India’s victory over South Africa in the > recently concluded Test series was remarkable not just for the margin, but also the manner. South Africa has been world cricket’s most formidable touring team this decade. Indeed, its ascent to the top was built on not suffering a single series defeat overseas in nine years. India, moreover, has had its problems with South Africa. Where Australia’s attacking style often drew India’s stirring best in response, something about South Africa’s controlled method appeared to inhibit India, diminishing it.
The 3-0 triumph that Virat Kohli’s men scripted this season was only India’s third win in 12 series against South Africa, and the first since 2004. To so comprehensively outplay a bogey team, which also happens to be ranked No. 1, merits high praise. It must be mentioned, however, that South Africa lost spearhead Dale Steyn in the first Test, depriving Hashim Amla of the services of perhaps the finest fast-bowler ever in subcontinental conditions (90 wickets in Asia at the astonishing rate of one every 40 balls). For a side still coping with the departures of Jacques Kallis and Graeme Smith, giants instrumental in South Africa’s success, it proved an insurmountable loss.
But South Africa’s troubles do not detract greatly from the achievements of India, itself a side in transition. Nor does the fuss over the pitches. There is not anything underhand about making capital of home advantage — as long as it does not unfairly tilt the balance between bat and ball. Of the three surfaces on which India gained victory, a case can be made only against the Nagpur wicket: it’s a case the International Cricket Council (ICC) is currently sitting in judgment on.
It is important instead to acknowledge India’s accomplishment, for there appears a significant shift in thinking. Mr. Kohli’s comment after the win in New Delhi that bowlers were the “bosses” in Test cricket did not receive much attention; but for a country besotted with batsmen, it was momentous. There has also been an increased urgency to push for victory. Mr. Kohli traced the onset of the resurgence to the tour of Australia where the team “showed character even in defeats. We were always on the opposition's heels”.
The subsequent 2-1 win in Sri Lanka further strengthened the belief. The most heartening aspect of the performance against South Africa was its wholesome nature. R. Ashwin rose magnificently to the challenge of being lead spinner again. But the support he received from Ravindra Jadeja, Amit Mishra and the faster bowlers was just as vital. Ajinkya Rahane topped the batting charts, but there were important runs from everyone in the line-up.
The spirit of the team was perhaps best exemplified by the fielding; seldom has the commitment to winning together been this apparent. The authorities in India must now use this platform not just to strengthen the Test side, but also to put in practice a programme of outreach to draw back spectators to the five-day game.
