'IF' needs change

'IF you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same'
-IF by Rudyard Kipling

Dravid and Chappell have been at the helm of Indian cricket for a while now. During this period, as is typical for any prolonged period of Indian cricket, the team has been through it all. Needless to mention, depending on the latest result, the team has been showered with garlands or brickbats. Being at the center of this soap opera that Indian cricket is made out to be, must be overwhelming. However, D & C have shown composure and a level of sanity that couldn't have been easy to maintain. Sure, some middle fingers have been raised, but when a bunch of *fans* hurl personal abuse in your direction for a cricketing decision, I would readily condone most reactions short of a gun shot!

Chappell's post-Wanderers' interview and Dravid's pre-Wanderers' quotes had a degree of sameness to them. Not necessarily in content, but in tone and vision. Chappell talks in detail about events behind closed doors. Events that shape and show the resilience in this group. Dravid talks about recent tours where we have stood up to be counted after being knocked to the canvas. Both indicate awareness about the clamor around them, and while accommodating that, convey that their voice of reason is something that the rest of the team hears in equal measure. If D or C feel that an additional voice would help the casue, they should consider doing a Mike Newell by putting up a copy of "IF" in the dressing room. And should they decide to do so, they would be well advised to take up Bhogle's suggestion and revise the all important lines to...

'IF you can meet with the reactions to Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same'