(Image via indiatoday.com)
Even as the Indian parliament functioning is stalled by issues of re-conversion, Indian cricket is rocked by the same phenomenon.
Rohit Sharma has not hit even one test century outside the country. Even in ODIs he averages 30 overseas and 65 in India. Mitchell Johnson was listless, when Rohit went and asked him “ How many wickets have you taken?”. When his turn came, he promptly got out for a duck.
The recovery of Johnson was aided by the other Sharma, Ishant. After bowling a rare decent spell, Ishant suddenly took off bowling short and got hit all over the park by Johnson.
This is not all; Karn Sharma who was 42nd in the Indian first class bowling averages last year played the Adelaide test ahead of 41 people before him.
These incidents have created a storm in Indian domestic cricket. There is a feeling that there are only three short-cuts to the Indian test XI.
- Be represented by Rhiti Sports as an agent. However, selection is by invite; not voluntary.
- Be a brash cricketer from Delhi, who can abuse everyone or even each other. A little late for some of the aspirants.
- Have a surname “ Sharma”. This seems to be an interesting option as both Ishant and Rohit have continued getting opportunities and somehow make it to the XI.
The move was initiated by Ambati Rayudu. The Hyderabadi said, “Biryani diplomacy has not helped me too much, boss, It’s time to try other things. Now I can only bat; I can’t abuse too much and I cant be a Delhiite now. Only chance is a conversion. So, I am changing my name from Ambati Thirupathi Rayudu to Ambati Thirupathi Sharma. So, please call me Thirupathi Sharma. Anyway, I will also make a trip to the temple to solemnize my name change. Govinda, Govindaa!”
As soon as he heard it, Piyush Chawla jumped into the bandwagon. He said, “ When India played 4 spinners, I picked up the most wickets. I have not got a chance since then. I hit Mitchell Johnson for a 6 to win IPL. Who is Karn Sharma? But see, now on I am Piyush Sharma. Now let us see, Karn or Arjun I am ready!”
Manoj Tiwary was on his way to change name to Manoj Sharma when he slipped down and fell and twisted his ankle. He will be out of action for 6 months.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court’s bench for Social Justice has taken suo moto cognizance of the issue and will start investigations.