Monday, October 31, 2005

well begun, half done

The best troops are the winning ones, said Napoleon.
If someone had told Indian skipper Rahul Dravid about the French emperor's comment he would have no choice but to agree at the moment.
Seizing a 3-0 lead in a seven-match one-day international series is no joke. That too, when you are just starting out as the leader of the side. That too, when you know that Establishment is just waiting for its chance to pounce on you. No doubt if India has excelled against Sri Lanka, the credit goes to the team. Captain played his role, but so are others. To pretend otherwise would beacting as the Maharaj.
Jaipur was indeed a close encounter. If not for Dhoni's promotion and the eventual success, things would have gone Sri Lanka’s way.
In hindsight Tendulkar's first over dismissal proved to be a blessing in disguise for India as well as for Dhoni. But then the credit for pushing Dhoni into No.3 goes to skipper Dravid. In the first three matches we have had three different No.3s. Pathan and Dhoni proved to be resounding successes. JP Yadav will have his day , may be another time.
But there were moments of exasperation on the field for India when Kumar Sangakkara and Jayawardene held the whip.
In the coming days, Dravid will have to do much more than mere No.3 experiments.
But the key is, the spirit. The spirit to ask fresh questions and look for answers all thetime.
To India’s credit, Dravid and Chappell are doing just that.

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