Ind - WI One day series

It was a very closely fought contest. At the start, India had the edge. But the West Indies came back well and had the nerve to win all the close games. Fielding was the a key area that made the difference, but as always on the foreigh tours - Indian batting IMO was the main reason of the loss. The batsmen went from being over confident in the first few matches to being frightened in the last two. It was nerves, nothing else. Especially in the two games, when India had a number of wickets in hand at 40th over or 35th, but they just couldn't up the tempo. They were so low on the confidence at that time, they couldn't put away even the bad balls. Part time bowlers likge Gayle and Sarwan and Samuels were giving just 3 runs an over. No doubt India carried a lot of weight of expectations and burden on their shoulders and crumbled under it. Not that they did not have the opportunities, not that they did not have good players.

It has been a real problem with the Indian team. They are chokers outside the sub-continent. They have improved in the past few years before which they were plain losers on the away soils. Take the Australian test match - the farewell match of Steve Waugh - or the world cup or these one dayers. they have consistently created situations of strength and then just as they had promised a lot, failed to deliever the knock-out punch.

In this series, they were so close to puling off miracles - Yuvraj in the 2nd match and Sreesanth in the third - but they gave it away. Yuvi got bowled on a slower ball and Dravid misfielded when 4 were needed of 3. Its a perfect example of choking.

The blame should not be taken away from the top order batsmen and the big problem was that of No.3. India does not have a good enough No.3. Pathan was tried there but with no luck. If Dravid batted in that position then the middle order became weak. Raina was tried too, but not good enough technique. Which takes you back to two oldies - Laxman and Sachin. Honestly, either of them have to play if India is to perform well on foregn soil in ODIs. But Dravid and Chappell are not willing to compromise on age and fielding.

Another factor was the five-bowler theory. It worked wonders on Asian pitches but failed to impress in West Indies. As said earlier, it is still a good ploy, we just need an even better all rounder to take its advantage. I think the time is right to give another chance to Reetinder Singh Sodhi. Or Piyush Chawla.

All and all, I was sad with the Indian performance but not completely disappointed. Powar bowled well, Yuvraj batted beautifully and Sehwag came back to form. But one thing is clear, unless India sort out their top order selection and the all rounder problems, it will not be such a big force to reckon with when the great show starts next March in the Caribbean.

Cheers,
- Tosh