Borde, true Big Brother to the new brigadeI feel almost apologetic to our guests from New Zealand. They may have arrived just about unnoticed because the political scene in the country was hogging all the limelight. In the absence of a proper government machinery, the Black Caps (not Kiwis any more!!) have done well to sneak in quietly. For all you know, they may sneak out harum-scarum having achieved the precise target of uplifting their already boosted morale.My personal experience suggests that many a visiting team to India has gone back a lot wiser and happier. Mainly because their apprehensions have kept the visitors together. Stephen Fleming and his bunch of Black Caps (sounds a bit like black-cat commandos, hence more frightening than a bird which cannot fly!) are a determined lot with a battery of experts on all matters concerning cricket. With seven officials, all picked up for different tasks to help the team perform better, the New Zealanders will have a few tricks up their sleeve. Atany rate, this New Zealand team sans stars has everything to gain and nothing to lose. Being an underdog is a blessing in disguise. The Indians would do well to understand that there is very little difference between international teams in the present day context. The mighty Australians were humbled by Sri Lankans only last fortnight.Ruskin Bond may have relished the Eastern magic of growing flowers to attract butterflies. ``Pursuit is futile,'' says Bond. He seems to agree with the Chinese thought of doing nothing. By doing so one wins the world. But when one grasps, the world is beyond winning. This is one philosophy which may win you many friends, but not any matches on a cricket field. For far too long, Indian sport has suffered at the hands of the administrators or for the lack of ruthlessness of a spider.Well, Indian cricket may have discovered the spiderman in Kapil Dev. And in all probability, all attention may be focussed on India's greatest all-rounder, who for all purposes, shall beconfined to the dressing room - gleefully or otherwise, depending on the fortunes of the real performers.By all accounts, the team announced for the first Test at Mohali has been accepted well. Now it is upto the selected few to vindicate the stand of M/s Borde & Co. Chandu's handling of the media was good. I think he can play the true `Big Brother' to the new brigade. Let no one in the team underestimate Chandu Borde's colossal contribution to Indian cricket.I was particularly interested in Vijay Bharadwaj - man of the series in Nairobi. He had the right attitude and possesses sound temperament. He has a few technical problems which can be sorted out by confiding in Tendulkar and Kapil. Jadeja too, can look up to his mentor to improve as a Test player.Finally, the politics of the pitch in Mohali will unfold soon but not much can be said now. The Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) president has gone on record saying no instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will beentertained. I'm not too sure if Mohali is the ideal venue for the opener of the three-Test series.Considering PCA's open hostility towards the ruling group in BCCI, I have very genuine concern for Tendulkar's return to Test cricket at the helm.
