world cup beckons
http://ww1.mid-day.com/sports/international/2006/april/135218.htm
The series has been won; the heroes have been hailed; the grey areas touched upon for balance. But Saturday’s end to this one-day series would still mean a lot to Team India.
After the convincing one-day series wins over Sri Lanka at home and in Pakistan, India have yet again proved that they are a serious force in this form of the game.
Generation Y
The inclusion and persistence where the young guns are concerned is paying off handsomely and there is no better refreshing sight in sport than to see the youth prosper. India look good at the moment with the new faces but there is still a case for the old guard. More of that later.
Greg Chappell has earned praise from all quarters for the manner in which his inexperienced players have risen to every challenge, faced the bumpy roads and tackled the chasm.
It could well be that the Australian is a touch embarrassed whenever the media indulges in hyperbole to project his contribution. For, he knows only too well that nothing can be achieved without strong leadership on the field. That is where Rahul Dravid needs to get more of the praise brush. He has been brilliant all the way.
Brilliant Dravid
Dravid took over the captaincy in controversial circumstances. Yet, he has not fallen prey to opportunities to gloat. He’s handled the Ganguly saga with tact and poise.
Though it may sound far-fetched, Dravid has made himself a true contender for the World Cup crown thanks to India’s great run in the pyjama game.
Not many teams have peaked a year before the tournament which dishes out world cricket’s top prize and fared abysmally in the actual tournament.
Allan Border’s Australians in 1991-92 come to mind and that will remain a mystery in one-day cricket’s history.
Greg Chappell explains the finer points of battin to Robin Uthappa. Chappell has had a huge role to play in the development of youngsters into match winners
And the seniors?
Promise and performance of youth notwithstanding, the big men in Indian cricket cannot contend without the experience and ability of its senior men. Just like youngsters should be made to feel comfortable in a set-up, the old warriors need to feel wanted. We are referring to VVS Laxman and Anil Kumble.
Chappell and Co get credited, and deservedly so for helping the rookies emerge. Now, we would like to see how they can extract the best out of players who are not exactly starting out.
Kumble’s variation will come in handy in the West Indies and Laxman can be the warrior for the big stage. They are out there to be called upon, cajoled and given responsibility. And if they can shed the cloak of uncertainty, India can bridge the game between them and Australia.
However, cliched, it is not for nothing that youth and experience is cricket’s most popular formula.
The English have been conquered. But the world is not England. And vice- versa.
http://ww1.mid-day.com/sports/international/2006/april/135218.htm
The series has been won; the heroes have been hailed; the grey areas touched upon for balance. But Saturday’s end to this one-day series would still mean a lot to Team India.
After the convincing one-day series wins over Sri Lanka at home and in Pakistan, India have yet again proved that they are a serious force in this form of the game.
Generation Y
The inclusion and persistence where the young guns are concerned is paying off handsomely and there is no better refreshing sight in sport than to see the youth prosper. India look good at the moment with the new faces but there is still a case for the old guard. More of that later.
Greg Chappell has earned praise from all quarters for the manner in which his inexperienced players have risen to every challenge, faced the bumpy roads and tackled the chasm.
It could well be that the Australian is a touch embarrassed whenever the media indulges in hyperbole to project his contribution. For, he knows only too well that nothing can be achieved without strong leadership on the field. That is where Rahul Dravid needs to get more of the praise brush. He has been brilliant all the way.
Brilliant Dravid
Dravid took over the captaincy in controversial circumstances. Yet, he has not fallen prey to opportunities to gloat. He’s handled the Ganguly saga with tact and poise.
Though it may sound far-fetched, Dravid has made himself a true contender for the World Cup crown thanks to India’s great run in the pyjama game.
Not many teams have peaked a year before the tournament which dishes out world cricket’s top prize and fared abysmally in the actual tournament.
Allan Border’s Australians in 1991-92 come to mind and that will remain a mystery in one-day cricket’s history.
Greg Chappell explains the finer points of battin to Robin Uthappa. Chappell has had a huge role to play in the development of youngsters into match winners
And the seniors?
Promise and performance of youth notwithstanding, the big men in Indian cricket cannot contend without the experience and ability of its senior men. Just like youngsters should be made to feel comfortable in a set-up, the old warriors need to feel wanted. We are referring to VVS Laxman and Anil Kumble.
Chappell and Co get credited, and deservedly so for helping the rookies emerge. Now, we would like to see how they can extract the best out of players who are not exactly starting out.
Kumble’s variation will come in handy in the West Indies and Laxman can be the warrior for the big stage. They are out there to be called upon, cajoled and given responsibility. And if they can shed the cloak of uncertainty, India can bridge the game between them and Australia.
However, cliched, it is not for nothing that youth and experience is cricket’s most popular formula.
The English have been conquered. But the world is not England. And vice- versa.