India will be hard to stop now: Shastri

[Inferno]

Well BD fought well yesterday, and I thought they had the match in their grasp when India were tottering at 144 for 5. Even a die hard fan might have given up hope at that point. All that was needed then was to put pressure on Dhoni and Karthick and one more wicket would have opened the floodgates. But Bashar was too conventional and his defensive tactics cost them the match. But Dhoni fought hard and Karthick gave able company to steer India through what seemed at the end to be a comfortable victory.

On the hind sight, people who are whinning about poor umpiring decisions should know that this is nothing new in International cricket. Who would forget Steve Bucknor and his fascination towards Indian cricketers. And anyway BD should have comfortably won the match regardless of the umpiring decision. They never put up the fight when it mattered most, that is when India were cornered at 144-5. That showed a bit of inexperience by the team which I hope will improve with time.

BTW Shastri send one more warning message to Bangladesh -

"At one point I was also nervous about the outcome, but the boys showed tremendous character and fighting spirit. It will be difficult to defeat us now. Bangladesh better beware"

Source : http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus...0705102222.htm

BTW what is Arun Lal saying now?

[capslock]

Originally Posted by Inferno
Well BD fought well yesterday, and I thought they had the match in their grasp when India were tottering at 144 for 5. Even a die hard fan might have given up hope at that point. All that was needed then was to put pressure on Dhoni and Karthick and one more wicket would have opened the floodgates. But Bashar was too conventional and his defensive tactics cost them the match. But Dhoni fought hard and Karthick gave able company to steer India through what seemed at the end to be a comfortable victory.

On the hind sight, people who are whinning about poor umpiring decisions should know that this is nothing new in International cricket. Who would forget Steve Bucknor and his fascination towards Indian cricketers. And anyway BD should have comfortably won the match regardless of the umpiring decision. They never put up the fight when it mattered most, that is when India were cornered at 144-5. That showed a bit of inexperience by the team which I hope will improve with time.

BTW Shastri send one more warning message to Bangladesh -

"At one point I was also nervous about the outcome, but the boys showed tremendous character and fighting spirit. It will be difficult to defeat us now. Bangladesh better beware"

Source : http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus...0705102222.htm

BTW what is Arun Lal saying now?

I am going to avoid the usual MO of forum posters which is to blame person 'X' or person 'Y' for the loss and just say that Shastri's comments illustrate that the way opposition teams view us has completely changed, you would think Shastri was talking about Sri Lanka or New Zealand the way he was pumped.

[damalChele]

Let Shastri say whatever he wants. Our boys will bounce back, make no mistake about that. Right now we are hurt. Still recovering from the heartbreak. Thats why we are very harsh on some players. Some fans are even pessimistic about the next two matches. Come tomorrrow, after a good night sleep, we will be 110% behind our boys.

So Shastri, shut the hell up. It's not easy anymore to win against our tigers. You have to fight for it.

Go boys. We love you regardless.

[cricket_pagol]

Shastri is trying to put psychological pressure... India knows they had a lucky escape. Just two guys saved the day for India... India is still not playing as a unit.

Bangladesh will put up a better show in the next game... hopefully we will prevail this time.

[DJ Sahastra]

It was a lucky escape and many times, such escapes have dramatic effects on teams.

[cricket_pagol]

Originally Posted by DJ Sahastra
It was a lucky escape and many times, such escapes have dramatic effects on teams.

I guess we will find out soon enough...

On paper India is definitely stronger than bangladesh... but our strength is in team spirit. I was not impressed by the body language of the Indian players when they were in the field.

I guess one advantage for India is that they are playing with twelve player... the 12th player is our captain!!!!

[Timtim]

Yah, India will be really hard to stop indeed...afterall they got Ashoka D Silva and Habibul Bashar on their side

[damalChele]

Originally Posted by cricket_pagol
I guess one advantage for India is that they are playing with twelve player... the 12th player is our captain!!!!

What about the umpire?

[Murad]

Originally Posted by damalChele
What about the umpire?

makes it 13, then..

[criccric]

Originally Posted by damalChele
What about the umpire?

