Third ODI against South Africa in the current series. Back to Back losses. Extremely pathetic batting display. Irfan Pathan top scored with 47. Another comprehensive victory for SA.
I was trying to look at the Indian lineup for this match. We had Jaffer, Sehwag, Tendulkar, Kaif, Dinesh Karthik, Dhoni, Pathan, Agarkar, Sreesanth , Kumble and Zahir Khan.
Lets question this lot a bit.
Sehwag has been out of sorts (oops, shots!) for quite some time. Like so many great Indian stars, there are a couple of shots from him that show some promise and glimpses of old time sorcery , but that is just an eyewash. The real thing is the nervous energy and reckless attitude that will become his undoing in the future!
Jaffer.. yippee!! Another example of flashing when its just not required. How many times have we seen that? I have lost count. You play a few nice drivers. And then there is a ball swinging away from you outside the off stump. You are supposed to be a good batsman with a good temperament. But alas! Jesus couldn't stop you from being led into the temptation!
Tendulkar – Cricinfo tells me that Pollock got him for the 9th time. Only Chaminda Vaas has managed to do it so many times. Story – edgy beginner, Tendulkar manages to pass one to the keeper/slips a bit too often against these two! I want to criticise him for being out of touch and getting out like that. But my respect for the master stops me!
Surprisingly, Kaif did not hole out. He did not get bowled out. He did the most unexpected thing of him. He got himself run out!
All these four top order guys are in absolutely topless form. You can't make a blockbuster when the lead actors of your movie want to play only a guest appearance!
I don't want to talk about the brave Indian batting tail, which seldom does the job its supposed to do (containing the batsmen, that is). But I do want to wonder about Karthik's place in the team! Wasn't he a keeper who could bat a bit? Do we really think he is better than Laxman in batting? Whats this world coming to? Are the selectors morons?
Damn it! We deserve to lose, with brains like that! Its surprising that we don't stop playing international cricket for a couple of years! At least , stop playing cricket in other countries. We are good ol momma's boys. We like playing in our backyard! Are the selectors listening?
