Cricket has often been counted among the many religions of India.
What is so special about this sport that it demands such a fan following in our
country? What attributes to the tremendous success of this sport? What is the
reason that none of the other sports have tasted an inkling of success?
Many in the past have tried to justify this unwarranted
success of Cricket to various factors. The lack of space in India, or the
subsequent need of just a 22 yard by 3 yard area to play, maybe the relatively
relaxed pace of the game. Some have even gone as far as to say that it is
because of the relatively lesser fitness required for the sport. These might be
contributing factors, but none of these can be THE reason for the paramount
success of the game.
Cricket at the most basic level is about scoring runs. Most bowlers
might be offended by that statement. I am not undermining their importance to
the game, but the fact is a match is not won by taking more wickets, it is won
by scoring more runs. So in effect, the batsmen do become the most important
cog of this wheel. But, here comes the kicker, he only gets one chance at it.
One mistake, one moment of lapsed concentration, one misjudged shot and his
contribution to the aim of the game is over. This is where lies the connection
between Cricket and India.
Take Football or Basketball for instance. The objective is to
score goals/baskets. But even if a player fails to score once, twice, or
however many times till the duration of the game he keeps getting repetitive chances
to score. Not like cricket.
As a society, we do not believe in second chances. Look around
you and you will find plenty of examples to validate this statement. Whether it
is our education system, our work culture, our marriage systems, our outlook to
criminals’ correction, anything, everything. We do not believe in dishing out
second chances, at least not readily.
Most of the other countries where these other sports are
popular reflect this multiple chances attitude in their society. Be it a man
trying various streams of studies till he finds out what interests him the
most; working on different ventures, failing at them but still working on new
ventures; second, third, nth chances at failed marriages, anything, everything.
Second chances are offered in plenty.
If studied deeply, a sport reflects on the society. This is
the reason why Cricket is losing its following among the young Indians. Their
attitude is changing too. They want second chances. They understand the
importance of it. They know they might make mistakes, but rather than having to
live with it, it is better to move on and try again. And again till it feels
right. You have after all, just one life. Why live in regret?
