We need to start winning matches to think of making the semifinals.There's no question of that. Why are we losing? Well, we should have bowled better towards the end of the last game but it's very difficultin this format to point fingers at one part or one area.
One thing that's not helped us is that the Bangalore wicket has notbeen a flat batting wicket, so it's been tough for the batsmen to getinto form. Still, Ross Taylor and Wasim came good in the last game.
But it's still a simple game and there's no point complicating matters— you just need to be a lot more flexible than you are even inone-dayers, but other than that you should just bowl
like you do inthe slog overs. Bowl yorkers, keep the ball in the right spots, keepthe batsmen guessing…
Now for what happened last week. I did speak to Bhajji after theincident and he's both remorseful and apologetic and agreed that itshouldn't have happened, no matter what the provocation.
But moving forward, it's important that given the immense pressure andthe media attention, that players realise what they can do and whatthey can't. Education is essential here and should be made part of thesystem.
There's so much money in the game now, especially with the IPL.Instead of people blaming whatever happens on 'too much money', orjustifying incidents by saying things happen in the heat of themoment, it's important someone ensures that players are given theright kind of advice, that there are professionals around to help themcope with fame and handle the money it brings. At no cost should thegame be disrespected nor the people who are part of it. Cricket isabove everything else.
Players need to learn to respect the opposition and most importantly,to gain the respect of everyone. It's very important to understandwhat you should not say instead of what you would naturally say.
At the same time, just because you're a cricketer, it doesn't mean youhold back constantly and suppress your normal character. But becausepeople watch, learn, imitate you, it's vital to find a balance. Whichis why perhaps, we need to be educated on how to handle success andfailure…
Coming back to what happened — physical abuse is definitely not partof any sport. It's a definite no-no. But equally, it's important forIndian cricket that both these guys get back on track. In terms oftalent, in terms of what they've achieved as cricketers, they're avital part of the team.
Especially Harbhajan, who has a proven track record as a match-winner— it's very important for the Indian team that he comes back andperforms.
On a final, personal note, it was probably a bit early for me to playbut we were short a bowler, so I did. But it all happens so quickly. Ihope to be completely ready for the game after Wednesday's though.
It's very important for us to start winning. With the team we have,the Royal Challengers definitely want to be part of the knockoutround. The good part is that come May, many foreign players from otherteams will be missing. Kolkata will miss Ponting and McCullum. Chennaiwill definitely miss Hayden and Hussey. Lee will be missed by Mohaliand Symonds by Hyderabad. Except for Ross, who's been key though,we'll be fine. A good win tomorrow will set us up. It's a pretty longtournament, we can always come back. But it has to start now.
Hawkeye/Chivach Sport