by Rohit Brijnath, in the Hindu, writes that it is team that the BCCI
decides
Greg Chappell's future after the World Cup. More in the article below.
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Time to decide Chappell's future
Rohit Brijnath
In a vaguely sensible world (as opposed to a "perfect world" which the
BCCI will never inhabit), we would have dumped this shortly out-of-
contract coach by now. Or, indeed, decided to embrace him for two more
years.
Either we say, "thanks, bhai, but see you later, mate, here's your
post-World Cup ticket home and please accept this sandalwood box as a
token of our lack of esteem."
Or we say, "hang on you philosophising prophet, we understand it'll
take just a year or two to fulfil your powerful vision, so here's
another garland and an invitation to stay on."
Whatever, we've taken too long to make up our minds.
What are we waiting for? A World Cup we've got as much chance of
winning as Sreesanth has of being a future match referee? If we win
that ugly trophy, it'll be a miracle, and a miracle is not quite the
appropriate basis for choosing a coach.
Australia's changed its coach. Tom Moody's name springs up following
suggestions of Duncan Fletcher's execution. No one mentions India. By
the time we calculate we require a coach, half the best candidates
will have fled the scene.
In that vaguely sensible world I mentioned, we'd at least have a
committee by now, if nothing else because no one enjoys panels,
committees and commissions quite like we do.
The committee's men must not necessarily be the best from India, but
those who want the best for India. If they're going to give us b***
lectures on how a firangi can't identify with the culture in the
dressing room, when, dammit, it's exactly that culture of mediocrity
we want to change, then, please, don't sit on the committee.
The committee would investigate Chappell, weigh results, but make its
decision not solely on India's results. Chappell is not entirely
culpable for India's uneven performances, for to believe so is to
exonerate the board and absolve the players.
A fair decision
What also matters is did Chappell bring valuable ideas, did he
communicate them smartly, was he judicious, fair, honest, did he
instil confidence in players or steal it away, did he stand up for
cameras when India won and slink away when we lost, is he necessary
change but in too harsh a package, is he a fine speaker or should he
just suture his lips? Talk to the captain, ask players, interrogate
wise observers, and if the X's outweigh the ticks, head for the
sandalwood shop.
Even if we decide to farewell Chappell that would be half the job;
deciding on his replacement would complete it. What did we like about
John Wright, Chappell, Wadekar, what does this particular team need,
let's sketch a profile of the man we're looking for, then go find him.
In a vaguely sensible world, the BCCI would also remind Virender
Sehwag that the captaincy (whenever Dravid goes) isn't, as once
assumed, automatically his, it isn't a prize for longevity. In manner,
and form, and example, Sehwag must demonstrate he deserves it.
The BCCI might do well to worry, too, that so few candidates exist for
the future captaincy (Irfan is struggling, Bhajji not a first XI
regular, neither is Kaif, leaving a new-ish Dhoni and a evolving
Yuvraj), to the point where the absurd notion of reinstating Tendulkar
occasionally surfaces. A gently declining genius is at best a
sentimental selection.
Indeed, in a vaguely sensible world, selectors chairman Vengsarkar
should courteously tap older men on their shoulders - Laxman 32,
Dravid 34, Tendulkar 34 in April, Ganguly 35 in July, Kumble 36 - and
hint that their respective curtains, at varying speeds, have begun
their slow motion fall.
Form, not age, should determine selection, but failures are
scrutinised more harshly at their ages. After a while there is no time
left to say "I'll be back."
The excellence of these men should never become obscured by average
last days. They are not done yet, some have more life left than
others, but quietly their skills are fading till eventually only
defiance will remain.
We hold great affection for these men, but we must not indulge them.
When five of them go, India will be bereft.
In a vaguely sensible world, India would also be ready.
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