India finish 3-2

It was Feb 24 2011. Most of India and the World had the first look of this young kid. At the early fall of Chris Gayle, this young man walked into face the steaming Steyn & Co. He was never intimidated by the circumstances or opposition but played like a champion to score a wonderful 73. His untimely dismissal at 178 caused a debacle and WI managed to put only 222 on the board only to lose the match. But then we all thought we witnessed the reincarnation of Brian Lara in the form of Darren Bravo.


After such a promising start it is only fair to say Darren Bravo failed live to the reputation. He flunked badly in the remaining part of the tournament and his poor run continued in the series against Pakistan too. But it was after the failure in the second ODI against India, he was dropped from the playing XI too. Today, after the senior partner Sarwan retired hurt due to cramps, he took the challenge upon himself to win the game for WI almost single handed.


When WI took the batting powerplay at the 43rd over, he straight away changed from 2nd gear to 6th gear to score 15 runs of Ashwin with 2 huge sixes, 14 runs of Mishra with 2 sixes, 14 runs of Vinay Kumar with a 6 and 4 in the next 3 overs. When Mishra foxed him in the early 46th over, the damage was already done and WI victory was just a formality. However, Samuels ensured the victory in style by smacking Vinay Kumar for another 20 runs in the 48th over. The most interesting incident was Samuel immediately ran to Chris Gayle after the last runs to celebrate the victory. Guess he was sending some message to the board.


The pain of lose was very much evident on Virat Kohli when he threw the ball in anger to the wicket keeper during the final moments of the game. He knew that captain Dhoni would have never let this defeat happen from the jaws of victory. Well that is difference between the natural leader and the made up captain.


"Winning is a habit. Once you lose it, it is hard to get back". I know I've said this like a broken record. In this case India lost the habit in the 4th ODI mainly because of messing the winning combination. Now the nightmare continues.


Also I felt it was unfair on the management to drop Badrinath for this game. If Badri's omission is justified, then Yusuf Pathan selection hardly made sense.


Bottomline: Had WI played this series to the real sense of home advantage, there is no doubt they would have prevailed over India.


Dinesh
Cricket Lover

India No.1

It is true that Yusuf Pathan and Badrinath have failed pathetically in the past 4 ODI’s when they had golden opportunity to cement their spots in the side. Spots*^#!
If Yuvraj Singh, after 10+ years of mostly impressive international career could not seal a Test spot for himself, I doubt if Yusuf Pathan or Badrinath offer higher quality cricket ahead of him to seal a place even in ODI’s. Let me phrase this in a different way. If Yuvraj Singh is talented enough only to play ODI’s and T20’s then is it safe to assume Badrinath and Yusuf Pathan are talented enough to play only T20’s and domestic cricket?

On the contrary, Harbhajan Singh has not been performing any good for almost a year or two. But his position is never in danger. Surprise is it? Let us dig this issue little deeper.

To me the reason for ordinary performance from Harbhajan is very compelling. His challenge for survival is hardly at stake. Kumble worked hard during the first half of his career to establish him and the second half on toes due to the presence of immensely talented Harbhajan. That actually pushed both of them to work hard and come up with commendable performance for the country. Once Kumble vacated the scene, there was hardly an established talent to push Harbhajan. And so Bhajji turned to be an ordinary cricketer. Mind you, all the Mishras, Chawlas, Ashwins are still fringe players. So these guys have to first establish themselves and then start giving consistent performances to create some threat to Bhajji’s place. Until then an average Bhajji will rule the roaster.

You have to understand, everyone cannot be Tendulkar or Muralidharan with hunger for runs and wickets to keep them going. Different people need different motivation for performance.

Coming back to Yusuf Pathan, he gained a place in the side on the all rounder quota. Ofcourse a failure here is going to chop his head. But for how long you think? However these days Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma and even Kohli are rolling their arms for a place in the side on the allrounder quota just in case their batting prowess let them down. So this could potentially make the wait little longer. Also Yusuf Pathan may not be good choice for the English and Australian Tour for his bowling talent. In all likelihood his place will be taken over by his half-brother Irfan Pathan whose skills would better suit these conditions.

The story of Badrinath.

In the Test arena Dravid, Laxman and Tendulkar are likely to continue till the Aussie tour. Yuvraj, Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Pujara and Ambati Rayudu are either ahead of Badrinath or along with him in the waitlist. Even he delivers a cracking performance in the WI series he won’t find a regular spot until next year. Many might consider age is not with him (including yours truly in the last post), but in reality he could still get another chance to have a go after the stalwarts move on. The thing is he may not have a long career. After all who had except for the Big 4 in the middle order in the past decade?

After the 70’s and 80’s we witnessed the downfall of WI cricket due to death of talent. After about two decades of reign, we now watched the Aussie downfall for the same reasons.

In reality, all this competition for place is only helping India to prolong its supremacy.

Bottomline: Guess you can phrase it by yourself.

Dinesh

Cricket Lover

Short, Shorter, Shortest !!!

That is exactly what Indian batsman had to deal most of the time in the fourth ODI from the medium pacers. The way Russell made Badri to dance to his tunes was actually a sight to watch. Proud to say the entire young brigade handled the short stuff better than expected but completely lost the plot against the slow bowling of Martin and Simmons. Surprising is it? In reality, the batsmen were hardly in the zone to play and so chanced their arm against the slower bowlers only to create heartbreak. I'm little too kind here but the purists and pundits will be frying the million dollar babies for the choice of shot selection. 

Now, India will be playing the final ODI at Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica. So what? 

For the first time Captain Sammy’s request is granted and the teams will be playing on a hard pitch that offer more pace and bounce compared to the earlier wickets so far. That should send few butterflies in the Indian camp. Also the record of Indians in this venue is not so encouraging. India played 10 Tests here, drew 3, won 1 and lost 6. In the 6 ODI’s, 2 were abandoned, won 2 and lost 2.

The key aspect is India will also be playing the First Test in the same venue on Monday, 20 Jun 2011. Don’t really remember if a Test match ever started on a Monday morning. Doesn’t make any sense to me? In the days when it is extremely difficult to find audience for Test match why kill it further by not having any action during the weekends?

