If one were to compile the greatest sporting triumphs of the world, the Indian test series in Australia would rank among them.
The last time India toured Australia, we had won the test series, fairly comprehensively. But, it did not taste sweet as the Australian team did not have Steve Smith and David Warner. Could we beat Australia in Australia?
In a span of less than 20 days, our team made possible the impossible. The impossible, improbable, probable, possible journey is not an overnight miracle. It happened due to assiduous efforts by many. It would not be a bad idea to give credit where it is due. My views on the game changers.
- BCCI - There was a time we used to look up to Cricket Australia with awe. Now it it their turn. The work done by BCCI in the last few decades is transformational. New contracts, increased match fees, use of technology everywhere, expanding the number of teams, IPL, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India A tours - the list is impressive. Possibly the only sport in India where the earnings keep getting re-invested in the sport.
- IPL - While Ranji, Irani, Deodhar trophies make the players better - IPL gives them the much needed visibility and money. Earning money from Cricket no longer remained an exclusive preserve, creating interest and hope across small towns and villages. Look at most recent stars in IPL, they are no longer from the big cities.
- IPL - its success spawned baby versions(aka TNPL) - further expanding the game into rural hinterlands.
- IPL and India A tours - Kei Nishikori, Japan’s best ever Tennis player does not have a single Grand Slam win against his name. Was his game poor? No. It is just that when facing Federer, Nadal - he was almost reverential. And, that made him an easy prey. When an Indian bowler went to Australia in 2003, he would be in awe of Ponting, Gilchrist, Hayden - having never bowled to them. And, that itself would sound our death-knell. But, that has changed due to IPL and India A tours - the awe of the big names has been erased. Steve Smith evokes interest, not fear.
- Rahul Dravid - You could write a million books about his contribution to Indian Cricket and they would still not do justice. The abundance of young talent at the selector’s disposal is in no small measure due to Rahul.
- Virat Kohli - Kapil Dev, Srinath, Zaheer - these are the pace bowlers India produced between 1980 and 2010. Ishant, Umesh, Shami, Bhuvi, Bumrah, Saini, Nattu, Prasidh, Unadkat, Nagarkoti, Siraj, Khaleel, - these and many more India has produced in recent years. The reason - Virat. When he became captain, he realised that India cannot win abroad if it does not have 4 guys bowling at 140 + speed. The impact-in a brief period India is brimming with fast bowling talent.
- Virat Kohli - He changed the definition of fitness, our players don’t tire easily now.
- Fab Four - with their incredible batting they showed that visiting teams CAN score in Australia.
When we bask in the glory of one of our great wins, we must not forget what and who made it happen.
Reminded of what Messi said - “It took me 17 years and 114 days to become an overnight success”.
India’s Brisbane miracle is an outcome of decades of work.
My other blogs can be read at murthychaganti.blogspot.com
