Opening Blues

The advent of a newly charged Indian side in the early years of the millennium and their subsequent victory in the first edition of World T20 in 2007, rise to the top of the World rankings in Tests by late 2009 and finally the ultimate crown of World Cup at home in 2011 have all been built about the strength of their batsmen. There are very few sights as fascinating to watch as this Indian batting line up sending the opposition bowlers to doldrums.

 The immense depth of the team’s batting has always been a cushion for their rather fragile bowling attack and all the bowlers had to do was to provide a decent fight to supplement the batsmen. However the case was n’t the same when the millennium began. Even though India had a wealth of four classy batsmen guarding their middle order in tests and some nonchalant strikers like Yuvraj and Dhoni providing imputes in coloured clothing, the completeness was achieved only when the Delhi duo set itself at the top.

With Gambhir’s return to the squad in 2007 and Sehwag finding back his song in 2008; it set a foundation for three year glory led by their rock strong batting line up and Zaheer Khan with the ball. The issues stared post World Cup glorywith the injuries and subsequent loss of form of the openers. The subsequent white washes in Australia and England have been built by the batting failures and the scratchy form at the top has been a headache.

Since 2007, one slot the Indian selectors had no second thoughts in deciding was the openers. The Delhi duo when available was formidable terrorizing the bowlers from any place. Sehwag’s swashbuckling methods were wonderfully complimented by Gambhir’s super strong technique and ability to play subdued support and take the reins as the situation demands. The result was the most productive times for Team India. It gave the time and mindset for the middle order batsmen to set the ship rolling.

But since last year, the worrying causes for Team India have been a plenty. The top one is the form of the openers. Neither Sehwag, nor Gambhir remind us of their original self in recent times. Sehwag being Sehwag goes for some big ones and soon loses his wicket for his arrogance or method of play as one chose to name it. He tends to play the loose ones as usual but has developed the habit of losing his wicket to deliveries that normally will be played comfortably by lesser talented batsmen.

His average has considerably dipped aftermath the World Cup. In tests, his returns in Australia were meagre and recent ones in scores at home against New Zeland was neither good. His average has dropped down to 30 compared to a career one of 50 plus. More worryingly there has been a dearth of tons which he churns out with rather ease.

The ODIs are no different story. He averages marginally better than his career one of 35 but bulk of those has been from one innings of 219 he scored against the West Indies. That apart he had barely managed an average of 20 with just one fifty. The T20s are no different story with an average of just 11 runs per innings (though only 3 matches is all he played).

The surprising element is not that he is struggling but rather he is unable to sustain his long innings game. He does get starts in most matches but fails to consolidate. The strike rate remains the same.

Here are the returns of Sehwag since World Cup 2011.

Format	Matches	Runs	Average	100s/50s
Test	11	612	30.65	0/5
ODI	13	478	36.76	1/1
ODI (Without the 219 innings Vs WI)	12	259	21.57	0/1
T20	03	35	11.66	0/0

Comparing it with his returns in Pre World Cup matches shows how big has India lost out.

Format	Matches	Runs	Average	100s/50s
Test	87	7694	53.43	22/27
ODI	236	7760	35.11	14/37
T20	14	313	24.07	0/2

If Viru is hit by dip in form, Gambhir has completely lost it. He has not only lost his form but his game has suffered by leaps and bounds. He is caught fishing outside off stump and loses his wicket to dabs and inside edges. What once used to be his strength (those cuts and dabs to third man region) is now proving to be his nemesis.

It was Gambhir’s entry that fast forwarded the rise of Team India and he enjoyed a golden period from 2008 until World Cup. Since then injuries have added to his woes and runs have dried up. Unlike Viru who still plays his natural game, Gautham seemed to have lost his skill and is now a walking wicket almost. That certainly adds to India’s Pandora ’s Box of troubles.

In Tests since World Cup he averages just 24 against his early fifty averages before. More worryingly he has scored just 3 fifties and no tons since World Cup. The ODI story is lot better with an average of 41.83, marginally ahead of his career one of 40 and he has 2 centuries and 8 fifties. However the number of sub 10 innings has increased considerably with 3 ducks in the period. In the shortest format he still does better but recent form has been alarming.

Gambhir after 2011 World Cup;

Format	Matches	Runs	Average	100/50
Test	12	536	24.36	0/3
ODI	25	1004	41.83	2/8
T20	6	144	36.00	0/1

Comparing to his pre World Cup returns, his form in Tests are alarming as the table indicates.

