The line between aggression and impudence is not thin. It is clear. No player can transgress the playing ethics of the game and expect to get away. Even in times of highly competitive cricket, no player can be above the game. He never was. Some of the greatest achievers from the past present a most humble picture today. Can there be a better example than some of the West Indians who crossed the line when playing but graciously advocate a change of attitude for the modern players.
Ishant Sharma has been rightly censured by the authorities. A one-match ban for his boorish reactions against the Sri Lankans. But then Ishant had been on the verge of attracting such punishment for some time now. Stalwarts like Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev had, at various times, slammed such poor on-field behaviour by the players but the authorities have continued to look the other way. The latest incident begs a question. What is the role of the Board of Control for Cricket in India?
“Aggression means getting the batsman out. Not abusing him. Certainly not after dismissing him,” was how Kapil once looked at it. He was known to preserve his energy and plan his tactics instead of indulging in war of words with the opposition. He had many fascinating duels with Viv Richards, not always working in his favour, but their battles were fought with respect for each other. Kapil and Dilip Vengsarkar reserved their best against each other whenever they met in domestic cricket or during nets with the Indian team but never did they cross the line.
The intense scrutiny that Ishant has come under in recent times has only added to the pressure on the Delhi bowler. Being a fast bowler, he can give his best when he is charged up. Only his methods of motivating himself on the field can't find favour with the authorities who have concerns to address regarding the image of the game. It is not that Ishant is not aware of his seniority and responsibility. As Kapil had said in the past, modern players probably need to be mentored when it comes to public behaviour.
Ishant's reaction after snaring Angelo Mathews was in contrast to his antics when getting another batsman out. Obviously provocation had worked. Old timers would have expected the captain, Virat Kohli in this case, to control the behaviour of his players. Just as his predecessor, M. S. Dhoni, had silently and effectively told S. Sreesanth to mend his ways.
As some former players feel, the Board, and the coach of the team, must convey that boorish behaviour would be unacceptable, Ishant and the likes can be much better cricketers. If Kohli, as captain, is not able to send a message to this effect, the Board would do well to recognise suggestions from former captains Anil Kumble and Rahul Dravid. They strongly supported the idea that players need to be educated in public behaviour.
