When the Indian Cricket Team arrived in South Africa in November, they were already in the middle of a slum. From a 4-1 thrashing in the ODI's in West Indies, knocked out of the League stages in the DLF cup in Malaysia which featured Australia and the West Indies, and getting knocked out of the league stages of the Champions Trophy. After India's performances in the first two ODI's in Durban and Cape Town, the slum is here to stay for a while.
The situation has deteriorated where in the MP's in Parliament are calling for the resignation of Greg Chappell, the Indian Team Coach. Even on the field, India have lost their only in form player Rahul Dravid for the rest of the ODI series due to a finger injury. The Batting woes continue for the Indian team, and their bowling has also not being great, as Justin Kemp showed in Cape Town. So, with the problems both off-field and On-field for the Men in Blue, two questions are worth asking. One, will the South African tour turn out to be a complete Rout for the Men in Blue? Two, should the team give up any hope of trying to win the World Cup?
Looking at the performances of the team so far, the first question might turn out to be true. Barring Rahul Dravid, and to a certain extent MS Dhoni in the 2nd ODI, no other Indian Batsmen looks to intimidate the South Africans. The fielding has been pathetic on the Indian Side, dropping a number of chances, while the South Africans have held on to their chances. The catch by Bosman of Kallis to dismiss Dhoni as well as the cach to dismiss Sehwag was indeed the difference between the two teams. The Bowling has not been penetrative and aggressive, with South Africa rallying from 76/6 to post 274/7. The South Africans have promised the Indians more tough times ahead in the coming two matches as well as the ensuing Test Series. Hence, chances of India emerging winless or having to face a complete Rout are looking possible.
Should the Indian Team forget about winning the World Cup? Inspite of the current slump, the team does have time to bounce back. It only needs one or two good outings, both with Bat and Ball for the team to attain the highs in the 2003-04 season. A little bit of Passion, garnished with confidence and a strong mental outlook, is the perfect recipe for a team to do well. It also needs a lot of patience from the public, which has still not forgotten the Ganguly Fiasco.
Overall, the main aim of the team should be the World Cup. The team will also benefit if the 'Blue Billion' really stand up. They should back the team even in tough times and also encourage the players. Inspite of the debacle which may shape in South Africa, the public should not despair. Once again, we should not despair. Instead, we have to Believe, have an absolute Belief that the team can do good.
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