Wish All A Very Happy New Year
Hope the Year 2007 bring joy, peace and prosperity to Everyone.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Dancing away to Victory
The blue brigade has turned the tables on the Proteas at the Wanderers.
“Man is made by his belief. As he believes, so he is.” – The saying from Bhagavad-Gita aptly portraits the Indian Cricket Team’s belief in them and that has lead them to a victory and cricket-crazy nation into raptures of joy.This moment will be even more cherished as it has come at a time when Indian Team was expected to get white-washed.
The best part of the win was underlined by the fact that India won the match due to a team effort. For the first time, the team did not depend on individual performance to win. There were contributions from each and every one in all the departments of the game. Whenbatting, it was good to see the ‘comeback seniors’ proving their worth and making their respective returns a memorable one. The ‘dada’ of Indian Cricket has again proved the saying ‘class is permanent, form is not’. When it came to bowling, Indian bowlers demonstrated to their well-known opponents a class of seam bowling. Sreesanth and Zaheer were a class act in themselves. Catches win matches, and the Indians held all their catches and also hit the stumps to get their run-outs.
Sreesanth also danced into the hearts of the Indian Fans, with his jig and gave the opponents back in the manner well deserved. The altercation between Nel & Sreesanth has shown that this team is not the one that is going to take it lying down. They definitely have in them to give it to the opponents if necessary. But it would be interesting to see who would fall on the wrong side of the ICC Referee’s sword.
With this win, Indian team has really put the SA Team in a quandary. SA team has been been given taste of their own medicine. This would have definitely put them in 'confused state' regarding the pitch they would like to ditch out for the second test.
A win at DURBAN and DRAVID team would have the PARLIAMENT jumping up and down. Blue Brigade keep it going…win the series and ring in the NEW YEAR.
“Man is made by his belief. As he believes, so he is.” – The saying from Bhagavad-Gita aptly portraits the Indian Cricket Team’s belief in them and that has lead them to a victory and cricket-crazy nation into raptures of joy.This moment will be even more cherished as it has come at a time when Indian Team was expected to get white-washed.
The best part of the win was underlined by the fact that India won the match due to a team effort. For the first time, the team did not depend on individual performance to win. There were contributions from each and every one in all the departments of the game. Whenbatting, it was good to see the ‘comeback seniors’ proving their worth and making their respective returns a memorable one. The ‘dada’ of Indian Cricket has again proved the saying ‘class is permanent, form is not’. When it came to bowling, Indian bowlers demonstrated to their well-known opponents a class of seam bowling. Sreesanth and Zaheer were a class act in themselves. Catches win matches, and the Indians held all their catches and also hit the stumps to get their run-outs.
Sreesanth also danced into the hearts of the Indian Fans, with his jig and gave the opponents back in the manner well deserved. The altercation between Nel & Sreesanth has shown that this team is not the one that is going to take it lying down. They definitely have in them to give it to the opponents if necessary. But it would be interesting to see who would fall on the wrong side of the ICC Referee’s sword.
With this win, Indian team has really put the SA Team in a quandary. SA team has been been given taste of their own medicine. This would have definitely put them in 'confused state' regarding the pitch they would like to ditch out for the second test.
A win at DURBAN and DRAVID team would have the PARLIAMENT jumping up and down. Blue Brigade keep it going…win the series and ring in the NEW YEAR.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Historic Win in SA
Wow ... Indian Tri Color flies high @ the Wanderers,SA
Unbelievable stuff.. SA is bowled out for 84 in their own den..
Indian fans are going to cherish this win for long time...
Congratulations Blue Team and keep the good work going... We need to win the series and prove everyone (yours truely incl.).
Unbelievable stuff.. SA is bowled out for 84 in their own den..
Indian fans are going to cherish this win for long time...
Congratulations Blue Team and keep the good work going... We need to win the series and prove everyone (yours truely incl.).
Thursday, December 14, 2006
When are we going to learn - Indian Cricket Team?
In the past, team selection has been the 'achilles heel' for the Indian Cricket team. They always believe in playing to the strategy of 'horses for the courses' rather than playing to their strengths and belief.
Personally feel, that Indian Team is repeating the same mistake once again by not playing their best players. Over the years, Indian team has won matches by unleashing their 'spinning missiles' on the doubting minds of batsmen worldwide.
Whatever may be the state of the pitch, you need to play with bowlers who are going to help in picking up 20 wickets in a match. And one person who has definetely proved in the past that he would do no harm to that cause, is none other than our own "TURBANATOR". He is a quality spinner who has proved in past that he is not over-dependent on the pitch conditions for the purchase of the wickets. And with Jumbo firing in from the other end, they both would form a dangerous proposition for any seasoned campaigner on any track.
But with no 'turbanator' and no 'pathan' let's look at the bowling options that India wishes to use to create a dent in SA armor
Zaheer - playing his first test match after a long forced sabbatical and as the experts say test match is a different ball game than the ODIs. Hope he carries his form from the shorter version to the longer one.
Sreesanth - has not grown the stature where Indian team can pin their hopes of leading the bowling attack
VR Singh - is all raw pace and knowing that SA batsman are great players of pace...don't you feel that the SA players would be just happy to receive this 'wrapped gift' just before the 'christmas'
Kumble - has vast experience and a lone figure who may be able to make some impression, but god help India if SA players start negating his expertises...
