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Dilip Doshi
This is not the time to throw brickbats at Indian cricketers when they return home after a lacklustre World Cup nor to garland them simply because they beat Pakistan in a extremely well-fought match. It is time for true introspection and accepting some harsh realities which in times of euphoric Indian victories -- gets conveniently swept under the carpet. I would ask the followers and well-wishers of Indian cricket, to consider some aspects that need to be elaborated here.
The list of top run-getters in this World Cup reveals three Indian batsmen and not surprisingly. On the other end of the scale, there is not one Indian in sight of the bowlers list which in my view is one of the three major reasons why India missed out whenever it mattered the most. Even with limitations in India's bowling the apparent lack of purpose when the bowlers ran in, the way they walked back to the mark, showed a definite lack of self-belief and confidence. What chance then for the opposing batsmen to be worried? Accepted thatthere have instances of occasional individual brilliance such as Robin Singh's five wickets against Sri Lanka, Debashis Mohanty's spell against England and Venkatesh Prasad's five against Pakistan. These alone would be never enough to ensure the consistency that other successful teams have shown in the competition. The inability to adapt oneself mentally to the team's requirements is both inexcusable and totally unacceptable at any level of sport. In India, the system seems to continually reward the lack of regular and timely performance.
Perhaps Javagal Srinath should learn watching the likes of Glenn McGrath, Wasim Akram and Geoff Allott, about the virtues of length and line. Saurav Ganguly's bowling has been a major disappointment as he held the vital fifth bowler's spot never fulfilled.
The other major reason is the captaincy issue. Mohammad Azharuddin has served the country, both exceptionally and admirably over the years with a brand of humble personality that is his own. He has never been veryvocal or demonstrative on the field, and coming under the microscope now, he is found short of that additional touch. Individual feats have helped to win games, but at crunch times, collective efforts and shared responsibility have been missing and rare. Azhar still has good cricket left in him as his fitness is exemplary and should serve India at number six -- as a batsman of high quality with experience. However, I would step down as captain if I were Azhar, and not allow the cricket board or the media to humiliate me.
Ajay Jadeja to my mind is the obvious choice as India's next captain. He is a good enough batsman to command a place in the team in any form of cricket. His effervescence will bring a new and different dimension to leadership -- like a shot in the arm. Sachin Tendulkar should be left alone to retain the crown of `best batsman', and Rahul Dravid should be named vice-captain for future grooming. He is a thinking cricketer, who has overcome odds with great courage and character.
I would onlyhave Bobby Simpson around as experience and positive outlook can go a long way in resurrecting India's fortunes, given some time. Cricket is only an art form, and more international in its appeal; therefore, fine exponents of this great game such as Simpson cross that boundary to put something back into the game.
Lastly, India's loss to New Zealand was not a huge surprise, although unacceptable. The comments of coach Anshuman Gaekwad about the points system in this World Cup, not being perfect, was ill-timed and put further pressure on his team to win the match.
It is a time to reprieve and salvage pride, be constructive in criticism and not for the sake of it reset the structure to give equal opportunity to all talented, irrespective of where they come from. I say this with experience, and that is principally why a detached talent scouting team can help India.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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