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!

Hello, Test Cricket!

I write this at the end of the first Test match between India and New Zealand if you've seen the match, you know what an engrossing day of cricket we saw. After the T20 razzmatazz where the skill sets required succeed are entirely different, Test matches tell you just why every cricketer worth his/her salt would love to do well the most in that format. 

Sample this:

On the last day of the match, NZ began the day needing 280 more runs from 93 overs, with 9 wickets in hand.

At lunch, night watchman William Somerville and Tom Latham had remained unseparated, in a wicketless first session, leaving all 4 results open to possibility. And then the game ebbed and flowed, with India capturing 3 wickets post-lunch, and 5 in the next one. Yes, we were still agonizingly short by just one wicket in a last-wicket unbroken stand between the very impressive Rachin Ravindra and the gritty Ajaz Patel. 

Right from when they came together in the 90th over (at 89.3 overs) till the end of the day at 98 overs, their thrilling partnership during the course of those 51 balls is precisely why nothing can ever beat Test Match cricket.

Gripping, sensational and as many in NZ would call it, even an absolute heist. The duo did got the Kiwis out of jail.

I have often seen people ask in wonder, "Why is it that Test cricket has a draw? Why can't there be a result? Isn't it boring (even bad) to play for 5 days and not have a result at the end of the match?"

Well, to all those who think so, the next time your mind drifts to think along those lines, remember what happened today. It was a draw alright, but ask anyone who watched, from either side, every ball, especially the last hour and even more so, the last half-hour (the last 7-8 overs) was simply mesmerizing.

Thank you, Shreyas Iyer, Tom Latham, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Kyle Jamieson for playing your heart out in your all-round performances in each innings.

Dream debuts for Shreyas Iyer and Rachin Ravindra - well done and hopefully, this is only the beginning of many more memorable moments for both of you..

And most importantly, great advertisement for Test Cricket.

Yes, India might not have won today but that's why this sport (and even more so, this format) is a lot of like life. You might not win today but you can still salvage and walk with your head held high, and live to fight and win another day.

Can't wait for Mumbai, the next stop.

Long Live, Test Cricket, Jai Ho!

Haan thoda dard hua, par chalta hai..

Yes, it is heartbreaking.

Yes, another session of batting, even another 50-60 runs or so, and we should have been able to at least draw the match and share the trophy.

Yes, it hurts even more when you realize that our team came so close and yet, was so far.

But then, you see who you lost to.

You see who played better cricket over the entire length of the match.

You see how we still lost to a team that is truly THE most liked team for its conduct..

Haan thoda dard hua, par chalta hai.

And of course, you see this and it feels like the same wind is now blowing a lot better suddenly:

Yes, the world is a better place because of good, genuine people.

I'm pretty sure that both Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson are thorough gentlemen off-the-field.

It's just that when it comes to Kane, one can say that about him on-field too.

As regards Virat, for all the histrionics, the energy, the aggression, the animated + abusive send-offs, howsoever integral, natural, and 'necessary' they might seem to be to him, they pale in comparison to the classy and impeccable conduct of Kane.

I certainly believe that Kohli has no ill-will or personal grudge against anyone off-the-field but the reactions are in poor taste when you think whether such a person/cricketer (let alone a captain) can be a role model for the next generation. Great batsman yes, works for him yes, but do I want to advocate that as the way to be for others? I personally don't think so at all.

No coincidence then, that India is now a much fitter and more aggressive team under Kohli. On the other hand, Kane's team has one or two aggro folks but even they never cross the line and it is also largely thanks to Kane that the Kiwi team reflects its unflappable captain cool's personality. 

There's been a lot of talk about how NZ had an unfair advantage in that the conditions suited them - true. 

They even enjoyed the invaluable edge of having played two Tests just prior to the Big Final in English conditions - yes, tick that one too. 

It's also true that they had a much easier road to the final, having played mostly at home and not having had to scrap for wins like India did in Australia against Australia despite historic setbacks and adversities.

And credit to India, we never complained or gave any excuses either.

Even Shastri or Kohli asking for a three-match final is justified and not a case of sour grapes. But by the same logic, should we then not apply the same rule before we celebrate 1983 - our win exactly 38 years ago as I write this today on June 25?

Even the more optimistic Indian would concede that had the finals been a best-of-three, India would have struggled to be World Champions then. And obviously, we know of many other winners too who could have lost to their opponent, had it been a three-match result.

