India's poor performance in WC-2007 is having affect in the business circles in India.
Big Gaints of the consumer industry are re-thinking their strategies in regard to sponsoring cricketing events. LG is going to review or probably even end its long association with the ICC.
Ripple affect of India not making it to the second round of the WC-2007.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Sachin at cross-roads
In the wake of the WC debacle, Sachin Tendulkar the 'god' of Indian Cricket is at cross-roads. He is probably standing at an T-junction with the options indicating 'Retire' or 'Continue'. The option of 'continue' may not be looking very attractive with age, form not in synch and also the 4-year WC show is over for India. As we have seen in recent past that his batting prowess in ODI is on decline, while he is being used more as 5th bowler.
Ian Chappel in his article clearly echos the feelings of many of the non-pleased Indian fans
"If Tendulkar had found an honest mirror three years ago and asked the question; "Mirror, mirror on the wall who is the best batsman of all?" It would've answered; "Brian Charles Lara." If he asked that same mirror right now; "Mirror, mirror on the wall should I retire?" The answer would be; "Yes." "
Read more http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ci/content/current/story/287961.html
Similar sentiments are being echoed by a Indian fan in his article at Rediff
"So, Mr Tendulkar, it is time for you to retire. Your best cricketing days are behind you. You will be known for your records, great batting style, bringing unparalleled thrill to your fans over and over again -- and if you do it at the right time, people will also remember you for your graceful exit. "
Read more http://www.rediff.com/wc2007/2007/mar/29guest.htm
With end-of each series the writing on the wall is becoming clear and the 'genius' of Indian Cricket needs to make a decision very soon.
Ian Chappel in his article clearly echos the feelings of many of the non-pleased Indian fans
"If Tendulkar had found an honest mirror three years ago and asked the question; "Mirror, mirror on the wall who is the best batsman of all?" It would've answered; "Brian Charles Lara." If he asked that same mirror right now; "Mirror, mirror on the wall should I retire?" The answer would be; "Yes." "
Read more http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ci/content/current/story/287961.html
Similar sentiments are being echoed by a Indian fan in his article at Rediff
"So, Mr Tendulkar, it is time for you to retire. Your best cricketing days are behind you. You will be known for your records, great batting style, bringing unparalleled thrill to your fans over and over again -- and if you do it at the right time, people will also remember you for your graceful exit. "
Read more http://www.rediff.com/wc2007/2007/mar/29guest.htm
With end-of each series the writing on the wall is becoming clear and the 'genius' of Indian Cricket needs to make a decision very soon.
Monday, March 26, 2007
After Effects - World Cup 2007
Here we go the after effects of the WC2007 fiasco for India has started
Kumble to retire from ODI
Details http://www.cricketnext.com/news/kumble-announces-retirement-from-odis/23975-13.html
We have to wait n see what else is going to change after the dismal performance of the Indian Team...
Kumble to retire from ODI
Details http://www.cricketnext.com/news/kumble-announces-retirement-from-odis/23975-13.html
We have to wait n see what else is going to change after the dismal performance of the Indian Team...
Friday, March 23, 2007
All Over - A comprehensive win for SL
India are beaten all blue by Sri Lanka......
Sri Lanka played like a unit and gave the Indians no breathing space...rather Indians choked themselves to death would be a better statement....
Indians wait for an outcome of the last match in their group B'ldesh v/s Bermuda to decide their fate...Knowing the form B'desh is playing and how Bermudas play...the result is a forgone conclusion..
Muralitharan made a good point during the presentation...INDIA HAS THE LONGEST BATTING LINEUP ON PAPER.... who doesn't know that and they still falter while chasing such achievable targets..
The Middle-order for SL did the trick for them, while the MO of India simply caved-in. It is noticeable that the youngsters in all the other teams are raising the hands and grabbing the opportunities thrown at them. The same spirit is lacking in India team, we had the strongest team on the paper but the weakest on the field.
It is high time, the selection team throws the 'record' book out of the window and give 'merit' to the form a player is in. It is easier said than done, in India everyone knows how things are going to go... There will be a loud noise made but after sometime it will die its own slow death...
They say time is a perfect healer but in India's case it is just becoming a routine ...
