So what is it that World Cup 2007 will be remembered for? The highest World Cup total, (India against Bermuda), the early exit of sub-continental giants (India and Pakistan) or the murder of the Pakistani coach Bob Woolmer under suspicious circumstances?
Godspeed Bob, go in peace.
Will anyone ever talk about who won this cup? The cricketing brilliance which is bound to shine through as the cup campaign gets into the Super 8 phase? As I still recover from the shock of India's defeat to Bangladesh and then the surrender to Sri Lanka, I am asking myself what does cricket mean to me now.
When Mohd Azharuddin gave the word coin a new phrase, the revolving door, as an acknowledgment of his ability to turn his wrists full circle, I thought I too could crack those tough Math numericals easily.
The point that I am making is that for me, great deeds on the cricketing field by team India, before they got re-christened as Men in Blue, were almost like great moments in my own life. And I am not alone. The same story gets repeated in millions of homes all across the country. But just like good performances leave a good taste in the mouth, bad performances leave a scar on our hearts. That's why when I hear that someone has died of a heart attack, as a result of India's exit, I don't get too surprised. Cricket in India is not "JUST A SPORT". It's a way of life, It's our daily routine. And routines sometimes can go haywire.
So make no mistake, despite this poor performance, I don't think that the passion we have for the game is in anyways going to reduce. The angry protests apart, many organised for cheap publicity in front of TV cameras, we will still be rooting for our guys, the moment they get onto their next assignment.
The BCCI has already taken the first step, by announcing that Ranji Trophy matches will now be played on faster pitches. They have to ensure that the promise is delivered. If we can get foreign coaches, lets also get some help in preparing pitches. Our cricket board is the richest. Surely money cannot be a problem.
Greg Chappell may have erred by trying to bring about too many changes in the international team, without looking at the talent available in our India A or India B teamsA Robin Utthappa scored a quick-fire 70 against West Indies on a better of a wicket and got himself a ticket to the cup. By now I have seen him in more commercials than match innings. One is not disagreeing with the players rights to make money. But maybe some kind of a professional who is hired by the BCCI and not top ad agency could be there to ensure that players don't end up compromising on cricket.
