Victory is the best medicine for defeatism. In winning the Independence Cup in Dhaka - with triumph against Pakistan in the final and a world record to boot - Mohammed Azharuddin's beleaguered team may have surprised even itself. In the past year, the team has reached its nadir in more ways than one.There have been the crushing defeats on the field, notably in the recent tournament in Sharjah. Less visible but more pernicious has been the psychological battering the cricketers have taken. Hopefully, the low morale is now a thing of the past - and, post-Dhaka, Azharuddin will chalk out a bold new path for Indian cricket. This is a beautiful thought. It would be even better if it were believable. Indian cricket's essential problem remains unaddressed: a whimsical cricket board. The selection committee is a case in point - and must remain so despite the success in Bangladesh.True, the selectors' decision to replace Sachin Tendulkar as captain has worked. Nevertheless, they have much to answer for - primarily, the exclusion of Rahul Dravid and B.V. Venkatesh Prasad. The first is perhaps the country's most technically accomplished batsman, the other unquestionably its most clever bowler. In the ecstasy of triumph, the selectors may seek to congratulate themselves. Shouldn't they also shoulder the blame for equipping Azharuddin with a bowling attack that gave away 314 runs in less than 50 overs? Victory did not come because of the selectors; it came in spite of them. Their cardinal sin is gross interference with match strategies. .preferred-source-banner{ margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom:10px;}For instance, the selectors had no business asking Tendulkar not to open the batting. This is a decision which should be left to the captain. Indeed, the captain's word on the choice of team members must carry more weight than it is currently allowed to. In cricket as in the economy, the control raj must end.Published By: AtMigration Published On: Feb 2, 1998--- ENDS ---
