Post Win Dinner

[Gambit]

About a celebrity dinner and the group within TNN / Bobilli Vijay Kumar TRENT BRIDGE, Aug 1: During the Greg Chappell era, team bonding was one of the key goals even beyond the field. He would insist on having a drink with everybody, including their wives, after the day's play; dinners, at least once a week, were also mandatory. The current dispensation too clearly likes the idea. However, it was interesting to watch the players troop out for the celebratory dinner on Tuesday night here in Nottingham: they came out in groups and went back in groups. Presumably, they sat on the same table. It may have been only because the eating joint was just across the road. Still, it was more than interesting to watch them from a nearby restaurant. It was at about 8 in the evening, broad as daylight, and yet they could walk out on their own. In the heart of the city. Oh yes, there was one security officer but even he was just making his presence felt. Out of nowhere, not too shockingly, a few Indian fans surfaced; but they vanished triumphantly after clicking a few pictures and even managing an autograph or two. Otherwise, nobody even looked at the players twice; indeed, they all looked like a bunch of college kids, out on a holiday. Smartly dressed, neatly combed, properly booted. Except that none of them was wearing a team shirt, tie or blazer. Apart from Chandu Borde, that is: he too was just wrapped in a Sahara track. To all those who like to read between the lines and beyond, however, it was exciting to read the body language. Maybe, the groups give an indication of who is close to close whom? Who gets along with whom? The circles within the circles? The first to emerge out of the team hotel, not surprisingly were the younger guys. MS Dhoni, the possible Twenty20 captain, was with RP Singh, Gautam Gambhir, Ranadeb Bose along with physio John Gloster and fielding coach Robin Singh. Jeans, T-shirts and jackets thrown casually over their shoulders. Next to be seen were Sourav Ganguly and Wasim Jaffer. Dressed in smart casual shirts and jeans, both walked behind their wives slowly and somberly. The South Indian lot stepped out next: Laxman (with wife and baby in pram), Kumble and Karthik (with wives) and Dravid. Not too surprisingly, they looked lost. They didn't take the first turn, as everybody else had done, and kept walking down the road. Only a frantic call put them back on track The studs were the next to make an appearance: Yuvraj Singh, Zaheer Khan and Sree Santh. With neatly tight-clingy clothes, they easily stood out. As expected they crossed the road the moment they got out of the hotel, taking the shortest cut. Finally, Chandu Borde came out with his wife. He was followed by Dilip Vengsarkar and manager of the team Rufus Rocky. It took about 30 minutes for all of them to get together; they all walked slowly, almost aimlessly. One would have thought they were all reluctant participants. Incidentally, there was no sign of Sachin Tendulkar. And exactly two minutes after the last batch entered the Indian restaurant, Dravid came storming out. He literally ran to the hotel, even jumping a pedestrian red light on seeing the coast clear. Initially, one thought it was an emergency. That something bad happened; it later transpired that he was just going to London: to meet some friends. Now, make whatever you want of the team dinner. http://cricket.indiatimes.com/About_a_celebrity_dinner/articleshow/2249359.cms

[sm332]

it is pretty silly that they feel compelled to write about this kind of stuff .... nothing newsworthy about this whatsoever.

[Ram]

Its almost over the top to expect a group of 14 players to bond like Fevicol. There will be obviously groups of players who get along with each other more than the others and hence , spend more time with that group. I would like to think that when Ganguly was first initially picked in the team , he wouldnt have been welcomed with both hands open considering the acrimony that was associated with his selection. He seems to have a very iffy relationship with the rest of the team. The team has however , realized the value of his experience and talent and moved on. Interesting to note that Dhoni and Karthik were not in the same group. Maybe all is not well between the two of them. Though the team member shrouded with the most mystery is Sachin. I am pretty sure he is still held on a pedestal within the team , with only the senior lot having the ticker to even go talk with him about sensitive issues. The younger lot ( Yuvraj , Gambhir) may have a few interesting opinions on his batting sometimes , but they probably keep that to themselves.

[coffee_rules]

Why TF is the journo stalking the team like this? He should be reported to police.

[King Tendulkar]

Sree a stud:hysterical:

[gator]

Interesting to note that Dhoni and Karthik were not in the same group. Maybe all is not well between the two of them.

one is married and the other single.... understandable, they are hanging out with different crowds...

[Guest dada_rocks]

everything is fine, good masala article..

[Ram]

everything is fine' date=' good masala article..[/quote'] In the Indian team ?? trust me, NEVER !

[ludhianvi]

Sachin was grounded by Dravid and co.:giggle: