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[babunation]

No sooner had the Indian tour of England commenced than the English media had started sharpening their knives. The first missile was launched by David Hopps in the Guardian where he called Sourav Ganguly “an incorrigible politician” and said that Chandu Borde, the Indian team manager, could be identified as “a little fellow carrying Sourav Ganguly's bags”.

Next came an article in the BBC (the first of many) by a Jamie Lillywhite where he attempted to dredge up the public feud between Greg Chappell and Sourav Ganguly to show how Sourav Ganguly enlisted media support against Chappell in his attempt to contest Chappell’s leaked email. We all now know that Ganguly wasn’t half as effective with using the media as Chappell whose primary mode of communicating with the team and the Indian Board was through cleverly disclosed text messages and emails which he would share with his cronies in the Indian media.

The only reason for talking about a two year old episode at the start of this tour (and Jamie Lillywhite is not the only English journalist to do that) is to drive a wedge in some imagined fissures in the Indian team.  Never mind that it has emerged quite clearly that the main disruptive force within the Indian team was Chappell himself and with him gone, the Indian team is back to being a well-knit unit.

Then there were articles about how the Indian middle order of Sachin, Sourav, Rahul and Laxman were over the hill and well past their prime. No better example than a blog article by Mike Selvey (he of the famous Greg Chappell interview fame) where he claimed that the Indian middle order was “long on aesthetics and shorter on substance”. Well that same middle order, at the time of writing this article, have scored at an average of 32.44 compared to the English middle order’s average of 32.83. While I will be the first to admit that the Indian middle order has not performed as well as is expected of them, but have they performed all that worse than the English middle order? That same batting lineup that Mike Selvey touted as being capable of routing the Indian bowlers.

The English media were quick to point out how lucky India were to escape with a draw in the first Test at Lords and how the rain gods surely favoured the Indians. Well it is clear that India got a lucky break from the weather, but clearly the difference between the two sides in the first Test was Kevin Pietersen’s superlative second innings century and India’s abysmal performance in the first innings. But why did the Indian innings collapse for a mere 201? Wasn’t it luck that England got to bat first on day one in wonderful batting conditions which saw them scoring 233/2 in 70 overs? The English press conveniently forgot that the Indian batting collapse on day two had a lot to do with how the rain on the second day had altered the conditions to such an extent that 8 English wickets fell for a mere 65 runs.

Another oft cited excuse that is doing the rounds is how the Indian team is getting the umpiring breaks. But a more careful perusal of the games, reveals that both teams have benefited from umpiring largesse and have suffered equally from incorrect LBW decisions. But the English media can be counted on for whining even in their own backyard.

Just like Michael Vaughn feels that mouthing off behind the stumps is what wicketkeepers do best, so too do the English cricket hacks believe that softening up the opposition with some ill aimed barbs is part of their job description. And just like Matt Prior’s armoury seems devoid of anything apart from a very mouthy mouth, so too do the English journos seem to suffer from too much jingoism and too little cricketing sense.

Could it be that the English media believe that their diatribes would actually achieve something other than riling up the Indian players to play out of their skins? More likely, English cricket apart from Monty and Pietersen is as dull and drab as English food, and the journalists feel the need to spice things up with some Indian masala.

[pipsqueak]

nice - and now what what drives our indian journalists? 

[netaji]

nice - and now what what drives our indian journalists? 

Our patriots and journalists are more devoted to settling personal and parochial scores than to attack our adversaries (as journalists of other cricket playing nations do).  After all we are all Namak Halal's.  How can we be nasty to the ones who were once our rulers?  That is simply not dignified - we would rather put one of our own to the gallows.

Didn't we see how BCCI was dignified in not firing Chappel outright after world cup (where we performed worse than we ever performed in the cup history)  and wanted to make up by giving him another position.  After all British gave us railways, electricity, discipline and training to be loyal pets.

[babunation]

nice - and now what what drives our indian journalists? 

