India's test team selection does not inspire confidence

Australia in India 2012-13

Is Test Cricket important? It is for some of us but I feel that India's selection committee and BCCI think otherwise. The selection, in my opinion has gone very wrong in recent times - specifically after the new coach is in charge. From being No.1 test side we are languishing near bottom.

I hope I am wrong and Indian team does well against Australia.

Let us look at some of the changes.

1. Shikhar Dhawan - I don't think he has the technique to survive at the highest level in Test cricket. He has done well in Ranji Trophy and he should be given a chance but limited over cricket will be better for him. Alas! There is no place in limited over cricket with India doing well.
2. Ravindra Jadeja - Almost similar case as Shikhar Dhawal and our captain thinks he is the greatest all-rounder ever born.
3. Ashwin & Pragyan Ojha - A country that has produced some of the greatest spinners does not even have a decent option. Both are defensive bowlers with little variation. They can contain runs but the question is can they take wickets.

Somehow the whole bowling unit does not inspire confidence. Only time will tell if my reading is wrong. I sincerely hope I am proven wrong and we win the series.

Dhoni - My way or the highway

About 2 years ago, I had written an article on Dhoni's courage and his strange ways.

 Dhoni's strange ways

This article was written before India's 2011 world cup victory. Since then India has lost many series. The team's form has gone from bad to worse. And there is no end in sight.

Former players, selectors and cricket experts are asking for Dhoni's head but all we hear is some promises made by Dhoni. What is happening? Let us try to dissect the current state of affairs.

Is Dhoni still a good leader? I think so. He stands by his players and his decisions. He usually does not find fault with system.
Has his courage deserted him? No, but he has become autocratic and has started thinking that he is right and others are wrong.
Should there be a change in leadership? Maybe, selectors would know better but they should not be influenced by BCCI's managing committee. Maybe they can give a break to Dhoni for upcoming Australia series.
What is the solution? There are number of things that can be done but firstly selection should be left to selectors; Dhoni and/or BCCI's managing committee should have no role in it.
Are there any other reasons for recent defeats? I think coaching staff is not up to the par. Read an article which I wrote about a year ago  Can this be the reason for India's recent performances?

Read another article which highlights Dhoni's role. Undaunted despite defeat

As a fan I can only hope that India goes back to winning ways soon...

The Tendulkar era

Harsha Bhogle (cricket commentator and columnist) wrote 2 very good articles on great man - Sachin Tendulkar. One was written just prior to his announcement of retirement from One Day cricket and other was written just after the announcement.

Both the articles very well written.
Before the announcement - It's not just Tendulkar's decision

After the announcement - The Tendulkar habit

As a true fan I would forever want to see 90's Tendulkar on the field but all good things must come to an end. Let us relish his whites while he is still playing.

Akash Chopra on Sehwag

Akash Chopra is a columnist for Cricinfo. He writes well albeit most of his articles talk about the correct cricketing techniques, which may not be palatable to most cricket aficionados. However, the current article in not only well written but also gives insights to Sehwag's lackadaisical form. Only Sehwag can tell what is going through is mind right now but Akash, as a former opening partner, may have thrown some good thoughts.

Read on...

Memo to Sehwag

VVS Laxman

The effect of VVS Laxman announcing his retirement

India is Very Very Sad

Australia is Very Very Satisfied

Can this be the reason for India's recent performances?

The Indian team went to SA just before the World Cup 2011 and put up a decent show against one of the best teams in world cricket today. The SA show was followed by World Cup triumph.

However, India's cricket team has had an horrendous run in recent past. An average show in WI (one of the lower ranked teams in test cricket), abysmal show in England and Australia. So, what could be reason(s) for string of unceremonious defeats, nay, abject surrender?

Think about it the team, the captain, support staff and (of course) BCCI's whimsical ways have all remained same. The team has the required pedigree. If I think about it only one major change has happened after SA tour - change in coach.

Only time will tell if this is the real reason...

India should be proud of recently concluded test series in England

India in England 2011

India lost 4 match test series 0-4 and also lost the No. 1 mantle to England

What is there to be proud of after this abysmal showing? Well, before the series a certain self proclaimed best spinner of the World GP Swann was most vocal; he claimed that India will find difficult to play his bowling and he will come out on top. The results are for everyone to notice. Swann's figures -
4 matches - 142 overs - 529 runs - 13 wkts @ 40.69

At least Indians have dented number 1 claim of Swann. This too when the Indian batting collapsed in all 4 test matches.

