"Chappell certainly wanted India to progress as much as any of us did, and he and poor Rahul Dravid must be terribly gutted now.”

Agreed.
But I felt that the players themselves had that feeling of entitlement. That they would surely qualify for the next round. More than anything, it was their preparation for the world cup, the lack of a definite game plan that was to blame. And compared to last time the hunger was lacking. Something that happened to the much vaunted Brazil team of the last soccer world cup.

#1   Posted by The Piker on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 9:51:13

Amit,

I am surprised that you would say that Indian cricket fans should not feel entitled.  Indian fans should feel entitled because the current Indian team is composed of people who make a lot of money from the sport.  If I am paying some hard earned money to watch these clowns strut their stuff then I am entitled to have some reasonable expectations met.  These would include (but not be limited to) such things as good fielding, running between the wickets - stuff that is always within their control and usually indicators that players are serious about the incentives they have received.  Sadly, these were lacking in the Indian team’s efforts.  If these skills are something that can be prepared, and the Indian team obviously did not take it all that seriously, then what the heck did we pay for? So, by extension, why shouldn’t we the fans, be entitled to good preparation?  Don’t argue that we did not pay anything - we did - in the form of TV coverage (costs $199 in the U.S.).  What would your boss say to you if you lost her lots of money in business or made a costly mistake due to sheer laziness? Is she going to talk about how things were not in your control?  The fact is that some things were in their control - and that is where entitlement comes from.  There is something worse than getting angry in this situation and that is not caring about the results.

#2   Posted by Murli K. A. on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 10:04:27

Murli, did your $ go to the team or to the broadcast network? You’re conflating issues here.

#3   Posted by Manish on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 10:19:37

Murli’s logic seems terribly skewed to me at some places. You or me or anyone for that does not own the cricket team. The reason we paid in terms of TV coverage is because WE wanted to see it, nobody from the cricket team came and told us to do that. Its we who decided that we want to follow the indian cricket teams’s happenings. And in the same way, we assumed that because we bought the coverage for our entertainment, we now own the entertainment. We don’t.

We are not the “bosses” of the indian cricket team. Its just that being an Indian, chances are we will root for the Indian cricket team. I can also root for Bermuda that does not mean I start owning the Bermuda team.

I think its this fallacy of majority of the people that because they feel the cricketers earn a lot, they deserve to win every time. Every time, huh. The whole idea of sport is to give your best, and like Kipling said:
“If you can treat Triumph and Disaster as impostors and treat them just the same”
Yeah, I can understand most of us are saddened by the loss. But shit happens.
I am ready for WC 2011. Are you ?

#4   Posted by vishesh agrawal on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 10:19:40

Even better, WC ‘11 will be held in Wankhede Stadium in Bombay.

#5   Posted by Manish on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 10:20:43

The fact is that “this” is the best bunch of cricketers India has at this point of time. Inspite of trying to find suitable replacements over the last four years or so, we sent in almost the same team as in the previous world cup. It is simply a case of “No Better Alternative”. As Amit has said above, the chosen ones have tried their best, and “this” is the best ‘the best among us’ could do.
Somebody has to comeup with better ideas fast, otherwise breaking Dhoni’s house will not stop Indian cricket going the Indian hockey way.

#6   Posted by bhopale on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 10:24:51

murli, you paid $199 for the world cup coverage and that entitles you to the images you get on TV. nothing more, nothing less.

i find it insane that people should grudge cricketers their money. those guys worked hard to get where they are. they put aside their education and a ‘secure future’ for a 11 in a billion chance to make the india team. would YOU have made that choice?

and really, anyone who thinks the india team are a bunch of incompetent clowns should chuck their comfy jobs and PLAY the game. try and get on the india team and win the cup in 2011. or maybe train your kids to do that when they grow up.

#7   Posted by preeti on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 10:42:07

Hey Murali...I am with you on this man...this is just cheating. The next time you take up a subscription, you should clearly get it in writing from your broadcaster that he will only show you matches where India win —that way the team will never let you down or cheat you off your hard-earned, well-spent money !

#8   Posted by Vanka77 on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 11:29:45

I agree that we Indian are not entitled to a win. But we are entitled for a good performance in from the Team. Becos They reprsent us, They represent our country. It is this spineless performance of our team against both their asian counterparts which hurts me.

