It is the test of time for Indian Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and a test of camaraderie for Michael Clarke this Australia's tour of India for the test series. The obvious challenge for both the teams is to beat each other flat and win the series cup, the larger the difference the better it is for either of the teams. That is the basic point of any game or any sport for that matter. But inherently, within their respective teams, these two skippers have more burning issues to deal with.

MSD, has not been doing a good job leading the Indian team in Test matches or so the statistics speak with over 10 losses in the last 17 matches. Their worst was the loss at home ground to England despite targeting a whitewash. The only satisfying part of that tour was that they only managed to eke out a victory and a draw in the series making it 2-1, rather than a 4-0. Just barely enough. Another series loss could cost MSD his cap. Though, there is no one right now fit for the hot seat, he might still be replaced by the selectors if another loss confirms his inability to drive Indian Cricket Team to success.

For Michael Clarke, the challenge is much different. His team is one of the poorest in history. In fact, on paper, the team has never been this bad since 1979-1980, during the time of Kim Hughes. His team is strong only on the pacers front but largely lacking on the spinners end, a prime criterion for Indian grounds. The poor middle order and harsher climatic conditions would also play the ball against the Aussies. Without their strong man, Ricky Ponting in the dressing room or the field, there is a glaring hole in the performance and role model section of the team.

This is Clarke's time to fill in the gap and be the icon of Australian Cricket and also Dhoni's to get the whole team together to perform as a team and eschew the poor reputation once and for all. Who will manage to win their challenge? Whose challenge will be tougher? Only time will tell!

(AW- Anil)