Can India rule world cricket like Australia?

Bengaluru: Can India rule the world of cricket as the top team for a decade like the Australians did? This was the question in everybody’s mind after India recorded a clean sweep over the Australians.

India has consolidated its position at the top of the ICC Test ranking placing themselves 11 points ahead of second placed South Africa. India has now 130 rating points to South Africa’s 119. In One-day ranking Australia is the No.1 team with 132 point followed by India with 115.

When Dhoni was asked whether India can rule the cricket world as the top team, he said: “I am fortunate to have a side that has performed well for the past one and a half years. There is a lot of work still to be done. We have been handicapped by injuries not just in Tests but also in One-dayers; so we have actually not fielded a strong side consistently for a long time.”

According to Dhoni, bench strength is of paramount importance to remain the best. “I would like to have more reserves, especially in the bowling department... maybe have four or five more fast bowlers. We have three very good spinners, but we would like to have more when the seniors are not available.”

“It’s difficult for fast bowlers in India, especially in Tests. We play three Test matches against New Zealand and the wickets will not be much different; so I think there is more pressure on fast bowlers. And there are only four bowlers in a Test match and they have to work hard in these conditions, which in not easy,” he reminded.

When Ponting was asked whether India has sailed to great heights and will continue to rule, he said: “It will be interesting to watch. What I know about the Indian team is that all their batters are very experienced, barring (Suresh) Raina. When Laxman comes, Pujara or Raina have to go out. It’s all about how they maintain the standards they have kept over the last couple of years. Also, the seniors have to move on... that has been the biggest challenge for Australian cricketers as well. Once those very experienced players moved on, you need the young crop to stand up and play the way the guys before them have played. It is interesting to see how India copes with that in the next couple of years.”

Dhoni feels that the One-dayers from October 17 are a great chance for the youngsters to stand up and prove themselves. “Both Australia and India are top teams of the world. So it should make for an interesting contest. But both the teams are not featuring their best players. Australia has rested three or four top players and we too have rested seven to eight players. At the same time, it’s an opportunity for young players and we also will be able to take a look at the areas where we can improve.”