India is theortically in with a chance, but ????????????????????? let's leave it at that
Sri Lanka played like a unit and gave the Indians no breathing space...rather Indians choked themselves to death would be a better statement....
Indians wait for an outcome of the last match in their group B'ldesh v/s Bermuda to decide their fate...Knowing the form B'desh is playing and how Bermudas play...the result is a forgone conclusion..
Muralitharan made a good point during the presentation...INDIA HAS THE LONGEST BATTING LINEUP ON PAPER.... who doesn't know that and they still falter while chasing such achievable targets..
The Middle-order for SL did the trick for them, while the MO of India simply caved-in. It is noticeable that the youngsters in all the other teams are raising the hands and grabbing the opportunities thrown at them. The same spirit is lacking in India team, we had the strongest team on the paper but the weakest on the field.
It is high time, the selection team throws the 'record' book out of the window and give 'merit' to the form a player is in. It is easier said than done, in India everyone knows how things are going to go... There will be a loud noise made but after sometime it will die its own slow death...
They say time is a perfect healer but in India's case it is just becoming a routine ...
India is theortically in with a chance, but ????????????????????? let's leave it at that
Indians Dream in Shatters
Indian Dream of making it to Super 8 is in shatters.....
They themselves are to be blamed.....Needless run-outs and shots that were not necessary at any given stage...
The gameplan should have been very simple, play out the 50 overs and be watchful against VAAS and Muralitharan....
With wickets in hand, India could have easily chased down 255 but that was not to be...
They say you cannot say till the last ball is bowled....but here the writing is clear on the wall...
INDIA ARE GOING TO BE OUT OF WORLD CUP 2007....they will follow their neighbours Pakistan on the return flight home....
The predictions are that a team from sub-continent is going to be the likely winner...And today SL have done nothing wrong to make the predictions come thru....
Let's wait for another 20 overs before signing off on the match...you might just see a captain's knock...or a so-called ALL-ROUNDER AGARKAR have his say...
They themselves are to be blamed.....Needless run-outs and shots that were not necessary at any given stage...
The gameplan should have been very simple, play out the 50 overs and be watchful against VAAS and Muralitharan....
With wickets in hand, India could have easily chased down 255 but that was not to be...
They say you cannot say till the last ball is bowled....but here the writing is clear on the wall...
INDIA ARE GOING TO BE OUT OF WORLD CUP 2007....they will follow their neighbours Pakistan on the return flight home....
The predictions are that a team from sub-continent is going to be the likely winner...And today SL have done nothing wrong to make the predictions come thru....
Let's wait for another 20 overs before signing off on the match...you might just see a captain's knock...or a so-called ALL-ROUNDER AGARKAR have his say...
Indians struggling
Indians are struggling...
They are in a spot of bother chasing 255 runs at 44 for 3 in 11 overs.
Sachin Tendulkar bowled for 'duck' on the 3rd ball he faced....
The 'god' of Indian cricket is gone and with that hopes of India making it to Super 8 have dwindled... We cannot say it is a lost cause because it has been 'ages' since the 'god' took India to a win.
With this knock this interesting thought from a former player really makes one sit up and think
"He must not think of the delectable half-century he made in the last match against Bermuda. "Has the day come when we're seriously talking about Sachin batting well against Bermuda?" one intelligent former Indian cricketer responded when it was mentioned in passing that the little man looked sharp in the last match. "When an elephant stamps on a fly, do we say 'well done, that's a great kill'?"
As some former cricket mentioned... the state of affairs in sachins case is such that we are appluading his 50 against Bermuda while it should have been like elephant killing a fly...Very rightly put..."
Read more : http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ci/content/current/story/286790.html
Pitch is not doing anything. It is playing well, but the Indian batsmen as usual are making it unplayable with some stupid shots. India needs a long partnership to turn the tide in their favor.
Viru n Dravid need to bat for another 10-15 overs to stem the rot before they can even think of making a chase of the target.
SL captain also has his thinking cap on and is making some interesting changes in the field by having just 1 slip for a bowler like Vaas knowing he is not going to get such a great swing from the pitch. The wicket-keeper was also standing up and putting the doubts in the minds of the batsmen.
It all depends on how India play Murali and it is the question of team India and not a single player as such.
