Agencies
Bangalore, Feb 12: The war of words that precedes every cricket series between India and Australia has spilled over to hockey.
In what seems to be a blatant effort to touch a raw nerve among Indians, Australian men's hockey team coach Ric Charlesworth has reportedly declared that the Aussies would beat India 10-0 during the latter's tour Down Under.
His Indian counterpart, Harendra Singh, has been equally sarcastic in his riposte: "Indian hockey is not in a such a bad state that it will lose 10-0 to Australia or any side. If that happens it will be the last day of my association with hockey," Harendra said.
On the face of it, these statements look as if they would set the tone for India's short series in Brisbane.
But dig deeper and you would find Charlesworth's bitterness in not landing the job of Indian coach despite being so close to it last year.
Ever since the Oz legend left India in a huff in July last year, finding many faults with the system and the government - many of them genuine though - he has missed no chance to question the credentials of Indian coaches or advertise himself as the messiah who was so cruelly shown the door.
There is more to it than just a tale of sour grapes, however. Being a professional, Charlesworth always believed India could never make it to the big league in a short period.
Four years, he said, and none in India actually believed him. He has a lot of faith in Indian players - the talent here was greater than any other country, he always said - but feels they are being done in by poor administration and organisation.
In such a scenario, his remarks that India can be Australia's whipping boys, may not be out of place. Only that they are callous views that have given rhetoric pride of place.
Add to this his message to renowned coach Jose Brasa - who the Indian hockey dispensation is keen to rope in - that it would be wise if the Spaniard got in touch with him before accepting the offer, and Charlesworth's ability to frequently shoot from the lip becomes a lot clearer.
India will not be playing the Australian national team in Brisbane. They will take on the Australian Hockey League champions Queensland Blades on February 14 and 15 before facing the nation's development squad on February 17 and 18 before leaving for New Zealand.