Off with their heads !

I happened to see the Australia - South Africa game in the early stages of the 2007 world cup. The first thing that struck me was that the level of cricket that these two teams put up for show was simply beyond the capacity of India - and for that matter, Pakistan. The fitness levels of the young brigade of Australia are awesome. The ground fielding of South Africa is light years ahead. India looks pedestrian in comparison. An old ambassador parked next to a brand new Ferrari sports car.

I read an article in Cricinfo which suggested that what happened to Indian hockey 30 years back when Astro Turf was introduced, might be happening right now to Indian cricket. I think it hit the nail right on the head. In addition to the primary, basic requirements for batsmen like timing, placement and running between the wickets, qualities like strength, endurance, stamina and brute power are acquiring importance. India, a team packed with softies, I fear, is being left behind.

Sharad Pawar, immediately after India exited the world cup declared that drastic changes would be made. A couple of days later, the news doing the rounds was the Tendulkar might be asked to take over the captaincy !!! Is this what is meant by drastic ? Makes me want to laugh ! If it is drastic changes that the board wants to make, then drop Tendulkar and Sehwag. Ease out Ganguly. This present team needs to be dismantled ruthlessly.
Kumble took the right decision by retiring from the One day game. Hope the message percolates to Tendulkar. I think the Indian public is slowly coming to realise that they don't need heroes if they do not perform. I think the corporates are realising it now too. They are going in for shorter contracts with players and are including stricter clauses linked to more consistent performances.

75% of this current crop of jokers need to be asked to leave. Indian cricket, especially the one day version, needs fresh blood. We need more Dinesh Karthiks, more Uthappas. Neck out players who are unlikely to be around till the 2011 world cup. It would be ok even if a new-look team loses a few tournaments. The current team is losing them anyway. At least we'll know the new bunch will give 100%.

Is this a knee-jerk reaction to India's shock exit from the 2007 World Cup ? I think not.