2nd of April,2011-The greatest moment for an indian cricket fan,the moment every fan yearned from the day he understood the meaning of runs and wickets,a moment profused with ecstacy,pride and self-gratification.the moment of culmination of the journey from "A bunch of 10 little Indians and a star" to "A cricket team with an inspiring champion and a great leader ".Cricket for a fan in an inexplicable way is linked with the natonal identity ,though it does not play any miunuscul part in potraying the true image of a nation.Cricketing victories gives the fan a sense of pride,a feeling of joy and a infinitesimal moment of running away from the materialistic world.This victory is the consummation of the little unsaid dream in every cricket fan's heart, the apogee of Mt.Everest,nothing more and nothing less.
There was this 8 year old kid witnessing India vanquising Pakistan in the 1996 world cup and then being agonisingly kicked out of it inspite of Sachin's heroics throughout the tournament.It was the birth of the kid into yet another indian cricket fanatic.The Indian team was then a bunch of people with two or three individual big-guns trying to maintain its reputation of being the ambitious hosts and the disgraceful tourists.Alas the kid was blessed enough to be a beholder of the making of the greatest batsman of his generation.Sachin was the superman both the kid deserved and needed.The kid even never minded his hero's failure to rescue the team as a leader,as the kid knew that his hero was destined only to be the batting God and nobody else.Roger Federer cannot hit home runs,can he ?
The indian cricket team saw the arrival of two promising and intriguing young men,one left-handed with the greatest of timings and the other right-handed with the purest of techniques.The team started earning respect outside the country ,but still a test victory seemed a far fetched dream.The 1999 world cup came and went with flashes of brilliance from the team but the dearth of talent,energy,focus,consistency was clearly evident.During the course of the tournament ,the kid had become a holistic cricket lover and enjoyed watching one of the greatest one day innings from an Australian who also incidentally was the architect and inspiration for the world cup triumph.This australian captain(widely known as Stephen Rodger Waugh) who was an epitome of hardwork and perseverence was given a special place in the kid's heart.
Then there was the change of throne and the prince was made the Maharaja of Indian cricket.The attitude changed,Balls were chased till they reached the boundary,Men started diving in the field and teenagers started getting a place in the Indian dressing room . Even the master was asked to sacrifice his opening position for the team.There was a vision,a plan and a path.More importantly,the path was steadfastly pursued through victories and defeats.Two youngmen fashioned a historic run chase in the mecca of cricket.The kid had grown into a boy and knew the nitty-gritty of the game now(thanks to Harsha Bhogle and the bunked classes at school).The Indian team put a proud display of grit and tenacity at the 2003 world cup and ended as the second best team of the tournament.A billion hearts crashed(including the boy's) when the punter produced the innings of his lifetime to bat India out of the world cup final.But the boy knew he could walk with his head held high without shame.All these years ,there were two great statesmen decades,one be-spectacled engineer who also bowled mesmerising leg spin and one stylish Hyderabadi artist who also hit those boundaries English batman would never play even in their dreams.
You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villian.The Maharaja seemed to be at the helm more than his time.The ODI format never needed the impregnability of the wall anymore .The boy had gone to college and was denied the chance to see the 2007 world cup in his hostel.What did he do?He started standing infront of tea-stalls,hotels and even spent a night in a barber shop, only to see his beloved team going toothless and bowing out in the first round .It was one of the darkest moment in Indian cricket history and the team was desperately in need a saviour.Indian cricket was due for an overhaul and needed fresh legs to carry it farward.The prince decided to move on .Wait,what has he done to indian cricket ?He just built an indian team that will conquer the world one day.(In the names of Shewag,Gambhir,Yuvraj,Zaheer,Harbhajan,Nehra and Dhoni).Meanwhile the test team grew from strength to strength,the batting order became the best ever in indian history.The disgraceful tourists became the most feared.
The master made the masterstroke again,this time off the pitch though ,by choosing the next leader of the Inidan team.The 2007 T20 world cup broadcasted the arrival of something positively suprising to Indian cricket,a leader whose demeanour was calm and confident and a team that had the courage to take bold decisions without the fear of losing.A hardworking veteran was made the coach.Throughout all these changes in the Indian cricket,the boy's hero remained a constant.There was this aura about the leader and his team-a blend of aggression,street-smartness,youth,experience and they finallly started playing for each other.There were ebbs and flows,so were patience and perseverence.Here came the 2011 world cup,the man from Ranchi showed the world what differentiates a leader from a captain..Finally the hour of joy arrived,the moment belonged to the master,the cup belonged to the captain and the rest to the ordinary cricket fan.It is truely a night to remember.....
Showing posts with label Cricket-the Game. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cricket-the Game. Show all posts
Monday, April 11, 2011
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Out of My Comfort Zone:The Steve Waugh Story
If you are a cricket fan,go and grab this book now or else you are not exposed completely to what cricket is all about.The book that reveals the heart of a man who was one of the architechts of the Australian success in Cricket.Stephen Rodger Waugh is one of those very few cricketers whose life is a lesson itself...
He is a genius,not by birth ,but acuqired it through sheer grit,perseverence and hardwork.The book is foreworded by our very own Rahul Dravid who sums up everything in his last few words
"When I hit the winning runs in Adelaide,Steve found the ball and handed it to me.I still have it and it is signed by him."
His entire career can be divided into three periods, his early days where his place was insecure and as he fought against his mind and talent to fit into the Australian eleven,the days he shone with the bat and ball and went on to become the Australian captain,the days when he became the helm of Australian cricket,which reveals the true person in him.
Honesty is one thing that any true fan of him expects from him and he does not disappoint his fans.The match fixing incident,the controversial catch in WestIndies,the indifferences with ACB and every other things that an ordinary cricket fan wants to know about the life on the field, is beautifully presented.The facts like one of his 'backyard pitches' near his home produced enormous turn that actually made mark waugh to make that mid-wicket shot his very own,Steve Waugh's description of his character of wanting to be the best but not wanting to get the attension,how Shane Warne predicted the Gibbs dropped catch at the 1999 world cup are just amazing.
It is sure for sure that the book elevates our stand as a true cricket fan one step higher and help us understand how onw has to out of his comfort zone to acheive greatness...
