New Delhi, June 16: The Indian players might have heaved a collective sigh of relief when they crashed out of the T20 World Cup on Sunday night: they can finally go home now and actually crash without worrying about a bat or ball for some time.
You could, of course, see the fatigue in Gambhir’s sluggish limbs, in Dhoni’s glazed eyes and Harbhajan’s half-hearted smiles; you could sense the resignation in the team’s body-language too: it was neither anywhere near its peak form, nor burning with intensity or raging for victory.
Clearly, too much of something, even if it is good for somebody else (fans, TV channels, sponsors, bank balances) is injurious for a champion side too. Yes, nothing kills like overkill. BCCI, please note.
The players have literally been on the run for almost a year now: they have fought battles in virtually all parts of the world, and in all conditions, and managed to win quite a few as well. It was eventually going to take its toll. It has. How long will they need to revitalize themselves? To feel the same hunger and desire for the game?
To be fair, though, the exit must have hurt the players badly: they were, after all, the defending champions and, for once, had even started as overwhelming favourites for the title. Moreover, they also had the batting, bowling and wherewithal this time to go all the way smiling. But in the end, it all proved to be only a chimera.
Interestingly, India’s chances blew hot and cold along with captain Dhoni’s disposition. Over the last few weeks, if not more, it was apparent that he was slowly stepping out of his affable self; earlier, he used to be patient, witty and earnest during his interactions with the media. Now, steadily, he is becoming edgy, grouchy and almost
suspicious.
True, he must easily be the most overworked player in the world today: he leads a side which boasts of a billion-plus minds, if not bodies; he keeps wickets which means he is the most active person on the field for at least half the match; and then, he features in almost every second ad on television now.
As if all that is not enough, he suddenly gets these urges to bat higher in the order. In the IPL, where he didn’t have enough backup in the middle order, it was a reasonable gambit. But when he has a power-packed lineup why should he take so much unrequired load?
The worst part is that he is trying to remodel himself on the biggest stage: Dhoni’s USP, as we all know, was his big-hitting ability and serenity in the dying stages. For quite some time now, he is trying to temper his batting, improve his defenses and evolve as a complete batsman. (Aside: is he planning to give up keeping in the future?)
Sadly, though, it is not working: India have suffered due to his quiet ways in the middle, in at least two games. The dot balls have ensured that the team invariably fell short of a few runs. There are, no doubt, a few other reasons too: the absence of Sehwag, and his blistering starts at the top; the ineffectiveness of Ishant with the ball and even lack of cohesion within the team.
Most importantly, however, India have lost tactically in this tournament. Firstly, they were blown away by, both, West Indies’ and England’s short-pitched bowling; secondly, Dhoni simply didn’t get his batting or bowling orders right. If sending a rookie like Jadeja at No. 4 screamed of disaster, one couldn’t understand why Yusuf didn’t
get a single over on Sunday.
After all, just a couple of days ago, in the earlier match, he was summoned during powerplay itself and even given his full quota. Why was he ignored completely this time? Also, did the team miss a regular opener? Indeed, was Dhoni being headstrong by sticking with Rohit Sharma, after his alleged fracas with Sehwag?
Well, clearly, the honeymoon is over for Dhoni. We don’t know if he has used up all his luck already or if this is just one bad phase; but we do know that he will be one of the few in the Indian team who won’t crash as soon as he sees a bed in the immediate future.
—Agencies–