Sports India

After three days of sweat and secrecy, Rahul Dravid and his men were back on the familiar terrain of flashbulbs and autograph hunters. The skipper was a visibly pleased man as he spoke to the media at length about the closed-door training stint at the Pegasus Centre besides dwelling on the forthcoming tri-series in Sri Lanka and the welcome return of Sachin Tendulkar.

Excerpts

On the three-day stint: It’s a good set-up in Doddaballapur. Executives from more than 100 companies have trained there in the last eight years. The activities we did were challenging physically and mentally. It also involved teamwork. It was a good experience and helped some of our boys to explore different facets of their personality. Not many have the opportunity to train and be on their own without having a lot of people around them, without having the press constantly photographing them. The challenge for us is not only about helping them grow as cricketers but also to help them grow as people.

On specific activities: Most of the activities were something which none of the guys had done before. I have seen some reports that we did rock-climbing and rafting but we didn’t do any of them. Pegasus is a set-up, which has some sort of army drills, and the physical aspect is something that we as athletes can do but it also challenges you mentally to finish the task. It was a nice experience to stay in tents and do new things but we didn’t go there just to bond but we also went there to help the guys explore themselves in terms of their physical and mental aspects.

On the World Cup team: I’m not a selector and not in a position to give a definite answer but I feel everyone who is playing domestic cricket is available for selection. Obviously these 20 are the ones who have played for us in the recent past. They include the 15 scheduled to tour Sri Lanka and the others who played for us in the West Indies. But if some special talent crops up in the next few months, we will definitely not ignore him.

On Tendulkar’s return: Sachin responded well and did everything that was asked of him. Obviously we had our physio to advise us in case anything we did had a risky element in it but then we did not do anything like that and he participated in every single thing we did. He was very keen and looks in very good shape but more than shape, he looks in a very good state of mind and that is most important to me.

On the tri-series: Sri Lanka at home is a tough outfit. It has always been a challenging tour. We are all excited about it and if we perform well there, it will be a good start to our season.

On future camps: It depends on situations and what we are trying to achieve. It did help us in the last three days and in the future if we come across a similar situation, then we might do it again or we might do something completely new.

Then captain of the national team, a scholarship lured him to swap bat for books but Grenada Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell remains loyal to his first love and his list of cricket greats includes batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar.

Dr. Mitchell — also the chairman of the CARICOM Prime Minister’s sub-committee on cricket — said he is an ardent Tendulkar fan with a disliking for the usual Tendulkar-Brian Lara comparison.

“Tendulkar, without an iota of doubt, ranks among the all-time greats. I just like him. He is such an exciting player. A great player’s hallmark is whatever be the situation, he comes and starts dictating terms and that’s what Tendulkar has done so often,'’ he said.

He, however, steers clear of the Lara vs. Tendulkar debate and insists that it is impossible to compare the two batting maestros.

“There can’t be comparison between them. Both are great players and the difference is while one is right-hander, the other is a southpaw.'’

Dr. Mitchell also has high respect for Little Master Sunil Gavaskar. “Of course we remember him. How can you forget his 1970-71 debut? I tell you, he was the most difficult batsman to bowl to,'’ he said of the legendary opener

Security for cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, superstar Amitabh Bachchan and other prominent personalities has been stepped up following intelligence reports that they could be targets of terrorists, police said on Saturday.

Tendulkar, who was enjoying an ‘X’ category security cover, has now been provided one-step up ‘Y’ category security, they said.

It means armed bodyguards will accompany Tendulkar whereever he goes, while his residence in Mumbai and other places where he visits in the country will be guarded by local police, they added.

Apart from Tendulkar, security of ‘icons’ staying in Mumbai, like superstars Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, industrialist Mukesh Ambani, has also been stepped up, police said, but refused to divulge the nature of security provided to them.

Meanwhile the Centre has described as proper the stepping up of security of eminent persons including Tendulkar by Maharashtra Police in the wake of intelligence inputs of terror threat to ‘icons’.

Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal said that while the Central Intelligence Bureau does not have any such definite information, Maharashtra Government is fully competent to beef up security.

It might be possible that the state intelligence might have reported threat to eminent persons and since Tendulkar is one of them and the people have emotional attachment with the cricketer, the step might have been taken, he told a news chaneel.

Additional Commissioner of Police (Protection and Security), Mumbai, Surendra Kumar, informed that security to Tendulkar and other personalities has been stepped up upon specific intelligence input.

