The timing of assuming Captaincy for the first time is critical in one's leadership

Javagal Srinath

The timing of assuming Captaincy for the first time is critical in one's leadership. The circumstances and the reasons for which the player is made Captain remain equally important .Somehow the rationale behind the change in Captaincy in Indian cricket team's leadership space, is far from ideal. I can recall my earlier cricketing days when K srikkant lost his captaincy to Azharuddin for not participating in the Duleep trophy games. Subsequently Azhar was forced to step down to crown a very young and inexperienced Sachin Tendulkar. It was a game of musical chair in 2000 when Sachin decided to quit captaincy leaving the selectors to pick Saurav among few equals. Rahul was made the captain when time-barred Saurav was still desirous to continue. And now when we see Anil leading the test side, it appears that Captaincy has come to him too late in his career.

Let's take a look at some better value practice in matured cricketing surroundings. Recently, the England Skipper Micheal Vaughan emotionally bid adieu to make way for young Kevin Peterson. Paul Collingwood did a similar act in relinquishing ODI leadership. Nasir Hussien and Atherton did quit captaincy on their own terms. In many cases the incumbent captain have named or even suggested their successors. From Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh to Ricky Pointing have followed dignified transitions in Australia. The practices in England and Australia are such that the new Captain assumes roles in a seemingly conducive team environment. I sometimes wonder why such acts of value progression are all that difficult for our captains to follow.

Back to Indian cricket. It appears that the selectors have stumbled upon Mahendra Singh Dhoni to don on him the mantle of leadership. Fortunately, Dhoni's captaincy has not only come at the right time but also for all the right reasons. To be true to his leadership characteristic, he stood up to take a much needed break for the test series in Srilanka. Thus opening a fierce debate on whether it was the right decision or not. Infact that decision needs to be applauded and set as precedence for other players to follow. Dhoni's decision shows self-confidence and conviction in his ability to come back. More over, this Jharkand man is secured and honest with the game. This act of rarity is seldom practiced by Indian greats.

Dhoni keeps his cool, holds his calm, demonstrates grace under pressure and shows poise under all situations. His cogent analysis of the game and brutally honest remarks that avoid obvious diplomacy brings life into media briefing. The esoteric knowledge of captaincy has come naturally to him. His phenomenal success in the T20 World cup has made him a tonic figure on the world stage. I only hope that Dhoni gets the right support from all corners of the game.

Looking into the Srilankan series ahead, the selectors along with the dynamic captain have chosen the best side. Robin Utapah was missing out on one too many games inspite of being in the team which has now translated into him being dropped from the team itself. With Raina, Badri and Yusuf around Robin's string of low scores have worked against him. Its time he realizes the gravity of international cricket.

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