Mendis has all the makings of a world-beater

Last Sunday was a God-sent for all sports fans, particularly for tennis and cricket followers. Frankly, the Asia Cup in Karachi didn't hold much of an attraction for yours truly. Once Dhoni packed his team with seven batters and decided to field first on a belter of a track, that left me pretty much annoyed. The prominent query on my mind was 'why is common sense so uncommon!' Admittedly, Dhoni's was a team decision, with surely inputs from coach Kirsten. But when it comes to carrying the burden of a thoughtless decision, the captain alone becomes a beast of burden. The crucial factor was the event itself was the finals, not a league stage humdrum.

I watched the Indian performance rather disinterestedly, because I didn't quite approve of all the noises emanating from the Indian camp regarding too much cricket. Nothing new. We all know the Asian sub-continent is grinding its players to paste. The players know it too. Very well in fact. But the Indians are not playing alone. They are actually playing with or against somebody. Willingly. And as well-paid professionals, there is no room for complaints. If anything, we as spectators or TV viewers have a lot to grudge over crass overdose. But it doesn't seem our administrators are half concerned. In fact, one spokesperson of the BCCI is adamant that physically and mentally tired players are free to sit out. Where does that leave the selectoral obligation? You can trust the BCCI's haughtiness to show up at the slightest pretext.

At this juncture, I'd like to know whatever happened to the Indian players' association, whose job it was to create better understanding between the administration and the administered with responsible reps holding the fort for both sides.

As I mentioned earlier, I watched the Asia Cup final with half-baked involvement. I was more into the Wimbledon final between my favourite Federer and that mean machine Spaniard. Long after the Asia Cup was over, I was glued to the epic contest in Wimbledon. I don’t think Nadal won it; Federer lost the battle with too many unforced errors. The match lasted four hours and 48 minutes. And here we are raving about cricket matches getting over in three hours or less. How preposterous! I might have shed a few quiet tears for Federer, but none whatsoever for the Indian debacle in Karachi.