Whose Line is it anyway???

The 55-day India tour of West Indies will commence tomorrow amidst hype, much expectations and new challenges. With our boys having done well in the warm match in Jamaica yesterday, they for sure are in high spirits.  The members of the team and the rest of the nation are keeping their eyes and ears open on the ‘recovered’ return of Sachin Tendulkar into the team. The presence of the little master may be a morale booster, but it remains to be seen how the performance of the team will better.

 With the burnout issue irking all the players and the BCCI giving their piece of mind to players as and when necessary,  these highly ranked heroes have to juggle between setting their minds on and off the game and their performance. Undoubtedly, winning a series in the Caribbean and creating history will be the priority in each ones mind. What puts me down, is the over confidence pouring in from the former players and commentators who write columns and columns in news papers and on websites about how India are the champions, even before the start of the series. While confidence is what it takes to move on the winning path, overconfidence is just what it will take to shatter the dreams. I sometimes cant stop rolling with laughter after reading some of these columns, as they (the writers) come out with arbid topics like, Would Saurav Ganguly have made a difference? and even ridiculous `Dravids third honeymoon’!

Its high time one becomes practical and analyse whats given to them. If only the If’s and But’s can be erased and one focuses on the resources available, things would well be in place. The other day, I was reading one such column, which compared the present Indian team to the team led by Wadekar in the early 70’s. Most of us weren’t even born to witness that historic win and hence its difficult for the present generation to put ourselves in their shoes and think if Dravid can become another Wadekar? The game has changed, attitude has tremendously mended, strengths and weakness differ way too much. I think it would do a lot of good if these former players are given pensions like what our central government does, and keep them out of the game.

Coming back to the present team, for me, what is more important than whose a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian in the team, is to see how different our boys are and their capability. Come to think of it, we of course have young and energetic lads who can do well on the field and on the SCREEN. If there is one factor to be worried about its that of inexperience. Over the years the tracks in West Indies have become slow and the bowlers will have bend his back very close to the ground, if he intends to bowl a bouncer. As many sports journalists reveal, one can expect very little assistance from the pitch. The very fact that the West Indian bowlers are aware of the conditions may prove a big advantage for Lara and his team.

Originally, the Carrabian bowlers are highly respected for their speed guns they use. They may not be in par with the Aktar’s and the Lee’s, but they do have a natural speed weapon which at their home can come very handy. Dhoni, now everygal’s fancy, think the Windies bowler don’t pose a great threat as much as the Flintoff and others. In an interview, he said, “As a cricketer you are always looking to improve but it does not mean there are any undue concerns about their fast bowlers and their pace. I faced Andrew Flintoff at home and he was bowling genuinely quick with bounce. So there is no alarm as such about the West Indian fast bowlers."

That’s Dhoni for U! Next is the replica of our little master, Sehwag. He has vowed not to go for shots, at every ball being bowled but instead get to defense whenever he can. Well maid, points on the ICC rankings do matter right? They need to go up and you are right about resolving to defend, as a quick 20 or 30 will not fetch you the points. But his fans for sure wont appreciate that oath.

However, everyone is being impatient about who is going to open in the Test matches?  The captain tried his hand last time, but this time around he has two more to options- Gautam Gambhir and his state mate, Robin Uttappa. The latter would possibly not get a chance but as the team is into a experimenting spree nothing can be ruled out.

In terms of experienced bowlers, we have Kumble to rely on. Ajit Agarkar can be called as another, but his inclusion in the team doesn’t necessarily mean he will figure in the eleven member list. However, the captain will hope the lad can create some miracles with his reverse swings.

History is going to be repeated. We are going to win an overseas test for the first time in 35 years. I am an optimist. Would like to thik so, and the whole of Indians are with the team to achieve this victory. Lets hope for the best and leave the commentators blurt at their will and wish!