The paradox of "outgoing" and "incoming"...
I would like to begin with food critique Anton Ego's famous quote from the movie Ratatouille (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratatouille_(film))
"In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little, yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face, is that in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism designating it so. But there are times when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defense of the *new*. The world is often unkind to new talent, new creations. The new needs friends."
Indian cricket is facing two unique situations. BCCI officials, CoA and selectors seemed to have got into a situation wherein they reacted differently to same type of issue.
They seemed to have made their mind to show the "door" to an accomplished player or coach due to "attitudinal" issues, however in another case they are persisting with an upcoming player who too seemingly have "attitudinal" issues.
Firstly, Mithali Raj, the ex-captain (and one of the most successful cricketers in women's league) of Indian Women's cricket team has stoked a controversy by alleging "mistreatment" from captain and coach of the women's team. She was left out of the semifinal of world t20 championship. Needless to say, the result of the semifinal has added more fuel to her allegations, or at least it appears that her point of view will be "caught" by many who otherwise would have been on sidelines.
If one goes by her account, then team management and coach dropped her wilfully.
Coach Ramesh Powar (willy ex-offspinner) , however, came out with statement that there was "attitudinal" problem. As per him, the cricketer was demanding "special attention" owing to her past record and status.
However, Raj seems to have been caught wrongly in the classical trap of resting on the "past laurels" , which most sportspersons tend to - "that I always performed well, did so much hard work for the sport, country, etc.". This doesn't hold water for an outgoing player. In sports, one should always be aware of limitations of age and progression. In any game, it is the sportsperson who has to call the day. If we take examples of Ganguly, Laxman or Dravid, I think they "timed" their "last shot" quite well.
Anyways, the CoA and the board officials have got their plate full, as media has found a much needed fodder. Frankly, it is a tradition that all these wise men and women go by the recommendations (mood) of the "player in favor" of the day. In that case it should be no wonder if the current captain has the last laugh. So the problem is how to handle "outgoing".
In the meantime, Powar has repplied for the job.
Coming to the men's cricket now.
Here, the above law of "player in favor", is already in practice! The selectors and coach have dumped seniors like Murali Vijay on the grounds of non performance, but on the other hand they had been "recklessly" persistent with stylish and flamboyant KL Rahul.
Some wise men (like Legendary Sunil Gavaskar) often mention that "class is permanent and form is temporary". But if someone is lacking any of these then what counts is the "attitude" - it could make or break a cricketer (Vivian Richards would always dreadful even if he was out a duck in previous innings).
Rahul hasn't appeared serious in making "good" of these chances extended to him in the last six months.
Above 40% of his dismissals have been either bowled or trapped leg before wicket (http://www.howstat.com/cricket/Statistics/Players/PlayerDismissBatGraph.asp?PlayerID=4137)
This clearly indicates that he has serious problem with the wobbling ball which comes in (traditionally majority of good batsmen have/had this problem. No one really likes to be nagged with incoming delivery since one has to "commit"). Had he been 35+, this issue could have been probably attributed to laxity in hand-eye coordination.
But, he is still young and talented, which is good and, could mean that this issue could be appropriately "worked upon", should he and the selectors show right "attitude".
Right would have been that he was referred to NCA Bengaluru where he could have "sorted" out these flaws under the watchful eyes of Woorkeri V Raman (WV Sir). WV has been instrumental in developing young U19 players who then graduate to "Dravid Sir's school of success" in cricket. He also has helped many a players (including seniors) in rectifying such technical issues.
Anymore persistence with KL (particularly on the pacy pitches of Australia against the likes of Cummins and Hazlewood) will not only affect team performance, but most importantly, it could dent the player's confidence. Given the number of players waiting on the sidelines, it would not be easy for one to make a comeback.
Once Rahul Dravid reflected that the thought of hanging up firmed in his mind when he was continuously getting out either bowled or leg before. Subsequently he retired in due course.
