Showing posts with label 2008. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2008. Show all posts
23.8.09
21.8.09
Cricket: Ashes still in balance
There are clichés in cricket none more apt for good or bad as Aussies are favourites to win. It is pretty much obvious, more so against England. But you must know that the Ashes is still is still in the balance and it might take some thing heroic, from Flintoff and a few others to guide it for England while the whole Aussie team, would be striving hard to win the Ashes, Ponting, George Bush of cricket would be trying is hardest.
Why English cricket is in dismay?
I know there is lot of pride the English have over traditions, everyone should, but ideals/principles have to be worked upon and then accepted, they can’t just be dreamt, you need grit to fight it out. I mean thinking of recalling Ramprakash was a horror, why not dig WG Graces, grave and ask him to bat again, there are a few ex-cricketers, Gower, Botham, Lloyd, Willis doing commentary who know how to do it, why not ask them? I have nothing against Ian Bell, but to simply say this he is the most incomplete batsman the history of cricket has ever seen. I don’t think any Aussie bowlers, even the ones playing county cricket, would love to bowl to a batsman who precedes Bell, its bowl one out get one for free. He scored runs today, yes he was the highest scorer for them today, but that not convincing, that score of 72 would take the team anywhere. The other equally unconvincing is Collingwood batting down the order. The last position he can bat is one down. It would give immense impetus to everyone in the team. He has done his job till know, otherwise for all to know, first test at Cardiff could have easily gone to the Aussies, and the Ashes would be pocketed by now.
I don’t think Cook is in the best of form, Strauss has done well with the bat, the only centurion for Poms. But considering is last 12-15 years the best batsmen have occupied the one down or the number three slot, Dravid, Ponting, Kallis, Mohammed Yousuf, being the point in case. I don’t think Bell is in the same class. Bell at 4 or 5 down may be just slightly ever so better than Bell at one down that all the concession that he would is I may. If Bell is worthy to be in that eleven then the Aussies deserve to win the Ashes. It is my firmly believe that if anyone wants to win against Aussies, you need to field your best eleven on the basis on class, form and fitness. I will place class first.
They might not is the Tsunami called Andrew Flintoff crashes the Aussie boat. He is standing tall between Aussies and the Ashes. Cricket is a team game and all that will go one. It is right that no one individual can dictate the game, but there will always be times when an individual influences and control the moment. It’s precisely that moment which defines the person. Flintoff has done it once can do it again. Flintoff is just 31; his worthiness is much more than three thousand odd runs and two hundred odd wickets. His brute pace and variety and control almost made him unplayable even today. On current form, not many top batsmen (including Bell) would queue to bat Flintoff. He did spend a lot of time on the injury list, but I won’t be surprised if he is recalled for the next Ashes, if Ramprakash’s name can pop up then, Flintoff too deserves a rethink.
Ponting wants to win
Ponting put the English attack to sword and thwarted any moves possible which would have allowed England to come back. The Poms surrendered with in three days ands the Ashes went back in the balance, locked at 1-1. On the first day England did make 307 for 8 at the end. It is tempting to say that Aussies are firm favourites. But there are a few againsts, standing in front of Ponting and Aussies. One of them being they have never come from a game down to win the series, then there is Flintoff. All it needs is one simple batting collapse and the English take a decent lead of say 50 to 60 runs. But it won’t be still enough, Poms would need t bat well again, something they haven’t done enough.
I still feel that if Ponting wins it he would thoroughly deserves the Ashes. But history counts for nothing. Ponting knows it. Aussies lost to Poms, first time in 75 years. My sense is, Poms would cave in this time, and I am expecting a classic, Test match in the making. The pitch is very interesting and Flintoff would not want any excuse. It is building to be Flintoff Ashes because of the precedent and the presence of the man.
Men other than Flintoff.
I don’t know what Warne thinks of only pace attack. England has Swann, who spins and seems to be a good traditional off spin bowler. Off spinners have traditionally done well against Aussies. But key members from this point of time seem to be the back up bowlers. Anderson has already delivered the goods, Harmison the hero of Poms last Ashes victory seem to be just there. He has to put his hand up. Collingwood should say to everyone I want to bat the Aussies out the second innings. If there is some positive out of the series, then it has to be the fact that English tailed has wagged and wagged more at least more effectively then the top order. Broad too doesn’t look all that sharp on form. Swann holds the key.
