For followers of Indian cricket, 2006 ended the way it began- with a tragic loss to a team that was just more determined to win. A loss to South Africa on the bouncy track of Durban would not be unexpected but the manner of the loss is what rankles me the most. And we are not talking talent. If there is one thing that separates the good from the great, it is mental toughness- ability to persist, rise to the challenge, have the belief that the impossible can be done, and be able to inspire everyone around you.
And the greats of Indian batting just dont cut it any more. And it starts with Tendulkar. Blasphemous for sure given all his lofty achievments but on pure merit and form over 2006 alone, he would struggle to get into any side in the world barring Bangladesh or am I missing Zimbabwe here, the two minnows of world cricket. And of course, people will turn around and say- remember his assault against Australia in Sharjah, remember his 98 against Pakistan in the World Cup...remember....., but wait- aren't we almost at the next World cup now- my memory is getting strained here.
What makes Australia a great team is that the team is above any individual. It is able to recognize when players need to leave the scene. Steve Waugh was gently nudged out even when he was arguably at his best. And he ended with 32 centuries, just behind the then world record of 34 centuries. Had he been playing for India, we would surely have given him a good chance to make the 34 centuries. Of course, he has done so much for the country- lets please allow him to do it- reach his personal milestone- please, please.... That is not an argument that works where performance is king. Australia are world champions because individuals are not above the team. In India, they are! And thats the big issue.
I am sure people will turn around and say- why blame Tendulkar alone. He got out to a good ball. What about Sehwag? Everyone wants Sehwag axed. Well, Sehwag has had a bad run but his average in test cricket in 2006 is almost 40, not great but what about Tendulkar? A glorious 24!! At least Sehwag scored a memorable 254. Tendular's highest. One half century- 63!!
All I want to say is- when people talk performance, lets not use double standards. And great teams aren't built on reputations, they are built on great performance, day in and day out- that builds your toughness, your resolve, your ability to fight the odds all the time and to produce consistent results.
Tendulkar is a shadow of his great self, especially in Test cricket. We waited forever for him to break Gavaskar's record of 34 centuries. What are we waiting for now? Till his average falls below 10.... or till we tour Bangladesh again!! Lets just hope he comes good in the World Cup! Otherwise, I might have to rethink my planned visit to the Carribean.
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2 comments:
Mr. Misra
Very eloquent and tugged at the very strings of one's heart. However, and you know this well, cricket matches are not won or lost by one player. Tendulkar is out of form - of that there is no doubt. But he is on his way back. He is technically capable of playing a big innings. The same cannot be said of Sehwag - who's game and place in the team seems to be reliant on the hope that once every ten matches he will play an absolute blinder. He more than anyone else is playing because India picks "names" rather than ability.
Let us not lampoon the team just yet. Lets be patient. The series is after all only tied just now. Our batting has been failing for far too long for it to not come good at some time. I actually believe that we will either tiw or win this series. At some time Dravid, Sachin and Laxman will get very big ones. This may well be the next game.
What needs to be examined is why our players suffer collective freezing of the minds as they did on the last day. Mental toughness cannot be taught - you earn and learn it through experience. I hope they don't play the shots that I saw they did in the final test.
Till then
Sajith
Sajith-
The collective freezing of the minds is a good term- and the key thing is why it happens so often. Give them any wicket or any attack- Mumbai against England. Bangalore against Pakistan or Durban against South Africa- the abject capitulation repeats with agonizing and almost monotonous regularity.
The bowling has been a revelation and Zaheer's comeback only proves the point that performance is the only measure on which teams need to be selected. Had he not been dropped, had he not played county cricket to get his rhythm back, I am sure he would have continued to send half a dozen wides in his first couple of overs as he did before he was dropped. Irfan being sent back to play Ranji cricket to get his rhythm is another case in point.
Why we dont do it with our wonted batting stars is still a mystery to me?
I hear that Gambhir might play instead of Sehwag- a good step and a great signal that there is no place for "stars" in the team. Performance rules as it should be.
However, why Tendulkar is beyond such scrutiny is beyond me!! You say he is on his way back- of course, if you give me a dozen chances over the course of a miserable year, I might produce a half century. Don't get me wrong- he is the greatest player of our generation but to see him struggle where the likes of Dhoni actually show more guts and character and a fightback is something to think about.
I am still waiting for a big score from him when under pressure. For my money, Dravid and Laxman have shown more character under pressure than Tendulkar. He collapses. Whether it is the burden of expectation, whether it is the slowing reflexes, whether it is two decades of international cricket, I do not know. The very fact that at the end of Day Four, Boucher mentioned that they were most afraid of Sehwag as he might run away with the match that even opposition teams are not concerned either about his attacking ability or his staying ability.
With a guy like Tendulkar, we should never get to the point where he is struggling against mediocre attacks, and to be absolutely honest, he has struggled a heck of a lot. In 2006, reputation saved him. If he continues in the same vein, in 2007, more questions might be asked.
Lets hope the team can turn it around in Cape Town and I would hate for us to lose the series after the way we played at the Wanderers.
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