Can they win anywhere?
India — or more specifically Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s XI — has a problem. Thrashed 4-0 in England and by the same margin in Australia last summer, the theory was that at home they would be able to return the favour.
That prediction seemed on track in the first Test against England at Ahmedabad, though there were ominous signs of resistance from Alastair Cook’s men even there. And at Wankhede Stadium on Monday, the Englishmen turned the series on its head, handing out a morale-sapping 10-wicket thrashing to the hosts on a surface tailormade for India’s perceived stronger suit. So having been whitewashed on seaming away pitches and now on a turner at home, it can safely be concluded that India cannot play pace overseas, or spin at home. That being the case, where do Dhoni and Company go from here?
There are two matches of this series to go, and early next year a resurgent Australia will visit for a full set of matches. So if this team has a problem with playing well away, and now at home too, uncertainty looms. In any case, this side has too many passengers in its ranks. With the exception of Cheteshwar Pujara, Pragyan Ojha, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli, the others appear more to be making up the numbers than anything else. Something the new selection committee could ponder, and perhaps act on.
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