India’s miraculous success should be placed in a shrine

The Indian Express is getting up a good head of steam. This energy should take them to the final but they need to take it one day at a time. As each game goes by, and one win builds into seven in a row.

It is important that the team focuses on demolishing Kenya before thinking of the final. History shows that going too fast towards the destination has derailed many trains.

The difference between where the Indian squad is now, and where it was after the defeat to Australia in the second game of the first stage, is that now they believe in themselves.

Since the crushing loss to Australia three weeks ago prompted so much gnashing of teeth and serious recriminations back in India, Saurav Ganguly and his, much happier, band of men have gone from strength to strength.

This revival was put into perspective in this game when New Zealand, who had put India through considerable anguish during the recent tour of New Zealand, looked as ragged as India had been at the start of the World Cup.

The recriminations will now be heard loud and clear in the shaky isles. Stephen Fleming will be as confused and confounded on departure as Ganguly and John Wright were on their arrival in South Africa.

New Zealand’s abysmal batting form should be the focus of attention in the review that will be done when the dust settles. It has been a disastrous tour for all bar the captain, with the poor return for Craig McMillan and Nathan Astle, both good players, being the most distressing.

Considering that most pitches here in South Africa have been batting-friendly much soul searching will be done. As much as the extra bounce here compared with New Zealand may have been a contributing factor, the real problem will be found in the psyche of the individuals concerned.

Confidence can be a tenuous state. Good players do not lose their talent overnight but confidence is regularly left on the pillow. One poor innings or concern with an opponent, or even one opposition bowler, has been enough for many players to have a restless night’s sleep. As India has found in this tournament, success is the best antidote to lost confidence.

The New Zealand bowling has also been of concern for them in this campaign. Shane Bond has been a shining light but his partners have been left in the shadows. Daniel Vettori is a class act, but the rest of the contingent has been found wanting regularly. (PTI)