'He isn't yours alone anymore, CM saab'

By dramatizing Rasool's non-debut, Abdullah does disservice to his future as an India cricketer. There were murmurs already that his elevation was as much about symbolism as about merit. Abdullah has added weight to that sinister argument. Abdullah should have recognised Rasool's predicament isn't new. Indian cricket is replete with examples of players who have carried drinks over long overseas tours. Think back to the tri-series in Australia in early 2012, when Manoj Tiwary failed to get a game. Did Abdullah hear the Bengal chief minister throw the toys out of the cot? Cricket selections are at times flabbergasting and outrageous. But once a player is part of the India set-up he ceases to be regional representative. When that tag is reasserted it impedes the player's progress. When Rasool does finally play for India, Abdullah's twitter tirade will inevitably be brought up. And the doubters will whisper, "Maybe he's playing because his chief minister raised a stink and got his dad in the BCCI to put pressure on the powers that be". How awful will that be for Rasool to hear that on the proudest day of his cricketing life?