Freed of Dhoni and Duncan, Kohli and Shastri bring fresh energy to India's Test game

Freedom. At last, I can write again about Indian cricket with complete freedom – not that it is such an important issue, except for me. But, as we wait for play to start on day two of the first Test, there is no Dhoni, no Fletcher, no Srinivasan connected with the match. There is also no need to go into the details of what these three gentleman did for – and did to – Indian Test cricket over the past four years. Suffice it to say that the batting of Shikhar and Vijay is proof of the need for change –or at least 50 percent of the credit goes to the change. Kohli and Shastri bring a fresh energy, a fresh freedom to our Test game. May they continue to do so for years to come. [caption id=“attachment_2291222” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri. Getty Sports[/caption] Just as England showed against New Zealand in the first ODI, cricket, at any level, is a game of confidence and spirit. Yes, the Bangladesh attack lacked venom and bite. Yes, they rested their top pace bowlers. Yes, Vijay survived a very close lbw call. Yes, the whole approach of the Bangladeshis was one of getting the day over, somehow. But, Shikhar and Vijay played their game, to the hilt – without letting up – and that is Test cricket. Questions: Why has Bangladesh never toured India? Why do we play only one Test against them? And where is the spirit they showed so recently against Pakistan? Are they saving it for the one-dayers? I – and many more writers – having been saying for years that there should be two tiers to Test cricket – the top five, and the bottom five. As of today, the top five are South Africa, Australia, India, New Zealand, and England while Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe make up the bottom five. Any series of a top team against a bottom team, like India against Bangladesh, should be of three Tests. A top against top, as England against New Zealand, should be of five Tests, and bottom against bottom, say Pakistan against Sri Lanka, should be of two Tests. If ICC follows this format, the competition will be very keen. Right now, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka are all within three points of each other. As the schedule is made each year, it should take into account the standings at the time of scheduling. Thus, the impetus to move up the standings will be immense, as, say, in football’s premiere leagues. Yes, schedules are made years in advance but with proper planning and consideration, a yearly programme can be worked out. Then, a World Test Championship –every four years, like the World Cup. All teams play each other, home and away. There would be five points for a win, only one for a draw. The top four teams go into the semi-finals where they would play three Tests each, home and away. For the semis – the team with the higher number of points gets two Tests at home. The final would be the same format. No points for first-innings leads, or higher run-rates – just five points for a win, one for a draw. Let it happen – in 2018– let it happen. What fun it will be. Yes, it requires tremendous planning and commitment but it can be done. Meanwhile, no play on the second day. How Shastri and Kohli must be champing at the bit. I have always been a fan of Shastri since his playing days. His first Test in New Zealand was a true Test, and he came out with – if not flying – at least flowing colours. After the debacle of the 2007 World Cup, I had supported his name to be the coach – and now he is – his devotion to Srinivasan is way over the top, but he is wise enough to adjust his sights. And to end on a non-cricketing note: Saina Nehwal and the Indian hockey team. I love the ad film on the hockey team, where the players and the coach really let the Indian press know what the team has done, and how little the press acknowledges it – wonderful – so true, so true – may the hockey team go from strength to strength. Saina Nehwal, is today, in my humble opinion, the greatest female athlete India has ever produced. To be at the top of a tough, tough game, day in and day out, to fight and fight and fight. Saina, from someone who has lived and died by Indian sport for the past 60 years, a salute from the heart. You are the best.