This may sound a bit harsh but this question is not just a reaction to India's loss in South Africa. Indian players, batsmen in particular, did a good job in South Africa. A 0-1 loss against the formidable South Africa was not that bad considering that India were just getting used to play without Sachin Tendulkar. :lol The most worrisome fact for an Indian cricket fan would be their team's awful record in Test matches overseas.
MS Dhoni, India's skipper with the 'Midas touch', who lost his first Test series as captain in England in 2011, has still not found a way to win matches outside India. Dhoni's record in Test matches was looking very impressive before it was ruined by India's seven consecutive defeats in England and Australia.
India have played 14 Test matches outside the country in last three years; out of which they have lost nine matches, drawn four and have won just one match, and that too against West Indies in June 2011. These stats certainly don't reflect of a team that is number two in Test cricket. But India are number two in Tests, thanks to their impressive record at home. At home, India have played 15 Test matches in three years; out of which, they have lost just two matches, drawn two, and have won 11 matches.
South Africa, on the other hand, have not lost an away series since 2006. Their record, away from home, has been the stand-out aspect, and has also made them retain the top spot in Test cricket for a long time now. The Proteas' all-round performance has been the key for their success in recent times.
Fast bowling still remains to be India's biggest problem. Zaheer Khan made a good comeback, while Mohammed Shami was brilliant with the ball and so also Ishant Sharma in patches. But their bowling average was poor when compared to the South African trio of Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel.
To win a Test, a team needs to take 20 wickets, which India failed to do so during the South Africa tour. Despite setting a target of 458 runs for South Africa in the first Test, India almost lost the match on the fifth and final day. The hosts were kind enough, who decided not to go for a win. Dhoni failed tactically and had less faith in his fast bowlers, rather preferred to continue with Ravindra Jadeja with the new ball due.
If India aspire to win Test matches overseas then the fast bowlers have to lead from the front and deliver in alien conditions. For a team in transition, the real test for India starts from here, as they no more have home series this year.
Do India deserve to be the No. 2 Test team?
MS Dhoni, India's skipper with the 'Midas touch', who lost his first Test series as captain in England in 2011, has still not found a way to win matches outside India. Dhoni's record in Test matches was looking very impressive before it was ruined by India's seven consecutive defeats in England and Australia.
India have played 14 Test matches outside the country in last three years; out of which they have lost nine matches, drawn four and have won just one match, and that too against West Indies in June 2011. These stats certainly don't reflect of a team that is number two in Test cricket. But India are number two in Tests, thanks to their impressive record at home. At home, India have played 15 Test matches in three years; out of which, they have lost just two matches, drawn two, and have won 11 matches.
South Africa, on the other hand, have not lost an away series since 2006. Their record, away from home, has been the stand-out aspect, and has also made them retain the top spot in Test cricket for a long time now. The Proteas' all-round performance has been the key for their success in recent times.
Fast bowling still remains to be India's biggest problem. Zaheer Khan made a good comeback, while Mohammed Shami was brilliant with the ball and so also Ishant Sharma in patches. But their bowling average was poor when compared to the South African trio of Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel.
To win a Test, a team needs to take 20 wickets, which India failed to do so during the South Africa tour. Despite setting a target of 458 runs for South Africa in the first Test, India almost lost the match on the fifth and final day. The hosts were kind enough, who decided not to go for a win. Dhoni failed tactically and had less faith in his fast bowlers, rather preferred to continue with Ravindra Jadeja with the new ball due.
If India aspire to win Test matches overseas then the fast bowlers have to lead from the front and deliver in alien conditions. For a team in transition, the real test for India starts from here, as they no more have home series this year.
Do India deserve to be the No. 2 Test team?
