Pride at stake for the wounded Aussies - 2

But the young Indian guns, who have hardly enjoyed their big victory, are well aware that the past is past and they have the even bigger task of proving to the world that their hard-fought accomplishment in South Africa was not a fluke.


"But now the Indians are the hunted rather than being hunters. So, there are greater challenges that they face now," said Adam Gilchrist, who would be leading the team in the absence of regular skipper Ricky Ponting.


Gilchrist felt confident that the Aussies remained a dynamic lot despite seeing a spate of retirements and some injuries after the World Cup in the Caribbean islands


"There are around six new guys but still I would say that we have got the depth in our team. The young players are confident of doing well and there won't be any dramatic change in the way we play cricket," warned Gilchrist.


But, for India, with whom the momentum is there at the moment, would be looking to capitalize on this advantage and with Ponting being ruled out, it will be a perfect opportunity for them to take the upper hand.


The pitch, meanwhile, is expected to be a good one to bat on.


"We know the conditions here and are ready to go. It looks like another nice wicket," said the wicketkeeper-batsman.


India would also not like to give an inch to the Australians at any cost.


Moreover, for new skipper Dhoni, it is the beginning of his journey on what can be a thorn-filled road ahead. Till now there were no expectations, hence, little pressure.


As Dhoni pointed out, "We will have to better our performance each time from now onwards."


In fact, from here on, Dhoni would actually be judged under the same microscope as of his predecessors - Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid.


For the big three too, it is now a matter of prestige and they can't take their places for granted any more as there are some young men, who have already proved themselves in the international arena, waiting in the wings.


During the next fortnight, Dhoni’s mettle as captain of the Indian team would also be judged and a verdict will be passed. The same people who are praising him to the skies might just pull him down.


So, while, on the one hand, there are the Australians who have been the rulers and would strive to keep the authority at any cost, on the other hand, there are the Indians, who are the porential rulers in the making and would be determined to battle their way to snatch it away from the Aussies.


For cricket fans, it can be a win-win situation where they can expect to witness some fierce cricketing competition over the next few weeks.