Sir — In spite of the extent of death and disease suffered by Indians in the first two waves of the pandemic, anytime a festival rolls around, people can be seen gathering in large numbers. This blatant disregard for social distancing norms was witnessed, once again, when people celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi. Devotees were seen jostling in temples and taking part in processions. This is bound to spread the infection further. People seem to have forgotten the dreadful scenes of numerous pyres and patients gasping for breath. Must things be that serious for people to be careful?
Ananya Mohite,
Mumbai
Foul delivery
Sir — The last-minute cancellation of the final Test match between India and England was an anticlimactic ending to an otherwise thrilling series (“Manchester madness”, Sep 11). The root cause of this fiasco is the recklessness of the head coach, Ravi Shastri, who thought it wise to attend a book launch at a crowded venue in breach of Covid-19 protocols. The captain of the Indian cricket team, Virat Kohli, and other members were present at the event as well. Since then, Shastri and a few other members of the support staff have tested positive. This led to the Indian team refusing to play for fear of spreading the disease further.
However, one cannot help but wonder that if all players tested negative, was it really necessary to cancel the final match altogether? Had the players gone ahead with the match, there was a high probability that the Indian team could have won the series and scripted history. After India’s gripping victory in the fourth Test at The Oval, all of us had hoped that the final match of the series would be just as riveting.
But it seems that the Board of Control for Cricket in India had other priorities — perhaps the Indian Premier League which is about to start in less than 10 days. If any of the Indian players test positive or even quarantine during the IPL, it would result in huge economic losses for the BCCI and the franchise owners. The lure of money has well and truly corrupted cricket.
N.V. Krishnan,
Chennai
Sir — It is unfortunate that an interesting Test series had to be cancelled because of Covid-19. After Ravi Shastri and at least four other members of the support staff tested positive for the disease, it seemed wise to cancel the final match. Although there are rumours that the match may be rescheduled, it seems unlikely with the IPL around the corner.
Had Shastri and other members of the Indian team followed protocol and refrained from attending the unveiling of Shastri’s book, the series could have continued as planned. Not only is it disappointing for the fans, but the cancellation is also unfair to the English team. The Indian team must be held accountable for their irresponsible behaviour.
C.K. Subramanian,
Navi Mumbai
Sir — The cancellation of the fifth Test between India and England at Old Trafford was completely avoidable. After the coach of the Indian team and support staff tested positive for Covid-19, the England and Wales Cricket Board was left with no option but to cancel the match. But did it really have to come to this? We are currently in the midst of a pandemic and had the team members been mindful of the consequences of their actions, they would have refrained from attending a crowded event. But they failed to take even basic precautions. Such callous behaviour is unforgivable.
Minakshi Baruah,
Guwahati
Lost gem
Sir — It was deeply saddening to read about the demise of the Nehruvian diplomat, Keshav Desiraju, at the relatively early age of 66 (“Like no other”, Sep 11). It is poetic that he would take his last breath on the birth anniversary of his grandfather and the second president of India, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. It is rare to find an honest and humble civil servant these days, who is equally respected by the people he serves as well as his peers. He will be missed.
K. Nehru Patnaik,
Visakhapatnam
