The Indian cricket team has had a pretty cool last year and a half. They haven't lost a series, for the last 11 series, have sat on the top of the world Test rankings throughout the year and in April, won the World Cup as well. Truly, a dream run!
They must be, however, beginning to realise that this dream was only a prelude to what they might call, in a couple of months' time, as the 'English Nightmare'.
The India v/s England series was billed as top draw, a battle between, arguably, the world's two best cricket teams. At stake is the top spot in the world Test rankings. It has however, turned out to be a damp squib. Two tests down, it has been a no contest between a tired, ill-prepared, injury ridden side and a well prepared and disciplned side. The Indian side has been slow on the field and doesn't have a clue on how to handle swing and seam. The only exception has been 'The Wall', excelling at the place where he made his debut about 15 years ago.
England now have an unbeatable 2-0 in the series. So what are the reasons for this disgraceful slump?
The symptoms: No Virender Sehwag, the musical chairs between Yuvraj and Raina, Gambhir injured and to top all of that, the main strike bowler, Zaheer Khan out with a hamstring injury after bowling a few overs in the first test.
For once, I would not blame the cricketers at all. Clearly, we do not seem to be taking good care of our cricket team! The BCCI has been greedy and these are all the symptoms of that. The schedule of the Indian team is jam-packed; the idea being to milk it more! The World Cup followed by the long and hectic IPL followed by the West Indian series and then the current England series. Those who have been part of all of this, should be exhausted by now! We run the risk of pushing some of our talented cricketers to the brink of burnouts. Is BCCI killing the hen which lays the golden egg?
On the other hand, the English team look to be very well prepared. It is probably the strongest ever English team that I have seen in the last few decades. They seem to have sorted out their ego issues (especially prima donna KP!) and the captaincy capers. Strauss has led well. They have planned the downfall of each and every Indian batsmen meticulously. Their batting line up is solid! And most importantly they look hungry and want to be the best team in the world.
As I watched the two test matches on the telly, it was very evident that I have been watching the world's number one Test team. But it certainly wasn't India.
Take care.
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