Just unbelievable! Such a meek Indian surrender to the best of the minnows in their first Cup encounter! And that, too at the Queen’s Park Oval, a venue supposed to be lucky for them. Sri Lankan coach Tom Moody did say that India’s performance overseas is questionable. But did we have to go all out to prove him right? To think that Indians got beaten fair and square by their next-door tiger cubs is insulting. To get 192 to win on a wicket rolled out exceedingly well wasn’t easy for these young Bangladeshis against a proven attack. But they marched methodically; never bothering about big names. They had an early setback — opener Nafees offering no shot to Zaheer Khan. Thereafter, they never let the pressure push them into submission. At times, Iqbal, Rahim and Sakib — the three main contributors to this historic victory — would jump out to hit over the fielders’ heads, not only to keep the run-rate in control but also to make bowlers waver in line and length. Perhaps the only batter who had a rush of blood was captain Bashar. Team India looked diffident right from the start. Their attitude appeared negative when they chose to bat first. There was some juice in the wicket early on, and that advantage was handed over to Mashrafe Mortaza, who scalped the precious wickets of the opener, the one running horrible form (read Virender Sehwag) and a newcomer alien to such pressures (Robin Uthappa). On that placid wicket, Indian batsmen could have chased any total with the target in sight. Maybe the Indian thinktank could try Sehwag for the last time as the next game is against the smallest of the small fish in the competition, Bermuda. If not for batting, Sehwag should still be tried out as an offie. He was the only bowler who looked like taking wickets. While Sourav did try to salvage the innings with grit, I feel he should have taken the reins in hands with his experience. Same was the case with Sachin, who went into a shell from the start. Bangladesh go methodically and systematically about their domestic cricket. They seem to have graduated, and deserve a permanent mainstream berth. They have lots of schools, junior tournaments, and from that they draw talent for international encounters. Theirs is an indigenous team, full of youngsters with guts and determination. And, they have a coach who gives them the confidence. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka seem to be peaking at the right time. It is essential that India go into battle with a well-thought-out plan. Or we might just end up being another team from the sub-continent going home early, like Pakistan. Pakistan have some excuse — internal bickering and infighting — for their poor performance. Indians don’t have that luxury. Maybe it was too much sun, sand and sea, and the team a tad too relaxed.
