Team India's sledging doctrine: No first use | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Team India's sledging doctrine: No first use

PTI | ByAvirook Sen, Multan
Mar 27, 2004 12:20 PM IST

The team's philosophy in these matters mirrors India's N-doctrine 'no first use', writes Avirook Sen.

The players are out of their pyjamas, real cricket begins on Sunday in Multan. There's pressure to win — and not to lose — but some guys will play their cricket exactly the way they — and in fact, we — want. That's what emerged at an informal interaction between the Indian team and the media on Friday evening.

HT Image
HT Image

Virender Sehwag is just a little disappointed with his performances in the ODIs. "Just one fifty in five matches", he says, implying he sets the bar higher. Will he change his game for the Tests? Veeru puts on the most serious expression he can muster and says: "I'll respect the new ball". And you cannot help but think "no way". (Even his mum has said of him: "Bowler koii bhi ho, peetega zaroor".)

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Sachin Tendulkar, who opens in the one-dayers with him, says he talks to Sehwag a lot. "I tell him not to predetermine his shots, because he's good enough to decide what to play after the ball is delivered.” The question is, does he listen?

Tendulkar kind of thinks so ("well at least he hears me out"). As for himself, Sachin feels he's hitting the ball about as well as he did during the World Cup. He's now looking at how best to get "positive energy" flowing in his veins, as is the rest of the team.

"We aren't getting complacent. The team's pretty prepared mentally,” says John Wright. They have to be, because both sides will be looking to engineer concentration lapses on the other. Goodwill series or no, there's going to be plenty of chat during the Tests. Both sides carry an arsenal of expletives in their kits.

"We don't start it", says Sehwag with a little smile, "but we do know how to retaliate." The team's philosophy in these matters mirrors India's nuclear doctrine "no first use". Or in this case, no first abuse.

May the best team win.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On