Though I am not sure whether it was just a forced decision or a strategic move on the part of Indian think-tank, it certainly produced a champion player named M S Dhoni.
Around six months ago, I was witness to Dhoni's escapades for the India juniors at Nairobi. The way he went about bludgeoning the Pakistan 'A' attack made me wonder how on earth could a player like him remain unnoticed by the selectors. Already a matured cricketer, Dhoni must have been unlucky to have not grabbed the attention from the right people before.
I can understand the reason. He comes from a rather backward cricketing state, like Jharkhand. He also represented Bihar that hasn't produced too many top grade cricketers in recent years. The career graph of a player can definitely slow down if he does not get the opportunity to play for a well-recognised state association.
Dhoni seems to have suffered a delayed entry into international cricket by at least two good years. Good cricketers, however, never let the opportunities go by and also don't take much time to showcase their talent.
Rahul guided Dhoni very well in sharing his valuable temperament, which is the greatest virtue in international cricket. There is no better place for transfer of knowledge than at the centre of the wicket. It was a wonderful sight to see the interaction between the experienced senior and a hungry rookie.
One thing I didn't like is the unreasonable comparison of Dhoni with some of his own teammates by the media. Such media-hype can only add pressure on Dhoni. I am sure the lad from Jharkhand will soon come to terms with the success and realise that he has a long way to go.
Inzamam must be cursing his luck for losing the crucial toss. The side that bats in the second innings with a huge target in front and run-rates at the back of the mind always commits forced errors while in pursuit.
So far in the ODI series, bowlers have been literally reduced to minced meat. Sami should learn to bowl with variations on these wickets to keep the batsmen guessing. Once the batsmen have gauged the pace off the wicket, it's only the question of which ball to pick for scoring shots.
Pakistan's all-rounders have not been too productive so far. Bowlers like Hafeez and Afridi have been treated with scant respect. On such placid wickets, the half bowlers are further reduced to very ordinary bowlers. It is not a bad idea to stick to regular bowlers like Danish Kaneria, who can bowl with the intention of taking wickets rather than just containing the batsmen.
Pakistan's inability to contain the Indian batsmen in the first 15 overs has been the real problem.
It was once again the invincible Virender Sehwag who set the match for the Indians. His very presence at the crease is demoralising for the Pakistani team. In a way, Sehwag has spent more time with the Pakistan team than with his home team in this series.
Ganguly's cup of owes continued; the Pakistan bowlers find their lost rhythm at the very sight of him.
The Pakistani batsmen were no less aggressive in treating the Indian bowlers disdainfully. The Indian bowlers will have to be on guard and plan for every batsman.
Balaji and Zaheer bowled well within the stump lines and did a good restriction job. Ashish Nehra's four-wicket haul should do good to restore the faith in his own skills. Anyone who has been sitting out for a while might find his own confidence eroding. At the same time, he has to watch out for the run column.
Srinath's previous columns:
- Pakistan should reconsider batting order
- 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
