Having a ball - with the 'Sir'

 Today, as much diversified information we get from various sports websites about the game of our interest, comparable to it is the amount of news that we get on social media websites. Oh, and in humorous, sarcastic, and at times brutally intolerant ways.

Take for an instance, people opine that a cricket player gets more than enough opportunities. Undeserving opportunities, some even think. And then starts the roller-coaster ride. The creative Tweeple, facebookers and others act as the cogs and wheels of this roller-coaster and the ride takes on an increasing speed. The player gets a whole lot of accolades such as 'Sir', 'Lord', 'Shri Shri' and what not.

And then, there's simply no stopping it. This player is watched at all times through the Hawk's eyes. Any event, any phenomenon related even remotely to that player sets the social media ablaze. And the event in its original sense could be a positive one, or a negative one. But the result is just the same. It could be a couple of Triple Hundreds, a well-left-delivery getting him out bowled, or even a victory achieved even after getting out since technically it was a no-ball.

Yes, to a large extent we see the fun involved. Most of these people intend to make it a harmless ride, or maybe they just go with the flow as they have the impression that whole world is doing so. But at times, things seem to be going out of the line. Much to the misfortune of the player, even after he has proved that he has become a utility player and has made an impact on the game on numerous occasions, there's just no stopping it. It hasn't been seen yet, at least.

However, it is all the more heartening to see the player taking all of this in his stride, not letting it affect him in negative ways and keep on giving his best and being responsible for the success of his team. The critics may be having a ball on the social media, but there’s no backing down from the player himself. Of course, he still may have a long way to go before really standing tall above all of them. But as they say, diamond is diamond only after years and years of being under pressure. He is toiling away on the field as well as off the field. It is to be seen if he emerges as the diamond or fades away in the history like many others have.

Having said all of this, India is full of cricket crazy people. They criticize too soon, they praise even sooner. This player has been the exception in the latter case. It will be interesting to see if and when he makes the break-through.

P.S. Of the many things I admire about M. S. Dhoni, shrewd and cunning intelligence is one of them. And I don't know if he has done this intentionally or unintentionally, but the fact that he has joined the 'Sir'castic club has worked for the player in concern. Earlier criticism turned into a humorous incident, with even the "Extra Innings" seeing the funny side of it. It ought to work in favor of this player.