It all started from the Capital city . Delhi had always been a controversial evnue for ODI's. Keeping that aside, India made the fat lady cry for 39 runs which went in vain. India gain advantage 1-0 and the indomitable India's one-day march continues. The sun god had no mercy towards the players , especially the England players felt it too hard to manage on the fields.
But they didnt know this was just the beginning of their end... With key players Trescothick , Vaughan at home, the children of The English had to work really hard to beat a team which had the blaster Sehwag, the Wall Dravid, the sudden shine Yuvi, the yama Dhoni , the tornado Pathan and the list goes on...
With Bajji helping India win the firs ODi, it was Suresh Raina who did it this time . It was a splendid batting performance from this youngster . His stand throughout the innings showed nothing but confidence, the urge to win and a gold coin in the Indian's pocket. I will not forget to mention the support rendered by Dhoni which was another key factor for India's second victory. Even the well-behaved(did I say that???) Kiran more was impressed by Raina's performance.
Lemme right this before i forget it. Yes, u r rite, the new captain combo..Dravid and Yuvi. Though Dravid could not really contribute with his bat, it has been a great series so far for him as a replacement for the Bengal Tiger. His strategies has been good except for keeping Kaif in the 
team. If Ganguly has been sent out of the squad for some reason, I feel the same rule is applicable to Kaif even.
I dont know what exactly is going on in Yuvi's mind. 2006 has been a great year for this guy. I still remember seeing him outside the boundary rope with the SAHARA bermudas and a t-shirt getting ready for his practise session when the selected 11's were fielding against the Aussies. Thats another reason why I want to say 2006 has been his own days... I could see lots of improvement in the way this guy is batting. His maturity level as a cricketer has changed to a good extent. Lets hope he takes over the torch from Dravid after world cup .
As a team, Team India has certainly improved in the recent past . Chappell has been good in identifying young talent and the support from the selection commitee( I didn't say Kiran More) has played a key role .
Info if you had missed:
ODI 1:
Date: 28/03/2006
Held at : Feroshah Kotla Stadium-Delhi
India 203 (Harbhajan 37, Kabir Ali 4-45) beat England 164 (Pietersen 46, Harbhajan 5-31) by 39 runs
Result: India won by 39 runs, Man of the Match: Harbajan Singh
ODI 2:
Date: 31/03/2006
Held at: Faridabad
49 overs India 230 for 6 (Raina 81*, Dhoni 38) beat England 226 (Pietersen 71, Strauss 61) by four wickets
Result: India won by 4 wickets, Man of the Match: Suresh Raina
ODI 3:
Date: 03/04/2006
Held at : Goa
India 294 for 6 (Yuvraj 103, Raina 61) beat England 245 (Collingwood 93, Pathan 4-51) by 49 runs
Result: India won by 49 runs, Man of the Match: Yuvraj Singh
ODI 4:
Date: 06/04/2006
Held at : Cochin
47.2 overs India 238/6 (Dravid 65, Yuvraj 48)beat England 237 by 4 wickets
Result : India won by 4 wickets again, Man of the match: Yuvraj SIngh for his splendid 48 and 2 crucial wickets.
With 3 more matches to go team India has already clinched this series. Well done India. I would be happy if India shines in other sports also the same way it does in cricket.
......To be continued :)
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