Format	Matches	Runs	Average	100/50
Test	38	3234	51.33	9/16
ODI	114	4073	40.73	9/25
T20	23	621	28.22	0/6

Another aspect of India’s headache is the dip in their partnerships. Earlier India had strong foundation laid by the Delhi duo has now become a routine to see the No 3 and No 4 in the crease before 100 is reached. Here is an analysis of their opening partnerships.

They average 31.05 in 18 innings in tests since World Cup with just 5 fifty partnerships; In ODIs their average 45.66, but detecting the one game where Sehwag made his double, the partnership averages a meagre 19.6; In T20s the situation is nothing better with an average of 21.33.

Previously they held their sway and their records were thus: Tests were their forte with a superb average of 59.33 in 68 innings that included 10 hundred and 19 fifty plus scores; ODIs saw them pile an average of 53 runs per innings in around 30 innings they got to open, inching ahead of legendary pair of Tendulkar and Ganguly too. It included 4 partnerships reaching three figures. In T20s too, they averaged 38 runs per innings.

Its quite clear now that the woes for Team India begins at the head. Time is ripe for the selectors to make a rational call. With next big assignments at home coming up, it would n’t be bad to try a different combination at the top and slot one of these veteran batsmen in the middle order. Rahane has been knocking the door for long time. Mukund did a decent job given the tough time at England. Unmukt Chand is a fresh candidate with an Under 19 World Cup win under his belt.

India needs a strong opening combination, now that the middle order is fragile with new comers replacing Legends. Tendulkar, the one link between the olden times and present generation is too at the fag end of his career and may not last long. The likes of Pujara, Kohli and co must be given a cushion to develop their game. For that alone India needs its openers to fire. It makes us wonder, “Is the Opening Blues back for Team India?”

The Unfitting Cap

The latest news from Indian Sports field has been rather surprising. For a passionately silent man, Indian cricket’s favourite son Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar is likely to be nominated for Rajya Sabha of the Indian Parliament as one of the twelve nominated members. For the unaware, Rajya Sabha or the Upper House of Indian Parliament has members elected by the elected members of state assemblies. There are twelve seats to be nominated by the President of India which is usually reserved to the persons excelling in various fields ranging from Arts, Science, Literature, Humanities to Business and Service. The earlier nominees of repute include Musician Lata Mangeshkar, Sitar Mastero Pandit Ravi Shankar, Novelist Sri.R.K.Narayan, Dancer Smt.Rukmini Devi Arundale, Sri.Javed Akthar and others.

As he has got so many “First Person” feather on his cap, Tendulkar is also the first person from the Sports field to be honoured as a Member of Parliament through Honorary Nominations. There have been a slew of celebrities who have been nominated for this post as the Member of Parliament whom he will join in the House.

Ever since he achieved his dream of winning the World Cup last year, the champion batsmen’s career has taken some drastic turns. His wait for the elusive hundredth hundred led to so many detractors. Poor show by Team India and the senior batsmen did not do any good and the calls for the culling of the great man from the side have grown. Especially his future in the ODI side is being questioned. 

While India’s test team still needs his presence for few more matches to allow the smoother transition, the limited overs squad has been pretty settled over the years and the competition for places among the promising batsmen has been intense. There are more than a handful of batsmen knocking the doors of Selection. He has not yet made clear whether he likes to continue until the 2015 World Cup. While India may still be strong with his presence in the place where it was crushed not long ago, the clarity and clear vision is lacking.

If he is not going to last the distance, it is high time India needs to settle in for the newer entrants and provide them adequate experience and matches before they defend the crown Down Under. The selectors made a brave decision by dropping Ganguly and Dravid soon after the 2007 World Cup and the dividends paid up when the newer boys settled in and it culminated with the ultimate glory of World Cup win last year. Time is ripe to speak with the Master on such lines clearly. His case is different from the other two since, he can still score runs at the pace of ODIs as he showed in World Cup last year and can contribute in a big manner. But he needs to reassess and make it clear.

Coming to the last month or so, he has many controversies lingering with his name in the last two months alone, than his whole career. The wait for the elusive ton has been frustrating for the fans and fraternity and media cashed on this opportunity to make allegations and call for his head. At this juncture his slow batting to reach the hundred was among the reasons for India’s loss to Bangladesh in Asia Cup and subsequent ouster from the tournament. But then for a man who has carried the side on his shoulders for two decades, he deserves some lee way to get to a major landmark and it was the duty of others to have scored quickly.

