Even as other players slog it out in the IPL to justify their auction prices and rake in the moolah, it is none other than Ashok Dinda laughing all the way to the bank – Yes Bank, i.e. The West Bengal pacer has been promoted to Vice President of the bank in recognition of his yeoman contribution to promoting the Yes Bank brand via the innumerable ‘Yes Bank maximums’ off his bowling. Dinda will swipe his trademark headband for a pinstriped suit and laptop to work as a staid banker when not bowling (and getting whacked) on the field.
Announcing the decision, CEO of the Yes Bank group, Rana Kapoor, said, “We are immensely grateful to Ashok Dinda for his contribution to Yes Bank. With his full tosses, half-trackers and length deliveries at crucial moments in the game, Ashok has single-handedly made Yes Bank a household name. Now we no longer cringe when Danny Morrison screams that its an “Yes Bank Maximum” or feel stupid about paying a ton of money in sponsoring this silly phrase.” Market research reveals that after any match featuring Dinda, Yes Bank’s deposit base increases overnight by 10%.
Fellow cricketers have lauded the military medium bowler’s corporate reward. “Fully justified,” raved AB de Villiers, one of the batsmen at the receiving end of Dinda’s low full tosses. “It takes a special talent to be able to bowl the yorker that ends up as a low full toss so that it can be scooped over the ropes. Dinda has done more than any one else to make this tournament come alive with his fine exposition of his craft.”
Yes Bank originally intended to bestow this honour upon RCB opener, Chris Gayle, before someone pointed out that Ashok Dinda’s contribution – 5 out of 6 maximums in this tournament are off Dinda’s deliveries – was far higher than the towering West Indian’s. “Yes, that’s right. Chris’s contribution is not a patch on Dinda. It is still substantial though, because of which we’ve made him a middle level manager in Yes Bank. He will report directly to Ashok Dinda,” revealed a Yes Bank spokesperson.
Ashok Dinda’s elevation has left most batsmen and bowlers happy except fellow fast bowler, Ashish Nehra, who did not even grin and show his teeth after hearing the news.