A sea-change in attitude of Team India

Zee Media Bureau/Chaitan Papnai

Johannesburg: Fearlessness, dynamism and flamboyance are the new traits one can easily observe in the young Indian team which has been currently locking horns with the world’s number one ranked Test team – South Africa. The fresh blood in the Indian team has come up with the all new attitude, which has now started paying rich dividends.   The young and dynamic team first proved its mettle in the limited over formats almost all around the globe, and now they have started applying the same attitude in the longest and most difficult format of the game too. The first Test ended in a draw, in which India dominated the proceedings most of the times. But it’s not just about the three crucial knocks played by Virat Kohli (119, 96) and Cheteshwar Pujara (153) against arguably the most fearsome bowling attack, it’s also about the way their young seamers bowled, two crucial run-outs, short but impressive knocks played by Murali Vijay and Ajinkya Rahane.   The entire attitude has changed in the dressing room. Youngsters have started taking responsibilities; they know their role in the side well and are living up to the expectations. The level of confidence they are showing, while bowling to one of the most experienced side, or by facing the fearsome bowing attack of Steyn & Co is something really praiseworthy.   The healthy competition within the team is another reason that is motivating these lads to be on their toes every time they come in the middle to bat or bowl. Maturity is something that will come with age, but the determination they are showing for the game, will be fruitful for them as well as for the team in the near future. It is just the consistency factor that these youngsters have to take care of. Though it would be too early to predict about the future of the team, but one can say that on fast and bouncy tracks, now India won`t play like bunny`s any more.