The dark cover could well have symbolised the state of affairs in Hyderabad cricket that has had the dubious distinction of recording the lowest-ever total — 21 against Rajasthan recently — in the national championship.
A veil of cloud was looming over the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Day One of the second Test here on Friday.
The dark cover could well have symbolised the state of affairs in Hyderabad cricket that has had the dubious distinction of recording the lowest-ever total — 21 against Rajasthan recently — in the national championship. These, surely, are not the best of days for the former Ranji Trophy champions who produced players like ML Jaisimha, Mohammed Azharuddin, and above all, VVS Laxman.
Insiders allege the cause of the rot percolates from the top, clearly pointing fingers at Hyderabad Cricket Association vice-president Shivlal Yadav.
More precisely, the locals blame Yadav’s obsession for the current mess. “Shivlal has done both good and bad for Hyderabad cricket. The stadium here is because of his work, but he has done enough damage too. Hyderabad should have had a better team under him,” said former Hyderabad skipper Vivek Jaisimha.
The 46-year-old Vivek, son of former India player ML Jaisimha, was the batting coach when the team was embarrassed by Rajasthan in a Ranji Trophy Plate Group encounter in Jaipur recently. Owning up moral responsibility, Vivek resigned.
“Someone had to take a call because someone had to be accountable. My decision, hopefully, will help HCA authorities take some tough decisions.”
Vivek also blamed Yadav’s obsession for his son Arjun Yadav, a cricketer with modest abilities, as one reason for the recent problems.
Yadav Jr has an average of 28 in over 70 Ranji matches, and yet, he was persisted with. “Arjun Yadav should have been dropped long time ago. He would have come back strongly. If you go back into history, Shivlal made seven or eight comebacks. He should have allowed that to happen with his son also. Shivlal should have allowed his son to be dropped when he was not doing well. His obsession with Arjun has become his son’s undoing. That has also affected Hyderabad cricket.”
The 29-year-old Arjun, who even captained Hyderabad, is also not known to be a great team man.
When specifically asked if he holds Yadav responsible for the current mess, Jaisimha Jr retorted, “He runs Hyderabad cricket.” The two-time Ranji champions were relegated to the Plate Group last year and Jaisimha says the same side was retained.
Along with Jaisimha, Venkatapathy Raju, who was the coach of the team, also resigned saying he did not have a free hand in selection matters.
After the Jaipur debacle, HCA dropped four senior players, including Arjun. Former Hyderabad captain MV Sridhar has been appointed the team’s mentor. Since then, the team has done well. They are currently in a commanding position against Jharkhand.
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