Friday, April 21, 2006

Leading from the front

Permission to republish this article has to be obtained from The Hindustan Times

Ajit Wadekar transformed a has-been team into winners

Shevlin Sebastian
Mumbai

In Ajit Wadekar’s autobiography, My Cricketing Years, there is a picture of Sunil Gavaskar and him strolling down a London street during the 1971 tour. Wadekar, unlike Gavaskar, was impeccably dressed in a well-pressed suit, holding an umbrella above their heads, and the look on his face was one of supreme confidence. He was leadership personified. So, it was no surprise that during that tour, India had its first series win over England in England.
Ajit Wadekar, known as ‘Professor’ in cricketing circles, has always been regarded as a master tactician. Standing in the slips, he would silently plot the downfall of the batsman. And he would, in the midst of all this brainwork, take some splendid catches of the feared bowling quartet of Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, E.A.S. Prasanna, Bishen Singh Bedi and S. Venkataraghavan. When asked about the qualities of a good captain, he said, “A captain has to plan for every ball. Strategies planned at team meetings are all fine but on the field, things are changing all the time. For example, the batsman might suddenly become aggressive. So, the captain has to change his bowling permutations, so that he can get wickets. He should also be able to read the wicket accurately every morning, before the day’s play, so that he can fine-tune his strategy.”
A captain, he continued, also has to get the boys to gel together, as a team. “They come from different cultures and from different corners of the country. You have to nurture the will to win among them,” he said.
Wadekar was a stylish left-handed batsman, and when India arrived in England, during that famous 1971 tour, the players knew the biggest threat was the tall, burly, fast bowler John Snow. And, as captain, he led from the front. The first four bouncers that Snow hurled at him, he struck it for boundaries. The message was not lost on his teammates in the dressing room. And if you want to know how cool he was, under pressure, think of this: on the last day of the pivotal third Test against England at The Oval, he got run out first ball after scoring 45 and when he returned to the pavilion he told Gundappa Vishwanath and Farokh Engineer that they would have to get the 173 runs for victory, come what may. Thereafter, he went to sleep on the massage table only to be awoken by England manager Ken Barrington who told him that India had won. Wadekar’s classic reply: “Who asked you to wake me up? I knew we were going to win.”
It was an epochal triumph. The nation embraced the team in a tight grasp. There were felicitation functions galore and a motorcade from the airport to the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai. “There were lakhs of people on the road,” remembered Wadekar. “It was one of the most unforgettable moments of my life. I don’t think any other Indian cricket team received this honour.”
Earlier, under his captaincy, India had defeated the West Indies in the West Indies. Whenever India played in the West Indies, they would get mauled. This time, also, it was expected to be a brownwash. But the captain had other ideas. “We did our homework,” said Wadekar. “We realised that the Windies players loved to play their strokes, so we thought of ways to curb it. We also realised our fielding had to be superb, because dropped catches meant the batsmen would go on to hit big scores.”
Wadekar was also not averse in trying to score a psychological point or two. In the Test, at Sabina Park, he was the first Indian captain to enforce a follow-on. Garfield Sobers, the West Indian captain, looked surprised when Wadekar told him about the decision. “Are you sure?” he asked. Wadekar’s reply was a calm, “I am absolutely sure.” Even though the match was drawn, India had gained that vital mental edge. And they went on to win the series 1-0, with a win in the second Test at Port of Spain, thanks to Dilip Sardesai’s and Sunil Gavaskar’s batting, among other exploits. Later, when India went to England, the players had the self-belief that they could win. In 1972, when England toured the subcontinent, India won the series, 2-1, to register back-to-back wins.
But such is the fickleness of the Indian public, that three years later, when as captain, Wadekar suffered three heavy successive defeats against England in England, during the three-Test series, there were demonstrations outside his home and he was stripped of the captaincy of Mumbai and India. Soon after, he retired from cricket, at 33. Years later, a philosophical Wadekar would say, “When you are playing for India, you have to take all this in your stride.” Incidentally, in the four years he captained the Mumbai team, they won the Ranji Trophy three times, thus enabling the state to win for 16 years consecutively. Wadekar was in the team all along. Thereafter, he had a stint as an administrator in the Mumbai Cricket Association, and was the manager of the Indian team that toured South Africa in 1992, which India lost. But he rebuilt his reputation when India won in Sri Lanka for the first time and in the four years he was at the helm, the team never lost at home. So the man has done it all: player, captain, manager, chairman of selectors, administrator, columnist and an executive director with the State Bank of India. His name is etched in gold in Indian cricket history. He showed us we need not lose whenever we played abroad; it was an indirect lesson in character-building for Indians, still coming to terms with the 200 years of white rule, which had ended just 24 years ago. If there is one thing the 64-year old would like to change in his impressive CV, it would be his birthday: April Fool’s Day.

