Players and Journalists have a sacred relationship

By Javagal Srinath
A typical media gimmick, publishing a row between Dhoni and Sewag was yet another cheap trick played at the cricket team. Dhoni and his men did a great extinguishing act by coming together in addressing a press conference to throw cold water to the burning rumour mills. These days there are more news outlets than the news itself. Any news or no news makes it to the stands without head or tail.
This Indian team which has embarked on an important mission, such negative build up is the last thing they want.
Players and Journalists have a sacred relationship. There are good journalists who stand up for the game, defend and argue player’s views, try to understand the mindset of the players and lastly be good friends with them. The player-reporter relationship is built over a long period of time. Even players try to get points out of a good article. A very well disguised criticism or praise will have a profound impact on the player. Infact some players go further to seek motivation from knowledgeable and experienced writers.
The journalists who live along with the players suitcases become a part of the players cricketing life. There are many outstanding, unbiased reporters who have earned immense trust and respect from players.
Dhoni and his men’s act to condemn such reports will have various views from different factions of the press. Some may see it as an unwarranted reaction, giving too much importance to a silly reporting and others might feel Dhoni should have individually pulled up the reporter than parading the entire team to address the press conference. I felt the team’s reaction was more to send a signal to the whole media fraternity to be collectively responsible while reporting.
Whoever has planted this news to fast track one’s own career, might have gained attention but has lost the invaluable trust of the player.
Coming back to the game, the tournament opener has brought out a seemingly unique characteristics of T-20. My observation is that the compactness of the game has bought all teams on par. Be it the minnows like the Bangladesh, Netherlands or Ireland all seem to possess the same threat as the reputed ones. Netherlands beating England will serve a strong lesson, a reminder for the favourites to be on their toes. I can promise the next two weeks will spring many such upsets like what we witnessed yesterday.
HAWKEYE COMMUNICATIONS