The Hindu : Indians' self-belief to the fore

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Nov 17, 2002

Sport

Sport - Cricket

Indians' self-belief to the fore

It was yet another amazing run-chase by India. After the NatWest final, the Indians successfully got to 325 this time to notch up a memorable win in Ahmedabad.

More than the runs made, what stood out in this Indian team was its confidence and self-belief. Time and again, the batsmen have been able to deliver under pressure.

The manner in which India bounced back, after the two strokemakers at the top of the order, skipper Sourav Ganguly and Virender Sehwag, departed rather early, was indeed praiseworthy.

Rather than just indulge in big-hitting, the Indians batted intelligently, keeping the score-board moving. This meant the pressure was always on the West Indian bowlers.

The partnership between V.V.S. Laxman and Rahul Dravid was crucial, and this is where a platform was built for the victory. Laxman played some brilliant shots, and the asking rate was kept within reasonable limits.

Dravid played the role of a pivot to perfection, and it was because he rotated the strike and held one end up, the West Indian bowlers were unable to make the breakthroughs.

Do not forget Dravid had kept wickets for three and a half hours, and then batted for more than three hours. This does show his levels of fitness. Over the years, I have seen well known batsmen donning the role of the anchor. Cricketers like Javed Miandad and Allan Border, quality batsmen, were known for keeping their end up.

And what can I say about Bangar's blazing knock. It just was a stunning effort. More than the scintillating strokes he played, what struck me was the calmness with which he approached the job on hand. He was so cool, and appeared supremely confident that he could pull it off for India.

Now there are so many cricketers who can deliver in the Indian team. Previously, it used to be only Sachin Tendulkar. Then Yuveraj and Kaif, and later Ganguly and Sehwag, provided famous victories. This time, it was the turn of Dravid and Bangar. The side has so many options now, and is not dependent on a few cricketers for its successes. With the World Cup approaching, this is a big plus for India.

However, India has its work cut out in bowling. Apart from Harbhajan and, to an extent, Murali Kartik, who was making a comeback, the other frontline bowlers hardly impressed. The West Indies has a similar problem in bowling, and this has been a series, so far, where the bat has dominated. It must also be said that the pitches too have been placid.

In the West Indian innings Chris Gayles' innings was outstanding. He played some huge shots, and carried on to make a big hundred. From a West Indian point of view, it was sad that the openers' effort went in vain. Ramnaresh Sarwan's innings was also a pleasing one. However, it was Dravid and Bangar, who finally made a difference in the match.

www.krishsrikkanth.com

By K. Srikkanth

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