The Cricket World Cup competition has indeed become as popular as Football World Cup, at least in countries once ruled by Britain. That is mainly due to the success of IPL in India, drawing huge crowd, sponsorship galore that has made Indian cricket the most attractive, at least financially, giving BCCI an influential position and a say that was unimaginable before IPL.
The most encouraging aspect is that even ladies, young and 87 years old grandmother are equally absorbed, dedicated and avid supporter of Indian team.
The defeat of Indian team by a tiny nation New Zealand has indeed raised an inquisition on all fronts. Even Dhoni and Kholi have not been spared, as India was favourite to lift World Cup.
Virat Kholi, world’s leading batsman by far, has failed to reach even double figure in his three semi-final innings, scoring a total of just 11 runs. His dismissal for one against New Zealand started the collapse that even Dhoni could not stop.
Dhoni has been widely criticised in Indian press for his slow start, putting undue pressure on Ravindra Jadeja who was playing brilliantly, an all-round performance that reminded us of Youvraj at his best.
While India had world cup winning bowlers, both in spin and speed category, India badly lacked middle order batsmen who could steady the ship if the openers went early. India was unfortunate to lose Shaker Dhaven and Shankar due to injury, thus forcing K. L. Rahul to open batting who could have strengthened the middle order batting.
Even the selection of the team was criticized with three wicketkeeper batsman, especially Kartik who had a bad IPL season and was out of form, as well as omission of all-rounder Ashwin and Ambait Rayudu who announced his retirement in disappointment. No one will be surprised if there is a wholesale change on the management side!
Kumudini Valambia
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