After World Cup wins in 2007 (World T20) and in 2011 (50 over one day international tournament and a 2013 victory in the Champions Trophy, India towards the latter years of the start of the decade, and the early years of the last decade, established themselves as a cricketing world super power.
The success of the India team, wasn’t just restricted to the limited overs format. The Indian’s even managed to achieve the lofty status of being World number one in tests too.
The sky was the limit, what could go wrong? Well a lot actually. A disappointing semi-final defeat to New Zealand in the World Cup semi-final and a defeat at the same stage in the World T20 semi-final to now two-time winners West Indies.
To rub further salt in the wounds, a chastening defeat to arch-rivals Pakistan in the 2017 Champions trophy was just another example of some disappointments in Indian cricket.
Being a British born Pakistani, some might think I am revelling, seeing Kohli’s men in their current plight.
As a fan, yeah a little bit (I can’t lie, being a Pakistan fan and all). But the cricket purist side of me, says it’s tough to watch.
That kind of score is reminiscent of my school cricket team. It’s difficult to watch seeing a talented side like India being skittled out for 42, which broke a 48 year-old record.
Surely India haven’t sunk that low, but to see the former world champions be humbled like that (eventually going on to lose the match by eight wickets) was quite something.
The next test between the sides will be resuming on the night of the 25th December, for India that can’t come quick enough.
Unfortunately for them, they will have to manage in this game and for the rest of the series without their captain supreme, Virat Kohli.
The RCB captain, will be returning home for the birth of his first child. India will be hoping for a change of fortunes this time out.
This tour for India will make a man out of one their batsmen and bowlers. Let’s see who’s man enough then?
The Bearded Captain 