We are now almost over all the brouhaha that stemmed from Suraj Randiv’s deliberate no-ball to deny Virender Sehwag a much deserved century. But this episode isn’t over for two of the main characters and the IPL side which employs them both. The Delhi Daredevils, Virender Sehwag and Tillekratne Dilshan have an important decision to make before the teams are finalized for the next IPL season.
There is no denying the fact that Randiv’s act was extremely unsporting and Virender Sehwag was non-too-pleased about it. It is also now known that the origins of the wicked act can be traced back to Tillekratne Dilshan’s brain. It’s reasonably safe to assume that Sehwag and Dilshan haven’t got together for a drink after the match and won’t be doing so in the near future either.
This raises the important question – can the two co-exist harmoniously in the Delhi Daredevils side as the team attempts to recover from its dismal showing in season 3?
This is a question which has to be answered collectively by the two players and the team management.
The frightening scenario for the team is this.
Suppose both end up playing for Delhi next season. Then there will be times when the two will be at the crease together. In such a situation, it is likely that Sehwag will have to be required to run hard for Dilshan’s runs. If he does that, he could end up helping Dilshan get to a 50 or even a 100 – a milestone he was denied in the most unsporting manner possible. Is it impossible to fathom that the devil will take over Sehwag and he will find it convenient to simply run Dilshan out?
And what if the Delhi fans( most of whom are Indian and Sehwag fans) decide to heckle Dilshan? Fans from other teams could join in as well.
Do the Daredevils want to take that chance ?
The easy way out is to cut Dilshan and retain Sehwag. But in doing so, the Daredevils will be letting go of a fine T-20 player – the kinds it is difficult to find and they can ill afford to lose.
Cant they appeal to the players’ professionalism and their desire to win and ensure that they bury the hatchet and join forces for the common cause?
They can take heart from the example of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese tricked the referee into sending off his club mate at the quarter final stage of the 2006 World Cup. England ended up losing and Rooney was vilified by the English fans. Man Utd and Alex Ferguson faced the same dilemma that is now facing the Daredevils. But Fergie didn’t care if Ronaldo was persona non grata in England after the match. He protected both players loyally and somehow managed to get them to forget the World cup episode and work together for the club. They ended up winning the League title for United.
So, can the Daredevils take heart from Man Utd’s example and replicate their success?
The answer, sadly, for Daredevils supporters like me, looks more like a no. For the simple reason that we don’t have anyone closely resembling Alex Ferguson in the Delhi side. He had spotted and nurtured the careers of both Ronaldo and Rooney and had a father figure like influence over them. Moreover, professional leagues are far more important for a footballer ( as compared to a cricketer) and being at Manchester United was quite clearly the best situation for both Ronaldo and Rooney.
Dilshan and Sehwag are in a far different situation. Their performances in the IPL have no bearing on their international careers. Dilshan could easily join one of the new franchisees. They don’t have the motivation to stick together and aren’t going to gain a lot, in personal terms, from the fruits of their combined efforts.
Which means that the Daredevils would be taking a huge gamble by deciding to stick with both of them.
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