“He (Tendulkar) is one of the iconic personalities and therefore his security arrangements have been further beefed up,” Kumar said, adding at present the star was in Bangalore and the security arrangements were being taken care of by the local police there.

“These people already had a security cover and what we have done is stepping it up further,” he added.

The Intelligence Bureau (IB) headquarters in New Delhi has sent a dossier to Bangalore city police asking them to be vigilant on the security cover for the Indian cricket team which is attending a training camp in Karnataka for the upcoming tri-series against Sri Lanka. The city police has been asked to provide ‘Y-category’ security to star player Sachin Tendulkar.

According to IB inputs, Tendulkar’s name figures in the list of VVIPs to be given high security along with President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers and Governors.

Tennis star Sania Mirza is another sportsperson whose name figures in the list. The higher Z-category and Z+ category are given to people having highest security risk.

“This list has been prepared by the IB keeping the security threat perception in mind. The names of IT czars Azim Premji and Narayan Murthy also figures in the list,” a senior police officer said.

Tendulkar has been provided with two personal security guards and a gunman to guard him round-the-clock in shifts. These security personnel will accompany the star batsman whereever he goes, the official said.

“It is a routine alert from the IB, we have taken care of Sachin’s security at the hotel where the cricketers are staying,” deputy commissioner of police (Central) GB Chebbi said.

“The state intelligence department has provided Y-category security to Sachin. A police escort vehicle will follow the bus or vehicle carrying cricketers whenever they are on the move,” a senior officer from the intelligence wing said.

Sachin Tendulkar appeared bright and fresh, alighting from the lift, striding down to the hotel lobby, flashing a smile here, signing an autograph there, and then drifting into the conference hall. Greatness sits lightly on the man whose radiant eyes carry everything with them — joy, pain and even a hint of mischief. Now his vision, sweeping across the room, was picking out familiar faces from among those who had swarmed around him.

The event in Chennai was no more than a routine introduction of a product’s brand ambassador to the media. Yet, given Tendulkar’s aura, it was not surprising that the cameras whirred, the flashbulbs came to life, and the scribes crammed the area.

Soon the questions began to fly. One of them, revolving around individuals in a team game, forced Tendulkar to cross his eyebrows before he gathered himself. “It is the team that is more important. It is India that should win. I am an Indian first,” his voice boomed.

Those were difficult days for Tendulkar. A cyst on his right shoulder had kept him out of the ODI series in the West Indies. He was racing against time to regain fitness for the Test series. And a visit to the MRF Pace Foundation formed a part of his rehabilitation programme.

Subsequently, he opted out of the Test series against Brian Lara’s men, but Tendulkar the Team-man would be flying out to Sri Lanka for the tri-nation ODI series, beginning on August 14.

Injuries have disrupted his batting rhythm in the last two years, but he still inspires, and to a side that is an amalgam of youth and experience, is a guiding light. He is someone who can lift the side’s morale during times of adversity, both in the dressing room and on the arena.

The blue Indian headgear with its golden crest is the driving force as he pursues glory for the side, his integrity gleaming like headlights on an unlit highway. Wrapped around his considerable natural ability is the kind of commitment and discipline that creates men who are timeless. And shining through is the sort of single-mindedness that can slice through roadblocks, melt down obstacles.

It’s the fire within that has fuelled Tendulkar’s quest towards greatness and beyond. In several senses, his journey has been a rage for perfection.

To the youngsters in Team India, he is a mentor and a role model who instils self-belief. On the eve of the ODI in Karachi this year, Tendulkar gifted his willow to the talented Suresh Raina during the nets, a laudable gesture from a legend to an aspirant.

Yuvraj Singh would tell you about the surge in his confidence levels when he, on his first day with the Indian team, secured a seat next to Tendulkar. “It was like sitting with a cricketing God. I cannot forget the moment,” he said.

In a career of miles and milestones, there are more destinations to be reached for Tendulkar. In the highway of international cricket, many have fallen off the track and never got back on the road again. The secret of Tendulkar’s survival is that he has always discerned motes of light amid darkness.

And even more remarkable than his three-figure exploits is the fact that he has shouldered the expectations of a nation for 17 years. The enormous pressure to perform can weigh down on a person, but Tendulkar has seen it as a motivating factor, not burden.

