Shrugg Off at Your Own Peril

With the 2nd Test between India and South Africa wrapped up there have been many calls from commentators and officials concerning India's lackluster performance. The Indian team, government and perhaps even the public seem to be very uninterested in this series and if Motera wasn't a wake-up call, Graeme Smith will have to call upon some racist taunts to get some attention.

South Africa, on the other hand, has been determined to have a good showing. The Bangladesh tour prior to the tournament would have been a great opportunity to try out some new talent; as Norman Ardense, head of South African cricket, recommended. But No! South Africa's coach was determined to make the Bangladeshi tour a dress-rehearsal for India and on began the jousting over transformation policy. (To read more on my thoughts visit http://helensgamble.blogspot.com/)

But India have been distracted. Since day one in Chennai, they have looked deflated and tired. Their eyes and ears (and pockets) have been directed more at the IPL than any international fixture in the future. But by blaming the IPL for India's horrible performance is unfair and dangerous. They have under-estimated the Proteas already... repeat that notion at your own peril.

The issue here is, strangely, a form of over-confidence. "We lost at Motera because of the pitch... We lost because of the IPL... but now we are going to win because for Kanpur, it's going to be a dustbowl and South Africa will struggle."

South Africa learned quickly from their mistake in 2006 - when the Indian pacers (Lead by Sreesanth) demolished their line-up in the first test at Johannesburg. India, it seems like, have not. Already putting the blame plainly on the pitch and IPL, they are falling to look deeper within and address what exactly is going on. The South Africans will do well to keep silent and be confident - they are at the threshold of a great series win... but it's not over yet and judging by the signs - they know it.