The expectations were sky-high when Rahul Dravid assumed charge as the head coach of the Indian Men’s cricket team. However, one year down the line, the old proverb rings true for Indian cricket: the more things change the more they stay the same. There is nothing to separate the new regime from the previous one involving Ravi Shastri. India is still searching for that major ICC title since 2013 when they won Champions Trophy. So, let us examine the major woes afflicting the current dispensation under Dravid.
Failure To Thrash Out The Best Playing XI
Despite all the advantages brought in by the IPL and other Domestic fixtures, the think-tank is still confused over the final XI during major international tournaments. Every cricket pundit worth his salt is yet puzzled over the musical chair involving Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik in recent times. The argument that Karthik can keep wickets and provide the final flourish comes across as hollow, especially after the recently concluded world cup. Resultantly, India suffered badly in their world cup campaign Down Under and the worst part is that they are still unsure about who to have in the wicketkeeper’s slot in the white ball format. The same holds true in the case of the inclusion of spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel in the playing XI over Yuzhvendra Chahal as well. India were unable to put pressure in the middle overs and pick wickets with both Ashwin and Patel in operation. Hence, the conundrum seems to be unending within the Indian team and the ODI World Cup is just 9-10 months away.
Lack Of Planning
Another thing that has come to the fore is the lack of planning. Many senior players were given rest after a particular series and brought back into the team for another. This decision was not restricted to players alone even the coach was benched with VVS Laxman taking over from Dravid for certain series. This was baffling, to say the least as the question remains why major players and the head coach were rested for the New Zealand series and brought back for Bangladesh Series? Is Bangladesh more formidable than New Zealand for India? Anyway, India lost both the ODI series involving Kiwis and Bangladesh, the loss in the second one will haunt them for a long time as they fielded a full-strength squad for the same. This sadly reeks of zilch planning and reflects poorly on the richest cricket body across the world.
Injuries Galore
Sports personalities are prone to injury, no doubt about it. But with Indian cricket, it is becoming a common phenomenon. Initially, India lost key players like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja to injuries during the T-20 World Cup. Now, Mohammed Shami has been ruled out for the ODI series in Bangladesh and his participation looks doubtful even in the Test series. The list does not end here as Rohit Sharma and Deepak Chahar, yet again, have become the latest addition. If a team keeps losing important players to injuries during crucial series then the whole equation goes for a toss. So, the mystery regarding injuries needs to resolve quickly. For the same, Dravid and NCA coaches have to find a lasting solution to the unending problem.