Crucially, he takes the load off Dravid, both on and off the field. Tendulkar, in what he describes as his evolution as a batsman, might have changed his approach in Tests to a less flamboyant one — he has principally cut out the aerial shots — but is still a gloriously aggressive batsman in the ODIs, his blistering efforts against the Sri Lankan and Pakistani attacks underlining his quality.

Argues elegant Sri Lankan batsman Marvan Atapattu: “He has changed, but if someone tells me this much will be your change from age 16 till now, I will say `thank you very much’ and accept it. He is such a wonderful player. At home, when my wife grumbles about me watching cricket, invariably Sachin would be batting. As age progresses and the pressures increase, one’s approach will change.”

Against probing pace attacks on surfaces that assist seam movement or in conditions that encourage swing, Tendulkar and Dravid are technically the best equipped to cope. Tendulkar’s temporary dip in form does not indicate a decline in quality. The whispers about his reflexes dulling out are without basis. As India physio John Gloster points out, “He is still only 33. He is still an explosive athlete.”

The drying up of his runs in Tests against Pakistan and England had more to do with him picking up a tendency to shuffle across, a flaw he seems to have corrected during practice sessions thereafter, batting with ramrod straightness.

Chappell realises Tendulkar’s influential qualities, so do his team-mates; skipper Dravid is a great admirer of his ways. Here is a phenomenon, who has constructed lasting monuments with a delightful mix of sunshine and steel, undaunted by adversity and unfazed by either reputations or situations.
Technically impeccable for most part, and temperamentally hard to break, Tendulkar has been a formidable barrier for the bowlers of all kind, engaging the sphere in captivating conversations. He picks the length of a delivery earlier than most, and with footwork that is precise, is perfectly balanced for the appropriate response.

Psychologically, Tendulkar’s presence is a huge boost to the side’s morale. He has been in the rarefied zone before, could so easily take flight again in the field of dreams. The opposition is wary of this champion cricketer. In fact, it fears him.

Given his experience and his comprehension of the game’s nuances, Tendulkar’s views are constantly sought by the side. Though not a part of the team-management that comprises Dravid, Chappell and vice-captain Virender Sehwag, Tendulkar is rarely left out on matters of team selection and the formulation of strategy.

The move to elevate Irfan Pathan to the No. 3 spot in the Nagpur ODI against Sri Lanka last year was his idea. A brilliant ploy, it actually triggered the wave of innovation and flexibility, orchestrated by Chappell and Dravid, that dominated India’s cricket in the one-dayers.

He has a heart larger than his small frame. Tendulkar has endured much pain for the country, from the moment he, then a 16-year-old, was struck on his face in the Sialkot Test. He was bleeding but refused to leave the arena.

“He has courage and vision. And he still has the eye of the tiger. You do not judge the impact of a player of Tendulkar’s ability from only the runs he makes.” says Chappell.

India has a busy and an extended season ahead that would culminate with the World Cup. While the ODI competition in Colombo could set the tone — the season-beginning competitions have their own significance — India faces major challenges in the Champions Trophy, the tour of South Africa where the wickets could be sprinkled with venom and in the ultimate competition — the World Cup.

Astonishingly for a cricketer who has been around for so long, he still gambols on the park with the enthusiasm of a schoolboy, his eyes lighting up each time he bounds in with the ball. Says Gloster, “There are times when I have to hold him back during training, rather than push him. He is a professional in every aspect of the word. In terms of commitment and dedication, it’s always been nothing less than 100 per cent from him. He has come back from a very difficult shoulder surgery. He has been around for 17 years and I think his body has coped with the demands extremely well. He didn’t miss a match for a long time, which I feel is remarkable. It’s only natural that he too grapples with injuries now, which is natural with any sportsman who has been around for so long.”

To the journalists, he is a man for whom `word’ is everything. He once spoke to The Hindu when his Mumbai team-mates did the packing for him; Tendulkar was in a hurry to catch a flight. On another occasion, he shared his thoughts with Sportstar from the back of an aircraft, unmindful of a bumpy journey on a day of cloudy skies. More recently, when this correspondent was down with a viral fever, he received a call on his mobile from a concerned Tendulkar who wanted to keep his interview promise. He then spoke from his heart.

Even while pursuing cricketing eternity, Tendulkar has his eyes open to the wonders on a much larger canvas. Stories of the triumph of the spirit never cease to amaze him. He has kept his feet on the ground. India does appear a different team, when he buzzes around. This diamond is firmly silhouetted in the Indian Blue.

