I resisted post a blog for a long time. Cricket post were there, coz India played well. I was busy with exams, but then nows the times ripe to post something apart from cricket. It is amazing how the time seems to be just write when u actually look forward to it. I happens to me especially when I am about to leave or travel to someplace I have been planning to go for a while. I mean like, the last time I went to Jaipur, I could literally visualize myself, going to Jaipur, pack my bags, etc etc days before I actually undertake the journey on the given date. Since I had reiterated the same scenario myself the day when it actually, you feel so ecstatic and relieved about it.
I guess similar the case with this post, only think different is that I saw myself just writing the first paragraph. Is that besides the point?
Often the blog page seems to be like a box file of ones diary pages. You know box files … big heavy files with lot of papers arranged and file as neatly as per chaos prevailing at the time of filing the latest entries. And as you may glance back you have have some thing nice to remember or something you would wish never happened.
Job hunting is the buss word, nothing in relation to a certain Mr.Jobs or his ochard and the freaking new Apples he seems to bring out year after years bringing delight. iPad is out, more later may be. Not that I can claim to be a techno-junkie myself. But some day I shall love to have it too.
Real time is the buss word, I think I must start living in the real time as well.
29.1.10
28.1.10
Cricket: India vs. Bangladesh
Cricket is unpredictable. But this 2-0 victory should not come as a surprise. The Bangladesh performances on the cricket field lent a subtle hint that their first class setup needs some fine tuning if not an overhaul. It’s good to have more teams, but I think ICC should provide expertise to set up quality first class cricket. There has been marginal improvement. But then, India didn’t get their first test win easy. So well let’s see
B’desh stretch India
B’desh with half there side in the hut, before reaching three figures. It was a Sunday morning; it was good to see India on top. I had imagined a quick mop up and then our batsman making merry. Mahmudullah had different idea. It was like a cute romantic story. I dished it out to Indian bowlers, some going for a few some for a plenty. He farmed a lot of strike and most unlucky not to get to three figures against India. A 100 seems much more convincing then a 96 not out. Rest of the batting apart from a few minor contributions came and went.
Ishant Sharma rocked the B’desh batting claiming four, Zaheer got three, and Ojha claimed two. I wonder what’s keeping Bhajji down; I hope he gets back to wicket taking ways. I know SAfs are coming but don’t imagine them to be top quality spin playing unit although Smith, Kallis, De’Villiers are good. I would like to think of them bringing back Jacques Rudolph. That chap is good.
Dravid and Tendulkar show for batting lesson
Dravid and Tendulkar displayed a master class of batting. Dravid whole career seem to be almost unsung to the point of being unnoticed. Dravid has over 10 thousands runs in both form of the game. Indians batting woes has swung in step with Dravid batting form. Dravid a no mean stroke player himself provides enough certainty for the likes of Tendulkars, Sehwags, Gambhirs, and Laxmans to play their natural game. It should be surprise that he holds the record for most number of century partnerships in test. A little misjudgement caused the ball to thud into his jaw, as a result he having a hairline fracture in the jaw. I feel a few SAfs bowlers would have sigh of relief.
Tendulkar surely made it count. He scored two centuries in two tests. A good match practice for following series during SAfs tour to India. I think Sachin is now in good form and better fitness. At least for last couple of years. So far so good. He now has 90 internationals centuries so Tendulkar needs ten more tons to get to the ton of centuries. I think it would be one of the more profound sporting feats in the same bracket as Bolt, Phelps or Nadia Comaneci. I know Ponting just behind his back with 39 centuries in test. But Tendulkar may just outlast Ponting may be by few months. But if that’s the case Ponting may just end up with more number of centuries. But as off know, its Tendulkar. I hope he takes his good form to the next test series.
