India don't deserve to be No.1 Test side in the world

Thousands of those who saw India's craven surrender at Trent Bridge on Monday will find it hard to believe that this is really the world's No.1 Test team. Actually, it isn't. This team is on top of the heap because of a statistical sleight of hand.

What are the stats? Since October 2008, India have played 11 series before this one, winning eight of them and drawing the other three. That's impressive statistics. But they hide the fact that five of those series wins have come at home and the other three are against Bangladesh, West Indies and New Zealand - the three weakest teams.

India have played South Africa at home and away in this period and only managed drawn series on both occasions. Similarly, they have been unable to get past the Sri Lankans on their home turf.

Still, India were No.1 on the charts. And the England series was the acid test. So, how did the "champions" approach the challenge for the crown? With total lack of preparation, physically and mentally, and without the requisite hunger to remain No. 1. They carried some players with niggles and injuries, and some others, like Harbhajan Singh, by virtue of past reputation.

While India have been without Virender Sehwag, a key player, and have also missed Zaheer Khanand Gautam Gambhir for most of this series, West Indies under Clive Lloyd and the Aussies under Steve Waugh have also missed key players from time to time, but they didn't simply throw in the towel. The truth is that this Indian team doesn't seem to have a champion's strength of character.

The statistical miracle, sadly, is over.

WHY INDIA LOST? 

1. Failure to seize key moments: 

India reduced England to 124/8 in the first innings before letting them reach 221. When they batted, India were firmly in control at 267/4 in the first innings before slumping to 288 all out.

2. Still missing key players: 

With no Sehwag and Gambhir, India were virtually topless in the batting department. Zaheer's absence meant bowling was without its spearhead.

3. Poor application: 

It was not an impossible pitch to bat on but the batsmen, generally, failed to show technical nous to put up a fight.

4. Swing and bounce India's bane: 

Indian batsmen could not cope with the movement and bounce English bowlers extracted from the Trent Bridge pitch. The conditions are vastly different from what they are in India.

5. Quality opposition 

England were a formidable foe who are brimming with all-round strength. To compete with them, India needed to play out of their skin.