Let's take the case scenario, if one or two of the four bowlers is taken to the task by the SA batsman who is the 'WALL' going to fall back upon -VIRU n SACHIN no way..Will the Bengal Tiger be asked to bowl...these should not be your options at all.. Don't you think it would have been a better proposition to have the following players in the script
Jaffar, Sourav,Dravid,Sachin,Laxman,Dhoni,Zaheer, Pathan, Sreesanth, Harbajan,Kumble
Blinking..u have too..VIRU is dropped in my list...with the form he is in..give him a dose of 'drop'... at the most he will get you some runs which Ganguly can also and with 'pathan' in the list you can definetely bet ur penny on having more runs on the score sheet. Pathan would give a double-edge to the team.. he would definetely add runs to the total with the form he is in..and even in his bad bowling form..he would be a better prospect than the 'raw power' of VRSingh. With Bhaji n Jumbo bowling in tandem, India stand a better chance of getting past SA... It was these two great spinners bowling in tandem that helped India record their first series win in 35 years on a WI soil. Between them they had taken 12 wickets, out of the 20 needed to win a test match. On the sidenote...VIRUBHAI's contribution was a total of 4 in the whole match and no wickets.
During the WI tour there was this fantastic article on how well kumble n harbhajan bowl in tandem. It proves that article has definetely not been read by 'think-tank' of Indian team.
Guys... lets just hope n pray for the best... hope the 'raw pace' of VRS get a 5-wicket haul...aur apna VIRU Bhai score a 196 and set the tune for INDIA's march to many milestones.. Personally, would luv India win with any combinations... Wish the BLUE BOYS all the best.
Personally feel, that Indian Team is repeating the same mistake once again by not playing their best players. Over the years, Indian team has won matches by unleashing their 'spinning missiles' on the doubting minds of batsmen worldwide.
Whatever may be the state of the pitch, you need to play with bowlers who are going to help in picking up 20 wickets in a match. And one person who has definetely proved in the past that he would do no harm to that cause, is none other than our own "TURBANATOR". He is a quality spinner who has proved in past that he is not over-dependent on the pitch conditions for the purchase of the wickets. And with Jumbo firing in from the other end, they both would form a dangerous proposition for any seasoned campaigner on any track.
But with no 'turbanator' and no 'pathan' let's look at the bowling options that India wishes to use to create a dent in SA armor
Zaheer - playing his first test match after a long forced sabbatical and as the experts say test match is a different ball game than the ODIs. Hope he carries his form from the shorter version to the longer one.
Sreesanth - has not grown the stature where Indian team can pin their hopes of leading the bowling attack
VR Singh - is all raw pace and knowing that SA batsman are great players of pace...don't you feel that the SA players would be just happy to receive this 'wrapped gift' just before the 'christmas'
Kumble - has vast experience and a lone figure who may be able to make some impression, but god help India if SA players start negating his expertises...
Let's take the case scenario, if one or two of the four bowlers is taken to the task by the SA batsman who is the 'WALL' going to fall back upon -VIRU n SACHIN no way..Will the Bengal Tiger be asked to bowl...these should not be your options at all.. Don't you think it would have been a better proposition to have the following players in the script
Jaffar, Sourav,Dravid,Sachin,Laxman,Dhoni,Zaheer, Pathan, Sreesanth, Harbajan,Kumble
Blinking..u have too..VIRU is dropped in my list...with the form he is in..give him a dose of 'drop'... at the most he will get you some runs which Ganguly can also and with 'pathan' in the list you can definetely bet ur penny on having more runs on the score sheet. Pathan would give a double-edge to the team.. he would definetely add runs to the total with the form he is in..and even in his bad bowling form..he would be a better prospect than the 'raw power' of VRSingh. With Bhaji n Jumbo bowling in tandem, India stand a better chance of getting past SA... It was these two great spinners bowling in tandem that helped India record their first series win in 35 years on a WI soil. Between them they had taken 12 wickets, out of the 20 needed to win a test match. On the sidenote...VIRUBHAI's contribution was a total of 4 in the whole match and no wickets.
During the WI tour there was this fantastic article on how well kumble n harbhajan bowl in tandem. It proves that article has definetely not been read by 'think-tank' of Indian team.
Guys... lets just hope n pray for the best... hope the 'raw pace' of VRS get a 5-wicket haul...aur apna VIRU Bhai score a 196 and set the tune for INDIA's march to many milestones.. Personally, would luv India win with any combinations... Wish the BLUE BOYS all the best.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Judgemental Week
In the past couple of days quite a few eye-raising judgements and all involving some big-wigs of Indian Society
Firstly, Munnabhai is sentenced for his known 'childish' act of acquiring an 'adult' weapon. And finally the man who potrayed 'gandhigiri' in his movie is going to the jail for all the wrong reasons.
The sweet marts in Kolkata might have made a roaring business selling 'rasgollas' with the 'second' judgement. The news of "DADA" returning to the Indian side might have sent the 'dada crazy state in frenzy. And Sourav Ganguly is already making his bat talk since his return; having scored a gutsy 83 to revive Indias' hope in the friendly match. Really pity the person as he is going to be under the scanner all the time, and would be expected to do something xtra everytime he goes out to represent India.
Last but not the least the author of statements like "the ball went so high that even airhost could have caught it in air" is himself in soup. Yes, Navjot Singh Sidhu - guru of sidhuism is in the docks for something he did in his younger days. That was the time during which the Indian Cricket Fans saw a complete change in Sidhu since he made his debut. At the time of his debut played a knock and was considered 'strokeless wonder'; but by the time he returned for his second knock in the middle he had suddenly found the knack of sending the ball soaring into the stands; and was crowned the 'badshah of sixes'.
These three judgements have really captured the media glare for the past couple of days.
But the most talked about news in the world of cricket is England's catapult to defeat.
Aussies are really proving the cricket world how the champions play. And at the same time score of 500 is also not safe in these times of cricket. Couple of years back when both teams scored 500 the test match it would have been given up for a draw. But with the advent of the ODI, scores of 300 in a day are becoming common.
