As Sachin prepared to stage a one-day comeback, Sehwag’s shoulder got stage fright.
Next Saurav spoke of a Ranji return, elsewhere Gambhir felt his groin go.
Of course this is factually incorrect, but we must continue to believe in these untruths – they’re about the alignment of Sachin and Saurav’s one-day worlds.
These worlds cast a shadow on any other opening partnerships. Is it any wonder, Sehwag-Gambhir do not open when Sachin is available.
I believe if you went up to Sachin, and wangled an interview with his gracious heart, it would articulate in the same vein – ‘I’d love to open with Saurav’. And then you can’t argue with those one-day runs they scored.
You can if you want to, make Dinesh Karthik open with Virat Kohli. It’s only a one-day game, let the kids have some fun.
On Bored: Gambhir refuses to play without Sehwag
Showing posts with label Saurav Ganguly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Saurav Ganguly. Show all posts
September 10, 2009
July 26, 2009
The long and short of Chaminda Vaas.
Vaas, much like the pitch he bowled on, both packed up after an uneventful 5 days. If Vaas’ return was a surprise, then his retirement was anything but that. Why, all along I thought he had already retired. But as is the case with Jayasuriya, you can never tell who’s in, who’s out – at times I have trouble telling what format Sanath plays, ODIs, IPL, right –no tests for him too? And then, if Lanka has trouble fixing the hole on top, no surprises if they bring back the opener for all seasons.
But let’s stay with Vaas, the boy with the long name and a short ball. At some point in the late 1990s-early 2000s, he unearthed the short ball, and sussed out Saurav Ganguly. Vaas had figured out what made Saurav hop, skip, jump – short, and just around middle and off – and Saurav was anything but God on the offside, the ball ballooned to point or some little helper at hand.
It’s not important how many times Vaas prised out Saurav, what’s significant is how he had him by the short and…from then on, at least for me, Saurav was a marked man. The word got around, Saurav didn’t – and I almost expected Vaas to always knock Saurav out.
In short, that’s Warnakulasuriya Patabendige Ushantha Joseph Chaminda Vaas for me.
But let’s stay with Vaas, the boy with the long name and a short ball. At some point in the late 1990s-early 2000s, he unearthed the short ball, and sussed out Saurav Ganguly. Vaas had figured out what made Saurav hop, skip, jump – short, and just around middle and off – and Saurav was anything but God on the offside, the ball ballooned to point or some little helper at hand.
It’s not important how many times Vaas prised out Saurav, what’s significant is how he had him by the short and…from then on, at least for me, Saurav was a marked man. The word got around, Saurav didn’t – and I almost expected Vaas to always knock Saurav out.
In short, that’s Warnakulasuriya Patabendige Ushantha Joseph Chaminda Vaas for me.
February 17, 2009
September 30, 2008
This is not my swan song.
This is not my swan song
This is not my gone song
This is not my last hurrah
You’re either in or you’re out
You’re either playing or you are not
How hard can it be – to give it all you got
When all you got is…
I took somebody’s place
Somebody with more runs than me
Somebody will take my place
Somebody with less runs than me
It’s always the same
Nobody’s getting younger
It’s always the same
Somebody’s gotta cop the blame
Why don’t I speak to Steven Waugh?
And ask him what a scrap is?
Why don’t I speak to Shivnarine Chanderpaul?
And ask him what to bat like crap is?
We were the brightest stars
Playing like children play, with their dinky cars
Now we are nowhere half as cute
So we’re told, you can either fly away
Or take a chute
Take a chute, take a chute
But
This is not my swan song
This is not my gone song
This is not my last hurrah.
And I
Think I know what a scrap is
Think I know what to bat like crap is.
Think I know.
I think I know.
Bill Lawry: GAAAWN!
(To be performed by Yusuf Islam a.k.a Cat Stevens, ideally)
This is not my gone song
This is not my last hurrah
You’re either in or you’re out
You’re either playing or you are not
How hard can it be – to give it all you got
When all you got is…
I took somebody’s place
Somebody with more runs than me
Somebody will take my place
Somebody with less runs than me
It’s always the same
Nobody’s getting younger
It’s always the same
Somebody’s gotta cop the blame
Why don’t I speak to Steven Waugh?
And ask him what a scrap is?
Why don’t I speak to Shivnarine Chanderpaul?
And ask him what to bat like crap is?
We were the brightest stars
Playing like children play, with their dinky cars
Now we are nowhere half as cute
So we’re told, you can either fly away
Or take a chute
Take a chute, take a chute
But
This is not my swan song
This is not my gone song
This is not my last hurrah.
