It sometimes seems that we Indians have a lot of time to kill and what better way than to debate and discuss on various topics. Two things are everyone’s favourite because everyday there is something happening and they are Cinema and Cricket. For example, latest debate is if cricketers should be paid according to their performances? Not a bad idea, after all an idea can change your life. But will this idea improve their performances? Don’t think so.
After the World Cup debacle so many theories have resurfaced to improve playres’ performancesIt is true that since the West Indies tour, India’s performances in the ODIs have been abysmal and their winning percent as compared to other countries is the worst. They managed to win just 23% of their matches but cutting players’ payments will not help the cause either.
Even if we put this idea into practice, still a lot of complications will arise. First of all, who will decide and rate player’s performance? Every match is played in different conditions, with different strategies and against different opponent. Match situations vary and vary the demands of the team at various juncture. We certainly cannot put winning as the only criteria for good performance as it will be against the very spirit of the game.
Recently Graeme Smith, SA captain said, “ nothing is more satisfying than a close fought game”. That spirit and the hunger to win are the jewels of this game. So many speculations are being made to figure out the reasons for the recent poor show of the team and so many suggestions are being thrust on them. One thing needs to be understood, when these cricketers start their career, they aspire to play for their country but everyone doesn’t make it to the top.
So one cannot say that money is all that they yearn for. Secondly, what Vengsarkar said recently about dearth of international level talent is not wrong. The standard of our domestic cricket culture is not satisfying. This board is concentrating more on revenue generating than cricket. None of our fast bowlers or batsmen have done exceptionally well on fast pitches; reasons? There are no quality pitches but politics. Also we Indians have this strange habit of loosing form in bunches.
So much of inexperience in the side has been forced and considering the World Cup, it is not a very good sign to have inexperienced players out of form. A good player need not be a great learner. And nothing can replace experience in crunch situation.If you want to improve the performances then provide the players with adequate facilities. Giving them million bucks and cutting a portion will not make any difference. They anyways earn more from their endorsements. Endorsements are there as long as they play well.
For a new player it should be made compulsory not to sign any endorsements for first 18 months and concentrate just on the game. And most importantly, no player should make a breakthrough in the international circuit without enough domestic experience. His match winning capability and not only centuries and wickets should be the decisive factors.
Coming onto the Board, it should check the number of matches our team plays. Too much cricket with short intervals between two series takes it toll on the players. They are hardly left with any time to rectify the flaws of their craft and give their bodies rest to recuperate. Also, the selection committee should not be hesitant to take harsh decisions. A player who becomes liability for the team should be dropped despite of his stature. But such decisions should not be influenced by personal confrontations and petty politics. Players should be made to feel secure but not complacent.
These steps might make difference but the yearning for win has to come from within. Money can be one of the motivating factors but note the most influential one. Australians, West Indies, South Africans all step into the field to play and win. But that attitude is not part of our culture. We have a short memory and we forget things easily. We Indians are happy with whatever little we get. No doubt in the recent survey Indians topped the list of the happiest people in the world but cricket fans are certainly not!