Whaaadaplayaaa...

I’ve not been writing a lot these days. Thanks to the new found job status that keeps me away from sharing my wisdom. Today, all those miseries are put to a pause. Thanks to the wonderful double century from the super blades of Sehwag that brings me out of hibernation. 


It was 3 in the morning when my sleep got disturbed. Tried hard to go back but no luck. What the heck... thought will watch the India Vs West Indies match the least. Though I’m not a big fan of this series, I’m glad there is something to keep me occupied this odd hours. Guess what??? I ended up watching every single run of the historic 219 runs constructed by Virender Sehwag. Don’t worry!!! I spare you the details as the highlights and the match report will be out shortly in cricinfo. But I will be glad to mention one thing. I definitely felt the hunch about the double ton when Sehwag was caressing in 80s.   


Now that the double ton is made comparisons are obvious. There is no doubt that Tendulkar’s double came against a superior opposition. Much the same time, there is no denial that this is a supreme effort from Sehwag to overwhelm the feat. Either ways, I’m glad the record was broken as I firmly believe records are meant to be broken. Today, Sehwag also demonstrated that an individual score of 250 is very much in vicinity. Trust me, a decade ago I wouldn’t want to believe 200 runs is possible, now I’m talking 250 myself. Now, I only wish the format to stay alive to witness the occurrence. 


How lucky I’m to lose the sleep??? 


Now that I’ve decided to write, let me pour my thoughts on few other stuff. It is extremely disappointing to see Irfan Pathan not being picked for the Test Leg of the Australian tour. Though I’m not a big Pathan fan myself, it is difficult to digest a team with too many rookies for a tour down under. With Zaheer and Ishanth injury prone, Irfan would have been a sensible choice ahead of Mithun, otherwise a better replacement for injured Praveen Kumar. Also Pathan is amongst wickets in the domestic circuit makes it even compelling to pick him. Again, I don’t know the politics that keeps him away from the scene. However it is even sad to see him left out of the 4th ODI against West Indies. I wish better sanity prevail in the minds of selectors and team management. Irfan should now hope to stay in the selectors radar as injury replacement.


Dinesh
Cricket Lover

Greatness can be Humble... Can't be Subtle

India won the First Test with a day to spare. I’m glad we drew the first blood but the performance in home territory is far too convincing due to first innings debacle. Since we analyzed the episode far too much let’s move on. Now, “Did India just demonstrate the bounce backability or West Indies lacked the aptitude to surrender India after securing the first round?”

Funny huh!!! First I wanted India to win and now I validate the feat.

It is very sad to watch the Master reaching a major milestone in front of empty audience. Lucky I witnessed the moment on TV. This reminds me a sweet memory from the past. Not sure the timeline precisely, but surely a decade years ago the least, around Diwali time, when New Zealand was on tour to India. The match was played at Chepauk Stadium, India won the toss and batted first but not much of play possible due to rain. When the pitch and conditions improved for any play on the afternoon of third day, the stands started filling pretty fast. Mind you everyone knew the game is not going to bring any result, but flocked the stadium just for a session to see the master sizzle. Much to the expectation Tendulkar served the fans appetite with a stylish half century. Mind you, we all ran to the stadium to get a glimpse of Tendulkar in a No Result game. Today watching the maestro reaching 15000 runs in empty stands hurts me badly. There could be several reasons for the poor turnout (skipping the analysis for your convenience) but if your son is playing a game out there and is in verge of achieving a major milestone won’t you be there to cheer him (if not witness the history for yourself)??? Sometimes no matter what the reason, it will be a good gesture to cheer the countries favorite son (or anybody) when they reach an important milestone. Am I over reacting??? Never mind. 

For once, Mumbai Cricket Association is doing all possible to get the crowd so as there are souls to cheer the 100^th ton. Between, did Tendulkar on purpose miss his C at Delhi so as he doesn’t embarrass himself? Pl excuse, greatness can be humble but can’t be subtle. So I’m certain to see the biggie coming in front of a packed stadium and thousands of fans take privilege of witnessing the moment.

On the positives, good to see India breeding the new age cricketers. Also it is heartening to see the young spinners cashing the opportunity with commendable performance and prolong Harbhajan’s comeback. At the same time it is disappointing to watch seasoned pro like Yuvi wasting opportunities. Though his place is on the line, he could still feel secured of a spot throughout the series. Anyways, wish to see India winning the remaining Tests inside 5 days (BUT BATTING ONLY ONCE).

Somewhere in another part of the world there is another Test series between Australia and South Africa currently in progress. Once again it is disappointing to know it is only 2 Test Series. On paper, South Africa looks to be a better side in all aspects compared to Australia whose bowling seems to be a letdown. In reality, Australia has more match practice compared to South Africa. This should be an intriguing contest for true cricket fans.

Bottom line: A Tendulkar walking on the streets would attract more crowd than the Tendulkar in action during a Test Match at an Indian venue. Even Tendulkar could not save the game, time BCCI take good note of it.

Dinesh

Cricket Lover


PS: There is little happening in my professional life. So I might take a little break from sharing my views. Until then Jai should thrill you with his witty stuffs.

200 ALL OUT... INEXCUSABLE!!!

Cricket is a game of surprises. I’m sure every Indian fan must have experienced it today after India performed dismally on the second day of the first test match at home against a spineless attack.

