Dravid’s team now has to beat both Sri Lanka and Bermuda, but even that does not guarantee them a place in the next stage: Ayaz Memom
LONDON: Cricket’s own version of the two-nation theory may be hit for a six even before the World Cup reaches the Super 8 stage.
Pakistan were ousted by Ireland in dramatic fashion on Saturday, and India have their task cut out over the next few days after being humbled by Bangladesh. A new order may be emerging, with Sri Lanka in the vanguard and Bangladesh rising to eminence, but it may not be quite the same thing – at least where the allure of cricket in the subcontinent is concerned.
Over the last two decades, the epicentre of cricket has shifted from England (and Australia) to India, with Pakistan providing tacit and tactical support. Even periodic armed skirmishes and sustained political differences between the two countries have not been able to negate the hold of cricket on the people of these two countries.
A World Cup without either of the two subcontinent teams would be like curry without spice, but for cricket academics and aficionados, the poor performances of India and Pakistan in the first week of the World Cup have raised several questions, the most pertinent of which is, has the game become over-ripe in these countries?
Both teams enjoy tremendous mass support, both have employed foreign coaches using the best training methods, both pay their players handsomely. There is no dearth of talent, surely, but neither features in the top three in the rankings in either Test or one-day cricket. The pressure of expectation and fear of failure have often taken their toll of players, coaches, and others closely linked to the sport.
If Pakistan’s performance against the West Indies and Ireland in this World Cup was wanton and self-destructive, India’s display against Bangladesh was insipid and directionless. The gamble on Virender Sehwag flopped, and the situation got worse as the Indians went from apprehension into defensiveness, and finally defeat.
From here, the task is only uphill. Bermuda should be beaten, of course, but this must happen by a huge margin. Sri Lanka can be beaten too, and convincingly. But even this does not guarantee India a place in the Super Eights. Run rates will come into play, in which Sri Lanka already enjoys a huge advantage. Since Bangladesh play the last match in this group against Bermuda, they can plan out their strategy that much better.
India will have to rethink tactics, look at recasting the team, but, above all else, play from the gut. This is a do-or-die situation.
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