Team India - Down and Out!

Well, the much hyped high voltage India-Pakistan series is turning out to be a one sided affair. Pakistan have already won the ODI series after 2 matches and India can only try to salvage some pride in the last encounter now.

Now look at the situation. After the world cup victory, Indians were over the moon. Everyone felt that nothing was unconquerable for this team. And then came the downfall. It was clear that the World Cup win was the pinnacle for the ageing Indian team. Then losses against England and Australia confirmed the fact that it is time for the seniors to retire. Only Sachin remains of the fab five – consisting himself, Dada, Dravid, Laxman and Anil Kumble.

The home series against England was a perfect step for our youngsters to shine. But sadly, only Pujara managed to impress. Pragyan Ojha and R. Ashwin were ineffective on even spin friendly pitches at Mumbai and Kolkata. Even the tag of being invincible at home vanished, with the 2-1 series loss to England.

And then this ODI series. Under-performing at the Test level is understandable from the point of view of the youngsters. But what about ODIs? How can the entire batting order crumble against some respectable, but still playable bowling?

Dhoni has been the only warrior, like a lone pillar standing tall in a crumbling building. His knocks in both the ODIs have been excellent. But sadly, cricket is a team game, and everyone needs to perform to attain victory. Dhoni has been heavily criticised being out of form. But his gritty innings at Chennai is one of the best ODI knocks in quite some time. Yet, his knocks will not shield him from being criticised by the critics and fans alike.

Heavy defeats in Tests, both away and home. Heavy defeats in ODIs, again, both away and home; this is one of the worst phases for Indian Cricket.

But our dear selection committee member are still in the past and the changes being brought are not enough.

The major question is why the likes of Rohit Sharma, Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag are still in the team whereas Manoj Tiwary and Ajinkya Rahane have done their job to guarantee a place, long time ago. Yet, they are the ones who warm the benches. If Indian team is on a losing streak, and if we are that clueless about what is happening, then why doesn’t the losing team be full of learning youngsters, rather than rusty old players? This is one major issue with our team selection and the selectors must do something in order to be prepared for the future.

And then comes our bowling. The situation is beyond any talking. There is talent, but no exposure, no proper guidance, especially for young pacers. No young pacer has cemented his place in the team for over more than a year; that is another major issue.

I cannot elaborate the problems any more. It saddens me. Seriously, dark times lie ahead for Indian team, if the situation remains like this.