‘Even a para cricketer can knock out Saurav’

What has happened to Saurav and Sachin, players who have celebrity status in their own country? It’s a shame to see their plight on foreign soil. This is a moment of sheer disgrace for us. Many people may praise the Australian team. Brett Lee’s bowling may have mesmerised them.

Or, they may even look in wonder at McGrath’s bowling. But I don’t agree with them. Even a para cricketer from Biren Roy Road, where we stay, can easily knock out Sachin or Saurav’s wicket.

Can any sane person nick such a wide ball? It is hard to believe even one’s own eyes. Bret Lee was tempting Saurav and he responded with a nick. It is not the first time for him, though. I have written earlier that Saurav is getting out in the same manner time and again. One can see the lack of concentration at every step. When I saw him stepping out to hit McGrath at the very beginning, I immediately knew Saurav’s time was up. Lack of concentration and lack of patience had combined.

Besides, it appeared that Saurav’s mind is not at all on cricket. The problem seems bigger than that. It is not possible to understand it sitting here. There were high hopes from Saurav. Now, one will have to get over all such expectations. If he carries on the same way, not only will he lose his captaincy but he will also be dropped from the first 11.

I don’t think India will make it to the Super Six. Next is Zimbabwe, England and, finally, Pakistan. One needs tremendous mental strength to play against these teams. It is not possible to inject the strength from outside. Neither will counselling be of much help. One has to play from one’s own urges. That urge is missing. It doesn’t look like that spirit will ever come.

Saurav and Sehwag got out in the same manner. Why should one hit such a wide ball in that fashion? There is nothing to say about Sehwag; he should be given back his own position of No 2 immediately. Saurav should go down at No 3 or 4. The Indian captain should retreat immediately from the position he is holding now.

But all these decisions should have been taken before the World Cup started. Unfortunately, there was no pre-World Cup camp for the players. A camp for at least 10 days should have been organised. Without proper preparation, one is bound to face these consequences. Can everything be stage-managed? It needs practice and trial. Things can’t run in this fashion anymore.

Rahul Dravid sneaked in a ball that was going well outside the off-stump. None realized the need to stay at the wicket. Sachin stayed at the wicket for some time but where were the runs? He took singles and stood at the other end. The urge to play is missing in everyone. I could not make out if we were watching a World Cup match or an exhibition match!