You missed two big points.
1. Unless you keep playing with the big boys (doesn't matter how big you lose) you are not going to improve. One can improve only so much by playing against same quality of opposition. Certainly, the schdule that ICC (FTP) had fixed for us is the ugliest. We didn't have any test for how long now??
Facing Brett Lee and facing Cummings is not the same. After getting blasted out from the first few times we would know how to stand up against the giants. That is the whole ideology.
Out of 21 ODIs, 19 games against minnows and one each against SL and WI is not a schedule that any one want to see. What a buildup for the world cup where we will face two giants and one minnow.
2. As time passes, everyone improves. Technology, better facilities, better physio etc. The question is are we improving faster than the top eight to decrease the gap? We won't unless we play them regularly. ICC did an injustice to us with the new FTP. Like it or not that is the truth.
As for your last five year thrashing and not improving, that has to deal with the lack of our domestic cricket/pitches. Anyone and everyone knows that. Since now we have a structure (which can be made better) we see the little improvements.
It is the same attitude of:
I help you get your independance and then will cripple your economy cause you will become one of my step child.
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The Weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is an attribute of the Strong." - Gandhi.
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