It hurts to capitulate in this manner...

'West Indies aiming for top five by 2015' - Sammy

WI captain Darren Sammy has laid down team's vision. And voila...what do we have?

'West Indies aiming for top five by 2015' - Sammy

A management theory says that one should have achievable goals; so we have WI captain gunning for top 5 in a group of 9 test playing nations. I wish them all the best.

Best/Worst sledges as compiled by Yahoo!

The strange thing is that 8 of the 9 sledges have an Australian in it.

http://cricket.yahoo.com/photos/Ten-of-the-best-worst-sledges_12973135905794#1

Dhoni's strange ways

Indian team captain MS Dhoni is on a path to become the most successful captain of India. Under his leadership, the team is winning matches and it has become number 1 ranked team in test matches. Although there will always be naysayers and doubters about the number 1 ranking but there is no denying that he is a good leader of people and that he leads from the front.

The media has, in fact, has already anointed him as Captain Courageous. And he has actually become very courageous or so it seems.

Consider this:

• During 2009 ICC T20 World Cup when media questioned the team unity after Sehwag's unfortunate injury, rather than clearing any doubts or misgivings, he took the whole team out to the ground for a photo shoot. He  just wanted to show that the team is united.
• During 2008 Hero Honda Cup one day series when selectors selected Irfan Pathan ahead of RP Singh for last 2 matches, there was a alleged leak from an unknown selector that Dhoni threatened to resign during the selection committee meeting. It was said that Dhoni preferred RP Singh. In response to these allegations Dhoni challenged the so called selector to come out into open and proclaimed  that, because of the selector's blunder, it will now be difficult to manage team unity.
• And recently in ongoing SA-India test series he wanted Kirstein to stay as India's coach even after the World Cup 2011.

Family may keep Kirsten from renewing contract - Dhoni

These are the kind of things no-one in Indian cricket team has done or can dare to do. But then we are talking about Captain Courageous. May his courage wins us more matches than create news headlines.

Be Warnied!

An English model already under wraps; next English cricketers. Light, Camera, Action!

 Warnie, your team needs you

Cook's concoction to make 50 test centuries

More than a year I had written a post on Tendulkar's test tons. I tried to find out who would be able to overhaul his test centuries. My assessment was that Tendulkar's record is unlikely to be broken.

Most Hundreds in tests

Recently I read an article about Cook's hundreds.

Younger than the Don, a little older than Tendulkar

The author is making a case for English Opener AN Cook. He thinks Cook might be able to surpass Tendulkar's centuries.

At the time of writing this post Tendulkar has scored 49 centuries which is 10 more than, next in line, Ponting. Ponting, till about a few months ago, was a contender for surpassing Tendulkar's record. At the time of writing this post Ponting has fallen from grace. Australia is in middle of 2010-11 Ashes and Ponting is at the receiving a lot of flak for Australia's poor performance. There has been a talk to remove him as a captain of the team. Only time will tell whether he retains his place.

Personally I believe Ponting is the best man to do the job right now (even though I suspect his captaining ability). But that is another story. Whether Ponting revives his career or not, Cook is certainly brewing winning a concoction. But will Cook's recepie bear the fruit?

I don't think so. Consider this:
1. Did cricket pundits pronounce Cook as a great the moment he walked into test arena?


2. Do connosieurs of cricket think Cook as a great batsman or even a very good one?
3. Does Cook create a awe in bowlers as Tendulkar does?
4. Can Cook match Tendulkar's aura and passion for cricket?
5. Can Cook match Tendulkar's longevity?

The answers to all these Q is a big NO. And still he is the best bet of our times to do the job...

Can Australia redeem?

As I write, both Australia and England are fighting it out for Ashes 2010. Only time will tell who will win the series; but at the moment Australia is in dire straits. Australia is 0-1 down after 2 test matches. Even before this series started many pundits, world over, had predicted an unfaourable result for Australia.

Can Australia redeem? Do they even have a chance to come from behind and win the Ashes?

I do not have the answer. However, Australia are unlikely to be a decent force in test cricket for another 2-3 years.

