Unnecessary fuss being made about Jadeja-Anderson incident

Tags: India tour of England, 2014, India, England, Ravindrasinh Anirudhsinh Jadeja, James Michael Anderson

Published on: Jul 27, 2014

It began on the eve of the second Test and Lord’s, and the controversy hasn’t died out even as the third Test at the Ageas Bowl gets underway. We are referring to the Ravindra Jadeja-James Anderson controversy.

It began on the eve of the second Test and Lord’s, and the controversy hasn’t died out even as the third Test at the Ageas Bowl gets underway. We are referring to the Ravindra Jadeja-James Anderson controversy. The Indian team as well as the BCCI have expressed their disappointment at Jadeja being charged under Level 1 offence. According to Indian skipper MS Dhoni, Jadeja was nowhere at fault, and he merely turned around to look at what was happening after being ‘pushed’. He termed Jadeja’s conduct as not being aggressive at all. Since a Level 1 charge cannot be appealed against, BCCI is now seeking legal recourse.


While there may be absolute truth in what Dhoni may be saying, the fact is that the issue has been dragging along too long. It is one thing fighting about the truth, but this is one controversy that can be avoided. Both sides have their own version, and in the absence of security cameras there is only so much match referee David Boon can do. Yes, it was an incident that could have been avoided, but it was something that happened in the heat of the moment. It was not the first time such a thing occurred, and wouldn’t be the last time either. So it is better put to rest.


India may be feeling aggrieved over the decision, but they must also remember that other teams have been at the receiving end when the BCCI has wielded its might. The monkeygate obviously comes to mind. Harbhajan Singh was first found guilty of abusing Andrew Symonds during the Test, but later during a legal hearing he was exonerated. Without taking any sides on the issue, one is only trying to say that, on that occasion, it were the Aussies who were feeling aggrieved. This time the foot is on the other pedal.


In spite of the verdict, which eventually fell in India’s favour, many Australians involved in the match still believe that Symonds was not at fault, but the CA did not back their players, instead bowing down to the might of the BCCI. The controversy completely killed off Symonds’ international career. As he himself admitted later, he was too dazed post the verdict, and could not pick himself up again. A few others also succumbed to the pressure. Even the legendary Adam Gilchrist couldn’t recover from what all had transpired and announced his retirement soon after. In short, the Monkeygate claimed finished off precious careers.


The current controversy may not have reached that extent yet, but is threatening to get ugly. What such incidents do is take the focus away from the game, which is not good for cricket. We have a tight series going on in England, and both teams have issues of their own. India, in particular, can do well to concentrate on their on-field game, for they rarely find themselves in the lead away from home. The incident is spilt milk. As far as India are concerned, it’s time to move on.


--By A Cricket Analyst

Related News