At this stage one would favor a SL win and the INDIAN DREAMS are fast fading .....
They are in a spot of bother chasing 255 runs at 44 for 3 in 11 overs.
Sachin Tendulkar bowled for 'duck' on the 3rd ball he faced....
The 'god' of Indian cricket is gone and with that hopes of India making it to Super 8 have dwindled... We cannot say it is a lost cause because it has been 'ages' since the 'god' took India to a win.
With this knock this interesting thought from a former player really makes one sit up and think
"He must not think of the delectable half-century he made in the last match against Bermuda. "Has the day come when we're seriously talking about Sachin batting well against Bermuda?" one intelligent former Indian cricketer responded when it was mentioned in passing that the little man looked sharp in the last match. "When an elephant stamps on a fly, do we say 'well done, that's a great kill'?"
As some former cricket mentioned... the state of affairs in sachins case is such that we are appluading his 50 against Bermuda while it should have been like elephant killing a fly...Very rightly put..."
Read more : http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ci/content/current/story/286790.html
Pitch is not doing anything. It is playing well, but the Indian batsmen as usual are making it unplayable with some stupid shots. India needs a long partnership to turn the tide in their favor.
Viru n Dravid need to bat for another 10-15 overs to stem the rot before they can even think of making a chase of the target.
SL captain also has his thinking cap on and is making some interesting changes in the field by having just 1 slip for a bowler like Vaas knowing he is not going to get such a great swing from the pitch. The wicket-keeper was also standing up and putting the doubts in the minds of the batsmen.
It all depends on how India play Murali and it is the question of team India and not a single player as such.
At this stage one would favor a SL win and the INDIAN DREAMS are fast fading .....
SL post a challenging target
It all boils down the next 3 hours.... Will India make the cut for Super 8...
Sri Lanka have done well...they have posted a challenging score of 255 for India to win.
SL middle-order batsmen turned the heat on Indian fielders with some good running between the wickets. Indian team must be rueing the fact they bowled 14 wides and 2 no-balls. They bowled 2.4 overs extra and this in-discipline in bowling might just turn the match in SL favor.
India might be also feeling the pinch of not playing Kumble in this crucial match. They went with the past record, unfortunately things did not go well as per the record book. Harbhajan did not come off against the SL.
Well, we can spend all our time analysing and debating what India should have done in the bowling...It is all done...water has flown down the bridge....
Script is ready... actors have to deliver on the ground of cricket..
India need 255 runs to get into Super 8... From here on...it will depend a lot on how the 3 biggies of Indian team script the fate of the Indian team...
Sri Lanka have done well...they have posted a challenging score of 255 for India to win.
SL middle-order batsmen turned the heat on Indian fielders with some good running between the wickets. Indian team must be rueing the fact they bowled 14 wides and 2 no-balls. They bowled 2.4 overs extra and this in-discipline in bowling might just turn the match in SL favor.
India might be also feeling the pinch of not playing Kumble in this crucial match. They went with the past record, unfortunately things did not go well as per the record book. Harbhajan did not come off against the SL.
Well, we can spend all our time analysing and debating what India should have done in the bowling...It is all done...water has flown down the bridge....
Script is ready... actors have to deliver on the ground of cricket..
India need 255 runs to get into Super 8... From here on...it will depend a lot on how the 3 biggies of Indian team script the fate of the Indian team...
Indians hanging in there
Indian bowlers have done well in the first 25 overs of the SL innings.
After the way they started in the first over...every Indian fan would have been hoping it is not the signs of the things to come...but so far India is hanging in there with some good tight bowling.
They have also picked up three valuable wickets and are applying the pressure on the SL batsmen. Indians seem charged and confident. Their body language is totally positive and commitment is there to be seen.
Dravid is ringing in changes and making some good moves. Ganguly was a good move and it paid dividends.
The next 25 overs of the SL innings will decide the score the Indian batsmen will chase....
Go blue ...
After the way they started in the first over...every Indian fan would have been hoping it is not the signs of the things to come...but so far India is hanging in there with some good tight bowling.
They have also picked up three valuable wickets and are applying the pressure on the SL batsmen. Indians seem charged and confident. Their body language is totally positive and commitment is there to be seen.
