Indians need a vision for future: Barry Richards

[Bumper]

Indians need a vision for future Who really is to blame for India's present state? It would be easy to target the coach, the players, the preparation, the captain ? perhaps there is a little truth in all of the above. But the real culprits are those who have been in positions of power for many years, accepting the board's handouts and doing very little to foster the game in every area of India. They are too busy developing their positions, and have been neglecting what they are there for ? to develop and nurture Indian cricket. They need to look in the mirror before burning effigies of Rahul Dravid and Greg Chappell, and ask: Why? The frustration all of us feel outside India is immense, but it is nothing compared to what former Indian players feel. Where is the long-term plan ? the accountability and responsibility that comes with the board handouts? A nod of the head and you have the vote! Let's get right into this! Where is a five or 10-year plan to tell the people of India (or me, for that matter) where their cricket will be then? Ask the same question in Australia and you will receive a blueprint that's easy to read and easy to follow. A plan. India lurches from one series to the next with the odd wins over Bangladesh, Zimbabwe or an under-strength West Indies to enhance results and keep people happy ? it only flatters to deceive. We, outsiders that is, want India to be the powerhouse of cricket on and off the field, but the present structure requires a major overhaul. There is no doubt about the money ? India is certainly the powerhouse here ? but is that enough to ensure a long-term future if people lose interest because the team is not doing well? They will lose interest eventually, as other sport start to realise the potential that is India. The race has begun and Indian cricket must move into an era of accountability with a mission statement of becoming the world's best team by 2012. How? For a start, 30 first class teams is way over the top. You need to peg that down to a maximum of 10 to ensure maximum strength. Facilities at domestic level must also improve. Every now and then, the eyes of the world are on India (during the recent Champions Trophy, for instance) and India shows what it can do, but when the glam events are over, where is the off-field support for the domestic competition, your breeding ground? Players often arrive on the international scene ill prepared for the pressure, and given India's strong family culture, a player's failure reflects on his family and communities in his area as much as it does on him. Witness the recent stoning of Mohammed Kaif's house ? how does he cope? What is his mindset for the next game? Greg Chappell has tried his best, though the job that he saw as an enormous challenge that would help change the face of world cricket must seem to have its drawbacks now. He has spoken of garnering support for long-term proposals but even he is showing a few worry lines and must feel under threat. Sacking him will not solve the problem. To really fix it, you need a 10-year strategic plan that all stakeholders are committed to and will pursue relentlessly. Anything less will result in more problems of the kind we are witnessing now. And world cricket just can't afford it.

[The Outsider]

Re: Indians need a vision for future: Barry Richards The guy is generally a loose cannon but has made some good points here.

[Bumper]

Re: Indians need a vision for future: Barry Richards Advise is all fine, what is SA's record in Sri Lanka, lately

[shailesh]

Re: Indians need a vision for future: Barry Richards nothing new in the advice..even the good ppl at bcci know all this :hic:

[yoda]

Re: Indians need a vision for future: Barry Richards did south africa's blue print include strategies for choking in crucial ODI games? :hic: he does raise some good points. like anything else it will be a while before we get that professional.

[Guest BossBhai]

Re: Indians need a vision for future: Barry Richards -- Removed on request of the user --

[gator]

Re: Indians need a vision for future: Barry Richards cos none of our self-loathing scribes who interview him ask him back those questions, Bheems.... not even our damneed commentators can question them back...

[Guest BossBhai]

Re: Indians need a vision for future: Barry Richards -- Removed on request of the user --

[Gambit]

Re: Indians need a vision for future: Barry Richards Never had any respect for this buddha. Like BB said, he should shut it. RSA have been thrashed by Aus consistently and haven't even reached a world cup final. Heck, last time they didn't even make the super 6s.

[Guest BossBhai]

Re: Indians need a vision for future: Barry Richards -- Removed on request of the user --

[Guest dada_rocks]

Re: Indians need a vision for future: Barry Richards :stupid: There u go Mr barry 5 test match wonder socalled all time great

[Gambit]

Re: Indians need a vision for future: Barry Richards Why do old fogies rate him so highly? All this buddha played was 4 freaking tests.

[Sooda]

Re: Indians need a vision for future: Barry Richards ^ He scored sh ite loads vs World 11 teams..faced some top bowlers in county and there But hes right. Sambit Bal raises similar sort of issues in his cricinfo article today...about domestic pitches to name one thing that must change

[Guest BossBhai]

Re: Indians need a vision for future: Barry Richards -- Removed on request of the user --