The scoresheet of the Aus-Eng match must have given a Indian think tank some fodder to ponder.... What is going to be a good score against the 2nd best team at present in the world of cricket ...Every Indian batsman will have to stop playing the 'katakali' to the music of SA bowlers.
Firstly, Munnabhai is sentenced for his known 'childish' act of acquiring an 'adult' weapon. And finally the man who potrayed 'gandhigiri' in his movie is going to the jail for all the wrong reasons.
The sweet marts in Kolkata might have made a roaring business selling 'rasgollas' with the 'second' judgement. The news of "DADA" returning to the Indian side might have sent the 'dada crazy state in frenzy. And Sourav Ganguly is already making his bat talk since his return; having scored a gutsy 83 to revive Indias' hope in the friendly match. Really pity the person as he is going to be under the scanner all the time, and would be expected to do something xtra everytime he goes out to represent India.
Last but not the least the author of statements like "the ball went so high that even airhost could have caught it in air" is himself in soup. Yes, Navjot Singh Sidhu - guru of sidhuism is in the docks for something he did in his younger days. That was the time during which the Indian Cricket Fans saw a complete change in Sidhu since he made his debut. At the time of his debut played a knock and was considered 'strokeless wonder'; but by the time he returned for his second knock in the middle he had suddenly found the knack of sending the ball soaring into the stands; and was crowned the 'badshah of sixes'.
These three judgements have really captured the media glare for the past couple of days.
But the most talked about news in the world of cricket is England's catapult to defeat.
Aussies are really proving the cricket world how the champions play. And at the same time score of 500 is also not safe in these times of cricket. Couple of years back when both teams scored 500 the test match it would have been given up for a draw. But with the advent of the ODI, scores of 300 in a day are becoming common.
The scoresheet of the Aus-Eng match must have given a Indian think tank some fodder to ponder.... What is going to be a good score against the 2nd best team at present in the world of cricket ...Every Indian batsman will have to stop playing the 'katakali' to the music of SA bowlers.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Judgement Day - Awaits Sourav Ganguly
Sourav is living on the thin ray of hope i.e. recall to the Indian Cricket Team...
With the Indian teams' fortunes taking a deep dive from the TABLE MOUNTAIN in CAPETOWN, this hope may soon turn into a reality....We all just need to wait n c what is in store in tomorrow's SELECTION meeting for the selection of the Indian Cricket Test team to SA..
Meanwhile watch the "Sourav Last Stand" interview with Rajdeep Sardesai on CNN-IBN live.
the whole of nation awaits another Judgement Day in the lives of Indian High Fliers....
"Munabhai" of the bollywood has heard his fate, now the cricket crazy nation awaits the judgement on the "DADA" of cricket.... Will the PRINCE OF CALCUTTA fly the MAHARAJA airlines to SA is worth rising to..
With the Indian teams' fortunes taking a deep dive from the TABLE MOUNTAIN in CAPETOWN, this hope may soon turn into a reality....We all just need to wait n c what is in store in tomorrow's SELECTION meeting for the selection of the Indian Cricket Test team to SA..
Meanwhile watch the "Sourav Last Stand" interview with Rajdeep Sardesai on CNN-IBN live.
the whole of nation awaits another Judgement Day in the lives of Indian High Fliers....
"Munabhai" of the bollywood has heard his fate, now the cricket crazy nation awaits the judgement on the "DADA" of cricket.... Will the PRINCE OF CALCUTTA fly the MAHARAJA airlines to SA is worth rising to..
Thanksgiving Weekend - Holiday Season
Last weekend was the ThanksGiving Weekend and the curtain raiser for the holiday season to begin in the US.
This was also an opportunity to catch up with your families, take a break from the fast paced worklife.
Apart from relaxing, the most anticipated and eagerly awaited even is the "Black Friday" sales. The "Black Friday" is the day when most of the bigwigs of the retail industry put out 'blowout' sales for a short span of time. This also signals the beginning of the shopping season and would also indicate the health of the retail industry based on the way people would spend. To make the most of this sale, people queue up in front of the shops very early. Hats off to these people as they brave the weather to collect gifts for their loved ones.
Frankly, I do not have the strength to brave the weather/crowds to do such a shopping but feel more & safe in the sanity of online shopping.
This was also an opportunity to catch up with your families, take a break from the fast paced worklife.
Apart from relaxing, the most anticipated and eagerly awaited even is the "Black Friday" sales. The "Black Friday" is the day when most of the bigwigs of the retail industry put out 'blowout' sales for a short span of time. This also signals the beginning of the shopping season and would also indicate the health of the retail industry based on the way people would spend. To make the most of this sale, people queue up in front of the shops very early. Hats off to these people as they brave the weather to collect gifts for their loved ones.
Frankly, I do not have the strength to brave the weather/crowds to do such a shopping but feel more & safe in the sanity of online shopping.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Traffic Lights in Vancouver,Canada - Intersting Logic
Last week, was away to Vancouver (Canada) for an appointment with US Consulate. The H1 B stamping and interview was sucessfull.
During my stay there noticed that the traffic lights keep blinking green and do not follow the normal mode of changing colors. On enquiring with the cab driver, was told that the lights keep blinking until some pedestrian wishes to cross the road. Even when a pedestrian wishes to cross the road and pushes the sidewalk cross button, the lights do not change color but they turn solid green. After few seconds the traffic turns red and there is no 'amber' step involved. It is believed this method of traffic lights is in place to keep the traffic moving along the long stretch of the road.
