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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

‘Tiger’ backs ‘Cockroach’

Mumbai: The Shiv Sena (UBT) became the first political party to openly support the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) launched by a Maharashtra youth Abhijeet Dipke who launched a huge protest in New Delhi on Saturday. In a strong statement, SS (UBT) President and ex-CM Uddhav Thackeray threw his weight behind the CJP as thousands of youngsters hit the streets of New Delhi in the scorching sun, not for politics but for their future. “Those whom we call the architects of the nation's future have come...

‘Tiger’ backs ‘Cockroach’

Mumbai: The Shiv Sena (UBT) became the first political party to openly support the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) launched by a Maharashtra youth Abhijeet Dipke who launched a huge protest in New Delhi on Saturday. In a strong statement, SS (UBT) President and ex-CM Uddhav Thackeray threw his weight behind the CJP as thousands of youngsters hit the streets of New Delhi in the scorching sun, not for politics but for their future. “Those whom we call the architects of the nation's future have come out carrying their pain, frustration and anxiety about their future. It is wrong to ridicule them as ‘cockroaches’ and deny them justice,” said the SS (UBT) Tiger. Thackeray said the recent NEET paper leak scandal had shattered the dreams of lakhs of students and their families, raising questions in the minds of youngsters whether merit still matters – as the movement which started on social media has spilled onto the streets across the country. “All these aggrieved young men and women are now raising their voices by becoming ‘cockroaches’. The government must listen to their demands. Do not underestimate the ‘cockroaches’ – this is the warning given by the agitation (today) at Jantar Mantar,” said Thackeray sharply. The SS (UBT)’s supportive stance came against the backdrop of mounting anger among students over the alleged irregularities in major public examinations like NEET, CBSE, CUET, and recruitment processes, which has shaken confidence in the country's education system. The Protest Around dawn, Dipke, 30 – who launched the online movement three weeks ago from the USA – reached India as thousands of supporters waited patiently and peacefully near the Parliament Street Police Station. Many waved the National Tricolour, copies of the Constitution or books of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, others carried flowers which they offered to the 1000-plus alert security personnel deployed there, and several sported symbolic cockroach masks. In a brief address, Dipke accused the government of focusing more on the CJP’s online presence than on the serious issues raised by the students. “You may be able to delete our posts, but you cannot erase us from this space,” he roared, amid loud cheers and thundering applause from the crowd. He said there must be accountability in the form of the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, failing which the CJP will continue its protests in New Delhi and also other parts of India. Anticipating detention after his homecoming, Dipke: “I was fully prepared to sacrifice my freedom for this cause.” In a warm gesture, environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk arrived from Ladakh to join the protest, declared himself as an ‘Honorary cockroach’ and expressed solidarity with Dipke. “People ask what is achieved through protests, sit-ins and marches. It proves that we are alive. The government may treat us like insects, but we are alive and capable of fighting for our rights,” mocked the CJP in a social media statement The CJP volunteers repeatedly urged the protestors to maintain decorum and make their impact in a democratic manner, which the crowds adhered to, but raised full-throated slogans intermittently, even as the protest ended without any untoward incidents. Incidentally, the Delhi Police granted permission for the demonstrations by allowing the crowds to gather directly at Jantar Mantar grounds as a ‘one-time exemption’. Demonstrations expressing solidarity to the cause were held in different parts of the country while tight security was deployed outside Dipke’s home in Chhatrapati Sambhajinar. Why are students forced to agitate?: Aaditya Thackeray Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray said why the students are being compelled to agitate when they should be planning out academic future and career options. “The young students exposed the NEET leak scam, or the CBSE marks scandal. The minister should have resigned or should have been sacked, some officials have been transferred but not suspended. The government should be ashamed of the situation,” said Aditya.

Talent Thrust into the Fire

Shubman Gill’s rapid rise to India’s ODI captaincy in late 2025 was billed as the beginning of a bold new chapter for Indian cricket. At just 26, the elegant Punjab batsman had already carved out an impressive resume: a Test average above 50, consistent big scores in white-ball cricket, and a reputation as one of the most technically sound stroke-makers in the modern game. His appointment came on the heels of Rohit Sharma’s retirement from limited-overs formats following India’s successful Champions Trophy campaign in early 2025, where Rohit had led with trademark composure. The BCCI, under chief selector Ajit Agarkar and in consultation with head coach Gautam Gambhir, saw Gill as the natural long-term successor, fast-tracking him to prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Yet, mere months into the role, the initial excitement has given way to intense scrutiny, with a string of disappointing results prompting debates about whether the transition was rushed.


