I went to the match yesterday as I have pointed out I was going to, and I've come to the conclusion that I am a jynx to the India. That or our bowling isn't up to standard, but I prefer to blame myself to have some hope for India in the VB series as it seems any time I go see India play they lose.
Here's my complaints/observations at why India lost this match.
Firstly when a side is giving you wickets like Australia did, you
HAVE to take advantage of that. India didn't earn many of their wickets, hell neither did Australia so when the batsman are getting themselves out then your bowlers must take advantage. Ganguly bowling 5 overs costing 40 runs was plain stupid. They should of bowled more of Sehwag or given Tendulkar a bowl. I was very disappointed at Ganguly bowling 5 overs.
Secondly India's, and specifically Ganguly's fielding was quite poor. It was clear that in ODI's, Yuvraj and Kaif are crucial inside the circle and with Kaif missing it showed. I am a big fan of both of these players as ODI specialists, hell Australia won because of Clarke, Symonds and Harvey, all specialists. That's why Kaif and Yuvraj are so important to India.
Ponting's catch was under 1 second after Tendulkar hit that. That's amazing. Really that catch turned the game and from then on India had to rely on singles with the odd four rather than a four every over as Sachin was hitting.
To the person who said Yuvraj isn't up to ODI standard. That's a joke, the guy is young, enthusiastic and in ODI's running between wickets is crucial. Clarke and Symonds showed that as they are quick, and Yuvraj was pushing Ganguly for the extra runs which put pressure on the Australian fieldsman. India have to start converting 1's into 2's like the Aussies do and Yuvraj did that. Not to mention he did is job by giving Ganguly strike to hit the fours and sixes.
Bangar? Why? He added absolutely nothing to the game. His medium pace was hardly a threat and he ran out his captain. Even if there wasn't a single there he should of just run as Ganguly was half way down the pitch and would of got to his end leaving only Bangar to be run out. With Ganguly still there batting very well India were still a chance.
Lastly, Dravid has to stop keeping plain and simple. For India and his benefit. I would of played Patel. He has shown he can do it with the bat, and is a better keeper than Dravid. Patel may have his critics, but I'm a supporter and I hope Bangar is dropped for Patel. They played Bangar because he's an allrounder, well he added nothing to the game. Not bowling and definitely not batting. Sehwag and Sachin should make up the fifth bowler. I'm guessing that Dravid batting at 5 instead of 3 was as a result of him being keeper, well stop keeping him damn it. He's a specialist batsman, he should be allowed to be able to perform his best.
In the end I'm just really disappointed that both the Boxing Day tests (I was there for the first 4 days) and yesterday's ODI which I attended were both lost by India. Yet when I watch them on TV they win. Something fishy is going on. Anyway I will definitely be going to the first final, and I'm guessing it will be Australia vs. India so I hope they can win that for me
Oh and the millions of other fans that support them as well
Finally I'll add my team for the next ODI and I hope they play it.
Sehwag
Tendulkar
Dravid
Ganguly
Laxman
Yuvraj
Patel
Agarkar
Kumble
Balagi
Pathan
I know that's a weak bowling line up but what can we do?