Published: Mar 26, 2015, 11:08 PM (IST)
Edited: Mar 27, 2015, 02:02 PM (IST)
India has won seven matches in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 before losing the eighth. Certain Indian media channels responded to the defeat and MS Dhoni’s press conference speech in an manner that left a bitter aftertaste. Abhishek Mukherjee responds.
India won their first seven matches in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 before losing to Australia in the semi-final at Sydney. They had even bowled out their opposition in seven matches on the trot — an unprecedented feat in Indian history. Seven out of eight amounts to 87.5% — something they have never achieved in a single World Cup cricket edition. Then they were thwarted in every department of the sport by Australia in the semi-final in a way reminiscent of World Cup 2003 final. India vs Australia Semi-Final: Indian innings highlights
It did not show on his face, but MS Dhoni had wanted to win the World Cup desperately. The first question Mark Nicholas asked him was about his retirement. Perhaps for the first time, his voice choked, albeit for a couple of seconds, but he recovered. India vs Australia Semi-Final: Australian innings highlights
When he returned for press-conference, he was a changed man. Those rare moments of fragility seemed to be from distant past. Once again the press started with the same question. Of course, they wanted the much-craved for scoop. The response was instantaneous: “It’s up to you guys. The media should do a nice research on it, take a few days, and my advice will be whatever you decide, write the complete opposite: yeah, that will be the fact. It’s up to you guys.” Full Scorecard: India vs Australia, ICC World Cup 2015 Semi-Final 2 at Sydney
Indian media was — barring exceptions — ready. They needed a scapegoat, and Times Now pounced upon the opportunity. Forgotten was the record streak when the opposition were bowled out seven times on the trot; forgotten was the sacrifice of staying back with his side when it would have been perfectly acceptable to return for a couple of days. Top 10 batsmen in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
#ShamedinSydney was the hashtag used. Ridiculous questions were raised on air. Nonsensical statements were made (“you can’t lose; if you lose you should get paid Rs 25 a Test”; “the will to win was not there”; and more). Of course, Dhoni’s statement was not taken in the stride: out came the talons, for they had already been sharpened, and someone had to be targeted for the defeat. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Complete Coverage
Barring a few exceptions, the fans had sympathised with team India. The press conference saw an extremely accommodating media, a cordial atmosphere, and laughter. But not everyone was willing to be lenient, and Arnab Goswami was certainly not willing to forgive a man who had sacrificed seeing his daughter just to be with his team before the World Cup. TRPs were at stake. So was ethic, but obviously that does not rank too highly on the preference list of some.
Dear Arnab and Times Now, it is time you stop embarrassing Indian media in front of the world: a humble request. It is time you take to quality journalism. Please.
(Abhishek Mukherjee is the Chief Editor and Cricket Historian at CricketCountry. He blogs here and can be followed on Twitter here.)
