Fearing the fond farewell

The Australians generate envy, with their pedigree and display as cricketers, but they would really make all go green with the way they retire.

Did you see all that happened at Adelaide? Adam Gilchrist, having announced his retirement from international cricket, got a rousing reception every time he walked onto the field, and it was at its loudest when he walked out at the end of the match.

After that he, and his family, were feted and glowing words of tribute came from all concerned. By the time the show ended, Gilly would have been convinced that he had done the right thing - if he had any ghosts of doubt left.

The Aussies may be crass and aggressive on the field, but the media there can be stinging when it comes to failure. All Gilchrist had to do was drop a few, and his potential world record notwithstanding, calls for his axing grew loud before Adelaide.

Gilchrist looked within himself, and decided it was time.

Cut to India. When was the last time that you heard an Indian player say: "This is my last series"?

Here, this is an unheard of statement. Players who themselves know that they are through, will still wait for the sack, hoping somewhere deep down to eke out one more Test, another one-day series.

Let's take two examples. When Kapil Dev played his last One-day international at Faridabad's Nahar Singh Stadium in 1994, it was not like he had planned to announce his retirement. The irony of the incident was that he limped out of the ground - a man known for his fitness and having played all around the world, came home to get injured at the end of it all.

The bigger irony was that one of the top all-rounders of the world chose Diwali day to announce his retirement, at a press meet attended by barely five reporters.

Compare that to Steve Waugh. He announced his retirement before the series with India in 2004, and every appearance was a super hit. That he reportedly made a packet out of it is a different story. The same was the case with Ian Healy, Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath.

But here, it ultimately boils down to the player finding out that he is out only when a reporter shoves a microphone in his face.

Retirements are announced out of sheer hopelessness, when the stars realize that even their state associations are not keen to entertain them. "You have outlived your utility my friend, so take a walk," is the message sent to them.

Sadly, it's a lonely walk down a long dark road, in stark contrast to the phenomenal farewell accorded to Australian cricketers. But this ignominy has little relevance, so long as our stalwarts can hang on to their places, till their grip is wrenched and they are sent on their way.