The atmopshere within the Indian dressing room

[Ram]

Some of the latest happenings in Indian cricket has really got me thinking about the atmosphere or the general feeling that could prevail in the Indian dressing room now. As much as competition for places is good for a team, I wonder what sort of impact it would have as far as the camaraderie amongst the men is concerned. Take for example Yuvraj, he has been knocking on a middle-order spot in the test for long, due to sustained good performances in the one-day format. Yet, the team has persisted with the older, more well-established batsman. Not without reason though, coz they have been doing well off late. Now, despite his century in the third test, he may well miss the opening test in Melbourne in Australia, since the injured batsman are back. The team may well tell him that " Sorry Yuvi, we dont have spot for you in the MO, if you want to play, you must open'. How would he feel on hearing that ? Yuvraj is now stuck between rock and a hard-spot. He now has a choice either missing from the eleven or taking up arguably the hardest job in the world - opening in Aus against some genuine pace. I bet he must be feeling a bit compromised by the team seniors, for essentially making the choices for him. This despite him being with the team for nearly 8 years now. Our next star in contention is Rahul Dravid. Once the immovable force behind the team, now the wobbling wall. No one as yet has been stupid enough to question his place in the team, but the scenario could well change if he fails to perform in the first two tests. Already unfairly left out of the oneday team, he must feel quietly angry that other seniors in the team didnt back to the hilt with the selectors for the full one day series against Aus. Now, its almost a match-by-match scenario for him. He has to perform to keep the doubters at bay. How would his equation with the rest of the team be now ? Would he be the usual self he was, or would he just prefer to keep to himself, trying to focus on his batting ? What was the briefing he got from the team management vis-a-vis his place in the test team ? Was he given any indications that he may be replaced in the middle of the series if he doesnt perform well to start with ? For a man who not so long ago called the shots, this is indeed a pitiful predicament to be in. The Focus now shifts to Laxman, a player, inspite of his consistent performances, has always had his place in team under the scanner. How does his equation with the rest of the seniors look like ? He must have secret complaints, wondering why it is always HIM that is put to the test and why the leeway given to some of other seniors is not extended to him. How does the young brigade in the team view him, considering that he isnt part of the one-day team ? Do they seem as an unwelcome addition to an exciting unit, or do they view as serene senior who commands respect. How would he feel if the team decides to play both Sehwag and Yuvi, leaving him out ? The next player in contention is Mahendra Singh Dhoni. His case is a special one because, within a short time, he has risen up the power ladder very quickly, even to the point of becoming one-day captain in less than 30 months since he made his debut. As much as his one-day spot is sealed, his test spot is far from certain, keeping in mind that Kumble, before the first test in Delhi against Pak, had openly declared that it was shoot-off between Dhoni and Yuvraj. One day captain, and possibly a test omission ? That would have been strange. There is also this question of rapport with Yuvraj. In the limited overs, they both are the lynch-pins of the side, but things are a bit different in the tests. How do they manage to counter that ? Is it business as usual between them always ? or is there a hidden sense of grudge/fear that prevails between them ? More fascinating is the equation Dhoni shares with the other senior members. In a short span of time, he has shown himself to a very astute/positive captain. Now in the tests, he has been relegated to the role of a keeper batsman. Does he have his own dedicated set of loyalists amongst the younger brigade, who have seen and enjoyed his captaincy more than the other seniors' ? What do they seniors feel about him ? Do they feel threatened by his presence and consequently, will there be efforts to sideline him in major team decisions to put him in his place ? Lots of interesting questions to ponder, very few revealing answers.....

[Sachinism]

i was just discussing this with my cousin and he told me that some time back yuvi did say he didnt mind opening did yuvi once open the batting in test (i i think i remember him opening :$)

[siddhu]

Good read and points well made... I think the toss-up between Yuvi and Dhoni depends on the toss-up between Sehwag and Karthik or vice-versa. Basically two out of these are going to play and from the looks of it, seems like Sehwag and Dhoni might make it. Karthik did not help his case by scoring so pathetically in Pak series and eventhough UV made a strong case for himself, is still going to be left out (unless AK gambles big time and makes UV opener in place of Sehwag)...

[fineleg]

MM, Well written. However note: you say "The team may well tell him that " Sorry Yuvi, we dont have spot for you in the MO, if you want to play, you must open'. How would he feel on hearing that ?" Now, this is no different than things everyone faces in their day-to-day life, be it in corporate or academic profession or whatever...there are times when things seem unfair, and you dont have a "position open" to be promoted to next level. You have to wait. This is the case for all of us, and no different and no special sympathy required for cricketers.

[siddhu]

if UV (based on current form) is selected then toss-up is between Dhoni and karthik (Dhoni should play - based on current form) if Sehwag (based on past performance) is selected then toss-up is between Dhoni and Karthik (again Dhoni shouild play) if UV (in form) and Sehwag (out of form) are selected there is no keeper if Dhoni (in form) and Karthik (out of form) are selected that still does not make sense (keeping in form UV out of the team). he he he... AK must be having sleepless nights. And RD must be snoring like a koala bear

[Dhondy]

Some of the latest happenings in Indian cricket has really got me thinking about the atmosphere or the general feeling that could prevail in the Indian dressing room now. As much as competition for places is good for a team, I wonder what sort of impact it would have as far as the camaraderie amongst the men is concerned. Lots of interesting questions to ponder, very few revealing answers.....

That's called competition. If you are looking for job security, international sport is not the place.

[Bhiku Mhatre]

Yes Agree, and I think this will go more intense after IPL - ICL start giving some good talent...I think this old lineup is too much relying on past glory..time to do give some real performances...I think this situation of dressing room is a win win situation for all of us Indian cricket fans. Bole to hamara time alla re....

[Online]

MM, Well written. However note: you say "The team may well tell him that " Sorry Yuvi, we dont have spot for you in the MO, if you want to play, you must open'. How would he feel on hearing that ?" Now, this is no different than things everyone faces in their day-to-day life, be it in corporate or academic profession or whatever...there are times when things seem unfair, and you dont have a "position open" to be promoted to next level. You have to wait. This is the case for all of us, and no different and no special sympathy required for cricketers.

spot on! The OP is however referring to the effect this may have on the team spirit. We don't care how Yuvi takes it (or if he feels bad) - what we care is that him feeling bad will introduce a morose atmosphere in the Indian camp - might create a junior senior divide etc anyway, these are all speculations and there's little we can do abt it. When u r playing for ur country, all these things shud vanish

[The Outsider]

Despite Ganguly's antics during his bad days towards the end of his captaincy, Tendulkar, Dravid, Ganguly, Laxman, and Kumble have been through too much together to let these minor hassles come in the way of giving their best. Yuvraj and Sehwag might be the tricky ones to contain.

[fineleg]

Despite Ganguly's antics during his bad days towards the end of his captaincy' date= Tendulkar, Dravid, Ganguly, Laxman, and Kumble have been through too much together to let these minor hassles come in the way of giving their best. Yuvraj and Sehwag might be the tricky ones to contain.

which is why a GC to put him in his place during the antics days was needed. different debate but yeah, it was good gc put sg in his place.