GATE EC 2018 Set 1 — Question 8

Let's analyze each statement based on the provided paragraph:(i) Even as a junior cricketer, John was considered a good captain. The paragraph states the Board recognized his "potential as a leader" but also that his "on-field temper has always been a matter of concern... since his junior days." This concern suggests he was not considered a complete or good captain at that time. So, this statement cannot be inferred.(ii) Finding a complete captain is a challenge. The last sentence, "After many years, it appears that the team has finally found a complete captain," strongly implies that the search was long and difficult. This makes the inference that finding one is a challenge a logical conclusion. So, this statement can be inferred.(iii) Fans and the Cricket Board have differing views on what they want in a captain. The paragraph says John's aggression "has filled stadia with die-hard fans," while for the Board, his temper was a "matter of concern." This contrast indicates differing perspectives on his aggressive behavior. However, the core desire for a successful captain might be the same. The inference is plausible but might be considered less direct than (ii) and (iv). The question is about what they want in a captain, and the text only provides evidence on the single trait of aggression.(iv) Over the past three seasons John has accumulated big scores. The paragraph states that "Until recently, it appeared that he found it difficult to convert his aggression into big scores." It then contrasts this with the last three seasons, where he has become a "successful batsman-captain." A successful batsman, by definition, scores well and likely accumulates big scores. This is a strong inference. So, this statement can be inferred.Based on the analysis, statements (ii) and (iv) are the most strongly and directly supported inferences from the text. Statement (i) is contradicted, and statement (iii) is plausible but less certain than (ii) and (iv). Therefore, the best option is the one that includes (ii) and (iv).