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Given a chance, Gautam Gambhir will do a good job, says Sandeep Patil

wicket June 14, 2024 0Comment

Sandeep Patil and Gautam Gambhir (PC: X)

Sandeep Patil recounted his conversation with Sachin Tendulkar. About 11 years ago, when he was the chief selector, Patil had to take the biggest/toughest call of his tenure as a selector. The five wise men were looking beyond the ‘master blaster’ as far as the Indian team was concerned. But Tendulkar wanted to continue. A conversation ensued and eventually, the legendary batsman decided to call it quits.

“I did speak with him (Tendulkar) with my colleague Rajinder Singh Hans at Nagpur,” Patil said, speaking to RevSportz. “See, the selectors can’t ask any player to retire. The selectors can tell a player that he is not doing well in this department or that department, and drop him. So we asked Sachin (about his future plans) and he said ‘no’ (not planning to quit). But we felt that, in accordance with the coach and captain, we have to look at the future. And then, Sachin himself decided (to hang up his boots).”

When Patil was the chief selector, he had to oversee a transition in the Indian team. And from his personal experience, he can feel that the new India coach, too, will face a tough time, with transition on the anvil. Patil served as the Indian team head coach as well and knows the best of both worlds.

A new coach will take charge of the Indian team in July and if things go to plan, Gautam Gambhir looks a shoo-in to replace Rahul Dravid. The new coach’s term will be until December 31, 2027 and with so many players in the Indian team in their mid-or-late-thirties, transition appears to be round the corner. Does Patil, the explosive batsman of the 1980s and a World Cup winner, back Gambhir to be successful if he takes over?

“Well, it’s mainly up to Rohit Sharma and the senior players in the team, and the BCCI officials (to decide) whether this is the right choice,” said Patil. “Gautam has done exceptionally well as a player, as a captain and as a mentor for Kolkata Knight Riders (and Lucknow Super Giants). But he hasn’t coached any other team (at any level). Now, when you appoint him (as India coach), you are appointing him for Test cricket and 50-over cricket as well (apart from T20Is). So, are we looking into those areas also?”

Gautam Gambhir (Source: X)

Patil spoke about Gambhir the person. “He is a lovely chap. I was happy that I got a chance to work with him throughout his (playing) career. I’m sure, if given a chance, he will do a good job.”

For an India coach, successful man management has to be his biggest attribute. The Indian dressing room is full of prima donnas and handling them is not easy. “Yeah, it’s difficult,” Patil agreed. “Players who are trying to establish themselves and the players who are established; you have to manage them differently. You cannot talk to the two sets of players in the same language. And that’s where the experience of coaching comes in. I was lucky enough (to make gradual progress). I started with India U-19, then graduated to India A and then I got a chance to coach the Indian senior side, where there were too many problems other than cricket.”   

How about handling the big egos? “Ego is everywhere. Ghar, ghar mein ego hai (there’s ego at every home). It’s not easy to handle egos. Ravi (Shastri) was successful. Gary Kirsten was successful. John Wright was successful. Rahul Dravid is successful. Greg Chappell unfortunately failed. It depends on every coach and his personality,” said Patil.

In his first team talk as KKR mentor, Gambhir made it clear that there would be no senior-junior in the team. Everyone would be equal. He is someone who can take the star culture head-on. And there’s a possibility that he will rock the boat if he becomes the India coach. Patil, though, refused to read too much into that. “Well, talking is one thing and doing the job is another thing. I hope he is given the opportunity and he does well.”

As regards to transition, Patil urged the BCCI to give the new coach enough time to oversee that. At the moment, the 67-year-old is busy mentoring the Shrachi Rarh Tigers team in the Bengal Pro League, which is a Shrachi Sports venture, encouraged by the company’s managing director Rahul Todi.

Rohit takes a hit during throwdown but nothing serious

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Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in nets ahead of Pakistan clash (PC: Debasis Sen)

By Debasis Sen and Ishant Shahane in New York

The India vs. Pakistan match on Sunday at the Nassau International Stadium is the highlight of the ICC T20 World Cup. Both teams are intensifying their preparations with rigorous practice sessions. The Indian cricket team was seen practicing at Cantiague Park on Friday afternoon, maintaining a spirited and upbeat atmosphere. However, there was a moment of concern when skipper Rohit Sharma’s right thumb was struck by a delivery from throwdown specialist Nuwan Seneviratne. Although initially uncomfortable, Rohit Sharma decided to continue batting after a brief pause, opting to move to another net with more consistent bounce. The uneven surface and unpredictable bounce had rattled him, briefly. The positive news for the team and fans is that Rohit Sharma is fully fit for the crucial game against rivals Pakistan.

