One down, one to go

Ganguly is an instinctive leader who understands that sights must be set high or else a deadness will come over a team. Nor did he keep his expectations to himself, announcing at a press conference that his team intended to play flat out. He had denied himself and his men any excuse for defeat. He did not want his players to be caught up in the euphoria of the occasion and so focused their attention upon the purpose of the visit.

Part of Ganguly’s strength is that his position is always clear. He does not tiptoe around and presents his case strongly. Players follow him because he takes them in the right direction, towards achievement. Although he curses them sometimes, the players know that he has their interests at heart. Their is no pretence in him.

Ganguly needed to win a competition because his career had been hovering on the brink of achievement. Reaching a World Cup final is all very well but pales beside lifting the trophy. Moreover, India had frozen on the big day, with the match lost in the opening few overs after Australia had been given the opportunity to bat on a friendly pitch. Ganguly’s team had survived a lot but it had failed its first test.

Squaring a series in Australia was a wonderful effort and beyond the wildest dreams of supporters but India dithered on the final day of the last match and Australia wriggled away. Ganguly and his men held back, hardly daring to go for the proverbial jugular in case something went wrong. India’s captain had instilled unity and confidence. His players joined in hugs and fought to the last. But he had not won anything. Something was missing and Ganguly went to Pakistan in search of it. No one fears the team that finishes second.

Regardless of the margin, winning a series in Pakistan is no mean achievement. Except in World Cups, India has not often beaten its neighbour. Sometimes the side has lacked the rawness and aggression of its opponent. Ganguly took upon himself the task of confronting and correcting the weak point. Lahore confirmed that he has not worked in vain.

Pakistan did not lie down. Inzamam’s men bowled fast, fielded with desperation, lost early wickets and then launched a revival that shook the visitors to the bottom of their boots. Inzamam himself was outstanding, a calming influence on a young side and a sleepy yet destructive presence at the crease. His hundred in the fourth match surely silences the whisperers. The Pakistanis played some wonderful cricket. The teams were well matched.

Ganguly’s men had to fight with every last ounce of strength to secure the victory and the captain deserves credit for forging a group of men from various parts of the county into a fighting unit with a single thought in its mind.

Doubtless beating Pakistan caused joy across the land. Pakistan’s players and supporters were sporting in defeat. India’s will be watched for any sign of triumphalism. Meanwhile Ganguly must feel a sense of inner contentment. He has come a long way from the tough, independent and apparently disdainful boy who toured Australia all those years ago and refused to kow-tow. Then Ganguly was given a black mark. Now he returns as a conquering hero.

Yet his work is not quite done. Now India must confirm its strength in the Test series. Ganguly must stifle suspicions that he has lost his nerve against fast bowling or else he will not last much longer. A fine line exists in sport between the champion and the chump. Ganguly must go in search of further glories for a team is either busy being born or busy dying.

(Cricket News)