He is a genius,not by birth ,but acuqired it through sheer grit,perseverence and hardwork.The book is foreworded by our very own Rahul Dravid who sums up everything in his last few words
"When I hit the winning runs in Adelaide,Steve found the ball and handed it to me.I still have it and it is signed by him."
His entire career can be divided into three periods, his early days where his place was insecure and as he fought against his mind and talent to fit into the Australian eleven,the days he shone with the bat and ball and went on to become the Australian captain,the days when he became the helm of Australian cricket,which reveals the true person in him.
Honesty is one thing that any true fan of him expects from him and he does not disappoint his fans.The match fixing incident,the controversial catch in WestIndies,the indifferences with ACB and every other things that an ordinary cricket fan wants to know about the life on the field, is beautifully presented.The facts like one of his 'backyard pitches' near his home produced enormous turn that actually made mark waugh to make that mid-wicket shot his very own,Steve Waugh's description of his character of wanting to be the best but not wanting to get the attension,how Shane Warne predicted the Gibbs dropped catch at the 1999 world cup are just amazing.
It is sure for sure that the book elevates our stand as a true cricket fan one step higher and help us understand how onw has to out of his comfort zone to acheive greatness...
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
A part of me would go with the Fab-Five...
This is the most agonising period for those of us in their early twenties and whose journey with cricket started with the arrival of Sourav to the cricket scene.The everlasting debate of Lara Vs Sachin began to occupy our Lunch hours at school.The two potential youngsters Sourav and Dravid had just begun to change Indian cricket from what it was as a one man show.The purity of Dravid and the unconventionality of Sourav stole our hearts.We were taken to a different world by the wrist work of Azhar and moved to tears seeing the painful exit of India at Eden Gardens in 1996 world cup.
It was even more painful when the one we had trusted betrayed us by involving in the match fixing scandal.We were comforted only by the centuries with which our genius named Sachin conquered the world.The two knocks at Sharjah with Tony grieg at the background...We would remember those straight sixes even in our death bed.Then came our saviour in the name of Sourav with the job of the cleaning the soul of the game and taking Indian cricket forward after our batting genius failed to be a better captain.
Then came a term called 'professionalism' in to Indian cricket.Dravid started to keep wickets.Balls were chased till they reach the boundary.We saw the entry of Yuvraj,Kaif,Harbhajan,Sodhi,Zaheer.we started beating Australia in one -off matches.Yuvraj's maiden fifty against Australia and Zaheer cracking the stumps of Steve Waugh at that Nairobi match made us hope that Indian cricket was in safe hands.We saw Kaif struggle for runs and going out of the team in agony.Over all those years one man did his job in silence and extraordinay precision and accuracy as we would often fail to give credit to one of the remarkable sportsmen of all time ,Anil Kumble.
The VVS Laxman story of the innings that changed the history of Indian Cricket and 'The wall' that made us comquer every country we tour.We were treated by the greatness and class of those amazing batsmen.Yet we would never give away that special place in our heart to anyone other than our master.Alas we had one for everyone of them!The epic innings of Sourav at Brisbane that started the remarkable Steve Waugh Farewell tour.the 271 that Dravid made at the Adelaide Oval,Laxman producing shots against australian leg spinners that English batsmen would never play in their dreams,SCG being renamed 'Sachin Cricket Ground',Sourav removing his shirt at Lords....Oh it goes and goes on and on.....
No other team would have had these glorious batsmen coming in at No2,3,4 and 5.Then we witnessed a masterstroke from the prince ,of sending a batsman to open who had never opened in any of his first class games,the move that changed Indian Cricket in the ages to come.Then there was that 'so near yet so far story' of 2003 world cup final.Chappell and co converted our team into a youth brigade.We saw Dhoni marshalling his boys and give us that elusive victory in a final after we had witnessed each and every final given away with ease.But we knew we would have been more happier if our four extraordinaty gentleman had been part of that triumph.
Sachin was a genius,Dravid was an epitome of batsmanship,Laxman was a Magician,Kumble was a veteran,Sourav was an artist.More than everything they were gentlemen whom every children can have as his idol.They demonstrated every quality that someone have to suceed.We learnt to enjoy our game and let the better team win a match.We were never really angry at them as they made us realise that it was all part of the game.
The days wont come back.The days when I used to sit back and lose myself into the grace of Sourav and elegance of Sachin at either end.The ruthless opening partnerships between them just refuse to go out of my memory.The happiness when I see a full match and predict the next day's headliness in 'The Hindu' .The desperate prayers that I made in my childhood to see an Indian win.The fake illness that I often came in the day of a cricket match and the punishment I used to get after my guilt exposed.I was happy to give anything to see a match.After all these years of being obsessed with cricket and with the feeling that some time when India is going to be at 5-1 and 15-2,there wont be a Dravid or Sachin walking in,I knew I would quit watching cricket.As for me,with Sourav and Kumble quitting and when Sachin,Laxman and Dravid would bid goodbye,a part of my life, with it, a part of me would be gone forever...
It was even more painful when the one we had trusted betrayed us by involving in the match fixing scandal.We were comforted only by the centuries with which our genius named Sachin conquered the world.The two knocks at Sharjah with Tony grieg at the background...We would remember those straight sixes even in our death bed.Then came our saviour in the name of Sourav with the job of the cleaning the soul of the game and taking Indian cricket forward after our batting genius failed to be a better captain.
Then came a term called 'professionalism' in to Indian cricket.Dravid started to keep wickets.Balls were chased till they reach the boundary.We saw the entry of Yuvraj,Kaif,Harbhajan,Sodhi,Zaheer.we started beating Australia in one -off matches.Yuvraj's maiden fifty against Australia and Zaheer cracking the stumps of Steve Waugh at that Nairobi match made us hope that Indian cricket was in safe hands.We saw Kaif struggle for runs and going out of the team in agony.Over all those years one man did his job in silence and extraordinay precision and accuracy as we would often fail to give credit to one of the remarkable sportsmen of all time ,Anil Kumble.
