How can there be a blog by an Indian without a post about Cricket’s latest circus - The Indian Premier League. I was not a fan of cricket & knew whatever I knew about Indian cricket through the news channels & news papers. The IPL caught everyone’s attention right from the beginning, right from when Shubhash Chandra announced the ICL. It all began with the ICL & ended up with Mr. Lalit Modi’s brain child - The IPL.
Auctioning of players, the biggest entrepreneurs of India, the biggest stars of Indian cinema all associated with it, huge sums of money involved, marketing campaigns never seen before, the IPL was the bridge between entertainment & cricket, to win back the lost viewers, many like me, viewers who find the concept of Test Cricket very boring, I mean watching a match for 5 days & it all ends in a draw, or for that matter even a One-Day International, which is drags on and on for a whole day. IPL is different, interesting, fast paced, batsmen come, whack the ball around and go, the ballers have to be accurate, if they are not, they will be hammered for 6 sixes.
Recently a lot of hoopla-ha surrounded Mr. Vijay Mallaya’s decision to sack team CEO Mr. Charu Sharma (Vijay Mallaya is the owner of the Bangalore team, Royal Challengers & Mr. Charu Sharma is a TV presenter). The decision wasn’t a shocking one, neither was it unexpected, people over the years looking at the way BCCI works have become accustomed to the bureaucratic ways of doing things. A few years back, the reigns of coaching the Indian team were given in the hands of Greg Chappel, I have ever since wondered, why? Mr. Chappel for some reason decided that he wanted Ganguly no more to be in the team, his entire stint as Indian Cricket Team’s coach was wasted in this pursuit. He wanted Mr. Rahul Dravid to be the captain of the team, a guy who is called The Wall, for his defensive styled batting, a lot of people at that time were joyous of this decision, a book named - The Nice Guy Who Finished First, was published (I did not read it). At this point let me make it clear I am not a fan of Dravid & am an admirer of Ganguly.
Dravid is everything that a team captain should be not. He lacks aggression both in attitude & his game and a game as fierce as T20, needs a lot of it, second thing that T20 needs is someone who can make runs fast, something Rahul Dravid is known not to do, his fame is for his slow game. Mr. Mallaya was forced into having Rahul Dravid captain his team, Mr. Mallaya is not BCCI, he is not the one who works as a bureaucrat, he is a corporate genius, he gets what he wants but this time he mis-calculated, leaving all major decisions in the hands of Rahul Dravid. A mistake that he is out to set right. The BCCI is a pack of stupid bureaucrats who cannot or don’t want to take tough decisions, the only tough decisions they take is of stopping pensions of World Cup winners. For the BCCI Greg Chappel is someone great inspite of the drain that he pushed Indian cricket into.
Mr. Mallaya on the other hand does not give a fuck who you are, if you can’t get the job done, pack you bags and get out, that’s the corporate way of doing things, the right way of doing things, you give them all the freedom they want, let them take all the decisions and if the decisions do not yield the required results, in the words of Donald Trump -You’re Fired! Fair & Square.
It is quite clear from the snippets from the RCB officials, Dravid made all the decisions, all the wrong decisions, he bought Sunil Joshi! a retired Indian Intl player to play T20, Anil Kumble! I am no cricket expert but when I have a captain that is famous for his slow scoring, I will certainly not go for 2 other retired players! Seriously what logic is there, to have 3 players who have almost finished their peak to play a fast paced game like T20, is beyond my rational understanding but in the world of Charu Sharma & Rahuil Dravid that is what they did and are paying the price for.
I sympathise with Mr. Mallaya, first he lost the bid for the Bombay team to Mr. Ambani and then he had no choice but to go for Rahul Dravid as that is what the the bureaucratic laws of the BCCI say. Mr. Mallaya made a mistake called Rahul Dravid & I hope he sets it right. One of the coaching staff of the RCB team himself has been quoted saying that they have tried all stratergies but this team is too old & slow, this team is filled with people like Dravid, people who should not be playing T20, they are everything T20 is not.
Hoping for the betterment of the Royal Challengers and all the best to the people who are next in line to be fired.
May 14th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
same here i also think that if some one can’t play one day cricket how u make the caption of 20-20 criecket team
May 14th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
RC is nearing their end dude. I doubt they’ll survive more in the T20. Once they’re done with their 14 matches - Its bye bye time anyways
May 15th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Vijay Mallya did not really have a choice when it came to Rahul Dravid. Dravid had been given the icon status for the B’lore team. He came by default with the team - a bad decision on part of the BCCI.
VVS Lax(ative)man too had been given icon status for the Hyderaboad team - but apparently he himself opted out of it. wise choice, but IMO he should have opted out of the tournament itself - not suited for this form of the game.
May 16th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
You are everything a writer “should be not”, and, let, me, tell, you, commas, are, indeed, fun, so, why, use, full, stops,,,,
Learn to write before you criticize. And by the way that was a full stop. You’re fired.
