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Showing posts with label India. Show all posts
Showing posts with label India. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

A tale of two series: From awesome to awful

With due respects to Bangladesh, despite coming off a series win, actually a historic whitewash of Pakistan in Pakistan, beating them in India was more amazing because of how we beat not only them but also the weather gods and won - not because of but in spite of the overhead conditions, especially in Kanpur.

Alas, all that seems a distant memory now, after the whitewash we got - yes, we got whitewashed at home - that too, by a team without any Trent Boult or Kane Williamson, and that had just been walloped 2-0 by Sri Lanka in similar, subcontinental conditions. 

Given the contrasting form and fortunes of both the teams, no one would have expected to see what unfolded in the next fifteen days. 

We all know now what happened. Let's take a look at the possible reasons at the why behind the result:


1. Pitch Conditions and Home Advantage

A critical factor in India's loss was the pitch conditions. Traditionally, India has leveraged spin-friendly pitches to its advantage, banking on its world-class spinners to dominate the opposition. However, in this series, the pitch conditions seemed to have backfired.

Impact of Rank Turners
  • Early Wear and Tear: Rank turners deteriorate quickly, leading to unpredictable and uneven bounce. While this theoretically benefits spinners, it also brings opposition spinners into play, neutralizing India's traditional strength.
  • Opposition Adaptability: New Zealand spinners, such as Ajaz Patel and Mitchell Santner, adapted brilliantly to these conditions, often outperforming their Indian counterparts and neutralizing the anticipated home advantage India usually enjoys.
Strategic Miscalculations
  • Team Selection: India’s selection strategy seemed ill-suited to the conditions. Opting for three spinners on surfaces that offered inconsistent turn meant that the balance of the team was compromised. The reliance on spinners in conditions that didn’t exclusively favor them allowed New Zealand’s seamers to exploit the conditions better.

2. New Zealand's Superior Planning and Execution

New Zealand’s meticulous planning and flawless execution were significant contributors to their series win. From analyzing pitch conditions to understanding player weaknesses, their preparation was thorough and effective.

Tailored Bowling Plans
  • Exploiting Indian Weaknesses: New Zealand’s bowlers executed plans that specifically targeted Indian batsmen’s weaknesses. Short-pitched deliveries troubled Indian batsmen, who are traditionally more comfortable against spin.
  • Seam and Swing Mastery: On pitches that offered variable bounce, New Zealand's bowlers effectively used seam and swing to their advantage, unsettling the Indian batsmen who struggled to adjust to these variations.
Field Placements and Defensive Strategies
  • Aggressive Field Placements: New Zealand captain Tom Latham set aggressive fields that applied constant pressure on the Indian batsmen. The close-in fielders and strategic placements disrupted India's scoring rhythms and induced mistakes.
  • Defensive Fortitude: Their defensive strategies, particularly in handling India’s spinners, were exemplary. Batsmen like Rachin Ravindra and Will Young showcased remarkable resilience, playing with soft hands and rotating the strike to negate the spinners' impact.

3. Batting Collapses and Inconsistencies

India’s batting lineup, traditionally a bastion of strength, showed uncharacteristic vulnerabilities throughout the series. Inconsistent performances and batting collapses played a crucial role in the series outcome.

Top Order Failures
  • Early Wickets: The Indian top order consistently failed to provide solid starts. Early dismissals of key players like Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill put immense pressure on the middle order.
  • Technical Deficiencies: Technical deficiencies, particularly against seam and swing, were exposed. The inability to counter the lateral movement led to frequent dismissals, destabilizing the batting lineup.
Middle Order Struggles
  • Inexperienced Middle Order: The middle order, comprising relatively inexperienced players, couldn’t withstand the pressure. The lack of partnerships and frequent wickets in clusters prevented India from posting competitive totals.
  • Shot Selection: Poor shot selection at crucial junctures, often precipitated by the pressure of scoreboard stagnation, resulted in quick wickets and furthered the batting woes.

4. Bowling Inefficiencies

While India’s bowling attack is renowned for its potency, several inefficiencies surfaced during the series, undermining their effectiveness.

