But this generation has to learn that the best lessons come from playing well in the longer game. India’s best players in the Tests were still Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble and V.V.S. Laxman. There were many who played valuable cameo roles, and Rahul Dravid will return to his position as one of the world’s finest players, but it is interesting to note that the two best performances by Indian bowlers in recent times have come from playing Test and four-day cricket. Lest we forget, Zaheer Khan is one of those two. In England two years ago, he bowled right through the season, went through good days and bad, and understood himself and his craft. And I have no doubt that Ishant Sharma’s success is due, in very large part, to the amount of bowling he did in the Test matches. It is something that our young cricketers need to understand as they stand up to the seduction of the shorter game.

In Australia, India were well served by their captains. Anil Kumble, quiet, dignified and strong, was outstanding in the Tests. Few carry their stature with as much calm as he does and he was one of the great highlights of a prickly season. In the one-dayers, Dhoni reached a new height as a cricketer, as a person and leader. He was decisive, putting the team’s needs first and reputations second. Leaving out a player is the greatest power a selector has and it is something that can only be done by men of conviction. He knew what he wanted, was willing to stick his neck out for it and having done so, he backed the people with him.

... contd.