Gautam Gambhir - Accused, tried and hanged by the media

The last two days would've probably been the most hectic and traumatic for Gautam Gambhir's cricketing career. A victim of trial by the media, he perhaps didn't see this coming.
Just two months back the batsman played one of the most rivetting innings of CWC 2011, now finds himself pilloried by the media, for no fault of his.

The cricket calendar is drawn up by the BCCI which includes the cash rich IPL as well. It should've expected most players to carry niggles during the IPL because the gap between the WC and the IPL was less than a week.

The BCCI must be fooling themselves if they think that only 100% fit players should play the IPL or tour the West Indies. A long tour of South Africa preceded by the visiting Kiwis and followed by an even longer World Cup meant that not all players would be fit for all matches.
The Board wants to earn monies by organising tours at the shortest notice and it also wants fit players to be available for the same. It's like wanting both the sides of a coin on your side.



It's common knowledge that every sportsperson carries some niggle or the other. It's true in case of all cricketers, who probably have the most hectic schedule as compared to any other athlete in India. The BCCI should learn from this episode and ensure a total pool of 25-30 players who're equipped to represent the country so that they never fall short. This exercise will take atleast 2-3 years to complete.

Till such time the Board should stay away from organising money spinning tours like only one day match series or tri-series. With the Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) about to start in a short while, it won't be long before all Boards start demanding windows for their own T-20 based leagues. As it is, the BCCI is at loggerheads with quite a few other Boards.

It really can't be only about earning monies. If the game has to grow, all Boards will have to work together for a common cause to improve and promote cricket.

As far as the Indian media are concerned, the need to sensationalize trivial matters far outweigh reality. Gautam Gambhir's credentials as a valuable cricketer for the country has been proven many a time and any one doubting that is surely barking up the wrong tree. For a man whose innings shaped the World Cup final win, it must be quite overwhelming to have all media accusing him of choosing his club over country.

Injuries are a part and parcel of any sport and it's upto the player to decide what's best for him. Really doubt if an Iniesta or a Xavi, getting injured while playing for Barcelona and don't play for Spain, would be publicly hanged by the media like the way Gambhir's being subjected to.

It's high time that the media shows more restraint and provides balanced views rather than shouting out from treetops. Cricket followers can see through this and just because the media starts screaming 'Breaking News' doesn't mean that it's always right.