Cricket derby - a loyalty crisis

November 2005 : Ganguly, after his spat with the coach was out of the Indian team being replaced by Rahul Dravid as the captain. The Eden crowd did not fall back in abusing the Indian team and backing the Proteas. The next day when the team landed in Mumbai, a member allegedly commented ” It’s nice to be back in India .”

Same is the scenario now, surpassing cricket boundaries and posing a question on the relationship the contemporary Kolkatan shares with the rest of India.

The KKR owner is a superstar in his own right leaving space for just one giant ego. Ezekiel well points out this fanatic loyalty as a “disturbing aspect” of a religion called cricket.

Come 5th may, visit Milan Mandir ,a sporting club a stone’s throw away from Ma Mangal Chandi Bhawan , the home to the PWI skipper. Everyone wants KKR to lose on Saturday, except the 46 year old treasurer, Dilip Majumdar. His reason, very subtle, rather pragmatic. ” So what if I like dada ? I have to support my city .”

Anil Kumble was up for a management post when he realised he is required no more. So was Darren Lehmann. But if the people have to relate the same with Dada as a dog bone situation , then it goes without saying that the city lost one of the best, rather the best manager and scouter – Kolkata’s loss.

Those perceiving this situation as the victimisation of a demigod by a another demigod , a satirical repeat of Bose being driven out by Gandhi, can remain being hyberbolical.

IPL buffs do not refrain from considering the IPL parallel to other league tournaments of the world. On parallel lines – Rory McIlroy and the Ireland identity crisis – who gets the support? KP and South Africa, who does South Africa support? Dirk Nowitzki of Dallas Mavericks remains a star basketball player from Germany. But Dallas has been his home since the last 12 years. If we really make an effort to break the regional affinities, only then can we relate to another sport league. But alas, it is rather uncertain whether people will realize that eventually it is the home team which matters .

The Wall has societies in Bangalore where people chant his name all day. Even today when he enters the Chinnaswami, people are up on their feet praying that he sets yet another milestone. Nonetheless, they know where their loyalties lie.

If Dada wins, can we say Kolkata have won? Pune will only gain for Dada’s win.

To Dada with love, we love and respect you. We can never forget your contributions to Indian cricket and the world. But we love our city Kolkata too much. Our support towards KKR does not mean we hate you… Sorry Dada if we have done any wrong, please forgive us.