Lets have a look at the pathetic performance from India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2011-2012 Down Under ... An analysis of each player would let us know what has gone wrong. Here we go !!
1. GAUTHAM GAMBHIR
Right throughout this series or even from the tour of England, he has been edgy. His back-foot play has been pathetic. His back leg seldom moves across while playing away going deliveries of the back-foot. He doesn't seem to learn from the mistakes of his past. Its high time he rectifies his mistakes and improves his back-foot play by showing the full face of the bat and not letting it hang loose away from his body outside the off-stump.
!! Hey Gauti ! Mind you, Mukund and Rahane are right next to you on the list. BEWARE !!
2. VIRENDER SEHWAG
We all know how devastating 'The Nawab of Najafgarh' could be in all forms of the game. But Viru doesn't seem to have the temperament to play a patient innings in a test match. When you to save a test match, then ofcourse you should be playing a slow innings and not give away your wicket by playing rash shots. Kindly abide by what Dravid says "There is nothing called as natural game, its the duty of a batsman to play according to the situation". Viru ! We need you. Team India needs you. We know what you can do to the opposition's bowling when you are on song. Be a bit patient.
!! May be now there is no one in domestic circuit who plays like you. But anytime one can be born !!
3. RAHUL DRAVID
Dear oh dear !! People have got a feeling that age is taking its toll on 'The Wall' of Indian cricket. But certainly we all witnessed what he can do in England. I feel that a lot more is left in him to offer to India. Its a bit disappointing to see him drop a few catches and not being retained in the slips for fast bowling when only on slip is required. He has been in good touch with the bat for over an year now. Its just minor lapses in concentration that is letting the legend down. If we look at his dismissals in this series (bowled invariably), it shows only loss in concentration and not reflex that has let to his downfall.
!! Work in getting your body behind the line of the ball and everything will be back to normal !!
4. SACHIN TENDULKAR
"The monkey on his back has become a gorilla" - Ravi Shastri. Its been a long wait for the little master to score his 100th internatonal century. He seems to be unperturbed by that but yes it does have some impact on the way he plays his game when he nears the landmark. Perhaps, as his son Arjun suggests, he should switch to the 'Sehwag Mode' once he crosses 70 runs. Oh GOD ! Don't allow Allan Border say this again - "Sachin shifts to 1st gear from 5th gear when he tries play cautiously either it may be a milestone or playing for a break".
!! Its a matter of time before you get your 100th 100, now its time to level the series GOD !!
5. VVS LAXMAN
Laxman Bhai ! We cannot play the 2nd innings before the 1st. So he has to improve his record in the 1st innings of a test match too. Its the 1st innings lead that's gonna help us win a test match. We all know the talent and the wrists he has and also the tremendous liking he has to score runs against the Aussies. We got a glimpse of it in the 2nd innings at the SCG. Hope to see him in the same touch and hunger at Perth and Adelaide. We all want to see his wrists demolish the Aussie bowling attack. Hope he grants us this wish.
!! Pujara and Rohit are ready to fill in your shoes, so its high time you hit the Purple Patch !!
6. VIRAT KOHLI
Hey man ! I think you are not sure of what you are supposed to do wearing the white Indian Jersey. May be I can help you. Its the Bat you must be showing to the crowd to acknowledge them and not your finger. He is extremely talented and outstanding fielder. Whole of India thinks he has the temperament to play at the highest and toughest format of cricket. He, in test matches, is still an underachiever. Come on ! Rise to the occasion. You are the future of Indian Cricket.
!! You have the motivation and inspiration, Use them !!
7. MAHENDRA SINGH DHONI
Well you know ! Yes what we know is the luck you had at the beginning of your career is fading away. Its this point in time that he needs to stay focused and not let the situation affect his decisions. I think off-late like every other Indian Captain, sparing Ganguly, he also seems to have lost his batting skills because of the pressure of captaincy. Nevertheless, leading a side that is entering its transitional is a demanding task, but he should stay patient as a captain and be attacking for most part of the innings. The one thing that everyone is talking about his captaincy is going on the defensive too early.
!! Of course you are the most successful Indian captain, but 4-0 drubbing in England and 2-0 down in Australia are definitely not good signs !!
8. RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN
An excellent and a dream start to his test career - wickets, century - he will definitely not ask for more. But the people of India will ask for more as the standard he set for himself is high. Perhaps its turning out to be a curse for India that off-spinners in the side are turning into batsman in turn forget bowling. Harbhajan Singh dropped from the team was replaced by ashwin who in turn plays the same role Bhajji played. Its high time players perform in the department for which they have been included in the team. Ashwin, kindly pick some wickets by the end of this tour down under if you have the intention of coming back here again.
!! Ojha ! Don't worry. The time you play for India in tests is not too far !!
9. ZAHEER KHAN
As the spearhead of Indian bowling attack, he needs to be on the mark right away from the 1st delivery he bowls. He has been on the spot to the left-handers but not so effective against the right-handers. Where is the Zaheer we saw during the world cup ? Where is his speed - currently round about 125-130 kph - we've seen him bowl in the mid 130s with swing with new and the old ball. The reverse swing is not happening with him and so is his angle around the wicket. Time to find your rhythm back Zak.
!! Some quite exciting and pacy bowlers are right at your back. Be mindful !!
10. ISHANT SHARMA
OMG !! Luck when leaves doesn't leave alone I guess. Seems to have lost it along with his captain. The line and length has been impeccable but not consistent. With his height, he can exploit the bounce the pitches down under offers. But that has not been the case. Sliding down the leg side frequently has not helped. We want the Ishant who came down under last time giving horrible time to the then Aussie captain Ricky Ponting.
!! Age is there for you to improve !!
11. UMESH YADAV
The sting he had at the MCG was missing at the SCG. Striving for pace, he has lost his line and length. It was too short for pitches down under. 1st series in Australia may be an excuse but I hope that's not the way he wants to play his cricket.
!! Varun Aaron is right under your throat !!