And then it was history - 2007

Topsy turvy. Crazy. Full circle.

I think the year for Indian Cricket can be termed with those 3 words.

We started the year with hope - going into a 2nd January match against South Africa - the series level at 1-1. A chance to win the series at Capetown and create history. We fell short and then we wondered if it was indeed time to say a final Goodbye to that icon SRT? Meanwhile Ganguly had quietly and steadily made his entry into the team.

We went back to India - low on confidence but with the chance to bounce back against the Windies. And we did so in style - raising hopes again that all was not indeed lost for the World Cup. We took what looked like a good team but a coach who was definitely off his rocker. SRT had bounced back as had Ganguly and Dravid was now looking every inch a winnning captain.

The World Cup - the holy grail of cricket - ruined by the ICC and some insane batting against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Sachin at 4?? Whose mad idea was that anyway? A first round exit. Everyone was wondering about the quickest way to get rid of the "Old Gang" - the deadwood as they were called. There was outrage at home as always, a baying for blood, a call for heads to roll.

And then there was the tour to Bangladesh - a young team was supposedly sent there - however how a 30yr old Dinesh Mongia qualifies as young is anybody's guess. SRT and Dada were rested - an euphemism for dropped? Dravid retained as captain. Then there were the tests where the stalwarts came back and played like stalwarts.

It was onwards to England to play the tests. A weather saved test at Lords and then some purposeful batting by the oldies - the series was won and the fallen heroes were restored to some part of their glory. The ODI series might have not been won but again the oldies showed their mettle with youngsters like Uthappa shining it too and things were merry again. The captain - the Wall was well and truly shining

Onward to South Africa to play the World Cup for the shortest version of the game - a new captain was announced and a completely young team. Nothing expected from them - but they pulled off the proverbial rabbit from the hat and went on to win the whole damn thing. One WC lost miserably - another was won gloriously. And then there were new heroes - yet again there was a call to lay to rest the older ones. Who needed deadwood when you had world beating polished plywood?

Then the Kangaroos came home - the old captain had put in his papers and soon enough he was out of the team. Yet the other 2 oldies held on - teaching the others a thing or two about batsmanship. SRT was apparently back to the golden ages they said. And Dada - the most fantastic comeback there ever could be had been scripted.

Bring on the Pakis - Batter the Pakis. An old captain - the old guard firing - the young brigade knocking and Australia was beckoning.

A loss not withstanding - this year has been a topsyturvy one for India. Win lose Win lose. Its been crazy - we have seen 3 captains in the year. We have seen our best batsman dropped unceremoniously. And life has come a full circle. Its Dada and SRT opening yet again - and gloriously. We have a 37 year old spinner at the helm.

The more things have changed the more they have remained the same