Our patriots and journalists are more devoted to settling personal and parochial scores than to attack our adversaries (as journalists of other cricket playing nations do).  After all we are all Namak Halal's.  How can we be nasty to the ones who were once our rulers?  That is simply not dignified - we would rather put one of our own to the gallows.

Didn't we see how BCCI was dignified in not firing Chappel outright after world cup (where we performed worse than we ever performed in the cup history)  and wanted to make up by giving him another position.  After all British gave us railways, electricity, discipline and training to be loyal pets.

I don't want to speculate about what drives our Board as that is a topic in itself. Didn't you notice how Niranjan Shah jumped to the defense of English hotels when the Indian players complained how their rooms were too cramped? This just gave the English media a chance to point out how the Indian players were a pampered lot and expected someone to carry their bags.

What drives our media is rather simple. I think Indian media has gotten over any colonial hangover. In fact, I think they have gotten over any moral hangups too. Right now, all they care about is boosting the ratings of their newspapers and stations, who cares about whether what they report is true or not.

[netaji]

nice - and now what what drives our indian journalists? 

Our patriots and journalists are more devoted to settling personal and parochial scores than to attack our adversaries (as journalists of other cricket playing nations do).  After all we are all Namak Halal's.  How can we be nasty to the ones who were once our rulers?  That is simply not dignified - we would rather put one of our own to the gallows.

Didn't we see how BCCI was dignified in not firing Chappel outright after world cup (where we performed worse than we ever performed in the cup history)  and wanted to make up by giving him another position.  After all British gave us railways, electricity, discipline and training to be loyal pets.

I don't want to speculate about what drives our Board as that is a topic in itself. Didn't you notice how Niranjan Shah jumped to the defense of English hotels when the Indian players complained how their rooms were too cramped? This just gave the English media a chance to point out how the Indian players were a pampered lot and expected someone to carry their bags.

What drives our media is rather simple. I think Indian media has gotten over any colonial hangups. In fact, I think they have gotten over any moral hangups too. Right now, all they care about is boosting the ratings of their newspapers and stations, who cares about whether what they report is true or not.

Agree 100% - that's why it requires us to use more discretion while judging somebody on the basis of these cooked media reports.  It is wrong to either crucify or glorify anybody following these motivated articles.

[babunation]

True... but what choice do we poor fans have but to speculate? What I wouldn't give to have a microphone stashed away in the Indian locker room during the Zimbabwe series and during World Cup-07. Ruchir, don't get excited, I said microphone and not hidden camera.

[fineleg]

True... but what choice do we poor fans have but to speculate? What I wouldn't give to have a microphone stashed away in the Indian locker room during the Zimbabwe series and during World Cup-07. Ruchir, don't get excited, I said microphone and not hidden camera.

Ranjit,
Just saw an earlier post (after you took the new avatar) that you had exchanged with ruchir and kban, and realized this is you.
Welcome back buddy, good to see you again.

How are things?

[keep-it-cool]

What drives our media is rather simple. I think Indian media has gotten over any colonial hangover. In fact, I think they have gotten over any moral hangups too. Right now, all they care about is boosting the ratings of their newspapers and stations, who cares about whether what they report is true or not.

Yes. Yes. Yes.

[babunation]

True... but what choice do we poor fans have but to speculate? What I wouldn't give to have a microphone stashed away in the Indian locker room during the Zimbabwe series and during World Cup-07. Ruchir, don't get excited, I said microphone and not hidden camera.

Ranjit,
Just saw an earlier post (after you took the new avatar) that you had exchanged with ruchir and kban, and realized this is you.
Welcome back buddy, good to see you again.

How are things?

Things are good. I feel like I have lived a lifetime in the last 10 months but the good news is that I have survived the tough times. Things are looking good. We are doing great on our first contract and have a couple more in the pipeline.

