Surprise!! Surprise!!
Not a common word. But yes, Life is full of Surprise............
Yesterday we saw yet another surprise on the cricketing ground in the very first and historic ever Test match between India & Pakistan.
Indian first inning is declared on 675/5. Sehwag played superbly and it does require character to play that ton of 300. Hands up to his innings.
Then come the real surprise towards the end of Day’s play with little over 16 overs remaining, India’s newly found officiating Captain Rahul Dravid declared the innings. Everyone is taken surprise by that decision including little master.
People or even critics termed it as BOLD DECISION, I felt it was one of DRAVIDIYAM PRANAYAM. Having said that, no Individual stands, when it comes to team or team Sprit, but in this case this decision certainly requires some explanation.
If we could analyze the decision, then Sachin would have required another 2 overs or max 3 to complete another double ton and that too consecutive one. Mind you, it really requires something special within you to achieve that milestone. Vinod Kambli has done it in past and it would have been Sachin at this time.
What differences it could have made, if Rahul could have delayed his decision by 2/3 over? Point could be put forward saying like Indian Bolwers need some time, especially end overs to grab a wicket or two. Is the total of 670 + is not enough for India bowler’s to bowled out inexperienced Pakistani side?
Do we really have bowlers of the class of Mcgrath, Lee, Hadlee etc. in the present Indian squad that could have made the difference in the remaining 10 overs? I am neither doubting their capabilities nor saying they cannot become great bowlers like Mcgrath, Hadlee etc..but at present they are not !!.
Another interesting thing would be if we compare the Indian and Pakistan Bowling Line-up, then certainly Pakistan bowling line-up has little edge over Indian counterpart. Considering this, if Pakistani bowling line-up is ineffective on flat batting track, how could new & inexperienced Indian Bowling attack could have given us another SURPRISE of 3/4 wickets. Definitely Cricket is game of uncertainty/surprise and no one can say what is lined up next, but this seems to be a bit difficult if we look at ground situation or for that matter the records.
Having said that team comes first than any individual’s records, but I think a little Gesture is also required in certain cases and certainly in this case.
I am sure Rahul will get many occasion to prove his captaincy, but this case was not fit for that. I am a great fan of Rahul Dravid and in recent times he has proved his mettle and capability, but after this decision his images is a bit shaken I guess.........
Lastly day is gone by, decision is taken and past can not be reverted back, but question does come to mind who is happy or feeling GOOD by this decision..........
Rahul Dravid, a Indian Captain
Rahul Dravid, an Individual
12 Member Indian squad sitting in Dressing room
Govt. of India, who’s really Feeling GOOD now a days : ) OR
100 Crore Cricket savvy Indian Population who praises Sachin as Cricket’s GOD