It was lack of professionalism more than anything that led to India’s defeat at hands of England at the first test. India put up a decent fight with available resources, it could have been much worse.
Starting with the team selection and attitude towards fitness, India was very casual in its approach to the first. One might argue that India are poor starters, but if Zaheer was fit all five days and we had a better spinner, India could have easily won the test. The difference between the two teams was the bowling, India batsman faced a much fitter and capable bowling unit than what England Batsman faced.
The team management was very poor in handling fitness issues of senior members, Zaheer looked unfit from the beginning and it appears Sachin came into the match with Viral fever, with a more professional team, they both wouldn’t have made it into team. But then it is India.
Case of Harbhajan, the paper tiger is more strange, Amit Mishra who is also in the team and Ravichadran Ashwin have consistently outbowled and outclassed Harbhajan in recent matches. But Indian Think tank has staunchly supported his case. He needs to be dropped at least for the second test, with Bajji going for 218 runs for a wicket, he was an important factor for India’s loss.
On the other hand Praveen is a clear case of consistency and professionalism, with limitations of Pace, he toiled in the first innings to make an impact, and Ishant also showed his skills in the second innings, both good signs for the rest of the series. But they both need able support in the two remaining bowling positions. Which looks highly unlikely from Harbhajan and Zaheer at present.
