New Zealand [348 & 9/0] beat India [165 & 191] by 10 wickets in the first Test

[sensible-indian-fan]

As I said before...Indians have been super critical of their team.

This team has 1000s of issues.

But some expect them to call this team complete home bullies and useless and anything less is excuses.

What a sad sad way to live life.

In a way, it will make India's future wins all the more sweeter.

 

[Ashraful_Rox]

Can someone tell me how they think Shaw is better than Iyer? Didn't Shreyas score a 300 hundred against Australia in a tour match?

Shreyas scored 300 hundred that too in one single match? What are you on about?

 

[Bewal Express]

The relative decline of Bumrah has negatively affected the Ind Psychology. Where they had a feeling before that whatever they score, the opposition will find it more difficult to match them because of Bumrah has now gone. The bowling lacked any passion and NZ won easily. The batting of the Inds looks very confused, they dont know whether to play their natural game or grind it out, atm neither is working.

 

[in_cutter]

Surprisingly awful performance

What do you think [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION]

Fluke win?

 

[Artaxerxes]

Bumrah will go downhill from now on.His weird action is the problem.There is no way he sustain such bowling action.He was lucky he did not have to toil in hot conditions otherwise he would have performed even worse

 

[globalcitizen]

agarwal, rishabh pant, prithvi Shaw, vihari. Not many have played much games leave alone away games. This will be a good exposure for them. I think they will put up much better performance next test

 

[IMMY69]

This is is precisely why India’s rankings are flawed..

They can lose to the kiwis away which means they can also lose to Pakistan away. Not playing Pakistan means India’s position is skewed.

 

[1iram1]

Don’t post here much but I agree with SIF. India looks unprepared. And while they might’ve gotten enough practice in these conditions, they don’t look mentally ready. It seems to me like they have the attitude of “we’re gonna walk in here and win operating at 50%” and I’m sure this loss will be a wake up call for the next test. Even if they don’t win, expect them to go down fighting at least. Add to the fact that New Zealand will beat anyone at home, highly underrated even after their WC heroics since 2007.

Bumrah’s form is worrying tho, as a it brings back memories of Mustafiz and how undercooked he looked after his injury comeback.

 

[Saurav]

This is is precisely why India’s rankings are flawed..

They can lose to the kiwis away which means they can also lose to Pakistan away. Not playing Pakistan means India’s position is skewed.

What kind of logic is this?

 

[Saurav]

Embarassing performance but not a surprise

This underlines how overrated Kohli is as a Test captain.Just doesn't know to groom young players and build a team.

Home series are to develop players but no one except Rohit was introduced

Gill has been the backup opener in the home season,does well in NZ A tour and yet gets sidelined for Shaw(nothing against him)

Rahul was rightly dropped for his low scores but Rahane last scored a century in SENA more than 4 years ago.He's given all the opportunities to boost his runs in India and WI as he's a senior player

Pant does well in Aus,Eng yet gets dropped for Saha in home season.Is back here .Won't be surprised if hes made the scapegoat again

We play 5 bowlers in India but 4 here

There's just no planning.Lot of short sightedness

 

[ManFan]

Where is [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION]?

Who claims that Kohli is the greatest Asian captain of all time?

 

[MenInG]

New Zealand became the latest international side to register 100 wins in the longest format of cricket after they defeated India by 10 wickets in the first Test encounter in Wellington on Monday. It took the Kiwis 441 matches to achieve this feat - the most by any team and it was nine matches more than what India needed to reach this milestone. Tom Latham finished seven not out while Tom Blundell was two as they knocked off the nine runs needed for victory in just 10 balls after the visitors were dismissed for 191 in their second innings.

Most matches taken to complete 100 Test wins

441 - New Zealand

432 - India

320 - Pakistan

310 - South Africa

266 - West Indies

241 - England

199 - Australia

India lost their final six wickets for 47 runs on Monday as Trent Boult and Tim Southee combined to rip through the lower middle order and then finish off the tail. Southee completed his 10th five-wicket haul in tests with 5-61.


“It was a great win and to beat a quality Indian side is very pleasing,” said Southee, who was named man of the match for figures of 9-110.

“The effort from everyone was outstanding ... and to take 20 wickets as a bowling unit was very pleasant.”

The visitors, who had not lost any of their seven previous International Cricket Council World Test Championship matches, had started the day on 144-4, still 39 runs behind and staring at a potential first defeat.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...-over-india/story-zDw1c274jS1B3nUJf5VVFM.html

 

[Abhilash93]

The last time NZ lost after winning the toss at home was in 2009.

 

[JaDed]

Congratulations to Kiwis well played, so much if improvement required from Indian team .

 

[Uzi]

Just a minor blip for the greatest test side in history.

I expect them to get back to winning ways in the next test and carry on ruling test cricket for the next 10 years.

 

[tyron_woodley]

for all you dummies that don't thinkntoss matters away in SENA.

read this article.
https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/28770755/how-much-does-losing-tosses-impact-visiting-teams

Also india have won 21 games and 0 losses when they have won the toss under kohli. I don't ever spout rubbish. This is a fact. toss makes a huge difference in n.z and australia.

Look at n.z's record when they won the toss. Anyway if india can prove that they are able to negate the toss then that automatically makes them a great side. One of the greatest ever if they beat n.z, England away and draw or win in australia.
They are yet to prove that however.

 

[Junaids]

for all you dummies that don't thinkntoss matters away in SENA.

read this article.
https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/28770755/how-much-does-losing-tosses-impact-visiting-teams

Also india have won 21 games and 0 losses when they have won the toss under kohli. I don't ever spout rubbish. This is a fact. toss makes a huge difference in n.z and australia.

Look at n.z's record when they won the toss. Anyway if india can prove that they are able to negate the toss then that automatically makes them a great side. One of the greatest ever if they beat n.z, England away and draw or win in australia.
They are yet to prove that however.

The toss matters a lot at Wellington, but not when you bowl as short as Bumrah and Shami did!

There’s still the same problem for this Indian team.

They lost two series in 2018, the last time they ventured into SENA. If they don’t win the Second Test in New Zealand this will be a third major away series loss out of four (the other being the devalued victory over an understrength Australia).

So if they don’t win the next Test it won’t matter what this team then does in Australia or even if they win the World Test Championship Final by 800 runs - this Indian team’s standing will be ruined forever unless they save this series in NZ.

They may not understand it, but the Christchurch Test is now India’s most important match in Virat Kohli’s entire career.

Win it and the chance of going down in history as an outstanding Test team survives.

Draw or lose and the opportunity is lost for a generation.

 

[tyron_woodley]

The toss matters a lot at Wellington, but not when you bowl as short as Bumrah and Shami did!

There’s still the same problem for this Indian team.

They lost two series in 2018, the last time they ventured into SENA. If they don’t win the Second Test in New Zealand this will be a third major away series loss out of four (the other being the devalued victory over an understrength Australia).