Virat Kohli also spent copious time in taking throwdowns for an hour straight, as he geared up to face the hostile Pak pace attack on Sunday morning. Additionally, Shivam Dube was seen bowling at the nets. It was a hint, Dube could be contributing with the ball during Sunday’s much-hyped match. Senior all-rounder Hardik Pandya, also the vice-captain, was also seen bowling at a good pace, which is an encouraging sign for Indian cricket as the tournament progresses. After their practice session, the Indian team was engaged in a friendly game of football. It was a good way to destress and relax, indicating their high spirits and readiness for the upcoming clash against Pakistan.

Rohit Sharma in the nets ahead of Pakistan clash (PC: Debasis Sen)

The mood in the India camp is upbeat after winning the practice match against Bangladesh and then comprehensively beating Ireland in the lung opener of the World Cup. In New York, the unpredictable bounce is a source of concern, but the Indians handled it well in the first match. Even Rishabh Pant had taken a blow in the match against Ireland.

Talk of bounce and bouncing back, the pressure is on Pakistan. They were shocked by the hosts, USA, in Dallas. Under new coach Gary Kirsten, Pakistan will hope they can show better skills and will against India, who are on a high. The last few net sessions and intense practice is vital for both teams as well as staying in right mental space before a crunch tie.

David Miller takes South Africa over the finishing line in a nail-biter against Netherlands

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Team South Africa (Image: ICC)

South Africa playing Netherlands in a World Cup has given cricket fans across the globe some thrillers and how could it have been any different today? Despite a strong bowling performance by the Netherlands, David Miller’s crucial half-century ensured that South Africa avoided a shock defeat, chasing down a modest target of 104 with just seven balls  to spare.

SA bowlers take charge

South Africa captain Aiden Markram won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that paid off handsomely. The Proteas bowlers, led by Marco Jansen, made early inroads into the Dutch batting line-up. South Africa asserted their dominance early on with the moving ball, Jansen dismissing Michael Levitt in the first over itself. He continued to trouble the batters, eventually cleaning up Vikramjit Singh. The Netherlands struggled to find their footing as Jansen’s movement and accuracy dismantled the top order.

SA’s fielding complementing their bowling

South Africa’s fielding was equally impressive, amplifying the pressure on the Netherlands. An early caught-behind review, prompted by sharp fielding instincts, set the tone for the day. Markram’s brilliant run-out of Scott Edwards cut short a promising partnership. Max O’Dowd’s risky slash resulted in a spectacular diving catch by Jansen, exemplifying South Africa’s dominance in the field.

Netherlands bowlers dent SA top order

Defending a modest total, the Netherlands bowlers responded with a disciplined and aggressive display. South Africa’s chase began disastrously, losing four wickets within the Powerplay. Vivian Kingma and Logan van Beek led the charge, reducing South Africa to their worst Powerplay performance in T20Is. Quinton de Kock’s run-out off the first ball set a chaotic tone, followed by wickets of Reeza Hendricks, Markram, and Heinrich Klaasen, who all fell to tight, probing deliveries.

Miller-Stubbs pair saves the day

With South Africa reeling, Miller and Tristan Stubbs came together to steady the innings. Initially cautious, the pair began to accelerate as they approached the halfway mark, reducing the required rate to under a run-a-ball. Despite a slow start, their strategic running between the wickets and intelligent use of the wind helped South Africa recover. Miller’s two sixes and a four in the penultimate over were pivotal, overcoming a maiden over by Paul van Meekeren that had ratcheted up the tension.

The win placed South Africa at the top of Group D with 4 points from 2 matches, while the Netherlands, with 2 points, must win their next game against Bangladesh to keep their hopes of reaching the Super Eights alive. Meanwhile, South Africa look almost certain to advance, provided they secure a victory in their next match. Coincidentally both the teams will be playing Bangladesh in their next game. Bangladesh are currently at 2 points after one game, having won their match against Sri Lanka.

Akeal Hosein Shines with Five-Wicket Haul in West Indies’ Dominant 134-Run Victory Over Uganda

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Hosein ran through Uganda’s batting line-up. (PC: X.com)

In the second half of the game, it felt like Akeal Hosein versus Uganda rather than West Indies versus Uganda. After the two-time champions posted a total of 173, Hosein’s career-best figures propelled West Indies to a colossal 134-run victory in Guyana. This performance marked the best bowling figures by any West Indian in T20 World Cup history. It was a night to remember for Hosein, delivering a spell for the ages, while Uganda, unfortunately, matched the lowest total ever in Men’s T20I World Cup history.

