Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Dhoni - My way or the highway

About 2 years ago, I had written an article on Dhoni's courage and his strange ways.

 Dhoni's strange ways

This article was written before India's 2011 world cup victory. Since then India has lost many series. The team's form has gone from bad to worse. And there is no end in sight.

Former players, selectors and cricket experts are asking for Dhoni's head but all we hear is some promises made by Dhoni. What is happening? Let us try to dissect the current state of affairs.

Is Dhoni still a good leader? I think so. He stands by his players and his decisions. He usually does not find fault with system.
Has his courage deserted him? No, but he has become autocratic and has started thinking that he is right and others are wrong.
Should there be a change in leadership? Maybe, selectors would know better but they should not be influenced by BCCI's managing committee. Maybe they can give a break to Dhoni for upcoming Australia series.
What is the solution? There are number of things that can be done but firstly selection should be left to selectors; Dhoni and/or BCCI's managing committee should have no role in it.
Are there any other reasons for recent defeats? I think coaching staff is not up to the par. Read an article which I wrote about a year ago  Can this be the reason for India's recent performances?

Read another article which highlights Dhoni's role. Undaunted despite defeat

As a fan I can only hope that India goes back to winning ways soon...

Monday, January 7, 2013

The Tendulkar era

Harsha Bhogle (cricket commentator and columnist) wrote 2 very good articles on great man - Sachin Tendulkar. One was written just prior to his announcement of retirement from One Day cricket and other was written just after the announcement.

Both the articles very well written.
Before the announcement - It's not just Tendulkar's decision

After the announcement - The Tendulkar habit

As a true fan I would forever want to see 90's Tendulkar on the field but all good things must come to an end. Let us relish his whites while he is still playing.