Well we know that cricket definitely has changed and how...From the boring tests to fast paced ones today where daily scores of 350 plus inevitably produce a result in most cases. To the lively pace of a one day game that showcases each aspect of the game in a 50 over match with fortunes fluctuating widely like a pendulum…

To the Fast and Furious Twenty – Twenty matches that are more of a slam bang stuff – New rules, power plays, third umpires, protective gear, uper batting, cheer leaders... a total non stop entertainment.

The fun of the game is that you still have a decent to a roaring audience for all the formats of the game. One can endlessly argue on the purity, merits or demerits of the various versions, but each of it is here to stay and grow. However the tendency to highlight the money power really angers the true lover of the game.

Sunil Gavaskar, the Little Master is definitely given to speaking his mind out whether in his playing days or non playing ones. He has a deep knowledge and understanding of the game and has served on many of the panels of the ICC. So when he says that John Buchanan’s theory of multiple captains is not credible, he is drawing a distinction between the power and rights of the coach and the Captain.

In cricket, different from football and baseball, it is the Captain who has the final say and authority once the game starts. What Buchanan is trying to do is a complete power take over by the coach.

Rather then being genuine in the desire to experiment by taking into confidence the Captain. What Buchanan has done is to create the impression of the Owner being the decider and poor Shah Rukh has fallen for it hooks, line and sinker.

He has drawn swords against Gavaskar and has ended up with the comment that he is the owner, has invested a lot and Gavaskar is welcome to buy a team of his own and do what he feels.

Unwittingly what he is forgetting is that these sorts of statements will act as a morale breaker for the players. The money definitely is a big factor, but if their prestige and pride are hurt and they are taken as daily wage earners having to bow to the diktats of the coach and owners – it may backfire.

It is very similar to what Greg Chappell did. His actions ended up with even a player called Shewag demoralized and dropped the player who has been awarded the title of Best player in the world for 2008 by Wisden. Even there Ganguly was a sufferer and the Board and Selectors fell for the Chappell trick hook...line and sinker like Shah Rukh now.

Shah Rukh Thank you for investing in the Knight Riders… take your profits with you, but be careful to draw a line on the self respect of the players as otherwise you will find even your paying supporters stopping the support.