West Indies essentially won the match at the toss by opting to bat first on a slow, low pitch. Despite a sluggish start, their powerful batting lineup managed to push through. Johnson Charles top-scored with 44 runs, and Andre Russell provided a late surge with an unbeaten 30 off 17 balls. Other batters also contributed valuable runs, ensuring a competitive total of around 160-170.

The Ugandan bowlers were commendable, executing their plans with precision and maintaining a tight line throughout the innings. However, the last over, which went for 18 runs, shifted the momentum decisively in favour of the home team.

Under the lights, the new ball movement proved too much for Uganda. Hosein found swing, rhythm, and turn, taking out five of the first seven batsmen to record his best-ever T20 figures. Romario Shepherd and Russell supported him well, each picking up a wicket in their initial overs. Despite a brief resistance from number nine batter Juma Miyaji, who crossed the 10-run mark, the rest of the Ugandan lineup faltered, with no other player reaching double figures.

Alzarri Joseph also contributed significantly, picking up 2 wickets for just 6 runs in 3 overs, while Gudakesh Motie, Shepherd, and Russell each took a wicket. This dominant bowling performance ensured that Uganda were bowled out for an embarrassingly low total.

Uganda will undoubtedly realise they have a steep learning curve ahead, but such experiences are invaluable lessons on the international stage. Meanwhile, West Indies will eagerly carry this momentum into their next two games.

From Tendulkar to Kohli – how the India-Pakistan rivalry became peripheral

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Source: BCCI/X

When he was approximately halfway through his storied career, Sachin Tendulkar was asked during an interview to pick out half a dozen of his finest knocks. The usual suspects, like the 155 against Shane Warne and company in Chennai (1998) made the list, but there was also what many might have seen as an odd inclusion. He spoke of a 43-ball 44 he made in an ODI in Trinidad in April 1997, a match that India lost badly. But in his mind, the 10 fours he struck and the control with which he batted on a tricky pitch against a formidable attack of Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Ian Bishop and Franklyn Rose made it special.

It was a reminder that the greats don’t deal in numbers like the rest of us often do. For them, context is everything. A cameo against a strong attack on a spiteful surface might have tested their skills far more than a double-hundred on a featherbed. And that battle is what they remember.

Often, it’s not just the pitch conditions and the opposition alone that players have to combat. If you’re bowling at the MCG, you’ll cop plenty of banter and even abuse from the patrons in Bay 13 any time you’re fielding near the fence. Shutting out that noise and performing is an art form in itself.

In that regard, one of Tendulkar’s forgotten gems came nearly two decades into his career, the last time India toured Pakistan for a bilateral series (2006). He may have ended up in Wandsworth Prison because of character flaws, but there was never any doubt over Mohammad Asif’s talent. His dexterous wrists and ability to move the ball both ways had wrecked India in the third and final Test in Karachi. Some of the greatest players in history were powerless to keep out a bowler at his absolute peak. Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and VVS Laxman were all bowled by the subtle movement that he was able to get with slight adjustments in wrist position.

Nearly a fortnight later, the teams arrived at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore tied at 1-1 in the five-match ODI series. Unlike 2004, when the prevailing mood was one of amity and friendship, this was a raucous and partisan crowd that desperately wanted payback for the Test and ODI series losses two years earlier. India were set 289 to win, and the atmosphere that Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir walked out to resembled a bearpit.

The cacophony was the least of their worries though. Within nine balls of his spell, Asif had two wickets – Gambhir bowled, and Irfan Pathan caught behind. Rahul Dravid, the captain, came out and only he would be able to tell you how he survived 42 balls. Asif’s first spell was so masterful that Dravid, who then had strong claims to be the world’s best, looked like a novice. Beaten on the inside edge, flummoxed by away movement, rapped on the pads – it was an ordeal.

Virat Kohli for India in WC 2023 (PC: BCCI/X)

At the other end, Tendulkar was like a Zen master. More than any shot he played, what you recall are the ones he didn’t – judgement so precise it made you gasp as the ball whistled past edge or stumps. He didn’t even get Man of the Match – MS Dhoni did for an unbeaten 46-ball 72 that finished things off – but the 95 he made that night was far far better than many of his centuries.

It was a contest that epitomised why we watch sport – two masters of their craft facing each other, and neither yielding an inch. Asif lost that night, but Tendulkar would be the first to tell you that it could so easily have gone the other way.

Why bring this up now, these years later? Well, when India and Pakistan face off in New York later today, Virat Kohli will be playing his 17th ODI against the cross-border rivals. He has also faced them in 10 T20Is. That’s 26 matches in a career that’s now into its 16th year. He also hasn’t played a single game in Pakistan, having made his debut a couple of months after India lasted visited for the Asia Cup in June 2008.

