Ramified repercussions of veteran indulgence in cricket

Cricket, for many in India, is nothing short of a religion. The game transcends sport; it occupies a near-mythical space in the hearts of millions. From Sachin Tendulkar’s “unbreakable” records to MS Dhoni’s legendary status in Indian cricket, the country has had a habit of placing its heroes on pedestals, often beyond criticism. Sadly, this culture of hero worship has seeped into the selection process, raising questions about its fairness and impact on the nation’s cricketing future. The story of MS Dhoni and his six-day delay in meeting a fan who cycled 1,200 kilometres to meet him serves as a pointer to a larger issue. Dhoni, unquestionably one of India’s greatest cricketers, is more than just a player; he is a phenomenon.

His meteoric rise to fame is a testament to his immense skill and calm leadership. However, this same status of near-untouchability may have hindered the natural progression of the next generation. Take the case of Rishabh Pant, who spent years waiting in the shadow of Dhoni. Pant, a prodigious talent, has shown exceptional ability, especially in Test cricket. At 26, he has already equalled Dhoni’s tally of six Test centuries, a fact that underscores his potential. Yet, it took time and circumstance – rather than foresight – for him to get the opportunities he deserved. Dhoni’s prolonged career at the top level, even when his form was dipping, raises questions about whether India’s selection process prioritises sentimentality over merit. If anything, his cold-shouldering a superfan brings this to the fore – the sense of invincibility does go to one’s head.The issue of clinging to iconic players is not new in Indian cricket. Kapil Dev, another legendary figure, was given an extended run towards the end of his career, allegedly so that he could break Sir Richard Hadlee’s world record for Test wickets.

While Kapil’s achievement was remarkable, the question remains: did India sacrifice team performance for the sake of an individual’s milestone? Prolonging a player’s tenure out of respect or fan demand, rather than for the benefit of the team, is undermining professionalism in Indian cricket.The same can be said about Virat Kohli. While Kohli has achieved remarkable success, including a record number of centuries across formats, comparisons to Sachin Tendulkar are unfair and unnecessary. By elevating every good player to the status of a demigod, Indian cricket fans risk distorting the selection process, putting personal fandom above the larger goal of team success. At the heart of these issues is a selection system that seems vulnerable to external pressures – be it from the media, influential stakeholders, or even fans. When players like Dhoni or Kapil Dev are retained beyond their peak for sentimental reasons, younger talents are denied opportunities. This prevents a healthy pipeline of talent from flowing into the national team. Furthermore, it often results in situations where players are selected based on reputation rather than recent performance.Cricket Australia provides a sharp contrast to the Indian model.

Australia’s system places a premium on performance, fitness and meritocracy. Players like Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh were gracefully phased out when the time was right, making room for the next generation without sentimentality interfering. Australia also has a robust domestic system where performances in Sheffield Shield and Big Bash League heavily influence selection, ensuring that only the best, most in-form players represent the national team.For Indian cricket to sustain its dominance on the world stage, it must reconsider how its selection process works. First, there needs to be a clearer and more transparent set of criteria for national selection.

Reputation should not outweigh current form and fitness. Selection should be based on recent performances in both domestic and international cricket, ensuring that players earn their spots on merit.Also, Indian cricket could benefit from a more structured rotation policy, particularly in formats like T20 and ODI. This would allow younger players to gain international experience while reducing the burden on senior players. If India’s top cricketers are to avoid burnout and extend their careers, they need to be managed more effectively, something Australia has done particularly well. India is blessed with a wealth of cricketing talent, but for this talent to be fully realised, the system must evolve. Hero worship and emotional attachments have their place in sport, but they should never interfere with objective decision-making