For India, whole is less than sum of its parts

For a cricketing structure full of talent, India is often exposed when conditions aren’t what they’re used to

- Tushar Bhaduri

WHAT WILL BE the abiding memory of Indian cricket fans as the year draws to a close? Will it be the uplifting feeling generated by India's long and dominant winning run at the 50-over World Cup? Or will it be a feeling of unfulfillment at the two chances of ending the decade-long ICC trophy drought going uncapitalised? Those who will lean towards the latter will be further disheartened by the shellacking received at Centurion, in the form of an innings defeat at the hands of a not-so-formidable South Africa inside three days. For a cricketing structure so full of talent and resources, India is often exposed miserably when the conditions are not what they are used to. They have players such as Virat Kohli, who are well capable of rising to every challenge, but the team as a whole is often found wanting. The youngsters, though full of skill, are short of experience and nous.

India were the best team at the World Cup by a street, and it's an open secret that the whole Indian cricket ecosystem tried its utmost to squeeze every home advantage possible in an ICC event. Even that wasn't enough, despite most spectators who came through the turnstiles at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad were certain that they were there to witness the realisation of destiny.