A permanent manager could play that role. A tough patriarch or a caring elder brother. But we treat the manager’s job callously. Before a manager can get to know a player, the tour is over, another favour has been ticked off and new favour-mongering starts. The frivolousness with which the manager’s role has been treated is an indicator of priorities. A good manager can play a huge role in the development of young minds.

Finally, I notice that the ICC elite panel of umpires has two more names in it, neither of which is Indian. I am not surprised. One of our higher ranked umpires recently allowed four short pitched balls over shoulder height in an over in a 20-20 game and another chose to speak to the media rather than to the referee. If quality has to be a hallmark of our cricket it has to extend to all facets, not just the most visible.

(Commentator Harsha Bhogle is an advisor for the Mumbai Indians team)