The Indians need to rediscover winning ways in the Colombo tri-nation ODI series. The Men in Blue stumbled in the Caribbean. They need to get their act together before the next trip to the West Indies, for World Cup 2007.

The focus has to be on putting together the best possible team for the premier ODI competition. The process of identifying the right cricketers should be done in right earnest. The selectors and the team management need to approach the task with wisdom and foresight.

The comeback of the 29-year-old Dinesh Mongia in the India squad for the competition in Sri Lanka, from August 14 to 29, has to be seen in this context. Are the selectors looking ahead?

Mongia’s form with Leicestershire and his often useful left-arm spin bowling were major factors in his selection, according to selection panel chief Kiran More.

Yet, by dropping promising opener Robin Uthappa, the selectors might have sent the wrong message to emerging cricketers. In the chances that have come his way, Uthappa has done his cause no harm. Sadly, the selectors might have dented the confidence of a young cricketer.

It would have made sense to pick Uthappa, particularly since Sachin Tendulkar is returning from a shoulder surgery. Uthappa could have been a cover for Tendulkar, given the fact that the opening slot is neither the right one nor a long-term option for skipper Rahul Dravid.

The side lacks a genuine left-arm spinner, and Mongia’s bowling, despite improvement, might not measure up to the team’s needs. In any case, Yuvraj Singh, an automatic choice in the XI, can always chip in with a few overs of left-arm spin in times of need. However, recalling Anil Kumble would have been an infinitely better solution, if indeed, the selectors desired a spinner who can turn the ball away from the right-hander. Kumble, without question, is India’s premier bowler, pace or spin.

The sheer intensity of his bowling, his mastery over the fundamentals, and the ability to bring in subtle changes, enable him to create the kind of pressure the Indian bowlers failed to build during the 4-1 drubbing in the ODI series in the Caribbean. Even on those occasions when he does not strike, Kumble can put the batsmen under considerable stress with his persistence, enabling the others to make inroads.

Kumble and Harbhajan, considering that the pitches in the Caribbean have slowed down apart from having an element of double pace, can combine effectively in the World Cup. Harbhajan is a lesser bowler without Kumble; despite a creditable economy rate of 3.91, the off-spinner scalped just three batsmen in five games in the West Indies.

On the odd occasion Kumble tends to stray down the leg-side. But he is someone who can operate with great precision, too. His age, 35, should not be held against this influential cricketer. If not the quickest on his feet, Kumble remains a safe fielder. The champion leg-spinner has to be included soon. The ideal ODI sides have been a blend of experience and youth.

The Indian pacemen do need to regroup after the pounding they received in the Caribbean. Irfan Pathan, whose economy rate was an unsatisfactory 5.59, clearly struggled. According to the legendary Dennis Lillee and former India paceman T. A. Sekar, who have spent considerable time with Pathan at the MRF Pace Foundation, the bowler has to re-work his action. In the West Indies, Pathan’s bowling arm came from behind his right ear. The rotation of his arm before release thus could not be straight and this affected his direction, speed and control.

Since the Indian game-plan often revolves around Pathan’s early strikes, it is absolutely vital that the bowler gets his technique corrected. S. Sreesanth (economy rate 5.47) and Munaf Patel (5.80) too proved expensive in the Caribbean, while left-armer Rudra Pratap Singh has suffered a form slump.

At least in the ODIs — the pacemen showed some improvement in the Test series — the Indian pace attack was found wanting. It is here that Zaheer Khan comes into the picture. He is a senior paceman who knows a thing or two about handling tough situations, and his experience could prove valuable for India in the days ahead. The left-armer’s speed might have dropped, but he remains a compelling seam bowler, who, at this stage of his career, can be more effective in the shorter version of the game.

Zaheer, among the wickets for Gloucestershire, has been overlooked. R. P. Singh will have to consider himself fortunate to have received the nod. Importantly, India requires bowlers at the `Death’ who can achieve reverse swing.

Team India’s batting is its stronger flank. However, the pacing of its innings in the Caribbean came in for criticism. The Indian batting worked in fits and starts. While flexibility in the batting order can often surprise the opponent, India needs to provide its top batsmen consistent spots so that their role definitions are clear and they get into the groove mentally. At the moment, there is far too much reliance on the likes of M. S. Dhoni for quick runs. The Indians need to work the ball around more and sharpen their running between the wickets. The Indian fielding was vibrant in Pakistan and in the home ODI series. In the West Indies, there was a marked decline in standards. It is fielding that often forces mistakes from the batsmen.

