Journalism of Courage
India skipper M S Dhoni addressed a media conference along with coach Duncan Fletcher and manager Ranjib Biswal, at the Hyatt Regency before the team departed for England to participate in the ICC Champions trophy.
A GAG order passed by BCCI president N Srinivasan saw the Indian captain avoid all questions relating to the IPL spot-fixing scandal. (IE Photo: Pradip Das)
It is learnt that Srinivasan, through BCCI secretary Sanjay Jagdale, had conveyed to the Indian skipper to only answer queries related to the ICC event and not look back at the controversy-ridden T20 tournament. Before the press conference began, media manager S N Baba laid down the ground rules. "Only questions about Champions Trophy," he said. But soon the inevitable question cropped up. "Has the spot-fixing issue had any impact on the players?" Dhoni was asked. Even before the Indian skipper could blink, the media manager, cried foul. "Next question please," he said. (IE Photo: Pradip Das)
He was about the openers in the side and followed it up with a sucker-punch: "How long have you known Vindoo Dara Singh?" Dhoni couldn't help but flash a wry smile. (IE Photo: Pradip Das)
The questions didn't stop. "As the leader of the Indian cricketing fraternity, why is it that we haven't heard from you when Indian cricket has been hit by such a big controversy?" Dhoni remained defiant, as the media manager intervened again. More futile attempts were made to skate past the gag-order. (IE Photo: Pradip Das)
"As far as the Champions Trophy is concerned, everything is looking good and don't think there is anything to bother them. As cricketers, we always have that extra sense of responsibility," Dhoni said. (IE Photo: Pradip Das)
With no breakthrough in sight, the media then turned its attention towards team manager Ranjib Biswal. He was asked whether the BCCI had set any specific guidelines for him for the Champions Trophy. While the manager insisted that he was simply asked to stick to the general code of conduct, Biswal is learnt to have had lengthy sessions with the players bound for England about what is expected of them.(IE Photo: Pradip Das)