Coming back to the article, it is a known story that Indians lack the technique to survive on bouncy surfaces. Being an optimist supporter, I would be the last man to be bogged down by records. 

The way Ishanth Sharma bounced out Hyatt at backward point in the 4^th ODI is an ample testimony to the damage the Indians could inflict to WI on this surface. A swinging Praveen Kumar with little more pace and bounce for assist will only become more lethal. Munaf Patel should make the life of WI batsman difficult with his line and length. Ideally the Indian bowling unit appears good enough to defend the total the batsman put on the board. Again except for Ishant our medium pacers don’t bend the back as much as the WI counterparts.

The final ODI will be a good prelude to the First Test. The performance of Raina, Badri and Kohli will be closely watched as 2 spots are available for grabs. As of now, Raina and Kohli are likely candidates to make it to the Test eleven; however an inspirational performance by Badri could change tables. After all this is his last lifeline. If he misses, he can as well forget the idea of wearing the national Jersey anymore.


Bottomline: For now the ODI series is likely to conclude 3-2, while India could possibly start the Test series trailing 0-1.

Dinesh

Cricket Lover

India clinch ODI series

After an exciting day of cricket India finished on the winning side to clinch the ODI series. The shots that fetched the boys millions bucks in IPL almost costed the game today. Once again Rohit saved the day in the company of Harbhajan Singh and Praveen Kumar.


From 92/7, WI going on to finish 225/8 is a classic example of a fighting performance. Full marks to Baugh and Russell for the sensible partnership but the final onslaught by the later stole the show. This 92 at a very crucial juncture should make Russell a permanent fixture in the WI line up. I won't be surprised if he bats ahead of Pollard from here on.


Virat Kohli given out LBW on the ball clearly going above and outside the leg stump is an ample evidence for the need of DRS.


Once again throwing up his wicket after a good start exhibits the poor temperament of Parthiv Patel. No wonder why he remain in the sidelines. I only wish, Dhawan, Patel, Raina and others realized that the million buck shots in IPL is a suicide in international circuit.


About run a ball required in the last 10 overs, Bhajji suddenly went berserk scoring 4,2,4,6 and eventually threw away his wicket of the last ball demonstrated his moment of madness. When 46 required of 54 balls Praveen walked to the crease. When one would expect Praveen to rotate strike to the senior partner Rohit, surprisingly India called for the batting powerplay and this time it was Praveen's turn to go berserk. The second onslaught by Praveen definitely appeared to be a calculated gamble by Raina think tank sure surprised both the opposition and viewers. The gamble really paid off and deserves full appreciation. In the end, India knocked off the runs with few overs to spare.


If WI did it from 92/7, then India made it from 92/6. Once again a brilliant show by Rohit. It is very sad he won't be featuring in the Test side.


Now India winning the series it would be compelling to try Ashwin, Saha, Tiwary and Ishant in the remaining games. Once again Badri, Dhawan and Pathan failure should make it easy for the selectors.


Bottomline: Captain Raina, surely growing leaps and bounds


Dinesh
Cricket Lover

Googly

Gary Kirsten is appointed as the new SA coach

Gary did not extend his coaching contract with India sighting he needed more time to spend with his family. Is it safe to assume Gary will now get more time to spend with his family being SA coach? Come on Gary. Nobody will snap your head if you oblige to the nation’s call. We Indians would have been more proud at you had you been open about this. Lame excuses needlessly dent your image. Anyways, chokers will choke no matter who the coach is.

India oppose DRS for the England Tour

You are the World champions in ODI and TEST cricket. What are you guys really scared of? Please understand that the technology is not going to regulate every decision. Chances are good that 90% of the time you will get the right verdict in the event of a call for the technology. Surprised you are thinking so backward on this. Guess you want to play another Sydney Test to embrace it.

Mithun and Preveen replace Zaheer and Sreeshanth for Test leg of the ODI Tour.

Sometimes I doubt if the stars are already taking rest to recuperate in time for the next IPL.

Dhoni might be a great captain. He still needs adequate resources to get the job done. With Sehwag, Gambir, Tendulkar, Zaheer out, it will be demanding on Dhoni boys to clinch the TEST series. In the event India loses, there would be some fuss here and there. Never mind. Money rules the sport.

Katich shakes Australian Cricket.

In just one of many memorable lines, Katich summed up the incongruity of $2 million-earning players being judged by part-time selectors on $40,000 a year by saying "when you talk about money you get the best in the business for paying. If you pay peanuts you get monkeys".

Man you must have real balls to say this and live another day to play cricket. I’ve not closely followed Katich carrier to comment on his expulsion from contract. But, Hats off… Katich.

Windies Board and Gayle yet to find time to meet so Gayle stays out

Oh yeah… Gayle was watching the T20 match from the stands and so the board members too. Pretty obvious they did not find time to talk. Ego preside nation’s cry.

Banned Amir plays an official match.

It is understandable Amir may not have clearly understood the meaning of the word ban. But truly surprising to see the Surrey League whose mother tongue is English did not know the meaning of the word BAN.

Jayasuriya back for a last hurrah

In the absence of Upul Tharanga (due to failed drug test in the World Cup) out of favor Jayasuriya, finally got an opportunity to make a comeback in the international scene at the age of 42 to play 1 T20 and 5ODI’s on the England tour. Guess what??? Jayasuriya immediately announces his retirement stating his first ODI would be his last appearance. On the retirement statement, he mentioned that he doesn’t want to stand on the path of a youngster. Funny is it? May be he did not realize that the selectors already realized it and dumped him for the past year or so.

It’s such a shame for a man of his caliber had been waiting all along only to retire on the field in front of the audience. May be he is expecting his team mates to carry him on the shoulder as a lap of honor after his final game. Doubt if Sangakara or Jayawardane are too young to do it. May be Jayasuriya has to stage this show. After all, who doesn’t like glory?

Dinesh

Cricket Lover

Progress Report

I’ve been apprehensive over Suresh Raina’s captaincy prior to the commencement of the series. Much to my surprise (if not for many more) he is definitely doing a good job.