Tendulkar’s catalogue included 18 Tests and 69 ODIs against Pakistan, of which 23 matches (including 10 Tests) were on Pakistani soil. Forget his World Cup efforts against Pakistan, in 1992, 2003 and 2011. Ask yourself if his fellow Indians would remember him with such fondness if not for those many innings against the old enemy. The boy-on-burning-deck batting against Imran Khan, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis as a teenager, the near-miraculous 136 with a crippled back in Chennai, the Multan declaration, and the six off Shoaib Akhtar at Centurion – these are inseparable from the Tendulkar legend.

Kohli is a fantastic player. But we will never see him or Rohit Sharma play in front of a packed National Stadium in Karachi, or at the Gaddafi. It’s a bit like a Real Madrid legend never stepping on to the turf at the Camp Nou in Barcelona. It feels almost like a novel with a chapter missing.

Without getting into the politics of it, too complex for these pages, those that watched prime Tendulkar will tell you that both Kohli and millions of cricket fans have missed out.

Why not Jaiswal at the top in this T20 World Cup?

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Jaiswal missed out on the Ireland match. 

A ‘why not’ will visit the Indian dressing room sooner rather than later. It may be before or after the T20 World Cup match against Pakistan. And the think tank will have to address the issue in the best interests of the team, without going by reputations and names.

Does it make sense to leave Yashasvi Jaiswal on the bench? Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are greats no doubt, but at this point in time, can they be more effective than this youngster who is raring to go? Nobody can say ‘yes’ with conviction in their voice. Jaiswal is a serious talent India have invested in. So what does it mean to leave him out of the XI?

That the youngster brings something different to the table being a left-hander is just one argument in favour of his inclusion. If he forms a left-right opening combination with Rohit, it will make things a bit difficult for the bowlers, be they from Pakistan or wherever. The other point is he can cream boundaries in the first few overs and give the team a strong start in the Powerplay, which has been a problem for teams in the ongoing competition.

A natural striker of the ball who does not have to resort to violence in order to score at a brisk pace, that Jaiswal will become a headache for bowlers the world over is the popular perception. Experts are undivided about this. In his brief international career, he has done everything to corroborate this notion. He does not have to make a lot of visible effort to hit the ball. It comes naturally to him.

Under the circumstances, it possibly makes more sense to leave out Shivam Dube to accommodate Jaiswal. Dube is a powerful striker of the ball, who has earned his place in the side on the basis of the runs he has made and in the manner he made them. There is no room to say that he doesn’t make the cut. But, for the sake of the ideal combination, he is possibly a weaker selection at the moment.

To have Jaiswal in the squad and still leave him out of the XI is a luxury few teams can afford. On potential and what has been seen of his performance so far, he would possibly walk into the starting line-up of every side in the world. But not when it comes to India. It’s an anomaly which has to be sorted out at the earliest. The question is, will India wait for this World Cup to get over before they take that call?
This means Jaiswal at the top and Kohli in the middle order – whether that’s at No. 3 or No. 4 is a matter of minor adjustment. It’s about making optimal use of resources. If Jaiswal at this point in time deserves a place at the top of the order, it should not matter whose place he takes. There is absolutely no doubt that he will eventually bat there. Then, why not now?

Pakistan, forgetting how to win, and the Bumrah factor

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Pakistan cricket is struggling at the moment. 

Those born and raised in the USA, or who have lived there for decades, might have been transported to another venue exactly 400 miles away as they watched Pakistan implode in mind-bending fashion at the Nassau County International Stadium. The Highmark Stadium is home to the National Football League’s Buffalo Bills. In the early 1990s, a time when Pakistan cricket was riding high, the Bills made four consecutive appearances in the Super Bowl, the showpiece event in America’s sporting calendar.

In 1991, with eight seconds left on the clock, Scott Norwood missed a field goal that would have given the Bills victory – a moment that was the inspiration for a similar scene in a Jim Carrey movie a few years later. Thereafter, the Bills just got worse. Jim Kelly, their usually metronomic quarterback, would lose his poise on the big stage and what might have been a dynasty tailed off instead after four years of misery.

By the end, the Bills looked like a team that didn’t know how to win. That’s Pakistan against India in a nutshell, especially in global events. As time passes, the solitary World Cup win in Dubai in 2021 looks more and more like a flash in the pan, the snowflake that should never have landed in the Sahara.

