By the time this post is published, India has already secured yet another series win over the Kiwis, having pocketed three out of the three matches that have been played so far, and are looking good for a emphatic white wash, given the form and confidence of the opposition.
 |
| Kohli & Gambhir have batted well |
But I wouldn’t read too much into it, as even Bangladesh had handed the same team a similar result only a few weeks back. That the Kiwis were able to give India a good run for their money in the test series, is entirely the fault of the curators or the authorities who do not have any interest to advance the traditional form of the game, and continue to prepare flat tracks that would help only piling up the runs. The very fact that Harbhajan Singh could treat test bowlers the way he did, proves my point. Mind you, this is not to take anything away from the sardar. He batted extremely well, but the tracks did play their part.
The one-day series has had its own benefit though. It has brought somebody like Gautam Gambhir to terrific form. He looks to be quite intimidating on the crease, and that is no good news for the oppositions. Virat Kohli has helped himself with some good knocks, and Yuvraj Singh too has looked to be getting back to some kind of rhythm. Sreesanth, though not one of my original choice for the series, has bowled quite beautifully and before being rested for the last two matches, has done enough to earn himself a place for the one day series in South Africa.
 |
| Sreesanth celebrates a wicket |
As I had mentioned earlier, I would have liked to see Yusuf Pathan bat up the order just to let him score some runs and gain some confidence ahead of the world cup. That doesn’t seem to be happening, and it should be ok as long as the lack of opportunity doesn’t work against him while picking a team in near future. Our selectors are good at that, I mean, good in dropping some players without providing them enough opportunity. Not everybody is as fortunate as Ravindra Jadeja after all!
The real test of character is awaiting them in South Africa, and a win there would be invaluable in their preparation for the world cup in terms of confidence and self belief.
Sambit, as you rightly said it’s not a big deal for India to beat New Zealand. I would be surprised if India doesn't do this. I think real test for skill and character will play at South Africa. I don't have any doubt that India will be doing well.
ReplyDeleteTime and again people are talking too much about bounce track and short pitch stuff. Indians have always done great at bouncing or on a seaming track. I don't really understand why people are more worried about the international tours.
If you take the past matches happened in South Africa for e.g. T20WC, 2003 WC, IPL we Indians were the leading runs scorers, still we disbelief the capabilities of our players.
For the Tour of South Africa, All the Best to Indian Team.
Chake De India!!!!!