Images come thick and fast during these days of international cricket, making it tough to select one and cherish forever. But India's recently concluded five-match one-day series against Pakistan offered a change from the mundane, providing plenty of moments to keep in memory and promising much more in the coming Test series as well.

Among them, the batting of Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh were the most noteworthy ones. Tendulkar's willow has produced numerous classics in the past, but in recent times, the maestro has been haunted by gossips about his imminent retirement from one-dayers and stuff like that.

Silencing critics

The Mumbaikar answered all those talks in his typical style, conjuring two brilliant knocks. In Mohali, he played with a lot of freedom right from the first ball, and it was a cruel joke of destiny that he missed the three-figure mark by just one run.

For sheer technical perfection and batting aesthetics, the Gwalior innings of 97 was a notch above the Mohali heroics. For a while now, Tendulkar has seemed to have passed the baton to his younger team-mates, concentrating more on playing as an anchor. But the move has offered him only limited success.

But the last three one-day series, against England, Australia and Pakistan, have witnessed a change with Tendulkar donning the robes of an enforcer again. There can be no better news for the team management and fans than the decision of the little master to come out of the shell and play like the way he did a couple of years ago.

On the other hand, Yuvraj had dished out the spectacular only in patches. Nevertheless, his knocks and three century partnerships with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni carried as much importance as Tendulkar's master classes.

It was not the archetypal Yuvraj innings. He curbed his aggressive instincts to suit the situation and the team's demands. It was heartening to see the evolvement of a natural and brazen stroke-maker into an absolute team player.

Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh's splendid run will be a boost to the team management ahead of the Test series, though the Punjab left-hander will have to wait a bit longer before establishing himself in the traditional format of the game. Definitely, the time for Yuvraj to showcase his skills in Test matches is not very far. For, he deserves a place in the team.

A flowing Tendulkar innings in the Test matches is long overdue, and if his recent form is any indication, this series will witness something remarkable. Perhaps, that was one of reasons why he had declined to take over as the captain for a third time. The Mumbaikar knows that he is batting well at the moment and he wouldn't have wanted to overburden himself with captaincy and the pressures that come along with it.

For those who termed Rahul Dravid's decision to relinquish captaincy to concentrate on batting, Tendulkar's decision too might come as selfish. But nothing could be far from the truth. The little champion knows his body better than anyone, and nobody can blame him if he desires to finish a long career in a blaze of glory. Perhaps, that process might see its beginning in this series.

The one-day series also saw the return of two spinners, Murali Kartik and Harbhajan Singh, to the fold. The Railways left-arm spinner had faded after the home series against England early last year, and injuries seemed to put an end to his ambitions of a comeback.

But Kartik, a fighter that he is, went to play County cricket for Middlesex, keen to get both his form and fitness back. It was the same with Harbhajan too. Bad form and injuries meant he was out of favour, but the Punjab off-spinner bounced back after a successful stint with Surrey in county cricket.

Fine comebacks

Both the tweakers had a fine one-day series against Australia and Pakistan, making it almost mandatory for the selectors to call them back to the Test side. They will have a massive role to play in the series against Pakistan, along with captain Anil Kumble.

Last but not the least, India will have to continue the fearless approach - their new image in recent times - in the Test series as well to assert their supremacy. But the players will have to make sure that their aggression should not cross the boundary, and Kumble is the right man to lead such a talented bunch of youngsters.
Perhaps, the next few weeks will see a new India emerging.