#9   Posted by Subramani on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 1:29:32

There seems to be a lot of stuff against Murali’s point about entitlement. My point about this would be that if the team is going to use the national name i.e. India then as an Indian I am entitled to see the players put in a good effort, not entitled to win but put in a good effort. They can use a name like ‘BCCI XI’ then I may not have any sense of entitlement but if since they are playing under the India banner then I feel justified in my sense of entitlement.

#10   Posted by Ram on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 1:42:46

so the day of reckoning has come,no point crying over spilled milk. what a marketing gimmick it was, ate into your heads, oo aah india...haha!

#11   Posted by Siddhartha on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 2:30:30

Average Indian fan like me is not entitled for a win, I feel he is entitled for a good fight. The way the Indians capitulated without giving a good fight surely must enrage any average Indian fan. It is the way the team has failed to perform colelctively entitles the indian fan to get angry. Amit’s argument that fan is entitled only for a win is wrong. The Indian fan wants his team to fight like lions irrespective of whether they are going to win or lose.

#12   Posted by sai gopal on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 3:49:57

There are two ways a team can lose:

1. Poor preparation like you mentioned.

2. Preparing properly, making a fight of it and then losing.

Being outplayed because of our own faults like poor preparation is a good reason for fans to be angry and not just disappointed. Fans are the real shareholders of the game and are entitled to show anger if they feel the team has been poor because of some thing like lack of preparation leading to exit in round 1.

I am not in favour of ransacking homes of players and stuff of course but expressing anger in paricular instances like fans do is okay where I am concerned.

#13   Posted by Pratyush on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 4:27:40

Subramani and Ram,
The players represent BCCI. They don’t represent India. I think thats what BCCI itself said, to some court, few years back. Its the media, that proclaims that they play for India :)

Murli,
If you are worried about this 199$, think about many of us who regularly pay taxes only to watch communists catch hold of TR Balu :(

#14   Posted by F e r r a r i on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 4:52:56

Aiyaah...relax, its just a game. The most overhyped and undeserving team lost. Simple.

At least it will let me watch the rest of the cup in peace and i dont need to carry any emotional baggage.

Iam off to root for New Zealand now. Anyone coming???

#15   Posted by Full2njoy on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 5:19:05

Full2njoy, me for South Africa. Why? Because Hu Ha rhymes with Africa (-:

#16   Posted by bhopale on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 5:48:51

As someone already mentioned, the hunger just wasn’t there in the body language of the players.

As for the sense of entitlement - I guess we are entitled to be disappointed, angry and vent our frustrations on blogs and such.

But burning effigies, attacking their houses etc. are not acceptable. There is no reason that the government should have to increase security at the houses of major players.

Alas, our collective memories are short: in a few months time, we will thrash Bangladesh and England in a few meaningless ODIs and it will be business as usual.

#17   Posted by BongoPondit on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 6:29:41

All I can say is: If you / we fans are feeling disappointed, imagine what Dravid and co., who have spent years of their lives preparing for this, must feel....

Will write more thoughts at my blog later but this is the one thought that comes to mind after yesterday’s game.

#18   Posted by Sanjeev on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 6:59:24

At last a sane bunch of cricket fans.
Preeti - you said it! everyone seems to have this famous “crab mentality” abt the cricketers making money! I think for the kind of pressure we put on them they deserve much more! They are underpaid.

I support Dravid and team now. When they need it. I think they are a good team. But their performances are what their fans deserve. The day the billion fans deserve to win, our team will win!

#19   Posted by Ashish on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 7:23:29

It appears that people did not read my comment carefully enough.  We are certainly not entitled to a win.  Winning and losing is part of sport as Amit pointed out.  However, we are entitled to a good faith effort from the players.  Most Indian fans that watch India play want India to play well and maybe win.  Isn’t that entitlement?  Those of you who argue that we aren’t entitled to anything should examine their own feelings as they watch events unfold.  Sure, you can sound pious and all that and claim that all you were interested in was a good cricket match regardless of the result.  How many of us would be keen followers of the game if India kept losing?  The accumulation of interest from a Billion fans is what makes Cricket what it is in India - and the players do benefit from that.  Why do Dravid and Chappel talk about taking responsibility?  Responsibility implies that someone is entitled to some answers.  It’s only a question of who and when and not whether entitlement exists.

#20   Posted by Murli K.A. on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 7:30:26

So, you think the players purposely did not put in a “good faith effort”? Putting in 2-3 years of work into this, they now somehow did purposely under-performed?

