In Cricket too Hate sells and spreads fast..
October 13th 2008 13:54
I have been thinking about this. It is no coincidence that there is a lot of animation here whenever there is a collective object of hatred in the Indian cricket scenario.
One of the prime objects is taking a bow with this series. So, now the ilk which targeted him is now shifting gears to target the rest of his compatriots who have seen as many or even more sunrises. This does not mean that all Ganguly-haters automatically hate the rest of the seniors. Could work the other way as well. But in short - this movement is spreading. And the press is fanning the flames. Every press conference a senior gives - he is asked about his retirement dates. Every performance that he produces on field - a question mark is raised. It is as if the player is sitting on a scale - him on one side and the weight of public opinion on the other.
If we are going to question each performance of these senior players as if they were his last one or what we think ought to be his last one, are we helping Indian cricket at all in any way?
Consider this for example. There are a lot of people here who give statements on the lines of "India could escape with a draw only because of its tail enders and not because of the celebrated seniors. What good are they"?
Now lets ponder this scenario a bit shall we? Lets say that the Australians are in India's position now. Lets say Cameron White and Mithchell Johnson scored 50s and tormented India's bowlers. And India's bowlers could get only 4 wickets in about 50-60 overs on the fifth day of a Test match. What would we have been saying? Would we not demean and lambast the Indian bowling for being thrown about at will by the Australian lower order? How come people dont think that same way when it comes to our batting? Think of this as an Australian supporter. You figure he/she would be pleased with this performance of their team? You figure they are happy with the pentration shown by their top fast bowler - Brett Lee? Or of the talent shown by their second string spin talent? Or about the fact that their captain still seems vulnerable against spin in India - despite his century in the first innings on the first day of the Test match? Or about the fact that their much touted other senior player Hayden struggled to put bat to ball in two innings here?
Here is a perspective. India have never been famous for rear guard fightbacks. Fightbacks initiated by tail enders. Those have always been the domain of the other teams. Indians were happy to fold down in general. If the top order could not do it, how are we supposed to save the team with the bat - seemed to be the general idea espoused in the team. With Kumble's coming in, the lower order batting has developed a spine. Of course it is not there to do the job instead of the top order. But it should stand up and be counted. And it has - time and again. Thats a huge credit.
Is it not amazing that legitimate credits such as these get missed out when people target their ire and hate at specific individuals? Age does not matter, skill does. The moment this becomes apparent to the press and the average cricket follower, Indian cricket will be a far more peaceful domain.
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