Sri Lanka will be hard to beat, while South Africa, even without a few of its key players, could prove competitive. The spinners should call the shots in the day/night games at the Premadasa Stadium, a Lankan bastion. The day matches on the often lively Sinhalese Sports Club pitch could see the pacemen making their presence felt.

Finally, there is the Sourav Ganguly question. The former India captain, picking up the pieces in English county cricket, is going through a testing phase. Yet, it would be premature to rule out his chances. Come to think of it, he is a far more influential cricketer than a utility man like Mongia.

Former cricketers have flayed Sanjay Manjrekar for his controversial remarks on Sachin Tendulkar’s injuries and said such uncharitable comments could dent the batsman’s confidence ahead of the tri-series in Sri Lanka.
However, while the majority of former players threw their weight behind Tendulkar, former India opener Chetan Chauhan said star players should be able to take criticism in their stride.
Manjrekar had written in a column recently that Tendulkar should play even if he is not 100 per cent fit since he brings in a lot of experience to the side, and the timings of his injuries were dubious.
Former wicketkeeper and selection committee chairman Syed Kirmani said it was unfair to make comments without ascertaining the facts.
“Be it senior cricketers or commentators, it is wrong on their part to write without going into the fact of the matter.
“It is unfair that people write columns on assumptions and presumptions. If one knows for fact that Sachin faked injuries, he can write with authority. Without knowing the reality, one should not express his opinion or views to the extent of hurting one’s feelings,” he said.
Former coach and all-rounder Madan Lal said Tendulkar is criticised either way.
“It is sad that Tendulkar is criticised if he does not play when he is injured and also when he plays with an injury,” he said. “Manjrekar’s comments are not in good taste. It is not the right thing to say about a player just before a series.
“Sachin is such a big player, he is the best judge of his injuries. You do get hurt by such comments; after all, Sachin is also human,” Lal said.
Tendulkar, on his part, has already expressed “surprise” about the comments.
“I don’t want to comment much but I feel sorry that an ex-India player has made statements without checking the facts and without talking to the people concerned. I also find it surprising that he has made the statements without being in the dressing room and knowing the true situation,” Tendulkar was quoted as saying by a newspaper. Chauhan, however, said Manjrekar was free to give his opinion on the matter.
“There is nothing wrong with his comments. He is a former player and a commentator and follows cricket closely. Everyone cannot be a sycophant and praise you always. Former players have to give the correct picture. If players commit mistakes, one should point it out.
“Although my opinion is different — Tendulkar is a great player, there is nothing wrong with Manjrekar’s opinion.
“If a player is failing to perform, it has to be written about. He has to make way for someone who is performing because it is the team that should come first and not individuals.”
Former spinner and ICC umpire S Venkataraghavan was of the view that current players needed encouragement above anything else.
“It is a grave mistake by Manjrekar. We all know Tendulkar’s passion for cricket and I have no doubt in my mind that Sachin would never purposely avoid tours. It is a far-fetched suggestion.”
Former off-spinner Shivlal Yadav termed the comments as nothing but a publicity seeking stunt by Manjrekar.
“No past cricketer or commentator should venture into writing on things happening in the dressing room or on fitness of senior players like Tendulkar.
“Manjrekar might have written that article only to attract publicity. There is no way Tendulkar would fake injuries for fear of failure. I was there with him for three months as manager during the Australian tour and I know for sure that Sachin gives more than 100 per cent. “It is a great honour for our country that a player of Sachin’s calibre and commitment is playing the game. Sachin is also a human being and not a machine, which also needs a break for service. Sachin also requires a break and a man of his stature should not be talked about,” Yadav said.
Former selector Pranab Roy vouched for Tendulkar’s commitment."During my stint with the selection committee, I never found Sachin Tendulkar wanting in commitment. I do not agree with Manjerkar. No one should raise such questions about a great player like Tendulkar.”
Another former selector Sambran Banerjee said: “I think this is not at all a valid point. It is a very bad comment. Sachin is beyond such things.”

Indian captain Rahul Dravid has welcomed the return of Sachin Tendulkar to the squad for the upcoming cricket tri-series in Sri Lanka after a four-month injury layoff.

“I’m very happy,” Dravid said when asked about his reaction to Tendulkar’s return for the tri-series which also involves South Africa.

Tendulkar, who missed the one-day series against England and the entire West Indies tour following a shoulder surgery in March, was included in the Indian squad last week after being declared fit.