So if they don’t win the next Test it won’t matter what this team then does in Australia or even if they win the World Test Championship Final by 800 runs - this Indian team’s standing will be ruined forever unless they save this series in NZ.

They may not understand it, but the Christchurch Test is now India’s most important match in Virat Kohli’s entire career.

Win it and the chance of going down in history as an outstanding Test team survives.

Draw or lose and the opportunity is lost for a generation.

I dont care dude. n.z team in n.z Is hard to beat when they win the toss. Most great teams would struggle to topple them.

Doesn't devalue indian achievements at all. India have dominated for 4 years and have already been number 1 longer than Smith's saffers.

 

[Junaids]

for all you dummies that don't thinkntoss matters away in SENA.

read this article.
https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/28770755/how-much-does-losing-tosses-impact-visiting-teams

Also india have won 21 games and 0 losses when they have won the toss under kohli. I don't ever spout rubbish. This is a fact. toss makes a huge difference in n.z and australia.

I see, it’s all about bowling first on a green Wellington wicket, is it?

14 months ago Sri Lanka batted first at Wellington, scored 282 and 287-3 and drew the match.

Bangladesh also played there and batted first and scored 211 and 209. And on their previous visit three years ago Bangladesh batted first and scored 585-8 declared and 160 all out.

India batted first just like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh (twice).

Unfortunately India just don’t seem to be anywhere near as good in SENA as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

India and Pakistan lost 5 Tests out of 6 in South Africa. Then Sri Lanka turned up and won 2-0.

If Kohli and his team work really really hard they might be able to lift their performance in SENA to the level of Sri Lanka.

 

[tyron_woodley]

I see, it’s all about bowling first on a green Wellington wicket, is it?

14 months ago Sri Lanka batted first at Wellington, scored 282 and 287-3 and drew the match.

Bangladesh also played there and batted first and scored 211 and 209. And on their previous visit three years ago Bangladesh batted first and scored 585-8 declared and 160 all out.

India batted first just like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh (twice).

Unfortunately India just don’t seem to be anywhere near as good in SENA as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

India and Pakistan lost 5 Tests out of 6 in South Africa. Then Sri Lanka turned up and won 2-0.

If Kohli and his team work really really hard they might be able to lift their performance in SENA to the level of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka can be good in swing conditions but they get phaintas everywhere else. India lost to a much stronger south african side with morkel steyn and abd. That too only because they lost the toss..Again. Toss makes a difference.

India play far mor3 games than both teams put together as well. It's understandable to see them underpefrom at times due to fatigue.

 

[Junaids]

I dont care dude. n.z team in n.z Is hard to beat when they win the toss. Most great teams would struggle to topple them.

Doesn't devalue indian achievements at all. India have dominated for 4 years and have already been number 1 longer than Smith's saffers.

I watched a sandpapered-up Australia pulverise New Zealand at the same Basin Reserve four years ago.

It will be fascinating to see whether Pakistan prepare the Mickey Arthur way or the Misbah way for their World Test Championship series in NZ in twelve months.

If they arrive a month early the Mickey way I think that Pakistan will comfortably win against an ageing NZ. Australia humiliated a very fragile looking NZ two months ago, and they will be a year older in 2021.

 

[tyron_woodley]

I watched a sandpapered-up Australia pulverise New Zealand at the same Basin Reserve four years ago.

It will be fascinating to see whether Pakistan prepare the Mickey Arthur way or the Misbah way for their World Test Championship series in NZ in twelve months.

If they arrive a month early the Mickey way I think that Pakistan will comfortably win against an ageing NZ. Australia humiliated a very fragile looking NZ two months ago, and they will be a year older in 2021.

maybe. Let's see. But if n.z wins the toss it's hard for any team to beat them at their home. N.z is definitely beatable. India always often loses the first game vs n.z due to poor preparation and then come back strong in the tests that follow. Happened quite often even vs mcculum's n.z

 

[Aman]

I watched a sandpapered-up Australia pulverise New Zealand at the same Basin Reserve four years ago.

It will be fascinating to see whether Pakistan prepare the Mickey Arthur way or the Misbah way for their World Test Championship series in NZ in twelve months.

If they arrive a month early the Mickey way I think that Pakistan will comfortably win against an ageing NZ. Australia humiliated a very fragile looking NZ two months ago, and they will be a year older in 2021.

Based on what?

Pakistan don't have any great bowlers and their batting is light.

You keep saying an aging NZ team after one bad series in Aus but this team has always been solid at home and Kane, Taylor, Watling etc. the players you're calling old continue to score runs.

Honestly, you've become a parody of yourself and dropped the act of being an Aussie Pakistani fan and are coming off like another delusional PPer who overrates Pakistan and posts utter drivel about India.

 

[Aman]

Congrats to [MENTION=132954]Aman[/MENTION] and [MENTION=131138]Space Cat[/MENTION],
Kohli and Shastri needs to accept they are not no 1.

[MENTION=132954]Aman[/MENTION]

No excuses at all. You guys have completely outplayed our overrated overpaid bunch. I can only laugh at those who say that this is some GOAT Asian team or this is the best bowling attack in the world.

On a side note, why don't NZ play more tests esp at home ? They are such a formidable team but still play these 2 match series' once in a while. They can easily challenge the no.1 spot if they play as many games at home as Ind, Aus and Eng.

Thank you.

I'm sure India will be a lot stronger in the second Test especially so if they win the toss.

 

[Aman]

Not with our Babar or bust batting lineup.

Nah, Pakistan seem to lift in England and have the ability to cause an upset. Sure the chances aren't great, but it's better than say India or NZ who I think have little to no chance of beating Aus.

 

[tyron_woodley]

Nah, Pakistan seem to lift in England and have the ability to cause an upset. Sure the chances aren't great, but it's better than say India or NZ who I think have little to no chance of beating Aus.

India have more than a chance of beating australia in australia. In india it won't even be a contest. sand paper boys are perennial cheaters.

australia won in n.z last time only because they won the toss.

 

[Mamoon]

Surprisingly awful performance

What do you think [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION]

Fluke win?

No fluke. New Zealand is a top side in home conditions. That is why they are always among the top 4 sides.

 

[Mamoon]

Where is [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION]?

Who claims that Kohli is the greatest Asian captain of all time?

Of course he is. Look at his record. He wins Test matches at a ridiculous rate, and he loses matches at the same rate as Imran did.

In spite of the fact that he still has 4-5 years of captaincy left, Kohli has already established himself as the GOAT Asian Test captain.

His competition is not with any other Asian Test captain anymore. He surpassed them long ago. His competition is now with captains like Lloyd, Waugh, Smith, Border etc. He deserves to be categorized in that league.

He is already 3rd or 4th in terms of most Test wins. Incredible.

 

[Junaids]

Of course he is. Look at his record. He wins Test matches at a ridiculous rate, and he loses matches at the same rate as Imran did.

