The contrasting attitudes of cricketers from different generations

The celebrations after centuries or important catches were mostly filled with such words. There has been an instance where a player could not take the crowd’s criticism in a sporting way and showed them the much hated middle finger.

The relation of these players with their own teammates has also not been very healthy. News of dressing room divides surfaces pretty often. The much regretted slapgate incident between two national team members in the IPL cannot be forgotten. The off-field controversies have kept on increasing and the game has got more verbal.

Under no circumstance am I questioning the integrity of any of the players. I admire them as much as any of their fans. They have performed their duties with as much dedication as possible. What I am bringing under the scanner is the stark contrast of the conduct of the two sets of players, the stark contrast by which the two sets of players try to reach the same destination.

A good player becomes great when he wins the respect of the opponents. The present set of players will find it hard to win the hearts of people outside their own nation (exceptions are always there).

It seems highly improbable to me that they would get a standing ovation at Lord’s, or for that matter any other ground, in the latter part of their careers like a few of the players of the preceding generation had earned.

They may surpass the previous generation in records and success but by the way things have shaped up until now, the humility and humbleness can never be matched.

Both sets of players have been extremely efficient and dedicated. But one thing is for sure, a mother would always want her child to be a person resembling a Sachin, Dravid or someone of their generation, not for their on-field exploits but for the way they have conducted themselves through the years of immense success, for their humble nature, for their grounded attitude, for their humility.