Controversy frequently surrounded the provision of a runner, especially when match is in a crucial stage and Captain of the fielding side is not convinced with the unfitness of the batsman willing for a runner. Controversy which arose in 2009’s Champions Trophy match between South Africa and England is a living example of this hot issue. In this match, English Captain Andrew Strauss refused allowing a runner for Graeme Smith, who had played a long inning and got a cramp in his muscles. Andrew Strauss spoke to the umpire and turned down Smith’s request, which he justified later by saying, “After a long inning, you’re going to be tired. Cramping to a certain extent is a preparation thing. To a certain extent, it’s a conditioning thing. I didn’t feel that he merited having a runner at that stage. My personal view is that you shouldn’t get a runner for cramps, full stop.”

Smith was dismissed soon after reaching to 141, and South Africa eventually lost the match by 22 runs. Had Smith given a runner, perhaps South Africa would have won this match.

Another example, in Chennai 1997 match, Saeed Anwar suffered from a cramp and asked for a runner. He was allowed a runner’s assistance for nearly 30 Overs. This assistance helped him to attain the second highest ODI score of 194. Later in the same match, Rahul Dravid also suffered cramps on his way to a century, but could use a runner’s assistance for only two Overs, as Pakistan’s skipper Rameez Raja questioned his unfitness.

Although it seems against the etiquettes of Cricket and to an extent inhuman, but this is a fact that runner’s assistance can affect fate of the match as well as individual batsman’s performance very much. In addition, it is not easy to determine whether the cramps or pains are due to some sort of sudden illness or due to exhaustive inning played by the batsman. These are the prime reasons why frequently players of opposite team object the runner’s assistance for key batsman.

So, in a way it seems a genuine move to abolish the runner’s assistance to avoid any confusion and the degree of inconsistency in the game. Though, it took hundred years but Better late than never.

Laxmi Ratan Shukla

He has given KKR (Kolkata Knight Riders), a respectable exit with his blistering match winning knock against Rajasthan Royals. He believes that lack of motivation in his team was the main reason for KKR not performing

Laxmi Ratan Shukla spoke with Faisal Siddiqui about the role of destiny in T 20:

Q 1: How was your experience of IPL in South Africa?

Ans: It was really exciting to play Indian Premiere League outside India. In fact it was wonderful. But, the condition over there was very different. Usually, in India, we play in summer. However, we had to play in cold conditions. So, it took time to adapt the wicket condition. But, I think sportsman must be tough enough to adapt to any given situation or condition.

Q 2: What was the secret of your thrilling performance in the last match against Rajasthan Royals?

Ans: I don’t know the secret. But, yes, if you are a good sportsman then there is always a motivation to perform well. I think I executed pretty well. And, most importantly it was my day.

Q 3: What was your role in KKR?

Ans: Every player has pre-defined role in the team. However, you have to decide, what to do and how to do. A teacher can teach you but it’s you who has to write in the exam. It’s solely your responsibility.

Q 4: What’s your take on T20?

Ans: T20 is the world’s toughest job. In fact it’s equally tough- like a mother giving birth to a baby. We all criticize t20 but I tell you it’s easy to talk about this game however, it’s really tough to execute it. I think it’s very important to understand the T20 format, thoroughly to do well. There is a huge pressure in playing T20. As a sports person, I have never experienced before, the kind of pressure and heat involved in T20.

Q5: What went wrong with KKR, actually?

Ans If you are not in top four, then – People think you are stupid. Every team tries hard to approach the final four slots. However, all eight teams cannot reach in the final four. It’s all about the day, I guess. There is a huge element of luck is associated in Twenty20. Lack of motivation in our team was the main reason for us not performing well. Had we been more motivated then probably the result would have been different.

Q6: Don’t you think, if Ganguly would have captained KKR performed better?

Ans: This is a very difficult thing to answer, as I am a part of KKR and I am not supposed to talk about the captaincy or any other controversial issues.

Q7: Can we put some blame on captain or coach?

Ans: To put blame on others is the easiest thing to do in life. Actually, we played bad. We should bat and bowl with sincerity. We had an opportunity of 40 over. Unfortunately, we didn’t utilize it. You cannot put blame on coach. He did his best job. We didn’t execute his lessons well.

Q8: How John motivates the team?

Ans: Well! John is a great coach. Australia won two world cups under his coaching. And, every coach tries his best not only to motivate the team but also to get success but at the end of the day, it’s you who has to perform.

Q9: If you would be a skipper, how would you have done thing differently?

Ans: Everybody tries his best and if I would be a captain probably I would try my best as well. But it’s all about the day. Sometime, it works and sometimes it doesn’t

Q10: Why KKR locked his good bowler like Charl Langeveldt?

Ans: It was really unfortunate that he couldn’t play more matches. It was a team management decision, which had no personal reasons. The decision was taken for the betterment of club. There was no personal reason involved. Everybody had a positive motive including coach, captain and management. There are time when, their calculation works and there are time when, it doesn’t. And, It was really sad that he ignored however, the motive wasn’t be wrong.

Q11: What is the success key to win the matches in IPL?

Ans: Look, all teams are equals in IPL. You have to be a very good performer on that day. And, as I already mentioned T20 is one of the toughest things in the world. One has to be very focussed throughout the match. One requires a very good planning. But, Apart from all hard work, in T20, There is a large amount of degree of luck is associated. Whatever you try must click. And, at the end of the day, it must be your day. However, ‘Hard work comes before luck’

Q12: What are the fond memories of IPL, you have?

Ans: It’s a great pleasure to play with KKR. It’s a wonderful feeling to play with Shahrukh khan’s Team. He is a big brand and a great motivator. Especially, His inspiring messages mean a lot. And, obviously, to play with Saurav Ganguly is also a great opportunity. There is always a room for learning with dada if you want