In spite of the fact that he still has 4-5 years of captaincy left, Kohli has already established himself as the GOAT Asian Test captain.

He is already 3rd or 4th in terms of most Test wins. Incredible.

You don’t judge a captain by how easily he wins the easy home series. Nigeria and Australia always qualify in style for the FIFA World Cup but that doesn’t count for anything when they meet the big boys.

After Imran Khan regained the captaincy in 1985 he lost one Test series - by a margin of 1-0 - in his seven year stint as skipper. He went unbeaten in three series against an ATG West Indies team.

Kohli has lost series left, right and centre. He is probably about to lose his third Test series in 25 months.

 

[Nfc120]

Of course he is. Look at his record. He wins Test matches at a ridiculous rate, and he loses matches at the same rate as Imran did.

In spite of the fact that he still has 4-5 years of captaincy left, Kohli has already established himself as the GOAT Asian Test captain.

His competition is not with any other Asian Test captain anymore. He surpassed them long ago. His competition is now with captains like Lloyd, Waugh, Smith, Border etc. He deserves to be categorized in that league.

He is already 3rd or 4th in terms of most Test wins. Incredible.

Level of delusion in this is unreal. Not even the greatest Indian captain! Dhoni at least led them to a World Cup win, and led a solid test outfit 10 years ago when things were more competitive.

Love how the benchmark for greatness is constantly shifting depending on how the Indian team is doing. Have to keep changing the goal posts while doing these mental gymnastics lolz. Oh if you factor in the toss etc etc ** etc... oh this is an era where no side wins away from home etc etc... oh if you look at wins on Jupiter on the solstice at noon, by this metric Kohli is leading etc....

Greatness is a social construct that is built by the Indian media machine these days, and there are many posters here who have been duped. The chest thumping followed by India’s win in Australia was shouted from the rooftops, while Sri Lanka’s equally impressive SA win was barely covered. Champions trophy won by pakistan, so obviously Parosis had to eliminate it from the cricketing calendar all together. Imagine the small mindedness required to do something like that.

I actually quite like Kohli. Much more inspiring than any of our kaptaans for the past 20 years. I used to despise him but he has grown on me. Undoubtedly an individual ATG. Many, many question marks over captaincy ATG, and as a team ATG. Unfortunately, shastri and the Indian media circus (surrounding IPL, biased journalism, BCCI, biased commentary, etc...) will prevent him from true greatness. It’s ironic really, because this constant affirmation and mollycoddling has handicapped kohli from reaching the exact same greatness they aspire for. Like a child who has been given too much chocolate. They have taken away his famous drive, and left him only with excuses.

True greatness requires debate, introspection, and resultant evolution. This process has been devoid not only in Indian cricket, but Indian society for quite some time.

When the next GREAT team in cricket comes around, it will be unanimous. They will be undisputed kings, with real swagger. Like Tom Brady and the patriots, Lakers of the 80’s, Yankees through most of baseball history, or Australia of the 2000’s. No statistical metric will be required to justify this greatness. It will just be known.

 

[tyron_woodley]

Level of delusion in this is unreal. Not even the greatest Indian captain! Dhoni at least led them to a World Cup win, and led a solid test outfit 10 years ago when things were more competitive.

Love how the benchmark for greatness is constantly shifting depending on how the Indian team is doing. Have to keep changing the goal posts while doing these mental gymnastics lolz. Oh if you factor in the toss etc etc ** etc... oh this is an era where no side wins away from home etc etc... oh if you look at wins on Jupiter on the solstice at noon, by this metric Kohli is leading etc....

Greatness is a social construct that is built by the Indian media machine these days, and there are many posters here who have been duped. The chest thumping followed by India’s win in Australia was shouted from the rooftops, while Sri Lanka’s equally impressive SA win was barely covered. Champions trophy won by pakistan, so obviously Parosis had to eliminate it from the cricketing calendar all together. Imagine the small mindedness required to do something like that.

I actually quite like Kohli. Much more inspiring than any of our kaptaans for the past 20 years. I used to despise him but he has grown on me. Undoubtedly an individual ATG. Many, many question marks over captaincy ATG, and as a team ATG. Unfortunately, shastri and the Indian media circus (surrounding IPL, biased journalism, BCCI, biased commentary, etc...) will prevent him from true greatness. It’s ironic really, because this constant affirmation and mollycoddling has handicapped kohli from reaching the exact same greatness they aspire for. Like a child who has been given too much chocolate. They have taken away his famous drive, and left him only with excuses.

True greatness requires debate, introspection, and resultant evolution. This process has been devoid not only in Indian cricket, but Indian society for quite some time.

When the next GREAT team in cricket comes around, it will be unanimous. They will be undisputed kings, with real swagger. Like Tom Brady and the patriots, Lakers of the 80’s, Yankees through most of baseball history, or Australia of the 2000’s. No statistical metric will be required to justify this greatness. It will just be known.

only one real GOAT team and this is the West Indies of 80s. No one else comes close.

 

[Mamoon]

Level of delusion in this is unreal. Not even the greatest Indian captain! Dhoni at least led them to a World Cup win, and led a solid test outfit 10 years ago when things were more competitive.

Love how the benchmark for greatness is constantly shifting depending on how the Indian team is doing. Have to keep changing the goal posts while doing these mental gymnastics lolz. Oh if you factor in the toss etc etc ** etc... oh this is an era where no side wins away from home etc etc... oh if you look at wins on Jupiter on the solstice at noon, by this metric Kohli is leading etc....

Greatness is a social construct that is built by the Indian media machine these days, and there are many posters here who have been duped. The chest thumping followed by IndiaÂ’s win in Australia was shouted from the rooftops, while Sri LankaÂ’s equally impressive SA win was barely covered. Champions trophy won by pakistan, so obviously Parosis had to eliminate it from the cricketing calendar all together. Imagine the small mindedness required to do something like that.

I actually quite like Kohli. Much more inspiring than any of our kaptaans for the past 20 years. I used to despise him but he has grown on me. Undoubtedly an individual ATG. Many, many question marks over captaincy ATG, and as a team ATG. Unfortunately, shastri and the Indian media circus (surrounding IPL, biased journalism, BCCI, biased commentary, etc...) will prevent him from true greatness. ItÂ’s ironic really, because this constant affirmation and mollycoddling has handicapped kohli from reaching the exact same greatness they aspire for. Like a child who has been given too much chocolate. They have taken away his famous drive, and left him only with excuses.

True greatness requires debate, introspection, and resultant evolution. This process has been devoid not only in Indian cricket, but Indian society for quite some time.

When the next GREAT team in cricket comes around, it will be unanimous. They will be undisputed kings, with real swagger. Like Tom Brady and the patriots, Lakers of the 80Â’s, Yankees through most of baseball history, or Australia of the 2000Â’s. No statistical metric will be required to justify this greatness. It will just be known.

