The time for niceties is out and some plain talking must take place now.India is not showing the stomach to fight and that's worrying. Too many softdismissals are queering their pitch. It's only a matter of time before thebowlers too would lose heart. I could detect some keenness in the field but poorbatting is letting everyone down.
Some of the decisions concerning batting don't go past me. I would never putSachin Tendulkar at number three and I very much doubt if he too prefersstepping down from the opening slot. Tendulkar could set the tone of the inningsand the opposition know it. Only the Indians themselves appear keen to downplaytheir trump card.
I also can't understand why Dinesh Mongia and Suresh Raina haven't got alook-in again after the Durban match. It was a pitch on which even the bestcould have floundered.
There was no shame if it so happened to a few young middle order guys.Ignoring them and bringing on the second wicketkeeper-batsman, irrespective ofhow talented he might be, is certain to dent the confidence of those who werechosen to shore-up the middle order in the first place.
Further, India haven't bothered to bring in at least one left-hander at thetop of the order. There is the same routine-ness about right-handers andconsequently the South African bowlers are not really stretched into makingadjustments in their line and length. That's why somebody like Sourav Ganguly orYuvraj Singh could have been of such invaluable help. I would rather have Indialook at this issue closely.
All is not lost yet but the Indians are getting there quickly. It was vitallyimportant for them to show some gumption in Port Elizabeth for they were chasinga relatively easier target on a pitch of their liking. Time and again theyappeared as somebody who would rather be in the confines of dressing room. Fastbowling is all about striking terror in the hearts of batsmen and the Indians atthe moment are a terrified lot.
Still it would be a mistake if India decide to go for wholesome changes. Itsimply wouldn't work and you only would be stirring more trouble. I would ratherhave these boys get the message loud and clear and be in a shape to win in alienconditions. That's your best bet.
I met Rahul Dravid before the start of the game and he looked deflated. Heseemed very unhappy with the situation in which his team is in. But he is a verydetermined young man and it would be a mistake to make light of his resolve.
Dravid is very focussed and wouldn't take such defeats lightly. I still feelthe Indians can turn things around in this series as South Africa's batting toois their Achilles' heels.
But for that to happen, the batsmen would have to shoulder responsibility andlook to survive the initial spells. It simply wouldn't do that they have a crackat the red cherry for an over or two before putting themselves out of equation.They must count.
The worry is that there was ample opportunity for the younger boys tomake an impression.
A few soft dismissals at critical moments seem to be hurting them the most.This when the South African pacemen themselves are not bowling as good as theycan. They are bowling too short but the Indians are unable to take a heavy tollof it. They went into the game with four medium-pacers and here too they werenot quite well managed.
If the Indians had negotiated the opening overs well, the lower order couldhave found its feet especially with dew making an appearance under lights at St.George's Park. They can make excuses like it was the third time they lost thetoss and were put to chase a total in the series. The simple fact is they arenot showing the basic courage which is required to prevail in such conditions.
The nightmare is unfolding and the Indians collectively need to put a stop toit.
PTI
