I was not expecting that I will be commenting like this about Indian cricket team in less than a year.
When Indian cricket team lost pathetically in WC 2007 I decided not to 'waste' any time following cricket closely. I felt like its high time for me to grow interest in some other sport as a backup entertainment. I took oath that I am going spend my time more positively on other aspects.
When I look back I never missed a match, completely opposite of what I had decided. I renounced all my 'vaadas' without my conscious. It started with Dhoni's leadership.
We won first ever TT WC, a record which will remain forever. I followed all matches till the finish that only Misbah can manage. After I saw first match... my impression was 'This is the future of cricket'. It has all action that you need in a sport. I love test cricket, nothing beats it. I love one days, which now a days I feel became 'monotonous'. TT form of cricket has become my favorite after TC.
I followed all matches in Pakistan series. I followed these matches closely more to observe how Pakistani crickets are going to cope with the trauma their country people were going through back home (Bhutto stuff).
Selecting Anil Kumble as test captain got me completely back into cricket - A transformation without my notice. Anil in my opinion is The Best Cricketer. Kind of maturity he had shown in Test series against Australia talks all about him. His leadership and go-for-it attitude made the difference. I loved all the test matches against Australia. Test cricket is all about mind game. I believe that playing mind games becomes second nature for all engineers.
Anil and Dhoni have different approach in selecting their teams but have a common approach towards the game. Anil trusts old horses. Dhoni goes for fresh legs (suits well for TT). Both trusts their team members and backs them, come what may. Both show tremendous respect to individuals and their strenghts. Both fight their teams members. Look at the way they backed Bajji!
At the end it is good for Indian cricket. I don't mind shifting my loyalty back to cricket. After all I am one of those die hard mad fans!
Jheetega bhai jheetega....!
Update on 3/19:
How can I forget about my favorite Sachin's contribution here? No matter what youngsters did, it is Sachin who made the difference in the finals.
