India's cricket captain Virat Kohli in a social media interaction with his football opposite number Sunil Chhetri made a frank admission about the malaise that affects sports right across the board. Corruption in selection can mar many a deserving talent and has been happening without fail not only in India but across the world.
Kohli's late father was asked to provide that "little extra" to ensure his selection in the Delhi age group squad. Virat Kohli may now be considered the best batsmen in the world apart from being touted as a players' captain, but a couple of more selection disappointments early in life could well have killed his passion for the game.
That he fought his way through to captain India from the under-19 to the senior squad is proof of not only his prodigious talent but also his steely determination to go all the way to top!
One recalls a youthful Kohli, fresh from under-19 success, biding his time in the 2009 Champions Trophy in South Africa and grabbing his chance with both hands once Yuvraj Singh was injured.
But he had traveled thus far despite the Delhi selection matters going against him early makes him an exception rather than the rule.
Selection committees, across all sports, are well known for their sharp likes and dislikes. Government has tried to put a balanced structure in place with its own nominees through various routes for national selection committees but down the line its still not so transparent. Performance evaluation is what a selection committee is expected to do and are considered the most competent to do the job. The moment other considerations come into play, bias is bound to set in and fairness is tossed out of the window.
This global pandemic has given the world of sport to pause and re-calibrate. Those that can set their house in order will continue to flourish. If not, a definite slide awaits!
Kohli's remarks should serve as an eye-opener of how deep this malaise is.Time is ripe to stem the rot!
Kohli's late father was asked to provide that "little extra" to ensure his selection in the Delhi age group squad. Virat Kohli may now be considered the best batsmen in the world apart from being touted as a players' captain, but a couple of more selection disappointments early in life could well have killed his passion for the game.
That he fought his way through to captain India from the under-19 to the senior squad is proof of not only his prodigious talent but also his steely determination to go all the way to top!
One recalls a youthful Kohli, fresh from under-19 success, biding his time in the 2009 Champions Trophy in South Africa and grabbing his chance with both hands once Yuvraj Singh was injured.
But he had traveled thus far despite the Delhi selection matters going against him early makes him an exception rather than the rule.
Selection committees, across all sports, are well known for their sharp likes and dislikes. Government has tried to put a balanced structure in place with its own nominees through various routes for national selection committees but down the line its still not so transparent. Performance evaluation is what a selection committee is expected to do and are considered the most competent to do the job. The moment other considerations come into play, bias is bound to set in and fairness is tossed out of the window.
This global pandemic has given the world of sport to pause and re-calibrate. Those that can set their house in order will continue to flourish. If not, a definite slide awaits!
Kohli's remarks should serve as an eye-opener of how deep this malaise is.Time is ripe to stem the rot!
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