Irrespective of whatever happens over the next four weeks, India will finish 2009 as the top-ranked Test team in the world, a status bestowed upon them courtesy their 2-0 drubbing of Sri Lanka. It’s a monumental accomplishment by a team of entertainers that dared to dream, and had the skills and the temperament to translate that dream into reality.
In becoming the first team outside of Australia and South Africa to reach the pinnacle, India have made a natural progression from being a very good team to a truly great one. To get to the top hasn’t come easy. The path to glory is always strewn with massive obstacles and numerous thorns; it’s in the circumventing of these hurdles that India have shown their true character and mettle.
The ascension hasn’t come about overnight. The top-dog status is the culmination of years of hard labour, of great sacrifice, of meticulous planning and of exceptional execution. Involved in that process have been a succession of coaches, both homegrown and from abroad, and four inspirational, imaginative captains who, in their own different ways, have managed to keep the flock together even under trying circumstances.
Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble and now Dhoni have all been supremely fortunate that they have had a wealth of talent, experience and youthful exuberance to fall back on. It’s one thing to have the parts, it’s quite another making sure the sum is greater than the parts. As it is now, with Dhoni’s India. Bravo!
Deccan Herald is on WhatsApp Channels| Join now for Breaking News & Editor's Picks