Two things are absolutely necessary to remain among the toppers in international cricket these days. First you have to survive the rigours of the game, which is also a learning experience and then have to cultivate and know the way to fight back in case of failures.

The saying that the team is as good as it is in the last game seems to be true about the present Indian team. A team, which started progressing in the right direction in the last four years appears to have lost its way. The problem is not exactly with individual players. Perhaps they have not been working out properly in awkward game situations.

Previous column India's problems stem from improper planning

The Indian team has certainly progressed in recent times, but somehow is finding it difficult to sustain the level. The kind of cricket the team has played in the last six weeks clearly indicates that there is a slip up. India have failed to live up to the new standards set by other teams.

Every team management in the world makes it a point to dissect the successes of the other teams on the drawing board. Current Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer is famous for such practices. In fact, he was the first person to introduce the use of technology ideas in team meetings. No doubt, he has played a big role in India's defeats against Pakistan in the last two encounters.

Bob is known for planning out how to contain the key players of the opponents and bringing the best out of his own players. The excellent ability of the Pakistani players to cope with different conditions in Sri Lanka and Amsterdam kept their fighting spirits alive.

I am sure it was a recipe prepared by the Pakistani coach on his laptop. Proper planning can undo even the big names of the opponents. It was very much evident in the last two months of Indian cricket.

John Wright has done a decent job with the Indian team. He was no doubt the architect behind India's success in the recent past. But I am sorry to say that it is time for him to wake up and bring in fresh ideas.

With the progress of time, all his so-called great ideas definitely need a second look. Micro management of the team was his strength. Under the present circumstances I am afraid to say it could prove to be a hindrance.

The rain-abandoned game against the Australia did little to add to India's confidence. Although the Australians lost wickets at regular intervals in the rain curtailed 32-over tie, they had already imposed a challenging total.

Michael Clarke, who played a blinder of an innings, made it clear that the Australian batting was deep and sound. The slowness of the wicket as well as the outfield would have had the Indian batsmen in a worry.

The Indian bowling, except for Laxmipathy Balaji, looked absolutely ordinary. Ashish Nehra, who replaced Ajit Agarkar, appeared to be operating below par.

The problem with Agarkar and Nehra is that they are either injured or do not have enough match practice to be named in the eleven. This has been a never-ending problem for the Indian team.

India have made an inauspicious start to the season and it's simply not too encouraging. With the NatWest Challenge round the corner, India will have yet another chance to prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy.

England have shown their supremacy in beating New Zealand and West Indies at both home and away. Both Steve Harmison and Andrew Flintoff are in great form and may prove to be difficult customers for the tourists.

The Indians have a fair record in England and the NatWest Trophy win 2002 is still fresh in the minds of their fans.

Will this team operate with a new theme and achieve great heights once again? Let's keep our fingers crossed.