So why complain now, especially in Tests where even over a 5-day period there are enough twists and turns? I am all for a best-of-three too but how do we schedule it? How do we stall the already crammed international cricket calendar and ask team to park one month of valuable time for the eventuality of them being in the finals for 15 possible days of cricket (excluding recovery breaks required in between)?

And even if we imagine that this does happen, atleast one of the three Tests could still get rained out or hampered by various factors like the weather, the pitch or the conditions favoring one finalist more than the other. What happens if we can have only 2 matches with 0-0 or 1-1? One might still crib what was the point then. A team might say there were unfair advantages to one finalist due to any factor like weather or toss or anything else too So while in an ideal world, it would be great to have three matches, I suspect even then, it might not be able to guarantee to a world where everyone will be happy for sure.

So let's make the big day count, till we find a better option. And let's not forget, how New Zealand behaved after the tied final, which they eventually lost in the 2nd Super Over! In a World Cup final! 

So while Kohli has not said anything wrong, let's remember how Kane and NZ behaved when they lost the way he did in the World Cup final. I still remember that even at the height of dejection, how Kane remained so graceful and calm without making any statements about rules and the cruel hand that fate dealt to him.

And therein, lies the greatness and likeability of Kane and New Zealand. Which is also why, they remain almost every no-Kiwi citizen's second-favorite team (right after the person's home nation team).

Well done, India and New Zealand - despite all the rains, despite all the delays, you put up a spectacle worth watching and it was quite fitting to get a championship winner on the last hour of the last (6th) day's play. 

In the end, as I said, the picture of Kohli and Kane says it all. Well done, more power to Test Cricket, and more power to both India and New Zealand!

Thankyou, New ZealAnd.. ..More Respect

There were 2 things that stopped short of making this an even more terrific series victory for India:

1) The series in question, was a One-Day Series, and not the pinnacle of cricketing skills and temperament called Test Cricket.

2) The Indian team was the host, and therefore, we need to deduct points that are always reserved exclusively for those hallowed victories outside of subcontinental shores.

So while we await good news pouring in from the time zones of South Africa, Australia, England, and New Zealand, we cannot blame the Indian team for exceling in home conditions.

It isn't our fault that we have been well-nigh invincible at home.
Any team that toured India earlier too, were always up against a formidable opponent in any Indian team of the last 20-25 years (at the very least).

So what's different now?
So, what is it that has changed now, which has made us so dominant and consistent?

The difference now, is that the magnitude, ruthlessness and consistency of victories that we have achieved over the years, across formats and over pretty much every team that has waded into Indian territory.

We have always retained a batting-heavy armory in our team, laden with precocious and sublime talents - be it the magical wrist-wizardry and exquisitely timed, surgically-placements of our batsmen or the brute power or nimble-footed mastery, destroying pace and spin attacks across the world, with aplomb.

The advent of wrist-spinners in Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, attacking and astute bowlers like Ashwin and Jadeja, and X-factored talents such as Yorker-master Bumrah, Swing-King Bhuvi, Seam-Star Shami, and Ace of Pace Umesh Yadav - have all contributed to the current team having all its bases covered, across all opponents, on all terrains.

The thrilling victory over New Zealand yesterday was another case in point.
As written earlier, so what if it came at home, and was only a short ODI series?

The fact that it was earned well and in tightly contested, well-fought matches, is a testament to the quality of cricket and the level of sportsman spirit in which the series was played.
The Kiwis are by far, the nicest cricketers around.
Suffice to say, if I had to wish that any team win any major tournament apart from my obvious preference for my country's team (India), I would any day root for New Zealand and South Africa.
Together, they are the most liked and skilled teams around - in not just cricketing skills but also in their demeanor.

With a population of just about 5 million, New Zealand is a classic example of a country that has harnessed its human and natural resources in perhaps one of the most optimal manners possible.


Apart from being a developed nation, in sports itself, the country has always remained among the best and most competitive cricket-playing nations, it has been a champion at rugby, and has also done commendably at soccer and various Olympic-category sports.

More than anything else, it is the manner in which they approach the game, and always play with their likeable and gentlemanly approach, which makes them respected as well as endearing.

Here's to New Zealand, and more power to countries like you!!
Well done India, and dear New Zealand, there is no loser in this series, but more power and respect to you!

MSD: Must Start Delivering

Just a few Februaries ago, there was a captain who could not put a foot wrong.

It was circa 2011, and MS Dhoni had been riding on the crest of series victories over Australia and New Zealand in both Tests and ODIs.

