Issue 9 | 13 Jan. 2007

World cup hopes receding but…

Will Dada turn the clock back?

By Keshu Namboodiri

India's recent performances in the ODIs are not encouraging. The most recent drubbing against South Africa is a case of batting failure which has been the problem for some time now. The consistent failure of India's top order including Sehwag, Sachin and other tested openers has pushed the team on the backfoot. The team's coach and captain have tried to diagnose the problem in vain. The much famed batsmen seem to have lost their touch and find themselves in difficulty to grapple with situations.

The team cannot look for replacements now. The players could at best be pushed into the domestic circuit with media glare less focused on them. The West Indian pitches are not all that bouncy as the previous tour revealed. The coming tour of West Indies to India should be another opportunity for Team India to get their act together. The time for experimentation has ended. The present probables are talented to take on the best.

Saurav Ganguly's killer instinct seems to be a missing factor in the team. His inclusion in the one dayers will strengthen the batting, but will Dravid be able to deliver the final blow with the team's sagging mind set? The answer lies within. Bolstering the team's performance through individual heroics is a way out. Ganguly is well equipped to deliver it if one were to go by his recent gritty performances under all-round pressure. With underperformers getting an opportunity to regain form by playing in domestic matches, the team could take a leaf out of Sri Lanka's spirited performances with the old warhorse Sanath Jayasuriyia showing the way. 

A right mix of dashing spirit and batting explosion holds the key for the team to regain confidence. The talented India team should also hope for some luck, but putting the team in the right wavelength rests upon the one inform player who should put behind him all bad memories and pump up his team. Dada, it's time to pass on the secret of a killer instinct…