Ooh Aah India?

Dhiman Chattopadhyay / TNN / Oct 30, 2006, 23:24 IST

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The year 2006 has not been great for Dravid's devils. Most experts agree unanimously that something's seriously wrong with the team.

The year 2006 has not been great for Dravid's devils. Most experts agree unanimously that something's seriously wrong with the team.
Wise men tell us if you don't succeed at first, try, try and try again. Team India has been 'trying' to follow this maxim for quite some time now. But in the Chappell-Dravid era they have, more often than not, flattered to deceive.
If the 4-1 one-day defeat in the Caribbean and the ego hurting test series loss to Pakistan earlier this year wasn't enough, their performance in the last month has been nothing short of embarrassing.
Is something seriously wrong with the Indian side? Can they bounce back today and win against the all-conquering Aussies?

"Of course, this team has the potential to bounce back. But not unless they win the mental battle with themselves. But most players seem to be under pressure. Their averages for 2006 are mostly less than 20," says former Indian wicket-keeper Nayan Mongia.
Another former star, Ajay Jadeja holds back when asked if the latest methods of 'army training', psychiatric sessions and other exercises have had an adverse effect on the team. "I can't question the coach and the captain's methods. But yes, something is seriously wrong somewhere. In the last 10 months everyone seems to be beating us. I mean, except one series win again Sri Lanka at home, what have we achieved?" he points out.

Another man who is worried is Ajit Wadekar, aman who has donned the national colours in several avatars — player, captain, coach and manager. "The team looks completely confused. No one seems to be sure about their role anymore. Australia follows a rotation policy too, but it's a man-to-man replacement there. In cricket, there is a term called 'comfort zone'. I think if you ask the players now, most of them would say they are in a 'discomfort zone'.
Many senior players too are speaking about this now. I know it for a fact. There is a serious dearth of mental preparation. The term 'experimentation' has been taken a bit far," says Wadekar. Former India opener Anshuman Gaekwad, who also coached the side, agrees completely. . "Experimenting is fine up to a point. Beyond that it's plain rubbish. And that's exactly what's going on.
After the Motera match, I was chat . - ting with Vishwanath (former India star) and former chairman of selectors Gundappa Vishwanath, and we were wondering if Pathan was being killed as a cricketer because he was being forced into an all rounder's role early on in his career." Despite all this, questions remain – kya India jitega? Will the men in blue finally deliver? As Bob Dylan sang, The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind.
hyderabadtimes@indiatimes.com

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