Motu was jumping up and down in joy disturbing Chotu’s nap.

Bhaiyaa Motu, what’re you so thrilled about?

Imran Khan, one of my favourite cricketers, is going to become Pakistan’s captain, err PM. He’s leading in the elections, Chotu.

Accha?

Haan , he’s clean bowled Sharif saheb and Zardari saheb and his team looks all set to win the match.

But Motu, aren’t Sharif saheb and Zardari saheb using the DRS to appeal against the umpire’s decision?

Oh, they well can Chotu but you know what, they don’t stand a chance. Even if Imran had gotten them in a no-ball, the third umpire will not recall the batsman.

Why do you say that Motu?

Simple Chotu, I’m sure you know who’s the coach for Imran’s team. It’s the all-powerful Bajwa saheb . His is the last word in Pakistan.

Sahi baat , Motu. I was astonished with the field placements by Imran this match. He had two fine legs, a short cover, no slips and a long leg.

Imran has always fancied himself in the field, Chotu, so no surprises there. But tell me, what do you think his election means for Team India?

Oh well, if he turns out to be what he’s always professed himself to be, then it’s bad news. We can expect bouncers and fast deliveries aimed at the rib cage.

But Motu, I believe he’s given a conciliatory speech today and mentioned the words “peace” and “India” in the same line...

That’s right, Chotu, he did say that he’s the one man in Pakistan who knows India best. But the problem is that he has access to a dangerous bowler that he can pick in his side, a bowler who can bowl chinamans.

Motabhai, what did you have for breakfast today. You seem to be in your elements. The chinaman is a delivery that Indians don’t know how to play.

Haan Chotu, Indians are obsessed with the chinaman ball but still don’t know what to make of it. Do you think Imran will pick the chinaman bowler?

Well, of course, Motu. Bajwa saheb and the chinaman bowler are thick friends and remember, Imran will have to play by the rules of the coach even if they run contrary to the game.

And do you think he’ll pick Abdul Qadir in his team again, Chotu?

Qadir has gone into quiet retirement but he’s left behind a few potent deliveries developed in association with the chinaman bowler that can cause mayhem in a match between India and Pakistan. I’m sure the coach has enough substitutes for Qadir whom he’ll unleash.

Oh, that’s bad news. Our team selection is coming up shortly and there’s a period of instability ahead as our selectors sit down to choose the team in 2019.

Yes, that’s a cause for worry, Motu. And Imran and his coach are fully aware of our team’s weaknesses. We need a strong batting line-up. The present captain appears strong but that was when he played against Nawaz saheb .

Precisely, Chotu. Remember, Nawaz saheb lost his captaincy only because the coach felt he was not being hostile enough against our team.

There’s one point though, Motu. Irrespective of who the captain of the Pakistan team was, the coach has always reigned supreme.

And Team India knows everything about Pakistan’s coach and his objectives. So, I don’t think there’s much to worry about.

Haan Chotu. On that note, let’s go have a dum pukht biryani to celebrate Imran’s victory.

Related Topics
comment COMMENT NOW