Inconsistent Spinners
  • Lack of Penetration: India's spinners struggled to find consistent penetration on pitches that were expected to favor them. The over-reliance on spin, without adequate support from the pacers, rendered the attack one-dimensional.
  • Control and Discipline: Spinners like Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin were not as effective as usual, often lacking the control and discipline required to tie down the New Zealand batsmen.
Pace Bowling Challenges
  • Injury Concerns: Injuries to key pacer Mohammad Shami affected the balance and depth of the bowling attack. Siraj, despite his efforts, was largely ineffective throughout the series.
  • Execution Under Pressure: In pressure situations, the Indian pacers failed to execute their plans effectively. The inability to deliver under crunch moments allowed New Zealand to build partnerships and accumulate runs steadily.

5. Psychological Factors and Momentum Shifts

Cricket is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. Psychological factors and momentum shifts played a significant role in determining the series outcome.

Pressure of Expectations
  • Home Series Pressure: Playing at home brings immense pressure and expectations. The Indian team seemed to buckle under this pressure, leading to uncharacteristic mistakes and lapses in concentration.
  • Mental Fatigue: Continuous cricket, bio-bubbles, and the mental fatigue of a packed calendar seemed to have taken a toll on the players. This was evident in the fielding lapses and moments of indecision during crucial phases of the game.
Momentum and Confidence
  • New Zealand’s Confidence: Winning the first Test gave New Zealand the momentum and confidence to dominate the series. They capitalized on this psychological edge, consistently putting India on the back foot.
  • Shifting Momentum: Key moments, such as dropped catches and missed run-out opportunities, allowed New Zealand to shift the momentum in their favor. These critical junctures often dictated the overall flow of the matches.

6. Leadership and Tactical Decisions

Leadership and on-field tactical decisions also played a pivotal role in the series outcome. The contrasting captaincy styles of Rohit Sharma and Tom Latham had a discernible impact on the series dynamics.

Tom Latham’s Captaincy
  • Strategic Acumen: Latham’s strategic acumen and calm demeanor were crucial in navigating through challenging phases. His ability to inspire and extract the best from his players was evident throughout the series.
  • Field Placements and Bowling Changes: Latham’s proactive field placements and timely bowling changes kept the Indian batsmen under constant pressure, often leading to crucial breakthroughs.
Rohit Sharma’s Captaincy
  • Aggressive Approach: While Sharma’s aggressive approach is often a strength, it occasionally backfired in this series. Over-attacking fields and frequent bowling changes sometimes allowed the New Zealand batsmen to settle and capitalize on loose deliveries.
  • Pressure Management: Sharma’s management of pressure situations could have been better. Instances of frustration and visible agitation on the field might have impacted the team’s overall composure and performance.

Player Availability and Injuries

  • Key Absences: The absence of key players due to injuries significantly weakened the team. Missing experienced campaigners like Mohammad Shami and Hardik Pandya deprived India of crucial match-winners.
  • Impact of New Zealand's Full Strength: In contrast, New Zealand fielded a full-strength team with all their key players available, giving them a distinct advantage in terms of experience and skill.

Introspect but move on now!

The series loss to New Zealand was a culmination of several factors that collectively tipped the scales against India. From strategic miscalculations and player performances to psychological pressures and external influences, every aspect contributed to the final result. While it is essential to acknowledge New Zealand’s superior planning and execution, it is equally important for India to introspect and address the identified weaknesses. By doing so, India can regain their dominance in future series and continue to uphold their proud cricketing legacy. Let's look ahead now and put our best foot forward in the Tests that await us Down Under. Jai Ho!

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Jaisball 3, Bazball 1

In a series that witnessed thrilling encounters and exceptional performances, the Indian cricket team emerged victorious against England, claiming the series with a commanding scoreline of 3-1. Let's delve into the match reports of the 3rd and 4th Tests to relive the moments that led to India's triumph.

The 3rd Test
India's performance in the 3rd Test was nothing short of dominant, as they secured a resounding 434-run victory, marking one of their biggest wins by runs in Test cricket. The match showcased India's prowess both with the bat and the ball, leaving England struggling to match their intensity.

Led by the impressive batting display of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who crafted a magnificent double-century, India set an imposing target for England. Jaiswal's innings was characterized by aggressive stroke play, including a remarkable hat-trick of sixes off James Anderson. His partnership with debutant Sarfaraz Khan further demoralized the English bowling attack, as they piled on the runs with authority.

