When Indian batsmen mauled insipid Pakistan bowling at Multan, media was all praise for the Indian batting line-up. Scores of columns have showered accolades on Sehwag for churning out a gem of an innings with a blazing triple-ton. Sachin too shared the limelight for carving a composed innings. The batting duo eventually helped India register a thumping victory for the first time in Pakistan after a span two decades. While Indian cricket aficionados are busy relishing their success at Multan, Pakistan staged a quick come back by scoring a facile win in the second test. The new budding player - Umar Gul- rattled through our much-touted top order. The batting 'maestro' (as often addressed so) Sachin once again lived up to his reputation of not rising to the occasion. Granted, he is not the party to blame for his dismissal, which stirred up a bit of controversy - in the first innings. However, he had a wealth of time to play for two full days. But again he was clueless and capitulated to pressure without putting up stiff resistance. For sure, Dravid would never be able to excuse himself for goofing up on more than one occasion. Firstly, his decision to bat first when there is a bit of help for bowlers is unwarranted by all standards. There was no element of doubt that he (reluctant to echo this view) was buoyed by the success at Multan and hoped to repeat the success at Lahore. He, however, overlooked the simple fact that wisdom lies in judging the situation, not resting on past form or laurels. Secondly, his suicidal run-out which tilted the game in opposition's favour was no excuse. He must have cursed himself for not being able to stay at the crease, given the grit and determination showed by Patel and Agarkar. Laxman was bamboozled with a pick of ball. The problem of not being able to convert good starts to big scores continues to plague him.
It is high time we desist from flattering our batsmen who flourished very much under pressure-free conditions, more importantly on placid tracks. Most of their victories and records have come, in both versions of the game, while setting targets not while chasing. When subject to pressure they crumble like dried leaves. Indians should learn dealing pressure conditions. The younger lot has proved their mettle in this regard. Indians have a long way to go before they are deemed formidable batting side. They can only prove this by winning matches on tracks of varying nature.
Though dravid gave them an early advantage. Our players who are supposedly capable of playing any attack , didnt apply themselves. Also Bucknor (the unofficial man of the match ) stood in the way of indias victory. I think Rashid should raise a real question about match being fixed thru Bucknor . I think Bucknor found a real way to make a 401k plan thru this fixing deal. who knows. Vivek
I do agree to Rashid latif that Dravid`s decision to bat was not entirely correct, given the fact that Pakistan had a batting collapse on a flat Multan wicket. Anyway, the decision was backed up by the rich indian batting lineup and performances on Green Australian turfs. Akash Chopra`s importance will be felt now, this is because after his quick dismissal in both the innings our all-conquering middle order was exposed. I think Dravid should keep wickets, he is better than Patel at it. And India should play both Ganguly and Chopra.
Even if Lahore was a grass with bit of moister in the morning when India won the toss, its only a mater of a session. Considering Indian Btting line up, passing that session with solid defense was Dravid's strategy. Once U pass that session, if U have wickets in hand no matter how many runs scored, U can put enough pressure on Pakisthani's. That wicket was totally in favour of batsmen exept the first session. Chopra named for his solidity failed in that crunch session. Sachin, considered to be worlds best, could not servive. if you are not good in defense, surely you are not a great batsmen. That first session even if you have scored 30-40 runs that would have enough. Only wickets must have saved for next session. Because there you would have posted around 600 in first innings. Dravid did the job which Chopra could not. He mad the ball old, allowed tyhe pitch to dry. But could not went along with. Chased the one going away in second session. By the way Yuyraj and Pathan played it is clear that every thing in later sessions were for batsmens in the first day. Another factor in Such tracks is, it is important to avoid batting on 5th day where bounce will vary a lot.
It amazes me why Rashid Latif gets the honours to do an article. The article has all rubbished facts. Although the opinions are his own, but then he isnt a celebrity enough to attract attention to his views. No one is interested in his views. In case you want readership on cricket Wasim Akram or Imran Khan would be better propositions.
"Pakistan benefit from Dravid's largesse"...i can't imagine latif using such refined english. the couple of times i have seen him on televsion interviews he just mumbles. he just cant talk straight english. So, tell me guys who writes these articles for him. does he speak in urdu and somebody translates?? I have seen similar articles by miandad on another website.
I dont understand the hard corner of writer towards the great Indian Team. Just critising to all never works. I think writer can not appreciate anybody. He wants always all 100%. That only happens when you dont play and game is of non playing team should win. Be nutral and write, plz.