No need of mentioning Dhoni because we are not talking about Limited Overs cricket. As a Test captain, Kohli is leagues ahead of Dhoni.

Sri Lanka’s win in South Africa was not equally impressive as India’s win in Australia. Firstly, South Africa are not that imperious at home and secondly, it was a two Test series where the first Test was won by an outrageous individual performance.

India were better than Australia over 4 Tests and did not bank on freakish individual performances. They were a better side and won methodically.

The Champions Trophy was not scrapped because Pakistan fluked it. The idea that the Champions Trophy should be scrapped floated around 2013-14 when India were champions.

The tournament served no purpose when India won it and it served no purpose when Pakistan won it. That is why it doesn’t have a future.

It is convenient to blame everything on BCCI but let’s not allow assumptions to overpower facts.

Greatness is not a social construct. It is what it is. No one is calling Kohli’s India a great side in the same vein as West Indies of the 80’s and Australia of the 2000’s.

However, they are best Test team in the world at the moment and the most successful Asian Test side of all time. No Asian side of the past was as good at winning matches as this team is. It is not up for debate.

 

[Mamoon]

You don’t judge a captain by how easily he wins the easy home series. Nigeria and Australia always qualify in style for the FIFA World Cup but that doesn’t count for anything when they meet the big boys.

After Imran Khan regained the captaincy in 1985 he lost one Test series - by a margin of 1-0 - in his seven year stint as skipper. He went unbeaten in three series against an ATG West Indies team.

Kohli has lost series left, right and centre. He is probably about to lose his third Test series in 25 months.

Your self-constructed metrics to judge a captain cannot be universally accepted. Imran Khan with a Mickey Mouse tally of 14 Test wins does not deserve to be mentioned in the same vein as Kohli.

History will remember Kohli as the Test captain with most Test wins in history, while Imran has less Test wins than Misbah.

Sports is all about winning and not drawing matches.

As far as losing is concerned, Kohli loses matches at the same rate as Imran in a result oriented era.

 

[BDfanforever]

Sri Lanka’s win in South Africa was not equally impressive as India’s win in Australia. Firstly, South Africa are not that imperious at home and secondly, it was a two Test series where the first Test was won by an outrageous individual performance.

If we rate India win over Australia to be 100, how would you rate Sri Lanka's win over RSA?

Were Sri Lanka's World Cup, T20 WC, WC finalist also less in comparison to India's wins?

 

[Junaids]

Your self-constructed metrics to judge a captain cannot be universally accepted. Imran Khan with a Mickey Mouse tally of 14 Test wins does not deserve to be mentioned in the same vein as Kohli.

History will remember Kohli as the Test captain with most Test wins in history, while Imran has less Test wins than Misbah.

Sports is all about winning and not drawing matches.

As far as losing is concerned, Kohli loses matches at the same rate as Imran in a result oriented era.

You’re sounding like an American. They consume their sports in an “only winning counts” way, which is why the North American Soccer League had shootouts from 25 yards out to “settle” drawn matches.

Cricket is a sport of British origin, and a very large part of what Test cricket is is about turning a probable defeat into a brave draw - like Khawaja and Paine did in one Test v Pakistan last year. I don’t remember who won the next Test for Pakistan - I only remember Khawaja and Paine saving that one.

Sports of British origin value draws as an important part of eventual victory. It’s why Away Goals count double the in the UEFA Champions League: if you lose 1-0 at home but win 2-1 in the away leg you prevail.

I can’t emphasise strongly enough the following results of 3 consecutive 1980’s series against the West Indies:

Australia: Lost 3-1, Lost 3-0, Lost 3-1.
England: Lost 5-0, Lost 5-0, Lost 4-0.
Pakistan: Drew 1-1, Drew 1-1, Drew 1-1.

Pakistan went unbeaten against Greenidge, Haynes, Richards, Richardson, Dujon, Marshall, Ambrose, Walsh.

India’s claim to fame is winning an away series against a Test team featuring a batting order of Harris, Finch, S Marsh, Khawaja, Handscomb, Head and M Marsh.

Is that something to boast about?

No Smith.

No Warner.

A youthful Labuschagne played 1 Test, and topped the batting averages by scoring 38 runs.

 

[tyron_woodley]

You’re sounding like an American. They consume their sports in an “only winning counts” way, which is why the North American Soccer League had shootouts from 25 yards out to “settle” drawn matches.

Cricket is a sport of British origin, and a very large part of what Test cricket is is about turning a probable defeat into a brave draw - like Khawaja and Paine did in one Test v Pakistan last year. I don’t remember who won the next Test for Pakistan - I only remember Khawaja and Paine saving that one.

Sports of British origin value draws as an important part of eventual victory. It’s why Away Goals count double the in the UEFA Champions League: if you lose 1-0 at home but win 2-1 in the away leg you prevail.

I can’t emphasise strongly enough the following results of 3 consecutive 1980’s series against the West Indies:

Australia: Lost 3-1, Lost 3-0, Lost 3-1.
England: Lost 5-0, Lost 5-0, Lost 4-0.
Pakistan: Drew 1-1, Drew 1-1, Drew 1-1.

Pakistan went unbeaten against Greenidge, Haynes, Richards, Richardson, Dujon, Marshall, Ambrose, Walsh.

India’s claim to fame is winning an away series against a Test team featuring a batting order of Harris, Finch, S Marsh, Khawaja, Handscomb, Head and M Marsh.

Is that something to boast about?

No Smith.

No Warner.

A youthful Labuschagne played 1 Test, and topped the batting averages by scoring 38 runs.

It is something to boast about. pakistan faced a weakened west indies team devoid of its main pace quartlet and managed to draw.

India and plenty of other great Asian teams including imran's pakistan went to australia and lost.

No great team apart from w.indies of 80s could beat a full strength opponent away from home. Even they only achieved those feats because australia and and England were mediocre at the time. So was india.

 

[Mamoon]

You’re sounding like an American. They consume their sports in an “only winning counts” way, which is why the North American Soccer League had shootouts from 25 yards out to “settle” drawn matches.

Cricket is a sport of British origin, and a very large part of what Test cricket is is about turning a probable defeat into a brave draw - like Khawaja and Paine did in one Test v Pakistan last year. I don’t remember who won the next Test for Pakistan - I only remember Khawaja and Paine saving that one.

Sports of British origin value draws as an important part of eventual victory. It’s why Away Goals count double the in the UEFA Champions League: if you lose 1-0 at home but win 2-1 in the away leg you prevail.

I can’t emphasise strongly enough the following results of 3 consecutive 1980’s series against the West Indies:

Australia: Lost 3-1, Lost 3-0, Lost 3-1.
England: Lost 5-0, Lost 5-0, Lost 4-0.
Pakistan: Drew 1-1, Drew 1-1, Drew 1-1.

Pakistan went unbeaten against Greenidge, Haynes, Richards, Richardson, Dujon, Marshall, Ambrose, Walsh.

