India's batting line-up was the best around, and had displayed a tendency to withstand early setbacks with players down the order stepping up. No doubt this is the best top-seven in the world. This line-up has aggressive players such as Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh and Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The side also has Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, and VVS Laxman who are very solid.
Lets talk about India's resilience in the Napier Test earlier in the year, when, after following on and losing Virender Sehwag early, India batted close to two full days, losing just four wickets, to save the game and preserve India's lead in the series. India began its second innings 314 runs behind New Zealand in that Test, the batsmen led by Gambhir and Laxman batted with great resolve to save the Test.
And yet, when the opportunity was there to force a win, like in Chennai against England, where Sehwag set the tone with a blistering 83 and Tendulkar guided India home with a rare fourth-innings century, they took full advantage. Considering the conditions for batting in the fourth innings, it was an incredible chase. The players believe in themselves.
The variety in the bowling attack and the ability to take 20 wickets, even on tracks where assistance was minimal, was another crucial factor in India's success. The pitch was flat against Australia at Mohali last year. But Zaheer and Ishant made inroads into the line-up.
Presently India has variety, right and left-arm bowlers, pace men and spinners in contrasting styles. The pace men have struck telling blows with the new and the old ball. Harbhajan Singh is an experienced campaigner now. Both Pragyan Ojha and Amit Mishra are promising spinners.
How could we forget the contribution of former captains Sourav Ganguly and Anil Kumble. The side has been consistent and delivered away from home. We have to acknowledge the contribution of Ganguly, who made the side believe in itself. Someone like Kumble brought great value and commitment to the side.
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