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Why English cricket is in dismay?
I know there is lot of pride the English have over traditions, everyone should, but ideals/principles have to be worked upon and then accepted, they can’t just be dreamt, you need grit to fight it out. I mean thinking of recalling Ramprakash was a horror, why not dig WG Graces, grave and ask him to bat again, there are a few ex-cricketers, Gower, Botham, Lloyd, Willis doing commentary who know how to do it, why not ask them? I have nothing against Ian Bell, but to simply say this he is the most incomplete batsman the history of cricket has ever seen. I don’t think any Aussie bowlers, even the ones playing county cricket, would love to bowl to a batsman who precedes Bell, its bowl one out get one for free. He scored runs today, yes he was the highest scorer for them today, but that not convincing, that score of 72 would take the team anywhere. The other equally unconvincing is Collingwood batting down the order. The last position he can bat is one down. It would give immense impetus to everyone in the team. He has done his job till know, otherwise for all to know, first test at Cardiff could have easily gone to the Aussies, and the Ashes would be pocketed by now.
I don’t think Cook is in the best of form, Strauss has done well with the bat, the only centurion for Poms. But considering is last 12-15 years the best batsmen have occupied the one down or the number three slot, Dravid, Ponting, Kallis, Mohammed Yousuf, being the point in case. I don’t think Bell is in the same class. Bell at 4 or 5 down may be just slightly ever so better than Bell at one down that all the concession that he would is I may. If Bell is worthy to be in that eleven then the Aussies deserve to win the Ashes. It is my firmly believe that if anyone wants to win against Aussies, you need to field your best eleven on the basis on class, form and fitness. I will place class first.
They might not is the Tsunami called Andrew Flintoff crashes the Aussie boat. He is standing tall between Aussies and the Ashes. Cricket is a team game and all that will go one. It is right that no one individual can dictate the game, but there will always be times when an individual influences and control the moment. It’s precisely that moment which defines the person. Flintoff has done it once can do it again. Flintoff is just 31; his worthiness is much more than three thousand odd runs and two hundred odd wickets. His brute pace and variety and control almost made him unplayable even today. On current form, not many top batsmen (including Bell) would queue to bat Flintoff. He did spend a lot of time on the injury list, but I won’t be surprised if he is recalled for the next Ashes, if Ramprakash’s name can pop up then, Flintoff too deserves a rethink.
Ponting wants to win
Ponting put the English attack to sword and thwarted any moves possible which would have allowed England to come back. The Poms surrendered with in three days ands the Ashes went back in the balance, locked at 1-1. On the first day England did make 307 for 8 at the end. It is tempting to say that Aussies are firm favourites. But there are a few againsts, standing in front of Ponting and Aussies. One of them being they have never come from a game down to win the series, then there is Flintoff. All it needs is one simple batting collapse and the English take a decent lead of say 50 to 60 runs. But it won’t be still enough, Poms would need t bat well again, something they haven’t done enough.
I still feel that if Ponting wins it he would thoroughly deserves the Ashes. But history counts for nothing. Ponting knows it. Aussies lost to Poms, first time in 75 years. My sense is, Poms would cave in this time, and I am expecting a classic, Test match in the making. The pitch is very interesting and Flintoff would not want any excuse. It is building to be Flintoff Ashes because of the precedent and the presence of the man.
Men other than Flintoff.
I don’t know what Warne thinks of only pace attack. England has Swann, who spins and seems to be a good traditional off spin bowler. Off spinners have traditionally done well against Aussies. But key members from this point of time seem to be the back up bowlers. Anderson has already delivered the goods, Harmison the hero of Poms last Ashes victory seem to be just there. He has to put his hand up. Collingwood should say to everyone I want to bat the Aussies out the second innings. If there is some positive out of the series, then it has to be the fact that English tailed has wagged and wagged more at least more effectively then the top order. Broad too doesn’t look all that sharp on form. Swann holds the key.
10.1.09
About: German proverb for breakfast.
“Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper.”
I don't know who said that but then slowly in life I am realizing that one needs to get up early in the morning to succeed in life, especially if you have your exams running.