Grow up guys! This happens in International Cricket all the time. Even yesterday, if Tamim was given out in the 2nd over (which BTW was equally clear), BD would have been reeling, specially given Hablu's form and add JO's snail pace at that time, you could well have been staring at 10 for 2 in 4. But these ifs dont a game make.

It has happened with every team. Stop whining and accept the ground realities.

Coming to the main issue, I completely agree with the cricinfo article that it was a battle of basements. This was a bottom of the basement. One team ranked #7, other out in the first round played some really shabby cricket. What a contrast compared to what has been dished out by Australia, SL, NZL.

[capslock]

Originally Posted by criccric
Grow up guys! This happens in International Cricket all the time. Even yesterday, if Tamim was given out in the 2nd over (which BTW was equally clear), BD would have been reeling, specially given Hablu's form and add JO's snail pace at that time, you could well have been staring at 10 for 2 in 4. But these ifs dont a game make.

It has happened with every team. Stop whining and accept the ground realities.

Coming to the main issue, I completely agree with the cricinfo article that it was a battle of basements. This was a bottom of the basement. One team ranked #7, other out in the first round played some really shabby cricket. What a contrast compared to what has been dished out by Australia, SL, NZL.

Yeah, I agree with Sidharth Monga's comment, overall it was pretty poor stuff from both teams, it more a contest of who was 'less bad' than who was better.

[smashyboy]

Worst victim of Ashoka de silva in his umpiring history has been India. At one point Ganguly was openly critical about his appointment for a series. Ganguly severely suffered at the hands of Ashoka. Get used to Ashoka. He is a real nut job. He has his own umpiring theories. Soon India will suffer at his hands.

[gatekeeper]

Originally Posted by DJ Sahastra
It was a lucky escape and many times, such escapes have dramatic effects on teams.

It was more than luck. Dhoni batted with purpose and BD bowlers forgot to bowl. Cannot overlook Karthik's contribution either.

I think this sets up a very interesting series. Yes, India will be confident after this win but BD will not roll over and play dead. Mashrafe's return (if he does return) will also boost morale. I only wish someone would talk some sense and strategy to Bashar.

[gatekeeper]

Originally Posted by criccric
Grow up guys! This happens in International Cricket all the time. Even yesterday, if Tamim was given out in the 2nd over (which BTW was equally clear), BD would have been reeling, specially given Hablu's form and add JO's snail pace at that time, you could well have been staring at 10 for 2 in 4. But these ifs dont a game make.

Tamim is sent out there for a quickfire 30-40 or even 50. But he can also get out first ball. BD batsmen know it and are prepared for it a la BD innings vs South Africa in the WC. If Tamim misfired there are plenty of other batsmen (forget Bashar) who could've picked up the mantle. Different scenario in India's case. If Dhoni was out that would pretty much have been it for India.

[Beamer]

Regardless of what Shastri says and he has a job to do right now, but the standard of Indian cricket has definitely fallen a few notches to say the least. India is a very average intl one day otfit compared to some other big teams. Fielding was always a problem. it still is. Very few agile, athletic guys and I thought this was a much younger team. The bowling has equally fallen below from what it was a few years ago. If Zaheer is the no.1 strike bowler that team is in trouble. Pathan is gone from the picture. So is Harbhajan and Kumble. The bowling attack on display yesterday would have been belted for 350 runs on that small ground in Mirpur against Aus, SA or maybe even SL. The stalwart bastmen of the yesteryears are on the verge of permanent decline. With this Indian team, BD can win 3-4 out of 10 matches. With the team from 2001-2004 , we had maybe 1 out 10 chance. That is the reality regardless of what Shahstri barks...

