Indian Cricket Team

It was the final day of the first test match between India and Australia. India had been posed a target of 216 to chase. And, nobody on the slow wicket of subcontinent could have predicted a winner (although the target was low. India had a sensible start of the fifth day with Laxman and Tendulkar partnering in a 43 run stand. But, then Aussies clawed back taking three quick wickets. And at a stage of the match India was stumbling at 124-8. Undoubtedly, the game had swung in favour of the opposition.

Now, at one end the splendid batsman Laxman was still standing tall. At the other end batsman came and went by. But, then Ishant Sharma stepped at the crease. And already with his bowling figures of 3 wickets conceding 34 runs he looked contended and confident. But, this 22 year youngster correctly realised that still there was unfinished business! He had done well with the bowl. Now, he had to show some cricketing character as a batsman. And he made a healthy contribution of 31. His innings was composed of five boundaries. Laxman too relied on him and was readily giving strike to Ishant. Finally, this 81 run stand was broken. But, we scraped the match by one wicket! This match can be regarded as one of the best encounters between India and Australia.

Another close encounter and Dhoni’s men have held their nerve to accomplish victory. And this was India’s closest Test win ever by wickets! In the recent past as well against Sri Lanka at their home we showed noble charisma. We broke our jinx of not winning a test series by tying the series at 1-1. We also won the Asia Cup in emphatic fashion. And against South Africa and Australia too we have shown immaculate character in the recent years.

Irrefutably, team India is consistently refining its performance. The players are showing maturity. Our team no longer is dependent on one man. Now we don’t collapse at the fall of Sachin. Niether are we erratic as before. We are showing the winning urge. We are now capturing the key points in a series and particularly in a match. We are rising at big occasions. I sense we are essentially now playing at our full potential and displaying to the cricketing sphere the extravagant prodigious talent we possess.

And, I think that one man has played a major role in this Indian triumph over the years. And, it’s none other than “Mahendra Singh Dhoni”. From his appointment as captain in the T20 world cup in 2007 where he led India home he has been the guide and soul of the team. His composed and cool nature has helped the team members be poised and perform to their capability in critical scenarios!

At the end I feel that although Australia in their era of dominance was a class apart; the Indian team too is climbing up the ladder! No wonder if they continue to perform and rise at big occasions, they are the next insurmountable team we are going to witness!!

Tags: Australia, Cricket, India, Sports, Test Cricket