Champions Trophy

Where do India go from here?

This suggests there are serious problems with a team reeling from the extra public relations disasters of a heavy Pakistan defeat and the embarrassing ‘sex before a match’ memo leaked to the press. Gary Kirsten and M S Dhoni go into this month’s One Day international series against Australia under serious pressure.

However, those who demand a change of management have short memories. India have won their last three Test series, against Australia, England and New Zealand, whilst the ODI team has been in even better form, winning series convincingly against England, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and West Indies. They also picked up the Compaq Cup in Sri Lanka.

It is against this backdrop of success that Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir were named as ICC One Day International and Test players of the year respectively, confirmation that this has been a good year for India, despite recent setbacks.

Few can argue that India have progressed well under the Kirsten-Dhoni leadership axis. The team is better equipped to play in different conditions and has developed a good strength in depth.

Improvements still need to be made, but wherever Indian cricket goes from their latest disappointment – more squad changes should not be ruled out – it should be led by the current management team.