(This is a Fictitious Interview held by a Fictitious Interviewer of an Indian Cricket Fan after the Loss at MCG of the 1st Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy , Dec 2011. Interviewer will be represented by Character "I" , whereas Interviewee will be represented by character "S". The Interviewee happens to be a Management student , so may use Management Terms... :P).
I : Good Morning there! So what are your views on the latest loss faced by India overseas again?
S: Good Morning. Well, Mr.Shastri mentioned ,statistically, that it is India's 5th Straight loss overseas (4-0 against England, and now this); but if you ask me the West Indies Tour (both ways) was an incredible disaster as well. I mean how can a No.1 ranked team have to huff and puff against a much much lower ranked team , especially at home?? Conceding a lead (of 100 odd margin) in 2 of the 3 Test matches held in India against WI was a real wake up call for the famed batting line up if you ask me! And then victory is at the mercy of a spinning track and India's spinners. I do not know whether WI came with a master strategy but it worked big time. I guess fans ignored the struggling batsman because everyone was in expectations of the Australia series. But what confidence will the team have after a struggle against a weak opponent?
I: So what do you think is the issue right now?
S: Well, let's analyse this. India beat England 5-0 in ODI series at home and beat WI 4-1. So all is not lost in ODIs i guess (depending strictly on logic that ODI games can swing either way, so a tough match is actually a blessing for the fans).
But in Tests its going bad. Real bad. Ok England was a nightmare but surely any fan would have guessed 3-0 against WI and 2-0 or 2-1 sort of figures against the most weakest and youngest Ozie side in the last decade ( 2-1/2-0 still possible mind you, but tough). So the issue may be :
1. If you are an extreme critic and have to just pour out frustration it would be "World Cup win and IPL has been tasted long enough now, and its time to move on"
2. Dhoni faults as captain (bad point)
3. Dravid dropping at least 1 importatnt catch every match (player most of the times goes on to score a ton, eg: Chanderpaul in WI, Hussey here and many more)
4. lack of preparation
I: Hmmm... so what more preparation than 2 practice matches?
S: Well.. again not everyone played both matches. When a full strength squad should have played both. Why didn't dhoni whose more than struggling in tests play both matches? Although I must confess BCCI did improve by at least keeping 2 matches for practice , when in England there was none!
I: What will happen when the big guns call it a day?
S: Its going to be horrible. I do not how people can call some of thee youngsters after performances in India as " future of India, India in safe hands etc." I, for one , have to see a consistent rock solid performer abroad other than the big guns.
Remember, Dravid was only 4 years Internationally experienced when he was winning matches for India abroad. Laxman hardly played before being recognised as an immediate match winner. Sehwag can bat and perform on the sky due to his attitude. And God is God.
I: Whats wrong with the young generation?
S: I do not personally know. But I would rather have them play a good season in English county rather than earn money and glamour in IPL. Ganguly, Zaheer all did that and results are shown.
I: How would you rate Dhoni's captaincy?
S: Its top notch. 9/10. To err is human. When he was winning everything he was termed as an Angel. Now all possible fielding mistakes, toss decisions etc. seem to be pointing the wrong way. Well, that happens to all.
I: Who in your opinion would be a suitable replacement for Ganguly's spot?
S: No one currently. Ashwin and Isshant doing a better job i guess.
I: Would you call back Harbhajan?
S: No. India has good spinners now who would take the spinning legacy ahead.
I: Whose more responsible for losses batsman or bowlers?
S: Batsman. By Far. As i said, most of the matches have been won on bowling strength. World's best batting line up crumbles drastically in 2nd inns chases.Tony Greig has called them "flat track bullies". Naseer Hussain stuck his neck out to call Indian fielders as "some donkeys in the field".As a fan I would resent it, oppose it, But I am finding it more and more difficult to give reasons for opposing.
I: But it was this same side than chased down massive scores in last 3 years leading to the World No.1 Spot!
S: Yes. Its a genuine winning outfit, no doubt. But when you don't perform people will question. Its like Maslow's need hierarchy. We have reached stage of "self actualisation". Now lower levels do not seem apt.
I: And has Sachin "ton of tons" been glorified too much?
S: Yes. And that is due to media buzz. Not due to the team or the man himself. He's a guy who believes he can get out at 99 all the time and India wins, he'll still take that. That's his character. Unquestionabble,Crystal Clear. Everytime he goes out to bat nowadays and misses that milestone its like " Tears for us again, Wait another day etc." I mean , OK, he has achived evrything there is to achieve. Scoring 75-99 consistently shouldn't be giving us tears , should it? I am more than happy at his performances.
I: And finally...So will you get up at 530 am again on January 2nd?
S: Definitely. :) No doubt about it.I am a true cricket fan in and out!! Anger is just an expression of love towards our beloved ones.So don't mind team India. These answers are just opinions. They are like a cell phone. Everyone has one today.(chuckle)
