At 33 we Indians are questioning the calibre and credibility of a cricketer who has dedicatedly served for 16 long years and batting the way no one ever has (and probably never will). He has seen some of the most famous injuries- from back spasms to tennis elbow. (I am sure 90% of us did not know what a Tennis elbow is before he actually suffered from it). We say he never plays in the final. Ask him and he says every game is a final for him.  That is why he singlehandedly takes us till the finals of so many tournaments.   And he has done this without uttering a single word.

Amazing isn't it that any other cricketer (Flintoff, Afridi and many more) on achieving a miniscule achievement loves to declare how great his contributions are. We are ready to retire Sachin even before we actually have, if not close to him, an able replacement in the Indian team. Is '33' the factor or is it that Indian Fans just have become fickle minded or is it the 'DHONI' fever that has made them feel Sachin is over? I can't answer that. Simply because I am not as logically intelligent as the Indian Media and its Cricket crazy masses are. But I sure know one thing- there can be no player in this world who can make Millions rise on a Square drive, nor can there be a player who would look McGrath in his eyes and tell him that he will hook him for a Six on the next ball and actually do it; nor can there be a player who would change TRP figures for a channel after losing his wicket!!

Ah! 37 is when I feel I should be commentating with the likes of Sidhu and Harsha. But wait!! The Carribeans have different plans for me. After sitting out of One day cricket for almost a year, Lara, at 37 has been appointed as a Captain to lead his almost Defunct team to glory.( And that is what he actually has done with 2 victories over a powerful Indian team) But if he, at 37, can live, why can't Sachin and Dada? I mean Dada and Laxman are missing out due to this '33 Factor', right?? I do not say don't include fresh blood in your team. But when you do not include players citing reasons like age factor, think of whats happening globally and then give your reasons. If their players can continue playing with all success, why can't Indian Batsmen? Ricky is leading at 34, Gilchrist is rocking at 35, Shane is rolling at 37.Its all about trusting the right talent for the right composition at the right time. But need I comment more on any of the electoral or selection methods in India. Its common with us, "We first Select- then elect- and stay happy with false dialect".

Vinayendra Jain

Mktg-Finance Batch 06

PUMBA

(PUMBA is an acronym for the Prestigious Deptt of Management Sciences, University Of Pune)