A series about cheerleaders we didn't see and nicknames we didn't hear

Cheerleading is now an increasingly common culture in sport. People may have problems with that, and that is justified. They link it to objectification or criticize the need for eye-candy in sports. Fair enough. Some also have a problem with their clothes. I’ve even heard people saying that it’s not okay because kids watch sport too. Merely the excuse that cheerleading is distracting is also a valid reason.

Opinions may differ, and that’s perfectly alright. So, I have a problem with cheerleading too. Let’s make it clearer, a problem with the cheerleading the media is indulging in. What’s even more troublesome is the fact that it has crept into the sport and authorities are also getting their hands dirty in the same.

I mean, when did the media take up the responsibility to be the team’s, 12th man? If you find the statement out of context, fit it into the scenario the India v Australia series is in. Think of it. Would things turn out as nasty as they did if the media just kept their urge to sensationalize every word at bay? Would things get as toxic as they did if both the boards did something to react maturely? Couldn’t the atmosphere and the spirit of the game be preserved if the ICC actually took a stand?

I had a gala time watching Virat Kohli’s scandalous press conference, in fact, I even wrote about it. I thought that it would have been fun to see what Australia would have to say or do in reply. I mean, not everyone loves digs at each other in the game, but not everyone hates it. But, I and many others expected this to be a verbal duel only. Something that they would use at each other in the field, or something that would make up for one of Star Sports’ SledgeHammer series. But everything that followed was nasty.

The slow transition of how the teams performed in the four games of Test cricket changed to which of the two side said it better is beyond my understanding. First, there are questions that are literally feeding words into the mouth of the person, and a word that isn’t even explicitly used is put as a label upon literally, the best in the game. And, there it starts. News channels in India in their own Trial-by-Media kind of world and Australians printing in name calling.

Why Virat Kohli said what he said regarding the DRS is his own call, though, the ideal way would have been to keep it to the authorities concerned. And, Steve Smith rightly said what he wanted to say in his defense during his presser. And it was all good, all in sporting spirit as Richie Richardson had a word with both the captains.

What Virat said was a big deal especially because Smith is the No.1 Test batsman in the world, this was bound to tarnish his image. But, why can’t that remain between the two? Why is the involvement and verdict of literally everyone associated with cricket necessary?

We thought that had ended then. But nah, there was more drama. Virat injured his shoulder after a dive. Normally, people would be more cautious, more sensitive about it after the incident. But then, Glen Maxwell imitated him in a similar kind of a dive. The Indian fans were in a tizzy. The Australian fans laughed it off. But then things got worse as pictures of Smith “imitating” him too surfaced. However, it was all deception. It was his fellow team mate’s hand on his shoulder. Cropping and camera angles being the absolute deceptive mediums that they are, everyone believed it.

Star Sports too committed a blunder as they telecast the same picture. Now, I read that Smith was apologized for the same. Again, this was between the two parties involved and you’d expect it to be over. But no, the media was back at it. Judging, giving its verdict and adding fuel to the fire.

Among the two people who were most involved in these controversies. Two people have been on the receiving end the most- Virat and Steve. There’s one batsman who has scored over 450 runs, is dominating an in-form team by leading them but that’s overshadowed with bold news flashes of “cheat” and the uncertainty of his lies.

On the other end, there’s one receiving flak for his form and also bearing the brunt of deep contemplations by self-proclaimed cricket experts, on his injury- “Is it fake?” “Is he doing it to divert his attention for his lack of runs?” Note, the role of the respective media cheerleading for their own captain at this point, and bashing and labeling the opponent leader.

Controversies were never ending. One more issue was the time when the boards and journalists, in all their wisdom, decided to speak so much about the Patrick Farhat issue. Virat said it. Steve replied to it. That’s it, let’s leave it there. Why is it important for every individual who is not even on the field to have an opinion about it that they want everyone to buy?

So right now, here we are. One’s a liar, one’s a cheat.. who’s winning? No idea. One thing is certain, though. Amidst the Dhauladhar range, the players are enjoying among themselves the serenity of the place. While the ones unlucky are doing their own thing:

“What’s the pitch like?” Definitely, the opposite of what you predict it to be.

“If Virat Kohli is Donald Trump, Steve Smith is Nawaz Sharif.” NEW LOW: ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED.

Everyone’s wishing this ends on a good note. The IPL is approaching, let’s learn something from it. We love the Aussies in it. The Aussies love their time in India. Let’s remember David Warner praising Kohli for his knock against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Let’s remember Kohli’s rapport with Mitchell Starc. Let’s remember that what’s on the field should remain on the field. If it gets off it, let the ones involved deal with it. Let’s remember that this is a contest of the bat and ball, not one about downgrading the other.

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