Dhoni almost got there to a century. At times his swagger can be so intimidating yet assuring. He got the taste of his own medicine he was stumped out for 89. Sehwag and Gambhir contributed to with fifties. Gambhir sadly fell for 68, al though he was closing on one more century with which he would have tied with Bradman for 6 centuries in 6 back to back tests. But then to his solaces, he in now ties with Viv Richards for fifty in 11 consecutives innings. Talk to being in form. He simply is doing superb and would want to do well against a good bowling SAfs side.
Tamim tames India bowling.
He was in trance almost. He cracked an awesome century and looked in no fuss. He grew in confidence with each run. He had Siddique almost bought back public to the stadium. He looked very commanding and authoritative and the rejoice was for all to see and applaud. Tamim Iqbal looked good in the earlier test as well, by the looks of it; he would continue to do well in the future. I believe the wicket too eased out and nothing was happening till the ball was deposited with sure hands of Zak.
Zak talks of being in the zone.
Zaheer Khan’s control saw B’desh batting collapsing. He has affinity for left handers in the top order. In the last series when India toured South Africa, Zaheer was all over Smith. I think if Zaheer has marked his men for next series, Smith would be there. Zak took 10 in the match and walked away with Man of the match and Man of the series. He was in tremendous control and swaying the ball to his wishes. Zak is looking really awesome.
Bhajji need a relooks. I was wondering about Bhajjis form, doesn’t oozes the same confidence. I know it is just matter of one good innings. I wish him luck. Go Bhajji.
Dhoni’s hat gets more couple of good feathers. If he wins against SAfs that would be really cool. At least for now with key batsman injured, Dravid, Yuvraj, Laxman and an unwanted, unwarranted crisis in South Africa, let’s just hope we have the best teams playing in right frame of mind and full fitness.
I am wondering is South Africans would do well in this years IPL … the questions begs to be asked. I believe only time will unravel the answers
B’desh stretch India
B’desh with half there side in the hut, before reaching three figures. It was a Sunday morning; it was good to see India on top. I had imagined a quick mop up and then our batsman making merry. Mahmudullah had different idea. It was like a cute romantic story. I dished it out to Indian bowlers, some going for a few some for a plenty. He farmed a lot of strike and most unlucky not to get to three figures against India. A 100 seems much more convincing then a 96 not out. Rest of the batting apart from a few minor contributions came and went.
Ishant Sharma rocked the B’desh batting claiming four, Zaheer got three, and Ojha claimed two. I wonder what’s keeping Bhajji down; I hope he gets back to wicket taking ways. I know SAfs are coming but don’t imagine them to be top quality spin playing unit although Smith, Kallis, De’Villiers are good. I would like to think of them bringing back Jacques Rudolph. That chap is good.
Dravid and Tendulkar show for batting lesson
Dravid and Tendulkar displayed a master class of batting. Dravid whole career seem to be almost unsung to the point of being unnoticed. Dravid has over 10 thousands runs in both form of the game. Indians batting woes has swung in step with Dravid batting form. Dravid a no mean stroke player himself provides enough certainty for the likes of Tendulkars, Sehwags, Gambhirs, and Laxmans to play their natural game. It should be surprise that he holds the record for most number of century partnerships in test. A little misjudgement caused the ball to thud into his jaw, as a result he having a hairline fracture in the jaw. I feel a few SAfs bowlers would have sigh of relief.
Tendulkar surely made it count. He scored two centuries in two tests. A good match practice for following series during SAfs tour to India. I think Sachin is now in good form and better fitness. At least for last couple of years. So far so good. He now has 90 internationals centuries so Tendulkar needs ten more tons to get to the ton of centuries. I think it would be one of the more profound sporting feats in the same bracket as Bolt, Phelps or Nadia Comaneci. I know Ponting just behind his back with 39 centuries in test. But Tendulkar may just outlast Ponting may be by few months. But if that’s the case Ponting may just end up with more number of centuries. But as off know, its Tendulkar. I hope he takes his good form to the next test series.
