Well the conditions were ideal for Team India as on Perth track where England batsmen seen struggling but again the Indian top order was found guilty of even trying to give a fight. More than the form, their laid back attitude has left Sunil Gavaskar bitter. Repeating the same old story, India lost to England by three wickets as a result of which team finished its tour Down Under without a single win – either from the four Tests or the ODIs, leaving millions of fans in utter shock and they became speechless.
Pointing out the failure of majority of Indian batsmen, Gavaskar said “Dhawan and Rahane showed a lot of patience and the other batsmen should have done the same. Most of the batsmen today were escapists, content in staying at the other end or playing rash shots and getting out.”
In the beginning, for the first time in the tri-nation ODI series, India didn’t lose a wicket in the first 10 overs. India were 83 when Dhawan was the first to go for 38. From there in a dramatic turn around the whole team collapsed to 165/9. Thankfully our No. 11 batsman Mohammad Shami (25), somehow carried Team India on the shoulders of his wildly-swinging blade and onto the 200-run mark. An annoyed Gavaskar exclaimed “Most of the Indian batsmen looked like they just wanted to give up. Cricket’s not about that, it is about putting up a fight. He also added that 20-odd runs could have ensured a win.”
This is high time that the administrators must find and execute a viable solution so as to inspire our batsmen to give their best as it is our batting strength that will pave way for victory in upcoming World Cup. Just a few months back, Ravi Shastri was assigned a particular task of gliding Team India through the testing times and the results were quite encouraging.
So far bowling is concerned, the recent exposure will prove handy, the only requirement is to channelize the talent in little more positive and result oriented manner through seeking valuable advice from veterans. This is the question of our national pride after all. Let us hope for the best.