Around The Wicket

I am struggling indeed to respond to the overwhelming compliment from Sunil Joshi. His best ever bowling figures of five for six against South Africa in Nairobi were dedicated to yours truly, by the man himself. Much as I treasure Joshi’s magnanimous gesture, I am not too sure if I am worthy of it. Even so, the privelege of being acknowledged by a fellow cricketer is ever so soothing. It is a delight to know grateful humans are not extinct.

To put the record straight, I first saw Joshi in Bangalore during the India-Australia Test. I was impressed with what I observed. So I sent in a word for him in the dressing room, if he would careto come for a chat. When the Indians were batting, Joshi grabbed the first opportunity to sit next to me. In fact, my first reaction was that of surprise. Not many youngsters in Indian cricket are so spontaneous. Some of them are rather clever to avoid being seen with someone remotely controversial. Joshi came to me with a very open mind and heart which had an I-want-to-learn-more attitude written all over it. It was interesting and I think the feeling of being happy with whatever we exchanged in the form of cricket communication was mutual.

Joshi expressed a desire to work with me at the nets. I welcomed him with open arms. Two off-seasons lapsed in between. I thought the youngster’s enthusiasm might have waned considering he was in and out of the Indian squad for no fault of his. It pained me. Surely, Joshi must have been hurt too. But, to his credit, every stumbling block was converted into a determined opportunity. He didn’t give up and that was his main strength which propelled his motivation to landup in Delhi this June and July. He came on his own and stayed on his own. Not with friends or relatives, but in the exclusive five-star comfort. Now, that is what I would call a man worthy of his belief.

Once he joined the camp, he was as much a part of the daily regimen as a ten-year-old from Faridabad. This is what endeared Joshi to the rest of the trainees. Forever a willing learner, Joshi uplifted the morale of 60 other campers. During his stay in Delhi, there was never a moment of monotony. The kids loved him and he in return, played the "Big Brother" to the perfection.

On the bowling front, we devised methods for "perfect practice" and then simplified them. More than the bowling expertise, we worked on the philosphy of spin craft.

I learnt a lot from his expressions of honest openness. I enjoyed interacting with him because in my book, cricket is a never-ending process of learning. Also, I enjoyed bowling alongside Joshi and Rahul Sanghvi. There were times when the old man out-smarted theyoungsters. It was fun, sheer fun as long as the competition lasted. That is all as far as my idea of coaching is concerned.

When Joshi departed, all other young trainees wished him luck. I reckon Joshi had the blessed-bondage of the under-thirteens of our trust to help him regain his berth in the Indian team. Wearing national colours is a super and sublime moment of happiness. We believe Joshi is a hundred-Test wicket bowler and we hope he will go for that with all his cheer and gusto.The cricket world cries out for ethics and principles and camraderie.

Cricket is one of the good and clean things in life. I used to admire Rajinder Goel, `Paddy’ Shivalkar and Dilip Doshi, all fine exponents of left-arm spin. Joshi is another of the clan. All said and done, I am still not convinced if I am worthy of Joshi’s "dedication". Not even my immediate kith and kin have given me that kind of a pride.

The first 10-wicket man, Jim Laker, once told me his dream was to see Ray Lindwall bowl from one end and BishanBedi from the other. I was floored then just as I am innundated now.