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There's always room for change
MPost10 Dec 2012 3:37 AM GMT
Till Sunday India hadn't lost a Test at Eden Gardens since 1999. It was here that India scripted one of its most memorable victories, beating Australia after following on, in March 2001. Eleven years later, the same historic ground became witness to one its most wounding defeats. We may still be bad losers outside the sub-continent, but we had a home record to be proud of. Until that myth was gravely shattered by the present England team.
While we all knew the outcome of the Eden Test since Saturday, as fans, we have reasons to believe that a complete overhaul of the present squad is needed badly. The selectors have announced three changes in the team for the series decider Nagpur Test starting 13 December. While there shouldn't be any argument doubting the axing of Zaheer Khan, Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh, going by performance, the present team can't retain certain players, no matter how great they are. This list includes Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir and Ishant Sharma. It is indeed sad that a cricketer of Sachin's stature should allow even the dumbest of cricket lover to comment on his batting abilities. We have been privileged to watch the master cast magic for over two decades now.
It's time he lets someone else have a go at his records.
Similarly, skipper Dhoni too needs a jolt to wake up from the slumber. He's a very good batsmen who can score big at a more consistent rate. But while Dhoni's batting in the longer format has always been under scanner, his leadership skills too raise awkward questions presently. With Gambhir, Dhoni also must go through the rigours of domestic cricket for a full season, something he hasn't done much since his international debut. If these players perform well for their respective states, the door to the India team should always be open to them.
The selection of Ravindra Jadeja is a good sign that should encourage youngsters. He has scored two triple centuries in two weeks in the present Ranji Trophy which made his case too big to ignore.
Similarly, Manoj Tiwary, India's favourite dressing room item, too should have got a chance for some consistent performances in all formats. If Piyush Chawla, who hasn't done anything worthwhile in recent times, can get a call back, the Tiwarys and Badrinaths do have reasons to feel left out. Some changes have been made and we can only hope for a better tomorrow.
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