[babunation]

What drives our media is rather simple. I think Indian media has gotten over any colonial hangover. In fact, I think they have gotten over any moral hangups too. Right now, all they care about is boosting the ratings of their newspapers and stations, who cares about whether what they report is true or not.

Yes. Yes. Yes.

Sorry for stating the obvious

[WicketView]

BabuN,

Nicely summed up .... I am sure there will be further substance in the forthcoming days that would further corroborate your points ... not just the ones you made of the British journalists, but the Desi ones as well.

[ruchir]

Didn't we see how BCCI was dignified in not firing Chappel outright after world cup (where we performed worse than we ever performed in the cup history)  and wanted to make up by giving him another position.  After all British gave us railways, electricity, discipline and training to be loyal pets.

I thought GC was an Aussie, not a Pommie!?

[ruchir]

BabuN,

Nicely summed up .... I am sure there will be further substance in the forthcoming days that would further corroborate your points ... not just the ones you made of the British journalists, but the Desi ones as well.

So, are you mad at Indian journalists for not standing up for their cricketers and not tearing into the opposition? If you are then you probably are not finding anything wrong with the British journalists, because they are doing just the things for their team that you want Indian journalists to do for Indian team. Right?

[sgusa]

Didn't we see how BCCI was dignified in not firing Chappel outright after world cup (where we performed worse than we ever performed in the cup history)  and wanted to make up by giving him another position.  After all British gave us railways, electricity, discipline and training to be loyal pets.

I thought GC was an Aussie, not a Pommie!?

Shush! dont ever let facts come in the way of a good rant.

[fineleg]

Didn't we see how BCCI was dignified in not firing Chappel outright after world cup (where we performed worse than we ever performed in the cup history)  and wanted to make up by giving him another position.  After all British gave us railways, electricity, discipline and training to be loyal pets.

I thought GC was an Aussie, not a Pommie!?

Shush! dont ever let facts come in the way of a good rant.

Game, set and match Ruchir Joshi.

[babunation]

BabuN,

Nicely summed up .... I am sure there will be further substance in the forthcoming days that would further corroborate your points ... not just the ones you made of the British journalists, but the Desi ones as well.

So, are you mad at Indian journalists for not standing up for their cricketers and not tearing into the opposition? If you are then you probably are not finding anything wrong with the British journalists, because they are doing just the things for their team that you want Indian journalists to do for Indian team. Right?

No I want journalists to stick to reporting on cricket, and leave psychological warfare for the actual team to indulge in.
I don't expect India journalists to respond in kind because that would be endorsing a detestable trend in reporting. What I expect of Indian journalists is to not make up stories, to not sensationalise trivial incidents and to report facts, and not sell lies as breaking stories.

[feverpitch]

http://telegraphindia.com/1070731/asp/sports/story_8128444.asp

British media vents ire on Taufel
A STAFF REPORTER

Calcutta: Sachin Tendulkar, who became the victim of a dubious umpiring decision when on 91 on Day III of the second Test at Trent Bridge on Sunday, got sympathy and praise from the British media on Monday. All the newspapers lauded the maestro for his masterful innings and rued Simon Taufel’s decision to adjudge him leg-before.

[Taufel later told TV commentators David Lloyd and David Gower that he was “very upset” to have handed a poor decision to Sachin. The Aussie umpire, however, backed the Sourav Ganguly decision, saying that he would give that out every time.]

The following are excerpts from the newspapers (in alphabetical order):

THE DAILY EXPRESS: It was Richie Benaud who loaded the equation for a good captain at 90-10 luck over skill but England captain Michael Vaughan had reason to question his personal balance. If Benaud’s theorem remains true, Vaughan might rightfully argue that his 90 per cent was split rather unfavourably between good and bad Sunday. The dismissals of Tendulkar and Ganguly were exposed as firmly of the former.

