Dhoni’s Army is back with a bang (published)

Click to view article published on 'cricketcountry'

After a double-whitewash, it takes a lot to regroup, strategise, prepare and motivate oneself to perform against the same opponents again. Team India’s task was cut-out after its dismal performance in England. A few blessings that came India’s way were a month’s break between the two series and the fact that the current series was being held in its backyard. Not only did the one month interval come as an opportunity to re-strategise but also to unwind from the unfairly gruelling schedule that the team had been subjected to.

On 2nd April, 2011, India had lifted the most coveted trophy in cricket. The Captain hit the winning blow into the stands and elevated Team India to World Champion status. Victories, as big as they may be, fade away as soon as the next battle ensues. Despite putting in a fighting performance against the Windies, even World Champions can do only so much with minimal rest and practice. To perform in the vastly distinct conditions in England with only one 3-day practice match was a recipe for disaster, which is exactly what unfolded in both the Test and ODI series.

However, Dhoni has stepped up to the plate with resplendent fervour and led from the front in this series. His performance with the bat has been instrumental in India’s series win. He is the only specialist batsman who is yet to be dismissed in the series. He is the third highest run-getter in the team, considering the fact that he comes in at number 6. Dhoni seems to have become the wall that the English bowlers are unable to bore through. In addition to his superior performance and leadership skills, India has looked a rejuvenated unit, with well-deserved rest and the infusion of new and exciting talent. Unlike the past, winning a series or two does not make this unit kick up its heels and become complacent. The abundance of talent on waitlist, a more transparent selection system and a gifted skipper has given Team India the licence to be hungry for more.

Dhoni’s leadership skills have always been lauded. The unorthodox field placements, perplexing bowling changes at crucial junctures and unexpected shuffling of the batting order have been a hallmark of the great captain. He simply does things differently, to great effect. Dhoni’s performance in the current series has only enhanced his reputation. He played with a depleted bowling unit (without Zaheer Khan, his leading wicket-taker in the World Cup), a demoralised team and the added pressure of winning the ‘Payback Series’ comprehensively.

Under Dhoni’s leadership, Team India has quickly regained its footing and gone back to its winning ways. Dhoni is not one to show emotion or excitement on the field. However, on hitting the winning runs in the third ODI, even he pumped his fist and celebrated in his own, subdued way. Although he quickly went back into his another-day-at-the-office mode, it is clear that winning this series comprehensively means everything to Captain Dhoni and Team India.

Click to view Dhoni's winning shot

With an unassailable 3-0 lead, the damage has been done. Team India will now be looking to go in for the kill and seal the series with a 5-0 whitewash. It will be an uphill task to stop Dhoni’s Army – a rejuvenated unit with an inspiring leader, who is on a mission!

Test driving the Mahindra XUV500

I went to test drive the much-awaited Mahindra XUV500 last weekend. I was quite excited, after having gone through the interactive and rather impressive website, learning about the car and imagining myself at the wheel.

The actual experience, however, began only after setting eyes on the real thing. The car appeared bigger than what I had imagined. It is a tough-looking machine and yet, pleasing to the eye. I quickly got into the back seat to check the leg room. For some reason, that is always my first move prior to test driving a vehicle…somewhat like first checking the bathroom and kitchenette when booking a hotel room.

The fully loaded W8 is literally packed with features. The car has been really well thought-out with GPS navigation, two toned interiors, laptop compartment in the dashboard, audio control on the steering wheel, parking sensors, twin exhausts, LED parking lights, distinctive car handles and a lot more. Clearly, a lot of time has been spent on the drawing board. The little things like a conversation mirror, lounge lighting, sunglass holder go a long way. It does give the customer a ‘premium’ feel at a ‘not at all premium’ price. All this seemed too good to be true.

While waiting for our turn to test drive, I sat on the driver’s seat of one of the vehicles parked in the showroom. I decided to press all the buttons and twist all the knobs that were within arm’s length. The panel looked good but was not high quality. Little things like the push button compartment above the dashboard not opening smoothly stuck with me. Inside the tough exterior, there seemed to be a ‘not so tough’ interior, which gave me an indication on where the costs had been cut. What concerned me was that there were too many things that could get rusty and require repairing.

Let’s start the engine now !

This is where the exhilaration subsided further. The moment I sat at the wheel and accelerated, I got the dreaded ‘I’m-driving-a-truck’ feeling. I could also hear the diesel engine clattering under the hood, which sounded more unpleasant than expected. To begin with, the test drive was surprisingly short. I had to coax the dealer to extend the drive and go over some speed bumps to test the suspension. When I stopped at the traffic signal and engaged the handbrake, the panel around it lifted slightly with it. That is where the test drive was over for me. At the premium features that were on offer, something had to give to justify the low price tag. Engine noise, driving experience and finishing were domains where quality was lacking (in my books).

Click to view the Mahindra XUV500 teaser (ad)

Mahindra XUV’s recent advert talks about its cheetah-inspired design, which seems hard to digest. The cheetah is associated with speed. The XUV is a 2450kg vehicle with only 103kW of gross power. It is not svelte sports car. Labelling the design as tiger-like is more believable, considering its striped grill upfront and rather muscular look.

Overall, the Mahindra XUV500 offers great value for money but the number of features within the vehicle coupled with the mediocre quality of material and finishing would probably mean more visits to the service centre than expected. The initial 6-12 month experience should be great, but post 1-year performance will decide whether the XUV500 is in this race for the long-haul.