78 comments:

  1. Its real purpose is to make it easier for businesses to dump their health insurance burden onto workers, give tax breaks to the wealthy, and boost the profits of banks and financial brokers. Kings of Kung FuThe health care policies concocted at the behest of special interests do nothing to help the average American.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Most likely, it is going to make you bigger and fatter. It is important for you to know that natural and artificial growth hormones in meat production can harm human health and make you fatter. These are the growth hormones that you need to know about oestradiol, progesterone, Keto Charge Review testosterone, zeranol, trenbolone, and melengestrol. I am not recommending that you stop eating beef. Protein is great for weight loss.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Epidemiological research has shown that drinking alcohol in moderation is however beneficial to our health, but what do they mean as "in moderation"? keto charge plus I would interpret this as one glass of wine a day (it doesn't have to be everyday either -

    ReplyDelete
  4. Some people may want to take shortcuts and think that they can shorten their journey by doing an extreme crash diet or exercising excessively for seven days a week. slimlinic keto reviews Actually both methods can be dangerous. You need to achieve a healthy balance between diet and exercise in moderation.

    ReplyDelete
  5. If it doesn't say 100 % pure natural on the bottle you should avoid it. Provitalize There is a weight loss product that has been proven to work and is safe to take. Best of all these weight loss products will help you loss significant amounts of weight fast.

    ReplyDelete
  6. If you were to do a web search about weight loss affirmations you will find quite a few focused on what is not wanted, instead of what is wanted. Keto Infinite Accel Some will use terms like "releasing" in regard to things you don't want. I believe in "casting out darkness" with light.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Some fad diets function on a very dodgy methodology that makes your body lose weight by draining it of its essential nutrients. Top Organic Keto Hence you must ensure that the diet will provide you with sufficient nutrients that will enable you to function properly without imposing health risks in the future.

    ReplyDelete
  8. This makes it difficult for any product to get a good hold to last. You will want to moisturize your lips with lip balm the night before. Lip Liner Tips

    ReplyDelete
  9. A proper diet and work out routine is your best bet for losing fat and for getting into shape. Ultra Fast Keto Boost You can go on a diet to lose fat and experience body fat loss, but you will not tone up and lose fat as fast as you would, if you were on a workout plan too.

    ReplyDelete
  10. The body gets energy in two Prache Cream forms one is sugar and the other is fat, to be burned during your work out and how the body picks and develops that choice will be base on how you breathe during your work out.

    ReplyDelete
  11. If one of the main reasons you Gentiv Ultra go to the gym is to burn fat and physical endurance an understanding of the process will aid you in your goals for having clarity will refines your abilities.

    ReplyDelete
  12. find it near impossible to ketozol lose those last pounds. Typical fat loss methods will not work on stubborn fat, it takes different approaches to lose this type of fat.

    ReplyDelete
  13. The body gets energy in Mega Keto Diet two forms one is sugar and the other is fat, to be burned during your work out and how the body picks and develops that choice will be base on how you breathe during your work out.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Part of boredom during work out KetoVit Forskolin is not taping into the most affective energy source to be burned during your work out, for it creates sense of being tired and not feeling your strength. What area of the body that holds the largest group of muscle is the core area and that same area holds the largest amount of fat.

