Royal Challengers: Mallya’s malady

Whatever Vijay Mallya has done, he has always done in style. He is known to scoop up pretty beauties in his arms and play “Richard Branson” for the Indian media. But this time the hero, the big-wig, all-hail Mallya has fallen flat on his face.

His team, Royal Challengers, playing in the Indian Premier League has hardly posed a challenge! Except perhaps to the sensibilities of the PCB who claim that the team is doing surrogate liquor advertising, and its Muslim players are flouting Islamic tenets by being part of such a cricket team.

If this wasn’t enough hard luck, Charu Sharma – the CEO Royal Challengers and Venkatesh Prasad – team coach, seemed to be part of a verbal battle owing to the non-performance of their team. Of course, the boss was upset and, no sooner said than done, they were fired.

Now, Dravid is all emotional and he too has threatened to walk out. Not that it appears too great a loss if that happens! Rahul has displayed a really lackluster performance throughout the on going series. He and his boys, whom he has picked, seem to lack drive, spirit and coordination.

But is he entirely to blame? No, ultimately the flak needs to be taken by Mallya. He made the decision to choose Rahul Dravid and Charu Sharma. And as the owner he decided to sit back and let them choose his team. He believed they knew better than him.

Well, if that was the case then why sit and whine and start washing dirty laundry in public. First of all, common sense, Rahul excels in Test. So, the first decision itself was wrong. Why did Mallya not use his mind? Why did Mallya not have an expert panel to judge selection? When Mallya acquired companies internationally did he blindly go with the decision of his marketing and finance heads?

The truth is Mallya basks in the glory of controversy. And yes he may be breathing fire, but this beer bellied man is clearly enjoying his tryst with his pet – the media – once again…