Biggest test awaits Team India

Twelve years have gone by, but all Indians remember the infamous win at Eden Gardens. I was only 9 then but I still remember the roar of the capacity crowd emanating from the television and my brother jumping when India won the match.

A new chapter of that battle is about to begin in 48 hours, in the stadium where India last lost to Australia in 1969. The Chepauk stadium has been the hunting ground for Team India but can the current Indian team keep the fort safe?

The current Indian team finds itself in a huge pit that they dug for themselves. The coach finds himself in the line of fire for every loss. The media hasn’t spared the captain. Fingers have been raised on the senior players’ performances, with some of them being shown the door. The Test team couldn’t be in any more trouble than it is at the moment.

Gautam Gambhir‘s dip in form has sent him out of the Test team after three years, but his century in the practice match must have sent strong signals to Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan that their job is not going to be easy. The middle order crumbled under pressure against England. They have to improve this time round. MS Dhoni had an average Test series against England as a batsman but has been in very good form after the loss to England and his confidence is high at the moment.

The bowling would also be crucial and bowlers should look to make things happen rather than wait for things to happen, like the way they did against England.

Statements such as “every series is important for us” and “the team was in a worse phase after the 2007 World Cup” might calm some nerves, but a serious cricket fanatic knows that this is the worst phase in Indian Test cricket. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has proved to be a great talent in the ODIs but his real test begins in the upcoming Test series. Pujara, after his back-to-back centuries, has done enough to cement his place in the side. The dependence on Sachin cannot be ignored and his form in first class cricket should inspire confidence in the captain and the rest of the team.

Time and time again it has been proved that an India vs Australia series has never been limited to batting, bowling and fielding. Controversy too plays a big part – sledging and mind games have always had a big say in these battles. Dhoni has always been a composed captain, but an extra quotient of aggression might be required against Australia. Ganguly had displayed a lot of it against the Aussies as captain and Dhoni should look to do the same. It will better India’s chances of winning this series and avenging their 0-4 loss.