April 19, 1999
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ON THE BALL Fighting Spirit No one doubts the Indian team's ability. But to win they need to play with more enthusiasm and passion. By Kapil Dev Can we win the World Cup? It's a question that is on everyone's lips. The cynics would probably reply in the negative judging by the recently-concluded triangular series in India and our first match in Sharjah. The optimists would, of course, be hopeful. I have always been an optimist. The problem recently has been our lack of fighting spirit. A winning team needs to have their chests out and chins up. Where was the spring in the steps of our boys? Their body language was woeful and that is a very dangerous sign. The spirit and enthusiasm should be evident when a team enters the field. Our team unfortunately did not give out very energetic signals. The other way of looking at it is that a team that peaks too early (Pakistan has to be careful here) peters out quickly too. Had we been on a winning spree a sense of complacency would have set in causing our players to ease up a bit. Now, if our boys have a positive approach, they will strive to achieve more and go for what has been eluding them. I would rather see our boys peaking during the World Cup than winning everything prior to that and getting nowhere in England. All teams have won and lost. We've done it, teams before us have and teams after this one will. The point is not so much losing but of how a team loses. If a team battles and fails people do not resent it that much. But the feeling that the team did its best must be apparent at all times. This is why body language is important. Everyone sympathises with the warrior who goes down fighting. Even losers can win the admiration of people around them. I say this so emphatically because I honestly believe we have all the right ingredients to concoct a perfect blend. Again we can be technically the greatest side but what good is it if we cannot deliver the goods. Every series is a new one and let us look at Sharjah positively. Even though we started badly, we need to begin looking up from here. If we begin to perform better here, it will be a great morale booster. Even though the conditions in Sharjah are completely different to those in England, a win will help lift spirits in the right direction. I really appreciate Ajay Jadeja's statement when he admitted Pakistan outplayed India in every department. An admission like that is healthy as it should promote self-improvement. I'm sure there will be deep self-analysis before they move forward and most importantly the think tank must give due emphasis to fielding and running between wickets. Without that we reduce our chances substantially. Can we win the World Cup? I would definitely say yes. If we could win in 1983, anyone can win. I know it is very easy to harp on about something that has been won but those are examples which should egg us on. In 1983 we had hardly any devastating players. We had quiet, solid guys who collectively won matches for us. Today you have four bowlers who are going to fare extremely well in English conditions. Srinath, Prasad, Agarkar and Mohanty are all going to get movement there. Robin Singh and Saurav Ganguly are always there to give the much-needed support and these two are known to cause damage. The bubbly Jadeja reminds me much of Krish Srikkanth. He was raw in 1983 compared to Jadeja today. But one needs guys like Srikkanth to keep things going. He changed the whole scene on the field when a wicket fell. Instead of the usual handshake, good old Krish would come charging down from wherever he was and virtually bound into the bowler's lap, kissing and hugging him. It was refreshing. He could single-handedly keep the team's spirit soaring. Such enthusiastic guys are a great asset. One word especially for the selectors -- kudos to them for having the guts to recall Mohanty even when he wasn't in the original 19. That shows their open minds. Can we win the World Cup? Yes. We have Azhar who has 300
one-dayers under his belt and Sachin, Kumble and Jadeja who have more than 150 each. They
have enough experience and ability among them. But from the bottom of my heart I say to
all the players going to England: Love the game, look forward to each match and enjoy your
cricket. It will show in your performance. Former India captain and allrounder
Kapil Dev will be writing a regular column exclusively for |
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