The year 2016 will, for a while, remain a benchmark
year for Indian cricket. What a rewarding year it has
turned out to be for Team India. Not only did the Test
team regain its No.1 ICC ranking during the course of
the home whitewash of New Zealand while dethroning
arch-rivals Pakistan from the top, but also maintained its
stay at the summit at the year end by swamping the Alastair
Cook-led England 4-0 in the recently-concluded home series,
which saw plenty of records being erased and set. Many
unsung heroes also emerged out of the series for India. Yes,
under a young and fearless leader in Virat Kohli, Team India
discovered a new art of winning which has now grown into
a fetish for the GenNext of Indian cricket. That apart, under
head coach Anil Kumble, the Indian team has slowly but surely
managed to knit itself into a cohesive unit that is definitely
transforming into a mighty force in world cricket, apparently
ready to challenge anybody in view. Having won every Test
series since Kumble took charge in
July, India started off by beating the
West Indies (2-0) away only to return
home to devour New Zealand
(3-0) and slay England subsequently
to extend its unbeaten streak under
Kohli to 18 since he took charge
as Test captain in December 2014 in
Australia. On the whole, the performance of the Test team has
been nothing less than imperious as the home season gone by
has not only brought to the fore the hidden potential of Indian
cricketers but has also paved the way for all-rounders. The
likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Jayant Yadav have been a revelation
of sorts as they chipped in with some bold performances
both with the ball and bat only to sting their opponents hard.
Their performances were a bonus and came concurrently
when Ashwin, who went on to claim the ICC Test Cricketer of
the Year award, had already wrecked havoc in a grand home
run with his colossal five-fors and ten-wicket match hauls.
Hundreds from his bat were like gold dust at a time when Virat
Kohli was already turning out to be an inspiration to the entire
team with some giant scores. Even Karun Nair wrapped up the
series with a maiden ton which he converted into an unbeaten
triple. The senior team’s exploits in the end, also rubbed off
on the India Colts. Under Rahul Dravid’s guidance, the India
U-19 team lifted the Youth Asia Cup last week to bring home
their third title in as many editions. Right now the senior Indian
team appears primed to match its proud record even in
the New Year with a mouth-watering four-Test series against
Australia coming up in February-March.
