As a coach not too long ago, Shastri could have instilled a sense of discipline by engaging with the BCCI, or, at the very least, planted the seeds of resting pace bowlers participating in the IPL when crucial red-ball matches were on the horizon (‘Never point fingers at IPL; see how we can get more out of it’, July 2). It is easy to dispense advice on how players and the BCCI should react, but Shastri had the opportunity to assert himself and make a strong representation when he was in a position of influence.
India’s cricketing strategists, responsible for selecting teams for red-ball cricket, have begun considering the IPL performances as a criterion for national team selection in the longer format. Such a development is concerning. The inclusion of Suryakumar Yadav in the Test team based on his T20 performances serves as an example.
The role of Shastri, the impact of the IPL, and the selectors’ questionable decisions have all contributed to the team’s setbacks. It is imperative that the cricketing community reflects on these factors and takes necessary steps to rectify the situation, ensuring that India’s future campaigns are marked by fearless leadership and well-considered decisions.
G. Venkatakuppuswamy,
On email.
At the outset, devoting 12 pages of your magazine to Indian cricket and its commentator was giving disproportionate importance to a game that is already a money-making racket, denying space to so many other sporting activities.
Critics like Shastri, according to me, have no business to interfere in decisions that have to be made by members of the BCCI.
Why should Shastri use THE WEEK as his mouthpiece? As an avid reader of your magazine, I urge you to look at other sports, too.
Hariharan Krishnan,
On email.
Ravi Shastri is a sensible man who knows cricket inside out; so most of his views need to be taken seriously. The Indian team should have a combination of youth and experience. It is not necessary that a cricketer should retire at 38. He can continue to play till 40 or 41 if he is in good form.
I wonder why Shastri is shying away from pointing fingers at the IPL. It is unfortunate that some of the seniors in the national team are giving more importance to the IPL. The BCCI should not have allowed players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami to play in the IPL a few months before the ODI World Cup.
Yes, the IPL has changed cricket’s ecosystem in the country, and playing cricket has become a viable career option for many. But playing for country matters over playing for clubs.
Arkashish Guha,
On email.
The BCCI should have a plan for replacing seniors with greenhorns. Only then can the baton of experience be handed over. Experience is gained not in the dressing room, but on the field.
It was a great interview, with no-holds-barred answers from Shastri.
Dilip Gurjar,
On email.
I don’t like Shastri’s attitude. He is brash and cocky. When he was the coach of the Indian cricket team, he brought uncalled-for-aggression into the players, which backfired. He never demanded discipline from players and let them be.
Shastri could be the team’s favourite, but I don’t see that as a good quality. He was a good cricketer and commentator, but not necessarily a good coach.
Tapesh Nagpal,
On email.
Alcohol addiction
Pooja Bhatt is correct when she said that addiction and recovery are considered a man’s territory. While men are more likely than women to develop addiction, women find it harder to quit. Alcohol dependence develops faster in women than men. I salute Bhatt who has bravely came out of alcohol addiction (‘Point blank’, July 2).
Kajol Kapadi,
On email.
Modi in Thiru-vananthapuram?
I have a gut feeling that Narendra Modi could contest from Thiruvananthapuram and Varanasi in 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and choose Thiruvananthapuram if he wins from both seats. Modi, after all, is known to take risks (‘Powerdrive’, July 2).
If Modi contests from Thiruvananthapuram, he will defeat Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. Not many in the Congress in Kerala were happy with Tharoor’s decision to contest the Congress’s presidential poll. So they would like to see Tharoor’s image take a battering. In such a scenario, Modi will easily win Thiruvananthapuram.
Devan Viswanathan,
On email.
India should help
Hats off to THE WEEK for covering Sri Lanka like no other news publication does in India (‘All quiet on the waterfront’, July 2).
I was under the impression that Sri Lanka’s suffering may end soon. India should continue to help Sri Lanka, and pluck the fruits of its efforts.
Vyom Prakash,
On email.
I don’t agree with Namal Rajapaksa when he said Mahinda Rajapaksa is still very popular among the masses. The people of Sri Lanka will not forgive him. Having said that, there is a dearth of good, capable leaders in Sri Lanka.
Sita Kurup,
On email.
Godrej and Jimmy Carter
Your marvellous article on Godrej made me remember the inspirational story of an American nurse called Lilian who came to India at the age of 68, in 1966, when I was in my early twenties (‘Storwel to space’, June 25). She volunteered for the Peace Corps, established by President John F. Kennedy, and worked in the Godrej Colony in the Vikhroli suburb of Mumbai for nearly two years. Ten years later, her son Jimmy Carter became president of the United States.
A. Marcus,
Mumbai.