On the bowling front, Kuldeep Yadav's brilliance added to England's woes, as he troubled their batsmen with his spin and guile. Supported by the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, India's bowlers dismantled the English batting lineup, restricting them to a paltry total.

The victory not only showcased India's depth and talent but also reinstated their dominance in home conditions, sending a strong message to their opponents.

Test# 4

In the 4th Test, India faced a challenging chase but displayed steely resolve to overcome England's threat and seal the series win. Despite encountering a wobble in their chase, losing five wickets for 36 runs, India's sixth-wicket pair of Shubman Gill and Dhruv Jurel showcased resilience and composure to guide their team to victory.

The match witnessed some gripping moments, with England's spinners posing a threat to India's chase. However, Gill and Jurel stood firm, weathering the storm and guiding their team closer to the target with each passing over.

Jurel's contribution in both innings proved pivotal to India's success, as he displayed maturity beyond his experience, anchoring the innings when it mattered the most. Gill, on the other hand, exhibited his class with a composed innings, steering India towards victory with calculated aggression.

Despite England's valiant effort, India's proven record at home and their determined pursuit of the target ensured they emerged triumphant once again.

A Test Series to remember

India's series win over England epitomizes their dominance and resilience in Test cricket. From commanding victories to gritty performances under pressure, the series showcased the depth of talent within the Indian team.

As they celebrate this well-deserved triumph, India will look to build on this success and continue their winning momentum in future encounters. For now, they can bask in the glory of a series well won, reaffirming their status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of cricket.
Jai Ho!

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

The secret sauce behind India's cricketing dominance

The 2023 Asia Cup was a spectacle that left cricket enthusiasts worldwide in awe of the Indian cricket team. India's stunning display of talent and teamwork not only clinched them the prestigious tournament but also showcased their formidable depth in the squad. Even while resting several key players from their First Choice XI, India managed to overpower their rivals. In this blog, we'll explore the factors that have contributed to India's remarkable strength in cricket.

Sheer Talent and Numbers

One of the cornerstones of India's cricket prowess is the sheer magnitude of talent and numbers within the country. Cricket is more than just a sport in India; it's a way of life. Youngsters from every nook and corner of the nation dream of donning the Indian jersey, creating fierce competition at all levels. Whether it's for a batting position, pace bowling, wicket-keeping, all-rounder, or spin bowling, India boasts an abundance of aspiring cricketers vying for a spot in the national team. This extensive pool of talent ensures a constant supply of promising players.

Meticulous Planning

Having a surplus of players is just the first step; proper planning and timely utilization are equally essential. India has excelled in nurturing its talent by consistently offering opportunities to fringe players and those earmarked for the next level. The selectors and team management have shown astute judgment in giving youngsters a chance during various series, allowing them to gain invaluable experience and adapt to international cricket's demands. This approach has resulted in a robust bench strength, ready to step in whenever required.

The IPL Advantage

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has played a pivotal role in honing India's cricketing prowess. The IPL is a breeding ground for talent, pitting Indian prospects against the very best from around the world in high-pressure situations. This exposure to top-notch international players and the intensity of T20 cricket has groomed young Indian cricketers, helping them transition seamlessly into the national team. The IPL has also fine-tuned their skills and given them a taste of the global cricketing stage.

Awesome Infrastructure

India's cricket infrastructure is second to none. The country boasts world-class stadiums, state-of-the-art training facilities, and well-maintained grounds. These top-notch facilities not only provide Indian cricketers with the ideal environment for skill development but also attract top talent from a young age. Moreover, the absence of lucrative leagues outside India ensures that players prioritize their commitment to the Indian national team, maintaining a strong core of players who are dedicated to representing their country.

Conclusion

India's triumphant performance at the 2023 Asia Cup and their continued success in international cricket can be attributed to a combination of factors. The sheer talent pool and numbers, meticulous planning, the invaluable IPL advantage, and the outstanding cricket infrastructure have all played pivotal roles in making India a cricketing powerhouse. As Indian cricket continues to scale new heights, the future looks promising, with a formidable team ready to take on any challenge that comes their way. With these elements in place, India is well-prepared to maintain its dominance in the world of cricket for years to come.

Onto the World Cup now, Jai Ho!
 

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Why should boys have all the fun?