And I
Think I know what a scrap is
Think I know what to bat like crap is.
Think I know.
I think I know.
Bill Lawry: GAAAWN!
(To be performed by Yusuf Islam a.k.a Cat Stevens, ideally)
April 17, 2008
Soviets and lefties.
Looks like India won the battle and didn’t lose the war either. When you win the last test in a series it’s an altogether different high - be it to seal or square a series or pick some hand-me-downs from the Aussies in a dead rubber. In dead rubbers, it appears, the Aussies go get a manicure – and choose not to dirty their hands with the efforts of a scorecard inspiring 4-0 win. 2-1 will do, thanks mate.
So while the Aussies pound teams in the virginal days of a series, it’s full time commitment that puts them off. Except when it’s the English they’re deflowering. That’s when even five-nil is an understatement. You have to delve into details. How many innings’ defeats? How many ten-wicket wins? Are the pommies scarred for life? Will they make it for the next Ashes?
And that is what separates two teams in a series, even when they are locked at one all. Like India-South Africa. Who, in Rameez Raja speak, dented the others’ confidence quite badly?
Even though India had the last laugh, what about Ahmedabad? Why did it happen? Does it necessitate a complete breakdown –followed by a rehab visit to get all cleaned up - to bounce back again?
Is team India just a motley crew of gifted cricketers put together– the Soviet Union of cricket. Also consider India’s policy on no-first-use of nukes! Hit us, then we’ll hit back, only harder.
Over to the Bong bombshell Saurav Ganguly, who’s nearly hooked up with the potential of his big box office debut. And though he didn’t chart a century at Kanpur, it set Sauravspeak in motion: his best innings, he says. Or did he mean, “one of”. Not as in “one off”. Either way, Dada was on: a left handed VVS Laxman.
Of the other lefties, Irfan Pathan wasn’t playing, Piyush Chawla got two wickets (and then wasn’t playing) and with Yuvraj Singh, the promoters wangled a 32 run item number.
Who’s left?
Gambhir for Jaffer?
Also don't be surprised if IPL performances decide the odd test slot.
By the way, Suresh Raina bats left handed too.
Looks like India won the battle and didn’t lose the war either. When you win the last test in a series it’s an altogether different high - be it to seal or square a series or pick some hand-me-downs from the Aussies in a dead rubber. In dead rubbers, it appears, the Aussies go get a manicure – and choose not to dirty their hands with the efforts of a scorecard inspiring 4-0 win. 2-1 will do, thanks mate.
So while the Aussies pound teams in the virginal days of a series, it’s full time commitment that puts them off. Except when it’s the English they’re deflowering. That’s when even five-nil is an understatement. You have to delve into details. How many innings’ defeats? How many ten-wicket wins? Are the pommies scarred for life? Will they make it for the next Ashes?
And that is what separates two teams in a series, even when they are locked at one all. Like India-South Africa. Who, in Rameez Raja speak, dented the others’ confidence quite badly?
Even though India had the last laugh, what about Ahmedabad? Why did it happen? Does it necessitate a complete breakdown –followed by a rehab visit to get all cleaned up - to bounce back again?
Is team India just a motley crew of gifted cricketers put together– the Soviet Union of cricket. Also consider India’s policy on no-first-use of nukes! Hit us, then we’ll hit back, only harder.
Over to the Bong bombshell Saurav Ganguly, who’s nearly hooked up with the potential of his big box office debut. And though he didn’t chart a century at Kanpur, it set Sauravspeak in motion: his best innings, he says. Or did he mean, “one of”. Not as in “one off”. Either way, Dada was on: a left handed VVS Laxman.
Of the other lefties, Irfan Pathan wasn’t playing, Piyush Chawla got two wickets (and then wasn’t playing) and with Yuvraj Singh, the promoters wangled a 32 run item number.
Who’s left?
Gambhir for Jaffer?
Also don't be surprised if IPL performances decide the odd test slot.
By the way, Suresh Raina bats left handed too.
January 21, 2008
One Day in 2011.
It took a Sydney soap opera to crack the cast for Perth. That old adage, “don’t change a winning team” also works well when reversed – so, India changed it’s losing team, and thank heavens, rather, thank hell for that. For, had India drawn that game (if that’s what it was), they might have persisted with Rahul Dravid on top and Yuvraj Singh in the middle. Even though by then Yuvraj looked he’d rather be anywhere than in the middle. But then, Dravid didn’t look too different a few games back; and it’s rash to write off class on the basis of a few no shows.
