Indian tigers need to sharpen their claws

Unexpected reverses in Lanka

With India playing five specialist bowlers, there was added responsibility on the specialist batsmen, but they floundered thanks to lack of application and lack of character. True a few decisions by the umpires were disputable, but with the Indians against the DRS, there are themselves to be blamed

India have proved once again, that they are tigers at home, but pussy cats abroad. The humiliation, they suffered at the hands of Sri Lanka, at Galle confirmed this perception. India will have to do a lot of soul searching. The reasons for their disgraceful loss in the first Test are evident.

The blame lies squarely on the batsmen, who capitulated in the second innings, chasing a modest target. This is not the first time that they have floundered in such a fashion. They have done it before and it was not surprising that they came apart at Galle again. They never seem to learn from their mistakes.

Change of captaincy was expected to bring in a refreshing approach, but Virat Kohli has not done anything to inspire the Team India. If in the first innings, they had shown aggressive intentions to counter the Lankan spinners, they failed to show the same approach in the second essay. They seemed to have gone into a shell, instead of opening up.

The front foot and down the wicket counter punching was sorely missing and this led to the Sri Lankan spinners weave webs of deceit and guile around the Indian batsmen. Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli provided a stupendous reply with superb centuries, but sadly the much talented Rahul, about whom a lot has been said, and Rohit Sharma failed miserably with the willow. Rohit particularly has been going through a rough patch.

In the second session, there was not a single batsman who put up his hand to take control of the situation. The Lankan spinners held them under their magical trance. Herath and Kaushal, in particular, bowled well to present Kumar Sangakkara, a perfect farewell, in his last Test match.

Chandimal's century in the second innings proved that there were no demons in the wicket. The devils, if any were in the minds of the Indian batsmen. With India playing five specialist bowlers, there was added responsibility on the specialist batsmen, but they floundered thanks to lack of application and lack of character.

True a few decisions by the umpires were disputable, but with the Indians against the DRS, there are themselves to be blamed. The team director Ravi Shashtri will have a lot to introspect, not just about the DRS but also ways and means to enhance the team's performance. They will have to be reminded about India's great turnarounds in Eden Gardens. They will have to be told about the need for a fighting spirit, that was clearly missing at Galle.

The Indian bowlers on the other hand turned out laudable performances. Ashwin was the pick with his tantalising off spin. Amit Mishra proved an ideal foil. But sadly in the second innings they allowed Chandimal to gain ascendancy over them. This was another reason for India to lose. All said and done this is a young side and must be given some time. Surely, those who failed will be raring to make strong comebacks. Players like Rahul, Rohit and Rahane will look to make amends.

Former Indian skipper and ‘little master’ Sunil Manohar Gavaskar commented that the new Indian Test team skipper Virat Kohli is ‘born to lead.’ Kohli has, however, a lot to learn, particularly from all these mistakes. Captaincy requires on the spot decisions, quick strategic changes and a matured head that can scheme and outwit the rivals. He should be ready with a set of plans and should execute them with clarity.

By Valentine Wilson