6 things the BCCI should 'not' do in the English debacle aftermath

He that will not apply new remedies must expect new evils; for time is the greatest innovator.

- Francis Bacon

It’s been a bad English summer for India. The rains haven’t helped either. The visitors went to conquer the colonizers with the heady feeling of being champions. They hoped for an English muffin, but were made to eat humble pie. It is now important that the “men in blue” get rid of the blues and concentrate on improving key areas of their game. It is of greater importance that the BCCI evades common mistakes that it may end up making in the aftermath of the disastrous series.

1. Replacing Dhoni

There are some absurd notions about replacing Dhoni as the captain floating around in the media. These need to be put to rest. Having a three (or two) captain system won’t work for India. The test captain would probably not play regularly in ODIs and wouldn’t be very comfortable with the younger lot; as and when he gets them.

Dhoni has had a utopian outing as a captain until the recent series. He’s led India to its maiden T20 crown and also ended its near 30 year long dry spell in the one day championship. Even though he seems to have the “Midas touch”, not everything he does can be attributed to chance. As many now say, lady luck seems to have deserted him. It is, therefore, the right time for Dhoni to prove his mettle without the backing of cosmic powers.

2. Premature Comebacks

Half the country’s doctors are attending to team India. From sight to hearing, the players seem to be losing all their senses. Now even though the team’s fortunes depend heavily on the injured players, it would be foolish to bring them back before their allotted period of rest is over.

Someone like a Zaheer Khan; already in his thirties, would find it hard to bowl with a recurring niggle. It is essential that he gets total rest until he feels fit enough to play again. India has lost enough fast bowlers to injury to be foolish enough to lose someone as important as Zak.

3. Utilization of Youngsters

Even though the young legs have impressed in the ODIs, it would be highly optimistic to entrust them with the burden of carrying Indian cricket forward. There needs to be an efficient rotation policy and each player should be given a chance.

Over utilization as well as under utilization of youngsters is problematic. Parthiv Patel has evolved as a batsman and deserves to stay in the side even when Yuvraj comes back. Ashwin, in my opinion, is India’s future spinner and should be played regularly.

4. Handling the Quicks

One of the worst things the management can do is try to impose its will on the fast bowlers. Given their failure in the tests, there could be an attempt to modify and experiment with the bowling styles of the bowlers. This is the best opportunity (in the absence of Zaheer) for a young bowler to launch himself onto the major league and he won’t be able to do it with extra pressure on him.

5. Return to Complacency

Even though India needs to look past the debacle, it still has to learn its lessons. Public memory is short lived; and as soon as India starts winning at home again, all will seem hunky-dory once more. The BCCI will fix up a series with Bangladesh or Sri Lanka at home (which India will probably win). That takes care of public perception and immediate ratings. What if we don’t win abroad? India is the centre of world cricket and it’s enough that we win here. This seems to be the pan tinged cliché of certain BCCI officials. India will not be recognized as the best until it beats the likes of England, South Africa and Australia on their home turf.

6. Shuffling Support Staff

Duncan Fletcher, admittedly, has large shoes to fill. One failure and the familiar debate will start up again. Why doesn’t India have an Indian coach? Time is of the essence. Calling for a change in the support system because of one failed series is not viable.

All said and done, India is still an excellent side. There is no need for cynicism; just healthy discussion and implementation.