I would still go for Azhar as captain for another year or two till the new batsmen settle down and the bowling acquires bite. Give Azhar a proper side with a proper combination and a constructive management, and if he still fails, only then can his removal be justified.
Azharuddin is certainly under pressure due to his indifferent form and personal problems. But why these vindictive cries for his removal? Why are all the team's problems being attributed to Azhar? Why doesn't anybody credit him for the turnaround at Lord's?
Playing in England after the recent successes on home turf was always going to be a different kettle of fish. Without good bowlers in the reserves, any captain—Pataudi, Gavaskar or Tendulkar—with a team such as this would have found the going tough.
Azhar is a team man. Azhar is a learner. When I first saw him lead South Zone, I thought he was not captain material; but over the years he has sharpened his thinking, and is a lot fairer to colleagues than predecessors. He is accommodating and quiet.
He may not be articulate but has any player complained he cannot comprehend Azhar? The boys know what Azhar expects. He has made it clear that they have to pull up their socks, or else. Why are people talking about his communication skills after all these years?
To blame team morale on the lady accompanying Azhar is not fair. Incidents happen during tours that don't affect the side or don't get written about.
The Sidhu walkout and Azhar's problems are simply being used by former cricketers who are into commentating to get back at Azhar.
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