Nehru Cup: Criticism Is A Good Sign - Mahesh Gawli

While the Lebanese media doesn’t consider their country’s victory over India newsworthy, the case is quite the opposite in India.

The Men in Blue have been at the receiving end of all the blatant attack launched by several reviewers and ex-players. Instead of worrying about all the negative talks about them, Gawli sees the brighter side of things.

“Earlier, people weren’t interested when India would play as they felt that we couldn’t do anything but lose. When people criticize it’s a sign that they expect you to do something, which is good.

“People are taking interest in what we do. That gives us the confidence,” said the experienced defender with an equally wise head.

One of the upshots after the Indian defeat has been the ‘grass talk.’ Bob Houghton, the Indian coach, felt that the tournament organisers should have ensured that the ground was in a better condition.

“They haven’t maintained the ground at all. The grass was too long which I believe they did in order to cover the patches on the ground,” said Gawli.

The Dempo SC star felt that the whole affair could have been better handled by the organisers as they knew about the Independence Day festivities and the hosting of the Nehru Cup at the Ambedkar Stadium in advance.

“If you have events on a stadium just days before an international tournament is to kick-off, what can you say?” questioned Gawli.

He further stated that the cricket stadium could have been utilized for the same as there isn’t much activity happening there.

“They could have had the Independence Day event at the cricket stadium. They know the Nehru Cup is to happen and still had the event. The grass needed to be cut. Things could have been better handled,” he added.

The positive man that Gawli is, he immediately focuses on the job at hand than the ‘what could have or have not.’

“We know what lies ahead of us. We have to win the next few games irrespective of the ground conditions.”  

Rahul Bali.