From: 9063iyerm@vms.csd.mu.edu (Murali Iyer)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.cricket
Subject: Manjrekar and other trivia
Date: 17 Nov 1992 16:28:00 GMT
Organization: Marquette University - Computer Services
Reply-To: 9063iyerm@vms.csd.mu.edu
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Soon after the tour to Australia, Manjrekar was interviewed by Sportstar. As I
said, it was way back in the first half of the year.  Manjrekar was asked the
expected questions regarding his failure to come up with big scores after an
initial hundred in a preparation game. Manjrekar answered that one of the
reasons for this was his eagerness to make strokes soon after reaching twenties
or thirties(he made a couple of these towards the later part of the tour,
didn't he?). This was much against his usual approach to the game, where he
concentrated on the next thirty runs he had to make, as if starting a new
innings. That way, he was aiming at making a hundred each time he made thirty.
Sane, safe approach, one would say.

The question which came soon after was, did the one-day game affect his game
negatively? Contrary to common belief, Manjrekar said "No". In fact, Manjrekar
went as far as to say that the one-day game has helped him hone his batting
talents, because of its accent on making strokes at every opportunity. He is
even prepared to open the batting in one-day games, but would like to stick to
his usual position in tests. But he hastens to add, he is willing to bat at any
position to suit the team's needs. He was also planning to work on his running
between wickets, which caused him to be out quite a few times. 

I remembered this when I read an article wherein the netter(Ganesan?) had
wondered whether one-day cricket had spoiled Manjrekar's game. In the one-day
match against Zimbabwe, Manjrekar came up with a very good knock(masterly, say
reporters) of 70 in 75/76 balls and saved India from a tight situation. And a
century in the test to boot. Azhar says it is the best slow-century he has
seen. 

Now on to other topics. I have referred to the controversy that some Indian
journalists wanted to kick up wrt Kapil's not wearing the team blazer, and also
his "demanding" business-class seats when the rest of the team was travelling
economy. Ajit Wadekar has come out with a statement defending Kapil and
pooh-poohing the very idea that there is some form of dissent in the team.

Indian cricket team had always travelled economy class until this tour. Now,
Air India has been generous enough to sponsor the team's travel, and all
first-class. So, there is no question of any on player *demanding* first-class
travel. Wadekar has explained how the upgradation came about. It seems he asked
the President of BCCI, Madhav Rao Scindia, "Sir, if the players are made to sit
in cramped economy class seats with no leg-room, how can we expect our
long-legged(???) fast bowlers(???) to bowl well the next day? Please permit
first-class travel". :--) So the President, in all magnanimity of a former
Prince, said "Yes, go ahead m'boys". :--) And that is the story of first-class
travel of the Indian cricket team. :--)

Incidentally, Imran is reported to have travelled first-class when all the
others were struggling to shove their luggage into the small overhead spaces
and squeeze into their economy class seats!  :--) Now, now. Those are not my
words. Don't shoot me. I am just the messenger.

Sunil Gavaskar tries to be mysterious and says "A top Indian cricketer" always
insists on first-class travel, but nobody cribs about it. Sunny does not, as
usual, name the "offender". 

Reporters who have travelled with the teams say that the atmosphere surrounding
the team is simply great, and the "boys are united". It is heartening to note
that there are efforts to highlight the team's good spirits, rather than some
silly stuff about dissent, rebellion, etc. 

BTW, it is reported that in Zimbabwe, an expensive temple was built by the
immigrant Indians, but the people could not agree on which deity should be
afforded pride of place!!! Indians may be able to comprehend the situation.
Finally, "Om" took over the sanctum sanctorum. 

A trivia* (not that the above details were all earth-shattering bits of
information): Sachin Tendulkar writes left-handed, but bats, bowls and throws
right-handed. 

*(Mohan, note!)

-Murali

p.s: Sadiq [ my man from Bombay ] Yusuf, that was a good review of Sandeep
Patil's career, vis-a-vis Srikkanth. Am I right in assuming that Sandeep did
not get to play all those 29 tests uninterrupted? He was dropped, recalled,
dropped and so on a few times. Surprising, since Gavaskar was captain during
most of Patil's career. Also, Kapil's own style being much like Patil's, one
would have thought Kapil preferred a dashing stroke-player -- with potential to
be a match-winner-- on the team. Yes, I still "crib" about a career which was
snuffed out. And I will never forget the treatment meted out to Mohinder,
either. If anyone has complaints about this "cribbing" I indulge in, you know
what to do with them. 

Newsgroups: rec.sport.cricket