Aussie series shows how India have matured
What (Tiger) Pataudi’s team really lacked was a genuine fast bowler. Kohli’s side is way ahead in that regard with a talented group to choose from, headed by the tireless and talented Umesh Yadav The Indian side has been more than willing to compete with the best. Consequently, India has risen to the top of the Test rankings in addition to holding a similar spot at different times in the shorter forms of the game Indian cricket is now a rich and powerful operation; the Facebook of the international game. While Virat is currently the face of Indian cricket there have been many players who have helped raise the standard to this lofty level.
news he was about to face the fast and furious pace bowling of Jeff Thomson, he responded; “Why me?”
For some time now the Indian side has been more than willing to compete with the best. Consequently, India has risen to the top of the Test rankings in addition to holding a similar spot at different times in the shorter forms of the game.
There have been many indi- viduals in the past who have worn the Indian cap with pride and stood firm against the strongest of opponents but in this century it’s the whole team that competes.
Players like Pataudi, Prasanna, Bedi, Farokh Engineer and Sunil Gavaskar are good examples of past Indian players who were out there to compete.
Playing against those guys you knew you were in for a fight and they spoke of how they were inspired by past players like the Vijays —Hazare and Manjrekar — Vinoo Mankad and others of that ilk. In turn, Pataudi and Co inspired the next generation which included stand out competitors like Ravi Shastri and Kapil Dev. The inspiration of these past players led to a golden era in Indian cricket with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Virender Sehwag and VVS Laxman not taking a backward step against any opponent.
Along the way the leadership also became more combative and the players acclimatised better to overseas conditions. All these factors have culminated in India rising to the number one Test ranking.
India’s path to the top wouldn’t have been possible without some strong leadership off the field. The man who showed the way was Jagmohan Dalmiya, who set both the BCCI and the ICC on the path to riches and with the money came power.
Indian cricket is now a rich and powerful operation; the Facebook of the international game.
While Virat Kohli is currently the face of Indian cricket there have been many players along the way who have helped raise the standard to this lofty level.
With many established stars and rising talents like KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav, India will remain a highly combative and eminently watchable team in the foreseeable future.