India must leave its obsession with World Cups

Peter Roebuck is to writing, what Ian Chappell is to commentary. No holds barred comments, and no taking sides (One could also include Sunny and Bishan here). They speak from the heart, without being too diplomatic, and at times get barrage of criticism from every quarter. The duo represent the ultimate in media, both in terms of integrity, and extremely valuable inputs.

Now, it was very interesting to read Roebuck’s views about 2011, which somehow escaped the attention of most of the media.

While commending India for being on the right track with its ODI side for the competition, he also said that ‘’Much has been made of the need to build a team for the 2011 World Cup. That is foolish. It is unwise to be thinking about an event so far away.’’

The comments could not have been more timely. If one just concentrate’s on winning matches consistently, it automatically improves one’s chances of winning such tournament. Basically, preparing for future is just a hogwash. It tends to become an alibi for failures. You select players, appoint coaches, with a view to win something good three years away!

Here Roebuck adds ‘’An awful lot can change in a week, with injuries, losses of form, new faces, ten-over cricket starting and so forth. Goodness knows how much might alter in three years!’’

In such a fast paced sporting world, three years is a lifetime indeed. One may not have Tendulkar and Sehwag to open, and one could well be grappling with newer combinations. Just compare the ODI side in early 2005 with the one we have playing today, and you will know.

But the most important thing Roebuck emphasizes is that ‘’It is foolish to place so much emphasis on a single tournament. The All Blacks tend to think only about the Rugby World Cup and as a result usually freeze when the time comes. Instead India must set out to win as many matches as possible.’’

Did not we see that in World Cup 2007! Frozen footwork and numb stroke play due to unreasonable expectations. So much of hype followed by muck on our idols after they crashed out. India could have done better without so much pressure.

So cricket administrators will do well to pay heed to what Roebuck has to say. Do not do so much of advance planning. Winning more and more matches is much more important, than a trophy, which is put on display just once in four years.

''Sehwag Selection is about desperation, not inspiration''

That is what Harsha Bhogale had to say in his column for the Indian Express when Selectors chose to look beyond probables.

He also said ‘’so the list of 24 was either a decoy for journalists or a boring academic exercise’’. Well, on both counts he was right as he pointed out to the exclusion of Aakash Chopra.

Undoubtedly, Sehwag is phenomenal on his day, but right now he is certainly not the man in form if we go by his recent domestic performances.

However, Ravi Shastri (in HT) had a different take on the issue as he expressed his elation at Sehwag’s comeback.

‘’I admire Viru for his dash and panache and the initiative he can seize in a matter of few good strokes,'' said the former Indian skipper.

However, at the same time he was not certain if Sehwag would be a part of the eleven as ''that would mean keeping Yuvraj out''.

It is significant because if Laxman, Dravid, Tendulkar, Ganguly, Dhoni and Yuvraj are to play, it leaves scope for just Wasim Jaffer. The other opener could be either Yuvraj or Dravid. One grappling with bad luck and other with lack of form.

Hopefully, Sehwag will get a chance in the eleven in the first tour game to prove his credentials for the sterner Test ahead on December 26.

However, whether Sehwag is in the eleven or not, there is at least one expert who believes that India has a very good chance down under.

‘’My gut feeling is that Anil Kumble’s team will do quite well in Australia’’, writes Imran Khan, adding that, despite some docile pitches, ''the Indian batting is looking very good as of now''.

We can only say that aapke muhn mein ghee shakkar (An Indian way of expressing thanks hoping that Imran's words will come true). And we also hope that if Sehwag gets a chance, he will recapture the form of 2003-2004 season.