True..they did not play to their best potential… but we are a team of aging stalwarts, one of the worst teams fielding-wise, have a bunch of impotent spinners who are no Murali, and have a couple of on-again, off-again pacers (Agarkar, Munaf - Zaheer, to be fair, has been consistent over the past 6 months).... so, whose fault is it if a ‘billion fans’ expectated a win! And you are not a fan of cricket or a sport, if the interest in the game exists only if one team, your team, India keeps winning…

I, for one, enjoy cricket...and despite the early departure of India and Pakistan, will continue to follow the WC and enjoy the heroics of Ponting, Gibbs, Hayden, McGrath, the Kiwis, the Sri Lankans, and the occasional wizardry of the WI team.

#21   Posted by Sanjeev on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 8:18:14

Amit...you are wrong man. There are some folks who have commented here who are right and my hats off to them for saying the right things. We, “the fans”, are entitled to a win every time our cricket team steps out on the field. Sure, we are not entitled to a sane, clean government. Sure, we are not entitled to an answer from the defence minister every time a MIG goes down killing one of our young Air Force pilots. Sure, we are not entitled to a CBI not screwing up every major case. No...all that does not bother us --- all those silly things !

But the Indian cricket team ! How dare they lose ?
Amit boss, you are wrong and you should accept it.

Hurrah to the “Indian Cricket Fan” —may the blue billion rise !

#22   Posted by Vanka77 on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 8:35:55

A vast majority of Indians who watch cricket on the idiot box behave like idiots if our team loses. At the same time our cricketers let success go to their head and get busy with modelling contracts once their market value increases. I hope this loss teaches Indian fans and the Indian team a valuable lesson.

#23   Posted by Dev on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 9:20:00

Australia is currently toying with the SA bowling attack. Gosh! they just seem miles ahead of the competition. Gets us back to the point where you mention lack of preparedness. Any team without a game plan regardless of the depth of talent they are perceived to possess are doomed to failure. Passion, talent, etc can take you only so far in today’s competitive sports. I am reminded of New Zealand in 1992 when they clearly had a smart game plan and surprised many. Sadly, they didn’t win but I bet they impressed everyone and left the WC (in the semis) with their heads held high.

Back to the drawing board for the next WC. But something tells me, not much will change back home and as Bongo mentioned, a few meaningless ODI victories later, this debacle will be a distant memory.

#24   Posted by Patrix on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 9:57:08

I agree with Murli.And everyone is saying that he has got skewed logic.Its commonsense if not anything else.
You pay $199 to the broadcasting company.The broadcasting company pays BCCI to get coverage rights.The BCCI pays its players for the matches.Not to forget that the advertisers pay the broadcasters as well as the players who are featured in the advs.

Now why is it skewed logic?Your $199 is eventually paying the cricketers,right?If we do not show as much interest--and stop watching cricket--dont you think it’ll become just like any other sport in India..say Hockey?

Its a fair analysis by Murli.

#25   Posted by Ravi on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 10:15:27

Patrix: Aussies making runs galore and playing splendidly yeah but hopefully given the wicket and the small ground, South Africa will give it a fight.. :)

#26   Posted by Pratyush on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 10:28:17

Amit is travelling so he can’t be monitoring. Let Anarchy reign supreme!

Anyways, me thinks that as an Indian, and as a fan, we ARE entitled to a win. And it is fully justified to expect it from the player. Its the fan who makes these cricketers stars. Otherwise, they would have been playing in some mohalla or in kiddie leagues(and the way India played yesterday, I think even kiddie leagues should bar their entry!). But legally speaking, they are only responsible to the BCCI. BCCI employs them, not us fans. But then has sport really become all about money?? If it has, then shame on Team India.

Also, if that entitlement is not fulfilled, it doesn’t mean that we should wreck the cricketer’s houses or pelt their restaurants with stone. We should do that to politicians and ministers who are TRULY answerable to us. For these cricketers, they ought to be boycotted in Gandhigiri style. Lol. And BCCI should get a vision for its players. Plus a new coach. Really miss John Wright! I think he was the best ever. I miss the huddles, and the self confidence Indian team had 4 years ago. Nowadays, they are just an overpaid bunch of underperforming endorement freaks. Sheesh!

Yesterday was, in a way, a painful reminder of 96 WC semis with Sri Lanka. Ouch. Luckily, the match wasn’t held in Eden gardens!

Let’s wait for 2011 now. And a better team.

