So, the NZ tour has come to an end. For some strange reason, it is being called a final frontier. I would imagine that no Test series wins in quite some time in Sri-Lanka(not in a long time), Australia, South Africa(never), West Indies(not since 1971)would mean there are many significant frontiers to conquer. Dhoni's team won and we must congratulate them for it but then, an alternate result is not to be expected between the No.3 and No.8 teams in the world.
Dhoni has shown remarkable calm and poise as a captain and very importantly, seems to have the complete support of his team. He has also at certain times shown that he is not afraid of criticism, his 8-1 field placing being a case in point. But, he needs to improve a lot, tactically. For as long as I have watched cricket, I have felt the most glaring evidence of ours being a weak team is our inability to set attacking fields. When we finally have a team which is stronger than most, I mean, there can be absolutely no comparison between us and Vettori's team, why do we shy from attacking. Why have that sweeper in place always, why not put that extra slip against fast bowlers or close in fielder against Harbhajan Singh when you need one. And for God's sake why repeat the mistakes Ganguly committed in Sydney in 2004, Dravid in England in the final test in the 2007 tour, and Kumble in Adelaide. Why declare so late?
More importantly, I think it is important to criticise Dhoni when he falters for I detect a sort of attitude reminiscent of Sachin Tendulkar beginning to creep in where he is too sacrosanct and any criticism amounts to downright blasphemy. Dhoni has done a good job so far as a captain and one day batsman and is a fine ambassador for the game, too. But let's give him what he is due, whether bad or good.
On an aside, despite the fact that he did not do anything great in the test series, my favorite moment of the tour remains a Virender Sehwag special. The first three balls of the tour which were all sent sailing over midwicket for sixes. Even though India lost both the T20s (who really cares), it was a harbinger of the things to come. And, I think the bashing in one dayers also contributed to the insipid bowling of Southee and Mills in the tests, they could not get over it.
3 comments:
I thought I should share this with you. Why can't people like you leave someone doing good work alone. He is still young. Give him time. If we remove him, who should we make captain, Sehwag? He is the right man for the job.
See, Anonymous.. I don't think that's what he's saying at all. The post doesn't suggest that Dhoni should be replaced or removed. It's merely saying that it is important, especially in a country like India where celebrities are equated with Gods before you know it, to ensure that while appreciating Dhoni's talents, his faults are not overlooked, and that the people don't shy away from giving him some input as and when necessary. And I agree with that, especially after seeing many episodes of sportsmen in this country becoming conceited enough to overlook any need for improvement.
@ Anon: I never suggested he should be removed from captaincy. But, if he does something wrong, he deserves criticism, too.
@ Pinto: Exactly!
Post a Comment