As a victory ritual it is intriguing. Indian cricketers are joyfully accepting every photographer’s request. On the field, in the dressing room balcony, they happily pose for group snaps. And each round of cheesy smiles is accompanied by a huge roar. It is a big day for Indian cricket, and its triumphant men honour it by providing audio to each frame. India arrived at the Pindi Cricket Stadium today all ready for a tryst with a new feeling. They had not won a series abroad for a decade now. They have made claims to betterment, they have shown glimpses of excellence. But in away Tests they have not quite got their act together. In Rawalpindi, they have grasped the series. The fact that it is against archrivals may make it all the more precious. But they have respected that rivalry by elevating their game to the demands of history. India-Pakistan contests have far too often unraveled because of scrappy play and chancy turns. In Pakistan, each of the three Tests has gone to the side that produced spectacular cricket. The rest of the winning squad have on each occasion arranged themselves around the man of the match. In Multan, Virender Sehwag’s exercise in restraint and endurance was buttressed with disciplined bowling and a gutsy declaration. In Lahore, Umar Gul’s 12-over burst was scaffolded with sober batting, particularly by Inzamam-ul Haq and Imran Farhat. In Rawalpindi, Rahul Dravid’s extended occupation of the crease was bookended with inspired bowling by India’s young and charismatic pace duo, Irfan Pathan and Lakshmipathy Balaji. India have come a long way from Port of Spain in 2002. They took a lead then, only to eventually cede the series to the West Indies 2-1. Later that summer, Headingley was an exercise in squaring the contest, it only offered a hope that a day could come when they’d count themselves as favourites. At Adelaide this winter they showed that when they got going they could humble the world champions. At Rawalpindi, they received the biggest compliment when Pakistan’s captain and coach looked back on the matches past and said they would have to acquire India’s professionalism. Comparisons are telling. These are demanding conditions at Rawalpindi. Both teams have been on the treadmill for close to six weeks, they have had not a side game in between to relax and nerves and give the workhorses a breather. The hosts were strained to keep the substitutes streaming on to the field as injury and fatigue took their toll. India winked at exhaustion by commiting the sin of dropping a few catches. Pakistan’s total batting time was 577 minutes, 322 in the first innings and 255 in the second. India’s man of the match batted for a total of 740 minutes. Claims to the number two spot in Test cricket are not made with fortuitous victories. In Pakistan India have exhibited the mental strength, individual brilliance and professionalism worthy of those who’d challenge Australia one day. It is a sign of their professionalism — and indeed a positive for Indo-Pak cricket — that victory statements have emphasized the magnitude of the achievement as much for it being against traditional rivals as for it being a signpost for where Indian cricket is headed. Don’t be harsh on Pakistan, Saurav Ganguly told the media, they are a young team, give them time and opportunity. He should know. It was a young team he took charge of four-odd years ago. In the course of his tenure, they have imbibed the experience and fortitude required to chase their dreams. It’s been a long season. And they have come a long way.