I was served some grilled sandwich, Dhania chutney, cheese and toasted, grilled sandwich. I am not missing the mustard sauce though. I wonder if there is anything as a perfect breakfast,just eat what you like better never ever skip your breakfast. On the week day it is just a bowl of corn flakes and a glass of milk. I think I should have more,proper breakfast keeps your brains really charged for a longer time. A charged brain means more ability to bear colleagues and bosses. You can verify this one. Try skipping breakfast and people will see you dragging your feet and will start to get under your skin and a day will drag on for like for ever.
If you had your breakfast you can just return the favour, in double quick time,you dont have to do or say something nasty a quick tongue in cheek remark would do, or for that matter a wink.
I am one of those who would love to sleep for sometime following lunch or dinner. A 20-25 minutes sleep is luxury these days even for the opulent.
But then coming to breakfast, weekends can be no better, to really deep fry whatever you shallow fry in the weekdays. Dieting is good, but having a good breakfast and then working hard is really better.
Some wishful list of could have had breakfast*.
Eggs, any form, shape or number.
Croissant.
Cheese Grilled Sanwich.
Bread butter and Jam.
Idli and Sambhar.
Samosa or Kachoris.
Jalebi.
Thats about the eating part, wont mind having some beverages
Orange Juice.
Iced tea.
Coffee both hot and cold.
Milk (I know milk is know beverage.
This should serve me till lunch.
* A maximum of not more than two of the dishes and any one "beverage".
Happy Living.
- German Proverb
I don't know who said that but then slowly in life I am realizing that one needs to get up early in the morning to succeed in life, especially if you have your exams running.
I was served some grilled sandwich, Dhania chutney, cheese and toasted, grilled sandwich. I am not missing the mustard sauce though. I wonder if there is anything as a perfect breakfast,just eat what you like better never ever skip your breakfast. On the week day it is just a bowl of corn flakes and a glass of milk. I think I should have more,proper breakfast keeps your brains really charged for a longer time. A charged brain means more ability to bear colleagues and bosses. You can verify this one. Try skipping breakfast and people will see you dragging your feet and will start to get under your skin and a day will drag on for like for ever.
If you had your breakfast you can just return the favour, in double quick time,you dont have to do or say something nasty a quick tongue in cheek remark would do, or for that matter a wink.
I am one of those who would love to sleep for sometime following lunch or dinner. A 20-25 minutes sleep is luxury these days even for the opulent.
But then coming to breakfast, weekends can be no better, to really deep fry whatever you shallow fry in the weekdays. Dieting is good, but having a good breakfast and then working hard is really better.
Some wishful list of could have had breakfast*.
Eggs, any form, shape or number.
Croissant.
Cheese Grilled Sanwich.
Bread butter and Jam.
Idli and Sambhar.
Samosa or Kachoris.
Jalebi.
Thats about the eating part, wont mind having some beverages
Orange Juice.
Iced tea.
Coffee both hot and cold.
Milk (I know milk is know beverage.
This should serve me till lunch.
* A maximum of not more than two of the dishes and any one "beverage".
Happy Living.
31.12.08
Blog: Hysterical year.
I am counting down to 2009. It has been a weird year for more than one reasons. I am shaken and stirred. The fact remains that life is uncertain and whats you see may not be what you get.
A to Z for 2008 from me, random words as they come to my mind.
A: Attack, Abhinav, Antulay, Ahemdabad, Australia, Asin, Alibaug, Alive
B: Banglore, Bombs, Bankruptcy, Barrack, Bush, Bluff, Banks
C: Caught, Calls, Chidambaram Confusion, Crude, Chandrayan-I, Centuries
D: Dhoni, Delhi, Drinks, Derivatives, Dead
E: Explosives, Explosion, Eclipses, Extrapolation
F: Fun, Family, Friends, Fear, Fuck off, Ford, Futures and Options
G: Guns,Government Bail out, Gutted, Goons
H: Hoax, Hindu Terrorism, Highlights, Hamas, HRM, Hysteria
I: Me, Ishant, India, Israel, Isinbayeva, ISI, Inflation, IPL
J: Juxtaposed, Jealous, Justice denied, Jolt, Joint director,
K: Killed
L: Love, Lost, Letters, Location, Losses
M: Mass murders, Mute, Mothers,
N: No action, NEWS, Nano, Nandigram, Nephew, NSG
O: Olympics, O +ve, Owl, Opal, Operations, Omlette
P: Pakistan, People, Positive, Post poned, Pink Slips, Peace
Q: Quiet, Quilt, Queen Bee, Qaeda Quorum,
R: Reticent, Received, Rumours, Reliance, Raj, Rafael, Roger
S: Society, Sachin, Sourav, Sentiments, Salience, Shivraj, Smith, Sehwag
T: Tea, Terror, Taj, Tension, Threat,
U: Usain, Utopia, Unwarranted, Unsxploded, Uncertain
V: Vote, Vaccination, Victory, Verify, Vilify,
W: We, Wimbeldon, Want, Warne,Washington Mutual, Wachovia,
X: Xenophobia, Xerox, Xavier
Y: Yet, Yearn, Yesterday, Yoga, Yuvraj
Z: Zenith, Zeal, Zero
A to Z for 2008 from me, random words as they come to my mind.
