The January Man

Now the highly over-rated TV commentator Ian Chappell has waxed eloquent on how Rahul Dravid needs to sort "his brains out", castigating the Bangalore-based batsman for a soporific crawl that saw a measly 21 runs in 2 innings scored from a gargantuan 30 overs. I am not trying to justify Rahul's over-done circumspection, but what Mr Chappell has conveniently forgotten is that despite the unending deliveries blocked by Dravid, the match ended on the fourth day itself.

Thus, in the larger context of the Test match, Dravid's innings perhaps had a hidden agenda; wear out an essentially average-quality Aussie attack, and consolidate thereon. Remember, that in the new-avatar of a Test opener, Rahul was aware that the middle-order has some of the world's best players in rather immaculate, impeccable form.

After all, wasn't the decision to open the innings made to accommodate a rampaging Yuvraj Singh, looking in eclectic touch? Dravid is a seasoned campaigner who has seen troubled times before. And every cricketer is entitled to a momentary aberration, if we can call Dravid's innings one.

Usually, in my opinion, he has been a victim of his own self-imposed exile. But with a solid supporting leader like Anil Kumble around, Dravid should just let his brilliant willow do some majestic talking in Sydney and beyond. No fears. No insecurities. Just batspeak!

I have also failed to comprehend why the Indian media has begun to sound so utterly pessimistic and egregiously downcast after the Melbourne defeat. History tells us that we persistently start serving with a double-fault.

I think it is just a plain incongruous desi bad habit that has now become institutionalised into a legendary tradition that we continuously honour. We have a knack of making a lousy start in all overseas series; we habitually lose, usually under-performing to such embarrassing levels it is exasperating. I fully understand Anil's nonplussed countenance at how his mighty fell for no real reason other than some pre-ordained guidance from a misleading light-house. But as I have said before on umpteen occasions, we are like that only.

I am not going to do some silly post-mortem like Sachin Tendulkar should have left the Brett Lee delivery alone and that VVS Laxman should not have got carried away in a momentary flush caused by excess adrenalin. It's a game after all, guys, and all sportsmen react occasionally on impulsive, reflex behaviour. It's about gut instincts. It's about one's inner instant reactions. That's why even the best batsmen survive a thousand times when miscued shots miss the stumps by the thinnest of whiskers.

Yet, we remember their numerous hundreds, don't we? It's also about DNA. Which is why Dravid remains an enigmatic but an illustrious titanic force, and Yuvraj Singh an explosive extroverted entertainer with a visible "attitude" problem. These guys are professional cricketers who know the thrill of a victory, and have also experienced the sadness of defeat. They will bounce back, believe me, they will.

And I am particularly reassured because in Anil Kumble India has an outstanding captain who does not live in a fool's paradise. The man is judiciously pragmatic and has a palpable aggressive mind-set. He is a nice guy that you never underestimate, Mr Ian Chappell!

I have five suggestions for Anil and the Indian team as they drive into Sydney for another face-off on January 2nd 2008.

1. Tell yourselves that this is a three Test series, commencing January 2, 2008. The Melbourne loss is history, after all, didn't it happen " last year"? Start anew, be hugely competitive, aim for victory in every match. No defensive thinking. Anil and his boys are in my opinion the only team today who can beard the Aussie lions in their own den ( haven't the Proteas been humbled and humiliated in their own backyard by a lowly West Indies ????).

2. India should attack Ricky Ponting with a deliberate strategy to debilitate his leadership hold. Thwart him the record 16 Test victories, and the Aussies might just crumble. The talented genius has failed miserably in the first Test, now rub it in with generous doses of white salt. Ponting under pressure a second time, no matter how good the back-ups he has, will tell on the team sooner rather than later.

Tease him, taunt him, torment him. I think Harbhajan Sigh has already got under his skin, if Ponting's recent comments are any indication. Why not bring on Bhajji even in the third over if Ponting has just walked in? .

3. Do the unexpected. Remember the Australians are past-masters at pre-match strategy. Everything is "as per plan." So surprise them. Shuffle the batting order a wee bit, introduce bowling changes they may not expect, field placements they are not quite anticipating. Demonstrate that you are ready for a battle. And don't be predictable.

4. Give all individual batsmen personal targets of minimum runs expected of them. Build from there. Each one should know that they have to perform at a certain basic level. Somewhere individual goal-setting results in a collective windfall. Let each one contribute to the kitty. Set expectations.

5. Play Virendra Sehwag simply because he has been struggling to play a big knock. Back the underdog. But give him a clear missive -- blast Brett Lee. Fight fire with fire. If Lee, the pointed spearhead of Aussie bowling gets punctured by the Najafgarh Nawab, watch the fun.

I would tell Yuvraj Sigh to shut up and get going in case he is giving those cool dude vibes. Kumble needs to tell him fair and square that another failure in Sydney and Prakash Padukone will refuse to give the Page three Punjab ka puttar tips on playing badminton as an alternate career. I know it will be a trifle unfair but for tactical reasons I would drop Wasim Jaffer. The decision to open with Rahul , I maintain, makes smart logical sense. Persist with it at least for the Sydney match.

I believe 2007 has been a terrific year for Indian cricket, and we have resurrected brilliantly post the World Cup failure. Although I find T20 trashy stuff, as an Indian I am extremely proud that at least we have a world champion status restored somewhat. And we have won Test series against England and Pakistan with convincing domination.

Let us celebrate 2007, not sink in abysmal remorse over the Boxing Day Test loss. It happens. Let us not be "cry-babies" sulking at the first toy snatched away by another sibling.

A few seasons ago Rahul Dravid allowed a scheming, self-obsessed domineering Greg Chappell to smother him. Now it is time for him to rise and shine amidst splendour at Sydney and beyond and make the other Chappell Sr eat some humble pie with caramelized ice cream. It might help Ian Chappell to sort his brains out, maybe.

I am confident that Rahul Dravid will be India's January Man.

Happy New Year!

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