Dravid is ringing in changes and making some good moves. Ganguly was a good move and it paid dividends.
The next 25 overs of the SL innings will decide the score the Indian batsmen will chase....
Go blue ...
Do or Die - For India
It is a do or die situation for India in WC 2007... they carry the hopes of billions of cheering Indian fans all over the world.
India win the toss and elect to field in this crucial tie.
The first 5 overs have not gone India's way...the start of Zaheer Khan refreshes the memory of the 2003 final...Nervous start with wides and leg byes... India needed a good start in the bowling but have filtered that away with their loose bowling... Now India will be playing the 'catch-up' game on the run-rate unless bowlers strike to get some wickets...
Wait n See ... Indian Fans would be praying and hoping to get thru the long night with some cheer back home..
India win the toss and elect to field in this crucial tie.
The first 5 overs have not gone India's way...the start of Zaheer Khan refreshes the memory of the 2003 final...Nervous start with wides and leg byes... India needed a good start in the bowling but have filtered that away with their loose bowling... Now India will be playing the 'catch-up' game on the run-rate unless bowlers strike to get some wickets...
Wait n See ... Indian Fans would be praying and hoping to get thru the long night with some cheer back home..
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Day of Upsets in WC2007
Guys... what a day it has been in the WC 2007
Bangladesh beat India by 5 wickets a stunner... if you can't believe what you are reading then you won't believe the next line
PAKISTAN ARE OUT OF WC 2007...IRELAND have beaten PAKISTAN and they have crashed out of WC 2007 in the first round...
It was the day when the 'minows' of the WC-2007 threw the statistics out of the window and proved that on a given day they can be menancing too.
The body language that Indian players showed on the field completely showed their lack of application and spirit to put up a good fight. The way Zaheer Khan was plastered by the young turk from Bangladesh must have been a rewind to 2003 Wanderers final. In such tough games, you need to pull off 'blinders' and 'half-chances'. Unfortunately, it was not to be and India were left stunned by a great batting display by 'school children'. After the defeat in hands of Bangladesh, hope some sanity prevails thru the minds of 'think-tank' and drop 'virubhai' for the next matches.
Rameez Raja claims heads are going to roll in the Pakistan Team after their defeat... and why not in Indian team..
Pakistan Team must be cursing their luck..they were undone by a team which fought like there was no another day. Ireland team may not have hoped for a better St Patrick Day celebrations. Pakistan were going great at almost 4-5 runs an over and suddenly the 'winds' changed the direction. The batting went from north to south in just couple of minutes.
It is going to be very difficult for Pakistan and India to digest their defeats, while Bangladesh and Ireland will be dancing till the 'rooster crows' again in morning.
Read in one of the pages...a team from the sub-continent would lift the cup..is it going to be 'bangladesh'...In 83' it was India who were the under-dogs, 92' it was Pakistan who came from nowhere to lift the cup and in 96' it was the Lankans who dazzled the world.
Mind you guys...the coach of Bangladesh team is none other than Dave Whatmore who was the coach of the Sri-Lankan team in 96' WC....
Cricket is a game of uncertainties...anything can happen...March 23 will decide the fate of 2 strong contenders from the sub-continent...
Bangladesh beat India by 5 wickets a stunner... if you can't believe what you are reading then you won't believe the next line
PAKISTAN ARE OUT OF WC 2007...IRELAND have beaten PAKISTAN and they have crashed out of WC 2007 in the first round...
It was the day when the 'minows' of the WC-2007 threw the statistics out of the window and proved that on a given day they can be menancing too.
The body language that Indian players showed on the field completely showed their lack of application and spirit to put up a good fight. The way Zaheer Khan was plastered by the young turk from Bangladesh must have been a rewind to 2003 Wanderers final. In such tough games, you need to pull off 'blinders' and 'half-chances'. Unfortunately, it was not to be and India were left stunned by a great batting display by 'school children'. After the defeat in hands of Bangladesh, hope some sanity prevails thru the minds of 'think-tank' and drop 'virubhai' for the next matches.
Rameez Raja claims heads are going to roll in the Pakistan Team after their defeat... and why not in Indian team..