Dravid, who was here on a promtional visit, did not entertain questions on cricket, saying “this is not the right forum.”

However, the captain said he was looking forward to the Sri Lankan tri-series. “We hope to do well in the island,” he said and refused to take any further questions on cricket.

When asked how comfortable he felt while endorsing various products, Dravid who is the brand ambassador of quite a few companies said, “it is good. You get to know people and build relations.”

Indian captain Rahul Dravid has welcomed the return of Sachin Tendulkar to the squad for the upcoming cricket tri-series in Sri Lanka after a four-month injury layoff.

“I’m very happy,” Dravid said when asked about his reaction to Tendulkar’s return for the tri-series which also involves South Africa.

Tendulkar, who missed the one-day series against England and the entire West Indies tour following a shoulder surgery in March, was included in the Indian squad last week after being declared fit.

Dravid, who was here on a promtional visit, did not entertain questions on cricket, saying “this is not the right forum.”

However, the captain said he was looking forward to the Sri Lankan tri-series. “We hope to do well in the island,” he said and refused to take any further questions on cricket.

When asked how comfortable he felt while endorsing various products, Dravid who is the brand ambassador of quite a few companies said, “it is good. You get to know people and build relations.”

Politics has taken centre-stage in Indian cricket. The lovely game which gives pleasure to the young and old is forgotten.

Sanjay Manjrekar’s tirade against Sachin Tendulkar or Sourav Ganguly’s e-mail politics to derail his one-time mentor Jagmohan Dalmiya’s return to power can be viewed from different angles. But the impact on Indian cricket is much more than what one could envisage.

To be fair to Manjrekar, he — unlike other cricketers — went on record to express his opinion, which in a democracy, has to be appreciated. What was surprising was the angry reaction of Tendulkar when Manjrekar questioned his commitment to the game. Manjrekar has an opinion and Tendulkar disagrees. Others smell conspiracy which attracts controversy.

When the former Australian skipper Kim Hughes wept bitterly in the Brisbane press box in December 1984 after quitting captaincy because of Ian Chappell’s scathing criticism, Chappell had said, “I am looking at Hughes’ captaincy from the eyes of a journalist.”

Manjrekar too says the same thing but unfortunately in the Indian context more than logic it is the stature that counts. The difference between Manjrekar and Tendulkar is of 69 international hundreds. But why should that matter?

Manjrekar may have erred in not checking the facts with Tendulkar, but his opinion has no agenda. Was it his intention to provoke Tendulkar to press the accelerator? Or is it typical of Mumbaikars to needle (chaavi as they call it) a performer who is underperforming?

To both the Manjrekars, Vijay and Sanjay, cricket has always been a passion. To Tendulkar, cricket is a religion. But to all of us, it is a sport and must be played as a sport as the great Pele said. Expression of an opinion, however illogical it may sound, must not disturb the very fabric of our cricket culture.

E-mail saga

In Kolkata cricket is getting stuck in e-mail. It looks like they have forgotten that Bengal lost the Ranji final narrowly and that too without Ganguly. The e-mail saga has gone on for so long in Kolkata that no teenager should be blamed if he believes that only an e-mail can be responsible for lack of opportunities.

For politicians in sports to indulge in politics is quite understandable, but for a cricketer of the stature of Sourav Ganguly, who is one of the most successful captains of India, to say that leakage of Greg Chappell’s e-mail ten months back affected his career is ridiculous.

Vinoo Mankad once said: “Cricket is a game of temperament and skills. The more you think about things other than performance, the more unlikely you are to succeed.”

Could these random cases of ego, jealousy and lack of gratitude be due to money in Indian cricket? Couldn’t Sanjay Manjrekar, a friend of Tendulkar with whom he shared partnerships for India and Mumbai, have spoken to Tendulkar instead of voicing his opinion publicly is a point worthy of debate.

Couldn’t Ganguly have called Dalmiya to clarify the doubts he had about the leaked e-mail of Greg Chappell, even though it had already been clarified when a meeting was convened in Mumbai to bury the hatchet.

These are the questions one may ask, but Indian cricket has a history, tradition and culture. Not that it has not had a share of controversies, but sadly the sporting minds are now getting so much manipulated by vicious negative campaigns in a bid to capture power that the very fabric of cricket culture is torn.

Indian cricket has survived conspiracies and controversies in the past and will continue to do so in the future, but it is the history, tradition and culture that one needs to safeguard if at all we care for this noble game.