Runaway success? Not yet

Subhash Rajta

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Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 15

M Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan racked up quite a few remarkable numbers in the one-off Test against Bangladesh. One, they shared a 283-run stand for the opening wicket — the fourth highest for India; two, the duo became one of the very few pairs to score centuries in the same game twice; three, they have now aggregated more than 1000 runs for the first wicket.

Of the three numbers, the last seems the least significant, except that it isn’t. It’s in fact far more significant than the other two numbers in the larger scheme of Indian cricket. Here’s why: the duo is merely the sixth opening pair in the history of Indian cricket to aggregate more than 1000 runs in Test cricket. The seemingly insignificant feat, therefore, is both depressing and refreshing at the same time - depressing because it reveals how Indian cricket has lacked good opening pairs; refreshing because the current pair has shown the potential to become one of the better pairs India have had.

“It’s a fantastic pair and I see a lot of promise and potential in it. While Vijay is technically very sound, Shikhar is the aggressor and could deflate the opposition if he stays at the crease for a session or two sessions,” says Rajdeep Kalsi, a former Punjab opener.

The duo, who has had just 24 outings together, looks much more impressive when the yardstick applied is average instead of runs scored. From being the fifth-most successful run-scorers, the pair jumps to the third spot behind Sunil Gavaskar-Chetan Chauhan (53.75avg) and Virender Sehwag-Gautam Gambhir (52.52), the most successful Indian opening pairs. Their average (50.47) looks all the more impressive in the light of the fact that they have played overseas more than in the friendly home conditions. Out of the 24 innings they have had together until now, 20 have been overseas and one in Bangladesh. For the record and better perspective, the Sehwag-Gambhir combine spent their early days in the conducive home conditions.

Having said that, it’s true the duo, despite its impressive average, hasn’t tasted too much success overseas. They average just 22 in four Tests in South Africa, 29 in England, and shared a couple of 50-plus stands in Australia. Nonetheless, there’s something beyond mere numbers that makes this pair stand out. Much of the assurance comes from M Vijay’s showings in Australia earlier this year where he stood like a rock. He seems to have his technique and temperament sorted and seems ready for the long haul.

Dhawan, on the other hand, is yet to show the same comfort abroad, but he’s shown, in patches, that he could score runs in all conditions. “Dhawan seems a bit restive in trying overseas conditions. He found it a little hard to tackle short balls; he came across as a bit of compulsive hooker and puller. If he learns how to handle the short ball, this pair is going to be very effective in all conditions and will serve India for a long time,” Kalsi says.

And almost everyone believes Dhawan has the ability to iron out the flaws. Skipper Virat Kohli said the other day that Dhawan could be as effective as Virender Sehwag if he gets going in Tests. That is, of course, a huge compliment and an indicator of the confidence the team has in the abilities of the left-hander.

With Vijay firmly entrenched and Dhawan having the potential to come good, India won’t face the opening woes for some time to come, especially as they’re scheduled to play a lot at home in the near future.