Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill having a chat (Source: PTI)
The mad obsession with cricket among Indian fans is nothing new. You casually go to a tea stall, probably having an intense discussion with your friend about some happenings related to the sport. Out of nowhere, and within a second, you will find one individual (if not more) intensely looking at you with all ears.
The purpose? Of course, to get an idea about what exactly your take is on that particular matter. And if it goes against the viewpoints of that human being, don’t even be surprised if he (or even she) jumps into your conversation. Even if that individual decides not to enter the chat, you will be secretly judged by that somebody within seconds.
That’s how the sport unites people in this country, even if they don’t know each other at all. That’s the power it holds. It turns random strangers into friends and side by side, best friends can become worst enemies, even after just one heated conversation with too many disagreements.
Why do Indians do that and keep on doing the same thing again and again? The answer, as always, is nothing but simple. They feel their success in cricket is their own personal victory in life, and for that, it needs to come quickly and more frequently.
The Master And Apprentice: Why Do They Matter Most?
Now, let’s come to the catalysts of cricket’s romantic stories in India. Of course, different eras have had different heroes, with Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Mohammad Azharuddin, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli, to name a few.
However, even though the greats of the game remain forever on the pages of cricketing folklore, there is no harm in saying that captains build a legacy, and the successors aim to take it to the next level for any country.
To make it happen in reality, the head coaches, particularly from the last 30 years or so, have made significant contributions. In short, they are the main characters and are responsible for whatever results and milestones the team achieve.
India's List Is Long, Yet Success Rate Very Low!
Over the years, India have tried many combinations of head coaches and captains to achieve success in a quick yet effective manner. Yet only some of them have had the opportunity to define the sport's history.
Azharuddin had Ajit Wadekar. Ganguly had John Wright. Dhoni had Gary Kirsten. Kohli had Ravi Shastri. Rohit had Rahul Dravid. Full stop.
That's the list. Out of so many, these pairs have only made cricket so exciting among thousands of avid Indian fans who breathe and live the sport. That's the story, and it's a sad one, to be honest.
The Curious Case Of Gautam Gambhir
While the BCCI's previous appointments for the head coach position were often sensible, electing Gautam Gambhir to take charge across all formats was a decision that was anticipated last July.
Yes, there is no denying that Gambhir was India’s knight in shining armour in two big-ticket ICC World Cup finals and helped KKR win an IPL title after a decade, but that does not necessarily mean he can be the rightful candidate for the all-important position, particularly in red-ball cricket.
T20Is and ODIs can be formats where Gambhir can see a good amount of success, keeping in mind that he did more than a decent job while representing the country and the franchise in any capacity. But, has he done something similar in Tests at any level? A big NO.
Success Arrives Via Tough Calls, But Not Every Time
After an embarrassing Test series defeat at home to New Zealand, followed by a shambolic Border-Gavaskar Trophy outing in Australia, Gambhir decided to take inspiration from Thanos, the Mad Titan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (pun intended).
Quoting the bloody great villain, “the hardest choices require the strongest wills”, Gambhir made up his mind to turn things around in his own way with the same philosophy after the Champions Trophy triumph. That made Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant the brand new captain and vice-captain for India in Tests, hoping they will give India the much-anticipated WTC glory in this cycle.
Needless to say, the transition was far from smooth. Even though Gill, 25, and Pant, 27, are both associated with their respective IPL franchises as captains, there is a vast difference between captaining a side for 20 overs and devising strategy one after another, depending on the situation, hour after hour.
Good Players Not Always Great Leaders
Gill and Pant might score runs effortlessly one after another, but the significance of Test cricket lies in how well you execute your plans on the field to turn yourselves from good to great. You must also have all the troops ready based on excellent squad selections.
However, Gill, while captaining at Headingley on Saturday during the first Test between England and India, seemed nothing but average as a leader, and to be very honest, a few questionable calls in the squad and playing XIs did not make his life easy either.
Individual brilliance will save you days and help you enjoy short-lived success. However, to achieve real glory in the traditional format of the game, there must be a great blend of youth and experience at the helm. India, in that matter, lack the necessary fusion.
WTC - The Ultimate Goal
With the trophy cabinet being full and overflowing with silverware, India still aim to secure their first-ever WTC title. The race has just begun, but the early signs already indicate that the newly formed Test side, headed by Gill and Gambhir, is not going towards the right direction.
The only fear for Indian fans at this point is when the BCCI realises the fact. If it is too late after a few defeats and the WTC final qualification chances are slim, the wait for the coveted mace will be extended for another two years.
And if it happens again, fans involved in the cricket discussion at tea stalls, which are almost found in every corner of India, won’t be able to avoid sadness from their faces once more.
Let us be honest. No one likes a rough patch. Hence, the BCCI must act accordingly rather than behaving like a narcissist before things get out of hand.
.jpg)
 "Ritam")
