A Sinister Theme?

Like in any sport, strange things have happened in Indian cricket, but this one surely has clean bowled all the fans. First there was a report about the new theme the Indian ODI team under the swashbuckling Mahendra Singh Dhoni had adopted, to take the battle to the Aussie's camp. The theme, we were told, was 'Fire or Retire'. Even before we could make sense of it, came the bouncer from the team management. There was no such thing and it was a wrong 'un, they clarified. It was purely a figment of the media's imagination, they suggested rather helpfully. One player said it was a googly which he had baffled him and he could not simply read its trajectory or meaning. The bowling coach concurred telling all who would listen that for good measure the team had a good laugh at it.

But is it a laughing matter really? There is some suspicious smoke behind the alleged "non-existent" fire. The "fire" has been put off since, but the smokescreen refuses to "retire" from our inquisitive minds.

Assuming for argument's sake that there was indeed such a theme, what does 'fire or retire' mean to a team full of youngsters barring ONE player about whom there is any talk of retirement. When all the others are barely in or not sure of being out the next match or two, such a theme can only be directed at the "one and the only one" player. Clearly, 'Fire or Retire' has a resonance - and a mischievous relevance - only to Sachin, The Tendulkar.

Yes, Tendulkar may not be at the peak of his powers (note: MAY not be), but he is still good enough to be at the peak of his prowess. He is still the most valued player in the team, still the world's best bat, a mean bowler at the death, and a very good fielder, apart from being the most experienced campaigner in world cricket.

So the question arises: Is this mysterious theme meant to be a trial balloon to pile on the pressure on him, to see he cracks and fades away into the pavilion?

Could 'Fire or Retire' be the innocent handiwork of a spin doctor or a rent a quote wordsmith who was too impressed for his own good with his own spin? It doesn't seem likely. After all, there are so many things that one can think of that do not carry the risk of having hidden meanings in them? Like, say, Fire or Fight it out, Fire or Fizzle Out, Fire or Get Fired, Fire of Fade out, and so on and so forth.

No, the jury is out on this silly episode. And it's not so silly either.