His reactions post the century has been evident of the magnanimity of the hurt he was under. Indeed it was heartening to see him speak out his mind and question the so called analysts who have no right or class to question the greatest batsmen in the game since Sir Don. Infact this was a long overdue reaction from the man who has remained a mute spectator as Karma worked around him.

Next was the elusive absence of the Man for the felicitation organised by the BCCI to his long time friend and partner in records, Rahul Dravid. He had been to meet a doctor over his fitness since the appointment was fixed a month ago but for a society waiting to pouch on, this minor flame was enough ignitions. The persons who made allegations failed to remember that it was indeed Tendulkar who first paid his tribute to Dravid soon after the latter called his day. The two men have been the axle of Indian batting for a decade and half and know both other very well. But alas! The critics won’t spare.

Finally the surprising decision of accepting the Nomination for the Member of Parliament by Tendulkar has arrived. There is nothing political about this since, it is usual procedure in India and he is a richly deserving candidate. The honorary Nominations are usually non political persons. But for the political scenario existing in Indian Parliament, a man of his stature and honesty do not fit in.

The nomination has been made by the ruling party which is exposed day in and day out with one corruption or the other. The opposition will not make any big voice against since Tendulkar has fans in both the sides. Incidentally it has been the same party’s Government which has not conferred him with “Bharath Ratna” – the highest civilian award in India despite the repeated calls from those in many walks of life. It is looked up as a lame attempt by the ruling party to boost up its beleaguered image thanks to the non ending corruptions.  However if one man could have opposed this move, it was himself and he for some reason has not. 

His honesty, soft nature, humility, good will and persona do not suit to the one that is prudent among his future colleagues in the Upper House. Though this is a honorary post, it does needs some dedicated time. For an active cricketer such a dedicated time is a big thing. Tendulkar is known to spend hours and hours sweating out in the nets and his life has been cricket centric all through this years. At the far end of the career which has been the most stupendous in the modern era, an honour as a Member of Parliament just does not sit on his shoulder well. 

Honestly, it would have been great had he quit the limited overs with the World Cup high but his love and passion for the game has not allowed him. No doubt that he contributes immensely to the side both on and off field with his mere presence. But the recent controversies surrounding the man shows the reputation of the great man in a bad light. 

Sure that nothing can question or change his stature as Cricket’s very best but there can be chink in the armour of his wonderful persona if he allows himself to be dragged into such off field antics. The unadulterated love, the impeccable pride, the unflinching belief and the unquestionable devotion his fans have on him is so huge that the recent news on the Hero is making them baffled. And I am one of them!! Why so Master? We need you as same Tendulkar who took our breath away not just with the game but off it too.

My "Dravid"ian Moments : A Tribute

The accolades pour in for the Legend. As his illustrious teammate and long time friend, Tendulkar rightly summed up “There was and is only one Rahul Dravid. There can be no other.” At the juncture when each and every one related to Cricketing fraternity are saluting the Legend, I attempt a small bit from my side in compiling few of my “Dravidian Moments”. Am not going to dwell on few of the classics like Kolkatta 2001 or Leeds 2002 or Adelaide 2003. I have made it as my experience of Rahul Dravid.

The first time I heard the name was in early 1996. While India was still discussing the World Cup Semifinal loss and the drama that unfolded in the late evening, I first came across a Karnataka boy who made a classic 177 in the Ranji Semifinals. I still remember following “The Hindu” daily for my state Tamil Nadu was fighting with Karnataka for the coveted Ranji Trophy. My first experience of the man was that he pissed me off by scoring a double century against the insipid TN attack and took the Trophy from us. I detested him like anything as a young pre teen guy. Little did I realize that a decade later He would be among my most favourite players.

The England series dawned when two new stalwarts made their name in the annals. The summer of 1996 at England brought to us two of our best cricketing sons. At the Mecca of Cricket, The Lord’s Ganguly made a hit scoring century on debut. The other one, Dravid missed it by a meagre 5 runs. Since that innings, despite the abundant talent and ability, Dravid is left to play second fiddle in most occasions. Had he born in an era other than that of Tendulkar or Had he been born in a country other than India, his celebrity status would have been much higher. But then some persons are born to be so.

