E-Paper
'I am sorry for losing my cool in Vizag'
I would like to say sorry to all and sundry for losing my cool in Vizag, writes Inzamam-ul-Haq.
Two successive losses have pushed us firmly onto the backfoot. The Jamshedpur match is of crucial significance for both teams. If India win here they will take an unbeatable 3-0 lead and the entire pressure will shift on us. Also, there will be no margin for error on our part.
I am told Jamshedpur will be hotter, though less humid. It doesn't help the players at all, but there is no point in cribbing about it either. Right now we are in a bit of a hole and we have to get out of it. All we need is a bit more commitment and resolve and a slice of luck. We are still a confident side. Our batting has stood up well in both the games. At the 35th over stage in Vizag, we were still in the hunt, but loss of wickets at regular intervals put paid to our spirited chase. So the key factor for us would be to keep wickets in hand and build partnerships.
Also, in both the games, we managed to contain India rather well in the last 15 overs. It's the first 15 overs we must worry about. India have got off to fliers in both games, as a result of which they have posted a near 300 and a 350-plus total so far.
So, if we can do in the first 15 overs what we have done in the last 15 in the two matches, we should be able to turn the tables on India.
We must get Virender Sehwag early though. He is taking the game away from us with his blistering batting. I was most impressed with Dhoni's performance. His was an entertaining knock.
What I liked about him was that he grabbed the opportunity that was thrown to him. That's what you want from the youngsters. Full marks to Dhoni for that, but these are early days for him in international cricket. He still has a long way to go.
Sehwag and Dravid have batted well right through the series. We must find a way to dent the Indian top-order.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to say sorry to all and sundry for losing my cool in Vizag. It is unlike me, but it also shows that I am human and have emotions.
Once inside the dressing room, I realised my folly. My behaviour was particularly unbecoming of a captain. Also when the youngsters see their captain in such a state, it tends to undermine their confidence. I assure my fans and well-wishers that it will be same 'cool' Inzy on view once again.
