People are fond of saying "it's just a game" when there is a reaction against a loss by Team India. But I say it is not "just a game" when it gives the players so much; celebrity status, pots of money, endorsements and more money and a nation giving them an iconic aura. Everything they have is due to the game; Sachin earns a 100 crore in advertisements because he is a cricketer and enjoys cult status. The least we can expect from these men is some committment to the game. And what about some good old-fashioned patriotism??? The pride of playing for one's country seems to have bypassed these selfish individuals. When one saw the Australians playing against South Africa yesterday, one understood this aspect of the game. Their energy, enthusiasm and total focus were so evident. In contrast, all one saw among the much-hyped Team India was a callous, casual approach to batting and fielding. The bowlers at least tried their best. Why are the Indians not good fielders? They are not fit and athletic and why are they not so? Because they spend more time on their endorsements and shoots, than in doing what they should be doing, which is practice, keeping fit and focusing on their game. The fielding was pathetic, in sharp contrast to the Sri Lankans and even the energetic Bangladeshis and I have no words to describe the batting, complete indiffernce would be the right word. They were playing the World Cup for their country and the approach was criminal. A total overhaul of the system and a more accountable structure where a player is responsible for his performance is needed urgently. THERE SHOULD BE A BAN ON ALL ENDORSEMENTS BY CRICKETERS FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS. They have made enough money, now let them think of the game.