A: Attack, Abhinav, Antulay, Ahemdabad, Australia, Asin, Alibaug, Alive
B: Banglore, Bombs, Bankruptcy, Barrack, Bush, Bluff, Banks
C: Caught, Calls, Chidambaram Confusion, Crude, Chandrayan-I, Centuries
D: Dhoni, Delhi, Drinks, Derivatives, Dead
E: Explosives, Explosion, Eclipses, Extrapolation
F: Fun, Family, Friends, Fear, Fuck off, Ford, Futures and Options
G: Guns,Government Bail out, Gutted, Goons
H: Hoax, Hindu Terrorism, Highlights, Hamas, HRM, Hysteria
I: Me, Ishant, India, Israel, Isinbayeva, ISI, Inflation, IPL
J: Juxtaposed, Jealous, Justice denied, Jolt, Joint director,
K: Killed
L: Love, Lost, Letters, Location, Losses
M: Mass murders, Mute, Mothers,
N: No action, NEWS, Nano, Nandigram, Nephew, NSG
O: Olympics, O +ve, Owl, Opal, Operations, Omlette
P: Pakistan, People, Positive, Post poned, Pink Slips, Peace
Q: Quiet, Quilt, Queen Bee, Qaeda Quorum,
R: Reticent, Received, Rumours, Reliance, Raj, Rafael, Roger
S: Society, Sachin, Sourav, Sentiments, Salience, Shivraj, Smith, Sehwag
T: Tea, Terror, Taj, Tension, Threat,
U: Usain, Utopia, Unwarranted, Unsxploded, Uncertain
V: Vote, Vaccination, Victory, Verify, Vilify,
W: We, Wimbeldon, Want, Warne,Washington Mutual, Wachovia,
X: Xenophobia, Xerox, Xavier
Y: Yet, Yearn, Yesterday, Yoga, Yuvraj
Z: Zenith, Zeal, Zero
Cricket: Pride goes before a fall.
Aussies lost pride before losing the Perth test and now seem to have lost the plot and surely have lost the series to an unassailable SAfs 2-0 lead. They are busy garnering public sympathy rather than axing soon to be dead wood, injured players, out of form players, whoever, whatever Ponting called passengers. There is no spinner in the horizon, someone who can keep tight.
The Challengers: South African’s, SAfs from now on.
SAfs have a tremendous run of past couple of years, since there disastrous tour to Sri Lanka. But they have to managed, to unearth Steyn, DeVillers, Amla, Morkel Brothers. Greame Smith himself has scored tones of runs. They won against England and Bangladesh and drew series against India in India no mean task that. They beat Aussies chasing a record total, the Aussies looked visitors to Perth, and SAfs walked easy and bought the cake home. Smith, DeVilliers smashed century, Kallis the talisman, scored runs, gave break through and got wickets, took some catches. This series has again reconfirmed by belief that comparing the bowling and batting may separate ordinary teams but it is the fielding which really differentiates great teams. SAfs took some stunning catches and almost made look Aussies an ordinary team.
SAfs kept coming from behind, much like the Aussies did for more than a decade and half, but since 2005, the English, Indians and SAfs have learnt the trick and maintain at times to count attack from positions unlikely positions of going for the kill. SAfs were 196 for 7 and 198 runs behind played the whole days with Harris and Steyn scoring runs and JP Duminy made a majestic 166. A position that dented Aussies hopes. Hayden being out of form Ponting impressed with 99, but Greame Smith showed more proactive and more incisive approach. He was unnerved with taking tough calls. But he can be better, but he will get there. The only thing SAfs have is to safe guard against complacency. I say go for the kill; take em out 3-Nil.
