THAT change is inevitable is a natural law, nothing remains stable on the planet, movement is unstoppable. Cricket has its own laws, but change is very much central to this glorious game as well. Proof? We lost abroad all these years, that has changed. It is not a matter of the law of averages evening things out, this victory is part of a larger cosmic design.
"Change in Indian cricket is part of a process," says John Wright; of course he is right. He recognises the extraordinary achievement of toppling Australia (a win as significant as the '83 World Cup triumph) but underplays the feat.
Wright is self-effacing and modest, wisely keeps a low profile, shuns publicity, allows others to do the talking, prefers his achievement to speak instead of making brash statements.
Still, despite this reticence, Wright should allow himself a smile even if only for a brief moment. The Zimbabwe win is a monkey off the back of the Indians, it is a massive psychological boost. In the past, on foreign soil, we slipped, lurched and collapsed.
Defeats in Australia / South Africa were tolerable (there is no indignity in losing to superior sides) but surrender to Lanka was not easy to explain.
Test cricket is, as repeatedly noted by the SMG, not technique but temperament - the mind matters. Internationals contests (some of which are gladiatorial, as Jaswant Singhji says) boil down to confidence and attitude, if this was not the case Hick would be Bradman. When Agarkar finds breaking zero against Australia as difficult as sprinting 100 metres in under 9.9, the problem is mostly in the mind. Mohinder Amarnath once endured a torrid phase, in Tests he could not score a run, this raw experience shattered him mentally. Sachin is unfamiliar with failure, success is his abiding ally, even he admits to butterflies in his stomach as he walks out to the middle after a poor score.
All these years, the Indians looked tentative, they lost consistently, did not threaten the opposition. Now, suddenly, there is self-belief. Much like the typical Bombay film stereotype where a meek hero is astonishingly transformed (with a little whisky in his system) and then proceeds to thrash the villain. The Indian team tasted defeat, actually consumed it in large portions for years. Now the balance sheet is being corrected, the red replaced by blue.
In cricket, the changed attitude and psychological boost comes through in several small ways. It is reflected in the way Viv Richards swaggered to the crease, his arrogant walk and gum-chewing routine was enough to instill fear in bowlers. Richards menacing glare was no less effective than Gabbar Singh. In a reverse way, Lillee was similar. Terrified by his cold stare, batsmen were anxious to get to the non- striker's end.
When the Aussies step out of the dressing room (even if to defend a modest 180 in a one-dayer), they look as though the task is easily achieved. Such confidence provides strength, inspires the team, keeps the spirits up and, in crunch situations, pulls them out of trouble. Success is a habit, once you have it, you want more.
At the golf practise area, Kapil Dev stood next to some kids hitting balls at a flag 80 yards away. Watching them strike the ball with natural swings and a full follow through, KD marvelled at the intricacies of golf. "It is very technical," he said. One has to consider hundred things before every shot. Yet, despite the complications, his advise to the kids was typically simple: "Keep hitting. Keep practising. And get stronger."
These factors are important in every sport. KD is not the best theoretician but is extremely practical, his mind zeroes in on the essential (like a smart bomb) and cuts out the inessentials. He won't waste time discussing the merits of Ernie Els swing vs that of David Duval but can strike a ball with power and grace.
Sport, for KD, is fun because it gives him immense pleasure, he enjoys playing. But the fun is enhanced by competition, without a challenge the fizz is missing, it is not the same. As he stands at the first tee his mind is captured by concentration, nothing but the Titleist ball matters. After a swift look down the fairway, his wiry body uncoils into an elaborate backswing, the clubhead descends rapidly, a pleasing clang of mettle from a 9- degree driver sends the ball soaring down the middle. His four-ball gasps in awe at the huge hit; KD picks the tee with a satisfied look on his face, happy his shot has landed a mile away.
The key is rhythm and KD, even in a routine round with friends, continues to search for improvement. "Zor nahin lagana," he keeps reminding himself. Stay relaxed. which he does, even when experimenting with trick shots, using a sand wedge to flop a ball over a tree on to the green or using a 7 iron for a short nudge from the fringe. "Golf gives you so many options, it is all a matter of feel, specially putting," he explains. "It is ultimately all in the mind if doubts creep in, then you are gone!"
Besides golf, KD is currently excited about the Laureas international sports awards. "It is simply fantastic," he says. Real top players from different games come together for recognising achievements and furthering sports. It is a privilege to be associated with a truly world- wide body.
Fired by a desire to make a lasting contribution outside cricket, KD is currently weighing several options. High on the agenda is an ambitious programme to direct youth into productive channels, on the lines of the soccer development scheme in Brazil. Kids there were given an opportunity to excel, and at the same time kept away from drugs and related social evils.
"Nothing is definite at the moment," cautions KD. "But I am working on the project which appears very meaningful. Hopefully more will be in place by the year end."
All that is fine but what about cricket? I asked. "Choddo yaar," he replied, pulling his putter out of the bag to tackle a tricky 8 footer, downhill with a double break. Though under pressure, he assessed the line and gently eased the ball into the hole.
KD is quite unstoppable, whether in golf or gulli danda. Paaji ka jawab nahin.
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