Wherein lies the problem with Indian cricket, and the different directions it moves in – each negating the other. Trust, this is a time to cherish a remarkable win at Perth, but it’s also worth looking at a strange sequence of events.
Makes one wonder - did the Perth victory happen by default? How does India lose by over three hundred runs in Melbourne and then rise like a perky Phoenix in Perth – in the space of a few weeks? Did new coach, Garry Kirsten chant a secret mantra in Afrikaans? Or did better sense prevail?
On what basis did Virender Sehwag make it Down Under? Nearly as confusing as why he was dropped from the test team in the first place? Sehwag’s exclusion and subsequent inclusion highlights the freakiness of Indian cricket. Are the vague links between ODI, test and Twenty20 form being used to manipulate players? Often a bad run in one-dayers can cost a player his test slot – and vice versa.
When Sehwag exited, Saurav Ganguly returned to his good old top spot. Goes to show what that opening spot in one-day cricket is worth: is that why Tendulkar resisted going down the order against Chappell’s wishes? Now, in spite of scoring over 1200 runs at an average of 44, Ganguly has been dropped from the one-day team. And not rested, as is often the case –like after the World Cup debacle.
While the opening slot has as many as five takers for the upcoming one-day tri-series: Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa and even Dinesh Karthik; until the Sydney test, India could not even muster two full-time openers. Instead they set free some fresh demons on an already dreary Dravid.
Two tests too late, India resorted to its only other tried and tested opener, Sehwag. One can argue that Sehwag should not have been in Australia, but not to play him once there, was foolish beyond words.
Into the Perth test, along with Sehwag came another ex star player – Irfan Pathan. And if Sehwag’s story is surreal, then Pathan’s is downright weird. Both pre ‘n’ post the World Cup (ODI) it was alleged that Pathan was either not fully fit or on the verge of regaining his old bowling form – he did not play many, if any games during this time to prove match fitness or form. However, he continued to tour with the team – as in the ODI World Cup, where he was a sprightly spectator.
A far cry from the Karachi hat-trick and the Multan triple century, these two erstwhile supermen of Indian cricket were seemingly powerless – but who was using kryptonite on them is still not known?
Both Sehwag and Pathan missed the England and Pakistan series – made it to the Twenty20 World Cup, and then the flight to Australia. In Perth, they both took flight.
In the absence of Sehwag and Pathan, India’s one-day team lost to an average English team, was thrashed by Australia at home, but won against a below par Pakistani team It’s worth noting that Saurav Ganguly played in these series, scored plenty, but at a modest strike rate – 73 per hundred balls for 2007.
While 73 is level with Ganguly’s career strike rate, the one-day game with the advent of T20, is now being played with even greater frenzy. Scores of over 200 are gettable in T20, and totals in excess of 400 are being overhauled in ODIs.
Both Ganguly and Dravid score heavily, yet strike in the early 70s. Where as Sachin Tendulkar’s prolific scores come at a career strike rate above 85. Doubtless, it’s a bitter pill to swallow for ardent Ganguly and Dravid fans, and a large section of the reactionary media, but the time is ripe, yet again (it was once before when Ganguly was reinstated) – to decide on who’s in, who’s out.
Whether the selectors have shot themselves in the foot or the arm, it’s too early to say – but if it’s time for the Uthappas, Rainas, Sharmas, Gambhirs, then they should be given a fair run. For without that, it will only be a case of one bad series, and back to the usual suspects.
It helps if there is clarity between the selectors and the senior players. Because if India’s one-day team is earnestly looking beyond them, these players should be informed in no uncertain terms that the agenda is the 2011 World Cup, and they do not figure in it. That of course, in no way undermines their standing as world-class test players. If VVS Laxman and Anil Kumble can play exclusively tests, then pray, why can’t Ganguly and Dravid? By sending an unequivocal message, the seniors too would know that it’s time to move on. And won’t try to win the selectors’ nod through out of character dare devil cameos in test matches – like Rahul Dravid in the recent Indo-Pak test series.
Of course, as always cricket has a way of making the selectors look silly – and don’t be surprised if Dada, Jammie or VVS play an innings at Adelaide that demands they be picked for the tri-series.
In such a case, regardless of the media pressure, the selectors should stick to their guns, and back MS Dhoni’s team. What it achieves remains to be seen. But there will be considerable clarity, one day in 2011. Over to the next World Cup, folks!