The VVS Laxman story of the innings that changed the history of Indian Cricket and 'The wall' that made us comquer every country we tour.We were treated by the greatness and class of those amazing batsmen.Yet we would never give away that special place in our heart to anyone other than our master.Alas we had one for everyone of them!The epic innings of Sourav at Brisbane that started the remarkable Steve Waugh Farewell tour.the 271 that Dravid made at the Adelaide Oval,Laxman producing shots against australian leg spinners that English batsmen would never play in their dreams,SCG being renamed 'Sachin Cricket Ground',Sourav removing his shirt at Lords....Oh it goes and goes on and on.....
No other team would have had these glorious batsmen coming in at No2,3,4 and 5.Then we witnessed a masterstroke from the prince ,of sending a batsman to open who had never opened in any of his first class games,the move that changed Indian Cricket in the ages to come.Then there was that 'so near yet so far story' of 2003 world cup final.Chappell and co converted our team into a youth brigade.We saw Dhoni marshalling his boys and give us that elusive victory in a final after we had witnessed each and every final given away with ease.But we knew we would have been more happier if our four extraordinaty gentleman had been part of that triumph.
Sachin was a genius,Dravid was an epitome of batsmanship,Laxman was a Magician,Kumble was a veteran,Sourav was an artist.More than everything they were gentlemen whom every children can have as his idol.They demonstrated every quality that someone have to suceed.We learnt to enjoy our game and let the better team win a match.We were never really angry at them as they made us realise that it was all part of the game.
The days wont come back.The days when I used to sit back and lose myself into the grace of Sourav and elegance of Sachin at either end.The ruthless opening partnerships between them just refuse to go out of my memory.The happiness when I see a full match and predict the next day's headliness in 'The Hindu' .The desperate prayers that I made in my childhood to see an Indian win.The fake illness that I often came in the day of a cricket match and the punishment I used to get after my guilt exposed.I was happy to give anything to see a match.After all these years of being obsessed with cricket and with the feeling that some time when India is going to be at 5-1 and 15-2,there wont be a Dravid or Sachin walking in,I knew I would quit watching cricket.As for me,with Sourav and Kumble quitting and when Sachin,Laxman and Dravid would bid goodbye,a part of my life, with it, a part of me would be gone forever...
Thursday, October 16, 2008
A thrilling batlle on the cards in Mohali...
Test cricket is revived. We have not had a classic test match but a hardly fought test match between two tough competitors. A true champion can be determined by the span he remains in that exclusive zone. Legends need five days to happen. Patience and Perseverance are harder to acquire than power and skill. That is why they call this game played over five days as Test cricket.
The match is special for me as I was in the chinnasamy stadium watching the fourth day’s play in close quarters and I tell you what, it was a privilege to see the game which had the greatest players of our time from sachin to pointing, from Kumble to Brett Lee. The match was played with a higher level of intensity which was what professional sport was all about. The contests unveiled and the match proved to be the best prologue to the series ahead.
From the Aussies perspective:
They came into the game with nothing to lose, with a shaky middle order that did not contain Gilchrist and Symonds in a long time and with a bowling attack that had bowled 000 balls in tests in India. They had shown the world how tough they are when it really mattered. Pointing responded to his critics and did what Sourav did 4 years ago in that first test at Brisbane when India was the underdogs. Mr.Cricket showed the reason behind his name. The only worrying thing for them would be the form of Hayden and lack of a quality spinner to exploit the fifth day surface.
From the Indian Perspective
To be honest, it is a disappointment not to go for the kill against a depleted Australian side right from the first day. Probably for the first time, Kumble’s tactics were questioned and his lack of aggression and pro activeness were clearly visible. May be his lack of form with the ball is reflecting on his captaincy Harbhajan was still not at his best. All the members of the fab four had a decent match and spent time in the middle which was a good sign.
So it is going to be one hell of a contest in Mohali with the wicket supporting the faster bowlers we can expect a thrilling battle of bat and ball on the cards and what else can a true cricket fan expect…
The match is special for me as I was in the chinnasamy stadium watching the fourth day’s play in close quarters and I tell you what, it was a privilege to see the game which had the greatest players of our time from sachin to pointing, from Kumble to Brett Lee. The match was played with a higher level of intensity which was what professional sport was all about. The contests unveiled and the match proved to be the best prologue to the series ahead.
From the Aussies perspective:
They came into the game with nothing to lose, with a shaky middle order that did not contain Gilchrist and Symonds in a long time and with a bowling attack that had bowled 000 balls in tests in India. They had shown the world how tough they are when it really mattered. Pointing responded to his critics and did what Sourav did 4 years ago in that first test at Brisbane when India was the underdogs. Mr.Cricket showed the reason behind his name. The only worrying thing for them would be the form of Hayden and lack of a quality spinner to exploit the fifth day surface.
From the Indian Perspective
To be honest, it is a disappointment not to go for the kill against a depleted Australian side right from the first day. Probably for the first time, Kumble’s tactics were questioned and his lack of aggression and pro activeness were clearly visible. May be his lack of form with the ball is reflecting on his captaincy Harbhajan was still not at his best. All the members of the fab four had a decent match and spent time in the middle which was a good sign.
So it is going to be one hell of a contest in Mohali with the wicket supporting the faster bowlers we can expect a thrilling battle of bat and ball on the cards and what else can a true cricket fan expect…
Thursday, October 9, 2008
The Prince departs as 'The Emperor'...
It is such a remarkable day in the History of Indian Cricket as India's sucessful captain bids Goodbye to his career.Whatever may be the circumstances that are behind his decision,it is not wise to analyse those things but rather sit back and celebrate a glorious career and savour the memories that he is going to leave,
He has been such a great character as I would say he is the one responsible for where India ncricket is now.He persisted with Yuvraj Singh,Kaif,Harbhajan Singh,Zaheer Khan and backed them whatever happened.And the youngsters just proved they are worth their place.Who else would be more happy if Yuvraj,the man he groomed ,can fit into his place of No:5 once he retires...Some Little known facts that I have read about him over the last decade and here is why rate along with the callber of Sachin,Sunny,Kapil,Vengsarkar.
Harbhajan Singh was about to quit his career in cricket and go to Dubai to earn his living as a truck driver when he was questioned for his legality of his bowling.It was Sourav who backed him and persistede with him in those tough phase of his life and made him to bowl again.
