As the regulars on the site would have noticed I wrote a review on Saurav Ganguly yesterday, which drew lots of passionate response from a lot of people, some of the comments agreed with my viewpoint and some didn't. People said my review was emotional and probably they are right, probably I missed the BIG picture, that is the reason I decided to write a practical and subjective analysis of the current bunch of cricketers playing for the country (and some aspiring to play), hope readers will find my review more clinical and less emotional this time around, so here we go opening with the opener:
1) Virender Sehwag : One of the biggest star of the current Indian team, when he fires the rest can sit back and relax, he will single handedly take the game away from the opposition. Sadly, that seems to happen not too often at the moment, isn't as scary for the oppostion as he used to be since most of the teams have sorted him out. However he just needs a couple of good innings to be back in top form, let's hope for the sake of Indian Cricket that happens soooner rather then later.
Current Score Based on Performance : 5
2) Gautam Gambhir : Recently started playing for the country, but already going through a pretty rough patch, has been a bunny for Vaas in the current series - probably that means he is suspect against left handed bowlers, need to come up with decent performance now to stay in the team.
Current Score Based on Performance : 3
3) Rahul Dravid : Probably the most technically correct batsmen of the current era, the same was making it impossible for him to succeed in ODI's, until he changed his game and with it his fortunes. One of the match winners in the current team, however as far as I am concerned his Mr. Nice Guy image has taken a serious beating in the current controversy, as long as he wins matches for India it hardly matters I guess.
Current Score Based on Performance : 8
4) Sachin Tendulkar : A pale shadow of the master batsmen we have all known in the past, very much past his prime probably can stay around for a few personal milestones not a match winner anymore. I know many people will differ on this one, but I would suggest you go through his record for the past 2 years before crucifying me.
Current Score Based on Performance : 6
5) V.V.S Laxman : A maverick in the truest sense of the word, played couple of unforgetable innings in the begining of his career and that has probably burdened his game with huge amount of pressure and expectation. When in full flow he is a treat to watch, but alas that happens rarely now. Need more consistency from him, to make a serious impact.
Current Score Based on Performance : 5
6) Saurav Ganguly : Since the past year or so he would easily take the cake for the 'Underperformer' award, has been in woeful form, however he showed sigh of recovering and since it was threatening his comeback was nipped in the bud. Without doubt the best captain India has ever produced.
Current Score Based on Performance : 4
7) MS Dhoni : Find of the year, flavor of the season. If only he keeps on concentrating on his game he will serve India well in the years to come. Awesome wicketkeeping in addition to his batting. The glamour he brings to the game doesn't hurt either.
Current Score Based on Performance : 8
8) Yuvraj Singh : Promised too much, has delivered only a small part. Probably he and Kaif share the worst position to bat in ODI's, it's always difficult to fire everytime for No6 and No7 Batsmen, as they come in really difficult circumstances. Needs to model his game on the way Bevan Played.
Current Score Based on Performance : 5
9) Mohhamad Kaif : Brings a lot of fresh energy to the team, you can call him unlucky as he is still struggling to make his mark in the longer version of the game, with Ganguly gone this is his chance and he should take it with both hands like he takes catches.
Current Score Based on Performance : 7
10) Ajit Agarkar : A waste of time, Arjuna Ranatunga rightly called him 'One in 20 matches' bowler.
Current Score Based on Performance : 3
11) Zaheer Khan : One of the best bowlers for India currently and still struggling to find place in the team, what more can one say about the Selection Policy? Has performed extremely well after being dropped from the team, but sadly Chappel doesnt like his face.
Current Score Based on Performance : 7
12) L. Balaji : He was a breath of fresh air for the team, impressed everyone with his attitude and work ethics. Even though he was a player with limitations he made the most of his limitations and played to the best of his ability. Again no reason and no explanation for him to be dropped. It shows how horrible it can get to be on the wrong side of Chappel.
Current Score Based on Performance : 7
13) Anil Kumble : Top class performer on Indian tailor made wickets, wish he could repeat his performance outside India. At the fag end of his career, and still pretty fit and mentally strong, asset to the team.
Current Score Based on Performance : 8
14) Harbhajan : In good form recently, needs the captain confidence to perform well. His game his fine, he just needs to take care not to rub Chappel the wrong way, or you would find him sitting out like Zaheer and Ganguly.
Current Score Based on Performance : 7
15) Irfan Pathan : Great performance since he made his debut, has the ability to become one of the top all rounders in the world. Needs to protect himself against injuries.
Current Score Based on Performance : 8
Okay I believe I have covered most of the current important lot, in case I have missed someone do let me know, your feedback as always is most welcome.
