As compared to England’s previous tour of India in 2012, one major difference was the form displayed by skipper Alastair Cook. Back in 2012, Cook began his captaincy in India and made a long lasting impression as he amassed three colossal centuries to revive England’s hopes. Thanks to his sheer grit and solid batting, England managed to defeat India in India in a Test series after 28 years. Cook’s tactical changes as the captain back then were crisp indeed as he rotated his bowlers efficiently.
This time around however, Cook seemed helpless right from the outset. A late declaration at Rajkot began England’s downfall southwards as from there on, the visitors were in no shape to counter an energetic young Indian side led by Virat Kohli. Cook too seemed alienated as he hardly made any sound decisions.
Despite a poor series, England’s assistant coach Paul Farbrace admitted Cook could lead till the Ashes next year in Australia. “We know he still has the support of the team and he’s a very popular bloke and very popular captain,” Farbrace said. “If he chooses to step down it would be a shame because we want him to carry on. We’ve planned, and have been planning, for Cooky to be captain going to the Ashes in Australia next winter. Personally, I hope that continues.”He’s captain. Everybody knows where they stand with him; there’s absolutely no uncertainty whatsoever within our team.”
Farbrace admitted any decision that would be taken by Cook would be for the betterment of English cricket. “When you lose a series 4-0, of course people will talk about the leadership,” Farbrace added. “We all know that.”He’s got that decision to make and as he said before the series started, he and Andrew Strauss will sit down in the new year and have a conversation about the way forward.”The most important thing is that Cookie will make the decision based on what’s right for England cricket, not what’s right for Alastair Cook.”
“We all, at the end of this series, have a think about what we can do better, what have we learned from this series, and what do we need to do to make this team win. Ultimately, that’s what we’re here for.”But there’s nobody looking round the dressing room thinking ‘ooh, I wonder who’s in charge?’. It’s very clear who’s in charge, and that hasn’t changed,” Farbrace concluded.