The Decline of Batting Resilience: A Modern-Day Crisis

In recent times, we have witnessed a disturbing trend in cricket, with top-class teams collapsing for embarrassing totals like 47 and 49. The debacles in South Africa this year, where batsmen struggled to cope with the ball’s movement off the seam and in the air, highlight a troubling shift in the mental approach of modern-day batters. While the bowling conditions were undoubtedly challenging, the deliveries were not unplayable. The root of the issue lies not in technique alone but in the changing temperament of today’s cricketers.  

It seems that the art of crease occupation – the backbone of traditional Test batting – is gradually fading. Modern batsmen, conditioned by the demands of limited-overs cricket and Twenty20 leagues, are increasingly prioritizing run-scoring at a frenetic pace. This eagerness to accumulate runs at four or more per over leaves little room for patience and discipline. As a result, essential skills such as soft hands, precise footwork, and adaptability are being neglected, leaving batsmen vulnerable in challenging conditions.  

The ability to knuckle down, weather the storm, and grind out an innings – traits exemplified by legends like Hanif Mohammad, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar – seems to have been consigned to cricket’s history books. In the current cricketing landscape, cash-rich leagues such as the IPL (Indian Premier League) and Big Bash League (BBL) dominate, offering glamour, fame, and financial rewards. While these leagues have brought excitement and spectacle to the game, they have inadvertently contributed to the erosion of batting patience and resilience.  

T20’s Influence on Test Batting  

Since the late 1970s and early 1980s, limited-overs cricket has become an integral part of the sport. It reached its pinnacle in the 1990s and soon gave birth to the adrenaline-fueled T20 format. While the advent of T20 brought new audiences and commercial opportunities, it also altered the batting approach fundamentally. Batsmen today are groomed to score quickly, often at the expense of building an innings. This mindset is now trickling into Test cricket, where aggression is too often mistaken for intent, and occupation of the crease is undervalued.  

This shift is particularly evident when one considers the absence of the legendary duels that once defined cricket’s golden age. Encounters like Michael Atherton’s defiant stand against Allan Donald, Brian Lara’s masterful dismantling of Wasim Akram, and Steve Waugh’s dogged resistance to Curtly Ambrose are etched in cricket’s folklore. These contests were about mental endurance as much as skill, battles that unfolded over sessions, not overs. But today, the appetite for such attritional cricket is waning.  

The Decline of County Cricket  

The decline of county cricket as a developmental platform for international cricketers has further exacerbated the problem. During the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, playing county cricket was considered essential for honing one’s skills and mastering the art of adaptation. Some of the greatest cricketers – including Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Viv Richards, and Javed Miandad – refined their techniques and mental toughness through long stints in English county cricket. It was a crucible for growth, offering players exposure to varying conditions, bowlers, and styles of play.  

However, in the modern era, the focus has shifted. County cricket no longer holds the same allure for contemporary players, many of whom prioritize franchise leagues over long-form cricket. With international schedules becoming increasingly congested, the space to pursue county stints has diminished. This loss is significant, as county cricket nurtures patience and the ability to adapt – two attributes that are now conspicuously absent in many modern-day batsmen.  

A Crisis of Priorities  

For today’s cricketers, the challenge lies in recalibrating their priorities. While T20 leagues offer quick riches and instant fame, the path to cricketing greatness lies in mastering the demands of Test cricket. If players aspire to leave a legacy comparable to that of Brian Lara, Steve Waugh, or Wasim Akram, they must be willing to invest in the longer format and embrace county cricket as a stepping stone to excellence.  

The question, however, is whether the ideal balance between formats is achievable. Given the relentless cricketing calendar and the lure of franchise leagues, this balance seems increasingly elusive. Yet, the choice ultimately rests with the players. They must decide whether they want to chase short-term rewards or pursue the kind of greatness that comes from excelling in Test cricket.  

In the end, the essence of Test cricket lies not in flashy stroke play but in endurance, patience, and grit – qualities that need to be rediscovered and nurtured. The old-fashioned art of occupying the crease may appear dull in the era of fast-paced cricket, but it remains the most reliable strategy to succeed in challenging conditions. Until the modern-day batsman rediscovers this art, collapses like those in South Africa will continue to haunt the sport.  