Yuvraj who was consistantly backed by Sourav irrespective of his scores that made Yuvraj once say"I will die for my captain".
He was the one who asked Shewag to open,who then had never opened even in a first class match..What a masterstroke that changed the face of Indian Cricket....
Now the big one...Some years ago when he was the captain,he was watching a ranji trophy match and suddenly somrthing striked him in the match.He called a media friend and said "See the batsman playing in DD sports now,He is going to be the future of Indian Cricket".Guess who it is ..He is none othen than the new wonder kid M.S.Dhoni....
He trusted his instincts and and my previous post on him justifies his greatness...
So..It is a great feeling to bid you goodbye,may God be with you for the rest of your life and bring sucess and happiness
as you had in you cricketing career.I dream to see you with Harsha in the espnstar commentary box.....
He has been such a great character as I would say he is the one responsible for where India ncricket is now.He persisted with Yuvraj Singh,Kaif,Harbhajan Singh,Zaheer Khan and backed them whatever happened.And the youngsters just proved they are worth their place.Who else would be more happy if Yuvraj,the man he groomed ,can fit into his place of No:5 once he retires...Some Little known facts that I have read about him over the last decade and here is why rate along with the callber of Sachin,Sunny,Kapil,Vengsarkar.
Harbhajan Singh was about to quit his career in cricket and go to Dubai to earn his living as a truck driver when he was questioned for his legality of his bowling.It was Sourav who backed him and persistede with him in those tough phase of his life and made him to bowl again.
Yuvraj who was consistantly backed by Sourav irrespective of his scores that made Yuvraj once say"I will die for my captain".
He was the one who asked Shewag to open,who then had never opened even in a first class match..What a masterstroke that changed the face of Indian Cricket....
Now the big one...Some years ago when he was the captain,he was watching a ranji trophy match and suddenly somrthing striked him in the match.He called a media friend and said "See the batsman playing in DD sports now,He is going to be the future of Indian Cricket".Guess who it is ..He is none othen than the new wonder kid M.S.Dhoni....
He trusted his instincts and and my previous post on him justifies his greatness...
So..It is a great feeling to bid you goodbye,may God be with you for the rest of your life and bring sucess and happiness
as you had in you cricketing career.I dream to see you with Harsha in the espnstar commentary box.....
Border -Gavaskar Trophy Comprehensive Preview - Part -II
The middle Order
Sachin,Sourav,Laxman,Dhoni -It is very suprising and ridiculous that the media has been consistently criticizing Laxman because he has bee n our sucessful test batsman in the last year.He averages 52 in his last 12 test matches.With Sourav announcing his retirement we can expect him to go as a hero fighting.And now it comes to our master,how many times I have to say this ,he was the difference between the two sides when they met last time.Hope he shows his champion stuffs once again.Much attension will be on Dhoni as he has not produced any significant innings with the bat in test matches for the past one year.How can we expect him to take the test team forward.His performance is crucial for India's future in test cricket....
Clarke,Hussey,Watson,Haddin -Clarke has proved that he can take the Australian side forward in the years to come and his refusal to play in the IPL send strong signals and shows the passion he shows to play in his national colours.He is a great player of spin and the visitors depend on him to deleiver.Mr.Cricket has always been at his best and his commitment levels are unbeleivable.Now the interesting part ..Can Haddin and Watson do or excell the roles of Gilchrist and Symonds respectively.I beleive the latter is going to be the deciding factor of the test series.If he can play well and provide that crucial 60+ runs needed in the middle order and bowl his heart out as he always does,he is going to win the match for Australia.Well for Haddin,only time can answer the question
The Pace Attack
Zaheer khan is the spearhead of the host and his craft in bringing the ball in against the right handers is crucial.Then the man who made a mockery of Ricky pointing seven months ago,if he can do it this time again,the series is in the host's pocket.
Brett Lee is in the tranistion phase of superb and great.It is fitting that his evolution from an Akthar to Mcgrath has come good and is influending their side's sucess.Clarke has his lethal inswingers that can break into the defence of Dravid and Sachin.He comes in and bowls that '2 inches outside off stump' balls time and time and again.Johnson has been the trump cars for the Aussies breaking into the side at a young age and showing a lot of temperamant
The Spin attack
It is a pity that the mighty Aussies cannot produce a replacement for Warne and it describes the class of the champion bowler.It will be entralling to see how Harbhajan bowls to pointing and Hayden.Kumble as humble and hardworking as ever will like to add to his tally of wickets and would like to surpass warne when he retires.Cameroon white has to lead the spin attack for the visitors and never underestimate him,alas he is another australian.
Wars within the battle
Brett Lee Vs Sachin
Pointing Vs Harbhajan
Poinitng Vs Ishant
S.Clarke Vs Dravid
Sachin,Sourav,Laxman,Dhoni -It is very suprising and ridiculous that the media has been consistently criticizing Laxman because he has bee n our sucessful test batsman in the last year.He averages 52 in his last 12 test matches.With Sourav announcing his retirement we can expect him to go as a hero fighting.And now it comes to our master,how many times I have to say this ,he was the difference between the two sides when they met last time.Hope he shows his champion stuffs once again.Much attension will be on Dhoni as he has not produced any significant innings with the bat in test matches for the past one year.How can we expect him to take the test team forward.His performance is crucial for India's future in test cricket....
Clarke,Hussey,Watson,Haddin -Clarke has proved that he can take the Australian side forward in the years to come and his refusal to play in the IPL send strong signals and shows the passion he shows to play in his national colours.He is a great player of spin and the visitors depend on him to deleiver.Mr.Cricket has always been at his best and his commitment levels are unbeleivable.Now the interesting part ..Can Haddin and Watson do or excell the roles of Gilchrist and Symonds respectively.I beleive the latter is going to be the deciding factor of the test series.If he can play well and provide that crucial 60+ runs needed in the middle order and bowl his heart out as he always does,he is going to win the match for Australia.Well for Haddin,only time can answer the question
The Pace Attack
Zaheer khan is the spearhead of the host and his craft in bringing the ball in against the right handers is crucial.Then the man who made a mockery of Ricky pointing seven months ago,if he can do it this time again,the series is in the host's pocket.