Even the Test series in South Africa (yes, that perennial 'away' tour bogey) was managed and salvaged with a respectable 1-1.

After the crest, came the crescendo - the ultimate - a World Cup victory, culminating in an incredible season of achievements and never-seen highs.

The unprecedented crests and highs were followed by the troughs and never-seen lows: the disastrous tours to England, Australia, the heart-wrenching home-series-loss to England, followed by the recent losses in South Africa and New Zealand.

The only reason MS has not had the axe is because we are talking about a man for whom the only cricketing trophy/tournament that he has played in and is yet to lift, is the Ranji Trophy!

The always-hallowed World Cup victories - in T20 as well as the ODI format, Test# 1 ranking, Champions Trophy victory, beating Australia on home turf in ODIs, even conquering the IPL and Champions League - the glitziest medals from all these competitions adorn the shelves of his cupboard.

However, this is not about results or stats alone. Not about just wins or losses.

As a matter of fact, not for nothing were questions raised about Dhoni's approach, even when India won the Test series but played out a draw in Dominica, West Indies - opting for an ultra-defensive approach and shutting shop in a possible chase for victory in the last Test, knowing that a draw was enough for the series win.

As Sidharth Monga points out, there have been quite a few such instances where Dhoni's defensive, meandering, unimaginative and / or simply reactive tactics have let the opposition rise from ruins, far too often for one's liking.

Given the increasing number of such instances, there has also been a proportional increase in a clamor for MS Dhoni to either change his approach or be changed.

The upcoming Asia Cup will also provide us with a glimpse of the mettle of Virat Kohli as captain.
Given the fact that (form and fitness being much the same as today), he is the one youngster who is a certainty for India in all formats of the game for the next few years to come, he is the best choice as heir apparent to MSD.

However, I am still not prepared to throw in the towel just yet.
I still believe MS will understand and introspect about what he is not doing as well as he should or can.

Just the way MS has persisted with quite a few players and given them a long(er?) rope during their lean times, I believe given all the achievements he has garnered at the helm, he too deserves to be given some extra time as well, in delivering outside home conditions.

Most importantly, the break might also help him analyze and hopefully galvanize himself, into becoming a lot more imaginative, dynamic and aggressive skipper.

Unless Dhoni delivers outside the subcontinent (yes, that ultimate benchmark for all Asian teams to get the 'tigers-at-home-lambs-abroad' monkey off their backs) - with, if not results, at least with sharper, better and more aggressive captaincy - the Februaries of 2010-11 will seem even more years away.

As a fan, as a pragmatic optimist, one is still hopeful that he will find a way to remodel himself into being more aggressive than defensive, and more proactive than reactive, in the near future.

All the best, MS!

Jai Ho!

Happy New Year and all that.
Yes, this is a review alright, but not a movie review, albeit a cricketing one.

It was the first series of the new year, and with the loss to New Zealand, we have now lost the numero uno ranking in ODIs in the new year.

It is not the loss that rankles fans like yours truly.
It is the insipid display of our batting (barring Kohli and Dhoni, and later Jadeja) in this series and the perennially toothless bowling attack that we have been enduring, which hurts.

There are times when the very first ball of the match sets the tempo - the immaculate line and length a bowler finds right from ball one, the agility and reflexes shown by the fielder(s), the team spirit and body language that is reflected in the way the team carries itself, and if batting, the intent, concentration, and discipline shown by the batsmen.

All these add up to make a cricket match exciting and accelerate its tempo, building up to a crescendo by the time the last ball of the series is bowled.
This time, however, the euphoria has ended much before the last ball of the series actually gets bowled, thanks to the series already having been lost by India, and the last match turning out to be a dead rubber.

As I said, it is not the result - victory or defeat will eventually follow, sooner or later, as per the efforts that are put up in either direction - it is the efforts, the process being followed (or the lack of it) which needs correction.

With the likes of Dhawan, Ishant Sharma, Raina, and to a a large extent, even Rohit Sharma, failing, the time has come for some serious introspection on what we need to do to perform better overseas.

Hopefully, we shall see a reformed and as the cliched new product commercials have us believe, a (New, Improved!!) Team India on its next important assignments overseas.

PS: Watch this space for more - we still have the Test series to go.
And with the change in personnel - someone like Pujara coming in, we still have hope for a better performance by our team in Test-ing conditions overseas too.

Hoping for better performances and victories eventually: Jai Ho!