I have talked a lot about the Boys in Blue but it's also important (and apt) to highlight the role of WPL in Indian women's cricket.

The just-concluded Women's Premier League has not only been a massive success in its very first year but it is also a historic step in the domain of women's cricket in India (and even globally).

Finally, we have a great platform where budding Indian women cricketers can share the stage (or at least the dugout) with the best in the world. We already have a very capable Indian team that has consistently done well internationally. Our nemesis has only been the Australian team, which is like the men's all-conquering Aussie team of the late 90s and early 2000s. So while there is no shame in coming up second best against such a side, the WPL is a wonderful avenue for our domestic cricketers to compete and hobnob with the global stars. 

And just the way the IPL has helped the Indian men's domestic-level cricketers to earn a respectable amount even if they are not there among the chosen select 15 in the Indian squad, the WPL will ensure that no girl will need to worry about any financial insecurities even if they do not make the final cut at the international level.

This league will also encourage more and more Indian parents and families to let their girls take up the sport. And with the first edition having been such a stupendous success, only better things should be in store, both for the Indian women's cricket setup and also for the game in general.

Onwards to even better times, Happy Navratri, and Jai Ho!


Monday, June 20, 2022

A tale of two teams

The T20 series between India and South Africa just concluded today. It was a series that came quick on the heels of a two-month long IPL, and a busy cricket season for Team India right before that. Needless to say, Workload management is the key factor in ensuring that our best XI takes the field for all our important matches. All good with that.

But having said that, we must also understand that workload management is just one part of the story.

The other half of ensuring continued success and dominance in any condition, against any opposition, with any XI, will come from our in-house depth. How much depth we have, how much exposure can we give to our cricketers, and how many players can we identify to do justice to the India jersey?

Thanks to the IPL, we can now say that India can field two teams of its own at any given point of time, for any tournament, on any ground in the world. And by team, I don't just mean a team that can be fielded to simply make up the numbers. I mean, a team that is almost of the same level as the original team in quality and depth, almost equally competent and competitive in skills and temperament. 

And with choc-a-bloc cricket in the New Normal, it is only to be expected that the all-format cricketer is now an endangered species. We might not find too many of them and even when available, we will have to ensure that the all-format cricketer is well-rested, with enough workload management in place (in other words, they must get enough rest and recuperation time between inconsequential battles to be available to win the bigger wars).

Our bench strength is easily among the best in the world. We can field two teams of near-same quality across any format, be it T20s, ODIs, or Test matches.

We have almost like-for-like replacements for all our cricketers. Come the T20 World Cup later this year, for example, we should be able to have enough players to match the skill sets of our First XI. 

In another welcome development, we are fielding two Indian teams at the same time now. One in Ireland for the two T20s, and the other one will be touring England for the sole carry-forward Test match, and the T20 series with the Englishmen.

As the series with South Africa showed, even our second XI can still be a handful and match any team shot for shot, ball for ball. Even after a slow start, we managed to keep ourselves afloat from 0-2 to 2-2, heading into the decider.

As spectators and fans of cricket and Team India, it's now time to encourage them as much as we enjoy their achievements. Do well, both teams - Jai Ho!


Monday, May 30, 2022

IPL spectacle ho riya, agle baras tu jaldi aa!

After what has been two long years without hosting the IPL in India, this year finally brought the IPL caravan to Indian stadiums, along with the crowds.

A new sponsor in Tata, a new number of total teams, a new competition format - and, a new champion!

At the outset, it must be said that the biggest achievement was the fact that we could finally host the entire competition (despite a few hiccups on the way) in a pretty much uninterrupted and secure manner. Sure, there were a few occasions when it seemed like the odd positive results of a few players and support staff might threaten the continuation of at least the matches of those teams. 

Even more importantly, everyone was praying that the infected individuals would not have spread the virus to others. This might have opened a Pandora's box of many unavoidable and uncontrollable factors, which could have led to discontinuation of the tournament.

So, the biggest achievement has got to be the fact that despite all challenges and constraints, IPL 2022 turned out to be a rousing success because each and every IPL match could be conducted relatively smoothly and with the active participation of all the fans in the stadium as well. Good job, everyone!

