You could have done all the hard
work in perfecting a thing.You could have nailed the practice
drills with a supreme aplomb. But what matters in the end, is how
you deliver at the biggest stage.
In the recently concluded India-Aus series, there were two debutants for the home side: Shikhar Dhawan (277) and Ajinkya Rahane (278). Both of them have grinded their way to this international level. Still there was a slight difference in their paths.
A comparative analysis can
elaborate:
Shikhar Dhawan : 5800 FC runs at
46 average.
Ajinkya Rahane: 5400 FC
runs at 60 average.
If I read that statistic, and
even watch the best IPL innings of both the talented batsmen, I would easily
call Ajinkya Rahane a better bet than Shikhar Dhawan. Also, form-wise, both
were in good nick when last checked. A bookie will put more money on the latter
to shine. But then there was a little anti-climax.
IShikhar Dhawan hit an audacious
187 off 174 balls on debut.
Ajinkya Rahane looked extremely
nervous in both of his 7 & 1 run debut innings .
Both had made their mark in First
class. Rahane had done it with a better consistency. Yet, Dhawan grabbed the
chance on being given the launching pad. That is what confidence can do for
you. It is certainly not all rosy for Dhawan ahead, and certainly not all bleak
for Rahane. But given the first impression, the importance of fearless audacity
came to the fore. That is where, all the talent and grinding takes a backseat.
To Rahane's defence, Delhi pitch was a bit hard to bat on and plus, he was
benched for too long. So, some rustiness had to be there. All these reasons
aren't considered much, and for the moment, Dhawan has stomped his way on to
the test level with a certain thing called CONFIDENCE.
Watching all this,I initially
felt bad for Rahane. But realized that talent is not enough to excel at the
highest level. You need to handle the nerves. As always,cricket match teaches a
lesson of life!
'On a good Length' roots for talented to become confident.
Clearly confidence has been the difference between the two debutants but at the same time I always believe confidence is not an in-born talent, afterall one cannot do everything with the same amount of confidence. So I'll look at both the performances as one was confident on the given day and the other was not. Rahane was badly hit by a bouncer and that dented his confidence.
ReplyDeleteIf you will look back 2-3 years ago Dhawan couldn't grab his opportunity on his odi debut and was cleaned on the second ball he faced in international cricket and Rahane played a brilliant debut innings in a T20 against Eng in Eng and did well in the subsequent odi series. I think both have confidence and that is why they have done well at domestic level and in the little opportunity they have got at the international level.
I will be really unhappy if people will start questioning Rahane's talent and his place in the team after this failure and at the same time expect Dhawan to replicate his test debut performance every time he comes out to bat.
Very well analyzed utkarsh!
DeleteI liked the ODI debut example.
You know the game better than most!
Oh my God!!
DeleteThanks a lot for this great compliment.
Dhoni is not a classic or looks good while batting,but never allow pressure to heavy on him,I m always with Rohit Sharma,he looks so good and have classic sound while batting,but I think, he thinks abt his future while playing.
DeleteAnother thing is, already settled or senior players don't play with that much of enthusiasm as a youngster plays,
Of-course to be in a limelight.
One thing I observed that,after marriage most of player's performance goes down,don't know why....:P
nice post Mr. Paritosh, even impressed by Mr. Utkarsh's content.
Deleteread ur blog aftr so many days.. refreshing it is.
My opinion on this: dnt knw y my heart always favors the failed batsman... so want rahane to do better
good work paritosh,i really like the way u put in ur thoughts and your candid approach captivates the reader,Its always a treat reading your articles.
ReplyDeleteCarry on the good work!!!!
Superb and good one Paritosh. Confidence can do wonders
ReplyDeleteTravel India
good post. pinpointed and perfect
ReplyDelete