I have mixed opinion on ur message. I agree with some parts (like change the pitches and make them more competitive and sporting, emphasis on fitness, fielding coach etc) but definitely disagree with the fact that fans are creating pressure on players. If these players were so worried about fans' reactions and pressure they would show it as performance. Do u think Aussies' fans will take it lightly if they had got knocked out of the world cup losing to Netherlands?? The same fans or fanatics make Gods out of the cricketers and that time the cricketers dont object. Infact it is this hero worship by fans that make advertising companies think that casting these cricketers in ads promotes their products. Let us face it, in our country achievements of Sachin tendulkar is bigger than that of Dr. Abdul Kalam because more people are passionate about cricket than science. In such a nation it is but expected that fans will react violently if they lose and that too lose to Bangladesh and get knocked out before the second round. Also I dont agree with your point that there needed to be two matches. I mean just because India got knocked out in the first stage one cannot call for a diferent tournament format. Everyone knew the rules before the tournament and this sudden death is not an unknown factor. Teams knew that if they lose two out of three they are out. Now if India and Paksitan had both made it to super eights as anticipated then the double roubnd robin would have resulted in more meaningless matches and more minnow bashings. I for one was not going to expect miracles in the super eights stage against the likes of Aussies, SA and NZ from a team which could not beat Bangladesh. So getting knocked out of super eights is a just reward for the bad performance put up by Indians. Nothing wrong with the format at all !!! I however agree with you on the point about rediff and journalists rubbing salt into the wounds. Like u said bringing issues like Chappel messaging journalists is futile and worthless exercise.
