A tale of two captains: Ricky Ponting and Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Ricky Ponting and Mahendra Singh Dhoni are now two of the greatest captains in terms of the success ratio, but wait, there is one big difference. While India continue to prove why they are the number 1 side in the world with more victories abroad, Australia’s graph continues to have a downward slide!! Ricky Ponting’s success ratio has come down considerably in the past two years which is also clear from the fact that Australia is now ranked 5^th in Test Cricket. Ponting’s own batting form has let him down and stress is taking its toll on one of Australia’s greatest batsman.

While the ashes may not be Ponting’s worst series in terms of the runs scored (India ‘01 was worse), Australia’s inability to win matches and series as frequently as they did before, is adding to his trouble. I personally don’t think he has changed as a player, he still plays his favorite pull shot with perfection, but his team has changed over the years. Some of the greatest cricketers that the world has ever seen have now retired and most of them are not easily replaceable. They were specialist for specific positions and responsibilities – Glenn McGrath, Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Shane Warne, Michael Bevan, Mark Waugh, Steve Waugh, Adam Gilchrist to name a few – who knew what was expected and played fearless cricket. While it has been a long time since the Waugh brothers played, the rest were all a part of a strong Aussie side under Ponting. Some of the current players including Shane Watson, Michael Clarke, Mike Hussey and Brad Haddin have enough experience and skills but somehow are not able to pull of those famous wins.

The captain is only as good as his team when it comes to winning and Dhoni is now reaping the benefits of having a team that consists of Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh. These are big names having played for years together at almost all venues across the world. More importantly, they have had their share of losses and now know how to keep the winning habit going. To the world of cricket, India is now what Australia used to be 5 years ago. There has been a lot of talk in the media and from former players that in a few years time, India will face the same issues that the Aussies are facing now. It could be true but I am not convinced about that. Each of our players wont retire at the same time and the likes of Gambhir, Yuvraj, Dhoni, Raina, Pujara, Kohli, and  Rohit Sharma will be core of the Indian team 5 years from now.

Dhoni is a good leader and his batting responsibilities are considerably lesser as compared to Ponting. From now onwards, every time Ponting fails, you’ll hear more people going against him, and every time Australia fail, calls for his head will only grow stronger. His team mates are showering him with full support in the media while some of the Aussie former greats feel Ponting’s time is up. It is a big achievement for a cricketer to be a part of a world cup winning squad; Ricky Ponting has been a part of it twice and as a captain. While this surely would be a highlight of his career, he will, unfortunately, also be remembered for having lost the ashes thrice as a captain. Injury has forced him out of the Sydney test and he’ll be hoping from the sidelines, for an Aussie win.

Australia are in danger of losing one of their big heroes !!