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Showing posts with label World Test Championship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label World Test Championship. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

India's Tour of Australia 2024-25: Lessons, Leadership, and the Road Ahead

The Indian cricket team’s recently concluded tour of Australia (2024-25) brought to light a mixture of promise and problems. Despite an emphatic start in Perth, India succumbed to a 3-1 series defeat in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While moments of individual brilliance shone through—like Yashasvi Jaiswal’s sublime 161 and Nitish Kumar Reddy’s gritty ton—the collective effort fell short. As India gears up for the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle starting June 2025 with a challenging tour of England, it's clear that significant decisions lie ahead.

Leadership Change: A Turning Point for the Test Team

The WTC cycle’s renewal offers a perfect juncture for recalibration, particularly in leadership. While Rohit Sharma’s captaincy has had its highs, the pressures of an intense schedule, combined with inconsistent performances, have spurred debates over the need for a fresh perspective. A younger leader, perhaps someone like Jasprit Bumrah or a batter in the leadership group, could bring renewed energy to the team. However, transitioning leadership requires meticulous planning. A new captain must be groomed alongside senior players to ensure stability and continuity during this critical phase.

Additionally, leadership in modern cricket goes beyond tactics—it demands empathy, adaptability, and a strong ability to nurture players, particularly during challenging times.

Building a Settled and Secure Team

One of the key takeaways from the Australian tour was the lack of consistency, especially in the batting lineup. The chopping and changing of personnel can destabilize players’ confidence and affect the team’s cohesion. A settled team allows individuals to focus on performance rather than their place in the XI.

Equally important is ensuring that players dropped from the squad or XI feel cared for and valued. Transparent communication, clearly defined roles, and consistent backing are vital. Players must know why they’ve been benched and what steps they need to take to earn their way back. Regular engagement with out-of-form or dropped players, psychological support, and clear pathways for return can help keep morale high.

Recommendations for a Balanced Transition Across Formats

1) Test Team: Combining Stability with Evolution

  • Groom Upcoming Talent: Players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill have shown potential but need time and mentorship to establish themselves as long-term pillars.

  • Domestic Performances Matter: Encouraging all players to participate in the Ranji Trophy will foster competitiveness and ensure form is rewarded.

  • Spotlight on Specialists: Building a strong middle order and ensuring consistent second-string players are groomed will help India deal with injuries and dips in form.

2) ODI and T20 Teams: Youth Meets Experience

In limited-overs formats, the challenge is balancing the exuberance of youth with the experience of seasoned campaigners.

  • Create Clear Roles: Players must be assigned specific responsibilities, whether they’re powerplay enforcers, death-over specialists, or anchors.

  • Revive Bench Strength: IPL and domestic performances should dictate selections, ensuring that players like Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, and Arshdeep Singh are integrated into the national setup when they peak.

  • Rotate and Rest: Rotating senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, while giving younger players more opportunities, can ease transitions without sacrificing competitiveness.

3) A Unified Vision for Indian Cricket

India’s cricket board must adopt a long-term vision:

  • Emphasize Domestic Cricket: Participation in domestic tournaments must be non-negotiable for players looking to return to form or break into the squad.

  • Robust Talent Pipelines: Programs like the National Cricket Academy’s emerging players camps should focus on holistic development, from technique to mental toughness.

  • Monitor Workloads: With packed schedules, managing player workloads is critical to ensuring longevity and sustained performance.

The Path Forward: Prioritize People, Not Just Performances

Cricket is not just about numbers on a scoreboard; it’s about the people who make up the team. Ensuring that every player feels valued, even in transitions, will create a culture of trust and loyalty. A settled team, clear roles, and empathetic leadership can help India overcome their recent struggles and establish themselves as a dominant force across formats.

As the Indian cricket team prepares for an eventful 2025, the lessons from the Australian tour serve as a blueprint. Balancing experience with youth, nurturing the next generation of cricketers, and fostering a culture of stability and empathy will be key to success. The next chapter of Indian cricket promises challenges but also immense opportunities to write a new, glorious story.

Jai Ho!

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Indian cricket: Going from good to great

The recent Test series victory that India secured over Bangladesh stands as a monumental achievement in Indian cricket history. Not only was it a significant step towards our qualification for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, but it also showcased the sheer dominance and resilience of the Indian team in challenging conditions. Let's delve into why this victory was so crucial and special for India.

From the context of the WTC Finals

When this Test series began, India's path to the WTC final was fraught with complexities and challenges. The arithmetic of our win percentage, combined with the permutations and combinations of other teams' schedules and win possibilities, presented a daunting equation. India needed five wins out of the next ten Tests to secure a spot in the WTC final. This included five Tests at home (two against Bangladesh and three against New Zealand) and five away in Australia.

