Could Anushka have been a better Cheer-leader?

Almost a year back, Virat kohli hand-picked a cheerleader for himself! What is more amusing that Ravi Shastri, henceforth known as Trace of bullet, tipped Anushka Sharma in the race!

Love for trace of bullet was so deep that Kohli first make sure that Anil Kumble, one of the best Indian cricketer, has to leave his role as coach. Anil Kumble, who has known for his work ethics¹, had tried to put same discipline to the current lot. There were many rumors but few retired players like Madan Lal spoke more freely – “Indian team needs a coach who keeps quiet: Madan Lal to India Today²”. As it turned out, Kumble had to resign from the post. Just like a true gentleman Kumble maintained dignified silence, but clarified that his position in a resignation letter.

Kumble said – “BCCI told him, Kohli has a reservation with his style and about his continuing as head coach.” Hence, as respected player he decided to move on. Kumble further added that “He see the Coach’s role akin to ‘holding a mirror’ to drive self-improvement in team interest”. Trace of bullet has completely opposite of this trait. Trace of bullet believes that he can deny any ground realities by making baseless arrogant statements. Perfect example can be seen in recent Eng tour. The height of high headedness can be seen in comments: “Best Indian team in 15 years: Ravi Shastri”. Forfurther comments click. Clearly, Trace of bullet was more interested in cheering up the India rather than coaching the team. As former Indian cricketer Chetan Chauhan Said –“Ravi Shastri should be removed as head coach before the Australia tour. Ravi Shastri is very good cricket commentator and he should be allowed to do so”⁴ Though, how trace of bullets fare as commentator is a debate for another day, but it seems he is using his commentary skills more than coaching skill, if they exist at all.   

Some of quality in coach should be – “Complementary skills, Diverse views, discipline” It is note-worthy that Anil kumble used to bowl himself in nets and always known for his independent views. Mr. Ravi, who seems to perfect shape physically pun intended³, always known for party time rather than discipline.

A closer look to India’s playing 11 in test matches tells us. The management is horribly confused about team selection and regularly makes selection blunders.

• India dropped Ajinkya Rahane in South Africa
• India dropped Bhuvneshwar Kumar in South Africa
• India dropped Pujara in England
• India played only two fast bowlers in Lords.
• India played injured Ashwin in Forth test against England
• India did not play two spinner in first test in England

These are blunder to name of few. Though, at times their combination turned out to be correct but even a stopped clock shows correct time twice a day. These unnecessary chopping changes put unnecessary pressure on players, who always feel unsecured, fail to play up to their potential. Indian team has also been very arrogant about warm up matches, even in England Ravi reduced a four day game to three. Management felt warm up games are waste of times, then Mr. Ravi had asked to additional warm up games against Australia, a sign of unsure mind.

As Kumble clarified in resignation letter⁵, CAC had chosen kumble to continue but he resigned as Mr Kohli failed to work with him. It is also interesting that Mr. Trace of bullet did not apply for the post. But latter, claimed the job via wild-card entry. It was very well discussed by Ram Chandra Guha - Here

It also very clear that Ravi is just perfect in role of – ‘yes Virat as you say’ role. But may-be Anushka might be better.

1. https://medium.com/@ashish2727/fuck-you-kohli-like-just-fuck-you-1e0255a0e0c9
2. https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/anil-kumble-steps-down-as-team-india-head-coach-madan-lal-exclusive-983809-2017-06-20
3. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/ravi-shastri-caught-napping-during-india-vs-england-1st-test-at-edgbaston/story-ezzvMcQ23nVwJCrh73CZaO.html
4. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/chetan-chauhan-joins-chorus-for-ravi-shastri-s-removal-as-head-coach/story-nZaWqi1pGUqmeKda2fV7aO.html
5. https://twitter.com/anilkumble1074/status/877218428318351361/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E877218428318351361&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-standard.com%2Farticle%2Fcurrent-affairs%2Ffull-text-of-kumble-s-resignation-letter-as-he-quits-as-india-head-coach-117062001346_1.html