It is time to share some words of appreciation and due diligence for his success.

His choice of players in the playing XI has been spot on in the first two ODI’s. Many would have wondered why Ashwin did not figure in the scheme of things. Mishra definitely lived up to challenge and exploited the weakness of WI batsman to play leg spin. Though it is tempting to play Ishant Sharma as a first choice fast bowler abroad, Raina think tank fielded Munaf and Praveen. The wickets India played so far better assisted these two bowlers ahead of Ishant. After all with Ishanth’s pace and bounce the ball would have come on to the bat nicely on these sluggish wickets only to aid batsman to score runs freely.

On the contrary Sammy has been playing two leg spinners Martin and Bishoo on both the games. I don’t know if it’s the fault of selectors or Sammy not to push for the off spinner Nurse ahead of Martin in the squad to give some variety to the attack. Also surprised why Suleiman Benn went out of favor? With his experience he would have exploited the conditions far better than these two leggies. Again surprised to see Pollard dropped for the first ODI and Darren Bravo dropped for the second ODI. I agree both these players have not lived up to their bill, but they definitely have the talent and need more encouragement to flourish.

Definitely Raina scored more marks over his counterpart. Though his success is largely due to the fact that India is a stronger unit on paper compared to WI and the conditions far more suited the guest than hosts. Not to miss out to mention Raina had the opportunity to witness Ganguly, Dravid, Kumble and Dhoni’s leadership in close quarters to pick a lesson or two while Sammy was hardly led by a high profile skipper. But to actually lead an inexperienced side, pressing the advantage and winning in style deserves full appreciation.

It is also nice to witness Rohit Sharma let the bat do all the talking in the first ODI, while Kohli clearly expressed his appetite for runs in the second ODI. Not much of Yusuf Pathan show till now as the batsmen were hardly tested.

If WICB resolves its difference with Chris Gayle and decide to play him in the remaining 3 ODI’s along with Jerome Taylor it will be a true test for Raina’s wits. Will be curious to see if Raina can drop Pathan or one of the batsmen to play 5 bowlers?  The report card can be completed then.

For now, Fletcher, Raina and Boys score full marks.

Dinesh

Cricket Lover

Divine Exit

Today we are so happy and excited to see our favorite cricketer in action. We love him so much and willing to die to get a glimpse of him in close quarters. But lot happens before this stardom.

A budding cricketer had to toil hard day and night to gain an entry in the International Cricket. It is not the hard work and tons of runs in the domestic circuit that guarantee the access. Beyond the boundary, the cricketer should know to pull a few strings to get the nod ahead of his contemporaries, considering talent is abundant these days. Again the national reckoning doesn’t guarantee the players debut. One has to wait without a set timeline. It all depends on how lucky the cricketer is for the senior to get injured or axed or any other phenomenon that actually leads up to his debut.

Phew… big story isn’t it? But it’s only the end of the first stage.

The real quest is to make an illustrative career after the debut. The challenge is thousand times bigger and so are the required effort levels. There are so many cricketers who made the entry but vanished pretty quickly from the scene. Just to make this post little interesting here I pick some names randomly. Atul Bedade, Noel David, Dodda Ganesh, David Johnson, Vijay Bhardwaj, Hrishikesh Kanitkar, Debang Gandhi, Debashish Mohanty, Harvinder Singh. Do these names ring a bell? Trust me… these guys are surely talented. Just that they failed to deliver successfully in the international circuit. Surely there is a tender story behind it.

Then there are some others who lose the plot at the half way. Nobody can deny Vinod Kambli, Ajay Jadeja, Mohammad Kaif all finished far too early in the international circuit. 

But those who make this epic voyage successfully also go on to clinch your heart to become your idol. They grow to be your source of inspiration. Eventually you turn into his diehard fan. Then you go on to talk about his feat for generations. Do you really need some names?

In reality, translating the talent to performance irrespective of play field and the ability to survive the rigors of international cricket requires more of mental makeup than the technique and skill levels of the cricketer. For example, Chanderpaul is not the most elegant, graceful and technically sound cricketer to survive international cricket for over a decade. If not for Sachin Tendulkar not sure anybody could play 2 decades of grueling international regime with flying color and still maintain strong.

But a perfect script to a fairy tale career is defined by the dot. Many cricketers forget to sign off the game in style. Kapil Dev nearly played the last 10 Tests only to finish as the world’s leading wicket taker. Guess what, Murali has bagged almost double the no. of wickets than Kapil Dev. Sometimes if cricketers prolog career for the sake of record, it is similar to running after a women. Chances are good that they will not stick longer. However if records come your way, they are likely to live with you for a greater length of a period.

In today’s era except for few names here and there like Jayasuriya, Chaminda Vaas, Mohammad Yusuf most cricketers plan their exit. Srinath, Kumble, Steve Waugh, Shane Warne, Gilchrist, Hayden, Ganguly are all classic examples of a proper sign off. Infact many of us still believe these legends departed definitely a season or two ahead of their tenure. Unlike yesteryear, cricketers had to be shown doors to remind their time is up.

Bottomline: The success of a cricketer is defined by the no of fans cry on his last day of the game. I’m sure every Indian will be in sorrow when Tendulkar bids adieu. Don’t worry. This post has nothing to do with Tendulkar’s retirement. Keep your chin up. He will only sign off after India successfully defended the 2015 World Cup. At that time you will not be sure if you are crying in joy or sorrow. But for sure you will think about crazycricketlover had you read this post.

Quick Bites

At 191/3 in 40 overs, Sarwan was batting on 56 with Bravo on the other end, WI looked all set to steal the game away from India. But then Sarwan falls to Munaf and that brought Pollard to the crease. WI took the batting powerplay immediately to back the big hitter. But Raina carried on with Mishra who rightly foxed Pollard, later Bravo and finally Baugh to seal the game for India. WI collapsing to finish fewer than 250 runs on a better batting wicket. The young guns will smile another day.

