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Time to reverse
the trend in SA for Dravid’s men |
A Preview to the SA-Ind ODI Series by Noel
David, Former India Cricketer, November 19, 2006
The Afrikan Safari is just about to begin for
Rahul Dravid’s men. The New Wanderers in
Johannesburg will be their first test of the
54-day long tour. The Indian team will face one
of its most difficult tasks as they have
realized how different the wicket conditions are
in South Africa. They have already learnt a
lesson in Benoni in the warm-up One Dayer
against Rest of South Africa on how tough it
would be against the pace and the bounce
generated by the Proteas.
Batting has been India’s strength but somehow
the middle order hasn’t been coming good in the
recent times. Our chances in the game do depend
on how Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag fire
up at the top of the order. It is always good to
see Rahul Dravid in the middle order. He is good
at getting the youngsters to rally around him
and is one man who stays till the end.
Youngsters like Kaif, Raina, Dinesh Mongia and
Dhoni have to contribute big sores to take India
to a massive total if they do bat first. Unless
the team puts up a 250 plus score, there is
hardly any chance against a South African side
that has always batted deep down the order.
 The
bowling department looks more matured now with
the return of the ace leg spinner Anil Kumble
along with Zaheer Khan. The left arm pacer might
look to make amends for his match losing efforts
with the ball in the World Cup Finals at this
same venue three years ago that is. As far as
Kumble is concerned, it would be a morale boost
to the side as they can expect some key wickets
from him in the middle overs that should be
crucial. As for me, India should go in with the
one spinner in Anil Kumble. Harbhajan Singh
might be brought in later depending on how the
Proteas handle Kumble. The conditions for
today’s match might be overcast as it has been
raining in Jo’burg. There should be enough aid
for the swing and the seam bowlers.
India’s success in the last three years or so
has depended to an extent on Irfan Pathan’s
performance with the new ball. Well Pathan has
been underperforming for a long time and it is
time for him to deliver it now as a lot depends
upon him as he can make inroads with the late
swing he can get with the new ball. All Pathan
has to do is drive confidence from the past
performances of his and just go out and enjoy
his stint of bowling and batting as he is one of
the best all rounders we have in the present
lot.
If there is one dimension of the game that we
have always lagged behind, then it is fielding.
With Yuvraj not in the side, it is very
important for Kaif, Raina to field as well as
they do and motivate the rest of the nine
players to do the same. Everyone has to
contribute in this aspect of the game and
basically they need to go all out with their
efforts. The Indian team needs to live on the
examples of the past greats of fielding, the
likes of Azhar, Robin Singh, Ajay Jadeja who
were so good and lively on the field that
batsmen would think twice to take a single off
them. These players used to throw themselves on
the ball, pounce on anything that looks to be
coming towards them in a flash.
I know India has won just the 18 times versus
the 30 wins of SA in the 50 games played between
the two sides and also the fact that India has
won just thrice in 16 matches against South
Africa in their home. The time has come to
reverse the trend and if Dravid’s boys can come
out flying in batting, bowling and fielding,
then there is no stopping for the Men in Blue in
having the South Africans in a net! It is easier
said than done of course and that is why it has
been one hell of a task beating the Proteas in
their den.
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