It is not there yet, but it will be in some years from now when the Finals of IPL will turn into a Super Bowl of cricketing fraternity. It will be “The Day” when the whole of India shut itself to witness the marquee match while the rest of the world interested to know the outcome, if not catch the action live in the odd hours of their respective time zone. For now, the end of IPL 2012 already left a void in many of our daily lives. The critics who slammed the event a long, exhaustive and boring (including the writer) must have realized it will remain a 2 month extravaganza, and the cricketing world should learn to organize their International Cricket Calendar to 10 months only (excluding the months of April and May).
The Big Finale
At last, Dhoni’s & Co were brought back to earth when they failed to defend the target of 190. It was heartening to see a relatively unknown Manvinder Bisla display steely nerves in this mammoth run chase. He definitely seems to be a good alternative to Dhoni in the short formats of the game. I’m sure his performances are going to be closely monitored in the domestic circuit alongside Parthiv Patel and Wridhiman Saha for the national glove job (if ever the need arises). Captain Gambir, deserves a bow for carrying his team all the way and snatch the Championship from the Super Kings.
However, Gambir’s post match statement “It is the team that makes a successful captain and not the captain that makes a successful team” must have irked many. From the outset it definitely appears to be directed towards Dhoni (not sure if Ganguly is included too). Does Gambir really know what a Clive Lloyd or Imran Khan or Ranatunga or Sourav Ganguly did to their sides? For a moment, let us buy Gambir’s statement. In that case, does he mean to say the Test Squad (included Gambir) that represented India in England and Australia was a rank bad one? Wake up Gambir!!! Because you won a trophy, doesn’t mean you get to talk all you want.
At the same time, it is disappointing to see Sourav Ganguly openly back Gautam Gambir for the Top Job in Test cricket. Gambir’s record as a member of Test Team that plays outside subcontinent is very much debatable. I won’t be surprised if Dhoni has equal or better record as batsman compared to Gambir in Test Cricket (played outside subcontinent). Just out of curiosity, I did the analysis myself to see both their numbers in the Test Matches played at South Africa, England and Australia recently. Against South Africa Gambir scored 242 runs in 4 innings at an average of 60, while Dhoni scored 179 in 5 innings at an average of 36. Against England, Gambir scored 102 in 6 innings at an average of 17 and Dhoni scored 220 in 8 innings at an average of 31. Against Australia Gambir scored 181 runs at an average of 23 in 8 innings and Dhoni scored 102 runs in 6 innings at an average of 20. Overall average of Gambir is 33 compared to Dhoni’s 29 in same number of Matches. Inference: Gambir as specialist batsman did not do anything commendable compared to Dhoni the Wicketkeeper-Batsman.
Captain Cool, appeared cool despite the defeat, but the loss must have wrinkled badly inside him. After all, somebody can survive jealousy, not the curses of the loyal cricket fans.
After a lot of cricket in the past 2 years, it is real break for the Indian Cricket Team and fans for the next 2 months or so. Following the break, India take on New Zealand at home in August, World T20 in September, England Tour of India for 4 Tests and 5 ODIs, finally Australia’s Tour to India for Test and ODI’s to conclude the season.
Unless nothing compelling, I spare you from reading my blogs.
See you later.
Dinesh
Cricket Lover
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