Fanatics in India need to come to terms that Sachin is not a God. That Sachin is human. And that Sachin makes errors. And that Sachin has flaws. His record is not pristine. People conveniently forget how Sachin (who makes zillions) tried to get off paying extra taxes for his Ferrari some years ago. While Sachin may be considered the best batsman in the world (on the basis of runs scored), Gilly wins outright for actually taking his team to victory on more occasions and of course, for being a true sportsman. Give me one instance when Sachin has walked without waiting for an umpire (and no, I do NOT mean when he spoons a catch that is so clearly out).
Gilly in no way claims to be a saint. He admits to sledging (I don't think any of the Aussies deny that!). It's high time people stopped thinking of Sachin as being one. Gilly has every right to question whoever he wants in his autobiography. It's his side of the story after all.
You can be sure that I, a hard-core Gilly fan, will be buying True Colours. Await a review once I'm done reading it.
Until next time,
Cheers!!!
I agree completely. Sachin is no God. And we Indians go overboard with our worship of our heroes be it filmstars, cricketers or politicians.
ReplyDeleteAnd Gilly has every right to voice his opinions. After all its his own story and he needs to tell it his own way.
What I am surprised about is knowing that the first situation is true why are Gilly's supporters so aghast at the reaction from "Indian fanatics"
Surely once you knew what Gilly said, you had to anticipate the reaction. We are after all fanatical about Sachin and we claim to have no objetivity in his assessment.
You are surprised that fanatics are reacting exactly as fanatics do.
Did you read The Times of India article about the issue? You must because the writer was a witness and has mentioned 'inside stuff'.
ReplyDeleteThe tax levied on the Ferrari was 100%; Sachin had to pay crores to get the car inside India that was considered a gift and an honour to him. He didn't want to pay for the gift. The government intervened and canceled all taxes and agreed that the car was a gift.
This part of the story came out late and not many read it. Of course, you may argue if Sachin deserved such a gift but it was a government decision.
Sachin has walked out without waiting for the umpire's decision on most occasions. When he hasn't, people have remembered the occasions.
As for records, Ponting may break them all. But Gavaskar, Lara, Sachin and other will remain better batsmen.
As for winning matches for India. No comments.
Of course, you can snub me by saying I am one of those cricket 'fanatics'. :)
Ok, is this even required...?
ReplyDeleteAnd am I a fanatic because I write long messages?
Why should a player take responsibility for what his 'fans' say and do?
And do both of you know what transpired in the Harbhajan Singh heating case? That is why you should have read and should read Fredun De Vitre's article on Gilchrist-Harbhajan spat. I can't find the link presently but you can find a mention here.
http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper.aspx?page=article§id=59&contentid=2008102920081029032821811fd0de030
If you see a player on the basis of his 'fans' and not his 'cricket', then you are being a fanatic.
And really, if you want to talk about this player's weakness, very objectively, then let's start by talking about the backfoot punch through the off drive.
And hey, Psych Babbler, don't take any offense. Have read your earlier posts. Maybe that's why the need to make a point here.
ReplyDelete@ Golandaaz: Thanks for visiting.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Gilly's supporters are aghast at the reaction --- but you have to admit it is a mountain out of a molehill.
And again, it is not what he was promoting as part of the book. Here in Aus, the newspaper printed the section about the hard time he had following his first child and the rumours about that. Basically, it's the media, who love to sensationalise, that have taken his one comment about Sachin resulting in the furore. In fact, Gilly speaks about how he enjoys playing cricket in India etc --- but does that get publicity? Noooo!
@ Kartikey: No offense taken.
ReplyDeleteWith the tax levy, I was aware about it being a gift etc and the govt deciding that he deserved it. Which is where I get irritated as well. You are right, as I would argue about him deserving such a gift --- after all, is he a bloke that has fought for the country? Is he a bloke who has given his life for the country? I get annoyed with the govt first and foremost for treating cricketers and actors like they are above and beyond the rest of us.
I have never denied that Sachin is a good player, and arguably one of the best. All I think is that being one of the best players doesn't necessarily make him a flawless human being or one who cannot be criticised.
@ Kartikey: No offense taken.
ReplyDeleteWith the tax levy, I was aware about it being a gift etc and the govt deciding that he deserved it. Which is where I get irritated as well. You are right, as I would argue about him deserving such a gift --- after all, is he a bloke that has fought for the country? Is he a bloke who has given his life for the country? I get annoyed with the govt first and foremost for treating cricketers and actors like they are above and beyond the rest of us.
I have never denied that Sachin is a good player, and arguably one of the best. All I think is that being one of the best players doesn't necessarily make him a flawless human being or one who cannot be criticised.
Fanatics are those that tend to make mountains out of molehills. Else we would be as sane as you. We have no pretensions, if you say even something bad about 10dulkar, even in passing we will create a rukus over it. Gilly and co are free to show us the mirror on 10dulkar, if we don't like what is reflected... his book will be banned, his effigies burnt and his overall popularity in India will dip. I am sure he won't lose sleep over this but that's who and how the majority of us are. Some truths and opinions are best left unsaid. Like acusing Saurav Ganguly of not playing the Nagpur test last year for fear of a green top. Not sure why he is picking battles with Indian greats. Why do Australians believe it is their duty to show that Indian cricketers are human after all and make mistakes and have weaknesses. That may be true but no one is intersted in learning that. Least of all from Australians.
ReplyDelete