Is it a Win or Survival

Despite a poor start in the series, India has won the Test-Series in England. It is a great achievement for Dravid and his men. But I am worried about the Captains’ attitude.

What makes a winner stand out of looser and moderate crowd is the hunger to win. Winners do not get satisfied with one achievement (telling themselves how great it is) and they continuously fight for more and more. Australian Cricket is a perfect example of it. Australians have taken their goals to such a high level that them loosing a game looks so unexpected.

This winning attitude was missing during third test. Despite a huge first innings lead, India did not force a follow-on on England. As per the reports, Indian team looked unconvinced about facing England bowling attack on the last day (if there would have been any need). The second disappointing surprise was slow pace of Indian batting (except Ganguly). I think captain Dravid has made his mind to settle down with a draw (and not loose the match with a dramatic turn). He was also eager to add a few runs to his own pocket (personally it has been a flop series for him so far), even if it costs a probably team win.

This series win does not prove too much about Indian Strength. If first test was not rain-affected, then final result would have been much different. But this truth does not reflect in Dravid’s attitude. He seem to be on cloud-nine. I think he has convinced himself how great a Captain he is. Even most of Indian fans must be convinced about the same (such short-sighted they are).

W hat I would have loved to see from India was a Must-Win attitude in third test. But instead of killing the bird, they were trying to make sure that the captured bird does not slip away from their pockets. This does not make a winner. It only makes surviver. And how long you survive is just a matter of chance.