Cricket and political culture

This type of break is not yet visible in our polluted political culture. The reason is simple: one is motivated and concentrated on winning, while the majority of the politicians concentrate on personal gains, and not on team effort for public service. The open and hidden goals and objectives are different. The politicians are rather more keen on taking advantage of the situation (misuse of power and influence), than delivering public service. Ad hoc publicity stunts do not establish now national foundations.

One of the weaknesses of our Test batsmen is that they are conditioned to ODI technique, and lack the patience for five day Test matches. This temperament has to be cultivated. Shedding bad habits (generally speaking) is a difficult and laborious task, needing time, patience and concentration, as involuntary habits have to be replaced with new inputs in the memory system. For analyses the coach and the seniors are there, but the practice and the performance are in the actual field play at the individual level. The boys get the messages, but the rest is up to them. It is the old tussle between theory and practice.

What is cross bat in politics? Something like the crossfire in RAB operations (although not that violent)? We have to play more with the straight bat in all spheres of public life. The politicians always know once side of the coin; for two reasons; they think they can get away with it, and that the public won't catch them in their nefarious hide-and seek game. There are two shortcomings: lack of moral courage, and absence of a sacrificing spirit. These two weaknesses cannot be eradicated or reduced unless the culture of short-cuts (to artificial quick success and gain) are discouraged. There are few genuine leaders around to set examples. One cynic thought that the Tsunami was to teach a divine lesson to the errant groups indulging in civil war for decades.

There is a lot to learn from playing cricket, as it is a practice of playing the game of life. The politicians play the game of the season, and of location and circumstances (opportunists) taking one stance while in power, and another while hibernating in the opposition. This double standard is totally unsuitable for public service. The constancy has to be there for retaining public confidence in the near future (coming elections), and on long-term basis (voter loyalty for a particular party). The top leadership need long term foresight and judgement.

There is another tricky philosophy. Don't play to win, play better; and the winning will take care of itself. It is like having money, forgetting that it is easier to earn than to spend judiciously.

Our New Year looks promising, thanks to the cricket boys.