There’s a certain amount of inevitability about Virat Kohli scoring a ton and Ravichandran Ashwin taking five-wicket hauls.
Both joined forces again to sink England and clinch the series with a match to go. The fourth Test showcased the important character of this successful Indian side. The ‘one for all and all for one’ mantra has very much been adopted.
You could see Ashwin standing up for Kohli against Anderson, Kohli not allowing his ego to get in the way of playing second fiddle to Jayant Yadav and Murali Vijay ignoring the back spasm for the call of duty.
Anderson vs India
While we won’t know whether James Anderson’s quip about the Indian captain’s technique is true or not until India tour England again, there’s one important element that he missed out. Technique, in isolation, is of no use, for men with impeccable technique have failed multiple times in trying circumstances. It’s the temperament that guides and empowers technique to make things work.
There was a lot of brouhaha about Kohli’s technical shortcomings in England but little attention was given to his temperament at that stage of his career. It’s beyond doubt that he’s worked on his technique since then, for his head position is no longer falling over and as a result the front foot isn’t going across either. But more importantly, there’s a marked change in his temperament.
He’s not a fidgety young batsman anymore and one that is a little too eager to succeed. Kohli 2.0 is so comfortable in his skin that he’s willing to wait for hours for his prey to come to him. The most important facet of his evolution is his ability to raise his game.
It’s a case of, the bigger the stage, the grander the performance. He’s fast becoming a modern great.
Spin trio @ashwinravi99 @imjadeja and Jayant Yadav take a close look at the pitch #TeamIndia #INDvENG @Paytm Test cricket pic.twitter.com/GWTDAvQPDh
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 15, 2016
Ashwin – The all-rounder is India’s most valuable player
A five-wicket haul’s batting equivalent is considered to be a century.
Now, when you realise that Ashwin has 23 five-wicket hauls in 43 Tests, you understand the enormity of his achievements. Yes, the pitches in India are spin-ready and yes, his numbers are astronomical at home but aren’t the conditions the same for all the spinners participating in those games? There are at least four other spinners plying their craft in the same match and on the same pitch but it’s only Ashwin who ends up with match-winning figures, over and over again.
If fast bowling is a lot about physical strength, spin is all about the mental prowess and tactical shrewdness. Understanding that the pitch at Wankhede would provide an ideal platform for the carom-balls (flicking the ball between the thumb and bent middle finger), the 30-year-old bowled more of them in one match than he bowled in the first three Tests of the series. He also resisted the temptation of bowling quicker through the air to exploit the rapidly wilting pitch, showing that he’s acutely aware of his optimum speed.
In theory, bowling quicker is a sure-shot recipe for success on a turning pitch but in reality, one must know the pace with which they’re comfortable with over long periods. Trying to bowl faster could compromise both accuracy and longevity.
Been a wonderful test series, and very happy to have won it with one test to go.Looking forward to the home test now. @mvj888
— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) December 12, 2016
Can India be a force worldwide?
India’s position in the Test rankings is cemented further with another series victory but that’s when the focus must start shifting to long-term goals. Does this team have the talent to win overseas too? Let’s look at things that are likely to work for and against this Indian team the next time they travel overseas.
The core of the batting is fairly settled and has tasted success overseas and therefore, it’s only fair to assume that the batting unit led by captain Kohli will pass the test of time. The only concern is Vijay’s opening partner and finding a consistent solution at the top of the order.
Injuries to K. L. Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan’s loss of form, the lack of confidence in Gautam Gambhir and an occasional change of heart about Vijay has led to instability at the top. A settled opening combination is foremost to any team’s success in Tests, especially in overseas conditions. The spot at Number 6 is yet to be sealed by Rohit Sharma but the extended home-season has thrown up a few other options too.
The rise of Ashwin, Jayant, Wriddhiman Saha and Ravindra Jadeja with the bat has not just strengthened the lower order but given Kohli the option of fielding five bowlers. Last but not least, the fitness of Indian pacers will play a crucial role in the team’s fortunes. In Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar India have a decent attack but it’s imperative for all of them to stay fit, given that the back-up options aren’t too promising. One injury to an in-form pacer could make the entire campaign go downhill.
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