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Get down to brass tacks
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Hyderabad needs to do a lot of serious introspection to perform better in the Ranji championship
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HYDERABAD BOWED out of the Ranji trophy championship with a disappointing performance in the semi-finals against the Railways. The old weakness of the Hyderabad team — which is lack of consistency — once again led to the downfall of the squad.
What was particularly disappointing was that the mediocre performance came against a side like the Railways, which, while being a good side, cannot be termed awe-inspiring. It was not as if the rival team was packed with big stars whose very presence could have demoralised Hyderabad. In many aspects the two sides were evenly matched and the semi-final was perhaps more of a contest of temperament and fighting spirit. If there were a few doubtful umpiring decisions, then Hyderabad was not the only victim. The Railways were also unhappy about a few decisions. And in any case players have to take such things in their stride.
Clearly the Hyderabad think tank will have to do some hard work and rectify the shortcomings. A few big knocks or a couple of good spells of bowling cannot take the side very far. There has to be a sustained effort, teamwork and consistency. There was clearly a huge gap between potential and performance.
Not long ago, cricketers from Mumbai were famous for their ability to fight back under adverse circumstances. That is what made the team one of the best in India and fetched the state a record number of victories in the Ranji trophy championship.
Hyderabad's players too will have to develop the same type of zeal and fighting qualities if they hope to translate their inherent talent into actual results and victories. In the end it is the results that matter. No amount of pleasing style, grace and stroke play can make a significant impact if the all- important results do not come about.
In the semi final, Hyderabad's batting was centred around Anirudh Singh in the first innings and the experienced Daniel Manohar in the second innings. Young spinner Pragyan Ojha's good show with the ball was a very encouraging factor. With the right inputs he could go far. But there was no significant contribution from anyone else. Keeping in mind the importance of the match, a serious sense of commitment and big match temperament seemed to be absent. A more practical and effective approach will have to be adopted if the present scenario has to be altered.
It will be necessary to cut out the frills and flamboyance and get down to the basics of compiling runs carefully and patiently.
Above all, the team has to develop the will to fight back even when the chips are down. Hyderabad's woes seem to stem from a lack of temperament rather than talent and that is the problem that will have to be addressed and corrected before the next season begins.
ABHIJIT SEN GUPTA
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