Wanted: Hands-off policy

Most particularly the need arises to confront the errors of the last campaign. Cricket teaches us to treat every ball on its merits and not to bother about the reputation of the bowler or the state of the match. Countries of all sorts are inclined to doff their caps whenever the names of past champions are mentioned. Our heroes of yesteryear are granted privileges allowed denied to the rest of humanity.

As may have been anticipated these remarks are made as a prelude to contemplating the contributions made in the recent series by two of India8217;s greatest cricketers, Polly Umrigar and Sunil Gavaskar. Respect for their achievements does not prevent a cold assessment of their roles.

Debate continues to rage about the merits of the pitch at Wankhede Stadium. Nationalistic fervour has been let loose, and that is always a bad sign. Many a politician has gained support by the simple device of attacking whatever devils have taken hold in the public consciousness. Sometimes it is the Americans, sometimes neighbours, sometimes Englishmen, sometimes members of an opposing colour or faith, sometimes it is Australian cricket captains, always it is wrong.

Of course it is quite natural to disregard the complaints of visiting players voiced in the wake of unexpected defeat. Instead consider the comments of numerous tourists who had heard about the delights of Mumbai and cricket on the subcontinent and had saved for years to experience both. Consider the opinions of locals who had been looking forward to a keen contest between powerful opponents in which the skills of the players were revealed,a contest lasting four days at least. Instead they had to be content with about 200 overs of cricket.

Polly Umrigar is the man responsible for the debacle. Plain as day he must pay the price of his poor performance. Polly is a lovely man and has been a fine servant of Indian cricket and no one has suggested otherwise. But he is also responsible for producing a satisfactory surface for Test cricket and he has not been able to fulfill this requirement.

Of course it cannot last. If the Indian board does not intervene then the ICC will.

Gavaskar is an old friend and colleague. Not long ago Richie Benaud included him in his greatest ever cricket team. Cricket has known fewer braver, more wilful players. Obviously Sunil knows a thing or two about the uses to which lumps of wood can be put. Nevertheless there was no need to attach him to the Indian team. Notoriously too many cooks spoil the broth.

India has batted magnificently in recent campaigns, scoring heavily in Australia and Pakistan. It is hard to remember any period in its history when India has batted as well for as long. Admittedly the side had gone slightly off the boil but that might have been caused more by mental relaxation after all the triumphs than technical problems.

Clearly John Wright and his senior batsmen understand the basics of batting. Moreover the affable Kiwi has been working with these very batsmen for years. Trust has been built alongside a profound understanding of the requirements of each player. Suddenly an expert is added to the party, a dutiful man with a natural desire to lend a hand. Inevitably the players must in turn lend him an ear in the manner demanded by Mark Anthony as he spoke to the citizens of Rome over the bleeding corpse of Caesar.

Doubtless it was not Gavaskar8217;s fault that India did not bat well in the recent series. Apart from anything else confidence was a little down. Moreover, as Sunil8217;s Mumbai supporters have pointed out, a coach cannot have much impact in a few weeks. Of course that begs the question 8216;8216;Why, then, was the appointment made?8217;8217;

Insufficient faith was shown in the ability of Wright and his experienced players to correct their own weak points. Nothing wrong with the Indian players contacting Gavaskar or inviting him along to a practice now and then. But to change an approach that had served the team well over a long period was to take an unnecessary risk.

India must return to common sense. Restore Wakhede to its past glories. Let the coach and his assistant continue to build the spirit and quality of their team. As the Bard put it, in trying to improve things 8216;8216;oft we mar what8217;s well8217;8217;.

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