5 positives from the Sri Lanka vs India Test series
A jubilant Indian Test team celebrate with the trophy after defeating Sri Lanka 2-1In recent history, one cannot fault the average Indian cricket fanatic for frequently escaping into a world of past glories, reminiscing about the age-old days when three absolute legends Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman regularly turned out for the Indian Test team.As MS Dhoni’s Test team leapfrogged from one series defeat to another, especially in overseas conditions, the cricket lover from India found it difficult to accept the lack of fight and intent shown by the young Indian team.Looking back, it seems aeons ago when the Indian batting stalwarts last shared a stage together, stitching memorable partnerships and piling on the runs, in a bid to outwit the opposition. Statistically speaking, it has been only 33 months since the first member of this famed triplet, Dravid, bid adieu, yet each defeat garnered abroad after their absence, made one feel that the golden days attained under them, was a thing of the long, lost bygone era.The fact that India last won a Test series away from home way back in 2011, when Laxman, Tendulkar and Dravid were a part of the national set-up, enhanced their legacy even further, as Test cricket in India declined to newer lows.4 years and 63 days after the last series triumph on West Indian shores, a new age aggressive breed of cricketers managed to create history on the Emerald Isle, by capturing their first series win in the nation after a gap of 22 years.Seen as a litmus test for skipper Virat Kohli, who took over the reins from Dhoni earlier this year, the Delhiite’s first full series as Test captain was defined by a breed of cricket, which had not been witnessed under Dhoni. Overcoming a 0-1 deficit for only the third time in the history of Indian cricket, the visitors stood out for their teamwork and commitment, which helped them grab the series 2-1.Here are 5 positives for India from this series, which spells good news for the country, going ahead into the 4 match Test series against South Africa, scheduled later this year.
#5 Kohli\'s aggressive captaincy
If there is one word you would not have associated with Kohli until a year ago, it would have been ‘calm.’
After the first Test match, which India was guilty of losing despite being in a comprehensive position for a major part of the five days, Kohli was criticised for being over aggressive when conditions and situations demanded a calm approach.
Switch over to the second and third matches and a different Kohli took the field. A Kohli who was proactive, yet defensive when needed, without letting the match slip away from his grasp.
The Delhiite should be praised for his ability to play according to the conditions. Any other captain would have been tempted to bowl Ashwin and Mishra, India’s most successful bowlers in the series straight up at the SSC, yet Kohli allowed his faster bowlers to reap the benefits, and they did not disappoint.
His bowling changes need special mention. During the first Test match, when Chandimal was going hammer and tongs and with the new ball due in 5 overs, Kohli preferred to rotate his bowlers every over.
Playing the patient game while awaiting the new ball might not have paid off in the particular match, but his intent of not allowing the batsman to get comfortable with a particular bowler with the hard ball, is praiseworthy.
By playing five bowlers, he had the option of giving shorter spells to his faster bowlers, keeping them refreshed in the process. He constantly kept catch-in fielders for spinners and on occasions, Binny even bowled to a field comprising three slips. Kohli’s brand of cricket is a far cry from Dhoni’s passive defensiveness.
By encouraging Ishant to go all out in fury while bowling, Kohli has surely marked the beginning of an era where the Indians will not hesitate to get under the skin of the opposition. Even though he has his areas to improve, the early glimpses witnessed have been refreshing to say the least.
Yet, for the critics who term Kohli a selfish and a brash captain, one need not look further than the guard of honour his team meted out to Sangakkara during the second Test match as he came out to bat in both the innings.
This act, more than anything, indicates how Kohli the captain, who does not want to lose at any cost, is vastly different from Kohli the individual who still has his virtues and respect for the legends intact and alive.