Test cricket has survived many challenges, from the rise of one-day cricket to the explosion of T20 leagues. But its survival depends on players willing to adapt, endure, and thrive in the long form of the game. Only then can we hope to witness the kind of epic duels and heroic innings that once defined the spirit of cricket. 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Fast Bowling: The Last Stand of Cricket’s Untamed Spirit

Fast bowling is the purest expression of raw power in cricket — an art defined not by elegance but by force. A proper fast bowler demands attention, embodying more animal instinct than mechanical precision, more primal excitement than graceful splendour. These men are the embodiment of fear and fantasy, channelling velocity, hostility, and unpredictability into their craft.  

The 1970s and 80s remain the golden age of pace bowling, a time when cricket had a gritty, masculine charm. It was an era built on rivalries and fierce duels: Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson squaring off against Viv Richards, Michael Holding tormenting Geoffrey Boycott, and Imran Khan challenging the composure of Sunil Gavaskar. Cricket then wasn’t just a game but a spectacle—a thrilling battle between bat and ball that evoked the raw energy of boxing legends like Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson. Fast bowlers didn’t just play the game; they *owned* it, striding the pitch with swagger and menace, delivering thunderbolts that could break bones as easily as reputations. The contests of that era had a pulse, a spine—and, dare we say, a sex appeal.  

The Decline of Pace in the Age of Batsmen

In today’s cricket, the narrative has shifted. The modern era is dominated by batsmen, with rivalries like Amla v Clarke or Pietersen v Sangakkara painting the game as a contest of artistry rather than ferocity. Rule changes designed to encourage high scores—flatter pitches, bigger bats, fielding restrictions—have tipped the balance decisively in favour of batsmen. The pace and hostility that once defined cricket’s fiercest encounters have grown rare, leaving the modern game hungry for the kind of visceral thrill only genuine fast bowling can provide.  

The art of fast bowling itself is in decline, as teams increasingly rely on variations, spin, and all-rounders to compensate for the absence of out-and-out speedsters. Few bowlers today consistently bowl at express pace while maintaining accuracy and hostility. In such an environment, the rare emergence of genuine fast bowlers feels like a return to a bygone age—a fleeting reminder of the game’s primal essence.  

The Return of Raw Pace: Pakistan vs South Africa

But come February 1, cricket fans will get a rare treat—a clash between Pakistan and South Africa that promises to revive the lost art of fast bowling. Both teams boast formidable pace attacks, ensuring that this Test series will be as much about resilience and courage as it will be about runs. In a game increasingly shaped by batsmen, the battle between two fearsome bowling line-ups feels like a return to tradition, a rekindling of the raw spirit of the 70s and 80s.  

South Africa’s arsenal will feature Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, and Vernon Philander—each with a distinct weapon in their toolkit. Steyn, with fire in his eyes and thunder in his arm, charges in at full throttle, delivering searing deliveries capable of unsettling even the most accomplished batsmen. Morkel, with his towering frame, extracts steep bounce that tests both technique and nerve. Philander, the silent assassin, will ply his trade with nagging accuracy, exploiting even the slightest weakness with surgical precision.  

On the other side stands Pakistan, a team historically associated with producing magical fast bowlers. Junaid Khan, the left-handed swing virtuoso, will probe relentlessly at pace, constantly dangling danger in front of South Africa’s top order. Mohammad Irfan, a towering two-meter enigma, will summon the ghosts of Joel Garner and Michael Holding, hoping to intimidate them with awkward bounce and relentless length. And then there’s Umar Gul—crafty, unpredictable, and ruthless at the death—who will ensure that no moment on the field goes unchallenged.  

The Revival of a Timeless Contest

This contest promises to be more than just a Test series; it offers a glimpse of cricket as it was meant to be—a battle between bat and ball where neither side dominates but both strive to outwit, outlast, and outplay the other. The duels will be gripping: Junaid Khan versus Graeme Smith, Irfan against Amla and Kallis, and Steyn thundering in at Mohammad Hafeez. Each encounter will carry the weight of history, evoking memories of the fierce rivalries that once defined the game.  

In a world accustomed to high-scoring matches and T20 fireworks, this series guarantees something different—a return to cricket’s roots. The tension of fast bowling will hang in the air, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. Every ball will be an event, every wicket a triumph, and every spell a test of character. The thrill that defined the 70s and 80s—when the contest between bat and ball was uncertain and exhilarating—might just return for a brief, glorious moment.  