#27   Posted by Abhinav on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 10:33:54

This WC has been a salutary experience in learning the hard way - esp for a 10 year old boy who cried himself to sleep. My maid hated yesterday too- she had a hard time understanding the despair of her 9 year old twin boys watching the match in their creaky shanty. As rational adults we can accept that we are not entitled to the Worlds No. 6 team getting into Round 2 but what do you tell 3 boys (across social spectrums) who are not analytical or cynical enough as yet? Get a life ?
Life is sport isnt it ?

And while the blame game begins heres my 2p : lets start with removing Mr Chappell. True, he can not bat for the team on the field but what kind of coach reminds the media of his teams lack of success since 1985 , especially in the aftermath of such a galling defeat? Rats and sinking ships and all that stuff....

We got easily enamoured by PowerPoint didnt we ?

And finally, can we all look at the silver lining - a new policy on how selectors are chosen and improving the bench strength for starters ??

#28   Posted by Ila on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 11:19:26

I will speak to the first point.  The Indian cricket “fan” is not a season ticket holder so there should be no sense of entitlement.  Pride .. sure.  Passion .. why not, but unless you are a paying ticket holder not being provided your money’s worth, the responses to a loss are just totally unreasonable.  Not happy with Chappel .. start a blog and vent away.

#29   Posted by Deepak on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 11:38:14

The number dot balls clearly is the reason for India’s loss. The big assed seniors could not run fast. Especially Ganguly is to be blamed because this fellow who cannot hit shots on the leg-side should have never opened the innings.
Ganguly being a political weight muscled into team and also got the opening slot, which he did not deserve. Ganguly does not deserve anymore to play international cricket given his weakness in playing short-balls, legside and single making capability. As Ganguly slowed down the momentum of the innings from the start it put pressure on the other players eventully losing their wickets.
In my opinion Ganguly and Agarkar are redundant players in the team. Instead of them Dinesh Karthick and Irfan Pathan (also can bat) would made a huge difference. Tendulkar has also become old, may be we can give another 1 year time. Ganguly should resign as Inzamam did.

#30   Posted by Anonymous Hero on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 11:39:51

We are at least entitled to expect the team not to fold like a house of cards considering the amount of resources that are expended on these bunch of jokers! And it’s not just none banana-skin game’ as Dravid suggested and then proceeded to blame the format of the WC! We pretty much sucked against Bangladesh and then against SL! - Completely out played and not even in the same league as those teams. Reality is there no talent in India. If there was, Sachin et al should have long been replaced.

Talent?! Please!

#31   Posted by Vivek on Sat, March 24, 2007 at 11:51:02

In the ODIs before the World Cup, India beat the WI and SL easily at home, but got in SA.  IMO, the loss in SA was a better barometer of the Indian team’s chances in the Wold Cup. 

If so, why are Indian fans surprised? I’m not. 

The sad truth: we weren’t good enough—as Amit says above. 

However, at the risk of being politically correct, I’d argue that it wasn’t so much lack of preparation as lack of ability.  After all, it’s not as if these guys have performed much that is noteworty outside the subcontinent.  A poor run in one or two tournaments can be put down to lack of preparation.  But consistent losses mean we just don’t have what it takes skill wise - whether it be physical or mental.

And lest you cite the 2003 World Cup final showing, that was mostly a one-man effort: Tendulkar…

#32   Posted by Prashant on Sun, March 25, 2007 at 12:06:06

Well...the ultimate truth is THE INDIAN CRICKET TEAM LOST!!

Now, as for being ‘entitled to win’ - Who are you to be ENTITLED?? Please do not confuse your over greedy expectations with entitlement. And, I will strongly agree with many here, it was because ‘this’ was the best team possible and also in my opinion, Chappel has not proved to be that great a coach as well. Abhinav, I too miss Wright!

C’mon my dear ‘fans’ look around, there is a world beyond cricket. And now that many of you plan to use the ‘gandhidiri’ strategy, I am sure you can ignore cricket for a while and look into some national politics or vent your ‘anger’ and have some expectations from other sports...are there any in India??...lol...not until we start noticing and start ‘stressing’ our football team for a FIFA world cup! (Thank your stars ‘other sportspersons’ your houses are safe!! ;) )

#33   Posted by Nabila Zaidi on Sun, March 25, 2007 at 2:26:05

Why has it become so bad to be upset about your home team’s travails? These days I guess it is cool to bash the ‘desi fan’ as a know-nothing fanatic. When a bunch of cricketers play cricket as Team India, they are representing the country. As is the most normal thing to do, you root for your home team to win. Any place where a sport is the national pastime, passions are high. Indian fans are very passionate about cricket, and they take every win and loss very personally. What’s wrong with that? Now, these are 99.9999 percent of Indian cricket fans who are upset/sad/angry. The worst they do is post angry messages on message boards, etc. These are not the ones who would stone a cricketer’s house or burn effigies. These are the ones who stay up all night following the game when they either have to go to work the next morning, or even, a life-altering 12th grade board exam. Why can’t we celebrate this harmlessly sentimental Indian fan?

