India's ODI loss to WI

Finally India's astonishing run of successful ODI chases has ended, after a record 17 wins on the trot. And the manner of the loss itself, to WI yesterday by only 1 run in the last over, speaks of the competitive mindset that the present Indian team possesses. All good things come to end some day, and it was great while it lasted. The team should be pleased that this achievement has come by playing against every big opposition in all conditions both home and away. India has come a long way from the days when it replaced SA for the ultimate "choker" tag, even though it still has a long way to go (for example, winning a significant series abroad). Since the beginning of Dravid-Chappell era, multiple factors have contributed to this success, not least of which is the resurgence of our middle order bat, which more than compensated for Shewag's form slump and the resulting rickety top order. Often it is the top order that sets up a game, but middle order finishes it (discounting those matches that are decided by bowlers). India's top order wobble is also the reason for its indifferent performence in defending scores. In any case, let us keep fingers crossed until the World Cup.