England was waiting for the summer to arrive but the chilly winds willed otherwise. Although winter was the uninvited guest, somebody responded to the RSVP. The 16 member Indian Cricket Team reached England to play 3 Tests and 3 ODI`s.
3 Test debutantes and three wicket keepers made up the squad which was already being mocked at by the Indian media.
Further uproar was ceated when the captain, who spent more time on his cell phone chatting with a bollywood actress than on the field, had a tiff with Siddu. Siddhu known for his frankness and honesty in word and deeds gave vent to his frutration by flying back to India.
This tour also gave shape to the careers of Ganguly and Dravid. Rathore was not so lucky.
He managed to get in the playing 11 for the last ODI. With a top order collapse, Rathore and Ganguly took charge, guiding India to a respectable score. Although not a match winning one.
Rathore`s 50 helped him to take charge of the innings in the Birmigham Test. Not much was achieved and Rathore could boast only 20 runs in 4 innings. Which was low for his standards. Rathore is a very dashing batsmen. Very fluent on the drive. With perfect timing and foot placing he caresses the ball throught the covers.
Unfortunately his asset was his nemesis in England. The away movement was his downfall. Dominic Cork`s outswingers were always one up on Rathore. He could never get off the temptation to drive the pitched up delivery.
In the second test I did see Rathore coming on the back foot a lot. Something he did in South Africa too. But the bounce in South Africa caught up with him. He looked good in the 40 he made with W. Raman but could`nt keep it up.
The one-off Test in India (against Australia) was the final nail in the coffin. His failure prompted the BCCI to look for new faces to open the innings in Tests.
Since the early 90's Rathore was the stalwart of Punjab`s batting. Even today he continues to score efficiently. But the BCCI officials don't seem to agree.
Born on 26 March 1969, in Jalhandher, age is catching up with Rathore and his chances of making it back to the team are bleak. After not everyone can do what Robin Singh did!
I have always admired Rathore`s honesty and commitment towards the game. He may not be the greatest, but he was a treat to watch. Every shot he played and every ball he blocked, there was effort, thought and love for the game behind it.
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