Where India lost the series vs England
Maybe, the eight overseas losses didn't hurt the Indian players enough that they chose to treat their English guests very lightly, and the result is for all to see.
- NDTVSports
- Updated: December 18, 2012 08:01 AM IST
If a fan asks why India lost the series against England, most would say, it was simply because England was a better side while bowling, batting and fielding. But what were those key factors that contributed to India being outperformed? Here is a look at top 5 turning points...
NUMBER 1: CASUAL ATTITUDE
India's casual attitude is probably the biggest reason for losing their dominance on home soil. Former captain Sunil Gavaskar had also slammed the Indian team for their attitude. He had lambasted the players for playing football after soon after the defeat.
NUMBER 2: NOT PREPARING WELL IN ADVANCE
While the visitors reached India a good 3 weeks before the start of the series, the Indian team got together just three days before the first test. What does that tell you about the preparation of the two teams?
It didn't end there. After losing the Mumbai Test, the men in blue took a 6-day holiday. They got back together only 2 days before the start of the Kolkata Test while England were in the city of joy 4 days before the start of the Test.
NUMBER 3: PITCH TALKS
Despite winning the Ahmedabad Test by 9 wickets it seemed like India's focus was on the pitch. Captain Dhoni made strong statements about the track and asked for spin tracks. This triggered a controversy ahead of the third Test in Kolkata where the pitch was more talked about than all other factors. Dhoni and Co. would have done well to concentrate on their game rather than worry about the pitch.
NUMBER 4: TIMING OF AMARNATH OUTBURST
Could it be possible that what Mohinder Amarnath said after the Kolkata Test affected the Indian teams performance?
The former selector, who has played 69 Tests & 85 ODIs for India, not only lambasted Dhoni but also took a dig at the selectors and the BCCI. "This selection committee doesn't have the galls to drop Dhoni," he had said. He also said the Dhoni's removal as Test captain was blocked by none other than BCCI president N Srinivasan.
Though many saw merit in Jimmy's comments, there were also those that questioned the poor timing. "He shouldn't have spoken what happened within the 4 walls of the selection meeting," Kris Srikkanth, Former Chairman of Selectors, said.
NUMBER 5: UMESH YADAV GETTING INJURED
He was the pick of India's fast bowlers in the first Test taking 4 wickets to help the hosts take a 1-0 series lead in Ahmedabad. But a lower back injury ruled him out of action for the rest of the series. His absence took a bite out of India's bowling attack.
Maybe, the eight overseas losses didn't hurt the Indian players enough that they chose to treat their English guests very lightly, and the result is for all to see.