Dinesh

Cricket Lover

India win the First ODI

The wicket is on the slower side. The ball is turning square? Are we playing in India? Largely yes… after all India is being hosted by Western Indians. Guess the hosts are being too kind. If this is what it is going to be, India can be pretty much assured of a series win.

So, here goes a crisp match report. Raina effectively rotated his slow bowlers to fold WI under 215 runs. Thanks to Sarwan and Samuels for the respectable total. The likes of Dhawan, Rohit and Raina find the chase a meager formality after providing some anxious moments. Despite playing at home like conditions, the bench boys deserve the credit for winning in style. That makes it short and sweet report isn’t it? 

Never mind, I’ve something else to bug you.

Sometimes, I’m forced to believe there is nothing actually in favor of the hosts. The wickets are slow in nature. The host’s best batsman is dumped. Even the local public doesn’t get to watch the game at their regular times. If a T20 match could start as early as 10 am, there is hardly any surprise on why an ODI would start as early as 9 am local time?

Once again forced to ask the question, if the broadcaster or the BCCI could actually influence match timings during the England or Australia Tour?

Again the situation with Australia may actually benefit Indian public as Australia prefers the ODI games played D/N. This way games usually start around 9.00 am IST (except Perth which starts few more hours later). The Test matches in Australia starts around 5.30 am IST (except Perth) which actually benefits even the morning office goers to catch up the first session live.

With respect to England the situation is slightly different. Infact the schedule is already out. The Test matches start at 11.00 am local time (3.30 pm IST) much as usual. This is the best ever schedule that could work in favor of Indian public to catch good portion of the Test action live. The broadcasters should actually find more demand for this Test series.

The schedule of the T20 and ODI is what makes this subject little interesting.

Only T20 played on Wed Aug 31 is starting at 6 pm local time (10.30 pm IST). Completely undesirable time for the Indian public considering it’s a weekday as well.

Out of the 5 ODI’s, 3 are D/N played on Tue Sep 6, Fri Sep 9 and Fri Sep 16 starting 2 pm local time (6.30 pm IST).

Surprised why this schedule is not altered to suit the Indian public? Or is it only a marginal percentage of action the broadcasters could do away? After all two of these D/N games are played during the start of a weekend while one match on weekday could potentially lose Indian public viewership for the second innings only. Overall, a very good plan isn’t it? After all there are 3 games scheduled D/N to pacify the local public and 2 games scheduled Day are to be played on Saturday and Sunday.

Isn’t it pretty smart scheduling? Wonder if Australia ever manipulated the ODI itinerary when they toured India to benefit the public back home? (I do vaguely remember Australia during the captaincy of Steve Waugh played the entire ODI series in whites during the day. Those were also the times India did not have many floodlit grounds). Curious to see if Australia tour India in today’s era to play good chunk of ODI’s as Day games?

Bottom line: If you are an Indian public extremely satisfied for getting so much of action in your favor, then please don’t be. After all you will be watching cricket between ads.

Dinesh

Cricket Lover

பாசத்தலைவனுக்கு ஒரு பாராட்டு விழா!!!

அயராது தமிழ்ப்பணி செய்துவரும் நம்ம தலைவரை சென்னை சூப்பர் கிங்சுக்காக நடத்தப்படும் ஒரு பாராட்டு விழாவுக்கு தலைமை தாங்குமாறு அழைத்தோம். அது எப்படி "பாசத்தலைவனுக்குப் பாராட்டு" விழாவாக மாறுதுன்னு பாருங்க: (assuming he is the CM)

முதலில் கடவுள் வாழ்த்து, பிறகு எல்லா வீரர்களுக்கும் உதயசூரியன் சின்னம் பொறிக்கப்பட்ட தங்கத்திலான பேட் மற்றும் பந்து பரிசாக அளிக்கப்படுகிறது.

தோனி மனதிற்குள், "நல்ல வேளை அப்டோமேன் guard குடுக்கல, இல்லேன்னா ரொம்பக் கேவலமா இருக்கும்"

முதலில் வித்தகக் கவிஞர் விஜய் பேச வருகிறார்:
தமிழுக்கு வணக்கம், எங்களைத் தலை நிமிரச் செய்த தமிழனுக்கு வணக்கம், 88 வயதிலும் அயராது உழைக்கும் இளைஞனுக்கு இந்த இளைஞனின் வணக்கம்.
இளைஞர்களைப் பாராட்ட இந்த இளைஞனை விட்டால் வேறு யார் பொருத்தமாக இருப்பார்?
கிரிக்கெட்டில் உயர்ந்தது ஆறு. இவரோ தமிழகத்தில் ஆறு முறை முதல்வராகப் பதவியேற்று உயர்ந்து நிற்பவர்.

ஸ்ரீனிவாசன், "வீணாப்போன படத்தில காசு குடுத்து நடிச்சிட்டு பேச்சைப் பாரு, போய் உக்காரு போ""

"தலை இருக்க வால் ஆடக்கூடாது, எனவே எனது உரையை முடித்துக் கொள்கிறேன்"

அடுத்து வைரமுத்து,

"நல்ல வேளை, எங்கே விஜய் ஒரேயடியாகப் பாராட்டி எங்களுக்கு வேலை இல்லாமல் செய்து விடுவாரோ என நினைத்தேன், தப்பித்தேன்"

அனல் பறக்க பிரசாரம் செய்வதில் இவர் விஜய், நல்ல பல திட்டங்களை அறிவித்து தமிழர்களைக் காப்பதில் இவர் ஒரு பத்ரிநாத், வேகமும் விவேகமும் ஒருங்கே இணைந்து செயலாற்றுவதில் இவர் ஹஸ்ஸி, எதிர் அணியினரை தடுமாறச் செய்வதில் இவர் அஷ்வின், சோதனையான காலத்தில் வீரர்களுக்குப் பக்கபலமாக இருப்பதில் ராய்னா, மொத்தத்தில் சூட்சுமமாக செயல்படுவதில் இவர் தோனி. அவர் CSKவின் தலைவர், இவர் தமிழர்களுக்கெல்லாம் தலைவர். வணக்கம்.

