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Saturday, Oct 13, 2007
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India is torn between the old and new

It is not always possible to have
the best of both
worlds, writes
Peter Roebuck

— Photo: AFP

BUILDING BLOCKS: The future of Indian ODI cricket must be built around men like Mahendra Singh Dhoni (right) and S. Sreesanth.

India must rethink its fifty-over team. At present the side is trapped midway between the Test line-up and the T20 outfit. Trying to combine the experience of the established Test batsmen and the dash of the twenty over fellows has not worked.

It was an understandable strategy to adopt because India has been successful in both arenas. Indeed, in recent times, the side has failed only in the ODIs, suffering early elimination in this year’s World Cup and being run ragged in England.

Doubtless, the selectors thought they could add fresh legs and youthful enterprise to the seasoning and sagacity of the seniors.

Alas it is not always possible to have the best of both worlds. The result has been not so much a well balanced side as a mishmash. Repeated failures with the bat have told the tale. Certainly the Australians have bowled well but the collapses indicate not so much faulty technique as a lack of conviction.

India does not know itself. During T20 the team had a theme. Now it is lost in a fog of introspection. As much can be told from the excesses of the younger brigade and the frailties of the elders. Headstrong conduct, run outs, poor shot selection and uninspired fielding point towards uncertainty.

Far from blending the old and new, India is torn between them. Nor has the ODI crown sat easily on Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s head. But then his task has become more difficult.

During the T20 campaign he was in charge of a team of peers and was able to put his imprint upon them. Under his benevolent yet committed leadership India played a gay game, taking risks, laughing, relaxing.

Now he finds himself asked to direct older players and therefore to make a cultural leap in a land where elders are respected. He is surrounded by former captains and rather than following his instincts may find himself seeking counsel, pondering upon every move. No matter that the past captains offer unstinting support, still the newcomer may seek approval. Sreesanth has also lost his path. Perhaps he is responding in his own way to the confusion in the camp. Is it Dhoni’s team? Or Sourav’s? Or Sachin’s?

A few weeks ago, Rahul Dravid was captain. Who will take the team to Australia? Will the T20 and T50 sides be the same, or is India to have three distinct teams? That way madness lies.

Young cricketers of high spirit need constant and consistent leadership. Strong relationships are important to them. Who is to pat them on the back? Who is to upbraid them?

Decisions must now be taken. Responses will vary but the current disarray is more damaging than any of them. The power vacuum must be ended.

The options

Fortunately, the choices can be narrowed. Either put Sachin Tendulkar in charge of everything. Or ask Anil Kumble to serve as Test captain and allow his gloveman to lead young T20 and ODI outfits.

Regardless, changes must be made to the fifty-over side. The time has come to thank the senior players for services rendered and to tell them that hereafter they will be considered only for Test matches. No longer can India afford to give away thirty runs a game with poor fielding and slow running between wickets. The selectors must also stop choosing inadequate second spinners and instead give more chances to T20 players.

Dhoni, Sreesanth and company are not the problem. They are the solution, and with a little help from Sachin and, yes, Sehwag, the future must be built around them.

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