Friday, March 22, 2013

Cricket & India - a deep connection


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?