For the past few days all we have been hearing in the news is centered across on 2 things mainly, the politics in UP & the cricket in India. 2 topics that can keep any Indian going on and on for hours. We are a country of very opinionated and passionate people. Hence we are first to air our opinion (wanted/unwanted) and expect people to be grateful to us for being allowed to hear such wisdom...
Politics and Cricket has always been intertwined with each other. Politics has a firm grip on cricket and just refuses to let go. Just look at the number of politicians on the boards of different Cricket Associations across India and my point is proved. Perhaps this is what allows Cricket to always remain in the limelight, always be on 27 X 7.
Coming back to my point, the political results in UP & cricket results in Australia are both unexpected and somewhat of a bitter pill to sallow for both the Congress in UP & BCCI in with respect to cricket. Both reacted predictably
The election loss in UP immediately sent the Congress into a damage control mode. The sychopancy that is the hallmark of the oldest party in India was never as apparent as it was on the eve of the results. Every Tom, Dick & Harry rushed to the media centers to shield the heir-apparent from blame. The excuses ranged from "We did not have enough grassroot strenght" to "We increased our % vote as compared to the previous election". The spin doctors in Congress worked over time to ensure that the blame was not placed where it belonged - Rahul Gandhi.
Compared to that, the moment the test series were over in Australia a section of the media started baying for blood. They wanted changes in to the team, they said the seniors were not performing and they were responsible for the 0-4 whitewash. The doyens of cricket administration (read: Selection Committee & BCCI) kept silence on the issue. According to them nothing was wrong and the approach was wait and watch or rather bury your head in sand and hope for the best approach. Really... and 0-8 loss in the previous 2 series is apparently not serious enough for our administrators.
Meanwhile the media trained their guns on 2 Rahuls & the contrast in their behaviour stood out like beacon.
Rahul Gandhi hid made excuses, while Rahul Dravid introspected and then made an dignified exit.
Rahul Gandhi is still clinging to his position as PM in waiting while Rahul Dravid bid a graceful adieu to a game for which he has been a best ambassador.
The qualities showed by Dravid are the one's that we would like to see in Gandhi. If only they were more similar than just their first names....
Dravid showed the grit, determination, preparation and the dependancy he was famous for while the Gandhi hid behind sychophants who found him new excuses.
Dravid took up the responsibilities for the failures while the Gandhi praded around like an angry young man...
Perhaps they should have had their roles reversed. Political India would have been off for it while the cricketing India poorer.
Some amazing facts while comparing the two Rahuls:
Indian cricket is poorer for him retiring. An irreplaceable player... Here's wishing him the best in life.
Rahul Gandhi is a product of dynastic India, he represents the past where lineage was always chosen over ability. He always in limelight because the name sells papers than anything and because of our fascination with the Gandhi family.
So far apart from the name there is nothing that distinguishes him from the other politicos. Nothing makes him irreplaceable. Here's hoping he see's sense and does whats right...
Politics and Cricket has always been intertwined with each other. Politics has a firm grip on cricket and just refuses to let go. Just look at the number of politicians on the boards of different Cricket Associations across India and my point is proved. Perhaps this is what allows Cricket to always remain in the limelight, always be on 27 X 7.
Coming back to my point, the political results in UP & cricket results in Australia are both unexpected and somewhat of a bitter pill to sallow for both the Congress in UP & BCCI in with respect to cricket. Both reacted predictably
The election loss in UP immediately sent the Congress into a damage control mode. The sychopancy that is the hallmark of the oldest party in India was never as apparent as it was on the eve of the results. Every Tom, Dick & Harry rushed to the media centers to shield the heir-apparent from blame. The excuses ranged from "We did not have enough grassroot strenght" to "We increased our % vote as compared to the previous election". The spin doctors in Congress worked over time to ensure that the blame was not placed where it belonged - Rahul Gandhi.
Compared to that, the moment the test series were over in Australia a section of the media started baying for blood. They wanted changes in to the team, they said the seniors were not performing and they were responsible for the 0-4 whitewash. The doyens of cricket administration (read: Selection Committee & BCCI) kept silence on the issue. According to them nothing was wrong and the approach was wait and watch or rather bury your head in sand and hope for the best approach. Really... and 0-8 loss in the previous 2 series is apparently not serious enough for our administrators.
Meanwhile the media trained their guns on 2 Rahuls & the contrast in their behaviour stood out like beacon.
Rahul Gandhi hid made excuses, while Rahul Dravid introspected and then made an dignified exit.
Rahul Gandhi is still clinging to his position as PM in waiting while Rahul Dravid bid a graceful adieu to a game for which he has been a best ambassador.
The qualities showed by Dravid are the one's that we would like to see in Gandhi. If only they were more similar than just their first names....
Dravid showed the grit, determination, preparation and the dependancy he was famous for while the Gandhi hid behind sychophants who found him new excuses.
Dravid took up the responsibilities for the failures while the Gandhi praded around like an angry young man...
Perhaps they should have had their roles reversed. Political India would have been off for it while the cricketing India poorer.
Some amazing facts while comparing the two Rahuls:
- Both are close to their 40s. While Rahul Gandhi is hailed as a youth leader, the Rahul Dravid is pushed out of team for being a senior/older player... (ha ha the double speak boggles the mind)
- Rahul G is known all over India due to his lineage, while Rahul D is known due to his ability. Lineage over Ability anyone?
- Rahul G projects whats wrong with India today while Rahul Dravid projects what right...
Indian cricket is poorer for him retiring. An irreplaceable player... Here's wishing him the best in life.
Rahul Gandhi is a product of dynastic India, he represents the past where lineage was always chosen over ability. He always in limelight because the name sells papers than anything and because of our fascination with the Gandhi family.
So far apart from the name there is nothing that distinguishes him from the other politicos. Nothing makes him irreplaceable. Here's hoping he see's sense and does whats right...
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