A game of glorious uncertainties!

At the end of the 2nd test in Kolkata, I don't think anyone would have believed that India could lose the third test. However, as it happens so often in cricket, Pakistan outplayed India in every department of the game in the third test. They batted extremely well and the last two sessions were amazing with their bowlers attacking with 5 fielders around the bat at most times..

Although I am disappointed that India lost this match and ended up squaring the series, I feel that we deserved to lose the match simply because of our attitude.. It was really hard to comprehend the overly defensive batting by Dravid, Sachin and the batsmen who followed them. Kumble was the lone exception and his approach paid dividends with him remaining Not Out till the end.. This was the same mistake Pakistan made in the 2nd test when they start defending completely after lunch which allowed Kumble to control the situation then. Similarly, we allowed the Pakistani bowlers to take complete control by blocking even half-volleys.

I also feel that over-confidence was a factor. I think our batsmen were a little too sure that they'd atleast save the test match. It should serve as a really good wake-up call to everyone who feels our batting is very strong because if you take out Sehwag's contributions with the bat in this series, I think we would have been in bad shape in two out of the three tests. We seem to depend a lot nowadays on Sehwag or Dravid scoring at the top of the order. The middle order is looking increasingly fragile. Our team definitely needs to do some soul searching as getting out within two sessions against a depleted Pakistani attack does not augur well for us.

The other big debate after this defeat is regarding the future of our captain, Sourav Ganguly. Many journalists are already predicting the end of Dada's career with the Indian team. However, I believe he definitely deserves atleast one more chance. I admit he looked out of sorts in the whole series but he definitely deserves another chance to redeem himself. Unfortunately public memory is short and all the good work that he's done for the Indian team is being thrown on the back-burner. It is sad to see him look so clueless at the crease. He hasn't helped his own cause by some poor shot selection in this series. For his own sake, he'll have to perform in the ODI series coming up. Otherwise, it won't be too surprising to see the likes of Yuvraj/Kaif replace him in the next test series.

But credit where its due! The way the Pakis fought in this test series is really praiseworthy. They managed to save the first test by the skin of their teeth and bounced back really strongly after the loss in the second test. Younis Khan, who may not be the most attractive batsman to watch, definitely changed the course of the series along with Inzy. I don't think India ever recovered in the third test after that mammoth partnership.

Looking objectively, it was an amazing series which was fought until the last minute and brought out the best talents(Sehwag, Dravid, Kumble for India and Younis Khan, Kaneria, Akmal and Kamal for Pakis) in both the sides. It was truly fitting that the series should end with no side emerging as the clear winner!!