THE DAILY MIRROR: India’s middle-order put them firmly in the driving seat although they will be disappointed not to have got more than they did after two howlers from umpire Simon Taufel. Both Tendulkar and Ganguly were denied centuries by the Aussie’s finger.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Sachin Tendulkar’s expression after he’d been given out lbw on 91 said a thousand words. Initially there was surprise at the decision that merged into disbelief and then to shock. Dismay became despair at the realisation of what umpire Simon Taufel had done. All that meticulous preparation and studious defence and fastidious tending of the pitch and careful accumulation, banished by one cruel finger.

THE GUARDIAN: The leg-before decision that ended Tendulkar’s designs on a 38th Test hundred was held to be debatable. Tendulkar padded up to Collingwood and Taufel calculated, probably erroneously, that the ball would have hit off stump. Taufel’s equally dodgy decision to give out Ganguly caught down the leg-side barely merited an afterthought. Ganguly smacked a divot in irritation and ran up the pavilion steps after his dismissal; Sachin merely left, a little disappointed, and in his controlled emotions set an example that might not demand many TV playbacks, but which did him enormous credit.

THE INDEPENDENT: If Tendulkar was not such an unassuming cricket legend, the umpire who is generally rated the best in the world might just have heard something close to the growling breath of the great W.G. Grace. This was plainly wrong. Tendulkar is usually close to a pinnacle of philosophical maturity when the umpires conspire against him, but this time he was not quite the paragon of forbearance. He lingered for five seconds, reflecting on what TV evidence would confirm in the split second that followed his decision to pad up against a ball that he knew was going to pass his off stump. How did he know? Because he is Sachin Tendulkar. Because it is a sense you acquire when, like Brian Lara, his only other rival as the greatest batsman of his age, you pass a total of 11,000 runs.

THE TIMES: India will be very disappointed if, with fine weather apparently now assured, they cannot make their huge first-innings lead count. Two of their famous four, Tendulkar and Ganguly, missed out on individual hundreds for which they had worked assiduously on Sunday. Each of them eventually unlucky with misjudgements by the normally impeccable Taufel.

[fineleg]

[Taufel later told TV commentators David Lloyd and David Gower that he was “very upset” to have handed a poor decision to Sachin. The Aussie umpire, however, backed the Sourav Ganguly decision, saying that he would give that out every time.]


In other news it was learnt that Taufel's effigy was burnt, and Lok Sabha will debate on whether Taufel can be extradited to India for a trial

[ruchir]

BabuN,

Nicely summed up .... I am sure there will be further substance in the forthcoming days that would further corroborate your points ... not just the ones you made of the British journalists, but the Desi ones as well.

So, are you mad at Indian journalists for not standing up for their cricketers and not tearing into the opposition? If you are then you probably are not finding anything wrong with the British journalists, because they are doing just the things for their team that you want Indian journalists to do for Indian team. Right?

No I want journalists to stick to reporting on cricket, and leave psychological warfare for the actual team to indulge in.
I don't expect India journalists to respond in kind because that would be endorsing a detestable trend in reporting. What I expect of Indian journalists is to not make up stories, to not sensationalise trivial incidents and to report facts, and not sell lies as breaking stories.

What you want would happen only in an Utopian world. Unfortunately we don't live in such a world. We live in a world where everything goes. And who knows, the ENG team may be 'asking' the ENG journalists to write such pieces so that it can get under our players skin. Sensationalism in journalism was pioneered by ENG press. Remember the best tabloid, "The Sun"?     In fact, I would love it if our reporters call ENG players nasty names, find stuff about their lives and publish it in all the spicy details. Our player handle all the crap thrown at them quite admirably. Let us see how other teams handle nasty stuff written about them.

[keep-it-cool]

What drives our media is rather simple. I think Indian media has gotten over any colonial hangover. In fact, I think they have gotten over any moral hangups too. Right now, all they care about is boosting the ratings of their newspapers and stations, who cares about whether what they report is true or not.

Yes. Yes. Yes.

Sorry for stating the obvious

Welcome back!