Over the years there have been so many players who can stake their claim to the coveted post of “Luckiest Indian Cricketer Ever”. If some one can come forward to sponsor the event, we can have a grand Award Nite every year where awards will be presented in two categories - Luckiest Indian Cricketer of The Year and the Lifetime Luckiest Cricketer Award.
There have been Indian criketers over the years who can be considered lucky - of course not from their point of view, but from our point of view. We, the fans, can select the Luckiest Cricketer.
Cricket has become so commercialised that it is no more a mere sport. Cricket boards have CEOs and are corporate houses than sports associations or governing bodies. And the cricket teams under them face the pressure too. Strict perfomance targets are set for the team and individuals. And the cricketers are well looked after.
But then the rules set for the ordinary man does not apply to the king. King, in terms of money power, rather than any sort of ability. And that is our very own BCCI. There are no CEOs for the BCCI. And there is no accountability. And the cricket team too enjoys all these benefits - non-accountability being the best.
An offer letter from BCCI to an Indian cricketer may look like this:
Match Fee: Better than the best in the business
Retainer Contract: Better than the best in the business
Other Benefits: No Accountability
Enjoy your stint with the team.
Some players really thrive on the “No Accountability” factor. And these are the ones who can get nominated for the Luckiest Indian Cricketer Award. A couple of years back, I thought Zaheer Khan might clinch the award. With bowling averages in the high-thirties, he was still being written in the media as the spearhead of the Indian pace attack. But his luck ran out. If you are a non-performer, you need to have crucial attribute to remain in the team - attitude. And what is that? Don’t ever upset your coach and captain. Have a good attitude and always smile no matter what the coach or captain tell you.
Zaheer can learn a bit from Kaif. Whoever the coach maybe - John Wright or Greg Chappell, whoever the captain maybe - Sourav Ganguly or Rahul Dravid - one thing doesn’t change. Kaif’s name in the 14-member Indian one-day squad. Almost 5 years in the Indian team. 5 years of non-performance. He is hailed as one of the best fielders. Does that guarantee him a place in the squad? Well then, this is Indian Cricket.
Why grudge someone who gets paid for doing nothing. After all, that is what I always dream of. Not a place in the Indian team. But a great salary and no work. If only I had been born as Kaif.
Life time achivement award in this category (in my view) goes to Sunil Walson of the 1983 world cup squad. He is proud winner of world cup trophy without playing in a single match. No current superstar is world cup winning hero.
ashish nehra can make the cut as well.hrishikesh kanitkar hung around thanks to a boundary off saqlain.agarkar is a investment that is paying us after a wait of 8 long years,case of ”der ayye durust aye?”(better late than never!)
Bingo..what a true picture of the situation…you forgot to mention about another enigma in the Indian team like Kaif for his attitude…Sachin backed quota man and room mate Agarkar..