Dhoni almost got there to a century. At times his swagger can be so intimidating yet assuring. He got the taste of his own medicine he was stumped out for 89. Sehwag and Gambhir contributed to with fifties. Gambhir sadly fell for 68, al though he was closing on one more century with which he would have tied with Bradman for 6 centuries in 6 back to back tests. But then to his solaces, he in now ties with Viv Richards for fifty in 11 consecutives innings. Talk to being in form. He simply is doing superb and would want to do well against a good bowling SAfs side.
Tamim tames India bowling.
He was in trance almost. He cracked an awesome century and looked in no fuss. He grew in confidence with each run. He had Siddique almost bought back public to the stadium. He looked very commanding and authoritative and the rejoice was for all to see and applaud. Tamim Iqbal looked good in the earlier test as well, by the looks of it; he would continue to do well in the future. I believe the wicket too eased out and nothing was happening till the ball was deposited with sure hands of Zak.
Zak talks of being in the zone.
Zaheer Khan’s control saw B’desh batting collapsing. He has affinity for left handers in the top order. In the last series when India toured South Africa, Zaheer was all over Smith. I think if Zaheer has marked his men for next series, Smith would be there. Zak took 10 in the match and walked away with Man of the match and Man of the series. He was in tremendous control and swaying the ball to his wishes. Zak is looking really awesome.
Bhajji need a relooks. I was wondering about Bhajjis form, doesn’t oozes the same confidence. I know it is just matter of one good innings. I wish him luck. Go Bhajji.
Dhoni’s hat gets more couple of good feathers. If he wins against SAfs that would be really cool. At least for now with key batsman injured, Dravid, Yuvraj, Laxman and an unwanted, unwarranted crisis in South Africa, let’s just hope we have the best teams playing in right frame of mind and full fitness.
I am wondering is South Africans would do well in this years IPL … the questions begs to be asked. I believe only time will unravel the answers
22.1.10
Cricket: A forgettable win
I think India looked to haul out with relative ease but Sehwag’s magnanimous comments, left much for desired. There are ways of saying this, but his rather cavalier attitude and his comments left me in stark embarrassment. I just hope it’s out shear rustic ignorance more than anything else. India may have won but Test wins are to be enjoyed by the fans as much as by the players involved. This particular one win would better bury soon as India move on to Dhaka for the next match.
Sehwag’s average was 11 against Bangladesh before this test match.
Ordinary first innings for Indians
Tendulkar played reminiscent of old, almost seemed to turn back the clock more than 10 years. He has now looking to leave those forgetable last couple years when his bore the brunt and tennis elbow, etc restricted his game. But he seems to be recovered from those times and now scoring and stamping his authority. He found himself with innings in tatters and played some attacking authoritative cricket shorts, those you would typical label Tendulkar's brilliance. Indeed it was nothing short of brilliant. The famed Indian middle order buckled due to heavy lunch, questionable shots (Sehwag and Gambhir), incisive Bangla bowling (Dravid, castled) and some misfortune Laxman. Shakib and Shahdat deserved the wickets they got. The pitch only helped the Bangla cause, so it seemed.
Tendulkar provided with saving grace of 105 not out. Ponting is almost within touching distance in terms of number of Test centuries (only). It would be interesting to see if Tendulkar will last longer than Ponting. I hope he does out last Ponting.
India hot out for 240 plus.
Bangla innings run into predictable course.
I wonder if there is any 4 days game in Bangla first class system. Otherwise batsmen seem to dabbling into too many strokes and undermining their own potential. I mean they just should look to stay in. Don’t score runs, forget it but just stick on to the wickets and learn the tricks of trade.
Zaheer was looking very good so was Ishant. Mishra chipped in with a couple of wickets. Mahumdullah looked good but then Bangladesh innings folded relatively soon and gave India just a run lead.
India cement there second innings.
