Is Dhoni the new Ganguly ?

The stubborn streak in him, as evident in his taking unpopular and, at times, even illogical decisions, is not because he thinks less and acts more. As more events unfold and he grows into the job, it should become obvious to most of us that there could be a well thought out method to what many think is just madness.

No fear of failure
Compared to someone like the urbane Rahul Dravid, who would appear to think first and act later, Dhoni somehow appears to combine the two acts without burdening himself with the fear of failure.

He does not seem to care what people think of his actions nor does he cow down to the 'rantings' of experts who must always appear better qualified to pass judgement on events that have already taken place. Dhoni does not care if a Sunil Gavaskar finds harsh words like 'senseless and useless' for a player and questions his selection in the team. He wanted five bowlers in the team, had faith in Munaf Patel and played him again. It may be just his way of saying: thanks for your advice but I am the man in charge and I know better. You do your job, and I will do mine.

After winning against Australia in the T-20 World Cup, he told Ravi Shastri on camera that he and his team had proved his reading of the game wrong. The words had enough stress in them to convey his displeasure, but the smiling face accompanying those words had done more than enough to soften that barb.

Now in Australia where he is handling two fronts -- the game and the delinquent sledging -- his team has not been a great success so far. Despite India making it to the finals, Australia still look unbeatable and his backing of the young turks has not shown great results.

....

PS: Can we all move ahead and not make so much of a fuss about what Hayden has to say about Harbhajan and vice-versa. Can we in the press too show greater maturity and not make Hayden finding Harbhajan an 'obnoxious little weed' the most important story emanating from Australia. Let Harbhajan retaliate and call Hayden the most 'obnoxious ox' to some radio station and let us get on with the game.

taipan wrote:He's also a cheat and a sook?

*Buckaroo* wrote:

taipan wrote:He's also a cheat and a sook?

A cheat ?

As someone said anyone who wins against Australia is either cheating or controversial.

furriner wrote:Gangers = Legend.

Fark off Monkey.

Brass Monkey wrote:

furriner wrote:Gangers = Legend.

Fark off Monkey.

Bullsh!t.
He was what India needed at the time, doesn't mean he wasn't a total
twat. His arrogance was, in the end, incredibly divisive and India had
a bad period because of it.

doremi wrote:That's some of the crap Chappell spread around during his tenure.

SG wrote:I'd say Saurav Chandidas Ganguly is/was the best thing to happen for Indian cricket in this decade.

peter roebuck: SMH

As far as Australia are concerned, it is apparent the Queenslanders, Hayden and Symonds, have become much more influential. They have filled the space left by Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and the other recent retirees. John Buchanan's absence has also been felt.

These hard nuts were involved in the contention surrounding the SCG Test and subsequently appeared before a respected judge in their casuals. Both were cut from the same stone as their captain. Over the years, Ponting has been their staunchest ally.

As a result, the culture of the Australian team has changed. The desire to prove they could keep winning post-Warne has added to the effect. As much could be told from the team's outlook this summer. Opponents at the Twenty20 World Cup were struck by their high-handedness. Apparently the "A" side created a similarly bad impression on its concurrent tour of Pakistan.

The players have formed a unit answerable only to itself. Lucrative contracts to play in India, tensions over the series in Pakistan - a tour they are reluctant to undertake and a country some are loath to visit - and banned columns have affected the mood. Now players are retiring left, right and centre. It has been the summer of discontent. But the Indians have also changed. Australia had been the working man's team bound by a common purpose. India had their hierarchies and complications. Now the Indians play with the same fervour as their hosts, and with the same disregard for niceties.

Although fabulously wealthy these days, cricketers such as Mahendra Dhoni and Ishant come from hungry, thirsty streets. They are not answerable to tradition, owe no allegiance to England, are not deferential towards Australians, were not raised in polite gymkhanas but in tough schoolyards. Accordingly, cricket can rely more on their fighting spirit than their goodwill.

Invader Zim wrote:

SG wrote:I'd say Saurav Chandidas Ganguly is/was the best thing to happen for Indian cricket in this decade.

Sad.

Well it clearly wasn't the introduction of neutral umpires

Invader Zim wrote:

SG wrote:I'd say Saurav Chandidas Ganguly is/was the best thing to happen for Indian cricket in this decade.

Sad for Australia.

G.Wood wrote:

Invader Zim wrote:

SG wrote:I'd say Saurav Chandidas Ganguly is/was the best thing to happen for Indian cricket in this decade.

Sad.

Well it clearly wasn't the introduction of neutral umpires

Invader Zim wrote:

SG wrote:I'd say Saurav Chandidas Ganguly is/was the best thing to happen for Indian cricket in this decade.

I'm a sad f*ck. I need a life. Until that happens I troll on threads seeking attention