Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men scale the pinnacle!

Even as a disappointed Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara admitted after the third and final Test at Mumbai, which his team lost to India by an innings and 24 runs, that his team was completely outplayed, the Indian team achieved a rare distinction of scaling the ultimate summit after being in the ‘wilderness’ for decades now.
To me, the progress of the becoming a great Test playing nation began on that December morning of 2004 when the then India’s skipper Sourav Ganguly deflated the Aussie ego in Brisbane, scoring a fighting century.
The essence of that very knock was — anyone with a decent technique and the will to fight it out could bag a century against the strongest team in the most trying conditions possible. That Brisbane Test was followed by Adelaide where Rahul Dravid and forever-in-form-against-Oz VVS Laxman ensured that we won the Test to lead the series 1-0. They almost came agonisingly close to winning the Test series 2-1 in Sydney before Steve Waugh playing his farewell Test ensured that he did not leave the greens with a loss.
Till then, India were more than happy to win matches on the dustbowl wickets in the sub-continent with spinners essaying key roles in their victories. India, suddenly looked dominating and the 2003-04 series was followed by the tour to Pakistan where we humbled the hosts with Sehwag scoring his maiden triple-ton at Multan.
From then on, there was no looking back. Test victories in England, New Zealand, Pakistan, a Test win even in South Africa, West Indies ensured that an outfit that was produced to win in all conditions was gaining birth but it required a good leader in the form of Ganguly, Anil Kumble and now Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Interestingly, the key now for India will be to maintain the top spot, a situation that is unlikely as whitewashes for Australia against West Indies and for South Africa against England could change the equation in the coming weeks.
But all these thoughts can take a backseat as it is important for the Indian team to enjoy this success and bask in the glory and soak in the fervour for what will seem to be a long night for them in Mumbai.

A job well done! Heartiest Congratulations! Sunday could just not be better for those millions who follow them religiously.