When I think of interactions between the media and sportsmen, the first one that always comes to mind is a hilarious cross-fire I witnessed between an American journalist and Venus Williams in the middle of a rather serious press conference at the 1999 US Open.

Journalist: Venus, you get asked so many questions every day. What is the one question you wished someone asked you?

Venus: Umm... now what did I say to that the last time?

Journalist: No, really.

Venus: I don’t know, I guess I’d like to be asked when was the last time I went to Dunkin’ Donuts.

Journalist: What WAS the last time you went to Dunkin’ Donuts?

Venus: (after thinking for a while) Yesterday.

The relationship between a reporter and their subject, especially in sports journalism, is a tricky one even at the best of times. There are too many things to worry about — get to know the player, well enough to make them trust you, but not so well that you become protective of them; since what sportsmen do on a daily basis is often associated with heroism, it’s important that you don’t get enamoured; and, conversely, because familiarity can breed contempt, you have to be sure to treat them with respect, at least as much as you expect in return.

The reason why I’m stating these seemingly obvious facts this week is because the ongoing situation in England, where the Indian cricket team is almost at loggerheads with the travelling media, has become both intriguing and mildly dramatic.

... contd.