We know Sourav’s gritty half-century at Wanderers Saturday last against South Africa paved the way for re-recognition of his tenacity and fighting spirit. Critics who till recently spoke foul of him, are suddenly seeing great virtue in him.
But nobody was prepared to see the way South Africa was decimated by Indian bowlers. Indeed it was a big surprise after their abysmal show in one-dayers.
I’m not a big cricket lover, yet I felt compelled to see the match which is ultimately convincingly won by India today. There is no doubt in my mind that it is Sourav’s determined effort that has motivated the rest to put up a grand team-show. But I’m not alone to so think.
Yesterday, Star Ananda ran a poll among its viewers for the question if Sourav’s performance in first innings rubbed off on his teammates. Perhaps for the first time ever in any TV poll, 100% response was a resounding ‘yes’.
Dravid, for all his ability, is a copybook captain. Seeing him failing to invigorate the team on the field, it is easy to conclude that he is not the man to lead in adverse conditions. One shudders to think what he will do in Australia!
Fortunately for him, there is no visit there before the world cup. I’m tempted to say that if Rahul Dravid (and the mentor, Greg) really has strong character everyone says he has, he must rise to the occasion and admit that the first test win in SA has been possible entirely because of Sourav’s admirable display of determination.
If he doesn’t do that, it will only mean he lacks courage. No surprise that, but then let there be no pretension either. History will record what is what, and looking at overwhelming praise for Sourav’s efforts from every corner of globe, there is no doubt that his place is already etched in the pages of Indian cricket’s history.
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