It took a Sydney soap opera to crack the cast for Perth. That old adage, “don’t change a winning team” also works well when reversed – so, India changed it’s losing team, and thank heavens, rather, thank hell for that. For, had India drawn that game (if that’s what it was), they might have persisted with Rahul Dravid on top and Yuvraj Singh in the middle. Even though by then Yuvraj looked he’d rather be anywhere than in the middle. But then, Dravid didn’t look too different a few games back; and it’s rash to write off class on the basis of a few no shows.
Wherein lies the problem with Indian cricket, and the different directions it moves in – each negating the other. Trust, this is a time to cherish a remarkable win at Perth, but it’s also worth looking at a strange sequence of events.
Makes one wonder - did the Perth victory happen by default? How does India lose by over three hundred runs in Melbourne and then rise like a perky Phoenix in Perth – in the space of a few weeks? Did new coach, Garry Kirsten chant a secret mantra in Afrikaans? Or did better sense prevail?
On what basis did Virender Sehwag make it Down Under? Nearly as confusing as why he was dropped from the test team in the first place? Sehwag’s exclusion and subsequent inclusion highlights the freakiness of Indian cricket. Are the vague links between ODI, test and Twenty20 form being used to manipulate players? Often a bad run in one-dayers can cost a player his test slot – and vice versa.
When Sehwag exited, Saurav Ganguly returned to his good old top spot. Goes to show what that opening spot in one-day cricket is worth: is that why Tendulkar resisted going down the order against Chappell’s wishes? Now, in spite of scoring over 1200 runs at an average of 44, Ganguly has been dropped from the one-day team. And not rested, as is often the case –like after the World Cup debacle.
While the opening slot has as many as five takers for the upcoming one-day tri-series: Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa and even Dinesh Karthik; until the Sydney test, India could not even muster two full-time openers. Instead they set free some fresh demons on an already dreary Dravid.
Two tests too late, India resorted to its only other tried and tested opener, Sehwag. One can argue that Sehwag should not have been in Australia, but not to play him once there, was foolish beyond words.
Into the Perth test, along with Sehwag came another ex star player – Irfan Pathan. And if Sehwag’s story is surreal, then Pathan’s is downright weird. Both pre ‘n’ post the World Cup (ODI) it was alleged that Pathan was either not fully fit or on the verge of regaining his old bowling form – he did not play many, if any games during this time to prove match fitness or form. However, he continued to tour with the team – as in the ODI World Cup, where he was a sprightly spectator.
A far cry from the Karachi hat-trick and the Multan triple century, these two erstwhile supermen of Indian cricket were seemingly powerless – but who was using kryptonite on them is still not known?
Both Sehwag and Pathan missed the England and Pakistan series – made it to the Twenty20 World Cup, and then the flight to Australia. In Perth, they both took flight.
In the absence of Sehwag and Pathan, India’s one-day team lost to an average English team, was thrashed by Australia at home, but won against a below par Pakistani team It’s worth noting that Saurav Ganguly played in these series, scored plenty, but at a modest strike rate – 73 per hundred balls for 2007.
While 73 is level with Ganguly’s career strike rate, the one-day game with the advent of T20, is now being played with even greater frenzy. Scores of over 200 are gettable in T20, and totals in excess of 400 are being overhauled in ODIs.
Both Ganguly and Dravid score heavily, yet strike in the early 70s. Where as Sachin Tendulkar’s prolific scores come at a career strike rate above 85. Doubtless, it’s a bitter pill to swallow for ardent Ganguly and Dravid fans, and a large section of the reactionary media, but the time is ripe, yet again (it was once before when Ganguly was reinstated) – to decide on who’s in, who’s out.
Whether the selectors have shot themselves in the foot or the arm, it’s too early to say – but if it’s time for the Uthappas, Rainas, Sharmas, Gambhirs, then they should be given a fair run. For without that, it will only be a case of one bad series, and back to the usual suspects.
It helps if there is clarity between the selectors and the senior players. Because if India’s one-day team is earnestly looking beyond them, these players should be informed in no uncertain terms that the agenda is the 2011 World Cup, and they do not figure in it. That of course, in no way undermines their standing as world-class test players. If VVS Laxman and Anil Kumble can play exclusively tests, then pray, why can’t Ganguly and Dravid? By sending an unequivocal message, the seniors too would know that it’s time to move on. And won’t try to win the selectors’ nod through out of character dare devil cameos in test matches – like Rahul Dravid in the recent Indo-Pak test series.
Of course, as always cricket has a way of making the selectors look silly – and don’t be surprised if Dada, Jammie or VVS play an innings at Adelaide that demands they be picked for the tri-series.
In such a case, regardless of the media pressure, the selectors should stick to their guns, and back MS Dhoni’s team. What it achieves remains to be seen. But there will be considerable clarity, one day in 2011. Over to the next World Cup, folks!