May 23rd, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Good points there. BCCI is an old stupid who keeps supporting the old whores that are widely known as iconic players. I mean, seriously, why do players like Dravid, Ganguly, Laxman etc. get iconic status? Perhaps the only guys who deserved it were Sehwag and Yuvraj, both of who are aggressive, explosive and above all is suited perfectly to the style of T20.
Mallya is very disappointed with RCBangalore, and will probably kick out all the oldies in the team. The only problem is, he’ll have to pay their wages even if they don’t play. I think he is smart enough to know that it’d be more profitable for him to pay wages for them and bring in better players for next year, rather than be stuck with the same group again.
Dravid bought Joshi for 12 lakhs because he was an old friend of Dravid. And Dravid recommended Kumble because of good behaviour . Haha, lol, that has to be the biggest clown in cricket. It is time Dravid paid for it with being out of the team. But then again, he’d be happy to do it because BCCI bosses have ensured that the icons cannot be disposed of without the owner paying full wages.
T20 has commercialized cricket like no other.In my opinion, T20 shouldn’t put stupid brakes now, keep the $5 million cap on player salaries so that all teams remain competitive, but allow club soccer-style transfers and wages, which will be beneficial for performers like Gambhir, Dhoni, Sehwag, Jayasurya etc., and detrimental for losers like Dravid. That way, the players wont have to be paid if they perform poorly.
I don’t like your rant about Greg Chappel, though. He is a tough and pro coach, and kicks out players if they underperform (except Sachin, but that’s because fans and sponsors may have murdered him if he kicked out Sachin). Such professionalism is why Aussies are the top team in cricket. When selectors in Australia kicked out Michael Bevan (who was in good form, but still out), nobody cared because it paved the way for better players like Michael Clarke. In India, the whole country revolted when Ganguly was finally kicked out because he failed miserably as both captain and player.
That’s the reason why India is not the best in cricket. Looking forward to change of such things, and especially ouster of 30+ year old players who also very poor in fitness (I’m talking about Tendulkar, Ganguly, Laxman, Kumble, Sehwag and co). And kick out those mini elephant called Ramesh Powar too. Good God, he won’t even have played inter-city tournaments had he been in some other country.
May 23rd, 2008 at 9:33 pm
I too think that the cap should be maintained other wise it will tilt the scales towards those with deeper pockets.
May 26th, 2008 at 9:23 am
This article is a typical example of immature behaviour. Victory and defeat are part and parcel of life. This blogger clearly shows his lack of knowledge in cricket. The corporate ways of asking ppl to fuck off will not work in sports. Had BCCI told fuck off to the a guy who was 16 years old when he made his debue, did not score much after his initial burst for almost 80ODI’s, we would not have seen the Master Blaster. Please dont talk about Ganguly. His fileding and fitness are probably the worst of any cricketer. FYI what makes you say Ganguly is more aggresive?? He did well as a captain because most if Indian player were at their peak. I am sure you would not know that Dravid averaged 108 during DADA tenure. What did DADA make during this time?? nothing!!. SEhwag and Pathan were at their peak. When Dravid came all these players were in horrendous form. Get your facts right.
May 26th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
I really pity your state of thinking boss. When you dont have knowledge about cricket, all we expect you to do is Shut the Fuck up. Agree Rahul Dravid has made mistakes, but what the fuck makes you over react and say that He is everything but what T20 is?? Do you follow IPL?? Have you watched the matches?? Have you seen the consistency with which Dravid has been performing?? He can adapt to any form of the game. Its a slap in the face of ppl like you. I would sincerely request you to think before you bark, else just shut the FUCK up ( In your own corporate ways)
May 26th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
May 27th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
So what if we returned from world cup without a victory?? Dude a captain is only as good as a team. The so called Faker Ganguly what did he perform during the term when he was captain. Take our Rahul from Saurav’s team and then you will realise that there are only very few victories. I know you wud bark now because you dont have enough knowledge about cricket.
You remember headingly test?? You remember who gave us the solid start?? I am sure you dont even know where headingly is.
Natwest Series in england? Rahul Failed in the finals but throughput the tournament he was the most consistent player.
World cup 2003.. Remember the innings against England when sachin gave us a rollicking start and Rahul had to take us past 250. I am sure you wont remember all this. What abt the greatest match against Pak in the 2003 World cup?? Dravid scored a timely 48 to win us the game. When he came to bat the match could have gone either way with a wicket or two. How much did Saurav make in that game?? 0 or 1.. does not matter, because I am sure it wud not have crossed single digits. And you say saurav was not treated well. ha ha ha ha Get a life.
Under Dravids Captaincy We have won two overseas Test tournaments. Remember or do i need to put some insight into your empty brain abt this also??
We won against England in England and Beat West indies in their own backyard. Under dADA we only won one or two matches but never managed to win any series except in Bangladesh.. ha ha.
