The gap between India and Pakistan is no longer a gulf but a yawning chasm. The bitter truth is never in our history have India outgunned us every department like they do now.
We’re deluding ourselves thinking this is merely a matter of putting the wrong XI out on the field or replacing one rookie (Hasnain/Shaheen) with another (Rauf). We’re also deluding ourselves thinking we only needed a more “aggressive mindset” or “fearless cricket” whatever these cliches mean.
The truth is after the turmoil of the 1990s, India professionalised every aspect of their cricketing system while Pakistan remained stuck in the past. India have the advantage of a fanatical 1bn+ television market but the investment has been made where it counts the MOST – in the grassroots and in Ranji Trophy, whereas we expect talent to come down from the sky and NEGLECT our grassroots.
It’s not sexy to talk about domestic pitches, balls and investing in coaching programmes, and MUCH easier to talk about jazba, cornered tigers, passion because this reflects Pakistani society at large. A demand for messiahs and quick fixes – nobody bothers to build institutions and systems. PSL is example of this new saviour we’ve hyped up. Everything is for short term whilst India built for long term.
Most of these Indian batsmen when they debut have got solid fundamentals and are READY to hit the ground running by the time they reach the international stage. The strength in depth is such that you’ve domestic batsmen with over a dozen FC hundreds and 50+ averages sitting on bench. Karun Nair scored 300 vs England yet he doesn’t get a game ! Top youngsters like Shaw, Pant and Gill don’t even feature. That then forces the incumbent Indian batsmen to not get lazy. Whereas Pakistan always rely on star individuals than a systemic approach to success - hence we still have fans asking for Umar Akmal’s 100th recall because he is “talent” and “matchwinner”.
What about the bowling ? For decades we snickered at Indian medium pacers. We mocked the MRF Pace Academy and other initiatives. Nobody’s laughing now as Jasprit Bumrah has become #1 ranked bowler. Bhuvi Kumar gave a masterclass to present the seam and demonstration of how to bowl with the new ball. Whereas our youngsters don’t know the basics or how to work a batsman out.
Let’s not even discuss the fielding and fitness levels. One team demands high standards and professionalism. The other sees captain carry pot belly.
This changes when we demand minimum standards of players and administrators. Enough of these cheap cliches about 1992 and unpredictability. If you can’t catch dollies then your six hitting ability is irrelevant. If you don’t bother maintaining a healthy diet – get lost. If you don’t want to work hard on your game and wish to rest on your past performances – then goodbye. THAT’S how we become consistent – through system building and accountability. India have shown us the way.