Weather in Vancouver during my stay was really 'wet'. It rained all the time I was there and to top it all the City of Vancouver issued an advisory stating the tap water was to be boiled before drinking. Also it was stated not safe to use for brushing or cooking activities. As a result of this advisory, had to go without a 'starbucks' coffee as most of the coffee centers had stopped brewing the coffee.
Was put up in the Georgian Court Hotel, which was very close to the downtown and gave easy access to the Robson Stree - high fashion street. Also had the opportunity to walk to the Harbour Vieww tower and the Chinatown. The hotel is bank opposite the BC Place, unfortunately there was no match scheduled during my stay.
Vancouver is in process of building the city for the 2010 winter olympics. In future, if have an opportunity would luv to return to the city with my family and take in the sights of this beautiful city.
During my stay there noticed that the traffic lights keep blinking green and do not follow the normal mode of changing colors. On enquiring with the cab driver, was told that the lights keep blinking until some pedestrian wishes to cross the road. Even when a pedestrian wishes to cross the road and pushes the sidewalk cross button, the lights do not change color but they turn solid green. After few seconds the traffic turns red and there is no 'amber' step involved. It is believed this method of traffic lights is in place to keep the traffic moving along the long stretch of the road.
Weather in Vancouver during my stay was really 'wet'. It rained all the time I was there and to top it all the City of Vancouver issued an advisory stating the tap water was to be boiled before drinking. Also it was stated not safe to use for brushing or cooking activities. As a result of this advisory, had to go without a 'starbucks' coffee as most of the coffee centers had stopped brewing the coffee.
Was put up in the Georgian Court Hotel, which was very close to the downtown and gave easy access to the Robson Stree - high fashion street. Also had the opportunity to walk to the Harbour Vieww tower and the Chinatown. The hotel is bank opposite the BC Place, unfortunately there was no match scheduled during my stay.
Vancouver is in process of building the city for the 2010 winter olympics. In future, if have an opportunity would luv to return to the city with my family and take in the sights of this beautiful city.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Sachin n Kambli in Making - Hyderabad Boys do it
Finally the record held by Sachin n Kambli is broken.... And it was broken by boys from the fast growing city called HITECH - Hyderabad.
Look at the video interview of Manoj - one of the AWESOME TWOSOMES...
http://www.cricketnext.com/videos/21752/manoj-tumbi-bask-in-the-glory.html
It is interesting to note that the match was a 50 overs one but curtailed at 40 overs due to time constraint. Who knows...if they had continued for another 50 overs, we might have seen another score than 721 on the board...
Great going by the Hyderabad Nawabs...hope both represent India and do well in their choosen careers.
Look at the video interview of Manoj - one of the AWESOME TWOSOMES...
http://www.cricketnext.com/videos/21752/manoj-tumbi-bask-in-the-glory.html
It is interesting to note that the match was a 50 overs one but curtailed at 40 overs due to time constraint. Who knows...if they had continued for another 50 overs, we might have seen another score than 721 on the board...
Great going by the Hyderabad Nawabs...hope both represent India and do well in their choosen careers.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Youngest CEO in the World from INDIA
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Indian Stars shining in other sports
Everyone let's take a break from Cricket and follow the paths of some other sportsmen who are doing extremely well in their field of sports and earning laurels for the country
Jyoti Randawa is going great guns at the US $5 million HSBC Champions where he has even impressed the "TIGER" woods. Look at the details at the following
http://ia.rediff.com/sports/2006/nov/09golf.htm
Saina has stormed into the semi-finals of the World Junior Badminton Championships ...
http://ia.rediff.com/sports/2006/nov/09saina.htm
It is not a surprise to know that she is being coached by none other than Pullela Gopichand a great badminton player of his time and hails from Hyderabad...
Let's keep cricket aside for somtime and follow these sports too..... Hope to see a golfing champ or badminton champion arising from INDIA.. All the best for these sportsperson in their endavours.
Jyoti Randawa is going great guns at the US $5 million HSBC Champions where he has even impressed the "TIGER" woods. Look at the details at the following
http://ia.rediff.com/sports/2006/nov/09golf.htm
Saina has stormed into the semi-finals of the World Junior Badminton Championships ...
http://ia.rediff.com/sports/2006/nov/09saina.htm
It is not a surprise to know that she is being coached by none other than Pullela Gopichand a great badminton player of his time and hails from Hyderabad...
Let's keep cricket aside for somtime and follow these sports too..... Hope to see a golfing champ or badminton champion arising from INDIA.. All the best for these sportsperson in their endavours.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Champions Trophy 2006 - Australia claim stake on the elusive cup
The curtain has finally come down on the Champions Trophy 2006 and the cup has gone 'down under'.
Australia wrapped the final in the only style they are known to do i.e. 'champion style'. No hiccups, no drama, no controversies.....but a methodical surgery took place in Mumbai...the patient WI were administered 'general anesthesia' and they never recovered from the same.
This was considered a dress rehearsal for the WC-2007 and do not know which of the teams benefitted the most. The only teams who would be going home with some 'positives' is NZ and WI. NZ came into the champions trophy after almost 8-9 month layoff and they did not do any harm to their comback performance. Other team to feel on cloud 9 apart from Aussies are the runners-up. Since India brought them back into form they have been firing on all their guns. And if one of their 'icons' MR LARA decides to go out all blazing into the sunset...then it would be bye to many of the fancied teams in the WC-2007.
Host country must be rueing its experiment policy and selection policies. They just did not play to their potential and have lots of thinking to do before they venture for the SA tour. Hope the SA tour turns favourable and does not dampen the hopes of the INDIAN team n fans before the WC-2007.
