The war goes on

By Vijay Lokapally

INDORE, APRIL 1. Why do the Australians hate the sight of Sourav Ganguly? And why does Ganguly have similar feelings for the Australians?

The slanging match between Ganguly and Steve Waugh, the Aussie being the original instigator with his pre-series announcements in the media, has been the talk of the cricketing circles and the ugly incident involving the two at Indore can hardly be termed good advertisement for the game.

We do not know the provocation for Ganguly letting off his steam just as Steve Waugh began his walk back to the dressing room. The Aussie captain stopped suddenly and threw a dirty look at Ganguly, who had obviously made some remark.

If it was a spur of the moment reaction from the otherwise composed Ganguly one might let it pass as just one of those things. But what if it was intentional?

It does not speak well for one international captain to rubbish his counterpart, both being distinguished men on the circuit. And certainly not Ganguly, who was seen as a well- mannered individual, one who handled his success very well after being hounded out of the team initially.

What then has gone wrong for Ganguly to have acquired this image where even home supporters have begun to target him. Nothing, if you ask him. Plenty, if you listen to his critics.

His batting failures may have had something to do with this change in Ganguly's behaviour. He comes off a much reticent individual these days, convinced the world is ganging up against him.

Arrogant? He counters the allegation furiously. ``I've never been arrogant,'' he thunders and one would be inclined to accept his argument. But something is amiss when you meet the man. He is at war with himself, unable to comprehend the reasons for his failure to score runs even though he takes delight in the fact that the rest, and the team as a whole, has fared extremely well.

It is just that Ganguly seems to have taken upon himself the task of making the Aussies taste some of their medicine. The relationship between the teams has been cordial on the surface, what with players from each camp applauding the deeds of the others. V.V.S. Laxman, Sachin Tendulkar, Harbhajan Singh, Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag....have all received appreciation from the Aussies. Similarly, the Indians too have applauded the opponents were a player like Shane Warne is known for the respect he shows to the distinguished performers among the opponents.

Of the Indians, Ganguly has reportedly been a target of heavy sledging by the Australians every time he has been in the middle. Fell the captain to have a go at the rest has been the policy of the Australians it seems. Maybe the ploy has been carried a little too far in his case.

The Australian skipper, on his part, appears livid at Ganguly keeping him waiting for the toss-seven times in a row it is being suggested by the Aussie camp. Steve Waugh too is not known to belittle his opponents with petty remarks.

Privately, Ganguly is popular with his mates for his own verbal assualt at the Aussies and support for similar acts, especially by the young brigade. Do not expect someone like Tendulkar, Laxman or Dravid to indulge in sledging. Tendulkar, of course, has his own way of getting back at his opponents and his ongoing battle with Glenn McGrath is an example.

``They play tough but are good blokes off the field,'' Laxman had said of the Aussies, indicating a friendly relationship between the teams. But looking at Ganguly and Steve Waugh, one gets a different impression altogether.

It is a pity indeed that towards the end of such a wonderful Test series and exciting one-day contests, one comes across incidents which leave a sour taste.

One hopes the two teams show restraint when dealing with each other, especially the captains. At least their respective stature in international cricket demands so.

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