Srinivasan - "பத்து ரூபா குடுத்தா நூறு ரூபாய்க்கு பேசிட்டுப் போறான் பாரு"

வாலி என்ன பேசுவது என்று தெரியாமல் யோசித்தவாறே மைக் பிடிக்கிறார்,

"கிரிக்கெட்டுக்கும் கருணாநிதிக்கும் என்ன சம்பந்தம்? பாடையிலே போக வேண்டிய வயதில் எதற்கு பாராட்டு விழா? - என்றெல்லாம் உங்கள் மனதில் எண்ணங்கள் தோன்றுவதை நான் அறிவேன். (அப்பாடா, இந்த ஆள் தான்யா ஏதோ கொஞ்சம் ஒழுங்கா பேசறான்). கிரிக்கெட்டிலும் அரசியலிலும் ராஜதந்திரம் மிகவும் முக்கியம், எனவே இவரைப் போல ஒரு சிறந்த ராஜதந்திரி தலைமை வகிப்பது தான் சாலப் பொருத்தம். (அடிச்சான் பாரு அந்தர் பல்டி). டோனி எதற்கும் தலைவரிடம் ஒரு வாரம் டியூஷன் பயில்வது அவரது வாழ்க்கைக்கு உதவும். வணக்கம்.



"ஐயோ, இவனுங்க கொடுமை தாங்க முடியலையே முருகா"

டோனி, "சார் சீக்கிரம் செட்டில் பண்ணுங்க சார், பொண்டாட்டி தி நகர்
போயிருக்கா ஷாப்பிங் பண்ண. துட்டு வேணும் சார்"

"இருப்பா, இவனுங்க அக்கப்போரே தாங்கல, நீ வேற"

அடுத்து பார்த்திபன்,

"சூரியனுக்கே டார்ச் அடிக்கறதுன்னு நான் காமெடிக்காக சொல்லியிருக்கேன், ஆனா நிஜமாகவே 5 மணிக்கு எழுந்து டார்ச் லைட்டோட வாக்கிங் போய் அந்த சூரியனுக்கே டார்ச் அடிச்சு எழுப்பறவர் நம்ம தலைவர். எல்லாரும் சொல்றாங்க CSK தான் பெஸ்ட் டீம்னு. அதுல ஒண்ணும் பெரிய ஆச்சர்யம் இல்லை. டீமா ஆடணும்னா முதல்ல வீரர்கள் எல்லாம் ஒற்றுமையா இணைஞ்சு இருக்கணும். எல்லாரையும் சேர்க்கத் தான் இந்தியா சிமெண்ட்ஸ் இருக்கே, செங்கலை சேக்கற சிமென்ட் இந்த வைரங்களையும் சேர்த்து இன்னிக்கு வெற்றி வாகை சூடியிருக்கு, வாழ்த்துக்கள்

"ஹ்ம்ம்.. வாங்கற காசுக்கு ஏதோ நம்மளப் பத்தியும் நாலு வார்த்தை பேசியிருக்கான், இவனுக்கு CSK வுல எதாச்சும் போஸ்ட் குடுத்து வெச்சிக்கணும்"

வடிவேலு,

"நான் என்னங்க புதுசா சொல்லப் போறேன், வாலி சொன்னாரு, டோனி ஐயா கிட்ட டியூஷன் கத்துக்கணும்னு. கருப்பு MGRனு சொல்லிக்கிட்டு ஒருத்தன் திரியறான். அவன் டோனி கிட்ட டியூஷன் கத்துக்கணும். அவ்ளோதாங்க, வரேங்க. அப்புறம் இன்னொரு விஷயம், CSKவுக்கு ஆளுங்க வேணும்னா சொல்லுங்க, என் வீட்டுல கல் எறிஞ்ச பசங்க நல்ல குறி பார்த்து அடிப்பாங்க. அவங்கள சேர்த்துக்குங்க.

விவேக்,

கலைஞரைப் பார்த்து, "ஹாய் dude," கலைஞர் சிரிக்கிறார். பிறகு ஆடியன்ஸைப் பார்த்து "என்ன பாக்கறீங்க, எல்லாரும் அவரை இளைஞர்னு சொல்றீங்க, அப்போ அவரை அப்படித்தானே கூப்பிடணும்?, திரு ஸ்ரீனிவாசன் அவர்களைப் பார்த்தால் பஜன்லால் சேட் போலிருக்கிறார். அவரைப் பார்த்தாலே எதாச்சும் அடகு வைக்கணும்னு தோணுது. இந்த மாதிரி ஒரு நல்ல டீம் உருவாக்கியதற்கு எங்கள் இதயங்களைத் தான் அடகு வைக்க வேண்டும்.

எல்லா வீரர்களையும் குறிப்பிடணும்னா இந்த விழா பத்தாது. ஏன்னா, எல்லாரும் அவ்ளோ சிறப்பா விளையாடினாங்க. அதுலயும் மார்கல் சேப்பாக்கத்தில அடிச்ச சிக்ஸர் பீச்ல பஜ்ஜி போட வெச்சிருந்த எண்ணைச் சட்டியில விழுந்ததா பேசிக்கறாங்க. இன்னும் நிறைய பேர் பேச வேண்டியிருக்கு, அதனால நான் விடை பெறுகிறேன்.

Now Kamal comes to the stage.

சபையோருக்கு வணக்கம். எப்படி தலைவருடனான பழக்கம் எனக்கு தமிழைக் கற்றுத் தந்ததோ, அது போல ஸ்ரீகாந்துடனான பழக்கம் எனக்கு ஓரளவு கிரிக்கெட்டையும் கற்றுத் தந்தது. நானும் அவரும் ஆழ்வார்பேட்டை தெருக்களில் கிரிக்கெட் விளையாடிய காலங்கள் மறக்க முடியாதவை.

aniruth to ashwin, “பாவம்டா எங்க அப்பா, கிரிக்கெட் பத்தி அவருக்கே கிளாஸ் எடுத்து மொக்கை போட்டுட்டு போவான். ஏதோ அவன் பொண்ணு சுமார் பிகரா இருந்ததாலே கம்முனு இருந்தேன்"

ஆர்ட் பிலிம் போல இருந்த கிரிக்கெட், IPL மூலமாக ஜனரஞ்சகமாக ஆயிருக்கிறது. புதிய முகங்களுக்கு முகவரி கிடைத்துள்ளது. CSKவுக்கு தயாரிப்பாளர், விநியோகஸ்தர், நடிகர்கள், டைரக்டர் எல்லாமே நன்றாக அமைந்திருக்கிறது." சில்வர் ஜுபிலி கொண்டாட வாழ்த்துக்கள்.

