Cricket is still a game that inspires and entrails. It is a game that can cross barriers. Believe me, I am traveling in India at the moment but have found myself in the middle of in depth cricket conversations that have been struck up by complete strangers who have seen me avidly scanning newspaper for the latest cricket news. It is a game that can be played by all whether rich or poor. Realistically if you want to become a championship polo player although you need talent you also need cash, with cricket all you need is a makeshift bat, wickets and stumps.
Cricket is the only game India is good at.
India does not do well at the Olympics and hockey is going downhill fast. The children who play the game in the streets need their cricket role models, but their heroes are failing them. Maybe we should consider different role models, those up and coming players who will hopefully avoid the pitfalls and will once again make the game great and give countries, the teams and players they deserve. Take Gautam Gambhir for inspiration. This young man who shows considerable promise as a left hand batsman was recently passed over for the under 19 Indian team.