However the first time, I watched him bat and he stroke a chord with me was in Johannesburg in January 1997. India had by then been humbled twice at the Proteas land and in the final dead rubber, young Dravid playing just his 9th test was fiddling with a menacing attack of Donald, Pollock and Klusner with little support from the other end. He toiled for nearly 9 hours, playing 361 balls for a marathon 148. Can’t get a better First hundred right? In the second essay he made 81 and almost won the match for India but for the rain. Since then whenever the side has been in trouble at tough overseas conditions like South Africa, England, Australia or New Zeland, Dravid has been the man to look up at.
Initially he was looked up as a Test player but his first ODI century too came a year later. Again ill luck was that barely a few remember his knock on that sultry summer night at Chennai battling against the Wasim-Waqar duo under lights. Anwar’s 194 had already stolen the show. Kambli alone managed to offer some support. From my personal perspective, that was my first experience of watching a Cricket match at the stadium. I was blessed enough to witness the solidarity of Dravid and flamboyance of Anwar on the same evening.

Dravid had slowly established himself in the Indian middle order but the first time, he could get noticed as “The Wall” (a nickname he acquired later) was in the land of Kiwis. India was facing Kiwis at their home after a terrific 1998 and had promptly been fair and square in first match. In the last rubber at Hamilton, he produced a classic 190 in the first innings with support from Tendulkar and Srinath. The rock solid defence that embarked Dravid and the pull were all in display on that day. If that was n’t enough he added up with a 103 in the second innings. And I realized I had a second hero to Tendulkar.

His ODI career reached its pinnacle when he was the 1999 World Cup;s highest run getter despite playing 2 less matches than the finalists. He produced two ton innings of high quality against Kenya and Taunton. In the consecutive matches he created record partnerships first with Tendulkar for third wicket and then with Ganguly for the second wicket (First triple hundred partnership in ODIs). In each of those innings he was pushed behind by his two mates and his luck worked against him as usual. Later at Hyderabad against New Zeland, Dravid became the first and only batsman to be involved in both the triple hundred stands of ODI. He along with Tendulkar added 331 runs. He scored his highest ODI score of 153 matching Tendulkar, shot by shot until the 47th over by Chris Drum that Sachin added 28 runs. Soon Tendulkar marched much ahead of Dravid and he was left playing the support cast.

My next and probably the biggest moment was at Eden Gardens in 2001 and on the fag end of Day 3, Dravid joined Laxman. Rest is history. By then he was inching ahead of Tendulkar as India’s best batsman and was a perfect team man. Highly successful tour of England in 2002, reiterated by belief that Dravid is no less a Legend to my hero Tendulkar. His face as a team man unparalleled came into display when he donned the keepers gloves for the sake of providing balance for the side. His role is as important as Tendulkar’s in taking India to the finals of 2003 World Cup. Once again a very few remember his flamboyant 50 against Pakistan for Sachin has masked it with a brilliant 98. Then came the Adelaide classic. I remember recalling every shot on that day. Probably one time, he got his due for it was Ponting who got masked by Dravid this time.


The only time, I felt bad was when he declared at Multan with Tendulkar a six short of his double. But then Rahul has always kept team ahead of individuals. Not even India’s greatest skippers Ganguly or Dhoni would have dared such a bold step. He scored his career best at Rawalpindi making 270 as India won its first series in Pakistan.

 His captaincy has been sandwiched by two of the greatest eras of Indian cricket under Ganguly and Dhoni. But let us not forget that India managed to win a record number of chases in ODIs and was practically winning series after series with scorelines of 6-1, 5-1, 4-1 etc. In one such series against Srilanka that is better remembered for Dhoni’s 183, Dravid produced his best ODI innings. At No 5, he made 85 runs of just 63 balls pulverising the Lankan attack. Every stroke in the book was on display and he played as if he was a damn terrific hitter. Such days are unforgettable for our man has always been an orthodox player. Then came the Sabina Park when he made two chanceless half centuries to lead India win a series against West Indies for first time in 26 years.

After a period of lull and loss of form in 2008, prompting to the calls on his head, Dravid essayed a scratchy 116 at Mohali. Here again Gambhir was in fine touch but Dravid in one of his worst phases of career taught us the way to crub the natural instincts and play to the situation. It may not be among the top 10 Dravid knocks but its significance comes from the fact that he toiled for the runs when the form has deserted him. No without reasons they say “Form is temporary, Class is permanent”.

