Friday, November 04, 2005

Future..It is very exciting!

It wasn't easy.
It took effort. It took team effort.
Very rarely has India outclassed its rivals in a one-day international series in such a convincing manner. A new captain, a new order. And world's second best one-day team.
The manner in which Rahul Dravid has led India to an unassailable 4-0 lead is impressive to say the least.
Skipper Dravid's words during the presentation ceremony shall set aside the worries of many a doubting Thomas. "That (Dhoni's innings) was simply brilliant. In the last two games in Dhoni, Venugopala Rao and Raina we have seen the future of Indian batting. It is very exciting." Indeed! May not be, for a few.
Pune was the toughest Test Sri Lanka put India through so far in this One-day series for the Videocon Cup.
Winning the Pune match was vital for Sri Lanka to keep the seven-match series alive. This was supposed to be the turning point of the series.
In sharp contrast from the first three matches, Indian batting was asked some searching questions, first by pacers Chaminda Vaas and Ranjit Fernando. As Muttaiah Muralitharan gleefully applied the brakes on Indian chase, suddenly 261 looked a tantalizing score.
The early loss of Tendulkar and a sedate Virender Sehwag were not the things Indian management was looking for. The usual No-3 experiment did not work either as Yuvraj Singh perished in his attempt to quicken the chase.
Time had come for Dravid to lead from the front. Pressure was building and captain had to build his side's innings. He did an admirable job by putting India on the right track.
Yet neither Dravid nor Venugopala Rao could finish off the chase on their own.
How lucky that eventually proved for the Indian team. Crisis situations provide the stage for the unsung to have their say.
At Pune, Rao and Raina grabbed their chances. The ease and élan with which Raina and Mahendra Dhoni scripted the win augur well for India.
Dhoni showed he can read the game and play accordingly. Here was Mr Sixer urging Raina to steal singles and keep the scoreboard moving. Such a long distance from Jaipur to Pune!
Many were convinced that the young man at the crease with flowing mane was Dhoni only when he hit Russel Arnold for two consecutive sixes in the 46th over, to seal the win.
Victory has many facets, victors have many faces.

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