Princely reflections

Sourav Ganguly looked at the man in front of him with a cool, appraising eye. What a magnificent figure he was: that thick mane of jet-black hair still lustrous, as in his youth; that proud curl of the lip; that jutting jaw harking back to centuries of impeccable aristocratic breeding. Impossibly handsome, yet imperious, aloof. And his achievements matched his physical perfection. He bestrode his chosen profession like a colossus, of course, but his brilliant intellect would allow him to achieve greatness in any field of his choo--

"Sourav!"

A voice, harsh and base, cut into his reverie.

"Sourav! Stop looking in that bloody mirror and come and do the team talk, mate."

Sourav sighed and viewed the unworthy figure of Brad Hodge - apparently the fellow's real name! - with resigned disdain.

"I am the captain and I shall decide how team affairs are conducted, Hodge," said Ganguly. "Need I remind you how things worked out for your wretched countryman Chappell when he attempted to question my authority?"

"Aw, mate, there's no need to come the raw prawn," said Hodge. "I was just saying, let's have the team talk so we get on with celebrating this win with a good old fashioned singsong, 48 cans of the local brew and a fool around in the sheep dip."

Ganguly shuddered. To think that he should have to share a dressing room with a man who preferred lager to Dom Perignon. It was the Flintoff situation all over again. At least Hodge was not disrobing and waving his shirt around. Still, the prince must have the common touch. Mollification was called for.

"It was a magnificent performance by myself," agreed Ganguly. "My two overs of good, tight stuff, my commanding 23…"

"Sir, actually Hodge and Tiwary got the runs, and Mathews got the wickets," said Owais Shah.

"Quite right, and what a superb piece of captaincy it was by myself to use these players as I did," said Ganguly. "And who are you again, young man? Remind me."

"I'm Owais Shah, sir," said Shah. "And may I just say what a great thrill it is to be here at the IPL, surrounded by all these other international cricketers."

Ganguly raised an impeccably manicured eyebrow.

"At last," continued Shah. "I feel I've found my role as a key member of a top unit."

"You certainly have, Shah," said Ganguly. "So get to it. Milk and two sugars please. Are we running a dry ship here, what what?"