Setting the wheels in motion

Amidst all the statements made by current and former players from both Indians and Englishmen, the most awaited series is almost knocking at the door as England tour India after a gap of four years. For England, it’s time to lay their critics to rest and prove that they're capable of reigning supreme beyond home conditions. But for the hosts, it’s more than just a series. (Anyone who knows the 0-4 drubbing in England last summer has the entire clue in the world.)

A country where Cricket matches are not just played, but are worshipped by millions across the nation; where a player is treated not just with respect but considered their own family; a country where an iconic status is familiarized by GOD-like stature, clearly this series is all about salvaging a lost pride. Every Indian has revenge on his mind, from a barber who manages to lack the attention towards his profession while watching/listening to a cricket match to a milkman who looks all grumpy after his favourite team's loss the previous night.

It is no hidden fact that the debacle in England last year is where the downward spiral of Indian cricket commenced. A second consecutive whitewash in Australia and an early exit from the Asia cup have led to allegations of a team rift, a low on confidence skipper and an ageing legend. But the time for Blame game is over as this series opens the door for a phoenix like Team India, who is currently confused, surprised and looking for answers to their problems. Not to forget the challenging schedule that lies ahead, a fresh start is the mantra to promising upcoming season. It is time we recreate the Indian Test match wonder.

With all the speculations running wild about the appointment of a new captain for the Test format, I still believe that MS Dhoni is the number one man. Especially in home conditions where the man with the golden touch is yet to lose a Test series. As far as the contenders are concerned, Gautam Gambhir needs to get some runs under his belt before being given the responsibility that every Indian cricketer dreams of. As of Virat Kohli, let him bat. It’s my utmost plead to the selectors, please for once let the talent bat and allow him to focus entirely on batting.

With all said and done, it all finally comes down to the men in charge. The squad against England is not one that would have raised any eyebrows; probably the best squad to offer. But the team looks inexperienced with Tendulkar, Sehwag, Gambhir and Zaheer Khan being the only players who were a part of the victorious team in 2008. With that being said, the platform is ideal for the likes of Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh or a Rohit Sharma/Manoj Tiwary to finally come in terms with the real deal of Test cricket. As we all know, transformation from ODI fold to the traditional format is by no means a cakewalk.

At the twilight of his career, Sachin Tendulkar would look to erase his bitter memories from the New Zealand series. With the great man contemplating retirement somewhere down the road, one should still believe that he is far from over before riding into the sunset. Him returning to play for his Ranji side might just provide him that nip he awaits. It'll be foolish to count off the man who has been the identity of the game over the last 15 years. It all comes down to this one sentence, Sachin Tendulkar was born to play cricket. So no matter how nigh the end might be, writing Tendulkar off can be the biggest error one can ever make. When Tendulkar bats the way he is known to, there are fewer better sights in the world and India will be hoping nothing less than that.

The middle order looks weak with the exception of Virat Kohli who would look to carry his ODI momentum into the Test front. The battle for the 6th position between Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina might just be inclined towards Yuvraj after a fairytale 208 in a first class game. Raina on the other hand, probably blew it after failing to make it big during the New Zealand series.

The focus on Tests needs to be more since the ODI's have had better results off late. Around 18 months prior, an Indian side that ruled the Test rankings has now slipped down to the number 5 position. A lot has changed since then. Gary Kirsten is coaching South Africa, Rahul Dravid is in the Cricket Extra panel and VVS Laxman is probably looking for an appointment with his hair transplant doctor. However, there is still the availability of one of the World's most salient opening pairs in Sehwag and Gambhir (long due for a big one), a charismatic captain and a batting legend. And, oh well, a coach in Duncan Fletcher who is still waiting for one triumphant series.

A comprehensive start is all that is needed to tune up the band. The mission to be the top team should be the ideology Dhoni's men need to believe in. As the skipper gets ready to march his troops for a tough calendar ahead the room for errors is almost zero.
P.S - Being an Indian myself, I believe that nothing is more costly, nothing is more sterile, than VENGEANCE.