Indian cricket has come to a crossroads; which direction it takes from here will be clear only after the fourth and final Test of the series against England which begins this week. Given the level of performances in the home series, in which Team India finds itself in the doldrums, a generation shift is obviously called for. Three seniors have already been shown the door in the middle of the series and more are likely to be judged strictly on the basis of current form rather than
reputation.
Whatever the level of his accomplishments over 23 years may have been, the new litmus test of performance should apply equally to Sachin Tendulkar. Considering how Team India was humbled in England and Australia in its free fall from the number one Test ranking, a home series against a higher-ranked opponent was forecast to be the kind that would help revive pride of performance in the Indians. Now that the opposite has happened, the series has shown up our weaknesses for what they really are.
Indian cricket has to build anew with players who will bring fresh minds, a higher work ethic and eager bodies. Whether such players exist is a moot point, particularly at a time when IPL riches seem to have instilled different values in young cricketers. Rebuilding will be a harder task but one that the BCCI and its selectors must attempt from now lest the image of Indian cricket as a rich but non-performing entity sticks forever.