Messianic zeal and a coach's dilemma

Messianic zeal and a coach's dilemma
PRADEEP MAGAZINE

The world of Indian cricket is getting submerged in a deluge of allegations and counter-allegations, with Mr Inderjit Singh Bindra emerging as its central figure. His target is Jagmohan Dalmiya and the the byproduct of this relentless campaign is making many individuals squirm with trepidation.

The biggest casualty of Mr Bindra's almost messianic zeal in trying to nail his one-time partner-in-arms and now a bitter foe in the struggle of power in the Board, has been Kapil Dev. This legendary cricketer's carefully crafted image of being a `player of the masses' was shattered by a single sentence from Mr Bindra. He told the world that, according to Manoj Prabhakar, it was Kapil who had offered him a bribe to tank a match.

That Bindra believed Prabhakar and took on the responsibility to go pubic with the name has shocked most, but who cares about `ethics' in hate and war. If the enemy can be hit, even if it means sacrificing your best `soldier' then so be it.

In the cynical times we live in, foul becomes fair and fair becomes foul so Bindra's stand need not be dissected with the sword of a judge. It is the byproduct of this war -- the Kapil story -- which is now being sold with relish by the media and profit is seen even in the tears of the man. Hardened criminals never cry, or so they say. Only the `guilt' of an `innocent' man can reduce him to tears and only in times like these can judgment be passed by those for whom right and wrong seem meaningless words.

What about the man himself, whose `sobbing' swayed the sentiments of television-watching middle class India in his favour -- not that anyone had passed the guilty verdict. That Prabhakar was once sacked for two matches from the Indian team for `deliberately playing slowly' and was reinstated after he gave a written apology makes the man's credentials suspect, but his charges are too serious to be ignored. Needless to say, they will be probed so that the clouds hanging over country's all-time favourite player are cleared. Conversely, if found guilty, let him pay for his greed.

In the interim period, there is one crucial question which has not been addressed seriously. Should Kapil continue to be the coach of the team? No one is saying he is guilty, far from it, but there is no doubt that the man is under tremendous strain and may not be mentally fit to shoulder this responsibility. Even otherwise, imagine a situation where the coach of the team has to constantly answer queries, not about his team, but about his personal conduct.

Knowing the man and the pride he has in himself, Kapil may take being asked to step down as a personal affront. But we all are products of our circumstances and the elements, at the moment, seem to have conspired against him. His stepping down will only enhance his reputation and not make him `suspect' in the eyes of his fans.