Another highlight was the number of close matches. Most matches turned out to be cliffhangers, with both the teams being in a position to win the match till as late as the 39th-40th over of the match. The mega auction ensured that every team had to now work with new personnel. Uncapped players needed time and confidence to flower and cement their places in their franchise's Playing XI

Despite coming with the pedigree of being the most successful teams in IPL history, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings kept languishing at the bottom of the table. New times, new combinations, new challenges. 

Talking of new combinations, a word of praise for the two new teams - Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants. Not many would have given them a chance but they went out, expressed themselves and played fearless cricket, proving many naysayers wrong. 

Not to forget Rajasthan Royals, one of the best bowling attacks in the tournament and with the irrepressible Jos Buttler in sublime, red-hot form, they always remained force to contend with. Unfortunately, their overall batting performance and shoddy fielding on key occasions went on to let them down.

As always, one of the biggest pluses of such a tournament is that we also found many emerging stars, who did outstandingly well. Players like Umran Malik, Mohsin Khan, Rajat Patidar, R. Sai Kishore, Mukesh Choudhary - just a few names who made their mark and grabbed their opportunity with both hands in this IPL.

Speaking of emerging, it's time to doff our hat to the new emerging sensation - Hardik Pandya - who has emerged as another potential captain and leader of Indian cricket, after this season. His astute captaincy, calmness, composure, and batting prowess have already catapulted him to make a comeback in Team India for the upcoming T20s with South Africa.

Well done IPL, and see you next year!

As we wrap up the 'visarjan' of this year's IPL Ganpati, it's time to revel in its wonderful memories and probably chant "IPL spectacle ho riya, agle baras tu jaldi aa!"

Tata, IPL!

Jai Ho :)


Monday, February 22, 2021

Kuchh din toh guzaaro Gujarat mein!

This is turning out to be quite a riveting series with epic proportions between India and England (not to forget, with both Australia and NZ also following every bit of action with added interest).

If the opening Test belonged to the toss and Joe Root, the second one belonged to the toss, Rohit Sharma, and R Ashwin.

Suffice to say that the upcoming pink-ball Test will be another mouth-watering affair, with both teams vying to take the ascendancy. If India manage to win this, they will need to only only ensure that they do not lose the next match, to make it to the WTC Finals. So, a win or at least a draw, will be high on their wishlist from this match.

On the other hand, England have to win both this match as well as the next one. If not, they will have to quietly say bye-bye to their hopes of qualifying for the Finals. A draw from here will make Australia happy, who will then get to bypass both India and England, to meet New Zealand in the Finals.

All said and done, the pitch will be crucial, but so will the performances too. Any Test side has to perform in every condition, not least one which aspires to be a WTC finalist. And there is enough talk of home advantage - why not? Why can we not have pitches that turn and help spinners from Day One? For all the critics of such tactics, how often have you heard the same people complaining about seaming, bouncy pitches that jag the ball in and around your chin/chest from the first over of the day?

It's all fine as long as nothing is substandard. And substandard it has not been. If you needed any further confirmation, I have a few names for you: Rohit Sharma, R Ashwin - centurions from the same match, same pitch. Even Ben Foakes, in the English First Innings, showed how one can apply oneself to play and score on such a pitch.

So let's leave the excuses and wailing to disgruntled and frustrated Vaughans, Waughs and other such cry-babies. Time to spend some time in Gujarat now, get your dhoklas and fafdaas ready, let's get to the action in the middle soon, and let's look forward to another round of top quality cricket from two wonderful sides.

All the best, India - Jai Ho!


Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Happy New Year!

It is a new year and as things stand, even the very first month has been choc-a-bloc with frenetic activity from different fields in different parts of the world.

I want to begin by noting the bad part first, precisely so that we can get that out of the way first:
The Wuhan epidemic has taken globally alarming proportions.
The tragic death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter in a helicopter crash has been quite shocking and utterly sad too.
Closer home, the CAA (pro and anti) agitations along with rabid rabble rousing by our netas as Delhi elections approach leave a lot to worry and ponder about.
Within days of approaching their death sentence, the Nirbhaya rapists (and their lawyers) are using every arm of the law, every nuance and every provision that can possibly avert or at least delay their planned hanging.
From curative petitions to mercy pleas, each accused is raping again, this time law and justice, by using delaying tactics and one-by-one appeals.
If you were truly sorry, you would not even consider arguing, let alone appeal for anything.

