Many fans have expressed wonder and excitement at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) using Google Forms for applications, which has created an upsurge of reactions in response to the team's hunt for a new head coach. A person who goes by the handle @SudiptoDoc on X (previously Twitter) claimed to have applied for the prestigious position, and this was one of the amusing answers on social media.
The BCCI's decision to accept applications via Google Forms has been met with mixed reactions. Some fans found it offensive that such a high-profile position would be advertised in this manner, while others responded with memes and sarcastic comments. One notable reaction came from @SudiptoDoc, a doctor, who humorously detailed his gully cricket credentials in his application.
“I have played gully cricket in my school years. My balls were unplayable; I mean, the balls I bowled were unplayable because they never reached the stumps at the batsman’s end. I was a stylish batsman too. Very stylish, so to speak. Sun hat, shades, chewing gum, sunscreen, and a and a red kerchief jutting out of my trouser pocket. the works, you see," the user wrote.
He continued to describe his fielding ability, stating, “My fielding was just incomparable because it used to be a treatise on no less than applied physics. I made accurate estimates of the velocity, momentum, gravity, and ballistics of the ball before making a run for it, and I was always theoretically correct, even if my teammates thought otherwise. Maybe I wasn’t a wicketkeeper, but who cares when you excel in all other departments of the game?"
In another story, he shared an incident from last month when he played tennis ball cricket in his neighborhood. While fielding at mid-off, he attempted to catch a ball hit directly at him but was struck on the nose and eye, causing him to fall and bleed. He humorously concluded, “I fell down. Simple physics.”
The BCCI's criteria for the head coach position include having played at least 30 Test matches or 50 ODIs or having coached a full-member Test-playing nation for at least two years. It also requires a BCCI Level 3 accreditation or its equivalent, as well as three years of experience as the head coach of an associate member, IPL franchise, or equivalent.
Despite these stringent qualifications, fans have taken to X to share their humorous applications. One user requested Elon Musk remove @SudiptoDoc's blue tick, accusing him of misusing the ability to write long sentences. Another commented, “All the best for the interview. Kohli ki har baat se bas agree hi karna hai (Agree with Kohli on whatever he says). It should be easy."
Fans from all throughout the nation have been ready to apply in the search for Rahul Dravid's replacement. Famous cricketers like Anil Kumble and VVS Laxman are thought to be possible candidates. According to the BCCI, the application procedure would entail a careful examination of all applications, followed by in-person interviews and evaluations of the individuals who made the short list. The deadline for applications is May 27, 2024.
(Input from various media sources)
(Rehash/ Susmita Bhandary/MSM)