Put in a simple way: Shouldn't we start hating cricket now? Cricket is a little game played by around 10 number of countries and mostly fan-based in the sub-continent. Being not adored by a large part of the world, successes and defeats in this game doesnt bring a worldwide recognition. If you go to say 'cricket' to most English speaking nationals, the first picture that would come to their mind would be the insect. This is probably because sporting fans of more developed nations may not be ready to devote time to a full day event like cricket. Or because the action part of cricket - the ball meeting the bat is trivialized by the long gaps between successive balls and centralization of super action periods around the initial and final stages of the innings.
At the same time, the recognition of the game in the sub-continent is huge. This is probably because of a narrow outlook of sport fans who think that no other popular game would fare well here - In cricket we would at least stay in the top 10 always. So since there is no other game that we shine, people take interest to cricket. The excessive media glare adds to the woes. But on the other hand, if we give attention to other games, we can become a good contender in that. At least, we should shed this inferiority complex and go ahead. Let us take examples of Sania, Anju Bobby, Jeev Milkha, Rathore etc... All those mentioned may not be the very best in their fields - but they were the ones who were bold enough to try out other things - think out of the box and make a mark. The excessive media interference is doing no good to the team. At least we should stop worshiping them until they come off well. I may be talking like a novice but how many 400 totals have India got? Just one, right? Even if the opposite team bowls all legal deliveries the max that a batting team can score is 1800 runs. But scores of 300 plus are considered good and 400 superlative. Is it the way cricket is played or is it a defect in our perspective? Isnt cricket an underutilized game? Arent the batsmen who we consider Demi-Gods nowhere near there? Time to ponder.. Time to change.. Otherwise let us turn our attention to other games!!!!
RE:Cricket is no sportsman's game
by Annie on Apr 23, 2007 05:01 PM Permalink
You are right we need to play other sports as well, but regardless of that, this is free country and people are free to worship Sachin, ganuly or whomever they wish (however misplaced there faith may be).
I nearly choked on my tea when i read this - "Even if the opposite team bowls all legal deliveries the max that a batting team can score is 1800 runs. But scores of 300 plus are considered good and 400 superlative. Is it the way cricket is played or is it a defect in our perspective?" - Dude!! that's a 6 on every delivery (did you mean batting teams or batting machines??), either your crazy or you've NO knowledge of cricket, and the answer to your question is that there is a defect NOT in our perspective but in YOUR'S (about cricket).
RE:Cricket is no sportsman's game
by Freek Guy on Apr 24, 2007 10:29 AM Permalink
I know Annie, its difficult to change perspectives.. unless you grow... Till about 2 years ago, even 400 plus was considered impossible. but now there are so many teams coming up with that.. even India has done that.. My point was why India is always behind others to reach such milestones? It is because right from over 1, we try to make just 5 or 6 per over... If we are able to do that, we are happy.. No more improvement.. Why not try to make 10 per over from the beginning.. and be the first team in the world to cross 500.. Here is where you need a different perspective.. Most limits are set in our minds, not reflecting the realities..