India’s claim to fame is winning an away series against a Test team featuring a batting order of Harris, Finch, S Marsh, Khawaja, Handscomb, Head and M Marsh.

Is that something to boast about?

No Smith.

No Warner.

A youthful Labuschagne played 1 Test, and topped the batting averages by scoring 38 runs.

Sporting culture does not matter. It is all about winning.

That is why in the Premier League, you get 3 points for winning and 1 point for drawing. Moreover, the British media is already calling Liverpool of 2019-20 better than Arsenal’s invincibles because they have already matched their number of wins with 11 matches to go.

The away goal rule is not a British invention. It was actually introduced to encourage attacking play away from home rather than credit draws.

The great West Indies and Australian sides build an aura not by drawing matches but by winning Tests and winning World Cups. That is precisely why G. Smith’s South Africa failed to build an aura and leave a legacy - they drew too many matches because they were more worried about not losing rather than winning.

Similarly, in spite of Pakistan’s unbeaten run in the UAE from 2010 to 2017, it was unable to build an era because it drew too many series.

Kohli’s India is a ruthless side that prioritizes winning matches over not losing matches. That is why Kohli has amassed 33 wins in 54 Test matches, a W/L ratio bettered by only 2 captains in history of Test cricket.

In spite of playing a more aggressive and riskier brand of cricket than Imran, Kohli’s team loses matches at roughly the same rate as Imran’s so-called resilient and difficult to beat Pakistan.

This is the critical factor that proves that Kohli is a superior Test captain and this Indian team is superior to the former’s Pakistan team. If Kohli’s India would lose matches far more frequently than Imran’s Pakistan, the argument that Imran was a better captain would have had credibility. However, now it does not.

To sum it up:

Kohli wins far, far more matches than Imran.

Kohli loses matches at roughly the same rate as Imran.

The only obvious and sensible conclusion is that Kohli is a better Test captain. The vast gulf between the two in terms of winning matches compensates for any hypothetical cross-era adjustments.

 

[Nfc120]

If we rate India win over Australia to be 100, how would you rate Sri Lanka's win over RSA?

Were Sri Lanka's World Cup, T20 WC, WC finalist also less in comparison to India's wins?

Apparently there is only one team in cricket lulz

 

[wrongun]

India have more than a chance of beating australia in australia. In india it won't even be a contest. sand paper boys are perennial cheaters.

australia won in n.z last time only because they won the toss.

Really? Oz haven't lost a series in NZ for 30 years but you think we need the toss. Yeah righto mate.

Pretty sure the last series and the one before that and the one before that and the... Well, and the fact that NZ have won a solitary Test vs Oz in the last 25 years at all says what you know.

 

[Nfc120]

Really? Oz haven't lost a series in NZ for 30 years but you think we need the toss. Yeah righto mate.

Pretty sure the last series and the one before that and the one before that and the... Well, and the fact that NZ have won a solitary Test vs Oz in the last 25 years at all says what you know.

150 years of cricket, and suddenly toss is the most important issue in cricket. May see BCCI change this in order to facilitate GOAT delusion

 

[tyron_woodley]

150 years of cricket, and suddenly toss is the most important issue in cricket. May see BCCI change this in order to facilitate GOAT delusion

it's not the issue. But the stats don't lie. Every team in the modern era is extremely strong at home, thereby making away wins more precious. Most away wins happen only when the opposition team wins the toss.

It is always going to be easier for SENA countries to beat each other and vice versa for Asian countries. To win away in SENA is harder for Asian countries. Similar to the level of difficulty SENA nations face when they tour sub continent teams.

Unfortunately India is the only powerhouse Asian team. N.z caught pakistan at a perfect time when they were still in a rebuilding phase. It would be difficult for them to beat pakistan now away from home.

Bangladesh is still mediocre. Sri Lanka is going through a transitional phase much like south africa.

To win in n.z toss matters. Their record says so.

 

[Nfc120]

it's not the issue. But the stats don't lie. Every team in the modern era is extremely strong at home, thereby making away wins more precious. Most away wins happen only when the opposition team wins the toss.

It is always going to be easier for SENA countries to beat each other and vice versa for Asian countries. To win away in SENA is harder for Asian countries. Similar to the level of difficulty SENA nations face when they tour sub continent teams.

Unfortunately India is the only powerhouse Asian team. N.z caught pakistan at a perfect time when they were still in a rebuilding phase. It would be difficult for them to beat pakistan now away from home.

Bangladesh is still mediocre. Sri Lanka is going through a transitional phase much like south africa.

To win in n.z toss matters. Their record says so.

A team that can't even buy a win outside of home should never be termed a "powerhouse" in any context! its laughable. Trying to give this "toss" propaganda some traction with constant ******** and moaning. Great teams and great players do not come up with excuses. They bring solutions and let performances do the talking. Are you a fan of the game or a fan of India? Nationalities aside, I would love nothing more than to witness a dominant team. It would be lovely if India actually were the best thing since sliced bread. But the truth is sooooo far removed from this that its shocking to see people drinking the BCCI kool aid. For this exact reason, this team never was, and never will be, GOAT. Perception does not equate to fact

 

[tyron_woodley]

A team that can't even buy a win outside of home should never be termed a "powerhouse" in any context! its laughable. Trying to give this "toss" propaganda some traction with constant ******** and moaning. Great teams and great players do not come up with excuses. They bring solutions and let performances do the talking. Are you a fan of the game or a fan of India? Nationalities aside, I would love nothing more than to witness a dominant team. It would be lovely if India actually were the best thing since sliced bread. But the truth is sooooo far removed from this that its shocking to see people drinking the BCCI kool aid. For this exact reason, this team never was, and never will be, GOAT. Perception does not equate to fact

They are a powerhouse. At home obviously? duh. No one is saying they are a GOAT team until they can prove their ability to negate the toss and win away in England and australia again.

There is only one true GOAT team. west indies of 80s. It was under a different ruleset with less restrictions. Comparing era's is difficult. But if there is ever going to be a GOAT calibre team, west indies of 80s would be that team.

Toss does matter though. Look at the stats. I agree the greatest team should be able to negate the toss factor but I doubt whether even great teams of the past can negate tosses in a result oriented era.

There is technology available today to analyze every player in depth. Everybody is scrutinized and assessed in detail. That's a huge factor. Past era Teams never had that benefit. Teams are far more advanced and well prepared to face their opponents at home.

 

[Nfc120]

You'll have to include South africa and NZ in that assessment. And we cannot forget that winning against pakistan in pakistan is an unknown factor. I sense that the return to cricket for us will certainly change our fortunes in a lot of ways, but that is something to consider within the next 5 years. Alas, that is currently a sidenote. Regardless, the GOAT label does not fit India currently. Best team currently by a hair I would say (australia runners up), and much respect to Kohli as an individual great.

