It makes me feel so sad at the behaviour of these so-called fans towards the Indian team. Can't even heroes fail at times? Must we be so antagonistic towards our sons that police will be needed to protect their homes and families? What have they done wrong? Dacoity? Cheating? Scam? Murder? All this is done here itself and we are far more at ease w/these. I still can't understand this anger...is this the worst performance by an Indian team? There have been worse performances...but do the cricketers deserve this?
We have all been disappointed at the events happening in the World Cup'07, but must we lose all reason? Do we have the right to question their commitment towards their country? I don't believe that they performed badly by design. They know the rewards of performing well, so why the heck should they perform badly deliberately?
I firmly feel that enough is enough. Let's treat them w/dignity and understanding, and not selfishly as we have done so far. It makes me sick to the pit of my stomach at the comments readers have been coming out with in your columns..."don't come back", "Sachin, retire" etc. Whether we like it or not, they are our team, and we must stand by them thru thick and thin. They surely deserve this unstinting support and must have it when they r down, like now.
I respectfully urge cricket lovers to lay off the team India and give them the support they deserve for the many wonderful moments they have give us. Now there are too many people saying what's wrong w/the team...people who have got into the Team India band wagon v.recently are speaking as if they have been following the game for years...they will never understand the game and won't enjoy the game's niecties regardless of which team plays well. When are we going to understand that sometimes trying one's best isn't good enough. There are so many factors that control the game...guess that's why we are such great fans of the game!
As for this cry for youth, let's leave it to the selectors and coach...they are experienced cricketers and surely know what actually went wrong and will correct this in the future.
I am also amazed at this performance oriented payment system being discussed...is this a business oriented setup wherein motivation will be provided by money alone? This is a skill setup wherein one's mental and physical preparation goes hand in hand. I think playing well for India is the best motivation, and our cricketers are well aware of it.
About Greg Chappell, I feel he's done his best, and in fact we should use his considerable experience rather than pull him down. Fellow fans, let's give them a chance to correct matters rather than throw them away which will bring its own set of problems.
Let me end w/this final note to Team India: Men, we love you and welcome u back. Things have not been great in the past few days, but things will turn around soon. May be we needed this set back to spur us on to greatness. We (at least some of us well meaning fans) are behind you all the way. Remember the old saying? "The sky is darkest before dawn". Do work hard but remember to enjoy the game...that's what Viv Richards would say, I guess.
Three Cheers for Team India, World Cup 2011 Champs!!!