November 03, 2007
Six and in.
Appeared in the Hindustan Times on 12th November, 2007.
My six-year old friend, Vasudev has taken to cricket. Not in an air-fairy way, but in a possessed by the will of the cricket Gods kinda way. He was not always like this. Earlier, cricket was faddy, almost like something he took to perforce, because among the birthday gifts came a bat and a ball. And like the bicycle, scooter and drums, the seasons changed and so did his curious little interests.
Meanwhile, on my jaunts to his room, I used to request him for the cricket channel. He would almost always comply, but somewhat grudgingly shift from POGO. I would invariably feel the guilt of denying Vasu his daily dose of toons and make a hasty retreat, handing him the baton, the remote control.
Still I felt there was a hidden, almost waiting to be tapped love for the game. On the few occasions that we knocked around in the basement, and the street, he showed enough guile to take the ball on the half volley and smash it past my whirling waiting hands. Yeah, that’s the way you do it. Smash. Boom. Bang. Take no prisoners, kid.
When he was just a kid, (and that is a very small ballpark in kid years nowadays), little man Vasu floored me with his wide, unconventional batsman’s stance. Also did I mention, he was that rare breed – a Left Handed Batsman. Just like his grandpa, who had long given up on cricket’s avarice. However, when I did mention Vasu’s Gangulyesque style, he repeated, not for the first time, that he too was a Left Handed Batsman, and a wicketkeeper too. But that was it. Anyway, that was possibly the longest cricket chat we’d had in a while.
Next came the summer holidays, and Vasu was flung into a cricket camp. And I thought only Sehwag was batty enough to play through the Delhi summer. Evidently not. Yet the fervour was missing – possibly in both Sehwag and Vasu. Summer camp didn’t quite take off. And it looked as if Vasu’s waning interest in the great game was just another fling. You know how kids love to fling things around?
But then came the Twenty20. From no hopers and non-watchers, an entire nation embraced this new idiosyncratic form of cricket. I was glad to observe that Vasu and grandpa were both showing signs of growing up too – they were the new converts, diligently watching matches, lock stock and two smoking barrels.
And by the time India had smoked both Australia and Pakistan out, and won the T20 World Cup, both Vasu and his grandpa were yapping more cricket than me. Almost like Mr. Manmohan Singh reciting more poetry than Vajpayeeji. Hoola! Alaap?
The times are a changing. Vasu now fixates on even re-runs of antiquated games. We sit and watch no-brainers like India Blue vs. India Red. We chat up on Uthappa, MSD, Yuvi and Irfan. I sense the pulse and impatience of young Indian fans. If a savvy six year old city kid (already a captive market for advertisers) has forgotten about Sachin and Saurav, what will happen in a few years? How many heroes can the Indian cricket assembly line produce? Boy, it’s going to be tough capturing the ever-changing imagination.
Meanwhile, a minor setback. Vasu has not made his cricket team – he informs me cheerfully, as if he’s on the T20 victory parade to Wankhede. At first I don’t get it. Shouldn’t he be upset? And then I think about Uthappa and Gambhir – who in spite of their setbacks have only came back stronger. I smile. And ask him my pet cricket question, “ Who is your favourite cricketer today, Vachi?” Won’t you just love to know what he says?
Also in the same series: Cricket Santa!
My six-year old friend, Vasudev has taken to cricket. Not in an air-fairy way, but in a possessed by the will of the cricket Gods kinda way. He was not always like this. Earlier, cricket was faddy, almost like something he took to perforce, because among the birthday gifts came a bat and a ball. And like the bicycle, scooter and drums, the seasons changed and so did his curious little interests.
Meanwhile, on my jaunts to his room, I used to request him for the cricket channel. He would almost always comply, but somewhat grudgingly shift from POGO. I would invariably feel the guilt of denying Vasu his daily dose of toons and make a hasty retreat, handing him the baton, the remote control.
Still I felt there was a hidden, almost waiting to be tapped love for the game. On the few occasions that we knocked around in the basement, and the street, he showed enough guile to take the ball on the half volley and smash it past my whirling waiting hands. Yeah, that’s the way you do it. Smash. Boom. Bang. Take no prisoners, kid.
When he was just a kid, (and that is a very small ballpark in kid years nowadays), little man Vasu floored me with his wide, unconventional batsman’s stance. Also did I mention, he was that rare breed – a Left Handed Batsman. Just like his grandpa, who had long given up on cricket’s avarice. However, when I did mention Vasu’s Gangulyesque style, he repeated, not for the first time, that he too was a Left Handed Batsman, and a wicketkeeper too. But that was it. Anyway, that was possibly the longest cricket chat we’d had in a while.