For starters let me clarify my idea of the Test Match prior to the commencement. I expected a dry Kotla pitch, anticipated India to bat only once and perceived the game to finish inside four days with an India win. Looks like 2 out of 3 readings are certain to turn true, while the one that failed is not digestible by any means. At the same time one can’t ignore the devil in the pitch especially when 17 wickets fall on the same day. Of course these are specially doctored conditions that are demons for visitors and heavens for hosts. And India is expected to put better show when they are not dealing the likes Murali or Warne or Donald in the opposition ranks. But, 200 all out... INEXCUSABLE!!!

Now that set and done, what explains India’s poor show with the bat? Are the batsmen still in T20 mode?

Many might actually buy this, for some reasons I don’t want to blame T20, though I agree the format has big impact on Test cricket. Half the batmen in the XI namely Tendulkar, Dravid, Laxman are not actively involved in the format at all. So definitely can’t blame T20 entirely for the debacle. However it is very evident Tendulkar is yet to recover from the bout of failures, Dravid succumbed yet again for running out of partners and Laxman lost himself to low bounce. That leaves Sehwag, Gambir, Yuvraj performances to debate. The case of Sehwag Test, ODI or T20 he plays the same way and more over this game/series is sort of comeback for the Trio in order to be in shape for the big boys show down under. Today, Sehwag got out to a bizarre stumping episode, Gambir for holding the bat in the wrong hands and Yuvraj on the softer side. That leaves us to blame Dhoni and tail for the poor show. I opine the batmen’s reckless attitude to decimate WI has put the team in a spot of bother ahead of T20 cricket. Except the big 3, the remaining batsman showed a sense of urgency to dominate WI. Anyways, today’s show must have shaked India for good. I still want to believe the hosts will bundle the guests inside 150 and end up chasing 250 successfully.

Though it is wise to accept Indian standards deteriorating steeply, I’m curious to know if the ability to RISE still exists. Like, the Australian Cricket may have declined, but Australians continue to win. When India wins the test match and going forward display the attitude to bat 5 day cricket, it is still hope for Indian Cricket and this jerk could be pardoned.

Bottom line: Some part of my brain still asks, “Is it a lame BCCI gimmick to generate curiosity of the fans to follow Test Cricket?”

Dinesh

Cricket Lover

Reality Check

M S Dhoni (capt & wk), Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Yuvraj Singh, R Ashwin, Pragyan Ojha, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Virat Kohli, Varun Aaron, Ajinkya Rahane, Rahul Sharma

Indian selectors present a full strength Test squad for the home series against a meek West Indies outfit. Considering the hectic schedule Indian players just finished and the grind ahead, I personally anticipated India to take it easy against West Indies. But, it is interesting to see India wish to take no opposition lightly even at home.

More than happy to see our super stars in action, I’m forced to ask WHY, especially when India challenged the same opposition with a largely inferior unit only few months ago on their tour to Caribbean. Here are some WHYs.

Is India fielding a full squad because all the stars are available and roaring to go?

Is this the CHANCE availed to crucify a depleted side so as to redeem some points to improve the Test Rankings?

Is it because the REVENGE series witnessed empty stands, a lame gimmick attempted by the board to bring back audience to the stadium?

Is it because Indian cricketers are more involved in the short formats, here is an opportunity taken to get the players acquainted to Tests prior the series Down Under?

Is it a REALITY CHECK to verify if the beloved icons still have it in them to play sessions which they failed in the series at West Indies & England?

Is this an opportunity to get rid of the monkey from Sachin’s head so as he don’t have the pressure of 100^th ton in Australia?

Finally, is this a litmus TEST to the Indian Cricket Fan who still manage to survive?

So many questions pop but no answers yet. As a reader if you already have kindly share your piece of wisdom.

In midst of all this perplexity there is something I truly appreciate about this selection. For once there is “NO” NOT SO SURE FIT ZAK to lead the pack only to break down in the middle of the series or the valor of TURBANATOR to execute an already executed West Indies. Last but not the least, Suresh Raina and Praveen Kumar are rewarded the most needed break of their life and the media report the duo being dropped and not rested for the overload they managed all along.

Now that the team is announced, time to move on rather brood over whys. It’s been ages India played 5 bowlers in a Test match. Considering the wickets in this series to be on the dry side and opposition not tough either, I will be excited to see India play Ishanth Sharma, Yadav/Aaron, Ashwin, Ojha and Rahul Sharma in the XI while scoring is left to 5 batsman only with Dhoni coming at 6 filling the role of all rounder. That would mean there would be no faceoff between Kohli and Yuvraj for a spot rather both benched to watch asli cricket. Though the scenario presented is ideal for Indian cricket, it can only turn true in dreams.

In reality India will chose to play 6 batsman and 4 bowlers ideally keeping the faceoff alive between Yuvraj and Kohli for a place in the XI, while Ojha and Rahul Sharma to fight out for the role of second spinner to accompany Ashwin. Though the XI is unsure at this time, one of the following two probabilities is certain to come true. If Yuvraj plays Rahul Sharma plays, If Kohli plays Ojha plays. I’m curious as you to know which combo is played and which combo is benched.

Bottom line: Since Delhi being the venue for first test and hometown for Kohli boy, does he have the charisma to bench Yuvi-Sharma combo? Anyways, India will sweep the series 3-0 unless weather intervenes.

Dinesh

Cricket Lover