Our blokes did it. Though widely expected and fairly certain that they would, still it is a matter of abundant joy when it is official. No marks for guessing what I'm talking about; yes, I'm taking about MSD & his boys who have done us proud, today. What couldn't be done, in the last 39 years, by Indian teams earlier, has been accomplished almost without a sweat; except for a certain Sachin literally giving blood & toil.
Check Out : India in New Zealand
The means to achieving this end has been very impressive, too. There never seemed to be any doubt in any of the four matches played so far, which of the two teams was stronger; who would win; which of the two teams had players oozing class. It has been MSD & team all the way, right from the first ODI. Knives were out after the Indians lost to the Kiwis in the two 20-20 matches, but the ease and assurance with which this team brushed away those 2 losses, as nothing more than an aberration speaks volumes about the team's ability and the confidence of the players. It is but necessary that we laud the skipper & coach for this. it is believed the atmosphere in the dressing room has never been more cordial, is tension free and if one may add, only in recent times have our cricketers, the players who are part of this team, acting and playing like true professional sportsmen. It certainly helps, I'm sure, that they have a coach like Gary. Public memory is notoriously short, but I'm sure many remember the havoc caused by the previous coach, a gentleman by the name of Greg Chappell.
A few lines on (March 11, 2009)today's match - a watershed - is not out of place. Of course, the story of today's match can be summed up in one or two words - depending on whether one wants to use the full name or not - Virendar Sehwag. However, let us not forget that when the Kiwis batted, Indian fielding was nearly at its worst; so poor was the fielding that one of the commentators exclaimed that India will be labeled the worst fielding team, if they continue like this. This is an area that needs attention and there is great scope for improvement.
While we eulogise the performance of the team - they deserve it, no question - let us not forget that consistency is associated with greatness.
There is no reason to doubt if this bunch can consistently deliver. This is just to ensure the team does not become complacent.
L.Ravichandran
ravi@chennaionline.com