Indian cricket fans are looking forward to new season, commencing from 24th September with Irani Trophy. The Champion Trophy was cancelled and rightly so because when Pakistan can't guarantee safety of its own citizens, how it can guarantee safety of International players. Pakistan's condition is worsening day-by-day and probably god only knows who is running Pakistan.
So, selectors came up with news that will keep cricket lovers, followers and journalists occupied for next fortnight. Yes, it is about Mr. Saurav Ganguly. It is clear that selectors have dropped him after taking a comprehensive view of fab-four otherwise it would have been Dravid first to go.
A fighter like Ganguly will not go down silently. Ganguly will perform, make a come back and then retire on his own terms. Thats what I feel. When Steve Waugh was going through a bad patch, Australia chief selector spoke to him after second test and very clearly told," Steve, if we don't see improvement from here, the fifth test match of the series may be your last match test." Steve Waugh scored half centuries in third and fourth test match and a century in fifth test match to secure his place. It happened in 2002-2003. And then he quit cricket in 2004 on his own terms.
But this is Australian way of motivation, transparency and communication. When Greg Chappel tried it, Ganguly came up in media and made emotional statements to stir-up controversy. Ultimately it turned out to be worst battle between a captain and coach in which captain lost.
The more interesting part for me is how Tendulkar, Dravid and Laxman wash Mendis agony against Australians. Let’s accept Australian bowling attack is weak and if Brett lee is not able to solve his personal issues in next one week, it may be weaken further. You can't expect more from God as a Indian test match batsman. Score tons of runs and that too against Australia and you are in for next ten test matches. Also, Indian public remembers performance in home matches for a longer time. So, more ads, more contracts and life secured for next 1 year at least.
My player for next season is Virat Kohli. He is cut above the rest and he will find place in one day squad last playing 11. Now Dhoni has to think whom Virat will replace.
*I must tell you a story about this lad's dedication. Virat was batting against Karnataka at 40 odd runs in a domestic match and his father was critical. Virat went home after day's game was over and his father expired. He had option to not resume his batting but to complete last duty as son. But no, this lad came back to match on time, batted and scored some 90 odd runs because Delhi was struggling against Karnataka. He was not out but declared out by umpire. Then he went home and completed his duties. If nothing else, it definitely speaks about mental make-up of Virat Kohli. He will certainly go a long way.
Mohd. Kaif has received manna from God. But he has to perform out of his skin to cash this opportunity. And I think Kaif realizes it. He is a limited strokes player, but he has mental toughness to graft an innings. His critical success factor would be to play as sub-ordinate of Laxman and stitch partnerships.
Rohit Sharma may have to warm the bench if both, Shehwag and Tendulkar make a come back in ODI team. I can see another Mark Ram Prakash in Rohit Sharma and I don't see him travelling very far. He and Yuvi may finally become permanent member of India 20-20 team. Sachin Tendulkar has been included in ICC ODI 11 and if he retires at this juncture, it will benefit both, him as well as a budding youngster. I am not sure if Tendulkar too misses to read selector's mind like Viv Richards did and opted for retirement after being dropped.
My score line for India Australia test series would be 2-1 in favor of India. I think India-England series would be more exciting than India-Australia series in this season.
* - I heard Virat Kohli story from former test cricketer, Mr. Rakesh Shukla.
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