Other Asian countries, SL started off in a blazing fashion but came cropper against some good offensive. Need to get their act together before the WC. Pakistan were overcome with the sideline tamasha and were not a '100% ' unit. Hopefully they would rejuvenate and become a big force at the WC-2007. But definetely a India v/s Pakistan would do wonders for the WC -2007.
The win would do wonders to Austrailain team before the ASHES. Everyone would now be glued to the ASHES tour and wonder how would the POMMIES fare down under..
It is good bye Champions Trophy and look forward to ASHES n INDIAN tour of SA
Australia wrapped the final in the only style they are known to do i.e. 'champion style'. No hiccups, no drama, no controversies.....but a methodical surgery took place in Mumbai...the patient WI were administered 'general anesthesia' and they never recovered from the same.
This was considered a dress rehearsal for the WC-2007 and do not know which of the teams benefitted the most. The only teams who would be going home with some 'positives' is NZ and WI. NZ came into the champions trophy after almost 8-9 month layoff and they did not do any harm to their comback performance. Other team to feel on cloud 9 apart from Aussies are the runners-up. Since India brought them back into form they have been firing on all their guns. And if one of their 'icons' MR LARA decides to go out all blazing into the sunset...then it would be bye to many of the fancied teams in the WC-2007.
Host country must be rueing its experiment policy and selection policies. They just did not play to their potential and have lots of thinking to do before they venture for the SA tour. Hope the SA tour turns favourable and does not dampen the hopes of the INDIAN team n fans before the WC-2007.
Other Asian countries, SL started off in a blazing fashion but came cropper against some good offensive. Need to get their act together before the WC. Pakistan were overcome with the sideline tamasha and were not a '100% ' unit. Hopefully they would rejuvenate and become a big force at the WC-2007. But definetely a India v/s Pakistan would do wonders for the WC -2007.
The win would do wonders to Austrailain team before the ASHES. Everyone would now be glued to the ASHES tour and wonder how would the POMMIES fare down under..
It is good bye Champions Trophy and look forward to ASHES n INDIAN tour of SA
Monday, October 30, 2006
Champions Trophy 2006 - India hit a dead-end
At the end of England tour in April, India was rated as one of the top contenders for the World Cup 2007 to be played in WI.... Now with just couple of months to go before the cricket's extravaganza takes place..they seem to be tumbling out of the race.
Graham Gooch in one of his columns had made a good observation that the Indian team was peaking too soon before the WC and that surely seems to be the case.. After curtains came down on their involvement in champions trophy, India has nothing positive to take home.
In all the three matches played in the Champions Trophy, India did not look confident nor convincing. In their only win agains England, the win was a laboured one rather than a comprehensive one. In their second game, it was only WI Players who made the match interesting with their 'hara-kiri' tendencies and gave the diwali crowd something to cheer about. And in the do-or-die match, India did not put any kind of effort to stop the rampaging Australia
After the debacle performance in the Champions Trophy, it was expected that scissors would be out in open. But the selectors have opted to stay calm and not follow the cut n chop policy as their predecessors. Well whatever step selectors take in India it is welcomed with a skeptical view and it was nothing new this time round.
This time round, the selectors made the 'critics' jump in joy with their continuing faith in 'Raina' and 'Pathan'. Both of them seem to be out of sorts and with age on their side it would not done their career any harm by dropping them for SA tour. Why is different ball game for different people...Zaheer sat out and is now back in reckoning after performing well in county n domestic season. The other 'shock' inclusion seems to be 'Jaffer' who himself is shocked of his inclusion in ODI team. Players already knocking on the doors like Uttapha or Gambhir would have been a better choice and given 'think tank' options for WC-2007. The only positive outcome, has been the inclusion of 'kumble' in ODI team. Though he was injured, personally feel and looking at the pitches a three spin attack of Bhajji, Jumbo n Powar would have been hard to tackle for WI and Aussies.
Other thing which Indian team must be ruing about would be the scheduling of its matches....BCCI must now be wondering if they should have given 'host' team a 'walk-thru' to semi-finals, just to keep the fans come in to watch the final matches...
Jokes apart, semi-finals matches would be would be a great fun to watch and follow. Aus v/s NZ and SA v/s WI..May the best team won..
Graham Gooch in one of his columns had made a good observation that the Indian team was peaking too soon before the WC and that surely seems to be the case.. After curtains came down on their involvement in champions trophy, India has nothing positive to take home.
In all the three matches played in the Champions Trophy, India did not look confident nor convincing. In their only win agains England, the win was a laboured one rather than a comprehensive one. In their second game, it was only WI Players who made the match interesting with their 'hara-kiri' tendencies and gave the diwali crowd something to cheer about. And in the do-or-die match, India did not put any kind of effort to stop the rampaging Australia
After the debacle performance in the Champions Trophy, it was expected that scissors would be out in open. But the selectors have opted to stay calm and not follow the cut n chop policy as their predecessors. Well whatever step selectors take in India it is welcomed with a skeptical view and it was nothing new this time round.
This time round, the selectors made the 'critics' jump in joy with their continuing faith in 'Raina' and 'Pathan'. Both of them seem to be out of sorts and with age on their side it would not done their career any harm by dropping them for SA tour. Why is different ball game for different people...Zaheer sat out and is now back in reckoning after performing well in county n domestic season. The other 'shock' inclusion seems to be 'Jaffer' who himself is shocked of his inclusion in ODI team. Players already knocking on the doors like Uttapha or Gambhir would have been a better choice and given 'think tank' options for WC-2007. The only positive outcome, has been the inclusion of 'kumble' in ODI team. Though he was injured, personally feel and looking at the pitches a three spin attack of Bhajji, Jumbo n Powar would have been hard to tackle for WI and Aussies.