Here’s something more upsetting. When he was waxing eloquent with his “Commitment to Excellence”, Greg Chappel was aware he was going to get only 18 months to prepare the team for the holy grail. Now he says 18 months was not enough time to prep a team for the world cup. It wasn’t even like he was starting from scratch. And then he points out that this is the team that hasn’t won a major tournament since 1985. Oh, what faith he had in the boys. He didn’t believe in them. They didn’t believe in themselves. That’s what’s shattering about this failure.

#34   Posted by David M. on Sun, March 25, 2007 at 5:36:10

Can’t believe that I am posting comments on a cricket related website. But the signs of cracks in the Indian system were evident when the Chappel mantra of “young” was ditched may be much too soon for the return of “old guard”. Why did the youngsters not deliver then? Was decision to back Kumble, Ganguly and Sehwag justified? (May be Ganguly’s was, but I would still rate his batting a notch or two below what he was a few years ago). What about Tendulkar? Was it just a bad day in office or is he mentally finished? We lost badly in Windies last time we went there. May be it is difficult for our players to adjust to these pitches.

It seems that we as a team have regressed and our batsmen are losing form collectively. Before the past couple of years, at least one to two individuals would play purple simultaneously. Why not any more?

The last time our team has performed consistently in foreign countries was when Dravid redefined his role as a closer and donned the wicketkeeper gloves. May be this is what we should do since we do not have a genuine allrounder. Dhoni may be good in India, but is he a liability overseas? Why can’t we get a decent batsmen who can bowl consistently in the channel?

I don’t know the answers to these questions, but I am sure Chappel, Dravid and those close to the team know.

I can only hope that this loss is not a reflection on Dravid’s leadership? Lets hope that it does not affect his Test batting. Thats the only thing I am concerned about right now.

Sharad Pawar said something about refining Indian cricket on Aussie lines. Let us hope that our administration does atleast 10% of what Aussie do: create an environment to play cricket fair and hard.

#35   Posted by V. S. Prabhu on Sun, March 25, 2007 at 10:23:59

The next tour is to Bangladesh. We will beat the crap out of them. And then, the same people who burnt the effigies will be singing.

Hoo haa India,
Aaya India.

2011 world cup, India will beat a new minnow (Maybe Somalia). By then even Bangladesh would be thrashing India regularly. India will probably go out in the 2nd round. Effigies will be burnt, houses attacked, Parliament will be stalled, people die of heart attack.

The captain and coach will be sacked. Then, India will make a tour to Somalia (remember Bangladesh has overtaken India in the rankings now and we need new minnows to beat). India will give a sound thrashing to Somalia.

We all sing

Hoo haa India
Aaya India

life goes on....

#36   Posted by Full2njoy on Sun, March 25, 2007 at 10:43:32

I will first confess that I havent read all the comments as there are too many. But there seems to a consencus building up, atleast among Amit and Manish (Vij, I suppose) that people sould not complain bout Indias’ dismal performance at the Cup. But then why are we (indiauncut and ultrabrown) critical of the government for the shortcomings and blunders. Isnt it the same thing? We selected a few people to govern and they are doing what they can and we should shutup and suffer. It hurts most cause this was not a failure due to lack of ability but rahter a strategic one. One S R Tendulkar, has proven to be best at opening but never able to perform under pressure, had to go down the order and some Uthapa guy had to open instead. India went in with 4 openers! Thats no solution to the opening partnership problems. If my shoes are itchty, I get new ones or if I think they are real good in long term I get a better pair of socks but i never wear 3-4 of them! Also Dravid and Chappel were gaga over Pathan in the last one year as the kid who could do it for India then what happened? If he was left out why wasnt Sehwag comparing head to head there wasnt much difference between them in the last year or 2. And lastly can we please get rid of BCCI, that would be a bigger miracle and hope of team india rather than bermuda beating bangladesh. BTW I think Bangladesh deserve to go to the next stage and they will

#37   Posted by Tiger on Sun, March 25, 2007 at 11:55:23

Tiger, my friend, we should not shut up when our government under-performs (euphemism ?) because we pay tax money --- there is no choice: if you do not pay tax because the government is not performing , you will end up in jail --- simple.
With the cricket team, we have a choice :  I believe all television sets come with an off-button these days.

