The Supreme Court's observations on the Indian Premier League fiasco appears to have had an effect on the Indian team at the World T20, as its media manager, Dr R N Baba, has issued a gag order on the media, stating that questions "only on ICC World Twenty20" will be entertained.
As soon as Dr Baba came to the press conference arena with Rohit Sharma -- captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni again stayed away -- he announced that questions should only be related to "India team and the World Twenty20".
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However, a senior Indian scribe promptly told Dr Baba that he need not state the obvious, as the journalists know that Rohit is not in a position to answer questions pertaining to the IPL controversy.
Yet, two journalists from the Western media asked Rohit in a roundabout manner whether the incidents (Supreme Court proceedings) back home have affected the team.
Rohit handled both questions admirably, without trying to duck for cover.
"It's important for us to focus as we have a big job in our hands right now. When we came here, we were determined to win the tournament. We have won two out of two matches, which is a good sign and tomorrow is another crucial game for us. At the moment, our focus is on tomorrow's game which is important for us to win," he said.
When another scribe asked the same question with a pointer that whether players have spoken about it among themselves, pat came the reply, "No, not at all. As I said, before, the focus is on World T20, it's an important tournament for us. We have a big job to do tomorrow and we are focussed on that."
Interestingly, Dhoni, who as skipper of Chennai Super Kings and a vice-president of India Cements has direct connection with the fiasco, was conspicuous by his absence from the mandatory media conference.
However, Dr Baba later clarified that he "will from now on be available if India loses any match or else the man of the match will be coming to attend the customary press meets."
Image: Rohit Sharma
