It's deja vu all over again

By Gulu Ezekiel

A wretched opening ceremony, plenty of rain and a possible early exit for the hosts.
The World T-20 is beginning to give déjà vu to cricket fans around the world.
Exactly 10 years back when England last hosted a World Cup (50 overs that time), it was precisely this scenario that unfolded.
The Netherlands defeating the inventors of cricket at (the former) home of cricket though really takes the cake!
Another familiar World Cup scenario is a little masala thrown into the mix in relation to the Indian squad.
Back in 1999 there were calls for captain Mohammad Azharuddin’s head midway through the tournament when it looked like India would fail to make the second stage. They finally did but it all fizzled out after that.
Then four years later in South Africa, a poor performance against the Dutch and defeat at the hands of Australia in the group matches and once again the Indian public were baying for blood.
In 2003 the fans were encouraged by some loudmouthed former cricketers now masquerading as expert commentators who really should have known better than to whip up passions.
Eventually the public backlash worked wonders. The Indians made it all the way to final for the first time since 1983, before being routed by Australia.
This time around it was one mischievous report in a newspaper that is known to float rumours that stirred things up within the team.
I always shudder when I see a question mark against a headline that too on the front page and this time was no different.
Captain MS Dhoni has done well to tell it like it is and give a piece of his mind to the media. Hopefully, this too will motivate his boys to show what they are worth.
On the other hand, India’s opening match on Saturday night is against Bangladesh.
Remember the 2007 World Cup. Let’s hope it’s not déjà vu for Indian fans this time!