Indian Cricket Celebrities Players Reputation Vs Performance

Is a cricket players reputation more important than his/her performance?

REPUTATION

We are well-versed in terms of Talent, Ability, and Performance. We are equally well versed in situations where underperforming talented individuals remain in a team. How many times have we noticed this?

Besides, the team’s performance is affected, causing distress to other gifted individuals who don't get a chance. Simmering dissatisfaction, anxiety, and a growing sense of distaste is an undercurrent that we know exists but is rarely spoken about.

A good number of cricket players have established themselves by showcasing their talent and ability… so much so, that they have continued to be part of the national team, even when they have not been able to perform or contribute consistently.

WHAT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO?

The question is simple. Do we hold a reputation above everything? Should we go with antecedents or heroics of the past and persist in letting the individual play? What's the right thing to do? Shouldn't we let other talented players step in? Logically speaking, it’s the right thing to do.

Here's the kicker, it's never simple. In cricket-mad India, Cricket is more than a sport, and cricketers with their fan followings tend to be larger than life.

How should this issue be addressed? Let’s toss a couple of options around. No frills, No thrills. Just plain simple ideas. Before we look at these ideas, let's think of an idealistic scenario, where we can think freely without pre-determined notions and pesky cute two or three-letter words like “if”, “but”, “or”, “so” & “no” that tend to play constrain the idea.

I WANT TO STAY

Let's assume that ‘Mai Rahunga’ is a well-established, popular, and talented batsman. We call him ‘Mr.’ from now on. He has plenty of centuries and half centuries in his kitty and is a known rollicking force. For a time now, although being physically well, 'Mr' has not been able to apply his mind to the task on hand, that is, to Bat, Score, run-run’s, enjoy fist-bangs & enjoy the adulations of the crowd. Well, he does, enjoy the last part, anyway.

It’s been several innings, since, 'Mr' aka 'Mai Rahunga’ has scored any runs of consequence. The commentators boisterously point out his lengthening list of trivial scores and Mr's situation is discussed in the media, with the hope that Mr will regain his form.

So, in this situation, should 'Mr', step back and decide to take a break, plan to regroup, refresh, and come back and let another player step in. Appealing though the thought seems to 'Mr', it shrivels like a mirage when he imagines himself, being asked to ‘permanently sit back’ and enjoy his break.

This is a real fear in the minds of our batsmen. A fear that they could lose their position in the team. The thought of losing one's place is a fear that every cricketer is worried and 'Mr' is no exception.

CLEAR CUT GUIDELINES

So, perhaps, we should have clear-cut guidelines determining, under which circumstances a person can continue to play and the events that could lead a cricketer to be asked to step out of the team. At the very least, such clear guidelines will make a player comfortable, since it’s easy to comprehend, relate and reconcile. It's a known fact that we humans play well when clear guidelines are set and established. In a way, it's a motivational driver too. No player will be careless and will attempt to play well. Should they feel, they need a break, the team management has this covered under existing policies

Decisions/guidelines related to players ‘lack of form’ need to be formulated by India's cricket’s governing body. It’s presumptuous to think, that celebrity cricket stars will listen to anybody else. A sensible and firm-handed approach is needed. A clear-cut rules-based doctrine and a belief that it’s fair and square to all sportsmen.

What's interesting is that other countries like Australia, and England already have this in place.

INSTANCES OF SETBACKS

England’s performance in this World Cup is a unique case of an entire team almost in ‘bad form’. And, get this, it's never happened in the annals of test cricket. In a way, history has been made. A founding country, a defending champion at the bottom of the table, beaten by all teams, even those who are considered freshers to the game. What's worse, is that we may not see them compete in the 2025 Champion's trophy. There's been talks and deliberations on changes to be made. It looks like Brook, Atkinson, Sam Curran, Zak Crawley, Duckett, Josh Tongue, Will Jacks along with a couple of senior England players will form the future of the team. All, but for Duckett, aged 29 years, and Rehan Ahmed, 19 years, at the time of this writing, everybody else is middling around 24 years. Whew, talk about change, it’s practically the whole team!

Here’s another thing to ponder about. Earlier on in this World Cup, Australian selectors dropped Alex Carey and replaced him with Josh Inglis. Alex lost his spot after enduring a tough run with the bat, recording a duck against India in Australia’s first World Cup game. He did not score more than 143 runs in eight ODI appearances averaging 17.87 with a high score of 50. Will we see such changes in our team?

Back then, our erstwhile ‘Mr’ definitely needs to be told. He will only listen to authorities. Remember, by now, he is a celebrity, a fine exponent of the game, a man who will not have the time to listen to us. We, the amateurs, the gully kings, still know that it’s the right thing to do..

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