A Rare Feast for Purists

Test cricket has long been criticized for being slow, even dull, in an age obsessed with instant gratification. But this series between Pakistan and South Africa promises to be a refreshing exception. With pace bowling at the heart of both teams, it guarantees excitement and intensity—a reminder that cricket at its best is not merely about runs but about courage, resilience, and confrontation.  

For fans yearning for the raw excitement of yesteryears, this battle of speedsters offers hope. In a game that has tilted towards the bat, this series will restore some of the balance—at least for a moment—bringing back the wild, untamed spirit that once made fast bowlers the undisputed kings of cricket. And for those watching, it may rekindle memories of a time when cricket was more than just a sport; it was a battle—a thrilling, spine-tingling spectacle of pace, power, and passion.

 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

The Fast Bowling Conundrum: Nurturing Pace in Indian Cricket

For decades, Indian cricket has grappled with a persistent narrative: that it is a graveyard for pace bowlers. Beyond the brilliance of Kapil Dev, and the contributions of Javagal Srinath and Zaheer Khan, the cupboard has seemingly been bare. In contrast, Pakistan—India’s cricketing neighbour—has produced an endless supply of speedsters with the ease of a flourishing paddy field. But is this perception entirely fair? Or does the truth lie somewhere between rhetoric and reality?  

Myth vs. Reality: India’s Forgotten Fast Men  

It is convenient to dismiss India as a barren land for fast bowlers, especially when comparing it to Pakistan’s conveyor belt of pace talent. However, a deeper look reveals that India has not been devoid of pace bowlers—it has produced several, though not with the consistency or sustainability seen elsewhere. In addition to Kapil, Srinath, and Zaheer, several fast bowlers have emerged only to fade into obscurity over time. Names like Ajit Agarkar, Irfan Pathan, Sreesanth, Munaf Patel, and Harvinder Singh stand out as examples of bowlers who showed initial promise but failed to build lasting careers.  

The issue, therefore, is not merely a lack of talent but an inability to nurture and manage it over time. These bowlers did not lack skill; they lacked mentorship, continuity, and perhaps the systemic support necessary to thrive at the highest level.  

The Importance of Mentorship: A Comparison with Pakistan and South Africa  

A quick glance at Pakistan’s fast-bowling legacy highlights the role of mentorship in converting raw talent into enduring excellence. When Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis first burst onto the international scene, their prodigious abilities were refined under the watchful eye of Imran Khan. Similarly, South Africa’s formidable pace trio—Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, and Vernon Philander—benefited immensely from Allan Donald’s guidance. This mentorship acted as a bridge between potential and performance, helping these bowlers evolve into match-winners over time.  

India’s young fast bowlers, by contrast, have lacked access to such consistent mentorship. While the MRF Pace Foundation has employed renowned international coaches, the absence of sustained guidance from a figure like Kapil Dev—arguably India’s greatest paceman—has been a glaring oversight. The BCCI did call upon Kapil in 1999, but their strained relationship kept him on the sidelines thereafter, depriving the country’s young bowlers of invaluable insights.  

The Underutilization of Kapil Dev  

Kapil Dev is more than a cricketing legend—he is a symbol of what is possible for pace bowlers in India. His mastery of swing, combined with his resilience, demonstrated that Indian conditions could still accommodate fast bowlers. However, his fractured relationship with the BCCI has meant that the vast pool of young Indian pacers has had little access to his wisdom. Had Kapil been given a more formal mentoring role, bowlers like Irfan Pathan and Munaf Patel might have received the precise guidance needed to prolong their careers and avoid burnout.  

The failure to tap into Kapil’s expertise is symptomatic of a broader issue in Indian cricket: a cultural bias that prioritizes batting prowess over the development of fast bowlers. Young batsmen receive copious amounts of attention, while pacers are often left to fend for themselves, resulting in promising careers cut short by injuries or inconsistency.  

Hope on the Horizon: Bhuvneshwar Kumar and the Next Generation  

Despite these challenges, Indian cricket is not without hope. The emergence of Bhuvneshwar Kumar—a bowler with the rare ability to swing the ball prodigiously—signals a potential shift. However, Kumar’s journey serves as a cautionary tale: talent alone will not suffice. For Kumar to achieve sustained success, he must be nurtured with care, given the right workload management, and placed under the guidance of experienced mentors.  

This is precisely where Kapil Dev’s involvement could prove transformative. Fast bowling is as much a mental discipline as it is a physical one, and only someone with firsthand experience of the challenges unique to Indian conditions can truly mentor a young pacer. An external coach may teach technique, but an Indian legend like Kapil would understand the nuances of managing pressure, handling media scrutiny, and bowling on unresponsive pitches.  