Brett Lee is in the tranistion phase of superb and great.It is fitting that his evolution from an Akthar to Mcgrath has come good and is influending their side's sucess.Clarke has his lethal inswingers that can break into the defence of Dravid and Sachin.He comes in and bowls that '2 inches outside off stump' balls time and time and again.Johnson has been the trump cars for the Aussies breaking into the side at a young age and showing a lot of temperamant
The Spin attack
It is a pity that the mighty Aussies cannot produce a replacement for Warne and it describes the class of the champion bowler.It will be entralling to see how Harbhajan bowls to pointing and Hayden.Kumble as humble and hardworking as ever will like to add to his tally of wickets and would like to surpass warne when he retires.Cameroon white has to lead the spin attack for the visitors and never underestimate him,alas he is another australian.
Wars within the battle
Brett Lee Vs Sachin
Pointing Vs Harbhajan
Poinitng Vs Ishant
S.Clarke Vs Dravid
Monday, October 6, 2008
Can we taste the Kangaroo curry this time atleast...
Here we go...The clash what they call the 'Fight of their lives',the clash that have seen many enthralling episodes in its earlier versions.Here is why I call this the 'series to watch ..'
Apart from the one-off ashes series in 2005,no other team other than india has been consistent in competing against the Aussies in the last decade.Taking the Sydney match away from the last series,it was virtually drawn.And the last time tthey were here,that final day's rain at Chennai ruined our chances of squaring the series.So,in terms of competition and results ,it is very difficult to pick the better of the two teams.
The breath taking duels that this clash has witnessed like the warne-sachin,bhajji-pointing and dont forget the Ishant-Pointing spell in Perth,the best I have ever seen,no wonder the world is waiting to see another such duel .The Indian bowlers made a mockery of Pointing in their last series andit will be interesting to see how he combat spin this time.If India goes for the kill to get Pointing out cheaply and suceeds in it ,the trophy is on our bag at no time.
Time has come to check the new Australian era whether Clarke can become the next Steve waugh or Pointing,Haddin the next gilly.Threy are going to miss Warne and Mcgrath dearly,but dont underestimate the likes of Stuart Clark and Johnson because these are the guys who once rattled the Indian middle order some time back.Dont underestimate this Australian team,as they play hard and winning is every thing for them.
Can the fab five deliver again?Well this is the million dollar question at present.I honestly beleive they can and thinking the contribution they have done to Indian cricket in the last fifteen years it is fitting that they add this Aussie series victory under their belt before they retire and hence can say they made their team the best in the world.
P.S: As I am in bangalore now,I am going to witness the match live at the Chinnasamy stadium.Thrilled to see my heros live ,hope they deliver this time...Somewhere inside my heart it strikes hardly that i am not going to see Gilly collecting the balls anymore...
Apart from the one-off ashes series in 2005,no other team other than india has been consistent in competing against the Aussies in the last decade.Taking the Sydney match away from the last series,it was virtually drawn.And the last time tthey were here,that final day's rain at Chennai ruined our chances of squaring the series.So,in terms of competition and results ,it is very difficult to pick the better of the two teams.
The breath taking duels that this clash has witnessed like the warne-sachin,bhajji-pointing and dont forget the Ishant-Pointing spell in Perth,the best I have ever seen,no wonder the world is waiting to see another such duel .The Indian bowlers made a mockery of Pointing in their last series andit will be interesting to see how he combat spin this time.If India goes for the kill to get Pointing out cheaply and suceeds in it ,the trophy is on our bag at no time.
Time has come to check the new Australian era whether Clarke can become the next Steve waugh or Pointing,Haddin the next gilly.Threy are going to miss Warne and Mcgrath dearly,but dont underestimate the likes of Stuart Clark and Johnson because these are the guys who once rattled the Indian middle order some time back.Dont underestimate this Australian team,as they play hard and winning is every thing for them.
Can the fab five deliver again?Well this is the million dollar question at present.I honestly beleive they can and thinking the contribution they have done to Indian cricket in the last fifteen years it is fitting that they add this Aussie series victory under their belt before they retire and hence can say they made their team the best in the world.
P.S: As I am in bangalore now,I am going to witness the match live at the Chinnasamy stadium.Thrilled to see my heros live ,hope they deliver this time...Somewhere inside my heart it strikes hardly that i am not going to see Gilly collecting the balls anymore...
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Sourav,Go like a champion,the way you played..
It was yet another day when i woke up and started doing my routine works and heard the news of Sourav Ganguly being dropped from the squad of Irani Trophy and the news was not a suprise as it had been only a question of when rather than why.Looking back the memory lane it had been a tremendous journey with him taking Indian cricket along numerous famous victories and incidents.Some of the most remarkable deeds of him that comes to my mind ......
*The aura he brought into the team and the courage with which he took the captaincy when the future of the indian team was at stake after azharudhin's match fixing episode and from that point becoming the most suceesful test captain of the country.
*The famous chase in Dhaka against Pakistan which came to be known as the Kanetkar match after his four that sealed victory for india in tha last over...that was the begiinning of the Sourav era
*That remarkable 183 against Srilanka in the 99 world cup in a do-or-die match producing the first ever 300 run partnership in ODI history..Oh the roars on that afternoon still echoes somewhere
*The Lords episode where he removed his shirt and waived it in style paying back what Flintoff did to us in the Natwest final victory thanks to the gem of a partnership between Yuvraj-Kaif.
*The comeback after him being dropped from the squad after the chappel controversy proving thousands of critics wrong(not me,of course)..
Every innings he played were marked by his trademark shots of the cut,the big hit over mid on,the lofted cover drive which he hits coming down the track..He was a treat to watch at the top of his game.Now the time has come to bed good bye to one of the greatest cricketers the game has ever seen.Sourav,believe me the bottom of your heart what is good for Indian cricket,who other than you knows better..may be it is the time for you move gracefully like the way you played....
Some records that speaks for Sourav's greatness Courtesy:Wikipedia
Tests
Captained India in a record 49 Test matches[58]
Led India to a record 21 Test wins[59]
His test average has never been less than 40.[60]
ODIs
Hold the record of most 200+ ODI partnerships (6 times) along with Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting.
