Right on cue, Athers

Former England skipper's analysis of Indian fans being immature is perfect

In an analysis that echoes the views expressed by KHALIDOSCOPE from time to time, former England captain Michael Atherton has said that Indian cricket fans must "grow up" and learn that victory is not a "divine right".

In his column in The Times newspaper of London, Atherton, named the specialist columnist of the year, writes: "Memo to Indian cricket supporters: it is time to grow up.

"Sport is not about winning. It is about losing. Twelve teams have been taking part in this tournament and only one of them will return winners. The rest will be losers".

He continues: "They will lose in many ways some thrillingly, some abjectly but lose they will. It is what makes the moment of triumph so special".

Atherton describes Indian cricket fans as the "most immature in cricket." After all, if winning was all that there was, what would there be to celebrate? Indian supporters cannot seem to grasp this simple fact.

"So where once temples were erected in Ranchi to deify its most famous son Mahendra Singh Dhoni, now effigies are burnt. Once the army had to be called out because the mob had laid homage to a hair salon where Dhoni was having his luxuriant locks lopped off, but veneration has now turned to vituperation," Atherton says tellingly.

Nothing new
The former captain, himself often on the losing side, says "burning effigies is nothing new, as Wasim Akram and countless others would testify".

Taking a historical perspective, Atherton continues: "It was, though, understandable at a time when Indian cricket was looking to flex its muscles. In India, as elsewhere, cricket was part of a wider struggle for independence and respect. That battle has been fought and won long ago."

Alluding to India's undoubted pre-eminent position in world cricket, Atherton says: "Everybody now accepts that India is the epicenter of the world game, just as everybody accepts that India is an economic and political powerhouse. There is no more powerful cricketing nation on earth either financially or in terms of playing resources. But that does not bring an entitlement to victory.

"It is time for Indian cricket supporters to grow up and accept defeat as an essential part of the game. Sport is not about winning; it is about losing. Trust me, we in England know more about that than anyone".
Touche.