Controversies... a sure way to sustain IPL interest, right?

I was so pleased to discover that Kohli batted splendidly against Punjab Kings for his 92 off 47 balls on Thursday.  On Sunday, against Delhi Capitals, he got 27 off 13

Virat Kohli’s rant in response to talk of his strike-rate in the commentary box surely did not go down well with Sunil Gavaskar recently. And my first Test captain was justified in displaying his discontent over Star Sports’s action replays of the reaction from the current Indian batting star.

As expected, the incident got highlighted in the media. After all, two cricket greats at their outspoken best make for a damn good spicy story. 

The sad part is that a few unknowns, born long after the legendary Gavaskar had hung his cricketing boots also jumped on the bandwagon of trolls; their hunger for so-called glory satiated by their deplorable, unwanted, acidic comments against the cricket legend. 

All those trolling Gavaskar on social media and reacting in the media should not forget that past players were paid a pittance as a match fees, but still kept the game alive.  Never should it be forgotten that present-day players are reaping the rewards for seeds sown by cricketers of the earlier generation.

That aside, I have observed a trend. Ever since the IPL began, right in the middle of the tournament when viewers get a bit tired of watching the T20 action, controversies crop up, almost like clockwork. It works to reinvigorate following of the tournament. It could be speculated whether this is a marketing strategy to sustain excitement around the IPL over the years.

By the way, wasn’t there a recent controversy concerning Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka when he appeared to be giving captain KL Rahul a spray post a heavy loss to Sunrisers the other night?

Also Read: Bats, balls and what not!

Back to Pundits v Players. If a senior cricketer in the commentary box makes factually correct comments, then the player being criticised should take it as constructive feedback and strive to improve his or her skills, ensuring performances answer the criticism. Instead, players often overreact to protect their reputation and fan base, regardless of whether the comments are personal, issue-based or factually correct. By reacting strongly, they inadvertently fuel controversy, just the tonic required to bring back the buzz for the tournament and ultimately boosting viewership and revenue.

I was so pleased to discover that Kohli batted splendidly against Punjab Kings for his 92 on Thursday.  

The best way to answer your critics is with your bat. 

On Sunday, against Delhi Capitals, he got 27 off 13.

I’m reminded of a conversation I had with reputed actor Pankaj Tripathi on a train journey from London to Glasgow while shooting 83 a few years ago. In a profound statement, Pankaj said, "aaj kal log churchchit honeko hi samarth samajhte hain," meaning people nowadays equate controversy with success.

In the good old days, players had to fight their opponents and sports journalists were not bothered with what was happening outside the boundary rope. In today's scenario, players not only have to face their opponents on the field, but also have to deal with the scrutiny from the media and its tentacles. Healthy criticism sometimes sucks the player into an off-field game at play, where tarnishing one's image can impact not only their fan-following but also their financial opportunities.

In the 1970s and 1980s, when journalists who hadn't played cricket critiqued players negatively, players reacted by not granting those journalists interviews. However, when a former cricketer or a senior journalist criticised them, it was usually taken as constructive, leading players to introspect and improve their skill area or attitude.

Nowadays, most TV commentators are retired players, ranging from good to legendary. If their criticism is valid, it should be taken constructively, not defensively. Reacting emotionally to criticism, whether personal or not, only exacerbates the situation. Players should use their performance on the field as the ultimate response.

It's crucial to avoid getting caught up in one's narrative, as Gavaskar pointed out.

In the past, players would respond positively to a legend. If he was mistaken, a respectful dialogue would follow.  However, today's players seem more preoccupied with social media and financial gains, often forgetting they function as role models for future generations.

Unfortunately, cricketers who played the game in the 1970s and 1980s are caught between two worlds. Their generation didn't question elders, but the next generation boldly challenge them without much consideration. 

The game is not the same in some ways. Yet, cricket has to move on.

Former India swing bowler BS Sandhu was part of India’s victorious 1983 World Cup team.

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