Holds the record, shared with Sachin Tendulkar, for most 1st wicket ODI partnerships of 175+ runs (7 times).
Holds the record, shared with Mahendra Singh Dhoni, for the second highest score by an Indian cricketer in an ODI — 183, against Sri Lanka in 1999.
Held the record, shared with Sachin Tendulkar, for the highest first wicket partnership for India in an ODI match, 258, against Kenya in 2001. This record was bettered by Sri Lankan opening pair of Jayasuriya and Tharanga in 2006 at Headingley.
Was involved in the first 300 run ODI partnership with Rahul Dravid.
Sixth on the all time list with 31 man of the match awards.
He is also the only player to win 4 consecutive man of the match awards in ODIs.
India's most successful ODI captain.
First Indian to score an ODI century against Australia in Australia.
Highest ODI runs scorer in the world (in a calendar year) in 1997,1999,2000.
Third in the list of hitting maximum number of sixes in ODIs.
Second in the list of highest number of centuries in a single calendar year ever. 7 centuries in 2000.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Is Dhoni ready to be at the helm
One bad series for the super stars and there are talks of giving the test captaincy for the wonder kid.How cruel are we to forget the entertainment and memories that these giants have given us for the last decade or so.Whenever we win,the media yells 'The Fab Four','The Holy Trinity',' Captain Jumbo' and the fantacy goes on... And when they start losing a match or two ,we suddenly feel the lack of youth in the team and ask for the axe of these great legends..It is true that these people have past their prime and and it is also true that a Tendulkar at 50% is far better than a yuvraj at 110% in test matches..The temperament of a Dravid or a Laxman can bat the overs the entire ODI team can face...
Statiscally speaking ,it is not Sachin,Dravid,laxman ,not even Sourav who should be dropped but our very own Dhoni who averages 24 in his last 10 innigns ,which includes four innings at home and he has not even faced the Mendis jinx..Taking nothing away from his leadership qualities and his peseverene and skill to become the best batsman in the world (I show the greatest respect and salute Dhoni,the ODI batsman and skipper).It is a very bitter truth that Dhoni has not yet established himself as a test batsman and he should concentrate on cementing his place in the side and then think about taking the team farward(To his credit,he has not told anytime he is interested in it)...See for yourself the scores of the last ten innings of our fab four
sachin 14, 6, 5, 31, 27, 12, 0, 153, 13, 71 Ave: 33.2
sourav 35, 18, 16, 0, 23, 4, 13*, 87, 0, 87 Ave: 31.4
Rahul 10, 68, 44, 2, 14, 10, 18*, 29, 3, 17 Ave:23.8
laxman 25, 61*, 13, 39, 21, 56, 50, 35, 3, 39 Ave:34.2
dhoni 32, 52, 14, 16, 20, 16, 19, 38, 2, 35 Ave:24.4
Stop the non-sense of dropping the seniors as a whole,it is now time to move farward as Indian cricket is in the process of a generation change.Groom the youngsters ,break the fab four and give an extended run to one of the promising ODI players and results will come under the guidance of the seniors.These five pillars that have carried the Indian cricket for the last fifteen years have to be replaced but not to be demolished as they deserve a gracious exit.It is pay back time for us.Let us give them a farewell that can better the one ,SCG gave to Steve Waugh 4 years ago...
Statiscally speaking ,it is not Sachin,Dravid,laxman ,not even Sourav who should be dropped but our very own Dhoni who averages 24 in his last 10 innigns ,which includes four innings at home and he has not even faced the Mendis jinx..Taking nothing away from his leadership qualities and his peseverene and skill to become the best batsman in the world (I show the greatest respect and salute Dhoni,the ODI batsman and skipper).It is a very bitter truth that Dhoni has not yet established himself as a test batsman and he should concentrate on cementing his place in the side and then think about taking the team farward(To his credit,he has not told anytime he is interested in it)...See for yourself the scores of the last ten innings of our fab four
sachin 14, 6, 5, 31, 27, 12, 0, 153, 13, 71 Ave: 33.2
sourav 35, 18, 16, 0, 23, 4, 13*, 87, 0, 87 Ave: 31.4
Rahul 10, 68, 44, 2, 14, 10, 18*, 29, 3, 17 Ave:23.8
laxman 25, 61*, 13, 39, 21, 56, 50, 35, 3, 39 Ave:34.2
dhoni 32, 52, 14, 16, 20, 16, 19, 38, 2, 35 Ave:24.4
Stop the non-sense of dropping the seniors as a whole,it is now time to move farward as Indian cricket is in the process of a generation change.Groom the youngsters ,break the fab four and give an extended run to one of the promising ODI players and results will come under the guidance of the seniors.These five pillars that have carried the Indian cricket for the last fifteen years have to be replaced but not to be demolished as they deserve a gracious exit.It is pay back time for us.Let us give them a farewell that can better the one ,SCG gave to Steve Waugh 4 years ago...
Thursday, August 7, 2008
The Aftermath of IPL
It seems ridiculous to even think of it,but the painful truth is that a cricketer is restrained from representing his country because he played cricket with players who were once world class and in a place where he thought there is greater recogonition for his talent and skill.If the intension to earn money at the expense of playing for the country is a sin ,then go and stop the srilankans who wanted to play ipl rather than the england tour ,from playing cricket for their country.The biggest comedy lies in not allowing the county teams with the players in ICL to participate in the champions league and not allowing laxman,karthick to play for those teams.Even Sunny Gavaskar played with Barry Richards in the World series when SA was banned for apartheid .It is a shame that the game has to face that some of the all time greats to ve played for India like Kapil Dev,Sandeep Patil were neglected.It is fine to that India has now become the power house of the cricketing fraternity and is embarrassing that it has nothing to do with India 's performance in international matches but completely with a fanatic cricket lover who is ready to sacrifice everything to see an Indian win..
