Indian Cricket, time for status check

Indian cricket is back in the stage where it needs a good hard look at itself and introspect very self-critically. Even though, the debacle seems very hard to accept since India has played World Cup Semi Finals in the previous two of three world cups and boasts of a line up of some of the best batsmen of the world, it can prove as a blessing in disguise.

I guess Indians should not be rattled with this. This is a part of game and every now and then there has to be a reality check. It is occasions like these that should be used for reality check instead of finding scape goats.

Almost every quarter of the critic lobby is calling for ouster of Greg Chappell. And yet again, I feel totally differently about it. Greg was there only for strategy and preparation, which was totally perfect. What went wrong was the execution, the responsibility of which lies with the playing eleven. Moreover, none of his three proteges played in any of the matches.

Rahul Dravid should take the responsibility of persisting with the same eleven, when there have been options with him in form of Dinesh Karthik in batting line up. There was Irfan Pathan also, who could have come out well as an all-rounder. His captaincy on-field has been acceptable, if not bad. But his dressing room decisions have been pretty dull.

I think the people most responsible are Sachin Tendulkar and Dhoni. Upto some extent, the blame lies with Robin Uthappa, for failing repeatedly. He seemed in good touch in the practice games and Indian did well in all of the practice matches. Tendulkar and Dhoni played almost lazy and totally over-confident shots on both occasions.

Bowlers did well, I expect all of them to do well. I am interested in seeing more all round performance from bowlers, especially Irfan, VRV Singh and SreeSanth (I think all three have good potential, it is a question of developing it).

My verdict, Greg and Rahul stay. Tendulkar, Dhoni should out (at least for some time). Dinesh Karthik can come in for Dhoni. And I am sure there are good players for their slots in Indian team.