The Road Ahead: A Plea for Sensible Leadership  

It is inaccurate to say that India cannot produce fast bowlers. They do emerge—but without the proper ecosystem, they fade away just as quickly. The issue lies not in talent scarcity but in inadequate management and a lack of long-term vision.  

The time has come for the BCCI to set aside past differences and make use of the resources available to them. Kapil Dev should not be treated as a relic of the past but as a vital asset for the future of Indian fast bowling. His experience could be instrumental in shaping the careers of bowlers like Kumar and others waiting in the wings. Whether the BCCI will have the foresight to embrace this opportunity remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: India cannot afford to let another generation of fast-bowling talent slip through its fingers.  

In cricket, as in life, potential means little without the right guidance. Pakistan’s pace of success has shown that raw talent, when nurtured properly, can blossom into something extraordinary. If Indian cricket wishes to see its fast bowlers realize their true potential, it must act now—before it is too late. Whether the BCCI will seek Kapil’s counsel or continue to rely on foreign mentors is a question that lingers, but the answer may determine the future trajectory of Indian fast bowling.  

Good sense must prevail—for only then can India truly fulfill its promise as a land not just of batsmen but of fearsome pace bowlers as well.  

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

 

 

The Kiwis’ Crisis: A Call for Leadership and Revival

 

The South African cricket team has crushed New Zealand with ruthless precision, securing back-to-back innings victories to reaffirm their dominance in modern Test cricket. While South Africa’s bowlers were relentless and their batsmen imperious, the Kiwis' abject performances only accentuated the gulf between the two sides. In what can only be described as a crisis of both form and spirit, New Zealand's collapse was as much about technical deficiencies as it was about the absence of leadership and heart.  

Since the series began on January 2, New Zealand's efforts have been marred by capitulation rather than resistance. The opening salvo—a paltry 45 all-out in the first innings—set the tone for a series of lacklustre performances, both with bat and ball. Historically, even without the luxury of superstars like Viv Richards or Shane Warne, New Zealand cricket has embodied the ethos of resilience. They were never the most glamorous side, but they were fighters. This current iteration, however, seems a pale shadow, adrift without direction or conviction.  

A Team Adrift: Talent without Execution  

It would be unfair to dismiss this New Zealand side as bereft of ability. With promising talents like BJ Watling, Doug Bracewell, Dean Brownlie, Kane Williamson, and Trent Boult, the foundation for future success is undoubtedly present. Yet talent alone does not win matches—it must be harnessed with clarity of purpose and belief. Unfortunately, this young squad appears directionless, struggling to translate potential into performance.  

At the heart of their predicament lies a deeper malaise: the absence of imaginative leadership. It is not just the physical execution on the field that is lacking but the emotional and psychological guidance that moulds a team into a cohesive fighting unit. The current leadership vacuum is glaring—New Zealand's performances bear the hallmarks of a rudderless ship drifting aimlessly through turbulent waters.  

A Lesson from the Past: The Fleming Era  

New Zealand cricket has seen such turbulent phases before. In 1997, a young Stephen Fleming was entrusted with leading a team in transition. Fleming's tenure was transformative, not because his side suddenly became unbeatable, but because he instilled in them the capacity to dream, fight, and grow. Under his stewardship, New Zealand punched above their weight, challenging cricketing giants with tenacity. His captaincy was a masterclass in imaginative strategy and subtle inspiration, making the team believe they could achieve what seemed improbable.  

Fleming's success underscores a timeless truth: cricket, like all team sports, demands leadership that goes beyond tactics. A captain must foster trust, nurture potential, and inspire belief, especially within a young squad. 

The Way Forward: Ross Taylor as Captain  

What New Zealand needs now is not just a captain but a visionary—a leader capable of transforming disillusionment into determination. Ross Taylor stands as the most logical candidate to guide this side through its struggles. An experienced campaigner, Taylor possesses the temperament and understanding required to inspire the team. His performances with the bat have demonstrated both grit and class, and it is this kind of example that New Zealand’s younger players need to follow.  

Taylor’s elevation to captaincy could reignite the team’s competitive fire, providing the direction they so desperately lack. His leadership might not immediately translate into victories, but it could restore the fight and ambition that have long been hallmarks of New Zealand cricket. With time, this young side has the potential to evolve into a formidable unit—provided they find the right leader to steer them through these troubled waters.  

