Kohli is entitled to say what he feels

Reader: Anuraag Agarwal

Hi Sharda,

When media, ex-cricketers and commentators can give their viewpoint on everything and are allowed to speak their mind (so to speak), why is it a problem if Virat has mentioned what he thinks about the whole issue? Instead of saying that Virat has a problem with criticism, I would rather say that he is entitled to say what he feels about what is being said. It is purely his freedom of speech and I reckon everyone including India's captain (a job which comes with so much pressure and responsibility purely due to amount of expectations) has right to say what he feels. Virat has simply asked for more support rather than criticism all the time. Way to go Virat… I am sure true fans of Indian cricket understand and share your viewpoint. Probably time has come when someone needs to stand up against all the negativity that is being generated in the media for every possible issue not just cricket… way to go.

Reader: Ranjith Kumar Patnani

An insightful article written on how and why media's questions are more pointed towards what's to be improved or corrected than what's already achieved. And the metaphor drawing the question as to why not only cricketers can comment on cricketing subjects or matters is commendable. But as far as I followed the recent press conference, we shall also contemplate captain Virat's comments here. While media hit at the drawbacks or wrong decisions taken in the team's performance, they should also have, in my opinion, applaud what the team has achieved so far in the series in the typical pitch conditions, more importantly. You can be cynical if the performance is not up to the mark, but not while winning. At the end, they should also need some encouragement, at least vocally, through media, right? But yes, as a captain, we would expect Virat to be more careful and meaningful in his comments and answers. One year is already enough time for a captain to lead the team in all aspects, including answering the media.

Reader: Delwood

Unfortunately there is not much cross-over between the average sports fan and philosophy. But I recall the Dutch historian Huizinga said that the basis of civilization is play and games (not labour and productivity as Marx and others have insisted). This insight was taken up by Michael Oakeshott, an English philosopher who was also keen on cricket and horse-racing analogies in his essays. If there is a sport for the thinking man it is certainly cricket.

Reader: Nutcutlet

The Jesuits (SJ) have a well-known saying regarding education: give me a child until he is seven, and I will show you the man. In the case of Bradman, perhaps the word 'batsman' would be appropriate. It's generally recognised in this article and elsewhere that the Don had his own technique which was obviously allied to superb - utterly exceptional - hand-eye coordination. That Bradman's unique approach to batting was down to the water-tank, stump and golf-ball practice is so well known, but it was more than that: growing up in Bowral, he saw no first-class cricket at all until he saw a day's play of the '20-'21 Ashes at Sydney, aged 12 and a half. The Don was unsullied, and therefore uncomplicated, by having a batting hero whom he could attempt to imitate. It's impossible in today's world for a lad to remain so completely uninfluenced by cricketing role models. Genius needs no mentoring, only the opportunity to express itself. He remains the only batting genius, IMO. Only the Don!

Reader: sarangsrk

Just watched yesterday highlights of that Lord's Test. A pitch where cattle should be grazing. A bowling attack which was swinging it more than 40 cms and seaming the ball at almost 70 degree angles. India 145 for 7. One short man stands tall, plays drives, cuts, back-foot punches, pulls and scores a 100. The man is Ajinkya Rahane. What an innings, what a player.

Reader: SupportTestCricket

Elsewhere I had commented that Rahane along with Kohli and Ashwin are the only three players who should play all three formats of the game for India. People who still question Rahane's talent, temperament, and commitment do not know what they are talking about. He is perfectly suited to play under any conditions. He had been kept away for too long while players with half his talent were promoted over him. He will now show what he is made of. He may not be captaincy material (I see Ashwin as captain, but age may come in the way as Kohli seems set for a long reign) but Rahane will serve India for quite a few years. It is irresponsible to bring down players from other countries to make our players look good. Have patience and you will see good players make their own statements with their talent. Looking forward to Rahane making more runs in the future as also Ashwin taking more wickets overseas to silence everyone (even me!) about his ability to do so. More power to these two special talents!

Reader: Jamilism

Barisal Bulls really played well. I personally saw a future captain of Bangladesh in the making. We can't replace the great Mash on what he has done and maybe it's too late to pick Mahmudullah Riyad but as an interim Test captain or even a transitioning captain for Mash, Riyad showed a lot of character today. He played the role of the icon player, he played the role of a captain, he played the role of a batsman, he played the role of a bowler and he played the role of an awesome allrounder. Congrats to Comilla camp! A great final and made the wait so much sweeter. It was great to see Mash bowl - just goes to show the level of dedication he has for his game. Lead, captained three BPL victories - WOW ! We have not seen any new talent come out of BPL as far as batting goes. On the flipside we might have found a new partner for Mustafizur. Abu Hider Rony would be an awesome show with Mustafizur in T20 or ODI - we can safely say Taskin and Rubel is a write-off for the next few games. We need new batsmen to come out and play.

Reader: 2929paul

Tradition is a wonderful thing but sometimes you need to know when to shake things up a bit to stop complacency creeping in. When the ECB decided to stop giving Edgbaston, Old Trafford and Headingley guaranteed Test match slots every year and make them all fight it out with the young pretenders, nobody thought it was serious. Then Cardiff was awarded the first Ashes Test in 2009 and suddenly everyone realised they had to get their act together. Now, Test cricket is available to more of the British public and in rapidly improving stadiums, as Edgbaston, Old Trafford and Headingley have all embarked on expensive improvements to the visitor experience and more is hopefully coming at these and all our other international grounds. Australia is fortunate in many ways with the quality of its stadiums but shaking it up a bit can't hurt.