Srinivasan, "பாவம், இவர் படத்துக்குத் தான் யாரும் சரியா செட் ஆக மாட்டேங்கறாங்க"

Superstar comes:

வணக்கம், நான் ரொம்ப பேச விரும்பலை, ஒரு சின்ன கதை சொல்லிட்டு போயிடறேன். ஒரு பூனை வலையில மாட்டிகிச்சாம். அப்போ ஒரு எலி அங்க வந்து "நான் உன்னை காப்பத்தறேன், ஆனா அந்த மரத்து மேல ஒரு ஆந்தை இருக்கு, அது என்னையே பாக்குது. அதனிடம் இருந்து நீ என்னைக் காப்பாத்தணும்" அப்படின்னு சொல்லிச்சாம். பூனையும் சரின்னு சொல்லிச்சு. எலி வலையை கடிச்சி பிக்க ஆரம்பிச்சுது. பூனையும் ஆந்தையை விரட்டவே, அது பறந்து போயிடுச்சு. பாதி வலையை பிச்ச எலி மிச்ச வலையை பிய்க்காம விட்டுடுச்சு. பூனை உடனே "நம்பிக்கைத் துரோகி, இப்படி ஏன் பண்றே" அதுக்கு எலி சொல்லிச்சாம் " அந்த வேடன் வரும்போது தான் மீதி வலையை பிய்ப்பேன். இல்லேன்னா நீ என்னை அடிச்சு சாப்டுடுவே, வேடன் வந்துட்டா நீ அவனுக்கு பயந்து ஓடுவே, என்னை விட்டுடுவே" - அந்த எலிக்கே அவ்ளோ சாதுர்யம்னா நம்ம தலைவர் சிங்கம், அவருக்கு எவ்ளோ இருக்கும். CSK கேப்டனும் ஒரு சிங்கம் தான். So, நீங்க இன்னும் நிறைய ஜெயிக்கணும்னு அந்த பாபாஜி கிட்ட வேண்டிகிட்டு, வாழ்த்தறேன், வணக்கம்.

("தலைவா, சீக்கிரம் treatment முடிச்சிட்டு வாங்க, இல்லேன்னா உங்களுக்கு இங்க திவசமே பண்ணிடுவாங்க சில பேர்")

இப்பொழுது தலைவர் பேச வேண்டும். அதற்கு முன்னாள் ஸ்ரீனிவாசன் அவருக்கு பொன்னாடையும் கலைஞர் பேட் பிடித்திருப்பது போன்ற தங்க உருவ சிலையையும் பரிசாக அளிக்கிறார் (tournament பரிசுத் தொகை இப்படியே போயிடும் போலிருக்கே). தலைவர் பேச ஆரம்பிக்கிறார்:

உடன்பிறப்பே,

Hussy to அஷ்வின், "what does that mean ?"

அஷ்வின், "he is addressing you as his brother"

What?

"cool buddy, its very common here, he will address even your son as his brother, we are used to it".

எனக்கும் ஸ்ரீனிவாசனுக்கும் உண்டான நட்பு நாடறியும். எங்கள் தனிப்பட்ட நம்பிக்கைகள் வெவ்வேறாக இருந்தாலும் விளையாட்டு என்று வரும்போது நாங்கள் என்றுமே இணைந்து செயல்பட்டுள்ளோம். , மைதானமும் அதற்கேற்றவாறு எனது தொகுதியிலேயே இருக்கிறது.

CSK இரண்டாவது முறையாக கோப்பையை வென்றிருப்பதில் மிகவும் பெருமிதம் அடைகிறேன். அதிலும் இறுதி ஆட்டத்தில் ஹஸ்ஸியும் விஜய்யும் பொன்னர் சங்கர் போல எதிரிகளை சூறையாடிய விதம் பாராட்டுதற்குரியது ஒரு மொழிக்கு அணி என்பது எவ்வளவு முக்கியமோ அது போல விளையாட்டுக்கும் அணி மிகவும் முக்கியம். CSK ஒன்று தான் ஓரணியாக நின்று விளையாடினர், ஏனையோர் வெறும் பணியாக நினைத்து தோல்வியைத் தழுவினர்.

ஒரு சில வீரர்களைக் குறிப்பிட கடமைப்பட்டுள்ளேன்:

ஹஸ்ஸி - எப்படி ஹாரிஸ் ஜெயராஜின் இசை எல்லாப் படத்திலும் ஒரே மாதிரி இருக்கிறதோ, அது போன்று இவரது ஆட்டமும் எல்லா மேட்ச்களிலும் ஒரே மாதிரி இருக்கிறது.

பத்ரிநாத் - CSKவின் உயிர் காக்கும் திட்டம். 10 ரன்னுக்கு 8 விக்கெட் போனால் கூட 108 போல விரைந்து வந்து காப்பவர்.

அஷ்வின் - பெயரிலேயே "Win" வைத்துள்ளார். வேறென்ன சொல்ல? ஒரு சூறாவளியை தன் சுழலில் சிக்க வைத்தவர்.

ராய்னா - தோனியின் தளபதி

மோர்கல் - CSKவின் போர்வாள்

சமீப காலங்களில் நான் படித்து வரும் ஒரு விவாதம் - country or club ? வீரர்கள் நாட்டுக்கு முக்கியத்துவம் தர வேண்டுமா அல்லது IPL அணிக்கு முக்கியத்துவம் தர வேண்டுமா என்பது தான் அது. சுருங்கச் சொன்னால் "கட்சியா, ஆட்சியா?" என்று கேட்பது போல. ஆட்சிக்கு வர கட்சி முக்கியம். ஆட்சிக்கு வந்தால் தான் கட்சி மேம்படும்.

