Maybe it is the transition phase. But I have always belonged to the old school. Perhaps it is difficult for me to be foresighted and optimistic and anticipate the transformation for good. From the day one I havent been appreciative of evolution of T20 cricket, although I was sure that is where the future lies. Watching the Rajkot ODI (or rather following it on line) was not really a pleasant experience. It hurt somewhere within, to see the sport which has been a very essential part of growing up of thousands of Indian kids like me, being celebrated in an entirely transformed manner. India won, but I found it hard to find the jubilation within myself. It was just a relief in the end. Nagpur ODI, India lost, and it did not matter. I find it rather disturbing, to not be able to emotionally attach myself to the victory or the defeat.
The same person who, a few years back would pray in the bed before sleep for next day"s match. Who couldnt miss a ball being balled, and could not keep his hands apart while Sachin was at crease (this part still holds true though). An Indian defeat would mark a meaningless day and a close shave would mean your throat couldnt swallow for rest of the hours.
But does all this mean a lessened interest in cricket or lack of enthusiasm for Indian win.? Neither. I am praying against odds for a WI victory Vs Aus, and would wake up early tomorrow to see the 1st delivery being bowled (WI needs 50 odd runs, 5th day, with 1 wicket left), and am already exited about how the English chase for 350 run target turns up Vs SA.
Cricket, as I grew up, became an integral part of life. However, by my own definition, it is about 2 contests between bowlers and batsmen of both sides, rather than simply being which side scores more. The current evolution seems to be leading to the latter one (thanks to T20). An equal platform needs to be provided to prevent cricket from being reduced to a batting slugfest. Curators need to redefine the "perfect ODI track". I have always loved the contests where team batting first struggles to the score of 225 odd runs and the match turns up to be a cliffhanger. Cricket for me is getting deprived of terms such as - 'prize on the wicket', 'set yourself in', 'the superb short selection', 'see this bowler through' and so on. Modern day cricket is not giving time for these anymore. You hit and hit hard. Maybe, batting has evolved through, maybe the conditions are same as before and its just the batsmen' mindset that has helped reach the new high. But then there is a need to empower the other set as well. It has to be a contest of equals. If batting has evolved, give chance to bowlers to put up a fight. Let the ball bounce and seam off the pitch, let it turn and turn square. Let batsmen play few overs through and understand the 'conditions'. 'Conditions' - the 3rd critical parameter that has quietly taken the backseat. Let the spell be seen off and then we'll score. Let the prize on wicket be back.
The same person who, a few years back would pray in the bed before sleep for next day"s match. Who couldnt miss a ball being balled, and could not keep his hands apart while Sachin was at crease (this part still holds true though). An Indian defeat would mark a meaningless day and a close shave would mean your throat couldnt swallow for rest of the hours.
But does all this mean a lessened interest in cricket or lack of enthusiasm for Indian win.? Neither. I am praying against odds for a WI victory Vs Aus, and would wake up early tomorrow to see the 1st delivery being bowled (WI needs 50 odd runs, 5th day, with 1 wicket left), and am already exited about how the English chase for 350 run target turns up Vs SA.
Cricket, as I grew up, became an integral part of life. However, by my own definition, it is about 2 contests between bowlers and batsmen of both sides, rather than simply being which side scores more. The current evolution seems to be leading to the latter one (thanks to T20). An equal platform needs to be provided to prevent cricket from being reduced to a batting slugfest. Curators need to redefine the "perfect ODI track". I have always loved the contests where team batting first struggles to the score of 225 odd runs and the match turns up to be a cliffhanger. Cricket for me is getting deprived of terms such as - 'prize on the wicket', 'set yourself in', 'the superb short selection', 'see this bowler through' and so on. Modern day cricket is not giving time for these anymore. You hit and hit hard. Maybe, batting has evolved through, maybe the conditions are same as before and its just the batsmen' mindset that has helped reach the new high. But then there is a need to empower the other set as well. It has to be a contest of equals. If batting has evolved, give chance to bowlers to put up a fight. Let the ball bounce and seam off the pitch, let it turn and turn square. Let batsmen play few overs through and understand the 'conditions'. 'Conditions' - the 3rd critical parameter that has quietly taken the backseat. Let the spell be seen off and then we'll score. Let the prize on wicket be back.
