Ashok’s Blog

After the world cup debacle, where our young warriors and old war-horses were humbled by our Asian neighbors, it has been a wonderful experience talking to the average Indian fan. You see, Indian cricket fans are a weird lot. Every detail is grasped; and every single moment on the pitch is analysed with unnerving fervor, and judgment on the same is passed, as though by the supreme authority governing the sport.

Indian fans, it seems, do not consider themselves ‘fans’, but the very guardians of Indian cricket. And thus it is highly amusing to see ones uncles, neighbors and relatives admonishing a player, telling him how to play a particular shot, or which line to bowl, all from the comfort of their living rooms. To make matters worse, the world cup failure ensured the vacancy of the coach’s position, driving our neighborhood think tank’s mania to greater heights.

The Indian fan shares a love- hate relationship with the Indian cricket team. However, there are periods of confusion, when the fan contemplates the worthiness of this relationship. It must be noted that this period of uncertainty only exists when the sufficiently battered and embarrassed team makes a note-worthy performance. The fan then decides with self righteous and patriotic vehemence that the team needs him. Thus, the team is forgiven. He thus, once again embraces the team with open arms, like a loving father welcoming a son gone astray. It would be disparaging to call him fickle but he would give serious competition to a chameleon.

Children are generally the most forgiving, and once they get over the initial disappointment, are back to idolising their favorite stars. However, during this time they may be found to have shifted their allegiance to other sports like football, lagori etc.

The female fans are a different lot altogether, as they hardly care whether the team wins or loses. After getting a glimpse of their favorite star, it’s back to Ekta Kapoor for them. However sufficient care must be taken while discussing the proceedings of a match with them; for, hell hath no fury like a woman’s favorite star criticised.

Thus, if not for anything the Indian team must be complimented for not cracking under the pressure already upon them. And the general mood of the Indian cricket fan?? Well, we’ll just have to wait for the coming series to find out.