistically as well as in terms of quality, with fortunes swinging like an erratic pendulum and predictions going crazy.
          The jubilant Serb ripped off his shirt, luxury enjoyed only by the players on Sunday night, and exulted topless in front of a full house at Melbourne (suprising for a quarter-to-two finish!), before hitting the sponsors' names near his box. Later in his acceptance speech which was less primal and more appreciative, he thanked each of the sponsors individually. He also praised a tired Nadal, who had fought very very hard but just could not have the very first fifth set between them go his way. In the customary family-and-team thanking, he named his girlfriend and then his coach - whatever that implies. He also wished there would be many more similar matches between him and Nadal (would Nadal have wished the same?).
          With Djoko winning three consecutive Grand Slams, we can be quite sure that the era of fixed final match-ups in Federer and Nadal is over. As his mother summed up (not verbatim), 'Earlier it was Rafa, Roger, Rafa, Roger, now it's Novak, Novak, Novak!' This energetic young man from a troubled nation has shaken the tennis world for good.
          A Djokovic-Nadal rivalry could also be in the making. However, the Serb won all their five meetings in finals in 2011, and this year may well be a repeat, considering his explosive start. If Nadal learns to read his shots and serves, the head-to-head may take a different turn and could end up like Nadal and Federer's one-sided one.
          However things pan out, Novak Djokovic has made his mark on men's tennis and his dominance seems to be here to stay.