In 2009, when India was at the doorstep of No 1 rankings, Ahmedabad witnessed a classic. Walegedra and Dhammika had reduced India to 32-4 on a dust bowl on day 1. Dravid with Yuvraj and Dhoni orchestrated a blissful 178. Though the conditions were much less challenging, he displayed the reason why he is called as “The Wall” giving not a single inch to the opponents.  Final touch was England 2011. When everyone else fell like Nine pins he stood apart, head held high as he has always been at the toughest conditions.

Its rather sad that such a Legend has to bow down with a poor final series against Australia and not even get a proper farewell. But then Luck has never been his. No words can describe his significance to Indian cricket. Tendulkar may have been the best Indian cricketer but Dravid is the best role model for aspirants. Tendulkar’s are born. Dravid’s are made. He started from the scratch and built a fortress that was unbreakable. Luck may not be his strong point but even Lady Luck cannot prevent a Star from being celebrated. And “The WALL” leaves us in sorrow but pride as he himself mentioned. Salutes to the “LEGEND”. Take a bow Sir! We are honoured to have watched your entire career.

Welcome back Team India

 

The agony ends finally with Indian cricket team back home. For what was labelled as “Agnipeeth” series by the broadcasters and billed to be an exhilarating contest, India’s tour of Australia was one of the most lop sided tours by a the top nation in the recent years becoming an "Agonypath series" (Courtesy : An equally distraught Cricket fan). Since the Ganguly led side made a remarkable comeback from behind win against the rampant Australian side on verge of 17^th consecutive test win, every India Vs Australia series has been highly contested both in Asia and Oceania.

In a decade of complete Australian dominance, India managed to be the only side to challenge the Kangaroos at home or away on consistent basis. Even the ever challenging South Africans failed to match the Australians. But India somehow found heroes in both the away tours of 2003 and 2007 as well as in the Home series of 2001, 2008 and 2010. Only in 2004 series at India, Gilchrist led Australians managed to conquer the “Final Frontier”.

All said, this recent series was among India’s worst in a long time. Even in 1992 and 1999 when the side was naive against clinical Australia, Team India managed to show some spirited performances to bolster the image. The image of the then Teen aged Tendulkar dismantling the Australian attack in bouncy Perth and precision filled Laxman’s Sydney knocks will remain etched in memory forever. But this time apart from Kohli’s brilliant ton at Adelaide, the side which had the top two run getters in Test table failed to even challenge the home side.

If Tests were pathetic, ODI series too was distraught for the Indian team. Dhoni’s brilliance won two matches and tied one. Kohli’s rare gem made the final match of the tour as the side’s best. But the brewing disunity in the side (maybe the media’s creation if the players are to be believed) came into fore and the irresponsible statements by the senior players made no good to the reputation. Bowling failed and batting failed miserably. The infusion of young legs made fielding the best forte of India for the first time probably.

So finally the return back home is the most warming thing to happen for the distraught and beaten side in the last 3 months. FTP has been kind enough to let India heal its wounds at the pleasures of home. The same team will now look totally different unit aback home. Suddenly the batsmen will hit form and bowlers will look like match winners. No more will the side be worried on rising deliveries and swing of the ball. Runs will start to flow from the bats and centuries will come in a faster rate than the runs in Australia.

BCCI will soon be happy that “All is well” with the side and will try to create an illusion that the side will be world beaters once again for the next year and half. The demanding away tours are over for time now. The next few series are scheduled in Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and Srilanka if the FTP is to be followed. Until December 2013 when the side will face South Africa, there is no big challenge to the team.

       

 England and Australia won’t be the same in India as they were at their respective home. For the immediate challenge to be provided by England in November 2012, tests against Pakistan are an indication. India may not be as good as the neighbours in spin department, but Ashwin and Ojha will surely be creating troubles for the Champion side in the pitches tailor made to suit their needs. Australia in February 2013 is again going to be welcomed with spin tracks and who knows India may manage revenge against both the side. Only the magnitude may be little less.

 This is the best choice for India to build a new test team. The three legends have made us extremely entertained and converted the Indian side from mediocrity to champions. But time has come for the next set to emerge. That Kohli, Yuvraj and Raina (no matter what their abilities are) have played handful of tests despite having 3000 plus (Raina and Kohli) and 8000 odd (Yuvraj) runs in ODIs is sure enough an indication that things are not going to be easy for the test side in the rehabilitation phase.