Other thing which Indian team must be ruing about would be the scheduling of its matches....BCCI must now be wondering if they should have given 'host' team a 'walk-thru' to semi-finals, just to keep the fans come in to watch the final matches...
Jokes apart, semi-finals matches would be would be a great fun to watch and follow. Aus v/s NZ and SA v/s WI..May the best team won..
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Champions Trophy 2006 - Naaya Saal Mubarak, Indian Team
Diwali, ahmedabad and gujaratis ...it is NAAYA SAAL MUBARAK and Indian cricket team must now be awakening to these words literally as they have their jobs cut-off.
Indian team had a roaring season last year, but in this 'naaya saal' they are facing slump in their batting and bowling departments. Nothing seems to be going their way. Suddenly the boy from 'vadodara' has lost his bowling spark, virubhai seems to have lost his swings arms, their twins of 'yuvi' and 'kafi' out of form. Above all they seem to be 'hooked' on experimenting at all games with the composition of their team. Today was no difference, you find 'powar' sitting out and India going in with 4 fast bowlers. With the festive season lingering in the air, there was no way one can mistake onself to think he is playing outside sub-continent. Powar is known to have scored runs in the domestic season and is known for his batting. With all due respect to RP Singh's batting prowess, Powar would have definetely brought in India the 15-20 runs that could have made the difference in the final result.
Feel India made the mistakes even before the ball was bowled, but don't understand what WI was hell-bent on doing. They just seem to get 'hooked' on doing the 'harakiri'. Cruising along at 200-3 and with plenty of wickets in hand they suddenly end up looking down the gun. Gayle had given them the start they required, sarwan n morton kept the good work by building on the platform. Bhajji was really turning it on and giving nothing away. This was when it was required that WI squeeze as many runs possible of the part time bowlers. But that is where they lost the plot and we had a 'thriller' on our cards with the match going down to the wire.
Result would really turn the WI into a positive frame while Indians r back into their sulking mood. Will have to wait n see what experiment 'ausie' is going to come up with against his own country. This situation is nothing new for Indians who like to keep their fans biting the nails till the end.
Indian team had a roaring season last year, but in this 'naaya saal' they are facing slump in their batting and bowling departments. Nothing seems to be going their way. Suddenly the boy from 'vadodara' has lost his bowling spark, virubhai seems to have lost his swings arms, their twins of 'yuvi' and 'kafi' out of form. Above all they seem to be 'hooked' on experimenting at all games with the composition of their team. Today was no difference, you find 'powar' sitting out and India going in with 4 fast bowlers. With the festive season lingering in the air, there was no way one can mistake onself to think he is playing outside sub-continent. Powar is known to have scored runs in the domestic season and is known for his batting. With all due respect to RP Singh's batting prowess, Powar would have definetely brought in India the 15-20 runs that could have made the difference in the final result.
Feel India made the mistakes even before the ball was bowled, but don't understand what WI was hell-bent on doing. They just seem to get 'hooked' on doing the 'harakiri'. Cruising along at 200-3 and with plenty of wickets in hand they suddenly end up looking down the gun. Gayle had given them the start they required, sarwan n morton kept the good work by building on the platform. Bhajji was really turning it on and giving nothing away. This was when it was required that WI squeeze as many runs possible of the part time bowlers. But that is where they lost the plot and we had a 'thriller' on our cards with the match going down to the wire.
Result would really turn the WI into a positive frame while Indians r back into their sulking mood. Will have to wait n see what experiment 'ausie' is going to come up with against his own country. This situation is nothing new for Indians who like to keep their fans biting the nails till the end.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Whirlwind week - Diwali, Don and Cricket
It has been a whirwind week with lots of things happening at a high speed...
To begin with, it was DIWALI weekend and wish all the viewers of this blog
A VERY HAPPY DIWALI and PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR
Diwali the 'festival of lights' this year was celebrated on 21 Oct all over the world. Diwali symbolizes the 'victory of good over evil'. People celebrate this festival with lots of fun n frolick where the houses are light up, kids burst crackers and lots of goodies to savour on. And this time round, had the pleasure of celebrating Diwali in US with my close ones by savoring on all goodies, dressed up to kill and playing 'teen patti'.
Every year Bollywood marks the Diwali calendar with release of major attractions to take advantage of the vaccation season. This year was no different, we had two releases 'DON - a SRK starrer' and 'Jane-man - a SK n AK starrer'.
I had the opportunity of catching "DON" on the first day, first night show (12:00am to 3:00am). And being a die-hard 'Big B' fan I was really disappointed with the remix. Not sure, why are the bollywood directors going into making remixes. Have we run out of creative script writers. And this movie comes from a director who stirred the box-office with his first movie - Dil Chattha Hai. Even small twists in the story cannot stop this movie from being termed as 'average'. The locations and sophistications are definetely in tune with the generation... nothing can overcome the storyline or the charishma of 1978 DON - who @ 6'2" still stands tall over everyone. "Badshah" of the industry has definetely lost this 'bazi' and would not like to be called 'Bazigar' for this matchup.
And coming back to my favorite sport - 'Cricket and Champions Trophy' things r really hotting up in the group B where the matches r really going to the wire. It all boils down to the match between Pakistan v/s South Africa to decide the last four placeholders in the tournamnet from group b. New Zealand with their win over Pakistan @ mohali have confirmed their place in Semi-Finals.
India play WI tonight (US- PST) @ Ahmedabad and this could decide the fate of the group A. With WI in good form, it looks to be seen how India face-off this challange. A win here for any of the teams would definetely harness their chances for a berth in Semis.