Now, for the good bit:
India (oh, this is not good stuff if you happen to not follow or like Indian cricket) has begun the year on a great note, pummelling Sri Lanka and Australia at home.
At the time of writing, we are on course to beat New Zealand in their own backyard.
Augurs well for the T20 World Cup.
It may be (and is) nowhere near the pedestal that Test victories or even World Cup wins enjoy, but T20 victories also work as catalysts towards spurring a new generation of cricketers to adopt the fearless brand of cricket, where the "we can chase any target" or "win from any situation" mindset germinates.
If you need any voices to second this fact, Cc: Class of 2007 T20 World Cup

Let's pray for good things in the new year, and only good to happen to everyone in this year and for all times to come.
Ameen!

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

WTC, here we come!


As they say, well begun, is half done!

By collecting the maximum possible 120 points from 2 matches, India have made a great start to the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC).

In fact, India triumphed through the entire series – winning the T20s, ODIs and of course, the Test matches, without a huff, even when they did not field their best 11 in the limited over versions.

It was bewitching to watch our pace battery, led by the indomitable Jasprit just-a-treat Bumrah, showcase their wares against the hapless Caribbean batsmen.

Hanuma Vihari and Mayank Agarwal did their credentials absolutely no harm with sterling displays in each Test.

The icing on the cake is that our next Test matches are with South Africa and Bangladesh, all in our own den. Hopefully, this should only buttress our position at the top of the tree, especially because there won’t be any dead rubbers anymore. 
Thanks to the WTC, every match means points at stake. 

No matches are inconsequential anymore. The more you score off these matches, the more your chances of actually being able to change change the look and final standings of the points table.

So keep going, Team India…it’s a marathon race WTC, but you sure have the lead right from the first lap. 
Keep up the good work, and…
…Get Set Go!!

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Jai Ho!

Remember the date: February 26, 2019.
The date when India did what it had not done for years and years, despite multiple provocations and reasons.

Among many other dreadful episodes of direct Pakistani involvement and complicity:

  • In 1999: We got Kargil for our peace initiatives, 
  • In 2001: We suffered the Parliament attack, and 
  • In 2008: We also bled through our people and our souls during 26/11.

Obviously and unfortunately, this is not even an exhaustive list. But these 3 instances stood out amongst even the other cowardly yet dastardly acts which merited an appropriate and commensurate armed retort.

Yet, despite every such instance, our only response was a condemnation. At best, a strong condemnation.

Every time Pakistan hid behind the veil of acting as victims themselves, or sought evidence or more evidence. Dossier after dossier of evidence was provided for 26/11. Yet, more than 10 years after the incident, no concrete action has been taken. Nor does it look likely that anything would change for the better.

So when Pulwama happened on February 14, the nation's collective rage was only natural. As always. What was not-like-always (or unlike all the reactions in the last 50 years) was our military response, in as much as even crossing into the LoC was concerned!

Finally, we did that on February 26. Finally, we have a leader who has the gumption to talk with the Pakis in the language that they understand. (Oh yes it could be well-timed and strategically aligned for his own poll prospects but did no other leader have polls earlier?! Was there no provocation earlier? And why did Surgical Strike 1.0 happen, despite no such polls on the horizon then?)

Even as regards the extend of the damage (at the time of writing, this is still being speculated).
But, you may like it or not, you may accept or deny the efficacy of the strikes, but what you simply cannot deny is the fact that the Indian Armed Forces - in this case, specifically the Indian Air Force - showed how, despite all the preparedness that an expectant enemy can come up with, again displayed brilliance of strategy and execution.
The fact that for the first time, we could - even if not kill as many as India claims it has (because it is still debatable) - but what is absolutely incontrovertible and has been accepted universally, including even by the Pakistanis, is that our jets entered well inside Pakistan and if nothing else, surely showed them their place when it comes to the strength of our forces.

For the first time, someone showed the gumption from an Indian perspective.
For the first time, we made a huge statement to the Pakis and to the world that while we love peace and try everything to maintain sanity, if our good nature is perceived as our weakness, we can make the Pakis pay, very very dearly.

Well done, and more power to you, always!!

To our armed forces and our leadership: Jaya Hey, Jaya Hey, Jaya Hey.
Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey!!!!

Jai Ho!!