New Zealand had an upper hand over the Indian Cricket Team in the third test match at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. It turned out to be a 3-0 whitewash. Indians are not accustomed to such sort of loss at home so the outpour has been pretty strong too. However, as a die-hard fan, it’s very important to take a step back and evaluate the bigger picture. Does this loss indicate a downfall of intent, lack of leadership or poor coaching? Let’s dive into these pressing concerns with a balanced perspective.
1. Has The Indian Cricket Team Lost Its Intent?
It is easy to get frustrated when the team we respect so much does not perform as per our expectations. However the difference between losing intent and losing to a good opponent is a world of difference. India did not lose because they lacked intent. New Zealand played super disciplined cricket that checked India’s aggression at bay. Moments of victory and defeat go hand in hand in sports.
Every game, lost or won, presents an opportunity for introspection. The Indian Cricket Team would have come back to attack the next series with more precision and intent, as is their norm after suffering defeats. India is a side which draws momentum from losses and infuses that into their next match. This could just give them the fuel to rise against Australia in the much-hyped Border-Gavaskar series. So, instead of doubting their intentions, maybe we should believe in their resilience and wait for them to display it.
2. Should Rohit Sharma Be Sacked As India’s Test Captain?
A big no.
This is the most debated question, however Rohit Sharma’s contribution to the Indian Cricket Team is more than just a win-loss record. Rohit is someone who brings aggression and inspiration to his role and leads by example. He is a great player who does not care to place his wicket on the line for the team, something that is rarely seen in modern-day cricket. The leadership brand he delivers is of a willingness to counter-attack to set the tone for a bold innings.
Every captain has ups and downs. What distinguishes them is that they can support their players through it all. The very fact that Rohit gives confidence to younger cricketers like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel and Aakash Deep all of whom have already gone on to become talent prospects under his mentorship he has proven to be players’ captain who trusts other teammates and creates a nourishing atmosphere that goes onto create long-term success although it also brings short term failure.
Fans can now look past the last couple of losses and remember how many times Rohit’s leadership has instilled fearlessness into the Indian Cricket Team. And patience, they say, is a test of loyalty. I do not think we need to forget the devotion for the game in Rohit Sharma when we talk about him.
3. Is The Current Coaching Panel Not Up To The Mark?
Judging the coaching panel after a few series would be rather premature. Coaching at national level often needs time to make an impact and success isn’t what you can expect instantly. It would be a different ball game indeed, however Gautam Gambhir has shown what potential he holds as a tactician in his stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), guiding them to the trophy in 2024.
Fans must remember that each coaching team brings a different vision to the table and for Gambhir and his unit to establish theirs, they require time and trust. Success stories are seldom built overnight and a hasty judgment only undermines their efforts. Just as we have seen past coaches shape the team over seasons, Gambhir and his panel need a chance to build their legacy.
With defeat, come accusations and despair. Each of the players, coaches and leaders has put in years of practice and sacrifice to bring themselves to that playing field. So let us rally behind them with understanding and encouragement rather than bash them. As in life, the sadness makes the wins that much sweeter in sport. The Indian Cricket Team’s journey was full of heart-stopping moments of glory and times of learning. Now, when they are at a crossroads, they need their supporters to stand with them and not bashing them. After all, faith is not tested in the moments of victory however in times of adversity.
Let’s hold on to that faith and let’s watch the Indian Cricket Team bounce back.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
