Let’s do a quick recap on the behaviour model in modern-day cricket. There is a fiery young player who does a lot more than play cricket. His behaviour is erratic, he comments on the personal lives of opposition players. And, at times, he has the ability to bowl out a team.

And if things do not go his way, he can slap  - yes you heard it right - slap.

It was a great sight to see how the Indian touring squad in Australia backed this player against various accusations. But the same player showed more of his uncultured side this week. We are talking about Harbhajan Singh.

'If cricket wants to take on football through the success of the IPL, it needs to sort out players like Harbhajan and Sreesanth'


The spinner should be made to face the Indian nation which stood by him in Australia, after his dramatic slapping of Sri Sreesanth. What kind of precedent has he set for Indian cricket?

The 11-match ban does not not fix the problem, a more severe ban would hardly have been questioned. The BCCI is supposed to be anti-sledging and against bad behaviour on the field. So let them stand up and make a statement confirming this line.

Sreesanth is another undisciplined player who uses the cricket field like a stage for showmanship and acts of bizarre behaviour, rather than concentrating on bowling.

If cricket wants to take on football through the success of the IPL, it needs to sort out players like Harbhajan and Sreesanth.

The BCCI and Harbhajan are at the crossroads of image enhancement. It will be interesting to see how BCCI tries to make Indian cricket a gentleman’s game. They have talked the talk about improving the game's image. Now it is time for actions to speak louder than words.

As for Harbhajan - this is not the first time he has had to face disciplinary action. He needs to think carefully about his future behaviour.

If he does not improve his image, he will be remembered in the future more for issues around his behaviour rather than for his cricketing skills.