Storm In A Tea Cup

We were a little afraid that the run up to the World Cup would consist of puff pieces and be devoid of drama. We should have known better. Let no one say that the Indian media are slouches. If they don't have "news" to report, by God, they will make some "news". We should have known they would not let us down. Forgive us 'O Indian Media' for not having faith in you.

The latest earth shattering news is that in an interview with Karan Thapar, Dilip Vengsarkar (chief selector) disclosed that Virender Sehwag was included in the team due at Rahul Dravid's behest.

We don't know much about Karan Thapar but 5 minutes of research on the "internets" shows that he is very well regarded. Based on this particular interview, we are not impressed. The question was (we are paraphrasing): By picking Sehwag, you (Vengsarkar) are taking experience into account rather than form. To which, Vengsarkar replied "Definitely". Vengsarkar went on to say that Sehwag had won many matches for India in the past and that Rahul Dravid wanted Sehwag in the team and that he (Vengsarkar) would always support the Captain.

Karan followed this up by asking that if Dravid had not insisted on having Sehwag in the team there was a possibility that Sehwag would not have been picked (a leading question, if there was one). Vengsarkar replied to that question with another "Definitely". We would like take a minute here and point out that there is a possibility that our good looks could propel us to superstardom in Bollywood. However, it is not likely.

What is the controversy here? Sehwag is a brilliant batsman who is out of form (remember kids: form is temporary, class is permanent) but he was selected because Dravid wanted him and because he has won many matches for India in the past. Did anybody think differently? If so, please let us know, we have a bridge we want to sell you.

Now, the news anchor (follow the linky above) adds her two bits to the "growing controversy" and tags another ace "reporter" (Sanjeev Mukherji) who is standing bravely in the middle of nowhere. If we may digress, why the hell is that moron standing where he is standing? All his interviews were with people who were on the phone. Why couldn't he be in the studio? or in the comfort of his own home? Was he in the middle of another less important story when this "growing controversy" came along? Perhaps he was about to find out that ancient Indians had travelled to other planets but had to leave that minor story behind for this one. We will never know. Such are life's mysteries.

Anyway, Sanjeev Mukherji, reporter par excellence, begins to milk this with leading questions and unnecessary innuendo. Where do they find hacks like him? He finds an able helper in Yashpal Sharma who goes on to lambast Dilip Vengsarkar for his disruptive comments.

Sanjeev Mukherji, we have this to say to you: We have read what reporters have written. We have heard reporters talking. You are not a reporter. You are just a hack trying to make your mark with a manufactured controversy.

It is probably too much to expect a Cardus or a Fingleton in this era of sensationalism and hysteria but is it too much to expect balance and sobriety in a story?