We review India’s win over Australia in the World Cup match at The Oval.
Talking points: India’s clinical batting performance, David Warner’s go-slow and Kohli’s gracious gesture.
Participants:
Subash Jayaraman (@cricketcouch)
Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee)
Ashoka (@ABVan)
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Related: What we talk about when we talk about cricket
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(Lead pic from here)
@ABVan @cricketcouch @sidvee listened to @81allout for the first time and found it thoroughly engaging. Certainly concur with Subash on the partisan India crowds – Indians flock to see limited overs games all around the world, but most of them aren’t true cricket lovers.
Most fans are pretty much at stadia to just stick themselves on Instagram as part of the #bleedbluearmy. Given that the last two men’s ICC events are in the UK it attracts even more of these partisan fans who take it as a chance to see cricket in a welcoming country.
India have always had the lion’s share of support but they’re now richer and are more willing to travel abroad – consequently, several fan groups like the Bharat Army have spawned, leading to Indian fans absolutely sprawling stadia ecen more than they used to.
Unfortunately, most of these fans aren’t regulars for less important games, especially tests, where you tend to appreciate good cricket even if it is against the team you support. It results in partisan crowds, unnecessary booing and a lack of appreciation for good cricket.
If you want fans to become more gracious at the cricket, it comes down to the tone set – how fairly the game is broadcasted, what kind of agendas are set by fan clubs, and the messages from the players. In that light, Kohli was incredible to ask the fans to stop booing.
As an India fan living in London I love supporting them when they play here, but always like to see good cricket from both sides, particularly when live at the ground. Sometimes going to neutral games helps – you enjoy the cricket without getting hung up about the result.