Leadership as the Catalyst for Revival  

The defeats against South Africa are more than just statistical blips; they are a wake-up call for New Zealand cricket. Talent without purpose is wasted, and potential without leadership remains unrealized. The time is ripe for New Zealand’s cricketing administrators to act decisively and hand the reins to someone who can lead with passion and vision. In Ross Taylor, they have a candidate capable of reigniting the spark within this talented yet faltering team.  

The question now is whether the powers that be will recognize the urgency of the moment. For New Zealand cricket to move forward, they must first rediscover the spirit that once defined them—not merely as players, but as a team with heart, ambition, and the will to fight.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Why Lionel Messi Didn’t Deserve the 2012 Ballon d’Or

Lionel Messi made history on January 7, 2013, when he claimed his fourth consecutive Ballon d’Or, surpassing Michel Platini’s record. Finishing ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Andrés Iniesta, Messi was once again crowned the world’s best player.

Yet, despite his brilliance, many argue that this was the wrong decision—and even Messi himself admitted the award should have gone to his Barcelona teammate Andrés Iniesta.

A Year Without Major Success

The Ballon d’Or is meant to honor the best performer of the year, not merely the most famous. In 2012, Messi dazzled statistically, breaking Gerd Müller’s long-standing record for most goals in a calendar year. But football is not just about numbers—it’s about impact, trophies, and context.

Barcelona failed to win either La Liga or the Champions League, the two competitions that define greatness at club level. Their silverware came from the Copa del Rey and the Club World Cup, trophies of lesser prestige for a team of Barca’s stature. For a player whose genius depends on collective success, this was not a season that warranted the ultimate individual honor.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Case: A Season of Team Triumphs

While Messi set records, Cristiano Ronaldo led Real Madrid to an extraordinary La Liga title. Madrid shattered league records—most points, most goals, and most wins in a single season.

Ronaldo wasn’t just breaking personal milestones; he was driving his team to historic collective success. Given that football is a team game, rewarding Messi over Ronaldo, who achieved more with his side, raises legitimate questions about the criteria used for the award.

Overlooking the True Architect: Andrés Iniesta

Perhaps the biggest injustice of all lies with Andrés Iniesta, the heartbeat of both Barcelona and Spain’s golden generation. Iniesta was UEFA’s Best Player in Europe and Player of the Tournament at Euro 2012, where Spain claimed their third consecutive major international title—an unprecedented feat in football history.

Iniesta’s influence extended far beyond statistics. He dictated tempo, created rhythm, and delivered on the grandest stages, earning three man-of-the-match awards during the Euros, including in the final. Yet, he finished third in the Ballon d’Or voting—behind two players whose teams failed to capture comparable glory.

When Messi himself publicly admitted that Iniesta deserved the award, it only reinforced the sense that the wrong man won.

The Historical Perspective: Awards Should Reflect Collective Context

Throughout football history, the Ballon d’Or has often recognized players who achieved greatness within winning teams.

Legends like Zinedine Zidane, Franz Beckenbauer, Fabio Cannavaro, and Ronaldo Nazário were rewarded not only for individual brilliance but for leading their nations or clubs to triumph.

By contrast, Messi’s 2012 award broke from that tradition. Gerd Müller, whose record Messi surpassed, did not win the Ballon d’Or in the season he set his scoring milestone. Instead, it went to Beckenbauer, captain of the European Championship–winning West Germany. Greatness, it seems, had always been measured by impact on victories, not by numbers alone.

Spain’s Golden Era Deserved Recognition

Spain’s dominance from 2008 to 2012 reshaped world football. The national team’s success—three consecutive major trophies (Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, Euro 2012)—owed much to the creative brilliance of players like Xavi and Iniesta.

Yet, neither of them ever lifted the Ballon d’Or, as Messi collected four in succession. The imbalance highlights how media attention and narrative often overshadowed the true architects of the game’s evolution.

Conclusion: The Right Player, the Wrong Year

No one denies Messi’s extraordinary talent or his historical significance. But the Ballon d’Or is an annual award, not a lifetime achievement trophy.

In 2012, the rightful winner should have been Andrés Iniesta, whose artistry and achievements on both club and international levels defined football’s highest ideals that year.

Messi’s fourth consecutive triumph cemented his legend—but it also revealed the growing disconnect between performance and perception, and the unfortunate tendency to reward celebrity over context.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar