24.3.07

Fading Reputations

After yesterday's game at the Queen's Park Oval it now seems almost certain, unless the tournament's ultimate whipping boys, Bermuda, can beat Bangladesh, that India are out of the World Cup.

Homer, at My Two Cents, posted a very comprehensive and thought-provoking critique of the position in which Indian cricket found itself before the Sri Lankan defeat. And the way in which the game unfolded - early promise with both ball and bat falling away in the face of the pressure created by an opposing team full of discipline, focus and, yes, brilliance - won't have done anything to quieten the voices of those who see a painful contrast between the effervescent Sri Lankan side, which looks a genuine title contender at this stage, and an Indian team which has suddenly started to look its age.

Kumble is 36, Ganguly rising 35, Dravid 34, Tendulkar 34 next month. Sehwag is younger, but struggles for form like he never has, Yuvraj consistently flatters to deceive, Harbhajan and Pathan drift in and out, fighting their own demons.

Of those not in the West Indies, Laxman won't see 32 again, Jaffer provides occasional glimpses of class but won't rescue any fading reputations and virtually everyone else remains either unproven or untried.

Only in the seam bowling department do things look at all stable, with Zaheer retaining his discipline, Patel fit again and Sreesanth waiting in the wings for greater Tests.

Trying times lie ahead.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Even if we were to replace all the current players, another set of larger than life cricketers will take their place. And Indian cricket will remain where it is now. Occassional brilliance, lots of runs, etc..

If Indian cricket has to change for the better, the administrators have to change. We need professionals at the helm. A plan should be in place. In a country like India, we will surely find enough talent to fill a team of 11 players. Only we need good administration.

We should never allow these larger than images to dominate and dictate. They should simply be part of the system.

Brian Carpenter said...

Thanks for the comment. Obviously, in England, I'm a little far away from the Indian cricket system to comment in detail but I understand what you're referring to.

I'm looking forward to seeing India in this country this summer and it'll be interesting to see what sort of side they bring.

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