Next came the summer holidays, and Vasu was flung into a cricket camp. And I thought only Sehwag was batty enough to play through the Delhi summer. Evidently not. Yet the fervour was missing – possibly in both Sehwag and Vasu. Summer camp didn’t quite take off. And it looked as if Vasu’s waning interest in the great game was just another fling. You know how kids love to fling things around?
But then came the Twenty20. From no hopers and non-watchers, an entire nation embraced this new idiosyncratic form of cricket. I was glad to observe that Vasu and grandpa were both showing signs of growing up too – they were the new converts, diligently watching matches, lock stock and two smoking barrels.
And by the time India had smoked both Australia and Pakistan out, and won the T20 World Cup, both Vasu and his grandpa were yapping more cricket than me. Almost like Mr. Manmohan Singh reciting more poetry than Vajpayeeji. Hoola! Alaap?
The times are a changing. Vasu now fixates on even re-runs of antiquated games. We sit and watch no-brainers like India Blue vs. India Red. We chat up on Uthappa, MSD, Yuvi and Irfan. I sense the pulse and impatience of young Indian fans. If a savvy six year old city kid (already a captive market for advertisers) has forgotten about Sachin and Saurav, what will happen in a few years? How many heroes can the Indian cricket assembly line produce? Boy, it’s going to be tough capturing the ever-changing imagination.
Meanwhile, a minor setback. Vasu has not made his cricket team – he informs me cheerfully, as if he’s on the T20 victory parade to Wankhede. At first I don’t get it. Shouldn’t he be upset? And then I think about Uthappa and Gambhir – who in spite of their setbacks have only came back stronger. I smile. And ask him my pet cricket question, “ Who is your favourite cricketer today, Vachi?” Won’t you just love to know what he says?
Also in the same series: Cricket Santa!
November 01, 2007
Third Man
In spite of his triumphs as player and captain, is Rahul Dravid’s lesser standing among the “Big Three” a reality or perception?
Beware, this is Indian cricket, and there’s no such thing as the right thing. Also, by the same logic, or lack thereof, you do no wrong here. Often enough, two wrongs make a right as do one right and a wrong – in fact, think of all the permutations, and chances are, they will result in a right. What, at times even two rights result in a right. This might appear confusing, but that’s what Indian cricket is – the more you know of it, the less you really know about it. It’s like a highly secretive yet dysfunctional family. You think they are off their rocker, but they put forth such an incomprehensibly serene face that you start to think, maybe it’s just the imagination running wild.
But it’s far from that. Indian cricket is like a Reality Show. In it, black and white coexist, but when shades of grey appear, the signal goes off. Fact is there are no grey areas. Why a certain captain greys prematurely is hastily hushed up – either with hair dye, a death knell or a new scapegoat. Either way, there are no answers, draw your own conclusions, live with your own concussions, gentlemen. Indian cricket is not for the overtly rational.
Which brings us to Rahul Dravid – was he far too rational? Did he captain India in a cocoon, blissfully unaware of the monster called Indian cricket? Or did he take it upon himself to rid Indian cricket of its demons?
It’s obvious that the Rahul Dravid-Greg Chappell combine made more foes than friends. After the World Cup ouster and Chappell’s resignation, Dravid, Tendulkar and Ganguly were in the eye of a storm. There was a deafening demand for change. Supply was met with Tendulkar and Ganguly being rested for the Bangladesh one-day series – giving them a much-needed breather; after which they returned for the test series. While the ODI and test series’ victories did not make up for the World Cup ouster, it gave the three seniors a little more time. Also, resentment had simmered down to indifference.
Next, an unexpected 2-1 one-day series victory over South Africa in Ireland; a famous1-0 test series win and a lackluster 3-4 one-day series defeat, both versus England.
In the ODI series, Tendulkar did exceptionally well, while Ganguly soldiered on manfully. What about Dravid, you may ask? The trouble with Dravid is he tends to go along unnoticed, especially when he scores; for, that is what we expect of him. Also, with a personal P.R. that is low-key at best and non-existent at worst, Rahul Dravid never quite captured India’s imagination like Tendulkar the player or Ganguly the captain. So, when he succeeded it was like he was doing his job. Somewhere down the line, Dravid had not come to grips with the trappings of modern Indian cricket. And this lack would catch up, sooner rather than later.
