- The humiliating defeat Team India suffered Down Under during the recently concluded five-match Test series must have rankled the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), experts, crazy-fans, and even the ordinary folks familiar with the machinations of the sport here. The hammering received by Team India, especially the continued failures of some of the top performers like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, was largely unexpected putting paid for the keen contest anticipated before the series began. Of course, indications were quite apparent when visiting New Zealand whitewashed the home favourites 3-0 convincingly. The perennially optimistic cricket-crazy fans hoped that the reversal at home would be compensated by a better exhibition against the Aussies.
PC: INDToday
- Yes, the script did not unravel on expected lines simply because Team India was completely outmaneuvered by the marauding Aussies who were better prepared to execute the plans to emerge victorious. When the team fails to deliver, several camouflaged fault lines are bound to be exposed brutally since the expectations from Team India are humongous in a cricket-crazy country like India. The series was lost 1-3 with the Aussies romping home in style despite Team India putting up sporadic resistance with eye-grabbing performances. However, what must be disconcerting to the BCCI authorities is the way two old warhorses have failed to live up to the expectations and deliver when it mattered most. The transition period is truly upon Team India.
PC: Outlook India
- Rightly so, questions are being raised against the superstars of Indian cricket about their future. In the meanwhile, the all-important ICC-Champions Trophy 50-overs tournament is scheduled to be held in Pakistan/Dubai in February. Before that, England will be visiting India for T20Is and ODIs as a prelude to the big tournament. The selectors have not sprung any surprises vis-à-vis senior players as Rohit Sharma will captain the team in the ODIs against England and the Champions Trophy. Virat Kohli also finds a place in the team. The only notable inclusion in the Team is the selection of Yashaswi Jaiswal who has had a phenomenal start to his career in Tests. With the talent that he possesses, Jaiswal should be an exciting prospect for Team India in ODIs as well.
PC: Cricket Addictor
- Make no mistake, time is ticking for some of the greatest exponents of modern-day cricket. Superstar performers like Rohit and Virat are at the twilight of their careers and as such, would wish to leave the field for good by contributing big time in the available time at their disposal. After the Champions Trophy, a five-match Test series in England beckons. The selectors must take a decisive stand in ensuring the transition of the Team occurs seamlessly and organically. Yes, the reputation of the big starts supersedes recent performances but should not come in the way of the selectors undertaking honest talks to plan future moves while keeping Team India’s larger interests in mind. The coming months will be watched with interest by all concerned.