Gill’s ODI captaincy journey began inauspiciously with a three-match series against Australia in October 2025. The opener in Perth was a rain-marred affair reduced to 26 overs, where India lost by seven wickets under the DLS method. Gill managed just 10 runs off 18 balls, undone by the relentless pace of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. The second match saw another collapse under pressure, sealing a 2-1 series defeat despite a dominant consolation win in the third ODI at Sydney, chasing down the target with nine wickets to spare. This made Gill only the second Indian captain after Virat Kohli to lose his debut ODI as skipper, highlighting the brutal initiation he faced in a high-stakes away series.


The situation deteriorated further in January 2026 during the home series against New Zealand. What was expected to be a routine assignment against a transitional Kiwi side turned into a historic setback: New Zealand’s first-ever bilateral ODI series victory on Indian soil. India took the first ODI in Vadodara by four wickets, chasing 301 with composure. However, New Zealand bounced back emphatically in the second at Rajkot, winning by seven wickets after posting a competitive total. The decider in Indore proved decisive—New Zealand amassed 337/8, powered by centuries from Daryl Mitchell (137) and Glenn Phillips (106), before bowling India out for 296 despite Virat Kohli’s valiant 124. The 41-run loss completed a 2-1 series defeat, leaving fans and experts stunned.


In six ODIs as captain, Gill’s record stands at two wins and four losses—a win percentage of just 33.33 per cent, a sharp contrast to India’s historical dominance in the format and Rohit’s roughly 75 per cent success rate over 56 matches. Critics have zeroed in on tactical shortcomings: sluggish powerplay bowling, delayed changes, questionable field placements, and a perceived lack of aggression. Former players like Ajinkya Rahane pointed to missed opportunities in the Indore game, where spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja were underutilized while part-timers bowled more overs. Commentators such as Ian Smith noted Gill appearing “out of ideas” during key partnerships, and Simon Doull criticised his passivity. Social media and platforms like Reddit have echoed this, branding him a “weak captain,” with some fans even demanding his removal following poor domestic Ranji Trophy outings (0 and 14 in one match). Calls have surfaced to reinstate Rohit Sharma, with former cricketer Manoj Tiwary questioning why the BCCI moved on from a proven winner so soon after a major title.


Gill’s personal form offers a silver lining. Since assuming captaincy, he has averaged over 50 in ODIs (though some reports note a dip to around 29-30 in captaincy games compared to pre-captaincy highs near 59), demonstrating resilience under pressure. His batting remains a cornerstone, providing stability at the top. There are also encouraging signs for the future: backing young bowlers like Harshit Rana, who has shown promise, and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who contributed usefully in the New Zealand series. Gill’s Test captaincy, starting mid-2025 after Rohit and Kohli’s retirements from the format, has shown more promise—a hard-fought 2-2 draw in England, including a century in the opener—suggesting multi-format leadership could hone his skills faster, akin to Kohli’s growth.


However, captaincy demands more than runs; it requires aura, decisiveness, and the ability to inspire in crises—qualities Rohit exuded calmly and Kohli fiercely. Gill, with limited prior experience (sporadic IPL stints with Gujarat Titans reaching playoffs but no titles, plus brief T20I captaincy), appears to lack that intangible edge. The BCCI’s choice seems driven by batting pedigree and long-term vision rather than extensive leadership credentials, raising questions of favouritism over merit in a results-oriented sport.


Looking forward, redemption lies in upcoming challenges: tours, the 2026 Asia Cup, and building toward 2027. Consistent series wins could quiet critics and allow Gill to mature. Persistent struggles, though, might force a rethink—perhaps elevating KL Rahul or Suryakumar Yadav.


Gill is undeniably talented, a generational batsman with poise and potential. But talent alone rarely lifts trophies; leadership must match it. For now, his ODI captaincy remains a high-stakes experiment—full of promise yet perilously close to unravelling if results don’t improve soon.


(The writer is a senior journalist based in Mumbai. Views personal.)

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