Is it because it is their first ever win in South Africa? Or because it was a comprehensive win after a 0-4 drubbing in ODIs?

For Ganguly’s comeback gritty 51 no and 25, or that amazing pull for a 6?

Zaheer’s successful return with his clinical bowling? Or his partnership with Laxman in the second innings?

Sreesanth’s majestic 5 wickets haul in the first innings? or the twirling of the bat and pelvic gyrations after clobbering Nel over the ropes?

Glimpses of Laxman and his 73 in the second innings or because he held on to every catch that came to him?

Talking of catches, what about the stunner by Shewag at gully? Or Dhoni’s diving catch to his right?

And what about the Indian fielding, not just the athleticism, but also the spirit and commitment?

Nah! To me these are nothing more than what is expected from a winning test team.

What makes this victory so special is that an act of injustice has finally been undone.

Yes, the unceremonious sacking of a successful captain, and the persistent efforts to keep him out of the team was unpardonable. It did not improve the team as had been promised, on the contrary, had split it apart. I have been firm in my belief, that that action had created a lot of anger, animosity and sense of injustice within the team. A lot of resentment that was just waiting to bubble over. And sometimes it did, only for the BCCI to reimpose stronger gagging orders.

Ganguly’s return, his very presence in the team, seems to have started the healing. Has rejuvenated the team. The self belief that had been lost, is back, as is the hunger to win. And I will not for a second accept that Chappell or Dravid had anything to do with this.

For Team India the prolonged nightmare, I can only pray, is finally over.

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