Pakistan Team must be cursing their luck..they were undone by a team which fought like there was no another day. Ireland team may not have hoped for a better St Patrick Day celebrations. Pakistan were going great at almost 4-5 runs an over and suddenly the 'winds' changed the direction. The batting went from north to south in just couple of minutes.
It is going to be very difficult for Pakistan and India to digest their defeats, while Bangladesh and Ireland will be dancing till the 'rooster crows' again in morning.
Read in one of the pages...a team from the sub-continent would lift the cup..is it going to be 'bangladesh'...In 83' it was India who were the under-dogs, 92' it was Pakistan who came from nowhere to lift the cup and in 96' it was the Lankans who dazzled the world.
Mind you guys...the coach of Bangladesh team is none other than Dave Whatmore who was the coach of the Sri-Lankan team in 96' WC....
Cricket is a game of uncertainties...anything can happen...March 23 will decide the fate of 2 strong contenders from the sub-continent...
India in deep waters
India have started their campaign in WC 2007 on a disappointing note.
Everyone was expecting India to steam roll Bangladesh and at the end of the 1st session the story looks to be different.
Once called 'minows' of the cricket, Bangla Tiger seems to roaring loudly. They beat New Zealand in their warm-match chasing 226. Hence, the things really look grim for India unless the bowlers can turn in a performance of their lifetimes.
What is Virubhai doing in the Indian Team? With today's performance, Dravid would be definetely rueing the idea of playing him in the XI. Kartik would have been a better option than out-of-form viru....
Everyone back home would be hoping that Indian bowlers turn their 'golden' arms over and make their late night watching worth it...
OR IS THIS GOING TO BE THE FIRST UPSET OF THE WC2007... another 3 hours of cricket will tell
Everyone was expecting India to steam roll Bangladesh and at the end of the 1st session the story looks to be different.
Once called 'minows' of the cricket, Bangla Tiger seems to roaring loudly. They beat New Zealand in their warm-match chasing 226. Hence, the things really look grim for India unless the bowlers can turn in a performance of their lifetimes.
What is Virubhai doing in the Indian Team? With today's performance, Dravid would be definetely rueing the idea of playing him in the XI. Kartik would have been a better option than out-of-form viru....
Everyone back home would be hoping that Indian bowlers turn their 'golden' arms over and make their late night watching worth it...
OR IS THIS GOING TO BE THE FIRST UPSET OF THE WC2007... another 3 hours of cricket will tell
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Back after trip to Apna Desh
Guys...lots happened since I was on vacation to apna desh...
WC team has been announced...DADA is back with a bang.. Yuvi is dancing on his feet..
Lot's to write...keep patience and will be back
WC team has been announced...DADA is back with a bang.. Yuvi is dancing on his feet..
Lot's to write...keep patience and will be back
Sunday, January 07, 2007
New Year Gift not to be at Capetown
At the end of 1st day at Newlands, Capetown, SA - there was a talk stating that Rahul Dravid had given his team a New Year Gift by winning the toss. Also there was a talk of similarties between matches played in past and especially the one played in Sydney
But looking at the comparision, one can definetely feel that the similarities failed to exist since day 1
Day 1: In sydney India scored 284 for 3 In SA scored 254 for 3 (a loss of 30-40 runs)
Day 2: India ended the day @ 650 for 5 In SA were bowled out for 414 (a loss of 200 runs)
Day 3: India decl @ 705 for 7;Australia 342/6 In SA, the home team is bowled out for 373 (a lead of 200 )
Day 4: Australia 474, India 211/2d, Australia 10/0 In SA India bowled out for 169, SA score 55 for 2
Day 5: Australia survive @357 for 6 SA canter to Victory @ 211 for 5
Hence feel India lost the script since day 1 and squandered the 'golden' chance to win a series in SA.
Personally feel India missed the bus in SA due to
1. Slow Scoring Rate - ended the day 1 short by 30-40 runs
2. Middle Order Failure - there was no defining partnership in the middle order
3. Bowling - Bowlers not bowling well on the pitch considered to be in India's favor.
4. Selection process - playing Munaf instead of Harbhajan. Would India have played 3 fast bowlers on a Indian Pitch? Answer known to 'Indian Think Tank'. Why was Virendra Sehwagh persisted?
Rain has alway played a 'defining' factor in deciding the results of a game or fortunes of a political parties in elections.