Comparing eras is undoubtedly difficult, but I still think that the future will show us what a great team looks like. This is a weak era, period. Even in this "modern" results orientated era as you say, I believe one team will so clearly rise above the rest in our lifetimes. One thing is for sure that it is not, and will never be THIS Indian team. Perhaps a future Indian team, with less baggage, an Indian team that has a different culture. Sadly, this India's cricketing culture is born out of a societal culture that lacks diversity of thought, as is all too common across the subcontinent these days. In addition, there is a media and financial machine that relies rather desperately on the false image of "greatness". They work tirelessly, 24/7 to suck the soul out of the game and create this illusion for money. They have duped fans of the game for far too long.

In all honesty, it is rather crass and uncouth watching Indian media quote IPL incomes revenue every week. Like your one mate who is constantly badgering others asking what their yearly salary is lol. Don't get me wrong money is certainly a consideration in sport, but it should never be the driving factor. NBA, NFL, EPL certainly talk shop when it comes to trade deadlines, but the rest of the year is focused on the game.

India has changed the game in a lot of good ways. They have brought professionalism into the sport in India, and have taken control of the game from the whites, which I will always support because of England's historic institutionalized exclusion of nonwhites. However, they have a long, long way to go when it comes to playing the game of cricket in the correct spirit, and learning how to be a leader of this sport, or a great team of the game.

 

[Nfc120]

Sporting culture does not matter. It is all about winning.

That is why in the Premier League, you get 3 points for winning and 1 point for drawing. Moreover, the British media is already calling Liverpool of 2019-20 better than Arsenal’s invincibles because they have already matched their number of wins with 11 matches to go.

The away goal rule is not a British invention. It was actually introduced to encourage attacking play away from home rather than credit draws.

The great West Indies and Australian sides build an aura not by drawing matches but by winning Tests and winning World Cups. That is precisely why G. Smith’s South Africa failed to build an aura and leave a legacy - they drew too many matches because they were more worried about not losing rather than winning.

Similarly, in spite of Pakistan’s unbeaten run in the UAE from 2010 to 2017, it was unable to build an era because it drew too many series.

Kohli’s India is a ruthless side that prioritizes winning matches over not losing matches. That is why Kohli has amassed 33 wins in 54 Test matches, a W/L ratio bettered by only 2 captains in history of Test cricket.

In spite of playing a more aggressive and riskier brand of cricket than Imran, Kohli’s team loses matches at roughly the same rate as Imran’s so-called resilient and difficult to beat Pakistan.

This is the critical factor that proves that Kohli is a superior Test captain and this Indian team is superior to the former’s Pakistan team. If Kohli’s India would lose matches far more frequently than Imran’s Pakistan, the argument that Imran was a better captain would have had credibility. However, now it does not.

To sum it up:

Kohli wins far, far more matches than Imran.

Kohli loses matches at roughly the same rate as Imran.

The only obvious and sensible conclusion is that Kohli is a better Test captain. The vast gulf between the two in terms of winning matches compensates for any hypothetical cross-era adjustments.

I think your assessment of GOAT Asian captain is nitpicking stats in order to further your argument. It is not an original thought that you are proclaiming, but one that has been seeded into your mind for the last 10 years. IF we are assessing GOAT Asian captain, we cannot simply ignore ODI's and associated silverware. GOAT Asian test captain is such a niche. THe only reasonable comparison is across formats. Cricket cannot be isolated into a single format since the 70's. IMRAN won a World cup for christ's sake. In addition, he played in an era without a minnow level West Indies, or a Bangladesh side that has achieved little to date.

Kohli is a great of the game, just as Imran is. Who has more impact on the game can be up for debate (I believe 60/40 Imran's favor, but another argument for another time), both brilliant trailblazers. However, GOAT Asian captain is not really a debate UNTIL and IF Kohli wins some silverware, IPL be damned lol this isn't soccer this is cricket.

However, you can continue believing that the greatness is defined by whatever format/league/ country India happens to be doing well in at a particular point in time. Your choice whether you want to take the blue pill or the red pill.

 

[Geil]

Kohli is the most successful captain or say has won most test matches with 33 wins out of 54 currently , does this mean he is an all time great Asian captain? if u look at stats and see the percentage of losses then there are captains like Imran Khan %L-16.66, SM Gavaskar %L-17.02, Javed Miandad %L-17.64 better captains than V Kohli %L-20.37.Now making the arguments is

In the current era there are very few draws to make test cricket exciting and you cant make pitches which don't give result as ICC bans the stadium if its too dangerous or too flat,
you have Reviews in this era which was not there in 80s 90s and 2000s ,
quite a lot of test matches are being played right now so there comes fatigue factor with it so it is hard to maintain winning run because you are bound to lose important players to injuries,
Kohli has captained in more test matches than any of the other mentioned Asian test captain so is having more loss percentage than others

I would say one cannot compare the current era with 80s 90s 00s era because the cricket was very different back then,now was 80s 90s era cricket more difficult than current era ? I think cricketers can answer it more accurately and often when the same question is asked to them they often tell the same thing to not compare them with past era

 

[wrongun]

150 years of cricket, and suddenly toss is the most important issue in cricket. May see BCCI change this in order to facilitate GOAT delusion

Yep. And they'd rather be able to blame-shift onto the toss than man up accept that to win overseas, you need to be a great team who can overcome things like the toss, or render them irrelevant by having the team & mindset balanced enough to do it.

Winning away is hard. It takes a special team. I'm ok with that.

 

[troodon]

Shaw should be picked only for LOI side. He is not ready for Tests. He is not sure of his off stump and is suspect against Short ball. Easy fodder for any decent pace bowler at the highest level. His tempermant and Technique will work in ODI's and T20's.

Gill is more assured of his off stump and can play pull shot a lot better than Shaw. He should get a chance next Test.

Also, KL Rahul who was in scintillating form in ODI's and T20's against NZ should have gotten a chance. He was the only one middling it while the rest of the team were struggling.

Regarding bowling, these conditions were perfect for Bhuvi. Not sure why he is not in the team.

Bumrah did not look 100%. Same with Ishant. Ishant was struggling to get ot over 130k on Day-3. Unfit players should be rested.

Lastly, this should be the last series for Rahane. Dude has been a dud for so long. He is supposed to the backbone of the Test team along with Kohli. But he has been failing badly. Kohli also looks out of form.

Things looking bad for India. A whitewash seems to be on the cards. They are not able to handle Southee's gentle swing bowling. I understand that Boult can be a difficult customer in these conditions. But if you cannot play Southee and for that matter Jamison who were trundling at 125k's, there is no hope.

 

[Nfc120]

Yep. And they'd rather be able to blame-shift onto the toss than man up accept that to win overseas, you need to be a great team who can overcome things like the toss, or render them irrelevant by having the team & mindset balanced enough to do it.

Winning away is hard. It takes a special team. I'm ok with that.

This Indian team is special, but not nearly as special as some claim it to be. With the level of resources and influence India has on the game behind the scenes, they should be beyond their current level.