A proper planning and good execution is the need of the hour but unfortunately those are the most missing qualities from the board. Reluctance of the Board to set up a review panel despite two clear Whitewashes for the side that has four of cricket’s top batsmen is shows the administration of the world’s richest cricket body.

All said and done, let us join hands to welcome back the side from a tough tour. For the next 15 months or so, we will back saying that England and Australia 2011 are aberrations and our side is as good as it was. We will continue to bask in glory along with our Board and media and players for the brilliance of the side at home. South Africa is long way ahead the road. There is another 18 months before we will be challenged. Are not we fools if we plan now for something that is scheduled a year and half later. Future is what will happen tomorrow. That has been the motto of Indian Cricket. Long Live the Indian Cricket!

It is V.V.S.Laxman's Turn

India’s long history of cricket since 1932 reached its zenith in an early Sunday morning of November 2009 when India ascended to the Top ranking in the test ladder. Without a bowling attack to infuse confidence, side managed to hold on to the hot seat until July 2011 when a spirited England side dethroned the Indian side that was distraught. In the bowling front, most of India’s victories should be credited to Zaheer Khan. He has been supported by the rest of the cast led by Harbhajan sometimes. However the strength of India has been its batting. Rated among the most prolific line ups ever in the history of cricket, the Indian batting line up is blessed with stars and legends as no other.

The trend in the past four years has been noticeable notably. Every year, one of the Indian batsmen or other has enjoyed the prolific form marauding the opposition to submission mercilessly. While every other batsman came up with innings of merit every now and then, each season had a standout performer who kept scoring runs at consistent basis. The problem however has been that the line up as a whole has not clicked often.

In 2008-09, Gautham Gambhir was the man in roaring form. Having reestablished himself in 2007, he formed a destructive pair with his state mate Sehwag. His run included a series of eight centuries in thirteen tests. He made a double against Australia in 2008, a marathon match saving hundred against NewZeland in Napier when he batted for more than thirteen hours. He passed fifty in six consecutive matches, scoring runs at wish and will. While Sehwag kept hitting out, he scored his runs without much fuss. He was rightfully the ICC Test player of the Year in 2009. His form dipped latter due to injuries and breaks. He has a long way ahead and should lead the Indian batting line up in post Fab three days.

Sehwag made his debut as an off spinning allrounder in 1999 but lasted just two matches. He made his re-entry in a grand manner in 2001 and soon was elevated to an opener. He revolutionized the test batting, scoring runs at T20 pace in test format. For a batsman identified as hitter, he is such a rarity with so much success in the toughest form of the game. He made India’s first triple against Pakistan in 2004, another one in 2007 against South Africa and almost the third against Srilanka in 2009. His alarming dip of form saw him out of the test side. He got a leeway in the last Australia series and since then has been a concern for the bowlers. The period of 2008-10 was when Viru was at his very best. At Galle, he made 201 of India’s 329. He scored two consecutive hundreds against Srilanka in late 2009 when Murali was turned into a club bowler by the Delhi Dasher. He followed it with a back to back hundreds against South Africa, giving India respectable total in the first test and perfect launch pad in the second. In 10 tests between March 2009-February 2010, he made 1074 runs in 10 tests at an average of 71.8 and amazing strike rate of 98.8. He began the 2011 World Cup with 175 runs of bliss against Bangladesh and recently broke the record of highest individual score in ODIs scoring 219.

At his 21^st year in International Cricket, 37 year old Tendulkar enjoyed yet another year of grand success. Ever since the Tennis Elbow in 2006-07 season, he has been in consistent scoring hundreds at regular intervals and playing so many innings of repute. However the purple patch was attained in 2010, when he began the year with four hundreds in as many matches against Bangladesh and South Africa. He soon completed the honours of scoring ODI’s first double hundred against South Africa. In Srilanka he made a double at SSC gorund and in the Australia’s tour he made a match winning double century at Bengalooru. The much anticipated 50^th test century was accomplished in losing cause at Johannesburg and he followed it with a match saving knock against marauding Steyn at Cape Town. In all, the 11 tests between Januray 2010 and January 2011, he made 1774 runs in 15 matches at an average of 82. It comprised of 8 centuries and five fities. He capped his season with a World Cup win where he scored 482 runs and was second in the batting charts.