    ReplyDelete
  15. By working the power of core orviax breathing the whole torso is being used thereby muscles are moving and that is toning affect on muscles so the mind has ability to connect to muscles.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Lowering your shoulder stress Amayze Life Keto before you even start your work out will let person become emotionally and physically engage in the work out faster with more fat burning time during the work out and boredom will not be part of the workout.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Another cult-hit belonging to black comedy genre is 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron' starring Om Movies like 'Dostana' and Ritesh Deshmukh-starrer 'Masti' belong to the blue comedy genre with double meanings. Student of the year 2 download

    ReplyDelete
  18. 50 ml of raw milk mixed with a pinch of salt and two teaspoon of lime juice will act as a cleaning lotion to clean the deep spores in your skin. FairyMines

    ReplyDelete
  19. The third part is shoulders to be relaxed and less tension in muscles throughout the body so they Genesis Keto can be used during the work out far more dynamic. To active the enzymes that burn fat in the core area the muscles have to be moved with a level of oxygen in your system.

    ReplyDelete
  20. If one of the main reasons Keto Pharm you go to the gym is to burn fat and physical endurance an understanding of the process will aid you in your goals for having clarity will refines your abilities.

    ReplyDelete
  21. This was one of the craziest things I have ever witnessed. Players fighting players makes sense, but fighting people in the crowd (still in the stands mind you) is just ludicrous. Family of Thakurganj full movie download

    ReplyDelete
  22. Breathing connection greatly Pharma Flex RX increases the ability to bring in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. The key, during exercise, is to breathe with the core muscle area in a certain way that will reduce stress in shoulders thereby enhancing breath range ability.

    ReplyDelete
  23. physically engage in the work out Yeah Keto faster with more fat burning time during the work out and boredom will not be part of the workout. Boredom is the mental disengagement of what you are doing at the gym physically.

    ReplyDelete
  24. To burn fat is not about over SF180 Keto working out but having a method with working out to burn fat and that is to create endurance and then strength under the direction of the mind to setup and manage breathing and core action within each exercise.

    ReplyDelete
  25. It doesn't really reflect the entertainment value, and there's generally no risk to children at parties when the adults are still there supervising, however it is another nice reassurance if they do have it. Kabir Singh Full Movie Download

    ReplyDelete
  26. If one of the main reasons you go to the gym is to burn fat and physical endurance an understanding Keto Max Shred of the process will aid you in your goals for having clarity will refines your abilities.

    ReplyDelete
  27. The body draws from to sources energy fat or sugar, that is in your body or stored in the body. Revolyn Keto Burn Each source creates a different affect during the work out that creates an effect on your ability to work out in the form of endurance.

    ReplyDelete
  28. If one of the main reasons Pro Vita Keto you go to the gym is to burn fat and physical endurance an understanding of the process will aid you in your goals for having clarity will refines your abilities.

    ReplyDelete
  29. creates sense of being tired Keto Plus Pro and not feeling your strength.check out your breathing pattern and feeling when your bored while you are working out and your stress in your shoulders and what is your mind thinking about.

    ReplyDelete
  30. It is common knowledge that losing weight Super Fast Keto Boost Loose skin not only occurs with a massive weight loss but also with natural body occurrences such as pregnancy.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Recipe scrapbook albums can be made during a prolonged family reunion, giving everyone something to do with their hands while catching up on family news. Trendy Mumi

    ReplyDelete
  32. The loose skin, although it may not Keto Regime seem like it, is a proud reminder of how far you've come and if you take that extra step to remove the loose skin, your body will be an entire trophy dedicated to yourself.

    ReplyDelete
  33. An overweight person struggling to keep up with his diet program and exercise routine is looking for an easier alternative hence he becomes extremely susceptible to succumb to these pills. Trubodx Keto The question is are these as effective as they promise to be?

