30 yard circle of life

Nants umlolongi bagithi umama [Here comes a coach, Mother]
Sithi uhm umlolongi [Oh yes, it's a coach]
Nants umlolongi bagithi baba
Sithi uhhmm umlolongi
Umlolongi
Siyo Nqoba [We're going to conquer]

From the day we arrive on the Team
And blinking, step into the spotlight
There's more to experience than can ever be experienced
More to achieve than can ever be achieved
There's far too much to take in face
More to face than can ever be faced
But the ball rolling along
Through the green grass
Keeps fit and tough on the endless round

It's the Circle of Cricket
And it moves us all
Through form and touch
Through thick and thin
Till we find our position
On the path unwinding
In the Circle
The Circle of Cricket

- Ripped off from The Circle of Life (The Lion King), with due apologies to Elton John (music), Tim Rice (Lyrics) and Carmen Twillie (the voice).

Team India has come a full circle - that's what I distinctly felt, when I saw this. I double checked to see if Wadekar's statement was circa 1999, but he has been interviewed just a couple of hours ago. So, even at the risk of sounding humorous, I have to ask where has Ajit Wadekar been in the last few years? Was he in a coma? Or was he "Taken"?

Regardless of the condition of Wadekar's mental stabilities, the comment looks stupid and Rediff certainly has done what it does best, raise up shit just for the heck of it. Wadekar's opinions on this issue are skewed. Sandeep Patil might be the right person, but the fact that Kenya made it to the semis in WC 2003 is not reason enough for me. Let us not forget that the security issues pertaining to Zimbabwe and Kenya, were also reasons for their semi final appearance. My take on this issue is, let the seniors in the team decide who they want with them. That's the way sports work these days, even team sports. Ultimately the players are the resources that the Board and ergo the country's hope thrives on and it definitely pays to keep them happy. So, Mr. Wadekar, if the players decide that Sandeep Patil is the right person, he will be chosen.

Anyways, Adios JW! In my book, you are the best there ever will be! Even considering that India is right now languishing at the same stage (as a team) that it was in when you took over, my opinion will not change. Team India's state today is a re-affirmation that life comes full circle once in a while. The positives from your tenure are not apparent in the results. Well, they actually are, but the positives are more glaring when the general state of the team, with respect to composition, fitness and the attitudes, is considered.

Thanks, John, for everything....