Hayden and Ponting will want to forget 2008. Ponting did score some centuries, but then two he scored against India ended in draws, India remains a land of mystery to him. He suggested that since lot of spin is bowled you are likely to be claimed by spinners, something Ishant Sharma took to heart as he was all over Ponting in Australia and India.
The next India SAfs tussle would be real fun.
The losers, Aussie cricket team.
You win you lose, in a cricket contest one team will win and one will lose. Drawes and tie matches are exceptions. You lose or you out manoeuvred. Ponting for now is not only losing but being out manoeuvred, which are of a greater concerned. It is easy to accuse Ponting of everything, but as compared to Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh his tenure as captain is tougher simply because during Taylor and Waugh’s captaincy the Aussie teams was in ascendancy, there were bunch of players which were coming up the core consisted of solid openers with like of Taylor, Slater, Blewett, Elliot, then Langer and Hayden the non a good strong middle order of Waugh brothers, Ponting, Martyn, Warne and seamers like McGrath, Gillespie, Kasprowicsz, Refiel, Fleming, Lee.
Five times in five tests. Hayden not giving those flying starts made Australia work double hard and yielded very ordinary result. Clarke impatient was exposed, Hussey succumbed to impatience, Symonds to alcohol, Ponting to some ingenious. Katich remains a pleasant exception he has consolidated. Other players crashed out due to injuries.
The openers are struggling, Hayden used to score in bulk but know rests most of time cooling is heels for as long as Aussies bat. The bowling looks paltry, catches taken with some difficulty. Instead of moving ahead with the game they seem to be looking back, hoping something good happens rather then looking inwards and marching forwards. I wonder why Pomersbach or Shaun Marsh opened in with Hayden, Katich should have bowled more often and played instead of White.
But going ahead will be tougher if they cannot put behind whatever happened and play for pride. If they lose the next match, it would be right time for Hayden to put his hand up, and hand his gloves, Ponting should give up the obsession of captaincy and stop calling shots. In drastic times especially this year when things have turned upside down each and everyone was shaken and stirred in more ways then one.
Indian hand in Aussie downfall.
I am glad that SAfs won the battle of the South Hemisphere. On current form they are the number one side by far. But I think SAfs have completed what the Indian team started. We should have drawn if not lost the Test match. It will be remember for all the wrong reasons. Symonds, the Racism row, the immense money muscles that BCCI flexed. The pull out was a hype all right never the less the Aussies may have felt the ripples if not repercussions from Indians on that tour. Then the IPL which say Aussies queuing up for mega bucks and witness the mega hysteria over the duration of the summer.
Kumble swept the carpet while Ponting harping all sorts of negative vibes. Aussies lost the next match at Perth starting this year then played a dead rubber to save the series and then when the rot had started. If I am not wrong Indians played Aussies 6 times this year, we have won three and drawn three. Aussies zilch.
The racism row proved to be heave guilt of many Aussies. Then big tough players like Symonds took up drinking and fishing to fins a way through. The chinks were beginning to exposed when one of the pace demons, bowled some ordinary medium pace in Perth, then citied psychiatric problems to take a break. I think I haven’t heard of him since then, I am worried if still going therapy. The Aussie were mentaly dragged and degraded and I think gave up soon.
The Challengers: South African’s, SAfs from now on.
SAfs have a tremendous run of past couple of years, since there disastrous tour to Sri Lanka. But they have to managed, to unearth Steyn, DeVillers, Amla, Morkel Brothers. Greame Smith himself has scored tones of runs. They won against England and Bangladesh and drew series against India in India no mean task that. They beat Aussies chasing a record total, the Aussies looked visitors to Perth, and SAfs walked easy and bought the cake home. Smith, DeVilliers smashed century, Kallis the talisman, scored runs, gave break through and got wickets, took some catches. This series has again reconfirmed by belief that comparing the bowling and batting may separate ordinary teams but it is the fielding which really differentiates great teams. SAfs took some stunning catches and almost made look Aussies an ordinary team.
