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.
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.
Cricket & Hockey
ReplyDeleteThe cricketers feel the hockeyists play hookey
While hockeyists feel what the cricketers do is just not cricket
While the H feel that their bosses should learn a thing or two from C
Junta expects C to learn winning ways from H
There is a cosmic hand in all this
the sum of good news is constant
understand that this instant
When C is down then it is HGold (that is how gold is written in Jumritalayese)
When H is down then it is the Cup