#38   Posted by vanka77 on Sun, March 25, 2007 at 12:23:31

Vanka77, you see, thats my problem with capitalism (some people call it the modern society), everything is “money”

#39   Posted by Tiger on Sun, March 25, 2007 at 12:40:54

Tiger, my friend, I would still beg to disagree. Money is just a substitute. The government is asking me for a part of my freedom. I could have a million uses with the money I earn for me and my family. Instead, the government is forcing me to pay a substantial amount of it as tax --- in essence it is forcing me to forgo a part of my freedom for something in return. When I do not get that “something” in return, or am not satisfied with what I get, I am entitled to pick a bone with the powers.
However, cricket is not the same. Nobody is forcing me to forgo any part of my freedom. I willfully spend late nights of my precious time watching the game on TV. If I chose, I could spend that time elsewhere and nobody would file a case against me in court.

But I do back your point about everything being counted in money these days.

#40   Posted by vanka77 on Sun, March 25, 2007 at 1:11:22

As a genuine cricket lover I’m extremely disappointed in the team’s performance but i think the “protests” such as burning of effigies and even worse, protesting outside cricketers’ homes and in dhonis case breaking down the compound of his wall is ridiculous. I just think we have too many uneducated unemployed people in our country with nothing better to do and are desparately searching for their 15 seconds of fame. Expressing your disappointment is one thing, scaring cricketers’ families is quite another. While on the topic i also fail to understand why the media actually gives so much importance, or even covers the events of such people in the first place. Its sad, the way people treat our cricketers. Splashing a picture on the front page of those eunuchs playing cricket with banners saying “come back we’ll play instead” was the worst thing the Times of India could have done… seriously. I really think we didnt win because we wern’t good enough.. period. What the team needs is support not mindless protests by the very same people who worship our team when they win. its sad… seriously.

#41   Posted by Chinmay on Sun, March 25, 2007 at 1:24:13

"It’s certainly time for harsh decisions -Sharad Pawar”

What was stopping Mr. Sharad Pawar to take those harsh decisions before the WC?

This clearly implies that we have taken things lightly and left it for luck. We missed a point that we don’t win matches based on the players records.

Now,what’s next? My take.

1. Dissolve the current team. Burn the past records. Bring the stars back to earth.

2. Cancel all the international matches scheduled in the next six months.

3. Plan for domestic matches, every state should have 5 teams. Let them play among themselves, atleast 5 matches each. Then pick the state team totally based on the performance in those matches. No past records please.

4. Then plan for a more better series in the lines of Ranji.

5. Sit back and then pick the best performing players from the lot. I am sure, you can’t be if Tendulkars, Gangulies , Dravids, Dhoni’s will be in the team.

6. Then start your international series with a 5 one day series with B’desh. Time to take revenge boys.

Talent picking should be a continous process. We can play a role there. Please go to the stadiums and watch the domestic matches. Entry should ofcourse be free.

Last but most important. Only the members of who find place in the performing Indian Team can do commercials. 30% of the money should ofcourse go to the Prime Minister’s relief fund.

Huh...hope it works…

#42   Posted by Sree on Sun, March 25, 2007 at 8:51:02

To use your theory Amit,

I’m entitled to my life and property, and to do or say whatever I please so long as my right to do so does not infringe on anyone else’s right to these same things.

So, the fans of the Indian Cricket team are entitled to be angry or whine, or in fact, do anything they went, so long as they don’t infringe on anyone else’s right to do the same.

#43   Posted by Zainub on Mon, March 26, 2007 at 8:28:14

So, the fans of the Indian Cricket team are entitled to be angry or whine, or in fact, do anything they went, so long as they don’t infringe on anyone else’s right to do the same.

Absolutely, Zainub. But they’re not entitled to a win, which is how they behave.

#44   Posted by Amit Varma on Mon, March 26, 2007 at 9:28:20

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#45   Posted by bcatmvpt on Wed, October 31, 2007 at 8:35:01