No.1 in Test Cricket

After a brilliant 2-0 series win against the Lankans in India (who have never so much as even won a test match in India), the Indian cricket team is now officially No.1 in Test Cricket Rankings. Its been a long arduous climb to the top and especially the generation (my generation and my father's generation) who grew up watching.... nawww religiously following the Indian Cricket Team, this has been quite a feat to savour!

I remembered generations of fans/followers getting frustrated with the match fixing scandal that rocked the cricket world and in particular India. People were shocked and suspended in sheer disbelief, not to mention millions lost faith in the game in India and stopped watching. Getting them back to cricket and making them believe took quite a task one that the current crop and previous elite players and coaches achieved with sheer commitment, hardwork, not to mention abundant talent (primary reason for a change- proper selection, not region biased selections).

It all started with the selection of Saurav Ganguly (yes the guy you either love or totally hate, no in between) as the captain. The man who wasn't even expected to crack into the team after one of the most unforgettable debut in Australia in 1992 but who stamped his arrival with a majestic and sublime century on Debut in Lord's Test in 1996 after 4 years in oblivion, in total wilderness. This man brought about a ferocity and toughness to the Indian team, that was sorely lacking all the way back to the days of Pataudi.Jr's captaincy (caveat- Of course I never have seen this, only can recount the thoughts of my father, who if possible is even more of a bigger cricket fan than me). The Indian team were often called soft, mild and apprent gentlemen (in other words pussycats on the field- which I find a funny description because a cat will defend its turf in a very ferocious manner. It may be small, but by jove, it will put up a dreadfully frightening fight- there I digressed, you waited long for it didn't ya? :D). But with the arrival of Ganguly's captaincy, he brought about a new edge, a welcome change (for us fans especially) in attitude. Gone were the days of turning the other cheek. A stare was met with a unflinching glare. Mind games were answered with more frustrating mind games and suddenly teams started grudgingly respecting the Indian team and got quieter.

That was not all, though Ganguly was ridiculed often, he has shown steely resolve to perform his best ability, especially in times of dire need. Before recent series, Tendulkar was often mention of not performing on the big stage and seeing through, but that was an accusation, that could never be levied upon Ganguly. His excellent knowledge of upcoming talent and unfaltering support by backing them to hilt built the team, and ensured strong success continue and carry-on beyond his time. While Dravid was an efficient leader after Ganguly, Dhoni can truly be acclaimed as Ganguly's true successor. His no-nonsense attitude and exceptional treatment of newcomers and seniors alike along with his uncanny sense of timing and direction of the game, along with inspiring changes on the field, kept the opponents guessing and giving India a consistent edge. Success started with the 2001 'Series of the Century' win against Australia at home, and steadily improved with a drawn series in England and in 2004 in Australia, by beating them into stunning submission. The first series win in Pakistan set the ball rolling further, closely contested series in SA and Aussie land further down the road along with series wins in WI, England, NZ built strong credentials, along with banishing the notion that India were poor travellers. They additionally built up their traditional strong hold too, by maintaining consisten series wins against top teams in home and suddenly it was obvious that this team is a top team for a long time, and will probably stay at or very near the top for years to come. With a core group of players in test team, along with test specialists and also a strong ODI squad, the hope and expectation is sky high (not that there was never a time when expectation was never high-more like a burden).

Only two things remain- Series wins in Australia and SA and hopefully another World Cup win in ODIs. For Sachin, it will complete his impressive resumes, that billions in the world can only dream about! It will complete his long cherished dream of winning a WC.

Then the return from the Nadirs of match fixing and disappointments of the time of Mohd. Azharuddin would be long forgotten. It remains in the rear view mirror far behind, and with matter of few more successes, it will certainly be firmly in the past!!

GO India!!!