They consistently play more matches than anyone else against quality sides, ensuring full match readiness. When they lose, they cite player fatigue. wut? I would kill for Pakistan's FTC to have half the number of matches that they have against top 3 sides. I do believe most of pakistan's, and non big 3 countries issues stem from lack of match practice. This is the most heinous crime of the big 3 takeover. As a lover of the game first, and national fan second, it is atrocious what scheduling has done to cricket. Lack of diversity has soured this current era.

BCCI try to reinforce their batting culture by backing batting friendly rules throughout the last 10 years. Backed two new balls in ODI cricket, backed bigger bats, backed fielding restrictions, etc... still cannot dominate on the field except at home.

Kohli has been fed a string of lies that have effectively neutered him. He had a champion mentality, but shastri's mediocre influence along with false media portrayal has given him infantile mentality. The man was destined for greatness, but the coddling through most of his twenties have left him impotent. He has achieved a lot in his career, and still has time to make amends, but he owes the game of cricket a lot more

 

[Titan24]

You'll have to include South africa and NZ in that assessment. And we cannot forget that winning against pakistan in pakistan is an unknown factor. I sense that the return to cricket for us will certainly change our fortunes in a lot of ways, but that is something to consider within the next 5 years. Alas, that is currently a sidenote. Regardless, the GOAT label does not fit India currently. Best team currently by a hair I would say (australia runners up), and much respect to Kohli as an individual great.

Comparing eras is undoubtedly difficult, but I still think that the future will show us what a great team looks like. This is a weak era, period. Even in this "modern" results orientated era as you say, I believe one team will so clearly rise above the rest in our lifetimes. One thing is for sure that it is not, and will never be THIS Indian team. Perhaps a future Indian team, with less baggage, an Indian team that has a different culture. Sadly, this India's cricketing culture is born out of a societal culture that lacks diversity of thought, as is all too common across the subcontinent these days. In addition, there is a media and financial machine that relies rather desperately on the false image of "greatness". They work tirelessly, 24/7 to suck the soul out of the game and create this illusion for money. They have duped fans of the game for far too long.

In all honesty, it is rather crass and uncouth watching Indian media quote IPL incomes revenue every week. Like your one mate who is constantly badgering others asking what their yearly salary is lol. Don't get me wrong money is certainly a consideration in sport, but it should never be the driving factor. NBA, NFL, EPL certainly talk shop when it comes to trade deadlines, but the rest of the year is focused on the game.

India has changed the game in a lot of good ways. They have brought professionalism into the sport in India, and have taken control of the game from the whites, which I will always support because of England's historic institutionalized exclusion of nonwhites. However, they have a long, long way to go when it comes to playing the game of cricket in the correct spirit, and learning how to be a leader of this sport, or a great team of the game.

This Indian team is special, but not nearly as special as some claim it to be. With the level of resources and influence India has on the game behind the scenes, they should be beyond their current level.

They consistently play more matches than anyone else against quality sides, ensuring full match readiness. When they lose, they cite player fatigue. wut? I would kill for Pakistan's FTC to have half the number of matches that they have against top 3 sides. I do believe most of pakistan's, and non big 3 countries issues stem from lack of match practice. This is the most heinous crime of the big 3 takeover. As a lover of the game first, and national fan second, it is atrocious what scheduling has done to cricket. Lack of diversity has soured this current era.

BCCI try to reinforce their batting culture by backing batting friendly rules throughout the last 10 years. Backed two new balls in ODI cricket, backed bigger bats, backed fielding restrictions, etc... still cannot dominate on the field except at home.

Some really good points raised.

 

[tyron_woodley]

I think your assessment of GOAT Asian captain is nitpicking stats in order to further your argument. It is not an original thought that you are proclaiming, but one that has been seeded into your mind for the last 10 years. IF we are assessing GOAT Asian captain, we cannot simply ignore ODI's and associated silverware. GOAT Asian test captain is such a niche. THe only reasonable comparison is across formats. Cricket cannot be isolated into a single format since the 70's. IMRAN won a World cup for christ's sake. In addition, he played in an era without a minnow level West Indies, or a Bangladesh side that has achieved little to date.

Kohli is a great of the game, just as Imran is. Who has more impact on the game can be up for debate (I believe 60/40 Imran's favor, but another argument for another time), both brilliant trailblazers. However, GOAT Asian captain is not really a debate UNTIL and IF Kohli wins some silverware, IPL be damned lol this isn't soccer this is cricket.

However, you can continue believing that the greatness is defined by whatever format/league/ country India happens to be doing well in at a particular point in time. Your choice whether you want to take the blue pill or the red pill.

kohli already won a world cup too. He had as much impact as imran in the world cup tournament he helped india win.

imran was in decline and was helped by waqar, wasim inzi all hitting their peaks at the right time.

kohli GOAt Asian captain.

 

[tyron_woodley]

This Indian team is special, but not nearly as special as some claim it to be. With the level of resources and influence India has on the game behind the scenes, they should be beyond their current level.

They consistently play more matches than anyone else against quality sides, ensuring full match readiness. When they lose, they cite player fatigue. wut? I would kill for Pakistan's FTC to have half the number of matches that they have against top 3 sides. I do believe most of pakistan's, and non big 3 countries issues stem from lack of match practice. This is the most heinous crime of the big 3 takeover. As a lover of the game first, and national fan second, it is atrocious what scheduling has done to cricket. Lack of diversity has soured this current era.

BCCI try to reinforce their batting culture by backing batting friendly rules throughout the last 10 years. Backed two new balls in ODI cricket, backed bigger bats, backed fielding restrictions, etc... still cannot dominate on the field except at home.

Kohli has been fed a string of lies that have effectively neutered him. He had a champion mentality, but shastri's mediocre influence along with false media portrayal has given him infantile mentality. The man was destined for greatness, but the coddling through most of his twenties have left him impotent. He has achieved a lot in his career, and still has time to make amends, but he owes the game of cricket a lot more

what? kohli has won an odi series in every country lol. He has already won it all. world cup, champions trophy, test world number 1.

Can he achieve more? sure. He already has proved his mettle in tough situations by scoring in difficult conditions in all formats of the game. He has nothing to prove.

 

[tyron_woodley]

anyone who denies that india don't play too many games is delusional. They play far too many pointless games. Tests should always be prioritized. For lot of these guys ipl seems to be a priority.

 

[Nfc120]

anyone who denies that india don't play too many games is delusional. They play far too many pointless games. Tests should always be prioritized. For lot of these guys ipl seems to be a priority.

You are finally starting to ask the right questions. If I may take it one step further.....

It is difficult for me to see him as GOAT Asian captain. CAPTAINCY implies LEADERSHIP. Leadership cannot only be about wins and statistics. Leadership is about making difficult decisions. Kohli has come to a point where he really needs to sit down with himself and consider what will his legacy be. He needs to stop thinking as an Indian, and think as a cricketer. What will be his impact on the game? How will it transcend generations?