Although it looked like a procession, the night-watchman Misra looked good will he lasted notched a good 50, which would have given him a boost. Sehwag hit himself out with a nothing shot. Shakib enjoyed taking Sehwag’s wicket second time in the test. Rahul Dravid should be kicking himself at the reckless manner he got out. A few seemingly inexpensive embarrassing moments get swept under the carpet of victory but That mistake would have been very interesting against someone like SAfs, who are touring India next. One mistake Dravid would like to keep in mind and mind him not to repeat. Laxman tried to leave his mark with a laboured fifty. India almost batted out Bangladesh.
Gambhir is in some serious form.
He is perhaps the best batsman in every form of the game for India, provided Dhoni doesn’t want to throw his hat into the ring for this debate. India should try opening with Sehwag and Gambhir even in ODIs. Tendulkar to follow close. Gambhir has hit some 8 test centuries in last 10 Test spanning across 15 months. His last five test appearances have got him 5 centuries. It is amazing. He is a perfect foil for Sehwag and look to garner more strike if realizes Sehwag is too hot and may explode. Just imagine Sehwag still standing in the middle with a bat in his hand after 30 overs or 100 balls on his own. Gambhir mean while compiled a good century to fortify Indian position in the second innings. After that the result proves to be more than just a formality.
Welcome back Ishant
Nothing to do with Taare Zameen Par out here. Lad means business. I think he is crucial especially in fourth innings. I mean I always have felt he impress me very much by his fourth inning's performances. I remember him denting the top order when India toured Lanka last. I won’t mind seeing him missing a few ODIs. His average i.e. runs conceded for every wicket is at 24 for India in a winning cause. His average in the fourth innings also hovering around 24. So if he bowls his best in the fourth innings of a match, he is likely to sway the match in favour of India. I have him in my sites, more on him later.
Pakistani players not in IPL :)
I am really happy they won’t be playing here. I am not jealous of them being the world champions. Don’t get me wrong I think Pakistanis unique ability to find some gifted crickets and some how shooting themselves in the foot every time keeps me glued to Pakistani cricket. I don’t think the atmosphere is right for them playing to be in India, there could have been a serious backlash. I also don’t want India media to hype the issue. I am certainly happy that they are not here.
After 26/11 Pak Gov disallowed them to play in India citing security reasons following 26 November, when IPL shifted to SAf, Pakistani players made a bee line but were denied permission to play. I think they would be better playing some league cricket and earn their chewing gum allowance. In equal fervour don’t imagine hooting for Aussies players.
I am particularly happy for guys like Pollard and Eosin Morgan, Bond. I hope Morgan gives some solidity to Royal Challengers Bangalore. Pollard, Bravo, Nayar, Duminy in middle order for Mumbai Indians sounds interesting.
A wishful 2010 for all
I was busy with exmas, so didnt post a blog wittingly,not that my exams are over now, but few reastless nite and then back to the grind or a break depending upon the mood I am in.
It is way to late for wishing Happy New Year, but then, I hope this is a fulfilling year for everyone. At least on personal account I hope this year is fulfilling for me.
On a sad note, my heart goes out to people who suffered in the Haiti earthquake perhaps one of the worst natural disaster after the dreadful Tsunami.
Sehwag’s average was 11 against Bangladesh before this test match.
Ordinary first innings for Indians
Tendulkar played reminiscent of old, almost seemed to turn back the clock more than 10 years. He has now looking to leave those forgetable last couple years when his bore the brunt and tennis elbow, etc restricted his game. But he seems to be recovered from those times and now scoring and stamping his authority. He found himself with innings in tatters and played some attacking authoritative cricket shorts, those you would typical label Tendulkar's brilliance. Indeed it was nothing short of brilliant. The famed Indian middle order buckled due to heavy lunch, questionable shots (Sehwag and Gambhir), incisive Bangla bowling (Dravid, castled) and some misfortune Laxman. Shakib and Shahdat deserved the wickets they got. The pitch only helped the Bangla cause, so it seemed.
