Rajat Subhra Chatterjee
0023
Unfortunately, repeat, unfortunately, Cricket in this country has become a passion, fashion, lifestyle and part & parcel of our daily lives in such proportion that it seems, Cricket is Religion to us. Notwithstanding the fact that this game is played only amongst eight major nations, vis-à-vis, other international sports are played and competed by players / athletes of many more nations. Even Hockey is seriously played and competed by more countries than Cricket, leave aside football. This craze in cricket is not a recent phenomena, rather this is age old and we have been fantasized by the presence of Rajas, Maharajas, Nawabs and Princes in Indian cricket. However, till eighties, Cricket was more of a vocation than a profession. But when the explosion of popularity of this game took place in our country, it became boundless, free of any shackles as lot of money started pouring in. Today, it is more than a profession. It is time to ponder over this status, if we really need to breath, think & discuss Cricket at all ! Because, with the exposure of fixed matches in late nineties, the game had lost much of its credibility though sincere attempts were made effectively to restore the game from that ugly situation. Yet, the introduction of a circus named IPL from 2008 and its continuance year after year is now questioned, if, at all, it serves any purpose excepting filling players’ pockets and coffers of advertisers ! No malice. Yes, admittedly, huge amount of financial exchange means huge Economic boost. Well, that economic boost is also obtainable by selling alcohol. What is then the big deal ? But that apart, is it worth getting maddening obsession of fans over Indian Cricket including IPL ?
This writer has no personal grudge on cricketers or on cricket. Rather, being a lover and long time watcher of the game, I strongly feel that enough is enough. Now euphoria must die down. Else, this might lead us to some where which could be more costly than mere entertainment. When this pessimism is being expressed, obviously, it is remembered that of late India has not been performing well in International level overseas, though on home soil, they will become Tigers.
Loss in Test series against a very depleted South Africa has pained us. Loss against a very weak side notwithstanding, what has been paining more was the fact that the body language of the Indian Cricketers have been abysmally low and lacked any direction. Clearly there have been no leadership for the boys. Loss in Tests these days matter as countries are vying for Test Championship. Surely the absence of few key players were sorely felt but that is cricket. We can not get everyone for all the series. The strong bench strength must be able to prove to be adequate alternative.
Quite a few factors that surface automatically may be plugged in as quick as possible else, Indian Cricket will head for further disaster. Fan following will reduce. And so called ‘ Economic Boost’ will lose out.
1. No kind words be offered from the Coach and authority to the ones who failed even after a long rope. No soft words for the adamant and arrogant ones. Leading has to be from the front and active. There is no room of passive leadership. Dravid will do good as quick he understands these.
2. Mind set has to be overhauled. Recent successes of England and even this raw SA team have been based on reformed mind set.
3. A fixed opening pair must be found out. Rohit Sharma is one. Who would be the other ?
4. A solid no 3 has to be searched. K L Rahul may be thought of at no 3 as Pujara and Rahane, sadly though, must have played their last Tests.
5. With Kohli at number four, there has to be a solid no five. Shreyash Ayar had scored a century in his last Test. He could be retained but Indian cricket had seen Karun Nair, who after scoring a triple hundred was dismissed altogether. Sheyash is young and must be persevered with.
6. Number six will be a wicket keeper. Rishav is a horrible keeper. His misses behind the stumps are unbelievable. Occasionally he brings in terrific catches but he is so very patchy. We need a sure stumper. Ishan Kishan or Reddy could be a better bet. The way Rishav has got himself out repeatedly ( even in the very first ball he faced ) it has been atrocious. He must be punished, else this trend may continue to greater disaster. If Kapil Dev could be dropped in 1984 at the Eden Test, so why not discipline Rishav ? The presence of a coach like Rahul Dravid still could not stop him in going for such rash strokes ?? This indiscipline has been one big factor for India’s dismal showing. If Rishav is not reprimanded, this may become a virus.
7. Ashwin and Jadeja at 7 & 8 to be followed by three pacers. Shami, Bumrah and Chahar may be thought of as first choice with Shardul, Umesh and Siraj in the reserves.
8. Atrocious out fielding by the Indians have been another big issue. None of the Indian out fielders could save at the edge of the boundary rope. Invariably, the ball would roll over, while the South Africans had excelled in that category. If few boundaries are saved, automatically a pressure is created. Indians allowed that grip too. Then, Indian bowlers perhaps are the worst fielders to their own bowling. They seem to be unready every time, when a return catch comes their way. This aspect is to be worked out on top priority.
9. For the limited over games, after a long time, India looked jaded and without any penetration. No purpose was seen. May be Rahul’s captaincy is primarily responsible for that. It is good that his tenure as captain ended with the SA tour, but India needs purposeful captaincy from Rohit Sharma.
10. Some quarters are saying the players are jaded ! What – jaded ? They are paid for this. This is their only profession. Millions they earn through playing for India. They can not offer that excuse.
Most importantly, discipline has to be brought in. Cricket may not be India’s everything yet a large cross section of Indians follow Indian cricket. After all, a nation thrives on the success at any sphere of activities. Could be cricket, could be tennis, could be Olympics, could be a beauty pigeon! Without individual or collective success, no nation can strive to march ahead. These are impetus. Heroes are required for projection. But Indian cricket in recent times, has been big disappointment. Let us get rid of those and renew our vitality with fresh thought process. One would like to know the cost vs real benefit of this game India reaps. Sincerely hope, it is positive.
Featured Image : Courtesy Internet