The people running the BCCI are happy to increase their bank balances,satisfied with making themselves the bosses of the cricketing world but are not ready to improve the standard of domestic matches played in India or the development of ground facilities.It is disgraceful that being the richest board in the world we have some of the poorest pitches (if not dust bowls) and poorest toilet facilities in cricket stadium around the world.But one has to accept the fact that these sports administrators are absolutely necessary for the success of a sport and the worrying thing is the game itself is in an endangered state in their hands.Though the IPL may be considered as a huge success,we should sit back and analyze what we ve got from it ....
1)A huge amount of money being added to the bank balances of the cricketers ,administrators and the franchise owners .
2)Cricket is about to lose one of its child as no one seems to like it after seeing the virtual charm and drama of its younger child .
3)Cricket 's original format(test match cricket ) is under threat (Purists like me believe that it is the true and highest level of competency for a cricketer)
4)Declining standard of telecasting of matches as more and more money comes to broadcasting as sony achieved new heights in telecasting as it broke its own record from showing 5 ball overs to 4 ball overs...
What the hell is happening to my very own great,old lovely cricket ...Decide for yourself,what do u want to see....
Players who take immense pride to play at the highest level representing his country or the ones who chose cricket as a easier way to earn money at quick time...
You can decide the future how our beloved game goes...
Case 1:A Dale steyn bowling his heart out at the final session of the fifth day of a decider match against Australia at 250/6 needing 295 to win with mike hussey at the crease ,to get that elusive test series vistory for South Africa.....
Case 2:A Dimitry Mascharanes playing for Chennai Super Kings amidst Sivamani and actor Vijay( Dont forget the Cheer girls!) hitting a six against Ashish nehra of Mumbai Indians with the crowd going mad courtesy the giant speakers in M.A.Chidambaram stadium to win the highest winning prize on the planet ,for his franchsie owners with Arun Lal yelling "DLF Maximum" and the sony max team showing us the ads before the replay of the shot...
Only one of the above two cases can be possibe...As a cricket fan who was brought up admiring the passion and pride shown at the highest level playing the game,it strikes at the heart with a very strong blow when the game is shown as the way for money....
Let someone do something to bring it back to life
The people running the BCCI are happy to increase their bank balances,satisfied with making themselves the bosses of the cricketing world but are not ready to improve the standard of domestic matches played in India or the development of ground facilities.It is disgraceful that being the richest board in the world we have some of the poorest pitches (if not dust bowls) and poorest toilet facilities in cricket stadium around the world.But one has to accept the fact that these sports administrators are absolutely necessary for the success of a sport and the worrying thing is the game itself is in an endangered state in their hands.Though the IPL may be considered as a huge success,we should sit back and analyze what we ve got from it ....
1)A huge amount of money being added to the bank balances of the cricketers ,administrators and the franchise owners .
2)Cricket is about to lose one of its child as no one seems to like it after seeing the virtual charm and drama of its younger child .
3)Cricket 's original format(test match cricket ) is under threat (Purists like me believe that it is the true and highest level of competency for a cricketer)
4)Declining standard of telecasting of matches as more and more money comes to broadcasting as sony achieved new heights in telecasting as it broke its own record from showing 5 ball overs to 4 ball overs...
What the hell is happening to my very own great,old lovely cricket ...Decide for yourself,what do u want to see....
Players who take immense pride to play at the highest level representing his country or the ones who chose cricket as a easier way to earn money at quick time...
You can decide the future how our beloved game goes...
Case 1:A Dale steyn bowling his heart out at the final session of the fifth day of a decider match against Australia at 250/6 needing 295 to win with mike hussey at the crease ,to get that elusive test series vistory for South Africa.....
Case 2:A Dimitry Mascharanes playing for Chennai Super Kings amidst Sivamani and actor Vijay( Dont forget the Cheer girls!) hitting a six against Ashish nehra of Mumbai Indians with the crowd going mad courtesy the giant speakers in M.A.Chidambaram stadium to win the highest winning prize on the planet ,for his franchsie owners with Arun Lal yelling "DLF Maximum" and the sony max team showing us the ads before the replay of the shot...
Only one of the above two cases can be possibe...As a cricket fan who was brought up admiring the passion and pride shown at the highest level playing the game,it strikes at the heart with a very strong blow when the game is shown as the way for money....
Let someone do something to bring it back to life
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Match Review: The Lions Vs the Old Warhorse
The Lions were shown the bravery,skill,tenacity and passion to fight in a war by an old warhorse that many believed has lost its agility,Yet the cut,the flick,the lofted cover drive had the same venom as it was used to have.The Chennai super kings had no answer to the maul by the bat of Sanath.It was one of those nights that the batsman can tear any attack in the world over and the only thing any opposing captain could do is watch and applaud.Sanath Jayasuriya demonstrated his style of batting and proved why is acclaimed as one of the predecessors of the big hitting game.It was as if seeing him murdering the bowlers in the 96 world cup.
Another important player that is responsible for the win is another veteran and one of my heroes as well ,Shaun Pollock,often he doesnt get the same praise as Mcgrath and he is no less a cricketer than him to me.Add his batting skills,he is a complete 20-20 package.Well,it was a complete disappointment for Sachin fans ,he looked completely out of touch and was looking to give the strike to sanath everytime.Hope we can see him unleash sooner or later.
For the Mumbai Indians
They have still a long way to go before reaching the semifinals
Positives
* Have started well under a new captain hopefully can carry the momentum forward.
* Pollock and Sanath are in their best form as both are the one the team is depending the most in the respective departments.
Negatives
*Apart from Pollock ,the bowling department lacks experience (after loosing Harbhajan) and looks less likely to hold their nerve in crunch situations.
*Sachin looked far from his usual stature as he would always be during his comebacks.
For the Chennai Super Kings
Positives
*Badrinath and Dhoni made a terrific comeback,had there been a better start,the match would ve been a high scoring thriller.
*They can console themselves that no other team could ve done anything better against such a terrific display of sheer skill.
Nagatives
*The unsettled opening pair cannot replace Hayden and Hussey.
*No international class bowlers as they bowled a lot of wides under pressure.
Another important player that is responsible for the win is another veteran and one of my heroes as well ,Shaun Pollock,often he doesnt get the same praise as Mcgrath and he is no less a cricketer than him to me.Add his batting skills,he is a complete 20-20 package.Well,it was a complete disappointment for Sachin fans ,he looked completely out of touch and was looking to give the strike to sanath everytime.Hope we can see him unleash sooner or later.