Tendulkar provided with saving grace of 105 not out. Ponting is almost within touching distance in terms of number of Test centuries (only). It would be interesting to see if Tendulkar will last longer than Ponting. I hope he does out last Ponting.
India hot out for 240 plus.
Bangla innings run into predictable course.
I wonder if there is any 4 days game in Bangla first class system. Otherwise batsmen seem to dabbling into too many strokes and undermining their own potential. I mean they just should look to stay in. Don’t score runs, forget it but just stick on to the wickets and learn the tricks of trade.
Zaheer was looking very good so was Ishant. Mishra chipped in with a couple of wickets. Mahumdullah looked good but then Bangladesh innings folded relatively soon and gave India just a run lead.
India cement there second innings.
Although it looked like a procession, the night-watchman Misra looked good will he lasted notched a good 50, which would have given him a boost. Sehwag hit himself out with a nothing shot. Shakib enjoyed taking Sehwag’s wicket second time in the test. Rahul Dravid should be kicking himself at the reckless manner he got out. A few seemingly inexpensive embarrassing moments get swept under the carpet of victory but That mistake would have been very interesting against someone like SAfs, who are touring India next. One mistake Dravid would like to keep in mind and mind him not to repeat. Laxman tried to leave his mark with a laboured fifty. India almost batted out Bangladesh.
Gambhir is in some serious form.
He is perhaps the best batsman in every form of the game for India, provided Dhoni doesn’t want to throw his hat into the ring for this debate. India should try opening with Sehwag and Gambhir even in ODIs. Tendulkar to follow close. Gambhir has hit some 8 test centuries in last 10 Test spanning across 15 months. His last five test appearances have got him 5 centuries. It is amazing. He is a perfect foil for Sehwag and look to garner more strike if realizes Sehwag is too hot and may explode. Just imagine Sehwag still standing in the middle with a bat in his hand after 30 overs or 100 balls on his own. Gambhir mean while compiled a good century to fortify Indian position in the second innings. After that the result proves to be more than just a formality.
Welcome back Ishant
Nothing to do with Taare Zameen Par out here. Lad means business. I think he is crucial especially in fourth innings. I mean I always have felt he impress me very much by his fourth inning's performances. I remember him denting the top order when India toured Lanka last. I won’t mind seeing him missing a few ODIs. His average i.e. runs conceded for every wicket is at 24 for India in a winning cause. His average in the fourth innings also hovering around 24. So if he bowls his best in the fourth innings of a match, he is likely to sway the match in favour of India. I have him in my sites, more on him later.
Pakistani players not in IPL :)
I am really happy they won’t be playing here. I am not jealous of them being the world champions. Don’t get me wrong I think Pakistanis unique ability to find some gifted crickets and some how shooting themselves in the foot every time keeps me glued to Pakistani cricket. I don’t think the atmosphere is right for them playing to be in India, there could have been a serious backlash. I also don’t want India media to hype the issue. I am certainly happy that they are not here.
After 26/11 Pak Gov disallowed them to play in India citing security reasons following 26 November, when IPL shifted to SAf, Pakistani players made a bee line but were denied permission to play. I think they would be better playing some league cricket and earn their chewing gum allowance. In equal fervour don’t imagine hooting for Aussies players.
I am particularly happy for guys like Pollard and Eosin Morgan, Bond. I hope Morgan gives some solidity to Royal Challengers Bangalore. Pollard, Bravo, Nayar, Duminy in middle order for Mumbai Indians sounds interesting.
A wishful 2010 for all
I was busy with exmas, so didnt post a blog wittingly,not that my exams are over now, but few reastless nite and then back to the grind or a break depending upon the mood I am in.
It is way to late for wishing Happy New Year, but then, I hope this is a fulfilling year for everyone. At least on personal account I hope this year is fulfilling for me.
On a sad note, my heart goes out to people who suffered in the Haiti earthquake perhaps one of the worst natural disaster after the dreadful Tsunami.
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