Opinion The right pitch

Drafting Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and V.V.S. Laxman into the Cricket Advisory Committee to guide Team India and advise the BCCI in an honorary capacity is a wonderful idea. They are role models, with years of experience and fabulous records, who could have useful inputs for a young team. Given the wayward ways of Indian cricket, such a set up is not without hazards — these roles could easily turn into sporting sinecures. It is important that the committee operates within a defined framework.

Reportedly, the advisory committee is to oversee India’s preparation before every series, give tactical inputs and, at times, even travel with the team on high-profile overseas assignments. But how will this play out on the ground? Is there a danger of the committee imposing itself on a strong individual like Virat Kohli? How will the new coach see their role? Individual remits are yet to be spelt out but reports indicate that Ganguly will be in charge of overseas performances, Laxman will tackle the talent pool and Tendulkar will take care of batting. If this is correct, the roles are well assigned. As captain, Ganguly heralded a shift in Indian cricket’s overseas record. Tendulkar’s batting prowess is well known and Laxman, in his time, was the natural mentor for new players. All three are familiar with the modern game and its various formats. Young cricketers idolise them and look to them for guidance.

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There is one working example that the national team and its advisory committee could follow. Mumbai Indians, the winning IPL team this year, had presented us with a similar template earlier. Besides captain Rohit Sharma and coach Ricky Ponting, the team had several big names, including Tendulkar and Anil Kumble, on its management roster. Their presence didn’t hamper the team because the roles were well defined. Ponting had made it clear that if Tendulkar and Kumble wanted to pass on observations and suggestions to the players, it had to be through him. At the national level, Kohli and the new coach shouldn’t feel cramped by the presence of the advisory committee. If the roles are clearly circumscribed and the captain is able to lead his side in his own signature style without feeling overwhelmed by the committee of legends, a fine balance would be struck.