[DJ Sahastra]

Originally Posted by Beamer
Regardless of what Shastri says and he has a job to do right now, but the standard of Indian cricket has definitely fallen a few notches to say the least. India is a very average intl one day otfit compared to some other big teams. Fielding was always a problem. it still is. Very few agile, athletic guys and I thought this was a much younger team. The bowling has equally fallen below from what it was a few years ago. If Zaheer is the no.1 strike bowler that team is in trouble. Pathan is gone from the picture. So is Harbhajan and Kumble. The bowling attack on display yesterday would have been belted for 350 runs on that small ground in Mirpur against Aus, SA or maybe even SL. The stalwart bastmen of the yesteryears are on the verge of permanent decline. With this Indian team, BD can win 3-4 out of 10 matches. With the team from 2001-2004 , we had maybe 1 out 10 chance. That is the reality regardless of what Shahstri barks...

Beamer,

I totally agree with you on all points except "regardless of what Shahstri barks". Shastri hasn't said anything that should drag you into using that kind of a statement, don't you think ?

[Beamer]

you are right. my bad. should have said, what he says. i do respect him as a commentator and i think he will be good manager.

[Dhakablues]

I think Shasthri should learn from Dravid,, dont get too excited. Its good that his first mission was a success initially. But had it not been Hablu, Sashsti wouldve had a different Dhun on his face. He should give Bashar a great hug for letting India win today...

[Inferno]

Originally Posted by DJ Sahastra
It was a lucky escape and many times, such escapes have dramatic effects on teams.

Good point DJ, I would like to see that dramatic effect in the next match. This win is hardly convincing to me and I would like to see some changes in the line up too. Probably they should give rest to Zaheer and bring back RP Singh.I am worried about Sree too, any news if he is out of his cramps? Anyway BD had their best chance yesterday, their batsman gave them a solid start and I think 250 was a way too much the Indian bowlers gave away at the end

[DJ Sahastra]

RP Singh should definitely play the next one. I also wanted Rohit Sharma and Manoj Tewary to play these ODIs (in place of Mongia and Karthik/Dhoni). It is good to see Dhoni & Karthik perform but we can't have them as a specialist ODI batsman. Only one of the two should play at a time.

For the next game, Uthappa should play in place of Gambhir/Mogia & RP singh in place of Zaheer.

[One World]

Shastri's words will be burnt down to Ashes and confidence will be Mashed down to pieces

[Inferno]

Definitely Rohit Sharma and Manoj Tiwary will both get their chance in the forthcoming England tour. I feel sad about Tiwary, he is a terrific front foot player, a great fielder and can bowl too. He would have really enjoyed the conditions in Dhaka considering he plays for Bengal where they have similar conditions. Yea I agree with you Uthappa should replace Gambhir and and RP Singh should play in place of Zaheer.

[One World]

This was a very good loss for Bangladesh. Now as our batsmen got confident with the current Indian bowling attack they will exactly know how to get over if situation is difficult. I was really impressed by JO and Sakib how they repaired that sudden collapse without getting pressurized psychologically. That also reduces the tension for the test series. Bowlers also learnt that if they can keep up the good work it will not be hard to totter and shamble the Indian batting line up. As per they are immature they never realise it while playing India because not enough maturity is coming from the opponent right......may be after the series all 22+extra players do a short course in Australia for that.

[PoorFan]

One thing is clear, BD yet to learn grab every opportunity with both hand. Yet to learn win maximum out of close match and Hablu not the man who can deliver, in fact seems we have none yet.

And yes, if Inidia continue to play like yesterday ... "It will be difficult avoid defeat every time. India better beware"

[Dhakablues]

If India continues to play what they played yesterday,,, they will soon become next to Bangladesh. Their bowling attack is worse than Irelands. Had it not been Dhoni and Bashar,,, India would have definitly lost this match handsomely. Keep in mind, Bangladesh is number 9 in rankings,,, Imagine India playing this type of match against Srilanka/England,, They will be thrashed and anhilated. After this match,, Bangladesh became more confident that they 'lost a winning match' instead of 'waking up and smelling the coffee that they are playing against a major force'. Thats a change. It never appeared in the match that India was winning before the last 10-12 overs. Given that,,, India should shape up for upcoming challenges outside the subcontinent. I will say again,, it seems like this Indian team is not even a shadow of what India used to be under Sorav,That india team was world beaters; This india team has to lose sleep over a match agaisnt Bangladesh,,when will they get that?