When you all will read this post, 4th ODI between India and her predator South Africa must be in real time or in past time. I dont understand the fuss created by the MPs/Medias and angry supporters. Why these people are protesting? All are giving credits to Greg Chappel for this pathetic show but no body is contemplating about the power given to him in the past by us. The person (who deposed the most successfull indian captain, who is having an outstanding record in South Africa) is driving the team india to The Promised land. Some says that India has always struggled in South Africa thats true but struggle means fight and Team india has surrendered without even giving fight save in some bits and pieces just like the dazzling flame of soon to be extinguished candle.
And look at the preference of Laxman ( who never considered a good ODI batsman) as a replacement for Rahul Dravid over a person who has a great record against South Africa even better than the bellwether of all batsmen, Sachin Tendulkar and who is considered as one of greatest ODI batsman along with Sachin, Richards, Ponting and many others (Wisden)
Let us compare the showing of Team india when Ganguly's team visited South Africa in late 2001.
1. First match India scored 279 runs in 50 overs Ganguly scored 127 runs with 5 massive sixes all around the ground. India lost the match with a fight.
2. India won the second match comprehensively.
3. India lost the 3rd match by 46 runs, india was dooing good when Ganguly, whs scored 85 runs of 95 balls with 4 sixes and Dravid were at crease.
4. India lost the final.
The lowest score of India in that tour was 180 odd runs which is far better than the highest score of 168 runs so far (I hope it will improve).
I consider indian tour of South Africa in 2001 as a success as we fought each match with full enthussiasm and zest.
I dont know why the Indian Cricket clergy is making fool of us. Lets hope the victory of india today but omens are premoniting a different outcome. Lets hope time will solve the antipodal situations amen.