If Tendulkar hit purple patch at 37 years, his long time friend and most reputed partner, Dravid came out of a career threatening slump to knock 5 centuries in 2011. He slowly regained form with a hundred of authority in West Indies and peaked at England when all the other batsmen failed to make a mark as India was duly thrashed 4 nil. He was the block between England and Indian humiliation. In four tests when the whole side surrendered, he stood head held high with three centuries, each coming under tough conditions, single handed knocks. But for him, India would not have managed 200 runs even once in the series. In the following series at home in West Indies, he was India’s highest scorer. He is right now behind Tendulkar in test charts and is highest scorer in 2011.

The might of Indian batting is such that, their best man under pressure could goes unnoticed often. But Laxman had performed when it mattered. He made just 4 good knocks in 2010 and all came in match winning causes. He guided India at a graveyard of batsmen in Durban, battled a bad back with No 10 to steer India home against Australia at Mohali. Now, after the top four enjoying a season of excellence, time is ripe for Laxman to hit the purple patch. Among his opponents, it is the Aussies that he enjoys playing. Whenever he has faced the Kangaroos, he hits form with ease of negotiating club bowlers. Now that the impeding Australian series, it is his best shot at beginning his purple patch. He has never been out of form but a purple patch at the time when his career appears to end in year or two would do Indian team a world of Good.

            Following Gambhir, Sehwag, Tendulkar and Dravid will 2012 be Laxman’s year?

Nearly Men of Nineties

Every team goes through a period of transition when there is a change of guard between the generations. It is during such a period debuts are handed for every domestic giant. The players may come into reckoning even with one season of good performance. Australia and Srilanka right now are into such a period and India is likely to enter such a phase in the next year or two.

Last time when the team was under such a transition phase was in the nineties when the side experimented every option to get a strong team. Between the 1996 World Cup and Ganguly’s era setting the world on fire with an astounding series win over Waugh’s Invincibles the side went through a state of experimentation with few players forming the nucleus of the side. With Tendulkar at helm and Ganguly, Dravid, Kumble and Srinath being the first choice picks, there were too many debuts in Team India as they tried to get a bowling line up during the injuries to first choice players. Also the search for elusive allrounder, proper test match opener, wicket keeper and few easy series meant there was a club of players who just made it there without being able to sustain for a substantial period. Here is a look on a XI formed by them – Nearly Men of Nineties.

Devang Gandhi

            The opener from Bengal made a grand debut against Newzeland in 1999 forging two century partnerships with Sadagopan Ramesh. He had the technique to pile on in the Indian pitches. Having been a regular in Bengal side, he was among the consistent run getters in Ranji matches with even a triple hundred. But the subsequent tour of Down Under exposed his inadequacy and he was soon out of the side. He managed 4 tests and 3 ODIs in all.

Gagan Khoda

            A lanky opener from Rajasthan, Khoda was a prodigy from age cricket before he established himself as a dependent batsman. He was handled a debut in Coca Cola Series in 1998 involving Kenya and Bangladesh. He made a spectacular 89 guiding India home in his only second and last match. However with an ordinary series for half strength Indian team in Commonwealth Games 1998 and presence of Tendulkar and Ganguly as openers, shut his career with just two matches. But he is among the successful experiments but was unlucky to miss out. However the domestic bowlers continued to get punished by him for long since then.

Amay Khurasia

            Left handed middle order batsman from Madhya Pradesh broke into the Indian team with the potential to be a quick scorer against Srilanka in 1999. He was found out by his inadequate foot work and weaker technique. He was in the squad for World Cup 1999. He later made a comeback in 2001 only to fail again. Once again, he was a domestic hero with brilliant career. He ended playing 12 ODIs in all.

Gyanendra Pandey

            An allrounder from Uttar Pradesh, the southpaw Pandey graduated from a bowling allrounder to consistent batsman. He got into the side with successful domestic season in 1999. Pit in against the ramapage Pakistan side with an attack of Akram, Younis, Akram, Saqlain and Akthar no wonder the domestic giant was found wanting and got out of the reckoning. He managed to serve Uttar Pradesh playing a pivotal role for their title triumph in 2006. He played 2 ODIs in all.

