Great Expectations

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To say that I expected India to win the CB series would be a lie. In fact, I am not even sure if they deserved to win. You could of course argue that.

I had decided not to watch the second game because it was somewhat understood Australia would bounce back and make room for the third match, which would have then be dubbed as the final of the finals, etc., etc. But of course, I watched most of it.

But oh, India won. More important than the win itself was the fact how Indians remained composed during the death overs. This is one aspect where they definitely have achieved praiseworthy progress. Clinching two wickets in the last over was dreamlike. Couldn’t believe this is the same team that was notorious for conceding extra runs and losing quick wickets in the death overs.

While this is the kind of win that’s going to elevate their confidence manifold, they shouldn’t forget England has already done this. And currently, they are not in a very good situation. So winning over Australia doesn’t mean they are the best team in the world. On a bad day, even World No. 111 can beat Roger Federer, but that doesn’t make them World No. 1 overnight or even better than Federer, for that matter. So basically, what remains to be seen is how Oz-gate will transform Indians– will it make them complacent? Will that fire their enthusiasm, to use a metaphor, to improve their game even more? Time will tell, but we all know, Indians are not very good at handling victories. Something almost always goes wrong. Consistency has been and still remains India’s biggest issue.

Something went wrong with Australia over the past week, and it’s not my business to find that out. But they still are good. And consistent.

Some interesting discoveries:

* After being in the business for about a decade, Harbhajan Singh has finally learnt a few cliches. I am here to play some good cricket. I’m really proud. (Followed by, “Main Thaka Hoon.”)

* Symonds is the kind of guy you could go on a date with without worrying about eve teasers.

* Sachin is a bit like Gandhi. He gets angry. A lot. But won’t show it.

* Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the man India needs. You can’t pinpoint any move he made. Some tremendous leadership by him. Actually, Dhoni has always been a good captain, but this series, especially the second final made me realize that we can’t do without him. Really. Hats off to him.

What discoveries did you make?