We dont give our heroes what they deserve!

And that is why we are nothing in the sports world compared to minnows who play in the soccer world cup ! It is appalling that uncharitable comments are surfacing from all corners regarding Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly, all because India have lost the first two matches of the current one-day series to Australia.

Are these three responsible for the state of affairs? And that too because they happen to be seniors! How can we lose our perspective in such a short time? To doubt the integrity, commitment and ability of this fabulous trio amounts to nothing less than sacrilege. I am very hurt.

Do we need to remind poeple that Sachin, Sourav and Rahul are legends? You have to be lucky to see such cricketers . Their loyalty is unflinching and their cricket absolutely impeccable. If India is faring badly, it is not because of them. The fault lies elsewhere.

Having carried Indian cricket on its shoulders, I am sure this trio deserves to be treated with compassion. It is unfair to question their place in the team. Personally, I think they need to play at the right positions. If Sachin, Sourav and Rahul are in the final eleven, they have to bat in the same order. There are no other positions for them.

Ponting bats only at number three; Hayden only plays as an opener; so does Gilchrist. The same policy should apply to our distinguished trio.

I know there has been talk of having Mahendra Dhoni at number three. There is merit in the argument but the urgency is misplaced. Dhoni has grown as a cricketer. I saw the match when he was belting the bowlers mercilessly in Kenya for India `A'. He was simply breathtaking. All great players bat at three. So should Rahul, and Dhoni can wait.

Rahul's record proves. His presence lends balance to the team. He has been an outstanding batsman right through and can control the game at number three. This talk of utilising the power play with an attacking batsman doesn't appeal to me. What happens when we slide to be four wickets down in the first 15 overs, . And now that we have a ball change after 35 overs, it is important to have wickets in hand and it is here that Rahul's role assumes greater importance.

Sachin and Sourav have tormented bowlers for more than a decade as a dashing opening pair. Their association has been awesome. How short can public memory be! They all did well in England where we lost 3-4 matches. Sachin scored 374 with four half-centuries in which 71, 94 and 99 were in a winning cause. Sourav made 249 and Rahul 223. They lent quality to the team's campaign in difficult conditions.

There is too much banter about youngsters, youngsters. It is one thing to be young and another to be ready to deliver. Are our youngsters ready to deliver? I firmly believe that the youngsters need to earn their places and learn to wait.

Rahul and Sourav had to wait; Yuvraj and Kaif had to wait; Gautam and Uthappa had to wait; Sree Santh, RP and Irfan had to wait. Only Sachin never had to wait. Why don't we accept the fact that there is something called transition period for every team and there is a grooming process for every player.

Why are we always in a hurry to drop players when they come in and bring back players when they go out. It is a phenomenon known only to Indian cricket. It is not going to help anyone.

It is time we realize that Indian cricket is going through a tough phase. There is a new man at the helm. His style of captaincy is new and fresh, so please allow him to settle down as he takes his decisions. Let us not be in a hurry to pick and discard after every match that India lose. India are playing against the best team in the world and things should be seen in the proper perspective before we draw conclusions.

The calendar is packed and the youngsters will get their chances but not at the expense of experienced players. I would also request our administrators to avoid conflicting statements. The BCCI should have just one spokesman on team matters. What was the need for Mr Niranjan Shah to publicly embarrass Sourav at Hyderabad?

I appeal to all cricket fans to be reasonable towards the team. And please treat Sachin, Sourav and Rahul with the respect they deserve. They have served Indian cricket with dignity and until the time they decide to retire, please support them. Such heroes have been rare in Indian cricket.