The win in Kochi was a big respite for the Indian skipper.
Firstly, any captain, while leading the team, draws inspiration and motivation from his own performance. It might not be technically correct for a captain to admit it, but the truth remains that a captain is at his best only when his performance is consistent.
Over the years, Sourav Ganguly has leaned more towards the one-day format. During a lean patch, like the recent one, it is easy for him to come back to form quickly in the one-dayers than the Test matches. But the lack of form can continue from one version of the game to the other. Sadly for him, his recent form in Tests has not helped him so far.
A player derives his confidence out of his own performance. Out of form in cricket means scoring fewer runs or taking fewer wickets. But the real reason behind this problem is the layers of negativity that forms in the mind of the player. It could be because of pressure from the different corners in terms of expectation or stagnation in the learning process.
The dual responsibility of a captain to look after his team as well his own performance is quite demanding. Ganguly, who is at the helm of affairs for a quite long time now, certainly realises it. But, then, every cricketer goes through this lean patch at some point of his career and I am sure Ganguly will overcome it soon.
Sehwag and Rahul were at their best in Kochi. Sehwag's brutality and Rahul's sense of responsibility saved India after an embarrassing start. Sehwag's innings was ideal under hot and humid conditions. It was just an innings of stand and deliver. A six over mid-wicket while in the 90s indicates his consistent approach throughout the innings.
The Indian skipper mentioned in the press that 282 was a winning score. But, to my knowledge, we surely fell short of 30 runs.
The Indian seamers bowled in good lines. Zaheer seemed quite charged up to make amends for his previous mistakes. When bowling full steam, no doubt, he appears to be the best bowler. Balaji is continuously learning and performing, and his wicket-taking ability helped India make early breakthroughs.
But it was Sachin who looked threatening with his huge leg breaks. Getting a five-wicket haul for the second time, and that too at the same venue, is something special. In case his bat fails to deliver, he alone has the all round ability to bowl match winning spells. Most importantly, one could always see the child-like joy in his expressions after every dismissal.
Inzamam was subjected to complete deception with his faster one. By the end of the match, Sachin shared the limelight with Sehwag, overshadowing Rahul's efforts.
Pakistan's fielding was a big let down. The team had to pay a huge price for dropping Sehwag and missing out on Rahul's run out. Sami and Rana bowled with purpose and plan. They used the short-pitched deliveries effectively as the Kochi wicket had some bounce in the first hour of the game. The same ploy might not be effective on all other dry wickets.
Bob Woolmer might have to reconsider the batting order of Afridi, who plays a pivotal role for the team. Afridi's predominant front foot batting could be dangerous against the Indian bowlers. It was indeed a good idea to send him at number seven in Australia where the new ball bounce doesn't allow him to come forward. But subcontinent wickets are made for such players.
Afridi could open the innings in the next matches. Even their best players, like Inzamam and Youhana, might consider coming up the order. Pakistan knows that fall of wickets always adds pressure down the order.
Srinath's previous columns:
- India need to contain Afridi
- Instability showing in the Indian team
- Much ado about Bhajji's 'doosra'
- Sachin's partnerships with Rahul were crucial
- Looking for a fifth dimension in bowling
- A story of courageous fighting