Every team travels with all the help of technology and support staff whose duty would be to keep track of things happening outside the cricket field. Indian cricket team is no different and was surprised to hear no one was watching or hearing the weather channel after India's batting started crumbling on day 4. If weather report was predicting rain for day 5, a message should have gone out the Indian Tail-enders to stay put as long as they can and give Kartik ample support. History repeats itself again, India had to playout few minutes (not even sessions) in the last test match against WI in WI before a downpour could have drawn the match and given them a chance to go home smiling.
There was another incident that would have caused India a wicket and a embrassing defeat that would have definetely raised another 'furor' in the minds of the politicians of the country. Sachin was away for 18 mins on the 3 rd day during the SA innings and could not come out to play till 18 mins were gone in India's 2nd innings. This point should have been definetely noted by the support staff and pointed out to the Indian Captain.
It would be interesting to note if BCCI would take action against the support staff for such 'performance' lapses.
All said and done, it was not a NEW YEAR GIFT the INDIAN CAPTAIN would have liked giving to his team...
INDIA needs to gear up and come up with some tricks for the WC2007.
But looking at the comparision, one can definetely feel that the similarities failed to exist since day 1
Day 1: In sydney India scored 284 for 3 In SA scored 254 for 3 (a loss of 30-40 runs)
Day 2: India ended the day @ 650 for 5 In SA were bowled out for 414 (a loss of 200 runs)
Day 3: India decl @ 705 for 7;Australia 342/6 In SA, the home team is bowled out for 373 (a lead of 200 )
Day 4: Australia 474, India 211/2d, Australia 10/0 In SA India bowled out for 169, SA score 55 for 2
Day 5: Australia survive @357 for 6 SA canter to Victory @ 211 for 5
Hence feel India lost the script since day 1 and squandered the 'golden' chance to win a series in SA.
Personally feel India missed the bus in SA due to
1. Slow Scoring Rate - ended the day 1 short by 30-40 runs
2. Middle Order Failure - there was no defining partnership in the middle order
3. Bowling - Bowlers not bowling well on the pitch considered to be in India's favor.
4. Selection process - playing Munaf instead of Harbhajan. Would India have played 3 fast bowlers on a Indian Pitch? Answer known to 'Indian Think Tank'. Why was Virendra Sehwagh persisted?
Rain has alway played a 'defining' factor in deciding the results of a game or fortunes of a political parties in elections.
Every team travels with all the help of technology and support staff whose duty would be to keep track of things happening outside the cricket field. Indian cricket team is no different and was surprised to hear no one was watching or hearing the weather channel after India's batting started crumbling on day 4. If weather report was predicting rain for day 5, a message should have gone out the Indian Tail-enders to stay put as long as they can and give Kartik ample support. History repeats itself again, India had to playout few minutes (not even sessions) in the last test match against WI in WI before a downpour could have drawn the match and given them a chance to go home smiling.
There was another incident that would have caused India a wicket and a embrassing defeat that would have definetely raised another 'furor' in the minds of the politicians of the country. Sachin was away for 18 mins on the 3 rd day during the SA innings and could not come out to play till 18 mins were gone in India's 2nd innings. This point should have been definetely noted by the support staff and pointed out to the Indian Captain.
It would be interesting to note if BCCI would take action against the support staff for such 'performance' lapses.
All said and done, it was not a NEW YEAR GIFT the INDIAN CAPTAIN would have liked giving to his team...
INDIA needs to gear up and come up with some tricks for the WC2007.
Friday, January 05, 2007
SA hold the upper hand at Capetown
At the end of the 4th day's play SA seem to be holding the upper hand in the duel at Capetown.
The glow on the SA faces must have have dimmed a bit with the fall of Amla at the end-of-days play. But they would be overall excited and anxious to wrap the match tomorrow on a canter.
But the Verdict from Dileep Premachandran in Capetown clearly says it all... India dig their own grave
Whatever happened on the 4th day has been written and debated for many years now in the books of Indian cricket. It is the same old story, that keeps getting repeated like any other Bollywood masala movie storyline.
From the heart of a true-Indian, would luv to see India win and create history tomorrow. But in reality,odds definetely favor SA clinching the match and series.
