Final observations

And here are some key observations from the final match :

1) India has a big problem in their batting order. Some of it is actually a challenge of multiple choices, and some of no choices at all. But anyway, I believe it is here that Chappel should exercise the much publicized flexibility more often. E.g. kaif could have come above Yuv when the need of the hour was consolidation. Or Dhoni/Pathan could have come in place of Kaif where need was few quick runs before arrival of Murali. I think THIS is where India lost the game

2) Say bye bye to Kumble in ODIs. There is no doubt that he will still come up with some good performances, against opposition like WI who don't know much about him. But he just doesn't make the cut against top teams, and that's what matters. He's going to win matches which India should anyway win without him (although they sometimes don't)

3) Playing seven batsmen is still the best strategy. And by 7 batsmen I mean 7 players who can, on their good day, win the match with their batting. And on their bad day, they should be coached to, apply themselves to still make a contribution.

4) This means making Sachin, Sehwag, Yuvraj etc practice more often with their bowling. Or making Pathan a better batsman. Whatever it takes, but there have to be 7 matchwinning batsmen. And ofcourse there are these arguments that what 6 can't do, seven cant either. But there is not proof of that. And anyway, if you extend that argument it can read as 'what 5 batsmen cant do, 6th cant'. And you keep reducing the number ! Because there is no rule book saying how many batsmen are good enough. But if you look at the top teams of the world, they follow this seven batsmen theory, and get good results.

5) Make the bowlers understand that when they are in good rhythm, nothing justifies them getting mauled in a match, in the middle of a spell of good performances. They can go wicketless, but absolutely nothing justifies going for runs.