By Anand Philar: Ten wins and just three defeats in a matter of couple of months is a record that Team India can be proud of. Surely, Rahul Dravid's 'Boys in Blues' have come a long way in more ways than one.

They have travelled vast distances, played in different and trying conditions, been through several crises and yet, last night in Abu Dhabi, they exhibited wonderful athleticism and commitment to finish the first part of a long season on a satisfactory note.

One of the most poignant scenes witnessed after the second game against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi was the warm embrace that Sehwag gave Dravid, as if to express his gratitude to a captain, who stood by him through a very difficult period.

One could only guess the emotions that Sehwag would have experienced on completing a welcome and overdue half-century after a string of failures. His return to form was the best news for Team India.

Obviously, Sehwag was under pressure and perhaps, the team management did well to 'rest' the opening batsman for a couple of games to enable him to sort things out for himself.

Though he appeared rather rusty to begin with, Sehwag gradually ran into form and more importantly, showed a willingness to stick on to graft runs rather than launch into his characteristic hit-or-miss mode. Perhaps, Sehwag learnt the virtues of patience in the course of the half-century that resurrected his career.

Even more significant is that Sehwag seems to have realised that being the captain-in-waiting, he needs to be far more responsible in his approach and attitude rather than glossing over his failures that have hurt the team as much as himself. One wonders then whether we are witnessing the emergence of a "new" Sehwag.

As for Dravid, there is little new that can be said of a man who has grown into captaincy since he took charge from Saurav Ganguly. It would be only proper for the selectors to name him captain until the 2007 World Cup rather than series by series.

Like Ponting, Dravid has been leading from the front. He has taken on additional responsibility of opening the innings just like he donned the wicket-keeping gloves in the interests of the team. Surely, you cannot ask more from this articulate Bangalorean and perhaps, it is time the selectors acknowledge and salute his contribution by naming him captain for the next one year or so.

Among the younger lot, Sreesanth has come along nicely as also Raina, and it augurs well for India. With still plenty of cricket to be played prior to the World Cup, the youngsters have the opportunities to cement their spots in the side.

India's one major concern would be the bench strength as far as fast bowling is concerned. Neither V R V Singh or R P Singh have come good in a big way like Sreesanth has. Under the circumstances, the Indians would be better off persisting with Agarkar despite his off-on showing.

In contrast, Ramesh Powar, who would easily match Ranatunga in girth, has been a revelation. Sound with the bat and an useful slow bowler, Powar has justified his selection.

In fact, he is a typical product of the Mumbai school of cricket and if he continues in the same vein, he could become a permanent fixture in the ODI squad, thus eliminating Kumble from the race.

Kumble is still nursing hopes of regaining his ODI spot and would dearly like to be in the World Cup squad. However, in the present circumstances, it is difficult to visualise the leggie making it to the West Indies next year.

Talking about competition for spots, there appears a strong tussle for the middle-order batting slots. One sympathises with Kaif who, after initial promise, has failed to sustain form, though there is no doubts over his value as a fielder in an ODI game. But then, with so many athletic youngsters coming into the side, Kaif has to deal with competition in the fielding department too!

In fact, the most noticeable development in the Indian team has been their fielding, both ground and in the air. True, a few catches have been floored, but overall, the young guns have been quite electric with Yuvraj and Raina setting high standards.

Overall, it has been a season of experimentation for coach Chappell and he must be pretty pleased that there are definite signs of the team shaping up nicely, both as a Test and ODI unit, especially the latter.

One is sure that Chappell and also the players would welcome the fornight’s break before they make the long haul to the West Indies next month. The tour will be the first major overseas outing outside the sub-continent for the Indian team and as such, there is plenty to look forward to.

For the moment though, it is time to put the feet up and savour the gains of the first part of the season.