An open letter to the newly formed Cricket Advisory Committee
Dear Laxman, Sachin and Ganguly,
As I sit down to type this letter, I have many things going through my mind but I will try to keep it short and simple. First of all, congratulations on becoming a part of BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee. For a generation of cricket fans like me, you three defined cricket. I never wanted you to quit not only because that brought down the curtains on one of the most celebrated eras in Indian cricket, but partly because your retirement meant that my childhood was over.
I grew up with Sachin’s impeccable straight-drive, Ganguly’s silky drive through covers and Laxman’s supple wrists coaxing an on-drive to the fence and your exit has indeed brought down the beauty of the game by a few notches. However, it is delightful to see the three of you back, albeit in administrative roles, taking charge of Indian cricket.
The ire of the Indian fan is rising because of the fluctuating fortunes of Team India in both the formats in the last one year. Nonetheless,we have witnessed some seemingly pragmatic changes with MS Dhoni quitting Test cricket and Kohli taking over the reins of the side. As a batsman, he has always been aggressive and feisty, whether his leadership will follow suit is what remains to be seen.
Indian cricket isn’t at its nadir, no; but it isn’t in a very promising shape either. There is no dearth of talent but there is an acute shortage of application on the part of players and that is what bothers an average Indian fan like me.
With your induction in the advisory committee, I expect things to change for good. Laxman, during your heydays, the pace at which you batted had an air of invincibility surrounding it, punctuated by intense patience and attentiveness. You never had to take that risky single or clear your front foot to heave the ball over cow-corner and yet your immaculate wrist-work oozed confidence and aggression that no one could match. I hope our Test batsmen imbibe that quality before their next big assignment.
Sachin, you have always been a form of inspiration for the entire nation. Your exploits with the bat have only added to the vast plethora of cricketing prowess in the country. I hope the players take a leaf out of your book and learn how to remain calm and composed even during times of crisis. Playing cricket in India isn’t an easy task, not when each move is scrutinised by a bunch of erratic fans and critics alike.
To not lose focus then becomes extremely difficult and that is where I expect you to extend a helping hand. Tell them that behind those booming drives, deft cuts and heaving short-arm jabs, is the poise, intensity and technique of the batsman and that is what it all boils down to when things are not going your way. They can always learn the technical titbits of batting by just looking at you in the nets but they ought to understand what it is like to shoulder the hopes of a billion fans who expect you to perform every time you walk out on the field. It is time to let another generation of cricketers make their mark like you did when you started playing for India. Hope, you help them achieve that target. I know you will.
Dada, I am pretty sure Kohli would be the happiest man in the side right now. After all, he will have one of the most eminent and successful Test captains to guide him through the rigors of Test captaincy. After earning accolades with his flamboyant batting, Kohli, the captain, has to now step into the limelight. As a batsman, he has won many games for India but captaining a young side is a different ball game altogether as you would know.
During your tenure as the Test skipper, you led the side with a certain amount of flair and brashness and that clearly reflected in your on-field tactics. You not only instilled belief into the unit, but singlehandedly forged a winning side out of 11 individuals. During some tense moments on the field, you had words slipping off your tongue but you did not let that cloud your judgement.
Kohli will do good to borrow this trait from you and keep a focussed head over his shoulders at all times. I expect you to teach him that aggression isn’t just about being physically aggressive, very often; mind games can be just as effective.
I know you three are just as excited as I am right now. The BCCI has their work cut out for you but I do not wish to go in detail into the other powers and responsibilities that come with this job. You are done with your blue and white stripes, but your second innings is about to begin.
And I know, you will not disappoint us. I trust you, the country trusts you. More life and strength to you three.
Cheers
An enthusiastic Cricket fan