How else can you explain what happened on Sunday afternoon? Everything you could think of went in Pakistan’s favour. They won the toss under overcast skies, and stuck India in on a pitch with plenty of moisture. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma gave them a head start with indiscreet shots early on. And a dismal collapse of 7-30 after some risky hitting from Rishabh Pant left Pakistan needing just a run a ball.

The sun also started beating down, and the pitch was far less challenging than it had been early in India’s innings. But even with all these aces in hand, Pakistan still folded. Instead of a Royal Flush, they were a royal mess once Rohit Sharma started to tighten the screw in the second half of the innings.

South Africa recently chased down a low total to end their hoodoo against the Netherlands. The secret to that was David Miller recognising that the run rate wasn’t a factor and just playing the situation. With the usually cavalier Tristan Stubbs also knuckling down, South Africa overcame a nightmare start to win with a measure of comfort.

That kind of composure was nowhere to be seen from Pakistan. The faces and names may change, but the result never does. Not against India. Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan have 379 international caps between them, going back nearly a decade. Only they could possibly explain the shots they chose to play when the game was well in hand.

Their cat-on-hot-tin-roof approach was in stark contrast to the clarity with which Jasprit Bumrah bowled. Indian cricket has seen many champions going back to Amar Singh and Mohammad Nissar nearly a century ago. But Bumrah is the closest it’s seen to a certainty.

When India were comprehensively outplayed in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup in 2022, and the World Test Championship final less than a year later, there were so many whaf-ifs, none more so than Bumrah being absent with a back injury that eventually needed surgery.

Yes, he was there in Ahmedabad when India lost the World Cup final last November, but even the most partisan observer would also tell you just how lucky Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne were to survive a Bumrah opening salvo that claimed Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith. As long as he has overs in the tank, India will always have a sniff.

On Sunday, the 15th over was effectively Rohit’s last throw of the dice. And how Bumrah responded. The game-turning wicket of Rizwan and just three runs conceded. And another three-run over to leave Pakistan needing 18 off the last six balls, with the wicket of Iftikhar Ahmed for good measure.

Two overs with the game up for grabs. Two wickets, seven dot balls, the kind of pressure build-up associated with Chinese water torture. You can talk about game awareness and processes for hours, but to win a World Cup, you also need X-factor players to stand up. From Viv Richards’ direct hits (1975) and Kapil Dev’s catch (1983) to Adam Gilchrist with his squash ball (2007) – it’s always been that way.

Bumrah may or may not be rested against the USA or Canada, but one thing’s for sure. If this World Cup campaign is to end on the trophy podium in Barbados, he will be the one charting the route.

Rutherford, Motie and Joseph power West Indies to Super 8

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PC – ICC. Rutherford cracked a game-breaking innings

Sherfane Rurtherford’s game-breaking 68, alongside redoubtable efforts from Alzarri Joseph and Gudakesh Motie with the ball, proved to be the difference between the West Indies and New Zealand, as the T20 World Cup co-hosts sealed a crucial 13-run win in Trinidad. Despite some late-order heroics by Mitchell Santner, New Zealand finished with 136 in a chase of 150. With this victory, the West Indies have qualified for the Super 8s, while New Zealand are on the brink of making an ignominious exit. 

After seven overs, things seemed to be different. New Zealand’s experienced pace duo of Tim Southee and Trent Boult had ripped through West Indies’ batting unit to leave them precariously placed at 30 for 5. It soon became 58 for 6 and 76 for 7 when the dangerous Andre Russell fell to Boult. Just when it seemed as if New Zealand had gained pole position, Rutherford lifted the home side’s sagging spirits. 

The best part of Rutherford’s innings was how he also showcased the required tactical nous to pick the right bowlers to up the ante. In the penultimate over, when Daryl Mitchell was introduced into the attack, he lofted, whipped and pulled the medium-pacer for three sixes. And that was followed by Rutherford smacking for two boundaries and a six while facing Santner; a match-up that suited the left-handed batter. Incidentally, Rutherford scored all 37 runs in a stand with Motie, the last man.

The West Indies’ bowlers backed up Rutherford’s sterling innings by taking wickets at regular intervals. Joseph ran through the lower middle order by dismissing Glenn Phillips, Jimmy Neesham and Tim Southee. On the other hand, Motie had the better of New Zealand’s middle order – Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson and Mitchell. The highlight of Motie’s spell was the peach he bowled to Mitchell – from wide of the crease, he got it to drift in and beat Mitchell’s attempted drive to hit top of off. 

Along with Motie and Joseph, Russell and Akeal Hosein also made their presence felt by taking a wicket each. In the last over, Santner struck three sixes off Romario Shepherd but he had too much to do as New Zealand slipped to their second loss of the tournament.