Jatin Paranjpe

            Son of former Ranji player and senior of Gavaskar in Bombay side – Vasu Paranjpe, Jatin lived up to his father’s name with successful career for Bombay during the nineties. He along with Muzumdar was the backbone of the side in absence of Tendulkar and Kambli with national duties. Paranjpe was in the national side in Coca Cola Cup and managed to play against Pakistan in Toronto 1998 when Indian team was cleaved between Canada and Malaysia. However an injury and ordinary season ahead restricted his career to just 4 ODIs.

MSK Prasad

            The wicket keeper from Andhra was credible to break into the squad in 1999. He was among the half dozen keepers tried between Mongia’s dropping and Dhoni establishing himself. He got into the side with Mongia’s injury in 1999 post World Cup. Though competent with the gloves, his batting failed him. With India looking to their keeper being a keeper-batsman, he was dropped within just 6 tests and 17 ODIs by the end of Australia tour in 2000.

Sanjay Raul

            With impressive allrounder talent for Orissa, Raul made initially into the India A tour to Pakistan and was fast tracked to the Indian side in 1998 when there was split of the sides between Toronto and Kualalumpur. His successful series in 1996 and 1997 in Domestic tournaments and subsequent India A tour made handed him a worth debut. But alien conditions and impressive attack found him short and he was soon dumped. He did serve Orissa for long. He was another player with just 2 ODIs in his kitty.

Nilesh Kulkarni

            The left arm spinner from Mumbai, he was a workhorse for the champion outfit in Ranji Trophy. Probably the highest spinner for India, he had ability to utilize his 6’4 height to his aid. He had a sensational start to his career being the only Indian to take wicket of his first ball in tests when he dismissed Attapattu in Colombo, 1997. This however led to the second highest partnership in cricket between Jayasuriya and Mahanama who pummelled the Indian attack. After being dropped, he came back for the final test of epic India Australia series 2001 which was his last test too. He also managed 10 ODIs. He ended his career with 357 FC wickets though.

Dodda Ganesh

            A Legend in Ranji Trophy, speedster from Karnataka held their attack through nineties and noughties when the side had Kumble, Srinath and Prassad in the national team. Equipped with an ability to bowl his heart out on docile pitches and more than a few variations in his kitty, Ganesh debuted in 1997 against Zimbabwe and later went on to play 4 tests against Australia and West Indies. However he was unable to effect transition to international cricket and was left out. He did manage to top the bowlers’ charts in domestic season for more than a season or two.

Robin Singh (Junior)

            Delhi lad was known as Robin Singh junior since by the time he came into the national scene, his namesake was an established allrounder. Fiercely competitive and a bowler who can hit good speeds, he made into the Indian squad for Newzeland tour circa 1999 with some fruitful domestic performances. His solitary test for India brought him 3 wickets. However inconsistent selection  system came as his nemesis and he was dumped with just single appearance. He toiled for Delhi and managed a decent average in his career.

David Johnson

            He was the part of Banglore Brigade in Indian team which at one time represented as much as 9 players with international career. Johnson formed an All Karnatak attack in his second test with Srinath, Prasad and Kumble at Durban. He had earlier had a debut at Kotla against the Australians in 1996. His inconsistent line and length cut short his place in national squad. He formed a potent new ball pair with Ganesh for Karnataka side in the absence of Indian regulars – Srinath and Prasad.

Apart from these XI which I selected to get a balanced line up, there were indeed a host of players who made it into the squad but fumbled. All of them had a long fruitful domestic career though. Vikram Rathore, Sujith Somasunder, Noel David, Debashish Mohanty, Harvinder Singh, Sairaj Bahuthule, Vijay Bharadwaj, Sadagopan Ramesh, Sridharan Sriram, Vijay Dahiya, Deepdas Gupta, Shiv Sundar Das, Hemang Badani, Reetinder Singh Sodhi, Sunil Joshi, Tinu Yohannan, Laxmi Ratan Shukla, Nikhil Chopra, Raghul Sanghvi, Iqbal Siddiqui were just a few of the pack of Indian who were tested before a stable lineup with Sehwag, Yuvraj, Harbhajan, Kaif, Zaheer and Nehra established itself with the Fab Five of Tendulkar, Kumble, Dravid, Ganguly and Laxman under Ganguly’s leadership taking India to the next level. While we laud these guys for making our time strong, let us spare a thought for the former mentioned “Nearly Men of Nineties”.