10 characteristics of a champion team that India lack at present

9. Ability to use the DRS judiciously

Kohli has been impulsive with his DRS calls

The DRS is a relatively new concept. But the Decision Review System has now become part and parcel of cricket. The technology has dramatically changed the fate and fortunes of individual players and the teams. A good team should know how to use the technology judiciously. They should know when and when not to go for the Review. The Captain should also know against which batsman the DRS should be used.

The Indian captain Virat Kohli has always been impulsive with his DRS calls. In the absence of Dhoni in Test matches, Kohli is left with only himself and the bowler to arrive at a decision in 15 seconds. The Indian team’s success rate with DRS has been poor. The Indian batsmen were also found guilty in burning up the reviews when they clearly knew that they were out. This is one aspect of the game they should try to master in the future.

10. Fielding skills

Jadeja is a live wire for India in the field

In the recent series in England, the Indian slip cordon dropped too many catches. K.L. Rahul was outstanding but others were rusty. Champion teams of the past like the West Indies and Australian teams had very good slip fielders to support their fast bowlers.

The presence of Ravindra Jadeja in the Oval Test suddenly improved the fielding standards of the team. But they should have specialist fielders in specialist positions. Again, when a fine catch is taken by an Indian fielder, the players will have to defer from their celebrations if the bowler happens to be Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah has been guilty of overstepping on a number of occasions in the recent past. A Champion team doesn’t give second opportunities to its opponents.

To conclude, India are the No 1 team according to the ICC rankings. But the current team would struggle to fulfil the above criteria of a Champion team.

On the positive side, India have a good fast bowling attack to take 20 wickets in overseas conditions. Their fielding has improved in the recent past. They have an unbeaten record at home.

On the flip side, India have only one world-class batsman who is capable of scoring anywhere in the world. Their poor overseas record, the absence of a genuine all-rounder, lack of killer instinct and the inability to finish off innings are the factors which work against them.