Munaf Patel is not the quintessential Indian cricketer that you see. He is rustic and uncouth with a dialect heavy accent, yet with a passionate fire in his eyes to excel. His ruthless pace and piercing sharpness, not only ushers the much awaited speed-machine into the growing Indian pace brigade, it also firmly marks the coming of age of the hitherto marginalized economically backward villagers into the mainstream of Indian cricket. At this very moment it is hard to overlook the similarity of his story with that of Iqbal, the fantastic portrayal of the triumph of perseverance and hope, over the daunting odds in the big bad world of Indian cricket. Not long before, a berth in Indian cricket was the bastion of the deals of dalmiyas and the power play of the pawars of the business. Rife with regionalism, it scarcely inspired the youth from such remote corners to strive and make their mark. That thing might not have changed entirely. But the irrfans and the munafs are ample testimony to the fact that the times, that are certainly a’changin. That is very encouraging for Indian cricket, for the longer these fiery youngsters keep their faith, the more is the chance that we discover new world-beating talent. The pinnacle of the pursuit for the cricketing youth from various corners of India is uniform, a coveted berth in the Indian team. The examples of Munaf’s and Irfan’s will keep the hopes alive for these youngsters and will encourage them to hone themselves to deliver for India.
The media has had an undeniable role to play in the ushering of many of these changes in Indian cricket. Stronger and well circulated coverage of the achievements of various players at regional level and the public analysis of selection rationale has certainly helped the selectors, by keeping them informed and vigilant. At the same time the media should not over-sensationalize the achievements of such raw talent. Munaf has certainly a long distance to go, to discipline himself a lot more so as to mature to the level of the Akrams and the Lilees. (Just look at the statement: A storm called Munaf Patel rocked England's cricketing juggernaut in Baroda today, and England's batting ship was left floundering)
The media has had an undeniable role to play in the ushering of many of these changes in Indian cricket. Stronger and well circulated coverage of the achievements of various players at regional level and the public analysis of selection rationale has certainly helped the selectors, by keeping them informed and vigilant. At the same time the media should not over-sensationalize the achievements of such raw talent. Munaf has certainly a long distance to go, to discipline himself a lot more so as to mature to the level of the Akrams and the Lilees. (Just look at the statement: A storm called Munaf Patel rocked England's cricketing juggernaut in Baroda today, and England's batting ship was left floundering)
A definite breeze of change is sweeping Indian cricket. The office bearers are becoming increasingly accountable and responsible with a national vision. Young talent is forcing the well-entrenched seniors to re-invent themselves to earn their places. The 'I-am-indispensible' haughtiness is being replaced by 'Let's prove ourselves' humility. The media and the advertising agencies will do well not to hijack such emerging talent in their early rawness.
