The further saffronisation of India’s cricket team, the succession of a calm-browed, apolitical Rahul Dravid by a volatile courtier of the junta has numerous entailments.

It’s where Orwell’s timeworn ‘war minus the shooting’ metaphor falls short.

He brought a unique spirit to cricket – an expansiveness and chivalry. To face him must have been like having your pocket picked then given your wallet back.

Heartily abused online and even criticised by a former Australian PM for his views on the political show put up at the Ahmedabad stadium in early March, a celebrated sports journalist pens a special piece for 'The Wire', recounting his experience.