Everyone would be hoping 2 c a blazing innings from Virubhai....a magic spell from Pathan... a spin web from Bhajji...long overdue... But who knows we may have GAYLE force waiting to sweep thru Ahmedbad along with the 'New' Big Boy of WI the Bravo.
To begin with, it was DIWALI weekend and wish all the viewers of this blog
A VERY HAPPY DIWALI and PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR
Diwali the 'festival of lights' this year was celebrated on 21 Oct all over the world. Diwali symbolizes the 'victory of good over evil'. People celebrate this festival with lots of fun n frolick where the houses are light up, kids burst crackers and lots of goodies to savour on. And this time round, had the pleasure of celebrating Diwali in US with my close ones by savoring on all goodies, dressed up to kill and playing 'teen patti'.
Every year Bollywood marks the Diwali calendar with release of major attractions to take advantage of the vaccation season. This year was no different, we had two releases 'DON - a SRK starrer' and 'Jane-man - a SK n AK starrer'.
I had the opportunity of catching "DON" on the first day, first night show (12:00am to 3:00am). And being a die-hard 'Big B' fan I was really disappointed with the remix. Not sure, why are the bollywood directors going into making remixes. Have we run out of creative script writers. And this movie comes from a director who stirred the box-office with his first movie - Dil Chattha Hai. Even small twists in the story cannot stop this movie from being termed as 'average'. The locations and sophistications are definetely in tune with the generation... nothing can overcome the storyline or the charishma of 1978 DON - who @ 6'2" still stands tall over everyone. "Badshah" of the industry has definetely lost this 'bazi' and would not like to be called 'Bazigar' for this matchup.
And coming back to my favorite sport - 'Cricket and Champions Trophy' things r really hotting up in the group B where the matches r really going to the wire. It all boils down to the match between Pakistan v/s South Africa to decide the last four placeholders in the tournamnet from group b. New Zealand with their win over Pakistan @ mohali have confirmed their place in Semi-Finals.
India play WI tonight (US- PST) @ Ahmedabad and this could decide the fate of the group A. With WI in good form, it looks to be seen how India face-off this challange. A win here for any of the teams would definetely harness their chances for a berth in Semis.
Everyone would be hoping 2 c a blazing innings from Virubhai....a magic spell from Pathan... a spin web from Bhajji...long overdue... But who knows we may have GAYLE force waiting to sweep thru Ahmedbad along with the 'New' Big Boy of WI the Bravo.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Champions Trophy 2006 - West Indies on a roll
WI are really turning the things on...except for the match against SL where they were totally outplayed they seem to be on the roll..
Beating Australia is not something which can be taken lightly. If they keep up the form they probably could be trotting away with 'champions trophy' for second year running. They are a team in building and some of the players are coming good at the right time. Lara seems to be getting the disbanded team together again. WI did not do anything great against Aussies but just kept doing the basics. They did not panic when Gilchrist was jogging along and taking Australia towards the goal. With Lara gone due to cramps, the stand-in captain Sarwan handled the situation well. Even in the death, Australia had the upper hand. But the "TAYLOR" special really turned the tables on them. A 'hat-trick' in the final overs when the opposition team is on top is really worth a mention. Even while batting WI followed the basics and build up a good score around partnerships.
With this win WI have really given Indian team lot to think...though the Indian team may be enjoying the 'diwali' break but the result of this would be definetely playing on their minds. Now the fight for the top position in the group would definetely be between IND/WI/AUS... assuming Eng go thru motions and donot cause any upsets.
Again a low scoring match @ Mumbai but the match was a thriller with batsman n bowlers both having a go at each other.
Champions trophy has finally come alive...
Beating Australia is not something which can be taken lightly. If they keep up the form they probably could be trotting away with 'champions trophy' for second year running. They are a team in building and some of the players are coming good at the right time. Lara seems to be getting the disbanded team together again. WI did not do anything great against Aussies but just kept doing the basics. They did not panic when Gilchrist was jogging along and taking Australia towards the goal. With Lara gone due to cramps, the stand-in captain Sarwan handled the situation well. Even in the death, Australia had the upper hand. But the "TAYLOR" special really turned the tables on them. A 'hat-trick' in the final overs when the opposition team is on top is really worth a mention. Even while batting WI followed the basics and build up a good score around partnerships.
With this win WI have really given Indian team lot to think...though the Indian team may be enjoying the 'diwali' break but the result of this would be definetely playing on their minds. Now the fight for the top position in the group would definetely be between IND/WI/AUS... assuming Eng go thru motions and donot cause any upsets.
Again a low scoring match @ Mumbai but the match was a thriller with batsman n bowlers both having a go at each other.
Champions trophy has finally come alive...
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Champions Trophy 2006 - Pakistan on a ' high'
Pakistan cricket team must be on real 'high' after their match against Sri Lanka.
As stated earlier, Pakistan team cannot be written off lightly. They are team that would definetely create flutter in the tournament. This is a team which would be raring to show the world that they can put all the sideline 'tamasha' at back of their mind and play with 'spirit' on the field.
Pakistan team is one of those teams in the tournament that has everything to prove for. They would luv to win this for their banned captain 'Inzi'.
Sri Lanka might just be hoping that the law of averages caught up with them early in the tournament. They came thru the qualifying rounds with flying colors but a need to note that they put on huge scores against medicore bowling of Bangladesh n Zimbawe. The match against WI cannot be really treated a match of equals as the pitch had a role to play. It will be interesting to see how SL performs going forward in the tournament.
But the day definetely belongs to the 'green brigade' and their spirits n confidence would be really 'high'.
Group 2 would be the group to watch where in the matches will be fight till the end and very nail-biting..
Way to go Pakistan....
