Positives from the perfect beginning

The blue brigade is now world No.2 after winning the away from home, 5-match ODI series in Sri Lanka. The entire tour was a rejoicing one, especially after the last two dismal overseas series (England and Australia). Indians triumphed over Sri Lankans in every department. This was a perfect start for the upcoming busy cricket season for the Indian cricketers and gave team India the much required confidence and momentum, which will be be carried forward to the entire season. They came home with a lot of positives that were seen during the length of the tour.

Selection of Irfan Pathan is the first one that features on this list. Though he could not find a place in the squad that was announced initially, Pathan was selected as a replacement to injured Vinay Kumar. There was always a competition among Ravindra Jadeja, the Pathan brothers and few others to claim the position of an apt successor to Kapil Dev but none of them could reach the mark and Jadeja was already given ample number of chances to prove himself. Selection of Irfan not only had given him a chance to showcase his talent, but also testified the chances of finding an all-rounder for India in the near future are still alive. His average for this ODI series is 76.00 with a strike rate of almost 93 and also has taken 8 wickets which include one 5-wicket haul. Even if he did not get wickets in every match, he was able to trouble the opponents enough to help India finish on the winning side. Of course, one series cannot decide everything, but the talent is revealed and needs to be groomed further.

I don’t say unavailability of senior players is good, but this time it unleashed something groovy. This series provided young cricketers with a chance, and the best part is that they were able to make the most of the opportunity that was given to them. Manoj Tiwary and Ashok Dinda have performed really well and the Indian coach mentions that Manoj could be a serious contender for place in ODI team. Despite Sehwag’s return to team, Virat was retained as vice-captain. This will certainly help him adapt for responsibility as he is the most favorite future Indian skipper. Virat – the winner of brand new “DUSTER” (Man of the Series) put up an extraordinary show and had played a prominent role in clinching the series. This has given us a chance to have a look at the talent of new faces of “Men in Blue”. In view of the upcoming T-20 World Cup and in longer run, the 2015 World Cup, these performances are good signs of a stronger team and more options.

On the whole, it was a splendid performance from India as a team, and if this continues, we shall soon see India emerging at the top in the ICC ODI rankings.

‘”Let the glory be there for the entire season”.