OF DHoni,DRavid 'n' Team INdia!
The past week or so has witnessed a Renaissance of sorts. The most sought after men in Indian cricket have finally started making news,for a change,not on page 3 .Some reason to celebrate!In fact,my last vivid memory of a proper display from the Men in Blue dates back to Feb '04 when India toured Pakistan. And now,while the scribes have already drawn out their swords for the debauched Ganguly, the Dravid-Chappell duo seem to usher in a new era for Indian cricket-"THE DRAVID-CHAPPELL ERA",I'm tempted to call it. And it's the very same team(minus ofcourse the prodigal son from Kolkata & plus the ageless Tendulkar!) that was drawing flak from all corners not too long ago. So what has brought about this metamorphosis??
First & foremost,the ouster of Ganguly. Having been a vocal supporter of Ganguly in the past, I hate to say this. And as much as I acknowledge his contibution to Indian cricket, I believe his playing days are over. As people put it these days,you are as good as your last innings. Sourav has to come to terms with reality & leave the game before his already tanned reputation takes another beating.The writing on the wall is clear-Move over Sourav,Dravid is here!
Dravid,it must be said,has led the side with lot verve & intensity. Moreover,he & Chappell share an excellent working rapport.His decision to delay taking powerplay 2 in the first game was a masterly move. So much for the scribes who critiquited his "unimaginative" approach!Most importantly,the players seem to revel in his leadership.And with his blade shining elegantly as ever,the signs are looking increasingly good.
Another factor to reckon with,is the emergence of a new superstar in Dhoni. He has an air of unconventionality about everthing he does.With an unusually strong frame for a wicketkeeper, his long hairlocks give him a villainous look .The lesser said about his batting,the better. Such is the efficacy of his approach that the uninitiated might well scorn upon the coaching manual. With the kind of bat speed he manages to generate & his powerful fore arms, he can be quite a handful on sub continental pitches. He might not look the least bit elegant,but cricket’s not about pulichritude,is it??If his Jaipur knock was a display of powerhitting,the Pune knock potrayed his ability to , match power with finesse.India’s answer to Gilchrist!
While all the ingredients seem to be in place,they need to be nurtured & sustained. And most importantly,politics need to stay out! Will Dalmiya wield his power to bring back Ganguly?Will Dhoni continue to entrall us??
As wise men say, “ Time will tell!”
First & foremost,the ouster of Ganguly. Having been a vocal supporter of Ganguly in the past, I hate to say this. And as much as I acknowledge his contibution to Indian cricket, I believe his playing days are over. As people put it these days,you are as good as your last innings. Sourav has to come to terms with reality & leave the game before his already tanned reputation takes another beating.The writing on the wall is clear-Move over Sourav,Dravid is here!
Dravid,it must be said,has led the side with lot verve & intensity. Moreover,he & Chappell share an excellent working rapport.His decision to delay taking powerplay 2 in the first game was a masterly move. So much for the scribes who critiquited his "unimaginative" approach!Most importantly,the players seem to revel in his leadership.And with his blade shining elegantly as ever,the signs are looking increasingly good.
Another factor to reckon with,is the emergence of a new superstar in Dhoni. He has an air of unconventionality about everthing he does.With an unusually strong frame for a wicketkeeper, his long hairlocks give him a villainous look .The lesser said about his batting,the better. Such is the efficacy of his approach that the uninitiated might well scorn upon the coaching manual. With the kind of bat speed he manages to generate & his powerful fore arms, he can be quite a handful on sub continental pitches. He might not look the least bit elegant,but cricket’s not about pulichritude,is it??If his Jaipur knock was a display of powerhitting,the Pune knock potrayed his ability to , match power with finesse.India’s answer to Gilchrist!
While all the ingredients seem to be in place,they need to be nurtured & sustained. And most importantly,politics need to stay out! Will Dalmiya wield his power to bring back Ganguly?Will Dhoni continue to entrall us??
As wise men say, “ Time will tell!”
posted by shaaaaaaam at 5:27 PM
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