The pressure was immense, as a single loss could significantly jeopardize our chances. The two inaugural wins against Bangladesh, especially the second Test, which was heavily affected by rain and poor drainage, were crucial in ensuring that we could achieve our target of five wins even before embarking on the challenging tour of Australia. These victories provided a much-needed buffer, allowing the team to approach the remaining Tests with a sense of confidence and reduced pressure.

Why this is special

The manner in which India achieved these victories made them truly special. The second Test against Bangladesh was a remarkable display of strategic brilliance and aggressive cricket. In a game heavily marred by weather disruptions, India manufactured a run-scoring blitz that left the cricketing world in awe. Over the course of just 32 overs, India broke four world records for the fastest-ever 50, 100, 150, and 200 in the history of Test cricket. This was a testament to the team's ability to adapt and dominate even in adverse conditions.

The first Test was a showcase of India's bowling prowess. Led by Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Siraj, the Indian bowling attack dismantled the Bangladeshi batting lineup with precision and skill. Bumrah's lethal pace, Ashwin's cunning variations, Jadeja's all-round brilliance, and Siraj's relentless aggression proved too much for the opposition. In Akash Deep, India found another strong backup, and potentially a contender for a regular spot in certain conditions.

The batting performances were equally commendable. Rohit Sharma's leadership was exceptional, both as a captain and a batsman. His fearless approach and astute field placements set the tone for the team. Alongside him, Yashasvi Jaiswal's incredible batting provided the team with a solid foundation. The first Test also saw a great rescue act from Jadeja and Ashwin, who displayed their batting prowess under pressure.

Breaking records and creating history

The second Test, in particular, was a game for the ages. India's run-scoring blitz not only ensured a victory but also etched their names in the record books. The fastest-ever 50, 100, 150, and 200 in Test cricket were achieved in a span of just two hours, creating complete mayhem for the Bangladeshi bowlers. This aggressive approach was a clear statement of intent, showcasing India's ability to shift gears and dominate the game at will.

Rohit Sharma's captaincy was instrumental in this historic achievement. His fearless approach, combined with brilliant tactical decisions, kept the opposition on the back foot. Rohit's leadership has been a revelation, as he led by example with his batting and inspired the team to push the boundaries of what is possible in Test cricket.

The emergence of new stars

The series also highlighted the emergence of new stars in the Indian team. Akash Deep's performance was a revelation, as he displayed venomous pace and impeccable control. His inclusion added depth to the already formidable Indian bowling attack, providing the team with more options and flexibility.

Yashasvi Jaiswal's batting was another bright spot. His composed and mature approach at the crease, combined with his ability to accelerate when needed, made him a valuable asset to the team. Jaiswal's partnership with Rohit Sharma at the top of the order laid a strong foundation for the team, allowing the middle order to capitalize on the starts.

A team effort

The series victory was a testament to the collective effort of the entire team. From the bowlers who relentlessly hunted down wickets to the batsmen who fearlessly scored runs, every member of the team played a crucial role. The support staff and coaches also deserve credit for their meticulous planning and preparation, which enabled the team to execute their strategies to perfection.

Looking ahead

With these victories, India has positioned itself strongly for the WTC final. The confidence gained from these wins will be invaluable as the team prepares for the challenging tour of Australia. The buffer created by these victories allows the team to approach the remaining Tests with a sense of freedom and confidence, knowing that they have already achieved a significant part of their objective.

The series against Bangladesh has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting and competitive journey towards the WTC final. The team's ability to perform under pressure, adapt to different conditions, and break records bodes well for their future endeavors.

Conclusion

The Test series victory over Bangladesh was crucial and special for India for several reasons. It provided the team with a much-needed buffer in their quest for the WTC final, showcased their ability to dominate and adapt in challenging conditions, and highlighted the emergence of new stars. The collective effort of the entire team, led by the brilliant captaincy of Rohit Sharma, ensured that India not only secured crucial wins but also created history along the way.

As the team looks ahead to the remaining Tests, the confidence gained from these victories will be instrumental in their pursuit of glory in the WTC final. The Indian cricket team's journey is a testament to their resilience, skill, and determination, and the series victory over Bangladesh is a shining example of their excellence in the longest format of the game.

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Pakistan cricket: Going from bad to worse

The world of cricket is filled with thrilling stories, unexpected victories, and heart-wrenching losses. The recent two-Test series between Bangladesh and Pakistan is a story that will be etched in the annals of cricket history. Bangladesh, a team often regarded as underdogs, achieved a historic feat by whitewashing Pakistan on their home soil in Test cricket. This victory, however, also casts a spotlight on the consistent downfall of Pakistan cricket, a decline that has been evident since last September's Asia Cup and has now culminated in this series loss.