I looked at the official ICC test player ranking. Although these rankings are not a fair measure to gauge team strength albeit they do tell a bit about players' ability and form.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/rankings/content/page/211270.html

I was not a wee-bit surprised to see that none of the Australian player is part of top 10 list. Does it give you any indication of times to come?

Did Sehwag get his century?

India vs. SL
India-SL-NZ Trieseries, 2010

There is a whole debate raging on how SL/Sangakara/Randiv conspired to deny a well deerverd century to Sehwag. There is another aspect to the whole debate - did umpires decide correctly?

Read on it is an interesting article.

http://in.yfittopostblog.com/2010/08/17/sehwag-did-get-his-century/

I can add another point to the many convincing points already written in the article above. If the no-ball bowled by Randiv is counted towards Sehwag's score so why not the 6 runs.

Keep on munching!

Who is a better captain?

Who is a better captain - Sangkara or Ponting?

Yes, I wanted to ask a question and it is not an opinion poll; I just want opinions :)

Think in terms of:
1. Eloquence while talking to the media
2. Leadership of team
3. Being defensive on the ground
4. Sledging

Please write comments. It will be interesting reading for all.

A brief history of Paistan cricket

Pakistan goes to England to play test series against Australia and England - 2010

• Shoaib Malik has been pardoned
• Kamran Akmal is part of test sqaud for Australia and England series; so is Shoaib Malik.
• Afridi renounces captaincy and test cricket after disasterous Ist test against Australia (of course no questions asked)
• Salman Butt was made the captain and the team (huffed and puffed but eventually) won
• Asif/Aamer pronounced the best fast bowling pair in the world
• Pakistan has the best bowling attack in the world
• Yousuf recalled even though he has no match practice
• Younis waiting to be recalled although he is playing in England
• Danish Kanaria replace with an unknown bowler

Is that surprising? Pakistan cricket team (courtsey their administration and infighting within team) are predictable. You can predict them to lose a test match and that too abysmally.

Alas! It is sad for world cricket. World cricket needs a strong Pakistan team . As such there are only 9 test playing nations out of which one should not have been there in first place.

Indian Team Selection

India in SL, 2010

Test Series

India and SL will be back for yet another series. Even ardent fans of SL and India will be bored by now. Have some heart, this time it is different. It is a test series and not any hastily organized one day tournament.

BCCI selection committee has declared the final 16 who will be playing for the country. Overall, I believe, it is a good selection except for two selections:

• Wriddhiman Saha as a reserve wicket keeper - What does BCCI want to achieve. Is he in fray for any future tournament? Did they forget Dinesh Karthik, the perennial prover. He is a decent wicketkeeper and much better batsman than Saha. Moreover, he has immense international experience; whenever a batsman  is injured, he is the first one to be called.
• Recall of Yuvraj Singh - Yuvraj has the talent to become one of the best batsman in the world. He is as talented as KP or even SRT. But his performance proves otherwise. Today he is not even as good as  Dada, whom he replaced. He has to value and respect his place in test side.

I think selection on Suresh Raina and Vijay was spot on. There are skeptics who believe Raina does not have the required skills to survive a test match; especially his weakness against the short ball. He has proven, time and again, in both one day and T20 cricket that he can survive short deliveries. His one day record, especially over last 2 years, is a case to the point. Raina should be give a chance to fail.

Vijay is another talented youngster who has not done too badly in test cricket. His Ranji Trophy record is excellent and is one of the better batsman in Indian cricket today. His T20 performances should not be used as a benchmark for test selection.

Talking about youngsters, the selection committee should start blooding some of the others as well. Selectors have to start thinking about the future. Big 3 may not be there after 2-3 years. They have taken us to the top of ICC ranking but new talent has to retain that top ranking. Rohit Sharma, Manish Pandey, Pujara, Kohli and Badrinath could be future of Indian test scene. Especially Badri and Pujara. Badri may not be a youngster but he has few years of cricket left in him.

All these players have been knocking on selection committee doors for many years. Of course selectors can't (and shouldn't) accommodate all but they should devise a strategy so that these youngsters can play with big 3 when there is still some time. The selectors can take following approach:

• Have a rotation policy in place.
• Always choose 16 players (even when the matches are being held in India) in the squad
• Drop Yuvraj - I would love to see him the team but not an usual irresponsible Yuvraj. 

