Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Will 2018 be as good as 2017 for Indian Cricket Team?' that was published in Newsband

Will 2018 be as good as 2017 for Indian Cricket Team?

Was 2017 the best year for Indian men’s cricket team? Australians of 2003, had 38 wins from 47 games which was slightly better than India’s 37 in 53 matches this year. Whether it was a Test, a One-Day International or a Twenty20, the Indian team took the field noticeably stronger than its adversary,

A side fashions itself in its captain’s image. India played with the glowering intensity Kohli is famous for. .There were few times when India was threatened in 2017.

The controversy over Anil Kumble’s exit as coach was a sad story. The episode should have been handled better. The thrust towards empowering bowlers, vital in a country smitten by batsmen, has not weakened.

The New Year will bring stiffer challenges. A lot of 2017 was at home; but 10 Tests in 2018 will be played in South Africa, England, and Australia. This year most of the wins came in our own back yard. The loss against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy Final was most disappointing since the loss against Australia in the World Cup final in 2003. The loss against arch-rival Pakistan is the worst since the loss in the final of the Australasia Cup in Sharjah in 1986, when Miandad hit a six to seal the match.

Many believe that Indian cricket team has had phenomenal success in 2017 winning all bilateral series and only hiccup was Champion’s Trophy loss to Pakistan in England but the real challenge lies ahead in 2018 with series in Suoth Africa,England and Australia. India has never won a series in South Africa or Australia and both sides are very tough to beat in their backyards. India had won series in England earlier and given the present state of England, it should not be difficult to beat them.

Immediate challenge is South Africa where first test starts in 10 days time and the team has no time to prepare. Although India has well settled and balanced team and South Africa has somewhat unsettled eleven, yet it will not be easy to beat them. Techinique of Indian batsmen and bowlers alike will be tested in ample measure there. If India emerges winners there and then win series in England and Australia the dominance of India will be complete and nobody can label them as home tigers but it is easier said than done.