As stated earlier, Pakistan team cannot be written off lightly. They are team that would definetely create flutter in the tournament. This is a team which would be raring to show the world that they can put all the sideline 'tamasha' at back of their mind and play with 'spirit' on the field.
Pakistan team is one of those teams in the tournament that has everything to prove for. They would luv to win this for their banned captain 'Inzi'.
Sri Lanka might just be hoping that the law of averages caught up with them early in the tournament. They came thru the qualifying rounds with flying colors but a need to note that they put on huge scores against medicore bowling of Bangladesh n Zimbawe. The match against WI cannot be really treated a match of equals as the pitch had a role to play. It will be interesting to see how SL performs going forward in the tournament.
But the day definetely belongs to the 'green brigade' and their spirits n confidence would be really 'high'.
Group 2 would be the group to watch where in the matches will be fight till the end and very nail-biting..
Way to go Pakistan....
Monday, October 16, 2006
Champions Trophy 2006 - Captain's Knock is the difference
Stephen Fleming lead his team from the front... his knock of 89 was the difference between the two teams. If the scores in the last couple of matches are any indications then the pitches prepared for the champions trophy do not seem to be set for a high scoring chases. All the teams have chased or set a very low score. All the credit should be given to the NZ team for setting a stiff target on a un-even pitch and then bowling SA out.
NZ were lucky to have that xtra buffer of 40-70 runs which England failed to put in their match against India. The way India played another 20-40 runs would have been curtains for them.
Let's wait n c what is in store for us in the match between PAK v/s SL tomorrow... Will Pakistan come out of the 'sideline' tamashas and score over the 'in-form' SL team.. tomorrow's match is definetely going to be an interesting one..
NZ were lucky to have that xtra buffer of 40-70 runs which England failed to put in their match against India. The way India played another 20-40 runs would have been curtains for them.
Let's wait n c what is in store for us in the match between PAK v/s SL tomorrow... Will Pakistan come out of the 'sideline' tamashas and score over the 'in-form' SL team.. tomorrow's match is definetely going to be an interesting one..
Champions Trophy 2006 - Pakistan cricket team under 'cloud' again
Controversies go hand-in-hand with the Pakistani team...
Just a couple of months back Pakistan cricket team was caught in 'ball-tampering' turmoil... Even before dust had settled, we heard about the 'captainship' issue raising its 'serpent' like hood...And before the sting was nullified we hear of 'dopeing' scandal. This scandal may bring down curtains on the career of one of the most talked player off-the field. It is going to be very difficult for Shohaib Akthar to make a come-back from such a 'hurting'.
The new captain 'younis khan' would have his job cut-off. With all due respect to 'younis khan', does not have the charishma or powers like 'Imran' to carry the team to victory. At the same time, do not rule out the possibilities of the pakistani team create some flutter in the tournament. It would be interesting to see how Pakistan would fare under such circumstances in this tournament.
All the best to their team and as an ardent fan from the sub-continent would hope to see a INDIA v/s PAKISTAN finals....
Just a couple of months back Pakistan cricket team was caught in 'ball-tampering' turmoil... Even before dust had settled, we heard about the 'captainship' issue raising its 'serpent' like hood...And before the sting was nullified we hear of 'dopeing' scandal. This scandal may bring down curtains on the career of one of the most talked player off-the field. It is going to be very difficult for Shohaib Akthar to make a come-back from such a 'hurting'.
The new captain 'younis khan' would have his job cut-off. With all due respect to 'younis khan', does not have the charishma or powers like 'Imran' to carry the team to victory. At the same time, do not rule out the possibilities of the pakistani team create some flutter in the tournament. It would be interesting to see how Pakistan would fare under such circumstances in this tournament.
All the best to their team and as an ardent fan from the sub-continent would hope to see a INDIA v/s PAKISTAN finals....
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Champions Trophy 2006 - India Stutters in their chase
Being a day n night match in the Indian Continent means, its middle of night for an ardent fan to stay awake in US - on the west coast... As a result you end-up- missing ur precious sleep and it makes you feel really disheartened when the same old seems to be repeating itself....Bowlers bowl their heart but the batsman almost make it a mountain climb of a mole ...
If India needs to act and play like a 'champions' then these small targets need to be accomplished with ease and confidence. You cannot have the fans biting their nails till the last ball of such chase is bowled. Experimenting with the batting line-up does not seem to end. Even a 'club' cricketer like me would have liked the 'captain - the wall' coming in at the fall of 'virubhai' wicket. In first match of such a big tournament, you expect the team to put its best foot forward and win in a convincing manner. Had India wrapped the match in a convincing manner, the Indian team n fans would have celebrated the 'festival of lights - DIWALI' with a bigger bang. But now everyone would be feeling bit hesitant in their expectations of India's performance against their next opponents - West Indies. West Indies cannot be taken lightly as they are turning in good performances since India played the humble guests in bringing them back to form from the depths of crevice.
But India can definetely take some positives out of the match
- Pathan seems to be finding his rythm back
- Pawar does not seem to have lost his loop
- Yuvraj seems to be getting his touch back
- Dravid seems to be struggling
- Virubhai seems to be throwing away a good start
- Dhoni seems to carried away in the 'fast track'
Let's hope for the best that India comes good against WI at the MOTERA stadium in Ahmedabad. Motera Stadium brings the memory back when I had the opportunity to see my idol 'Kapil' bowl his heart out to take 8 wickets and bring India close to doors of victory in the first ever test match played in this stadium...Again the same old story :-)
A loss @ Motera ...and INDIA can say good-bye to their chances of qualifying ..
HAPPY DIWALI AND ALL THE BEST FOR THE "BLUE SQUAD"
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