India’s cricket victory

What Pakistan need is the inclusion of talented youngsters to infuse much-needed energy in the field.

The thrilling five-run victory of world champions India over hosts England in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy, marks yet another triumph for captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who now holds the unique distinction of captaining his team to wins in the World Twenty20, the World Cup, as well as leading the side to the number one position in Tests and One-Day Internationals. While the final in Birmingham initially threatened to be washed out following persistent rain throughout the day, a 20-overs-per-side game was accommodated in the end. The victory highlighted the strengths of this young, fearless Indian team — the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and a great self-belief, which enables it to stage comebacks from impossible situations.

Here, our team management and selectors can learn a thing or two from our next-door neighbours. Till not too long ago, the Indian team was burdened by the presence of senior stalwarts like Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, who were woefully out of form and were in the side only due to their reputations. The Indian team management and selectors were brave enough to show the non-performing seniors the door and ushered in talented youngsters, who had done well at the domestic level. As a result, just two years after India lifted the World Cup, we now see an Indian team which is arguably even better than the one that was crowned world champions.

Compare this with Pakistan. We continue to hurt the morale of our youngsters, who despite having done well domestically, cannot find their way past non-performing seniors onto the team. Shoaib Malik has been part of the side despite not having scored a half-century since 2009. Imran Farhat has also failed repeatedly. Kamran Akmal’s batting and wicket-keeping still leave a lot to be desired. What Pakistan need is the inclusion of talented youngsters to infuse much-needed energy and aggression on the field instead of the insipid show that the fans have been forced to put up with of late.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 25^th, 2013.

Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.