    ReplyDelete
  34. This is because once your Upright Go Posture Training body stretches through weight gain or through pregnancy; your skin loses its elasticity. First patients come in to talk about weight-loss and bariatric surgery, how it works and your results.

    ReplyDelete
  35. If one of the main reasons you go Bionatrol Keto Burn process will aid you in your goals for having clarity will refines your abilities.

    ReplyDelete
  36. The body draws from to sources energy Ultra Fast Keto Boost fat or sugar, that is in your body or stored in the body. Each source creates a different affect during the work out that creates an effect on your ability to work out in the form of endurance.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Fat is stored energy and once you tap into the process of burning fat you just can keep moving and Keto Extreme feeling strong. Sugar gives the body fast energy for it process fast and simple but it short on endurance ability for sugar is not stored.

    ReplyDelete
  38. your body or stored in the body. Ultra Fast Pure Keto Each source creates a different affect during the work out that creates an effect on your ability to work out in the form of endurance.

    ReplyDelete
  39. For severely overweight individuals that have failed to see results from diet and exercise alone, weight loss surgery has become the safest and most effective means of achieving significant weight loss.Rapid Fast Keto Boost

    ReplyDelete
  40. It's very common for people to hit several plateaus on their journeys to a six pack because, well, the human body is just stubborn when it comes to shedding fat.Best Portable Monitors

    ReplyDelete
  41. Just about green everyone experiences weight loss plateaus. If you have no idea what I'm talking about and are able to reach single-digit body fat percentages with complete ease, count yourself lucky. Nano XL

    ReplyDelete
  42. If you have no idea what I'm talking about and are able to reach single-digit body fat percentages with complete ease, count yourself lucky. Keto Power Boost

    ReplyDelete
  43. If you have no idea what I'm talking about and are able to reach single-digit body fat percentages with complete ease, count yourself lucky. Insta Keto

    ReplyDelete
  44. If you have no idea what I'm talking about and are able to reach single-digit body fat percentages with complete ease, count yourself lucky. Insta Keto

    ReplyDelete
  45. It's very common for people to hit several plateaus on their journeys to a six pack because, well, the human body is just stubborn when it comes to shedding fat.Keto Guru

    ReplyDelete
  46. As the body becomes accustomed to the personal routine exercises for a long time, the muscles reach a plateau stage. To help avoid this, the designers of the best fitness plan came up with a technique called muscle confusion
    USA Fitness Plan

    ReplyDelete
  47. . If you have no idea what I'm talking about and are able to reach single digit body fat percentages with complete ease, count yourself lucky. Velofel Male Enhancement

    ReplyDelete
  48. green everyone experiences weight loss plateaus. If you have no idea what I'm talking about and are able to reach single digit body fat percentages with complete ease, count yourself lucky. KSZ Male Enhancement

    ReplyDelete
  49. Just about green everyone experiences weight loss plateaus. If you have no idea what I'm talking about and are able to reach single digit body fat percentages with complete ease, Diamond Keto 247

    ReplyDelete
  50. no idea what I'm talking about and are able to reach single digit body fat percentages with complete ease, KSZ Male Enhancement

    ReplyDelete
  51. Americans have enough healthful foods available to do that, yet they may not. Under some circumstances, vitamin mineral supplements offer benefits and are advised; like those for growing taller.genbrain

    ReplyDelete
  52. Do you know which type of collagen beauty cream is actually effective at reducing wrinkles and fine lines, Instead of going through frustration trial-and-error to find the best beauty cream with collagen, Emylia Cream Reviews

    ReplyDelete
  53. prescription level drug solution to address Erectile Dysfunction or male impotence. A combination of several powerful natural herbs and supplements such as those found in natural.Nature Active Keto

