It's time Indians respect champions

I had been to the opening match of the IPL. Kolkata Knight Riders against Bangalore Royal Challengers. The former batted first. The first wicket, that of Ganguly, had just fallen. In walked Ponting amidst loud 'boos'. Shouts of 'Ponting, cheater' filled the stands. I never understood the rationale behind such crowd behavior.

Is Ponting really a cheat? I don't think so. He hasn't done anything wrong that would prompt one to call him so. In fact, I find it really surprising when people talk ill of the Australian attitude. It takes great discipline and determination to attain the level of competitiveness that Australians display. They play hard and fair and I don't see anything wrong in that. Somehow, sledging or "gamesmanship" is often linked to Australians. Is there a team that refrains itself from this?

I am sure the crowd reacted the same way again during the 1st Test match played last week. This time Ponting has answered with his bat. It requires a strong character to play an innings like he did, especially after all the hype that surrounded his lack of decent record in India. Of course, the early wicket helped his cause as he didn't have to face the spinners straight away. But he didn't show any signs of weakness in the second innings as well, where he had to play Bhajji first up.

Anyway, it was sad to see the captain of a champion side like Australia getting such a reception. Champions in the Indian side like Sachin, Dravid, Laxman and Kumble are treated with great respect whenever Indians go down under. It's time Indian public reciprocate this attitude of respecting champions. They don't come by too often :-)