அதே போல, கிரிக்கெட் வாரியத்தின் மீதும் ஒரு குற்றச்சாட்டு வைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. தொடர்ந்து விளையாடுவதால் வீரர்கள் காயம் அடைகிறார்கள் என்று. இன்றைய சூழ்நிலையில் எல்லோரும் உழைக்க வேண்டிய கட்டாயத்தில் இருக்கின்றோம். மென்பொருள் நிறுவனங்களில் 14 -15 மணி நேரம் உழைக்கின்றனர். பாட்டாளி வர்க்கம் கால் கடுக்க நின்று வாரத்தில் ஏழு நாட்களும் வேலை செய்கின்றனர். விளையாட்டு விளையாட்டாக இருந்த காலம் மலையேறி விட்டது. அவர்களும் அலுவலகம் செல்வது போல் மைதானங்களுக்கு செல்ல வேண்டிய கட்டாயம் வந்துவிட்டது.

ஊதியம் அல்லது ஊக்கத்தொகையில் குறைபாடு இருப்பின் அவர்கள் குறை கூறவதை ஏற்கலாம். அப்படியும் இல்லை. இது போதாதென்று இவர்கள் எங்கு சென்றாலும் குடும்பத்தையும் கூடவே அழைத்துச் செல்கின்றனர். இப்படி இருக்கும் போது வாரியத்தை குறை சொல்வது ஏற்புடையதாகாது.

இந்த விழாவிற்கு வரும் வழியில் நண்பர் வீரமணியுடன் உரையாடினேன். அப்போது அவர் சொன்னார் " CSKவில் வெறும் சென்னையைச் சேர்ந்தவர்களே உள்ளனர். மற்ற மாவட்டதினற்கும் வாய்ப்பு வழங்க ஆவன செய்ய வேண்டும்" என்று வேண்டுகோள் விடுத்தார். அந்த வகையில் TPL (தமிழ்நாடு பிரீமியர் லீக்) இந்த ஆண்டிலேயே அறிமுகப் படுத்தப்படும். சென்னை, மதுரை, திருச்சி, கோயமுத்தூர், நெல்லை மற்றும் பாண்டிச்சேரி ஆகிய ஆறு மண்டலங்கள் அதில் இடம்பெறும். இதில் தலை சிறந்து விளையாடும் வீரர்கள் புள்ளிகள் அடிப்படையில் CSK வில் நுழையும் பொன்னான வாய்ப்பினை பெறுவார்கள். தாழ்ந்த மற்றும் பிற்படுத்தப்பட்ட வகுப்பினருக்கு இட ஒதுக்கீடு உண்டு என்பதை நான் தனியாக சொல்ல வேண்டியதில்லை.

ஸ்ரீனிவாசன் "போச்சுடா, முதலுக்கே மோசம், கொஞ்சம் சம்பாதிக்க விடமாட்டாங்களே, உடனே குடும்பமும் கழகமும் பங்குக்கு வந்திடுவாங்க, யப்பா தோனி, நீ எதுக்கும் அழகிரி கிட்ட சொல்லி மதுரையில ஒரு பாஸ்போர்ட் எடுத்து வெச்சிக்க, இல்லேன்னா நீ தமிழனே இல்லேன்னு உன்னை தூக்கிடுவாங்க"

தோனி, "சார் என் பணம்?"

"போடாங்கொய்யா,, சென்னை சூப்பர் கிங்க்ஸ் சென்னை சூப்பர் கழகமா மாறிக்கிட்டு வருது, நான் போய் முதல்ல சரத் பவாரை பார்க்கணும்"

அதுக்கு ஏன் சார் டென்ஷன் ஆவுறீங்க? கூல்.

நீ கேப்டன் கூல் தான், ஒத்துக்கறேன், அதுக்காக இவ்ளோ கூலா உன்னால எப்படி இருக்க முடியுது?'

"இந்த விழா ஆரம்பிக்கறதுக்கு முன்னாடி ஸ்டாலினைப் பார்த்து பேசி கரெக்ட் பண்ணிட்டேன். எனக்கு இளைஞரணி செயலாளர் பதவியும் உங்களுக்கு விளையாட்டுத் துறை அமைச்சர் பதவியும் தரேன்னு சொல்லிட்டார்."

அது சரி, மத்த ப்ளேயர்ஸை எப்படி டீல் பண்ணப் போறே?

"என்ன சார், அதெல்லாம் யோசிக்கமட்டேனா? நம்ம ஆளுங்க பாதிபேருக்கு வெஸ்ட் இண்டீஸ் டூர்ல இடம் குடுத்துட்டேன். மிச்சம் இருக்கறது ஆஸ்திரேலியன் ஆளுங்க தான். அவங்களுக்கு இதெல்லாம் சப்பை மேட்டர். எங்க துட்டு குடுத்தாலும் போயிடுவாங்க"


"யப்பா மேல்மாடி, நீ கிரௌன்ட்ல தான் புத்திசாலின்னு நினைச்சேன், நீ நிஜமாவே மூளைக்காரன் தான்"

Jayaraman
New Delhi

Will the WI Tour evoke interest?

It is interesting to see if the India’s tour of WI will evoke the interest level of audience? There are a lot of setbacks to the tournament.

WI is already a depleted side limping at 8^th or 9^th on the ICC rankings. To top it, the issue with WICB has led to the omission of Chris Gayle for the one off T20 and the first two ODI matches the least.  Except for the T20 and 3^rd ODI the remaining games are played on weekdays. Mind you majority of the viewership comes from India and a good half of the game is played late in the night of IST. Adding salt to the injury the star attractions of Indian cricket Sehwag, Tendulkar, Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh will be missing the edition. This is likely to bring down the viewers enthusiasm to stay awake to witness India bat second in the innings. That goes without saying only a mad cricket lover can stay awake to eyewitness how India defends the target.