IK was the first cricket captain to ask for neutral umpires, to the potential detriment of his own country. He spat in face of Pakistani social norms with his level of integration in western society. He is credited with wider implementation of reverse swing, and dealt with the potential controversies. He championed merit over nepotism in a place where these ideas were unheard of. Throughout his career, IK went against the grain. He took risks, but he made the right decisions for the betterment of the game. He became a GLOBAL icon, a leader of a country. These intangibles along with this cricketing feats are what make him GOAT asian captain.

As of now Kohli is not a LEADER. He is a puppet. A tool. But the sad thing is that he has the potential to be so much more than that. Few people in the history of the game have his resources, influence, and abilities. What will be his cause? He has a responsibility towards the game to mitigate what his country has done to cricket. Will he globalize the game in spite of India's putrid attempts to make cricket exclusionary? Will he make Test Cricket the undisputed pinnacle of the sport in an era where cricket is struggling to find its identity? What will he do for the health of the game besides being a stats chaser, or a winner? Will his only contribution be the creation of his own brand? His own records?

Cricket does not need another SRT. Cricket is in desperate need of an Imran Khan, the iconoclast.

 

[tyron_woodley]

You are finally starting to ask the right questions. If I may take it one step further.....

It is difficult for me to see him as GOAT Asian captain. CAPTAINCY implies LEADERSHIP. Leadership cannot only be about wins and statistics. Leadership is about making difficult decisions. Kohli has come to a point where he really needs to sit down with himself and consider what will his legacy be. He needs to stop thinking as an Indian, and think as a cricketer. What will be his impact on the game? How will it transcend generations?

IK was the first cricket captain to ask for neutral umpires, to the potential detriment of his own country. He spat in face of Pakistani social norms with his level of integration in western society. He is credited with wider implementation of reverse swing, and dealt with the potential controversies. He championed merit over nepotism in a place where these ideas were unheard of. Throughout his career, IK went against the grain. He took risks, but he made the right decisions for the betterment of the game. He became a GLOBAL icon, a leader of a country. These intangibles along with this cricketing feats are what make him GOAT asian captain.

As of now Kohli is not a LEADER. He is a puppet. A tool. But the sad thing is that he has the potential to be so much more than that. Few people in the history of the game have his resources, influence, and abilities. What will be his cause? He has a responsibility towards the game to mitigate what his country has done to cricket. Will he globalize the game in spite of India's putrid attempts to make cricket exclusionary? Will he make Test Cricket the undisputed pinnacle of the sport in an era where cricket is struggling to find its identity? What will he do for the health of the game besides being a stats chaser, or a winner? Will his only contribution be the creation of his own brand? His own records?

Cricket does not need another SRT. Cricket is in desperate need of an Imran Khan, the iconoclast.

he is indeed a puppet. He chooses players out of whim and is biased towards players that play in ipl. He doesn't question the decisions of the selection board.

Test cricket for the lesser nations isn't feasible as it doesn't generate enough revenue unfortunately. So t20 and franchise cricket will be prioritized. Atleast we now have the world test championship though which is a good start. Hopefully things will pick up amongst the lower ranked nations as well. Tests should always be number 1 priority. Virat really needs to consider quitting these pointless t20 bilaterals. I understand the world cup is coming along but franchise cricket is more than enough practice for this useless format.

odi world cup would be the second most important objective ofcourse. He has done well to be honest. Just hasn't got over that final barrier. It is bound to happen at some point given India's consistency. They did too the ladder in England so it's not like they underperformed. Ko stages are pure lottery.

 

[Nfc120]

he is indeed a puppet. He chooses players out of whim and is biased towards players that play in ipl. He doesn't question the decisions of the selection board.

Test cricket for the lesser nations isn't feasible as it doesn't generate enough revenue unfortunately. So t20 and franchise cricket will be prioritized. Atleast we now have the world test championship though which is a good start. Hopefully things will pick up amongst the lower ranked nations as well. Tests should always be number 1 priority. Virat really needs to consider quitting these pointless t20 bilaterals. I understand the world cup is coming along but franchise cricket is more than enough practice for this useless format.

odi world cup would be the second most important objective ofcourse. He has done well to be honest. Just hasn't got over that final barrier. It is bound to happen at some point given India's consistency. They did too the ladder in England so it's not like they underperformed. Ko stages are pure lottery.

Test cricket is not incentivized right now, that is why it isn't feasible for lesser nations. But this is what innovators do. They can market the unthinkable. The only reason people believe franchise cricket and T20 is the future is because there is no incentive to believe contrary to this. Greed has become a driving force in the game, beginning with BCCI, and trickling to every other board.

In any sport, there is a fraternity that connects players through space and time. A generational give and take of knowledge, and love for the sport. Every day, somebody new picks up the bat or ball for the very first time. I can only hypothesize that Kohli's love for the game is what prompted him to prioritize test cricket. This was the sport that his father played, his idols played; past generations dead and gone played Test cricket. This is what makes cricket unique, a sport more rich in history than any other. His champion blood made him want to compete with his contemporaries, past and present. For that to happen, test cricket needs to survive.

He is primely placed to be a revolutionary, but one can only hope that he will take that leap. In the span of one generation, cricket may very well be reduced to Chennai Chunderers vs. Delhi Dipsticks wearing their bright, garish colors and faux coolness. Test cricket may even be further reduced to 3 Test playing nations.

 

[tyron_woodley]

Test cricket is not incentivized right now, that is why it isn't feasible for lesser nations. But this is what innovators do. They can market the unthinkable. The only reason people believe franchise cricket and T20 is the future is because there is no incentive to believe contrary to this. Greed has become a driving force in the game, beginning with BCCI, and trickling to every other board.

In any sport, there is a fraternity that connects players through space and time. A generational give and take of knowledge, and love for the sport. Every day, somebody new picks up the bat or ball for the very first time. I can only hypothesize that Kohli's love for the game is what prompted him to prioritize test cricket. This was the sport that his father played, his idols played; past generations dead and gone played Test cricket. This is what makes cricket unique, a sport more rich in history than any other. His champion blood made him want to compete with his contemporaries, past and present. For that to happen, test cricket needs to survive.

He is primely placed to be a revolutionary, but one can only hope that he will take that leap. In the span of one generation, cricket may very well be reduced to Chennai Chunderers vs. Delhi Dipsticks wearing their bright, garish colors and faux coolness. Test cricket may even be further reduced to 3 Test playing nations.

nah apart from big 3, n.z and south africa plus pakistan will always priotize test cricket. n.z is a rich country with a high standard of living. Incentivizing test games shouldn't be an issue for the. Pakistan have already restructured their domestic system to promote first class cricket. They will always be a regular in test cricket. South Africa under Smith's leadership will definitely focus on test format. Who better to lead than the great smith himself who is easily one of the best captains of all time. Champion player who dominated test cricket for almost 4 years in total.