This refers to Mike Atherton's "Coaching on the sub-continent an impossible job' Times Online, Oct 9, 2008. (And posted in Cricinfo, on 10.10.2008)

The writer bemoans the fact that 'western' coaches, more specifically Greg Chappell, found it impossible to "radically change", and "modernise Indian ways", to "challenge the cosy club of ageing athletic stars"… " 'Princes' running their fiefdoms"… that Chappell, "no matter how great a player he was or how good a coach, was bound to lose."

Why is it that our Media gives so much space to 'outside' opinion on Indian Cricket, while not giving an inch, to the "Indian Cricket Follower' - No place for the 'right to refute' - with facts ?

How many times do we have to slavishly lap up the dishing out from 'foreign hands' - though their offerings can be not just unpalatable, but unsavory as well.

And when they are proved wrong, none of these critics have the grace to retract and 'eat their words'. Au contraire, they unashamedly become 'fair-weather' columnists.

I thought I would treat Mike's shooting off his mouth, with the contempt it deserves, but on second thoughts, I felt it deserves a reply.

Allow me to put the record straight.

How is it that all the 'professional' 'scientific' 'western' methods of coaching have not helped England, South Africa, New Zealand lift the World Cup? No heavyweights there ? Nobody pulling their weight in the teams ?

Has 'modern' training taught these countries how to win a 'live' Test match in Australia ? To get the kangaroos 'hopping mad' ? To play as a team - with sparkling stars?

I must admit though, that when it comes to flocking to 'impossible' India for the cash-rich IPLs (playing or commentating), the western 'professionalism' comes to the fore. The 'wealthy icons' of Australia, England, et al - admittedly, put pelf before self-respect.

As for the 'cosy club' used to playing on their own terms, thank God for that - otherwise India wouldn't have a club of fantastic players proudly playing the 'Indian way', taking Indian Cricket to great heights, and giving Indians so much cheer, pride and joy. Who needs Western bailout plans when we have our own methods of recovery.

May I ask why would we want any coach to come and radically change our 'rich' cricketing ethos.

Do we want to import the 'professional' pub crawling, drunken brawling culture that often characterises the 'ideal western' cricketing outfits ? Or imbibe the indiscipline, misdemeanours and tantrums that western stars exhibit?

Do we want others to 'mould' us to this 'western ideal of how a professional team should function'? Indians don't want to rock the boat (why should we -we do very well for ourselves, thank you) - it is the rock-star western cricketers who dump cricket for the water sports - fishing, boating, 'pedalo'- ing…

Indians may "stroll" on the cricket grounds, but they don't go 'walkabout' - letting down their team-mates and the team. (But yes, winning seems to be akin to taking a ' walk in the park'! )

Indians may "un-athletically" play the game - but they don't unethically put cash before country.

Note: While some Indians (count me in !) would run - to quote from the piece - at "a pace that a tortoise with a double hip replacement would have found comfortable," there are many, who can run in like a 'bolt' from the blue.

While India is now a tourists delight, it is the Indians (contrary to popular opinion) who 'travel very well' (apart from the 'erstwhile' Australians of course !).

Led by the very same 'middle order that has remained unchanged for a decade'.

It is this Club of unchanged men that has changed the face of Indian Cricket. And if 'Chappell found this unacceptable', we find it inexcusable, that he tried his best to oust the man who turned Indian Cricket around. The man who came back from the dead, to reunite with his Club, and take India to a purely Indian-managed Test-series victory in Atherton's backyard. No western coaching here!

Yes, Ganguly has gone out on his own terms. As a champion cricketer - battling it out for India. As did the great Kumble. As will the other Indian stalwarts.

Yes, our 'princes' had a glorious run in Indian Cricket, running their 'Five'dom, brilliantly working the system. And fighting those who try to divide and rule.

Yes, India has a rich and unique cricketing tradition - long may it remain so.

It would be pertinent o give here, the views of another Aussie legend, Bobby Simpson - a highly respected 'Western' Australian Cricketer, who had strongly criticized Chappell for his attitude towards the Indian 'Seniors'.

Simpson said, in April 2007, and I quote from Rediff India Cricket:

"Sachin was a dream to coach…"

"…Obviously Greg Chappell had problems with the attitude of some of the top players. I found his public declaration of his dissatisfaction over the attitude and commitment of his senior players most disappointing.

"His lack of success with the Indian cricket team has come as no surprise to the Australian cricket fraternity. He is admired greatly for his wonderful, graceful and successful batting and I feel he was one of the greatest slip fielders of all time, but his captaincy and coaching did not command the same respect,"…

Mike Atherton should have done some homework, before he rushed to trash Indian Cricket. He still has the grace period - to work it out, and - to submit to realities.