Batting is probably the cruellest discipline in any sport.

In football, you make a howler; you have ample time to make things right.

In table tennis, tennis, basketball, you lose a point; you have opportunities to make up for it.

You get hit for five boundaries even while bowling, but a wicket in the 6th ball makes up for it.

In batting, one lapse of concentration, one error of judgement, the fickle element of luck going against you at that one instance, that's it, you're in the dugout rewinding that shot and situation in your head, time and time again.

While watching the recently concluded India vs South Africa series, I couldn't help but feel that our batters are probably going through a similar situation.

You can do everything right for 200 balls, and that one ball, you lose focus, you forget all the right you've done and keep focusing on that one ball that sent you home. For our skipper, ex-skipper, the wait for the 71st ton continues.

*Scroll below*

While all cricketers go through phases running in and out of form, as a batter being out of form is undoubtedly one of the most mentally taxing experiences. You question your ability, your process, your past success, the lack of fortune mentally consumes you, and you'd do anything in your control to change it.

From wearing your left pad first instead of right to wearing your gloves a certain way, every superstition is justified in a batter's mind when trying to get back in form.

"Lost Opportunity".

It isn't a daily occurrence you get the chance to create history as professional athletes. Unfortunately, the Indian cricket team had a glorious chance to do that after being 1 - 0 up this series.

Credit to South Africa for bouncing back the way they did, but this Indian team is a lot better. Just a year ago, our 3rd string team breached the Gabba after the 36 all-out debacle, and I believe these lot are good enough to beat such an inexperienced South Africa side. This series was ours to lose, and we responded poorly to the pressure.

I know that changes need to be made; some of our stalwarts are struggling to do well over the last couple of years while players like Vihari are sitting on the sideline, despite doing no wrong.

While I know I was hoping for changes, the one we got is not what I had in mind.

Article 018 is being dropped tomorrow - dedicated to the man behind jersey #18.

We are a couple of minutes away to the absolute end of an era/beginning of an era; it will be weird not seeing him at the front of the line when the lads walk out, but we've witnessed Dhoni leave, seen Sachin go. Like everything in life, we will get used to this after the initial phase.