Brave new world: no place to hide

And now for something not completely different. The sad state of Indian cricket, and the sadder state of its administration. In this brave new world, cricket enthusiasts could watch a super match being played in Australia, where the world was entertained by a thrilling draw on the fairest of pitches. One could also witness modernity and technology (rather than the ludditry in India) as the Decision Review System (DRS) was in place. It was great to witness important decisions being cross-checked with the availability of superior technology. Why isn't the BCCI compelled to introduce the DRS system, as done by every other cricketing nation in the world? Are they not doing so for any other reason than making money for only themselves? Can there be an RTI on this, Prashant Bhushan and Kejriwal? Can the BCCI be allowed to get away with the murder of cricket?

The brave new world has also caught up with the best amongst us — Mahendra Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar. Let me confess — for the first time, I wasn't extremely upset when India lost. Not only did India deserve to lose, but also Dhoni needed to be slammed into reality. To argue so unsportingly for turning pitches from day one (because we play better at them, my dear — but don't tell that to the English), Dhoni exposed the awkwardness and hollowness of his thinking, strategic or otherwise. In the olden days, we had little basis to compare. Now...

The manner in which Tendulkar has repeatedly got out suggests that age catches up even with the greatest. Whether Muhammad Ali or Tendulkar, footwork matters and less than a split second makes all the difference. And technology is there to expose one and all. No place to hide.

The writer is chairman of Oxus Investments, an emerging market advisory firm

ALSO READ

Playing hardball with China

When Li comes calling

How MPs can do House-work better

Freeing the caged parrot