For the Mumbai Indians
They have still a long way to go before reaching the semifinals
Positives
* Have started well under a new captain hopefully can carry the momentum forward.
* Pollock and Sanath are in their best form as both are the one the team is depending the most in the respective departments.
Negatives
*Apart from Pollock ,the bowling department lacks experience (after loosing Harbhajan) and looks less likely to hold their nerve in crunch situations.
*Sachin looked far from his usual stature as he would always be during his comebacks.
For the Chennai Super Kings
Positives
*Badrinath and Dhoni made a terrific comeback,had there been a better start,the match would ve been a high scoring thriller.
*They can console themselves that no other team could ve done anything better against such a terrific display of sheer skill.
Nagatives
*The unsettled opening pair cannot replace Hayden and Hussey.
*No international class bowlers as they bowled a lot of wides under pressure.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Hats-off India--U have battered the Lion in its own Den
Will all due respect to the australian team,the Indian have thrashed the Aussies in this Perth Test.They have showed the cricketing fraternity that they have, what it takes to be a champion side.It happens to be a team effort and everyone chipped in with their contribution.They were on top on all the four days and full credit to the boys.They have come with their mind full of temperament and toughness to beat the best in the business.
Full marks to Anil Kumble,who at the helm, has been the role model and lead by example how a test match player should be,full of perseverence and intensity.What a comback for two of our very own players Pathan and Shewag,they have made the world realize how much hard work can bring the difference to the performance in a player.
And there is a young man,who was 2 years old,when Kumble played his first test match.Now he threatens the best batsman in the world with his hostile inswingers and got his wicket in both the innings of the testmatch..Ishant ,you made Sunil Gavaskar a bad critic..!
Then our very own duo who have held Indian cricket for almost a decade and a half now.Sachin and Rahul ,once again proved why they are considered to be the best middle order batting pair of our time.
I have never believed history repeats itself..But I was wrong ,It was number 17 again ,proven elusive ,the same man again looking invincible..a truly incredible gentleman standing as the difference between the two sides once again for almost 8 years..the great Laxman..He was unconqueranle once again...
Overall,its a team effort and that is more important in a team game..Let us this live this moment a little longer and cherish this one of the most famous victories of our lives...Hats off India-You have battred the lion in its own Den
Thursday, September 27, 2007
I was there when it happened
I heard Harsha Bhogle say."We were there when it happened."I could feel the profound intensity of those words right through my heart.What a fitting finale to the game's youngest child.
Watching cricket right from the age of eight,I have sat for hours infront of that 'idiot box',hoping against hopes for an Indian Victory in a major tournament.After nearly a decade and a half of waiting,finally,the Indian Cricket teamhas given me something that I can say
"I am proud of being a cricket fan and experience that exclusive rush in my heart on that glorious minute of Indian victory."
I was there when it happened,I was there witnessing how the victory was scripted,manufactured in the dressing room right fron the day Dhoni was made the captain.
Nearly a minute after Sreesanth held to that catch of his lifetime,I could not stop those wonderful liquid drops coming out of my eyes,for the very first time of my life,I wept seeing a sports incident(in real life).
For those of you who are not so passionate about Cricket,Please understand that there is something in here that you couldnot get anywhere else...
Watching cricket right from the age of eight,I have sat for hours infront of that 'idiot box',hoping against hopes for an Indian Victory in a major tournament.After nearly a decade and a half of waiting,finally,the Indian Cricket teamhas given me something that I can say
"I am proud of being a cricket fan and experience that exclusive rush in my heart on that glorious minute of Indian victory."
I was there when it happened,I was there witnessing how the victory was scripted,manufactured in the dressing room right fron the day Dhoni was made the captain.
Nearly a minute after Sreesanth held to that catch of his lifetime,I could not stop those wonderful liquid drops coming out of my eyes,for the very first time of my life,I wept seeing a sports incident(in real life).
For those of you who are not so passionate about Cricket,Please understand that there is something in here that you couldnot get anywhere else...
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Sachin-the Maestro
he Greatest Sportsman I have ever witnessed in my life.I grew as his empire expanded.I was once (still sometimes) mad of the batsman in him.His amazing genius in taking Control of the game,his Demonstration of batting to all the men in the field,were just mind boggling.
But I was not just moved by the Tendulkar on the field,but the man away from the field,the way he speaks to the media.He has always made his bat do the talking when someone doubts his ability or whenever some cynism is built around him.
After 15000 ODI runs,11000 Test runs,with 77 international centuries behind him,Conquering almost every frontier that has eluded him,his answer to the question
"What are you proud of?
from NDTV
The answer from the mastero was,"My Discipline".
But I was not just moved by the Tendulkar on the field,but the man away from the field,the way he speaks to the media.He has always made his bat do the talking when someone doubts his ability or whenever some cynism is built around him.
After 15000 ODI runs,11000 Test runs,with 77 international centuries behind him,Conquering almost every frontier that has eluded him,his answer to the question
"What are you proud of?
from NDTV
The answer from the mastero was,"My Discipline".
Thursday, September 6, 2007
What a Night...
A Sachin-Sourav opening stand of 150,a Tendulkar 94 of 81 balls,an Indian batsman coming in at number 7,at his first match at tour, scripting an Indian Victory from nowhere under pressure,a sensational cricket match entertained along with Harsha Bhogle and co....
What else a man requires,who has been in love with cricket ever since he had known himself,when he goes to his friend's house to see that cricket match after much hesitation...
It was a beautiful night with a heart filled with ecstacy and satisfaction ,winessing a tantalisingly close battle fought with all mighty powers.Here it is ,a night that can be compared with the Natwest Final at the same city five years ago...
What else a man requires,who has been in love with cricket ever since he had known himself,when he goes to his friend's house to see that cricket match after much hesitation...
It was a beautiful night with a heart filled with ecstacy and satisfaction ,winessing a tantalisingly close battle fought with all mighty powers.Here it is ,a night that can be compared with the Natwest Final at the same city five years ago...
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