And I agree. So many countries are able to treat different sports and genders as their own thing. What England do with the Women's Hundred is so good. Ditto, Australia and the WBBL.
I see why organisers tap into fans of the men's game to expand women's sport; it sadly comes with shallow engagement and an inability to view the game in its own right.
While there is a uniquely Indian problem here, I think there is a lot we can learn from sports like rugby on how to grow the women's game independently. Their recently concluded Women's XV WC did some mind-boggling numbers, and the organisers were vocal and intentional about it.
You made my day with "For starters, it is downright hilarious to accuse the Indian women’s cricket team of benefitting from nepotistic gifts while mentioning Jay Shah in the same sentence" 🤣🤣🤣.
This was a great read Sarthak. Always enjoy reading your substack. Loved this very apt line - "Indian sports administration operates on the timeline of a cigarette break."
We can’t expect anything better from Indian “journalism.” The pressure of playing at home is further accentuated by the knowledge of the existence of the Devendra Pandeys of the world, I guess. And it partly explains the close losses! The Indian team was the only team that challenged the Australian team and it is not a foregone conclusion that they will lose the semifinal. I wish them good luck, at least to tell the naysayers to STFU!
I watched the Australia game live, and it wasn't much of a challenge, tbh. :) But I hear your point. We shouldn't write the headlines before the referee blows the whistle. Chances are bleak, but you never know.
Also, couldn't agree more on the pressure that surrounds this team. It's a good thing, that so many people at least pretend to be invested, but the tone has been so jarring.
Challenge in a relative sense - look at what happened to SA, the second ranked team, yesterday. By putting up 330, they certainly put some seeds of doubt in the opposition which is a challenge in itself given how dominant Australia has been. But I agree that despite the stiff target, one could see a certain inevitability to the result when they were chasing.
Thanks, Prem.
And I agree. So many countries are able to treat different sports and genders as their own thing. What England do with the Women's Hundred is so good. Ditto, Australia and the WBBL.
Well put, Sarthak.
I see why organisers tap into fans of the men's game to expand women's sport; it sadly comes with shallow engagement and an inability to view the game in its own right.
While there is a uniquely Indian problem here, I think there is a lot we can learn from sports like rugby on how to grow the women's game independently. Their recently concluded Women's XV WC did some mind-boggling numbers, and the organisers were vocal and intentional about it.
You made my day with "For starters, it is downright hilarious to accuse the Indian women’s cricket team of benefitting from nepotistic gifts while mentioning Jay Shah in the same sentence" 🤣🤣🤣.
Well analysed, and written.
Hahah. Thank you!
This was a great read Sarthak. Always enjoy reading your substack. Loved this very apt line - "Indian sports administration operates on the timeline of a cigarette break."
Thank you, Vineet!
We can’t expect anything better from Indian “journalism.” The pressure of playing at home is further accentuated by the knowledge of the existence of the Devendra Pandeys of the world, I guess. And it partly explains the close losses! The Indian team was the only team that challenged the Australian team and it is not a foregone conclusion that they will lose the semifinal. I wish them good luck, at least to tell the naysayers to STFU!
Well, I was right! Totally delighted with this incredible win. I am so chuffed that I don’t even care if they don’t end up winning the whole thing.
Totally!
I watched the Australia game live, and it wasn't much of a challenge, tbh. :) But I hear your point. We shouldn't write the headlines before the referee blows the whistle. Chances are bleak, but you never know.
Also, couldn't agree more on the pressure that surrounds this team. It's a good thing, that so many people at least pretend to be invested, but the tone has been so jarring.
Challenge in a relative sense - look at what happened to SA, the second ranked team, yesterday. By putting up 330, they certainly put some seeds of doubt in the opposition which is a challenge in itself given how dominant Australia has been. But I agree that despite the stiff target, one could see a certain inevitability to the result when they were chasing.