First round exits to finalists- a case of cricketing transformation

Just over 6 months ago, both India and Pakistan crashed ignominiously out of the ICC World Cup cricket (the 50 over version)- losing to the so-called “minnows”. And now, in a miraculous reversal of fortunes, it is these two long-time rivals that will clash at the ICC T20 finals in Jo’burg on Monday, Sept 24. Over the last fortnight or so, both teams have  demonstrated a sense of urgency, hunger and passion that were all too absent in both teams for the last few years. So what has changed?

Notwithstanding the roiling caused by change of coaches, the Shoaib incident, the BCCI-ICL wrangle and India’s triumvirate deciding to give the T20 a miss, the biggest change has been the decision, by both sets of selectors, to blood new players (even if it was for a genuine want of choice). Irrespective of why the “seniors” from either country were not in the squad, it must be said that stronger legs, smaller egos and bigger hearts  make a powerful combination indeed- and induce a confidence not seen for some time in eiher team. In Dhoni, India have a young captain with a very positive mindset. Shoaib Malik of Pakistan is no different.

It is a brave (and foolhardy) person that would try to predict what will happen at the Wanderers on Monday.  But no matter what the outcome, the world will be in for a terrific game of competitive cricket. Of this, I am sure.

Good luck teams- and may the better team win!