The Tony Greig Show
India's rise to the top spot in Tests
India have become the No. 1 ranked Test side in the world, but it is worth pondering whether or not they have played well enough to justify that ranking. The answer is that they have, but it is also fair to say that this Indian team has not had to play against a hot Australian team. Let's face it, being number one in any sport is to a degree dependent on the opposition. Then again, when the oppression is weak it's not the fault of the champion.
India have become the No. 1 ranked Test side in the world, but it is worth pondering whether or not they have played well enough to justify that ranking. The answer is that they have, but it is also fair to say that this Indian team has not had to play against a hot Australian team. Let's face it, being number one in any sport is to a degree dependent on the opposition. Then again, when the oppression is weak it's not the fault of the champion.
There is little doubt as well that the very ordinary performance by Sri Lanka in the Tests helped India. Kumar Sangakkara and his team were, prior to the series, considered one of the strongest Sri Lankan sides to visit India, yet they capitulated meekly. It seems to me that they underestimated how quickly the Indian batsmen have worked Ajantha Mendis out, and also how much better they play Muttiah Muralitharan. That along with Sri Lanka's dismal performances abroad ensured an easy victory for India.
There is absolutely no reason why they should not be every bit as good playing away. It must have become a psychological problem because I have not been able to identify any meaningful technical faults. It may be that their good performances in the Twenty20 campaign in India will translate to similar results in the ODIs, and this could in turn help in the long term. Mind you, don't let us forget the impact of the innings played by Virender Sehwag. At his best he is capable of undoing the best laid plans.
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