By now Dravid had also relinquished his coveted No.3 spot to that of a finisher down the order. However, one task would remain unfinished – out of the blue, Dravid resigned as captain from both forms of the game.
The furore caused by Dravid’s resignation was short-lived. Indian cricket attained dizzying heights with the Twenty20 World Cup win. MS Dhoni had arrived yet again, and this time with his band of brothers - with Yuvi, Veeru, Irfan, Uthappa, Gambhir, Rohit Sharma. It was like Indian cricket was up for grabs.
But then came Australia, and India reverted to pretty much the same one-day side pre-T20 World Cup. Another “I told-you-so” horror run, India went down 4-2 in the 7 match series. We were left wondering, what if? If only? Why didn’t the T20 Champs play the one-day games? Why are we back to square one? A little of that post World Cup anger was back again. And it was time for another resting (like in that Bangladesh ODI series).
The bed had been made. Dravid was rested on the grounds of form and fitness for the first two one-dayers versus Pakistan. Chairman of selectors, Dilip Vengsarkar had spoken, somewhat incoherently as usual. His was the last word. Dravid made no comments. At a marathon in Delhi, he was only taking “non-cricket” questions.
Some may argue that’s precisely what this is – non-cricket. But Dravid gave little away, only saying, in true Jammy fashion, “it’s a long season”.
It’s baffling that Dravid did not play in the “Challenger” series – which was to be the so-called selection trials for the India-Pakistan ODI series. But when selections are made even before the finals, you realise it’s all hogwash! Forget India Blues and India Greens, India is in the red now.
To make sense of Indian cricket, try reading between the blurred, zigzag lines. But even then it’s more about unanswered questions.
Like, after his controversial resignation as India coach, why did Greg Chappell return for another appointment? Why did Chappell take on Tendulkar? Was he right in doing so? Why did Dravid stand by Chappell? Why did Saurav Ganguly return? Was it good for Indian cricket? Did Dravid want him to return? Was it Chappell/Dravid vs. the rest of the Indian team? Why did Dravid declare when Tendulkar was closing in on his double hundred? Was he right? Is the Ganguly/Tendulkar–Dravid divide idle media chat? Is resting Dravid part of a rotational policy? If so, then why aren’t the selectors saying so? Question hour can go on till the mind becomes a maze.
Probably better to stay in the present with an Indian team sans Rahul Dravid. What will India be missing? For argument’s sake think South Africa sans Jacques Kallis or Pakistan without Mohammed Yousuf – what do they miss?
Point is, you can bundle all the boundary boys in your team, but they cannot replace the blue-chip quality of a Dravid. These new kids will thrill. They may even make more attractive ad models. But to understand the nuances of cricket (one-dayers and tests), they can do with the disciplined mind of Dravid.
Out of the big three, more so, in the last few years, Dravid has asserted himself as the standout player, hardly missed a game – while both Tendulkar and Ganguly have been indisposed either due to form or fitness, Dravid has gone from strength to strength. If anything, he has looked the fittest, most accomplished of the three – and looked set to out-bat and outlast the other two, until this series of unfortunate incidents.
If the selectors and the BCCI are even remotely committed to Indian cricket, they should strengthen The Wall. Cherish Jammy. But before that, speak and listen to Rahul Dravid. Maybe they too will learn a thing or two about cricket. And it’s definitely not “six and out”. For that is only Brett Lee’s pop group.
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Beware, this is Indian cricket, and there’s no such thing as the right thing. Also, by the same logic, or lack thereof, you do no wrong here. Often enough, two wrongs make a right as do one right and a wrong – in fact, think of all the permutations, and chances are, they will result in a right. What, at times even two rights result in a right. This might appear confusing, but that’s what Indian cricket is – the more you know of it, the less you really know about it. It’s like a highly secretive yet dysfunctional family. You think they are off their rocker, but they put forth such an incomprehensibly serene face that you start to think, maybe it’s just the imagination running wild.
But it’s far from that. Indian cricket is like a Reality Show. In it, black and white coexist, but when shades of grey appear, the signal goes off. Fact is there are no grey areas. Why a certain captain greys prematurely is hastily hushed up – either with hair dye, a death knell or a new scapegoat. Either way, there are no answers, draw your own conclusions, live with your own concussions, gentlemen. Indian cricket is not for the overtly rational.
Which brings us to Rahul Dravid – was he far too rational? Did he captain India in a cocoon, blissfully unaware of the monster called Indian cricket? Or did he take it upon himself to rid Indian cricket of its demons?
