Costly Omission

The way South Africa went off the block, especially with the ball in thesecond game, was tremendous. If that's the standard they are going to set, thenit's going to be the trend in the Tests as well.

It makes me think that India is a batsman or two short on this trip. It'sunbelievable that VVS Laxman has been left out for he is a magnificent player.

Sourav Ganguly is another, who must be sitting at home and thinking what hehas done wrong. We haven't seen much of Sourav in the last six-eight months buthe is a class player and has been one for some time. As the series goes on, Isuspect the Indians are going to miss more the Laxmans and Gangulys they haveleft back home.

For youngsters in the line-up like Suresh Raina, it's baptism by fire. As a19-year-old you might have the world of talent but you got to have enough firstclass experience. It's not right to evoke comparison with Sachin Tendulkar forthen you are stepping into the genius territory. He was an exception, noteverybody could be like him.

South Africa would be thinking if this is what is to come, then we are up forit.

The Indians, in a way, were caught on the hop batting under the lights. Teams inthe past have struggled batting second in Kingsmead. It is not easy to chasescores down at this venue. Even though the pitch has lost its zip, there's abit of bounce and carry.

That's why perhaps they leave a little bit of grass simply to help the ballcarry. As an added thought, I hope the South Africans do not get carried over bythis win and produce green monsters. It's not going to do anyone good.

The South Africans made good use of the conditions and Shaun Pollock wasbrilliant as ever. Makhaya Ntini was a foot and half too short and to be fairthere was a time when the Indian batsmen looked quite comfortable andunthreatened by pace and bounce.

However once Charl Langeveldt and Andre Nel were pressed into attack, theyquickly changed lengths and the game really swung away from India after theylost Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid in three balls. It knocked the stuffing out of India.

I must say that Irfan Pathan's omission took me by surprise for he could haveadded an extra dimension with the bat. But you could see where the Indians are comingfrom. They wanted to cut down on bowling and bolster batting. But given the kindof talent the Indians have, they should have done a little better.

Still, I would urge the Indian public to be patient. The Indian public mustnot think it is unacceptable. Everyone catches a hiding now and then. Everyside goes through a rough time. We were also in the midst of it, there was noRhodes, no Cronje, Donald or Kirsten and we have to again learn how to win. Youhave to lose a few games in order win a few.

It certainly is not gloom and doom for Indian cricket. I think you have themost talented cricketers in the world from 15 and 16 years onwards. The team istoo talented to just lie down. I know they won't do so and get trampled allover.

It's also not all meat and drink for South Africa and the time has come forthe selectors to take a call on Herschelle Gibbs. The hosts are not getting toomany starts and the pressure that is being added is crucial. It's nice to seethe South African selectors back a great player but there comes a time when you haveto take a decision.

I know it's not going to happen. A South African team withoutGibbs is unheard of. But the selectors are now going to draw a line, convey tohim that he has been given a good go and it has not come off. May be it's timeto look somewhere else.

I don't think Gibbs is batting too low in the order. He is alright where heis now. When he played against Australia earlier this year, he was in form. Nowhe is not and has not been for the last 2-3 months. He must be feeling thepressure right now.

PTI