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Debate:
Hooper’s Appointment As Captain
Is
it a step In the Right Direction?
By
S Zeyaur Rahman
Contrary to all the contradictions by the West Indian Cricket Board and in conformity with the media speculations, Carl Hooper has been named as the new captain of the West Indian team. Hooper has an unenvied task of leading a thoroughly de-motivated and sub-standard side and is expected to stem the rot as soon as possible. The wretched run of the Caribbean’s has so far accounted for three captains, Lara, Walsh and now Adams. Given the background let us examine if Hooper is the right choice for the musical chair.
Yes, His Selection Might Do The Trick
It
has been a huge turnaround for Carl Hooper. He has been forced out of
his retirement and installed as the captain of the side. Not many people
have such a fortune. The only example that comes to my mind is that of
Imran Khan. And it is history that he took off on a flight that
culminated with the zenith – the World Cup.
De-motivation and discouragement are two factors, which are suicidal for
a team. With reported failures that is precisely what happens. No wonder
that most of the current players in the West Indian team is low on
morale. They do not go for the sweet taste of victory for the simple
reason that they have hardly ever tasted it.
It is here that Hooper becomes important. Due to his retirement he has
escaped the beating that the Caribbean’s have taken in the past few
years. He is not expected to be dejected and disillusioned as the rest
of his teammates. He is one person who has tasted victory as a member of
the unbeatable Windies sides. Who knows that he might be able to recall
the taste and prepare a delicious meal of victories for a starved side?
No, It Is A Regressive Step
It
is perfectly fine to draw inspirations from the past. But no matter how
great the past be, one should not try to draw sustenance from it or
merely try to cling to it for the fear of future. The selectors decision
to appoint Hooper shows a regressive tendency and in likely hood is a
step taken in sheer desperation.
The
Imran Khan example does not hold much water in Hooper’s case. There is
a fundamental difference between these two examples. Imran, to add to
his immense potential, was a great leader of men. Hooper is man of
limited means and as a matter of fact has never leaded the side. He was
never even considered for the top post during his days at the top. With
Imran one could look for magic and miracles because he had done that too
often in the past. What does Hooper has to show for his achievements as
captain?
The
Kiwi side was facing a similar crisis in the mid 90’s. Their
performance had suddenly hit an abyss as their entire cream had left
within years of each other and without providing an alternative. The
Kiwi selectors did not ask Hadlee or Wright to come out of retirement
and lead the side. When they ran out of ideas they took a daring step
– asking and uncapped Lee Germon to lead the side. That was a positive
move. Not that Germon worked wonders but nonetheless that was a daring
attitude.
Age is not on Hooper’s side. One does not even know if he is still fit
enough to play for an international side. With the tremendous amount of
expectations and pressure, it will not be unexpected if he breaks down.
He does not have a single soul to look upto. Lara is not going great
guns, Walsh is in his farewell series and here the search stops.
We have seen both the pros and cons of Hooper returning to lead the
side. As always it is performance that will vindicate the move.
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