IPL - Kerala Express derailed

As usual, there are many interesting articles, news, opinions, analysis and reviews across the web, but the news wherein Sreesanth’s mother has thanked all who prayed for Sreesanth, appears the most heart-touching. It is really painful for one and all to see the career of a young cricketer getting destroyed this way!

At the same time, now we must all try to find the root cause of the problem, so as to prevent others from falling in the lucrative trap cleverly laid by the bookies. Not only the spot-fixing, but another big blot in the shape of a recent case of doping by the two Pune cricketers is also required to be taken care of. What appears more alarming to many is the fact that both of them were still allowed to play in IPL this season. These happenings certainly put a big question mark on the credibility and image of the IPL management, BCCI, and the nation as a whole.

A few things to be kept in mind and which have become matters of concern requiring consideration are listed below for the learned viewers:

1. Appropriate upbringing from childhood is the most important factor. Parents must infuse values and morale, to differentiate between the good and the bad, and the importance of being truthful and honest in life. Just one example to prove my point. Can you ever, even in your dream, think that Sachin or Rahul Dravid would indulge in something like that?
2. Seniors should train youngsters on how to cope with the fame and glory. Let them know very clearly that the fun and late night parties do not take you anywhere, but it is the sweat and toil, the hard work, vigorous net practice, your submission and commitment that helps in establishing a long lasting, bright and respectable career.
3. Learn to control your greed. This should be the writing on the wall. Tell them no amount of money can bring back the respect, image, and credibility. Regular counselling sessions need to be conducted at frequent intervals. The players should be made aware of the ways and means adopted by the bookies and fixers.
4. There is an urgent need to strengthen the trend of diminishing self-esteem, self-confidence and faith/belief among the players who have not been so successful. This has happened partly because of the infusion of quick bucks in the form of fees given to the players in the IPL. Instead of staying focused on the game, players start thinking in terms of possible profit or loss, which hampers their efficiency.
5. To conclude, people always insist that the coach’s role is very crucial and he is the one who should be given total command and control, without any pressure. That’s how he will be able to nourish the upcoming players. He will enable them to understand that cricket is the game of gentlemen and there is nothing worthy about a lavish lifestyle, celebrity status or the wealth one accumulates. It is the records which keep the players alive in the memory of millions of followers for a long time. This is achievable only by following a strict training schedule and by gainfully utilizing one’s total ability to keep learning and improvising forever.

Sreesanth should not worry; he has the support of many. Guilty or not, this episode should surely make Indian cricket cleaner. At least, that’s what we hope!