Also Dravid’s two best test innings of 2oo plus came against Australia in Kolkotta and Adelaide uunder the captaincy of DADA. DADA shud thank Ganguly for saving his name. If Dravid had not been there ppl like you wud not have Barked like this.
So sit and think abt your lack of knowledge abt the GAME. Stop fucking around and do what you are good at. You dont need me to tell that isnt it?? This is a public place hence I will tell that later.
May 28th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Well what you are doing right now is a head to head personal performance comparison, which is not what I am trying to point at. The RCB officials, from top to bottom have said that the teams were selected by Rahul Dravid, now no matter how much of a great player he might be, the fact he chose Sunil Joshi remains & will haunt him.
If you also analyse your post, you referred to Test matches saying that Rahul helped us win so and so test match, he played good in so and so test match. That is what I have said all along, he is a good as a matter of fact great test player, but not a T20 player & more so not a good captain either.
Do a head to head comparison of Ganguly & Dravid as captains, you will see what I am trying to say. He is a great player for Tests & providing stability in a 50 over game, but not a great or even good captain.
May 28th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Head to head you want boss??
Dravid Won us Series in overseas like England and West Indies. As an Indian captain the greatest acheivement is to win in overseas. Why do you think i mentioned about Dravid winning series in WI and England?? Isnt that head to head?? Man i really thought you know what you are typing. But you are proving to be again one of those annoying writers. Also you told Dravid is not a tT20 captain?? Wait for sometime boss. If he wins IPL for RCB with next season ppl like you will start shut all what you have.. Its no point arguing with you. You just dont seem to know anything other than passing judgements about a player. May be you are from North India or BEngal. Your racial attitude is clearly visible. Dravid is not a good T20 player?? Did u see the recent games?? I am sure you would not have as you are busy wit licking Ganguly ASS.
Think before you ink is an appropriate phrase for fools like you. Third rate comments about Dravid by a Third Rate human being(mannan or whatever)
May 28th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Dravid & Chappel tried everything that was possible to get rid of Ganguly but he came back and proved that he still is as good as he was.
A new bunch of players in RCB, so you accept that he made a fool out of himself by choosing players like Sunil Joshi? If you do accept that it is pretty much proved that Dravid can’t captain, he just doesn’t have the ability to motivate, select & lead.
May 29th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha… What a joke dude.. I really like your sense of humour.
How many times should things be documented and told to you?? Again you will come back and argue about the same things like a Stupid.
Why was Ganguly the most successful captain?? Dint I tell you about this in my earlier post?? Please read that before you bark your way to glory.
Dint I accept taking Joshi was mistake?? I did that. That does not make him a fool you fool.
You told Dravid is out of the ODI team isnt it? What about Ganguly?? Their comes the difference Ganguly and screwed up ppl like you will CRIB, CRIB and coontinue CRIBBING that DADA has not been selected, we need atleast someone from BENGAL and all that CRAP. You very well know what DRAVID does. He doesnt need to CRIB. He accepts it, that down the line, we need youngsters to come up.
I really appreciate Dhoni for that. He has virtually wiped Ganguly’s Ass throwing Cowdung on bloggers like you. How does it smell dude?? Bad i know. But its ok you gotta manage with that.
Have you played cricket any time?? Just tell me, I would like to test you on certain topics.
PS: Dont again talk like an idiot. Contradicting some baseless things. Things which I have already answered in my earlier comments, Dont ask about them again.
One more thing borther.. I really PITY you..
May 29th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
I agree with the article, Rahul Dravid did not deserve to be the captain in the first place. He ruined the Indian team and now has led the Royal Challengers to the same fate.
Ganguly knew that it is the youngsters that should be given priority & exposure, if it was not for him we would not have had players like Dhoni & Yuvraj in the first place.
May 30th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Dhoni was given Chance by Ganguly?? Thats news to me.. You should be applauded for your cricketing knowledge. You ineed know the facts so well.
Please atleast think twice before you write something. Its utter rubbish. Dhoni was given chance by RAhul Dravid. It was Dravid’s persistence with Dhoni even when he did not perform that has resulted in Dhoni being the new Captain. I am really Happy that Dhoni has kicked out Ganguly..
May 30th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Super NEWS: No place for Ganguly in squad..
This is terrific news. Way to go Dhoni.Cant stop praising you.
Mediocre fielding will never win a place in ODI cricket.
Heartening news..
May 30th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
May 31st, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Dravid has made way for youngsters buddy. He accepts he is old and cannot contribute much to the team’s cause. Therefore allowing youngsters a fair chance in the team.
In sharp constrast are some other oldies. Even though they have been kicked out, they are making media statements like “I hope I get selected in the team”. They are trying their best to enter the team and spoil the team spirit and composition.
BTW it was this fool Ganguly who brought in Greg Chappel. You saw finally what happened right?? Greg Chappel initiated ganguly’s ouster from the captaincy. He has never and will never get the captaincy. So on that battle Greg will remain the Ultimate winner. This is the only GOOD thing Greg Chappel has done to the Indian Team.