This aint a "I told you so" post

Team selection for Zimbabwe Tri series 2010


Last month I wrote a post about poor team selection for Zimbabwe tour.


Unfortunately my premonition about a poor series for India came true. Far from being poor, we were dismal in Zimbabwe. The sad thing is that it was bound to happen as there is no system governing Indian cricket - both BCCI and Media are at fault.


What has BCCI achieved? Are there any new finds? Have they identified any new talent which was unknown before? Have they boosted the moral of new players? Have they done justice to the fans?


Far from it. Team India has been relegated to number 3 position in ICC ranking...


On the other side of system, Media is blind even after having the advantage of the hindsight. In last few days there have been many media stories castigating the players and the team. How callous and irrelevant? They could not recognize that young inexperienced team, however talented, was never going to win matches on their own. I am sure if 1 or 2 players were part of the regular squad, they would have excelled. Alas! that never happened.


All is not lost though. We can still learn some lessons:
1. BCCI should only play reasonable number of matches in a year so regular players are rested for important matches.
2. BCCI should adopt a rotation policy to give young talent a chance and build bench strength rather than making wholesale changes.
3. Media should not become over-enamored by young talent and try to provide positive criticism.


Whether it will happen. I have my doubts but we all have to do our bit to "save the tiger"...

Message from England! BCCI - Are you listening?

I read an interesting side story after recently concluded England-Bangladesh test series.

http://www.cricinfo.com/england/content/current/story/462319.html

An excerpt

"Steven Finn has had an impressive start to the summer and will now undertake a strengthening programme similar to that recently undertaken by Stuart Broad," said Geoff Miller, England's national selector. "This will also rule Steven out of the NatWest Series against Australia and Bangladesh before his preparation for the npower Test series against Pakistan."

 Finn is a young lad with oodles of talent. He has been undoubtedly the best bowler of both sides and has been the find of the series. Much like Ishant Sharma or Irfan Pathan in their early days. And what does England do - send him for strength training without even considering him for domestic tournaments.

Is it strange? Far from it.

It is the right way to nurture young talent. He is being told that success is not easy so the young lad should better work on it.

There is a lesson for BCCI, Indian Media and India team fans. We have a unique affinity for young talent. Whenever a young player bursts on the scene, we want him to participate in each and every game, however insignificant. We shower him with excessive praises and slowly burn him out. We always try to find the next Kapil Dev or Sachin Tendulkar.

Look where are our yesteryear bowling talents today? Munaf has dropped pace, so has Irfan, Sreesanth has attitude problem as got too much praise initially, RP Singh in no longer accurate and Ishant is wayward.

It is easy to blame all these players but we have to look within ourselves to find a solution.

We should give some time and mentor a new player properly - play him in full domestic season, slug it out on the ground with no fans, train hard, give him chance to play in few internationals so as to acclimatise him different cultures and grounds, take tips from senior players.

BCCI - Are you listening?

Poor team selection

Team selection for Zimbabwe Tri series 2010

I wrote a post Let us pray! earlier this year. The title of this post could also have been same as I am writing about a similar situation. India were scheduled to play SA in a dead rubber and selectors rested top players of Indian team just to give chance to youngsters. And guess what, India lost. Even though that was a dead rubber and now we are talking about playing in Zimbabwe, we should be ruthless while it comes to playing international matches. We should select the best team possible. Remember it is a tri-series and we would be playing against SL as well.

I have no doubt about the talent of youngsters picked for the squad. They are all good players and proven themselves in IPL and other domestic matches. They would also be hungry to showcase their talent in International arena. But cricket is a team sport and individuals can win you only few matches. I feel that making wholesale changes tot the team composition is not a good idea.

A few factors that goes against the selected squad:
1. The squad has never played together as a team.
2. The coach and other support staff will have to guide an entirely new team.
3. All players are low in experience.
4. The experience is even lower when it comes to playing matches abroad.

An excerpt from my earlier post

It is true that the replacements are worthy and talented but all of them lack experience. It is a good idea to test the reserves and give bench some chance to secure a team for future. But wholesale replacements are not good even if it is a dead rubber. We must learn from Australia of old. They also had a rotation policy but never at the expense of a game. They never got complacent and were so ruthless that many games were won even before starting. We must make winning a habit.

Let us just pray that the team is able to win a few matches.