Is the average Indian Cricket fan disappointed with the result of the final test in New Zealand? Probably yes and probably no. I, for one, was surely disappointed. From the time India was down for almost 3 days in the 2nd test at Napier, they fought their way back quite amazingly to ensure a draw. The condition of the pitch notwithstanding, the result of the 2nd test surely had disappointed New Zealand team because they were succesful in having the better team on the mat for almost 3 full days of the test match. So, when the result of the 3rd test match didn't end up in India's favour, there is every reason for Indian fans to feel disappointed. For a country starved of overseas victories, especially in tests, this is certainly a result to savour. Surely, the thinking in the Indian team should have been to secure the series victory by playing a little safe.
The best teams in test arena, be it the West Indies team of the late 70s and early 80s or the Australian teams of the last 15 years, were considered the best because they had made winning a consistent habit. They were ruthless in their pursuit of victory and didn't give an inch to the opposition when they were going through their winning streak. They were also considered the best because they were also aggressive and innovative in their decision making and that helped in lot of tests being result-oriented.
Having said that I have to say that I am very happy with the overall result of the test series. But if we look at our overall winning record in test matches, there is a lot of catching up to do. And what better time to do that than when the team is in the shape and form it is currently in. We have already squandered a great chance to make the result 2-0 against England in England. We have done that again in New Zealand. Though it doesn't make any difference to the overall result of the series, it certainly will have an impact in our quest to be the No. 1 team.
The competition at the top is much stiffer today for India than it was for the West Indies and Australia in their dominant eras when they were ahead of the rest by quite some margin. Today, South Africa is a worthy contender to the top spot. Australia, with a much depleted force in the aftermath of the retirements of key players, is still a force, as they proved with their 2-1 win over South Africa recently. In any case they are still the No. 1 team. India is another team vying for the same spot. If they are to be able to pip Australia and South Africa to the top spot, they need to win more frequently and consistently than they are doing right now. It is easier said than done, but it was one of those rare chances to make the result far better than it turned out in the end.
We may not be in a hurry to achieve the No. 1 position, but who knows, in another year's time or so, with a few retirements, Indian team may be pegged back a little. So, the best time to win more matches is now. Having the ambition to get to the No.1 spot without the aggressive mindset needed to achieve that, may not serve the purpose. But, I am certainly convinced, as are millions of Indian cricket fans around the world, that this Indian team, has the wherewithal to be the best team in the world.
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