But, as of now, it appears that the board, and selectors have happily "bought" the recommendations of the captain and coach to persist with. It will be interesting to see how they handle the problem of "incoming" delivery. Being players themselves, They sure know a "good leave" !
I am optimistic and genuinely hope that KL, the fighter he is, hits all these aberrations like a "tracer bullet" , and fulfills team's confidence in him! That will be wonderful..
"In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little, yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face, is that in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism designating it so. But there are times when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defense of the *new*. The world is often unkind to new talent, new creations. The new needs friends."
Indian cricket is facing two unique situations. BCCI officials, CoA and selectors seemed to have got into a situation wherein they reacted differently to same type of issue.
They seemed to have made their mind to show the "door" to an accomplished player or coach due to "attitudinal" issues, however in another case they are persisting with an upcoming player who too seemingly have "attitudinal" issues.
If one goes by her account, then team management and coach dropped her wilfully.
Coach Ramesh Powar (willy ex-offspinner) , however, came out with statement that there was "attitudinal" problem. As per him, the cricketer was demanding "special attention" owing to her past record and status.
However, Raj seems to have been caught wrongly in the classical trap of resting on the "past laurels" , which most sportspersons tend to - "that I always performed well, did so much hard work for the sport, country, etc.". This doesn't hold water for an outgoing player. In sports, one should always be aware of limitations of age and progression. In any game, it is the sportsperson who has to call the day. If we take examples of Ganguly, Laxman or Dravid, I think they "timed" their "last shot" quite well.
Anyways, the CoA and the board officials have got their plate full, as media has found a much needed fodder. Frankly, it is a tradition that all these wise men and women go by the recommendations (mood) of the "player in favor" of the day. In that case it should be no wonder if the current captain has the last laugh. So the problem is how to handle "outgoing".
In the meantime, Powar has repplied for the job.
Coming to the men's cricket now.
Here, the above law of "player in favor", is already in practice! The selectors and coach have dumped seniors like Murali Vijay on the grounds of non performance, but on the other hand they had been "recklessly" persistent with stylish and flamboyant KL Rahul.
Some wise men (like Legendary Sunil Gavaskar) often mention that "class is permanent and form is temporary". But if someone is lacking any of these then what counts is the "attitude" - it could make or break a cricketer (Vivian Richards would always dreadful even if he was out a duck in previous innings).
Rahul hasn't appeared serious in making "good" of these chances extended to him in the last six months.
This clearly indicates that he has serious problem with the wobbling ball which comes in (traditionally majority of good batsmen have/had this problem. No one really likes to be nagged with incoming delivery since one has to "commit"). Had he been 35+, this issue could have been probably attributed to laxity in hand-eye coordination.
But, he is still young and talented, which is good and, could mean that this issue could be appropriately "worked upon", should he and the selectors show right "attitude".
Right would have been that he was referred to NCA Bengaluru where he could have "sorted" out these flaws under the watchful eyes of Woorkeri V Raman (WV Sir). WV has been instrumental in developing young U19 players who then graduate to "Dravid Sir's school of success" in cricket. He also has helped many a players (including seniors) in rectifying such technical issues.
Anymore persistence with KL (particularly on the pacy pitches of Australia against the likes of Cummins and Hazlewood) will not only affect team performance, but most importantly, it could dent the player's confidence. Given the number of players waiting on the sidelines, it would not be easy for one to make a comeback.
Once Rahul Dravid reflected that the thought of hanging up firmed in his mind when he was continuously getting out either bowled or leg before. Subsequently he retired in due course.
But, as of now, it appears that the board, and selectors have happily "bought" the recommendations of the captain and coach to persist with. It will be interesting to see how they handle the problem of "incoming" delivery. Being players themselves, They sure know a "good leave" !
I am optimistic and genuinely hope that KL, the fighter he is, hits all these aberrations like a "tracer bullet" , and fulfills team's confidence in him! That will be wonderful..
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