The Hindu : The huddle and the dream run

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Mar 12, 2003

Sport

Sport - World Cup

The huddle and the dream run

By Our Special Correspondent

BLOEMFONTIEN MARCH 11. The Indians do it, and the Kenyans do it differently, with a little jig to celebrate a wicket on the field. The huddle is the rage now; the cricket version of the football huddle.

Team spirit is on a high, and not just because the team is winning. But the ease with which the Indians have been shutting out the opposition has given a new dimension to their definition of team spirit.

At the centre of this renaissance is the huddle that brings the players together in one defining moment in which they remind each other of the immediate goal. Cricket is a team game, and is truly being played like one by a team which not long ago depended on individual brilliance.

So, how did the transformation come about? Can forming a huddle be accepted as the driving force for a team to raise its game at the highest level? No, it has been much more than just gathering in a huddle. The side has come to realise that its potential lies in playing as a team, a refrain that Sourav Ganguly claimed was the `war cry' of the Indians at this ICC Cricket World Cup.

It may seem odd to some to discuss team spirit but then it is too pronounced now to be ignored. Are the teams not supposed to play like a unit? So what is the striking feature of this huddle that it has worked wonders with the Indian team, carrying it to a height from where it is being projected as a potent force that can stop the Australian juggernaut.

It was a sight to watch Ganguly sprint towards Javagal Srinath even as some of his mates dived to grab the stumps as souvenirs after the big victory against Sri Lanka at The Wanderers. Ganguly and Srinath were locked in a tight hug, which signified the emotions of the two cricketers.

Here was a captain who had forced his strike bowler to come out of a retirement and serve the interests of the team at world cricket's biggest stage. It was not easy but it was the first step towards forging team spirit. Ganguly shed all apprehensions and backed Srinath, who in turn erased some bitter memories of the past when a demanding captain expected too much from him.

One can vividly recall how Srinath would give vent to his annoyance publicly when not given the field he wanted. And the same bowler was not giving his best to the team and his captain. "He knows more about me than myself,'' says Srinath on the relationship he enjoyed with Ganguly.

There was a time when Srinath would avoid joining the drinks trolley. He would wait for a junior cricketer to bring the drinks to him on the boundary but there has been a remarkable transformation in the man at this tournament. He is among the first to touch the huddle. A remarkable transformation indeed for a man who always gave the impression of being disinterested in the proceedings, something he vehemently protested when one confronted him.

Now, Srinath is the leader in this new trend of each helping the other. "I can't forget the help that he extends at all times,'' says Zaheer Khan, who is rated high by Srinath. And then Ashish Nehra is a quiet admirer of Srinath's great quality to share the blame even when not at fault. Just an indication of the team spirit.

As Ganguly pointed out at the start of the tournament, the motto has been "play for each other.'' It was signified by Ajit Agarkar's remark that he did not mind sitting out at all because the team was winning. The same was Sanjay Bangar's reaction. And what about young Parthiv Patel? "I'm just enjoying being in the midst of such accomplished players,'' he said.

To Ganguly goes the credit of making the players believe in themselves. They back him and he backs them. As simple as that. Sachin Tendulkar has gifted some gems to his captain in the shape of match-deciding knocks. Srinath has not lagged behind, motivating himself to high levels. "I owe it to the captain and the team,'' says the fast bowler.

Many innovations have been introduced at the behest of the captain and some of the seniors in the side to encourage contributions from all quarters. The batsmen have separate meetings to discuss their game under the guidance of the guru of batsmanship, Tendulkar. They debate and discuss the plus and minus points in a fine gesture of team spirit.

The bowlers too meet separately and do an honest introspection with Srinath being the guiding force. Such constant interactions with respect for each other's potential has been most impressive. It is reflected in the responsibilities that Tendulkar shoulders, honing his own game and monitoring the others'. At `nets', he spends more time polishing the batting style and technique of his mates.

Then the team dinners have been a vogue for some time. The accommodation has not been self-catering or else the team has some splendid cooks too in its ranks. Tendulkar can be a reliable chef if the team decides to make its own dinner. The team meetings have become long and meaningful.

These are all good signs of raising a competitive side at any level. The camaraderie shown by the fast bowlers is exemplary. Srinath takes pride in how Zaheer and Nehra perform. "It's amazing how he motivates himself and us. It's been a great honour to bowl alongside him. It's been an education for Zaheer, and me'' remarked Nehra, who has improved considerably over the last season.

A key member of this team spirit promotion campaign is Rahul Dravid. His greatest asset is his penchant to mingle with the juniors and nothing gives him more joy than seeing a youngster do well.

And what do they tell each other, and who has the authority to speak? Well, anyone can say anything, sing a song, shout, let out the frustration, as long as it motivates the rest. And here, Srinath takes the lead. An introvert off the field, he is the most vociferous in the huddle!

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