One down, three to go
Paramjit Bawa - 26 April 2002

The Indians have finally crossed one Rubicon by putting it past the West Indies at Port of Spain in the second Test. The proof of this pudding, however, will be in the winning of the series, and let us not forget there are still three Tests to go. It would also be realistic to expect an attempt at a fight-back from the hosts.

There were definitely some good individual performances from the Indians. VVS Laxman, Ashish Nehra (who really should have been considered for the Man of the Match award for those two crucial wickets), even Sourav Ganguly for his captaincy (do I hear guffaws, Messers Bedi and Dungarpur?). But every time India have won a Test or one-day international in recent memory, it has invariably been due to a collective effort.

Here also, the win was the result of an overwhelming team effort, despite the best efforts of a section of the press and some experts to create an issue over the dropping of Anil Kumble. Why this needs to be debated at all is beyond me. Most followers of Indian cricket must know Kumble's performances abroad. If it is any consolation, Harbhajan Singh seems to be less terrifying overseas as well. His struggles with the Kookaburra ball are evident, and if he used that same ball in India, he may not be half the bowler at home either. The difference is that Harbhajan still has age on his side, while Kumble is not so fortunate.

But whom have we beaten? What a West Indian team this is! Just recall the aura of Viv Richards, Clive Lloyd, Gordon Greenidge, Malcolm Marshall, Michael Holding, Joel Garner and earlier greats. Remember the unique Richards arrogance? How he never wore a helmet to rub salt into the wounds of devastated opposing quickies? The Lloyd and Greenidge onslaughts? Gavaskar's bat flying after trying to play a ball from Marshall? Just the sight of "Godzilla" Garner thundering down to bowl must have left many a batsman with permanent psychological damage.

The Indians should still be congratulated for the effort, and it is not unreasonable for us to be thrilled. Even though they should have been able to brownwash (rain permitting) these opponents, we will still give them a real pat on the back if they can just pull off the series. Then they must start to beat stronger teams in away series - England and Sri Lanka will do for now, let alone Australia and South Africa. That is when we will know you have arrived, boys. A victory over this West Indian team (on current form) is probably not even as much an achievement as a win over Zimbabwe.

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