media frenzy in cricket

My TV time has reduced significantly as work deadlines have overtaken me. But in the limited time I have watched the news, I have been unable to bypass the media circus surrounding the Indian cricket team. The television media (in a quest for ratings) have lost the ability to give a balanced, mature view of events. Rather hysterical reports are the norm, with decibel levels of reporters consistently at an unpleasant pitch (always shouting).

Several years ago, I used to be shocked by news items with words like lashes, blasts, snubs. Now I always believe that it is a mild statement to which some spice has been added. In fact I am tempted to get a collection of reporters and have a demonstration of lashing.

To the media, I ask to look around you in your office -- don't you have disagreements with your colleagues and bosses, or is always one happy family? Even assuming that there was a tiff , until it impacts the performance of the team, why should it become issue of this magnitude? There is almost a sadistic wish to find problems in a successful team.

Until the media starts self-policing, I will rely more on print media to get balanced reports.

Astro tips

There is one team that needs the most help this year - KKR (what with the allegations of racism, match-fixing investigation, multiple captain-coach theory for a solitary D/L win etc.) So pooling my knowledge (albeit non-existent) of numerology, palmistry (predicting by reading my palm for KKR -- a novel concept that should go well with the team with many theories), factoring in saturn in the horoscope, I have some recommendations for KKR.

Switch the gold and black around, so that it is predominantly gold with black on one shoulder and one sleeve (black for "nazar" effect). This will tend to blind opponents as well.

Douse out the fire on the helmet? Bat on fire I can perhaps understand, but helmet on fire? Can't be good feng-shui. seriously what does it mean?

Change the brooding SRK image on the website with the helmet on fire (just because...)

Instead of covering up the numbers on the back of jerseys with ugly tape, go to the reebok store and buy some plain ones. Note that even if you cover it up, the number is still there close to your back working its evil magic.

KKR has too few words to leverage the 'K' concept of Balaji telefilms. So add a few words. Kyunki KKR be ...

Official statement from KKR on racism?

Thus far I have seen no official comment (from the CEO or owners of KKR) on the racism charge. This is a serious charge and "no comment" answer from the team management should not be accepted. It is not enough for Buchanan to respond, it is important for the CEO or owner to make a statement, as it otherwise sets a poor precedent.

Whoever is subjected to discrimination, as owners and as a business KKR has to handle it (trying to wish it away really speaks poorly of them). If the allegation is false, then the accused do need a statement strongly in their favor, because once you are charged with something like this, it never goes away.

The baffling approach of KKR

As KKR loses yet another match, it is hard to pin-point a single flaw in their approach, as everything seems broken. The most surprising has been their auction strategy. While the KP and Freddie buys have gotten a fair share of criticism, the teams atleast had an idea, went for it and implemented it.

KKR, on the other hand, bid for Murtaza as if he was Schumacher or V. Anand of cricket. One thought it was a business decision to capture the Bangla fanbase. However, they then drop the name Kolkatta from their logo (not sure about the reasoning though rumours were rife about a possible move). Having paid for Murtaza more than what Ponting or Hayden received, 10 matches into the tournament, he has not yet gotten a chance. The reasoning behind this is lost on me. It is not like there is a winning combination that cannot be disrupted. Perhaps some day there will be a book explaining all of this.

Endearing Sreesanth

Sree, let me dispel any false notions. God's gift to women, you are not.

PS: your only girlfriend (cricket) who happens to be a good friend of mine, mentioned that she was not pleased with you either for getting hammered for 3 sixes by Hayden and general bowling at the death. That relationship is in jeopardy.