    ReplyDelete
  54. Most experts recommend that you should try get as much of your vitamin and mineral nutrients from food. And many recommend adding supplements to fill in the gaps where you may not get enough of these nutrients from food.Tier 2 Keto Reviews

    ReplyDelete
  55. Most experts recommend that you should try get as much of your and mineral nutrients from food. And many adding to fill in the gaps where you may not get enough of these from food.Keto burning reviews

    ReplyDelete
  56. Pills can be a perfect solution in many cases for ,A combination of several powerful natural herbs and,unlike many prescription drugs that treat Erectile Dysfunction, the herbal products are natural, fast acting,activate keto

    ReplyDelete
  57. The specially formulated ingredients of and their consistent effects for Erectile and impotence sufferers are what have made them the best product,Not every man needs a prescription level solution to address.Verocity Male Enhancement

    ReplyDelete
  58. What makes male enhancement pills and products so effective,and their consistent effects for Erectile what have made them the alternative to prescription.Renegade Keto

    ReplyDelete
  59. every man needs a prescription level drug solution to address Erectile, A combination of several powerful herbs and supplements such as those found in pills can be a perfect solution in many cases.DX Keto

    ReplyDelete
  60. Fortunately for most Americans growing taller, there's plenty of quality, quantity, and variety in the food marketplace.They provide more for bone health calcium, phosphorus,ACV Plus

    ReplyDelete
  61. Any healthy natural supplements to grow taller, without proper doctor acknowledgement and authority approbation sounds really fishy to me.Athletes and other physically active people need about the same amount of nutrients as others do to grow taller just more energy, or calories, for the increased demands of exercise. Biovirexagen

    ReplyDelete
  62. Tier 2 Keto really a frequent misconception among men and women food abundant with fat are responsible for raising weight from a body. The reality is that in case you know which involving fat to eat, down the street.
    https://www.wellnessketoz.com/tier-2-keto/

    ReplyDelete
  63. Many men think they need some help to increase their sexual performance, but they don't know what exactly they need. Vyantix Rx Review

    ReplyDelete
  64. These pills not only give men bigger and longer lasting erections, but also increase the sexual stamina and sexual drive of men. BoosTX Reviews

    ReplyDelete
  65. Back in October 2004, the US lost practically 50% of its normal 100 million dosages of this season's flu virus True Keto Boost
    antibody, which incited the Habitats for Infection Control and Anticipation to urge proposals to each state, recommending that portions of the immunization be limited to high-chance gatherings as it were. In any case, it is turning out to be evident that maybe this "fit of anxiety" was excessively sensational.
    https://bit.ly/2uxEPyQt
    https://listofdiet.com/True-Keto-Boost/

    ReplyDelete
  66. Other than these usual physiological activities, they're found to True Keto Boostpossess lent their hands within the development of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells by using external parameters. This, we will take as a serious breakthrough within the field of life science , which might be effective in producing different drugs, and medicinal therapies to combat a variety of diseases.
    https://bit.ly/2uxEPyQt
    https://listofdiet.com/True-Keto-Boost/

    ReplyDelete
  67. Many cities now routinely warn citizens to remain indoors during certain parts of the day, particularly within the Botanica Pure Keto summer, thanks to elevated ozone levels. Of course, summer is that the time when our youngsters and that we often want to be outdoors.
    https://listofdiet.com/botanica-pure-keto/

    https://bit.ly/39v51Zw

    ReplyDelete
  68. . The parent may recall that faculty was difficult, although he or she had the intellectual capabilities to try to to well. Botanica pure keto There could also be family stories of hyperactivity or behavioral problems during the parent's childhood.How AD/HD Symptoms Compare in Adults and youngsters https://listofdiet.com/botanica-pure-keto/

    https://bit.ly/39v51Zw

    ReplyDelete
  69. Faults even at the micro-level can prove life-threatening: crevices or cracks can become breeding grounds for several microbes, faulty edges can puncture the gloves while working or the worst Vibrant Source Keto scenario of all being the deposition of pieces of poor quality instruments within the patient's body!
    https://listofdiet.com/vibrant-source-keto/
    https://bit.ly/39KbRL3

