Expert Columns : All

March 10 has to be one of the most significant dates in Indian cricket, for on this day 14 years apart, two great triumphs were notched up.

In fact, I know many, who despite the greatness of Tendulkar, still swear by Gavaskar as India's No 1 batsman of all time technically and temperamentally. After all, the pioneer, the man who showed the way, always has a special aura.

Morgan has a touch of Tillekeratne Dilshan about him in terms of his eye for gaps in the field, which other players would not have the repertoire of shots to pick effectively.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are two exceptionally talented players and if they can maintain the progress they are the two best bets for the future.

For me, Lara was the best Test batsman of the modern era, while Tendulkar is comfortably the greatest one-day player. He further cemented that status with his performance on Wednesday.

There appears no limit to Sachin Tendulkar's boyish enthusiasm for the game, his insatiable hunger for runs and big scores and his indomitable spirit.

In my opinion it is a no brainer to include Kieswetter because he is very hungry and certainly good enough to stamp his mark on the England side.

Given this surfeit of post-retirement options, it will not be a surprise to find more early retirements in the cricket world in the near future.

While the pace bowlers will continue their good work, there is enough indication that the future of Indian spin bowling is in good hands and the rich tradition will continue its gloriously unbroken run.

The lesson learnt from the two Tests is that the team still depends on the stalwarts and without the experienced stars it will flounder.