Herr Gregory Allen Chappell... auf wiedersehen!

Being an Indian, I would have liked to have seen Greg Chappell continue as the Indian cricket coach for another couple of years, but that doesn't seem to be a practical option now, especially when there has been an air of dislike towards him after India's world cup exit.

I feel gutted when somebody says John Wright was a better coach than Greg Chappell. Agree that John Wright helped India to the cup final in 2003 and that the team achieved many important victories under him – due credit to him. One does, however, tend to forget a few things such as, a majority of the senior players then were at the prime of their career, when Dravid was voted player of the year, when Ganguly was managing a good balance between his batting and captaincy, and Tendulkar was amongst the runs. Not to mention, Laxman was having the batting form of his life. That John Wright was influential in India's success is undeniable. I could say Wright was in the right place at the right time.

After having read the recent comments made by a few of the Indian team and the staff, I really wonder how many people might have cooperated with Greg during his tenure. In fact, I find it very hard to hazard a guess as to ‘how many teams there could have been within the Indian cricket team’ – was there a mutiny? It cannot be a one-man show, nor can a single person be expected to turn things around without the cooperation of all the team players. A utopian like Greg Chappell who is forthright and believes in his principles, and more importantly, practises them will be missed dearly by cricket aficionados in India who understand cricket better without succumbing to sheer passion.

I vehemently hope, rather against hope, that sanity will take precedence in the decisions made by the Indian cricket board, by not buying into public outcry and all the speculative remarks made by the media.

Renaissance till now, Reformation... when?

Minus the veteran players -- Tendulkar, Dravid, Ganguly and Kumble -- the Indian team, albeit talented, the chances of a revival is seemingly impossible for at least another two years. So, instead of concentrating on the results in the forthcoming international tournaments, the domestic cricket scene should be the target for improvement. Unless there is a strong bench strength there won't be a fight for the place in the national team. Not all talented cricketers in the national team who arrive from domestic cricket have the mind maturity to play for the country because they are bred on the stereotypical belters.

A cricket team cannot become strong by merely possessing the so-called 'best batting lineup on paper'. There is no denial that Indian cricket has been dominated by great batsmen like Tendulkar, Dravid, etc., and that all prospective players idolise them. The question is who will bowl India to victory? Who is(are) the 'strike' bowler(s) in the current Indian team? If any, they are good only in patches. More emphasis in domestic cricket should be lain on the aspect of bowling. People should be encouraged to emulate former greats like Akram, Younis, Srinath, Donald, Warne, etc. The cricket academies should throw more light on the art of bowling. What we need is a team that looks good not only on paper but also -- more importantly -- on the field.
The Indian cricket fans need to put up with all sorts of results, however distasteful they might be, and give more time for the team to revive itself and stabilise. Not to forget, even if they turn out victorious in the early stages, people should not get carried away with it and expect them to win every single time.

Rome was not built in a day.

Relax, mate... It's just a game!

Cricket has surpassed all possible limitations in the subcontinent. Every person wants his/her national team to win, which is perfectly alright. But then again, not always can a team that plays badly on a particular can get away with it as Pakistan and India showcased last week. The best team ON THAT DAY wins the match -- that is the beauty of a SPORT, in general. Unfortunately, there always will be a few dastardly people who just cannot absorb any distasteful result; they cry out loud and cause mayhem.
I wonder what would have happened if a subcontinent team had lost a game after having amassed 430-odd runs like Australia did against South Africa last year.

Unless every 'real' cricket fan realises the folly of bringing passion and pandemonium together we are in grave danger of killing the sport.

But the question is who will swallow such a bitter pill even though it is only for the well being of the game?