    ReplyDelete
  70. Anonymous4:41 PM

    These engine levels were related with various degrees of development capacities. In the official statement, the group affirmed that Vibrant Source Ketoreestablishing the development capacities, "can bring about lower social insurance costs, huge upgrades in personal satisfaction, expanded capacity to take part in exercises of day by day living, and expanded freedom."
    https://listofdiet.com/vibrant-source-keto/
    https://bit.ly/39KbRL3

    ReplyDelete
  71. And our Equestrian community and livestock is additionally in dispute . is that this a price of doing business? is that Zen Green CBD this nature's way of cutting down our weak or slowing populations.

    https://listofdiet.com/Zen-Green-CBD/

    https://bit.ly/2SVR28t

    ReplyDelete
  72. The preliminary step begins with the attention surgeon administering tests to see your suitability for LASIK. If you've got dry eye Zen Green CBD syndrome, diseases like glaucoma, cataract or diabetes, you'll be strongly advised to not undergo the treatment. Reputable clinics report that a minimum of 50% of these who are available for an initial consultation are rejected.So how does LASIK? How does laser eye surgery work?

    https://listofdiet.com/Zen-Green-CBD/

    https://bit.ly/2SVR28t

    https://www.facebook.com/zengreencbd/

    ReplyDelete
  73. I immediately realized, along side Zen Green CBD wisdom far beyond my awareness that it all clearly came into focus. Amazing, yet basic, it had been a phenomenon that I knew surely could heal the hearts and minds of desperate people everywhere.
    https://listofdiet.com/Zen-Green-CBD/

    https://bit.ly/2SVR28t

    https://www.facebook.com/zengreencbd/

    ReplyDelete
  74. General proposal is that Dermal Pearle Cream
    you shed once consistently to expel dull and dead skin. Continuously pick a delicate exfoliator that is Alcohol With No Carbs
    reasonable for your skin type. You Keto Diet And Blood Pressure
    should practice extra delicate consideration while shedding in light of the fact that over scouring skin inflammation inclined skin may really trigger the improvement of skin inflammation and compounding the condition. Utilizing roundabout movements and light weight, shed your face with your fingers and wash appropriately without leaving any buildup.
    https://listofdiet.com/dermal-pearle-cream/
    https://listsofketofoods.com/dermal-pearle-cream/
    https://sites.google.com/site/dermalpearlecreamreviews/
    https://www.facebook.com/Dermal.Pearle.Cream.Reviews/
    https://www.facebook.com/events/2623440881271170/

    ReplyDelete
  75. Forex advertise is viewed as the biggest market on the planet. It is operational twenty four hours iqoption every day, five days per week. Its procedures are been done in genuine occasions without limits. Accordingly, set yourself up with forex exchanging training so you have a superior comprehension before diving into the business. A few people may recommend that the most ideal method of learning Forex advertise is during the exchanging time frame, however it is forever your own call to pick the most ideal way that will be generally fitting to your necessities.

    ReplyDelete
  76. This style of exchanging isn't supportable and proficient dealers don't exchange this way.Forex Scams
    Everybody at some point in their vocation will have a string of awful exchanges. A common number may be 10 losing exchanges a column. The inquiry is do you have a cash the executives plan set up that empowers you to endure this?

    ReplyDelete
  77. Carbohydratesare our main source of energy and are vital for a functioning body and brain. Carbs are found in foods like bread, pasta, rice, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. When digesting carbs, our bodies break them down into glucose which provides fuel for our cells. Complex carbs such as whole grains, legumes, fruits and starchy vegetables give us sustained energy, while simple carbs from processed foods give us only a quick burst of energy and then a crash. The recommended carbohydrate intake varies based on factors like age, gender, and activity level, but adults should aim for 45-65% of their daily calories from quality carbohydrate sources.

    ReplyDelete