Why Most Indian Cricket Captains Fail in Australian Series?

INDIA’S PERFORMANCE HOME VS DOMESTIC

India as a cricketing side has been the most dominant side for the last decade now. With respect to the win-loss ratio, they have been on par in the domestic pitches wherein their record has been unparalleled. The international cricket record might not be that great but they have gained a firm foothold on many overseas and India still needs to go a long way. The current Indian skipper Virat Kohli made a solid statement by winning a test match in Australia. He became the first Asian captain to win a test match in Australia. South Africa and England as well.

INDIAN SKIPPERS’ RECORD AGAINST DOWN UNDER

Australia has always proved to be the thorn for the Indian side and the overall record has been a bit dismal when it comes to the win-loss ratio. Mohinder Amarnath, the erstwhile Indian captain from 1947-48 opened up a spectacular win against the Australians becoming the first one to do so. The side for Down Under were the most fearsome bunch and it consisted of players like the skipper Sir Donald Bradman, Don Tallon, Lindsay Hassett and many others. It was an invincible side at best and beating them in their own game in their home was a daunting task indeed.

Next came, the side of Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi who captained the team for 1967-68 but they failed to win their series against the side as they were swept away 4-0. Bishan Singh Bedi hailed as the greatest skipper that India ever had the good fortune to play with. They gave the Australian team the toughest fight yet since they went down 3-2 owing to Bedi’s incredible performance.  

But the breakthrough came when Sunil Gavaskar captained the Indian side and steered the team for a 2-0 victory at the Indian soil. Even the ever magnificent Sourav Ganguly was unable to provide a series victory, but he proved to be a stellar and the most aggressive captain. The captain cool M.S. Dhoni was unable to provide anything in the plate when it comes to an overseas series win even though he has a lot of feathers in his cap.

THE PRESSURE POINT

Australia as a team has been very formidable right from the word go. They have produced legends in almost every department. Be it their fearsome batsmen, their incredible spearhead bowlers and their agile fielders; the team Down Under has always excelled in every aspect and they still commanded a position on the top of the food chain. Ricky Ponting has been the most successful captain for this side winning two World Cups and being the most fearsome skipper in their arsenal. He always evaluated his options well and executed strategic standpoints which will grant them victory; something that the Indians failed to do so.

Another important point to be considered are the Australian pitches which are very much suitable for bowling since the tracks have been designed that way. The very reason that the Australian spearheads always prove to be fearsome when it comes to their incredible bowling attack. This is something which needs to be looked upon and they need to consider every possible opportunity prior to any Australian tour. India betting on to the fact that they will have alternatives when it comes to facing the inevitable against the 2nd test match will likely be seen in the forthcoming series ahead.