Bangladesh’s glorious triumph: A new dawn

Bangladesh's triumph in Pakistan is nothing short of historic. For years, Bangladesh has been striving to establish itself as a formidable force in Test cricket. This series victory marks a significant milestone in their journey. The win is not just about the result; it’s about the grit, determination, and resilience that Bangladesh displayed throughout the series.

In the first Test in Rawalpindi, Bangladesh showcased their ability to dig deep and find glory in a time of upheaval. The team was up against a Pakistan side that, despite its recent struggles, still boasted experienced players and the advantage of playing on home turf. However, Bangladesh defied the odds. Their bowlers, led by the fiery pace of Taskin Ahmed and the spin wizardry of Taijul Islam, dismantled Pakistan's batting lineup, while their batsmen put up solid performances that gave them the upper hand.

The second Test in Karachi was the clincher. Bangladesh, having tasted blood in the first Test, went for the kill. The win was comprehensive, with the team dominating in all aspects of the game. Pakistan, on the other hand, looked listless and out of ideas, a shadow of the team that once ruled the cricketing world.

For Bangladesh, this series win is a validation of their hard work over the years. It also sends a strong message to the cricketing world: Bangladesh is no longer a team to be taken lightly. This victory will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they look ahead to future challenges.

Pakistan cricket’s steep decline

While Bangladesh’s victory is a cause for celebration, Pakistan’s performance in the series is a matter of grave concern. The decline in Pakistan cricket has been apparent for some time now, and this series loss is the latest in a series of disappointments.

The downfall began last September during the Asia Cup, where Pakistan, despite being one of the favorites, failed to reach the final. This was followed by a dismal performance in the ODI World Cup, where they were knocked out in the group stage. The T20 World Cup was no better, with Pakistan once again falling short of expectations.

The Test series against Bangladesh has now added another layer to Pakistan's woes. Losing at home to Bangladesh, a team that has traditionally struggled in foreign conditions, is a new low for Pakistan cricket. The series exposed several flaws in the Pakistan team: an inconsistent batting lineup, a bowling attack that lacks bite, and a team culture that seems to be crumbling under pressure.

The first Test in Rawalpindi was a microcosm of Pakistan’s current state. The team failed to capitalize on their home advantage, with their batsmen struggling to put runs on the board and their bowlers unable to contain Bangladesh’s batsmen. The second Test in Karachi was even more alarming, with Pakistan’s performance deteriorating further. The team seemed devoid of any fight or spirit, as Bangladesh outplayed them in every department.

The root causes of Pakistan’s downfall

Pakistan’s decline cannot be attributed to a single factor. Instead, it is the result of several issues that have been festering for some time.

One of the primary reasons is the lack of stability in the team. Over the past year, Pakistan cricket has seen frequent changes in leadership, coaching staff, and team selection. This has created an environment of uncertainty, with players unsure of their roles and positions in the team. The lack of a consistent and clear strategy has also contributed to the team’s poor performances.

Another issue is the lack of investment in domestic cricket. Pakistan’s domestic structure has been criticized for not producing quality players who can perform at the international level. The gap between domestic and international cricket in Pakistan is widening, and the current crop of players is struggling to bridge that gap.

The mental aspect of the game is also a concern for Pakistan. The team has often been criticized for lacking the mental toughness required to succeed at the highest level. This was evident in the recent series against Bangladesh, where Pakistan crumbled under pressure, while Bangladesh thrived.

The road ahead: Can Pakistan rebuild?

The question now is: where does Pakistan cricket go from here? The first step towards rebuilding is acknowledging the issues and addressing them head-on.

Pakistan needs to bring stability to the team. This means appointing a captain and coaching staff who can provide clear direction and strategy. The selectors also need to be consistent in their choices, giving players a fair chance to prove themselves.

Investing in domestic cricket is crucial. Pakistan needs to revamp its domestic structure to produce players who are ready for international cricket. This includes providing better facilities, coaching, and opportunities for young players to develop their skills.

Mental toughness is another area that needs attention. Pakistan’s players need to develop the ability to handle pressure and perform in high-stakes situations. This can be achieved through mental conditioning programs and by playing more high-pressure matches.

Finally, Pakistan cricket needs to rediscover its fighting spirit. The team that once took pride in being unpredictable and resilient has lost its way. Pakistan needs to go back to its roots, playing fearless and aggressive cricket.

Conclusion: A tale of two contrasting teams

The Bangladesh-Pakistan Test series is a tale of two teams heading in opposite directions. For Bangladesh, this series win is a historic achievement that will inspire future generations. For Pakistan, it is a wake-up call that things need to change, and quickly.