It’s obvious that the Rahul Dravid-Greg Chappell combine made more foes than friends. After the World Cup ouster and Chappell’s resignation, Dravid, Tendulkar and Ganguly were in the eye of a storm. There was a deafening demand for change. Supply was met with Tendulkar and Ganguly being rested for the Bangladesh one-day series – giving them a much-needed breather; after which they returned for the test series. While the ODI and test series’ victories did not make up for the World Cup ouster, it gave the three seniors a little more time. Also, resentment had simmered down to indifference.
Next, an unexpected 2-1 one-day series victory over South Africa in Ireland; a famous1-0 test series win and a lackluster 3-4 one-day series defeat, both versus England.
In the ODI series, Tendulkar did exceptionally well, while Ganguly soldiered on manfully. What about Dravid, you may ask? The trouble with Dravid is he tends to go along unnoticed, especially when he scores; for, that is what we expect of him. Also, with a personal P.R. that is low-key at best and non-existent at worst, Rahul Dravid never quite captured India’s imagination like Tendulkar the player or Ganguly the captain. So, when he succeeded it was like he was doing his job. Somewhere down the line, Dravid had not come to grips with the trappings of modern Indian cricket. And this lack would catch up, sooner rather than later.
By now Dravid had also relinquished his coveted No.3 spot to that of a finisher down the order. However, one task would remain unfinished – out of the blue, Dravid resigned as captain from both forms of the game.
The furore caused by Dravid’s resignation was short-lived. Indian cricket attained dizzying heights with the Twenty20 World Cup win. MS Dhoni had arrived yet again, and this time with his band of brothers - with Yuvi, Veeru, Irfan, Uthappa, Gambhir, Rohit Sharma. It was like Indian cricket was up for grabs.
But then came Australia, and India reverted to pretty much the same one-day side pre-T20 World Cup. Another “I told-you-so” horror run, India went down 4-2 in the 7 match series. We were left wondering, what if? If only? Why didn’t the T20 Champs play the one-day games? Why are we back to square one? A little of that post World Cup anger was back again. And it was time for another resting (like in that Bangladesh ODI series).
The bed had been made. Dravid was rested on the grounds of form and fitness for the first two one-dayers versus Pakistan. Chairman of selectors, Dilip Vengsarkar had spoken, somewhat incoherently as usual. His was the last word. Dravid made no comments. At a marathon in Delhi, he was only taking “non-cricket” questions.
Some may argue that’s precisely what this is – non-cricket. But Dravid gave little away, only saying, in true Jammy fashion, “it’s a long season”.
It’s baffling that Dravid did not play in the “Challenger” series – which was to be the so-called selection trials for the India-Pakistan ODI series. But when selections are made even before the finals, you realise it’s all hogwash! Forget India Blues and India Greens, India is in the red now.
To make sense of Indian cricket, try reading between the blurred, zigzag lines. But even then it’s more about unanswered questions.
Like, after his controversial resignation as India coach, why did Greg Chappell return for another appointment? Why did Chappell take on Tendulkar? Was he right in doing so? Why did Dravid stand by Chappell? Why did Saurav Ganguly return? Was it good for Indian cricket? Did Dravid want him to return? Was it Chappell/Dravid vs. the rest of the Indian team? Why did Dravid declare when Tendulkar was closing in on his double hundred? Was he right? Is the Ganguly/Tendulkar–Dravid divide idle media chat? Is resting Dravid part of a rotational policy? If so, then why aren’t the selectors saying so? Question hour can go on till the mind becomes a maze.
Probably better to stay in the present with an Indian team sans Rahul Dravid. What will India be missing? For argument’s sake think South Africa sans Jacques Kallis or Pakistan without Mohammed Yousuf – what do they miss?
Point is, you can bundle all the boundary boys in your team, but they cannot replace the blue-chip quality of a Dravid. These new kids will thrill. They may even make more attractive ad models. But to understand the nuances of cricket (one-dayers and tests), they can do with the disciplined mind of Dravid.
Out of the big three, more so, in the last few years, Dravid has asserted himself as the standout player, hardly missed a game – while both Tendulkar and Ganguly have been indisposed either due to form or fitness, Dravid has gone from strength to strength. If anything, he has looked the fittest, most accomplished of the three – and looked set to out-bat and outlast the other two, until this series of unfortunate incidents.
If the selectors and the BCCI are even remotely committed to Indian cricket, they should strengthen The Wall. Cherish Jammy. But before that, speak and listen to Rahul Dravid. Maybe they too will learn a thing or two about cricket. And it’s definitely not “six and out”. For that is only Brett Lee’s pop group.
All rights reserved. This article cannot be reproduced without prior permission.
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