A famous win, a few gains

Nagpur, November 28 : Shortly after India’s win, Rohit Sharma was asked a question that stumped him for a moment — “That’s a really fiery question!” he reacted. The question was: “How do you rate this Sri Lankan team? Are not your Ranji teams much more competitive?” Sharma sort of dodged the question, for he probably didn’t wish to disrespect Sri Lanka, but later he did say that “they played some shots that were not necessary”. Sri Lanka’s coach, Nic Pothas, was much more forthright — he spoke harsh words about the strokes his batsmen played. In short, Nagpur was a mismatch.
Gains?
So, India won by an innings and 239 runs. But really, were there any gains for India in this win? That question is relevant because Virat Kohli’s stated goal from this series is to get ready for the challenges in South Africa, where India play three Tests in January. India have won two Tests in South Africa, but they’ve often looked as helpless there as Sri Lanka did in the second Test here. Ignoring Sri Lanka’s frailties for a moment, let’s examine India’s performances, for several of India’s players did prove a personal point.
Fine start
First, Murali Vijay. Last year, he was India’s first-choice opener. Bad luck and injuries impeded him; a wrist injury required surgery. He thought he was OK and started practising, but pain in the wrist forced him to skip the tour of Sri Lanka. Vijay is the best “leaver” of the ball in the team; for some inexplicable reason, he didn’t figure in the playing XI in Kolkata. He got a chance here and did what he does best — bat time, bat out balls. He played 313 minutes for his 128 runs, proving he’s match-fit. It was important to get him going before the departure for South Africa, for when the conditions are tough, his technique and temperament inspire more confidence than those of Shikhar Dhawan or KL Rahul.
Pujara’s fitness
Which brings us to Cheteshwar Pujara, with whom Vijay had a partnership of 209. Pujara’s 143 lasted well over eight hours, and he showed fears over his “weak” knees are past. The injury to his right knee in 2011 had made him fear for his career. When his ‘fitness’ was questioned as he ran singles with Kohli here, Matthew Hayden said: “I would be loathe to suggest that Pujara is unfit. If you ask him to run 10km in 40 degrees C, I think he’d do it comfortably. The power of concentration he has is due to the fitness of mind and body. He’s not a sprinter, but I do believe he’s very fit.”
Pujara batted at some point on all five days in Kolkata, and on the first three days here. He also fielded at first slip and took a great catch, diving low. Surely, his knees are fine now? “Injuries are something I have gone through and that is in past. Now I am fully fit, and that’s the reason I am able to take quick singles and doubles,” Pujara said.