If India pull out a miracle tomorrow, they will definetely come back home with lots of fanfare. And also prolong careers of some of the so-called stars
And if they loose, the think-tank definetely will have lots of questions to answer and may even see the Aussie mentor pack his bags.
As a bystander and well-wisher of Indian Cricket would like answers for the simple questions
a) Knowing the state of the pitch, why did we not play Harbhajan?
b) Knowing Viru's form, why did they send him as opener in the second innings?
Well, these questions will never be answered or may not be even asked depending on the outcome of the match tomorrow.
And as they say nothing can be said till the last ball is bowled.
The glow on the SA faces must have have dimmed a bit with the fall of Amla at the end-of-days play. But they would be overall excited and anxious to wrap the match tomorrow on a canter.
But the Verdict from Dileep Premachandran in Capetown clearly says it all... India dig their own grave
Whatever happened on the 4th day has been written and debated for many years now in the books of Indian cricket. It is the same old story, that keeps getting repeated like any other Bollywood masala movie storyline.
From the heart of a true-Indian, would luv to see India win and create history tomorrow. But in reality,odds definetely favor SA clinching the match and series.
If India pull out a miracle tomorrow, they will definetely come back home with lots of fanfare. And also prolong careers of some of the so-called stars
And if they loose, the think-tank definetely will have lots of questions to answer and may even see the Aussie mentor pack his bags.
As a bystander and well-wisher of Indian Cricket would like answers for the simple questions
a) Knowing the state of the pitch, why did we not play Harbhajan?
b) Knowing Viru's form, why did they send him as opener in the second innings?
Well, these questions will never be answered or may not be even asked depending on the outcome of the match tomorrow.
And as they say nothing can be said till the last ball is bowled.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
An Interesting Duel at CapeTown
An interesting duel is in offerring at Capetown,SA between India and SA.
It is interesting to note that all the experts have been going gaga over the pitch and claiming it to be an Indian twin. But surprisingly, Indian Think Tank thinks otherwise and have decided to play only one spinner in the match. Personally, have been harping on playing Bhajji in SA since the beginning and feel India have missed a trick or two here again. With SA also playing a spinner, India had all the signals required to play two-spin attack and try clinching the rubber. Time will only tell, if Jumbo would be good enough for SA team.
Personally feel India is 70-100 runs short in the first innings. On a pitch like this India should have scored 500 plus and made sure that they only bat once in the match. Other factor that may go against them was the slow scoring rate. In modern times, a score of 300 or more in a day is common and gone are days when you could count yourself safe by a slow grind.
And let us not forget in the recent Ashes series, we had a result even after the team batting 1st scored 500 runs.
As the situation stands, SA have given a positive response. Smith and Amla have shown no signs of any fear against the pitch behavior.
Anything can happen from here on, SA can pile up a good score or India can run thru the SA fragile middle-order.
But as they say...Cricket is a funny game and you cannot predict till the last ball is bowled.
It is interesting to note that all the experts have been going gaga over the pitch and claiming it to be an Indian twin. But surprisingly, Indian Think Tank thinks otherwise and have decided to play only one spinner in the match. Personally, have been harping on playing Bhajji in SA since the beginning and feel India have missed a trick or two here again. With SA also playing a spinner, India had all the signals required to play two-spin attack and try clinching the rubber. Time will only tell, if Jumbo would be good enough for SA team.
Personally feel India is 70-100 runs short in the first innings. On a pitch like this India should have scored 500 plus and made sure that they only bat once in the match. Other factor that may go against them was the slow scoring rate. In modern times, a score of 300 or more in a day is common and gone are days when you could count yourself safe by a slow grind.
And let us not forget in the recent Ashes series, we had a result even after the team batting 1st scored 500 runs.
As the situation stands, SA have given a positive response. Smith and Amla have shown no signs of any fear against the pitch behavior.
Anything can happen from here on, SA can pile up a good score or India can run thru the SA fragile middle-order.
But as they say...Cricket is a funny game and you cannot predict till the last ball is bowled.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Happy New Year - 2007
Wish All A Very Happy New Year
Hope the Year 2007 bring joy, peace and prosperity to Everyone.
Hope the Year 2007 bring joy, peace and prosperity to Everyone.
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.
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