As Bangladesh celebrates its victory, Pakistan must take a long, hard look in the mirror. The decline of Pakistan cricket is a sad sight for fans who have witnessed the team’s glorious past. However, with the right steps, there is hope that Pakistan can rebuild and return to its former glory. The journey will be long and challenging, but for a cricket-loving nation like Pakistan, it is a journey worth taking.

Friday, June 25, 2021

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!

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 20, 2021

IndiaA, IndiaA!!! IndiaA, IndiaA!!!

It's a new year and after what was pretty much a calamitous 2020 for the entire world, at least when it comes to Indian cricket, we couldn't have had a more resounding start to the new year!!

Actually, things began taking a turn for the better right after Christmas 2020, with the Boxing Day Test itself where we registered a historic win, which was followed by an unforgettable heist to achieve a draw at Sydney in the first week of the new year by our bravehearts, culminating in a crescendo of indescribable proportions with the unbridled joy on conquering what used to be called - attention all Aussies, especially Tim Paine: past tense now - what used to be called - a fortress for Australia, the Gabbatoir.

There are so many things one feels as a cricket lover and as an Indian team fan, yet there's precious little that I have which can be explained in words.

Some of my friends have pointed to certain sections in the cricketing world (you can guess and even expect the geo-coordinates of such people! It must also be mentioned though, that in all fairness, not everyone from such locations is bereft of objectivity and fairmindedness. So we are talking of only some/most (but not all) Burnol-worthy, jealousy-driven zealots from certain locations in Asia). They deserve to only be ignored and prayed for. Nothing less, nothing more.

You don't even need to be an Indian fan, not even a Test match specialist. All you need to be is to not be a bigoted, blinded supporter who would hate to see India win anywhere against anyone.

In any case, if you cannot appreciate this from India, there's nary a chance you ever will.

So let that be as it may, one can only pity those who understand cricket and even know the importance and magnitude of such a series win, but fall short of duly accepting or acknowledging it. Such achievements, are anyway not dependent on anyone's certificate or the lack of it.

Sample this: the last time we won in Australia two years ago, in 2018-19, there was a lot of talk about Smith and Warner being away from the squad and hence, it was seen as a win that wasn't against their best team - as if we had kept the two out, instead of it being the result of their own shenanigans.

Despite that, 2 years later, when we toured again, we already landed with a depleted squad. 

Ishant was ruled out of the entire tour right from the IPL. Rohit did not reach Australia till the second Test and so he could play only two (half of the) Test matches and Virat had to return back on paternity leave right after the first Test.

It was pretty much an India A team that we had fielded. Even with that team, people began getting injured, hit and replaced. Hanuma Vihari, Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, R Ashwin, Navdeep Saini (soon into the fourth Test).

If this is not backs to the wall stuff, what else is?

From losing the first test after getting dismissed for 36 on Dec 19 to becoming 2-1 winners in the same series exactly a month later on Jan 19 with pretty much an India A squad (or even lesser), it could not have got better than this. Fairy tales might look more realistic in comparison.

And yet, we did it!

We did what no team has done. With not just two players out, but almost the entire first-choice team being out injured or unavailable. We did it despite a historic loss and humiliation. We did it, despite every kind of targeted, hostile bowling and equally targeted, equally hostile behavior by the haughty Aussie team.

We marched on and achieved the unthinkable. To beat the Aussies in their own. Correction: We beat the full-strength Aussie team with our second-string Indian team in their own den. Even at their so-called fortress. Even when we did not have to or need to win the match to win the trophy. We would have won the trophy even.after just drawing the final Test.

But this is why is the new Team India.

This is why champions are made of sterner stuff.

This is why we won, even when we did not have our best personnel.

We won it when Pujara hobbled and winced in pain after taking body blows but did not cower and did not leave until getting out and ensuring we were not going to lose the match.

We won it when Vihari and Ashwin braved every bruise, every hamstring, every back pain, every ounce of their patience and ability to see through the Aussie battery in Sydney.

We won it when Rahane, Gill, Jadeja, Pant, Saini, Sundar, Thakur, Bumrah, Siraj, Rohit and Saini kept punching above their weight ball after ball, game after game. 

We would have won it even if all our players were asked to bat on one leg.

We won because everyone in that team had self-belief and a never-say-die attitude. Combined with dignified aggression. All these are qualities which only one team had in the series. And it wasn't Australia.

Thank you Team India, for providing such a spectacle, such  joy, such a series. Truly the best win till date and one to savor for the ages!!

It was a privilege to watch this team do the unthinkable and in such grand style, despite such adverse circumstances - beating Australia in Australia two times in a row!! Too good, keep it up!!

Jai Ho!!


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!!