Hindustan Times
The rush of blood
It was a moment to which anticipation had built up nicely. An Indian youngster full of promise fronting up to an established legend. Shane Warne was at the top of his mark, winding up to let one of those classical legbreaks go. Manish Pandey, having played some audacious shots to the quick bowlers, had his eye in, confidence up and only a small total to chase.When Pandey cleared his front foot out of the way and launched the ball high and wide, into the stands over midwicket, you couldn’t help but get excited.
Hold on a sec, it is only one six.
But Pandey, who has been touted as the next big thing for a while now, has more pressure on his shoulders now than a year ago. Where the talk was all about potential and promise when he came onto the scene, it’s now about knuckling down (or opening up) and delivering. He’s also no flash in the pan, not some unknown youngster plucked out from domestic cricket to have a dash in the IPl and see if he can surprise some stars or dent a few reputations.
Pandey is grinding it out in domestic cricket for a state team that is organised, playing under a captain who is unlikely to tolerate much nonsense and has an eye on the long haul even as he laps up the rewards in the short run.
A youngster like this should not be denies the riches, fame and glory the IPL offer, but if India want a quality batsman in the long run, he’s unlikely to be produced by the IPL. While interacting with the best in the world, and playing against the likes of Warne can only help, it’s the four-day grind that’s the making of a cricketer. So far, Pandey seems on track. But then again, so were others, only to somehow discover ways to self-destruct. Pardon my caution, but given Pandey’s demonstrable talent, the hope is that he also has the good sense to stay the course.
PS: Already the non-stop post-match parties seem to be taking their toll. The elegant and plush ITC Gardenia hotel that the teams are based in, in Bangalore, often wears some telling signs the day after. A wine glass behind a potted plant, a backdrop screen advertising IPL Nights, and some leggy models in severely oversized sunglasses, hiding from the sun. RCB coach Ray Jennings even mentioned the parties, when asked how demanding the IPL was. Sean Morris, CEO of the Rajasthan Royals, would only say that their “leader” Warne, would show his boys the way … Emulating Warne at partying? Don’t think our boys should even try.
(3 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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