Even the national dailies will have to wait one more day to publish the result, scorecard and a match report. So, majority of the Indian public has to depend on the morning news or cricinfo for the result of the game. Then wait for a day after the game to catch the action on the highlights.

For the Test Matches watching the highlights would be even more challenging as most office goers would find it hard in the morning hours to see even a glimpse of it. While it will be too early to be back from work to watch the highlights before the start of the day's play.

With so many setbacks, even broadcasters would not find overwhelming sponsors for this tour. For once if you decide to watch the whole game live on TV, you should not be bothered by frequent ads.

Even if you miss it, don’t worry!!! CCL will present you “AANKHON DEKHA HAAL” with expert opinion and analysis. Ok. Ok. I know what is running in your mind. Got a little excited!!! Sorry about that.

But one thing is a guarantee. This should be a cracker of a series and India should play out of its skin to make history.

Bottom Line: The Bench Warmers get to play. You will soon know how good they are.

Dinesh

Cricket Lover

Moving words from Dhoni after winning the World Cup!!!

Sleepless nights, grey hairs with the same fade of beard. It was a bunch of youngsters given to me along with a God. Everyone mastered their skill but I was alone failing every time. But when Sachin walked back into the pavilion with his face down I was upset. I quickly padded up. The whole team was looking at me and Gary alone backed my decision to move up. I was not even able to run but the only thing that flashed my mind was Sachin's childish face looking at the entire crowd "oh sorry it was my mistake to leave the ground soon" will anyone like god to put his face down in front of his own crowd? Yes I can't allow that happen. I controlled my pain and decided to go.

Finally we had the last laugh with a cry.

I received the above as a forward. I’m forced to believe this as a work of fiction as the words of this magnitude from Dhoni would have made the headlines of the national daily. Truly a moving effort from the author whomsoever it is and deserve a publish at CCL. 

Definitely harsh on BCCI for scheduling IPL immediately after the World Cup and depriving the Indian fan a prolonged celebration of the glory. I'm forced to assume, BCCI did not anticipate India to win the World Cup and so to cheer the fans they scheduled IPL shortly after the global event to pacify the fans for loses. In the end India won the World Cup and IPL turned to be a overkill.

India Tour of WI

It is disappointing the BCCI has pushed the Caribbean counterparts against the use of Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS) for the tour of WI. Usually it is the prerogative of home board, but the super power of BCCI has forced the WI to do away the UDRS.

I do agree that the system has flaws, but it is definitely better to have it considering the no. of false calls taken by the umpire during the game. Can anybody forget the nightmare of Sydney Test? Back then had UDRS been there, the result of that match would have been entirely different. Do BCCI really want a repeat of the Sydney Test to wake up and embrace it?

Sometimes system like this needs encouragement despite the flaws it carries. As the mistakes are identified minds should work to fix the bugs. That will be way forward.

Also it is high time ICC takes control over these matters and enforce boards to follow system rather encourage boards to take a call on the system.

Bottom line: Curious to see if the super power of BCCI could push England or Australia to do away with the UDRS during their tours.

Dinesh

Cricket Lover

Born 2 Win !!!

Some people are born to win and he sure is one. His appetite for win continues as Chennai Super Kings triumph the 4^th edition of IPL in style.  There is no doubt he will finish the greatest skipper in world cricket. No matter how strong Knight Riders, Bangalore or Mumbai put a team on paper, winning a title requires a leader. I only wish these teams discover one in the future. Until then Dhoni boys will have the last laugh.

After all it should be in the system for one to win. Feel free to read the post Losing Captain but a Winning Team. That should give you good insight of why Bangalore or others did not win the IPL. Also feel free to read the post Will Sachin Play? Can Dhoni Win? That should give you a good idea why Chennai won the IPL.

The action now shifts from the Subcontinent to Caribbean Islands as India takes on West Indies for 5 ODI’s and 3 Test series. Though an inexperienced side was expected to be fielded in the first place for the ODI leg, it is sad to see few more pullouts after the initial announcement of the squad sighting injury and fatigue.

The most shocking is the pullout of Sachin Tendulkar from the Test series. To my limited knowledge I really don’t remember the master ever pulled out of a Test Series played away from home on the grounds of fatigue. Million thanks to IPL. For once any crazycricketlover will be truly upset with the master for turning his back on the country only because he played the money spinner to fatigue him.

However the Maestro’s pullout along with Gambir and Sehwag should be a blessing in disguise for players like Vijay, Mukund, Kohli, Raina to make a mark in the TEST arena. After all the wall of Dravid, Tendulkar, Ganguly, Laxman, Kumble and Bhajji completely wiped out a generation of cricketers from wearing the national cap. You can check with Yuvraj Singh how much it hurts him for not cementing a spot in the Test side despite 10+ years of international career. Players like Sharath, Anantha Padmanaban should be craving for not having this IPL gala a decade ago. Pardon me, these are the only two players immediately stuck my mind. I bet there are lot more talented cricketers who never made it to India because of the wall above.

We all know Suresh Raina Ashwin, Badrinath, Bhajji, Kohli, Praveen Kumar, Amit Mishra, Munaf Patel, Parthiv Patel, Yusuf Pathan, Wriddhiman Saha, Ishanth Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Vinay Kumar, Manoj Tiwary and Shikar Dhawan are highly talented individuals.

In my perspective the above unit is lacking a good leader. Also playing WI in WI is no joke. After all, this WI unit just played together as team against Pakistan in both ODI and TEST series. So the team should have developed more chemistry compared to the Indian unit. In my opinion it is clearly advantage WI.

Even for Dhoni it will be an acid TEST to lead a team without the services of Tendulkar and win it.

Finally, it is hard not to blame BCCI bosses for perverting the system. If they could pull out Sehwag from the SA tour to preserve him for the World Cup, it is surprising they did not instruct Tendulkar, Dhoni, Gambir & Sehwag to pull out of IPL (the least the first half of the IPL) to preserve them for WI Test party.

Bottom Line: System Corrupted. Keeping the fingers crossed for the Journey and Prayers of a Cricket lover to come thru.

Dinesh

Cricket Lover