New Delhi: A characteristically cool MS Dhoni's aggressive side was brought to the fore when the retired Australian umpire Daryl Harper accused the Indian skipper of intimidating him in the first Test of the recently concluded West Indies tour.
While Harper let his steam out by revealing what Dhoni said to him, India would welcome this belligerence in their era of dominance in world cricket. It now asserts the fact that India – as a world champion and Test No. 1 – is ready to end the prejudice towards the subcontinent teams. And Dhoni, taking a leaf out of Sourav Ganguly’s book, is the flag-bearer of that change. Continue reading below
"We've had problems with you before, Daryl," Dhoni said to Harper, making no bones about expressing his displeasure over his atrocious decisions.
For some, the Indian skipper may have crossed the line. But why those people don't complain when Australia and England get their way, ham-fistedly? Why do they call BCCI an arm-twister and don't have a word against the way MCC-ruled ICC used to function?
Imagine an Indian umpire making such allegations towards an Australian or English player. The media there would have worked overtime to denounce the umpire, making sure that action is taken against him. Are we still living in an age where skin colour decides the treatment you get? If yes, then kudos to the BCCI for the way they ended western dominance, both on and off the field.
Harper also blamed the ICC for "allowing this to happen." Sorry if it sounds harsh, but by saying so, Mr. Harper is in a way asking the ICC to apply double standards: let all Aussies and Englishmen go scot-free and nip the sub-continent players in the bud.
Remember Stuart Broad's ugly exchange with umpires in South Africa? His resentment after being given out lbw following a delayed review wasn't considered a dissent. Was it because he is the son of an ICC Match Referee who sips beer with umpires at the end of a day?
Quite surely, Harper's finger-pointing at the Indian skipper will fan the flames of prejudice against subcontinent players. And if the ICC takes action, or even initiates an inquiry against Dhoni, it would warrant India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to stand up for a man who chose fight over flight.