SAfs kept coming from behind, much like the Aussies did for more than a decade and half, but since 2005, the English, Indians and SAfs have learnt the trick and maintain at times to count attack from positions unlikely positions of going for the kill. SAfs were 196 for 7 and 198 runs behind played the whole days with Harris and Steyn scoring runs and JP Duminy made a majestic 166. A position that dented Aussies hopes. Hayden being out of form Ponting impressed with 99, but Greame Smith showed more proactive and more incisive approach. He was unnerved with taking tough calls. But he can be better, but he will get there. The only thing SAfs have is to safe guard against complacency. I say go for the kill; take em out 3-Nil.
Hayden and Ponting will want to forget 2008. Ponting did score some centuries, but then two he scored against India ended in draws, India remains a land of mystery to him. He suggested that since lot of spin is bowled you are likely to be claimed by spinners, something Ishant Sharma took to heart as he was all over Ponting in Australia and India.
The next India SAfs tussle would be real fun.
The losers, Aussie cricket team.
You win you lose, in a cricket contest one team will win and one will lose. Drawes and tie matches are exceptions. You lose or you out manoeuvred. Ponting for now is not only losing but being out manoeuvred, which are of a greater concerned. It is easy to accuse Ponting of everything, but as compared to Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh his tenure as captain is tougher simply because during Taylor and Waugh’s captaincy the Aussie teams was in ascendancy, there were bunch of players which were coming up the core consisted of solid openers with like of Taylor, Slater, Blewett, Elliot, then Langer and Hayden the non a good strong middle order of Waugh brothers, Ponting, Martyn, Warne and seamers like McGrath, Gillespie, Kasprowicsz, Refiel, Fleming, Lee.
Five times in five tests. Hayden not giving those flying starts made Australia work double hard and yielded very ordinary result. Clarke impatient was exposed, Hussey succumbed to impatience, Symonds to alcohol, Ponting to some ingenious. Katich remains a pleasant exception he has consolidated. Other players crashed out due to injuries.
The openers are struggling, Hayden used to score in bulk but know rests most of time cooling is heels for as long as Aussies bat. The bowling looks paltry, catches taken with some difficulty. Instead of moving ahead with the game they seem to be looking back, hoping something good happens rather then looking inwards and marching forwards. I wonder why Pomersbach or Shaun Marsh opened in with Hayden, Katich should have bowled more often and played instead of White.
But going ahead will be tougher if they cannot put behind whatever happened and play for pride. If they lose the next match, it would be right time for Hayden to put his hand up, and hand his gloves, Ponting should give up the obsession of captaincy and stop calling shots. In drastic times especially this year when things have turned upside down each and everyone was shaken and stirred in more ways then one.
Indian hand in Aussie downfall.
I am glad that SAfs won the battle of the South Hemisphere. On current form they are the number one side by far. But I think SAfs have completed what the Indian team started. We should have drawn if not lost the Test match. It will be remember for all the wrong reasons. Symonds, the Racism row, the immense money muscles that BCCI flexed. The pull out was a hype all right never the less the Aussies may have felt the ripples if not repercussions from Indians on that tour. Then the IPL which say Aussies queuing up for mega bucks and witness the mega hysteria over the duration of the summer.
Kumble swept the carpet while Ponting harping all sorts of negative vibes. Aussies lost the next match at Perth starting this year then played a dead rubber to save the series and then when the rot had started. If I am not wrong Indians played Aussies 6 times this year, we have won three and drawn three. Aussies zilch.
The racism row proved to be heave guilt of many Aussies. Then big tough players like Symonds took up drinking and fishing to fins a way through. The chinks were beginning to exposed when one of the pace demons, bowled some ordinary medium pace in Perth, then citied psychiatric problems to take a break. I think I haven’t heard of him since then, I am worried if still going therapy. The Aussie were mentaly dragged and degraded and I think gave up soon.
27.12.08
About: Books in 2008
As this year is coming to an end check out some of the books that were not written on events of 2008.
Down the slope. – Economists and Financiers.
Sensex from 8000-21000, A reverse time line
Oil sinks in water – OPEC Apex Committee
Peaceful intentions and honest motive – “Commanders” of JuD, LeT, ISI, Taliban Al-Qaeda, (first written in 1947, but 25 new revisions and 30 new chapter in last five years)
A Boat from Pakistan – Ajmal Kasab
Sleeping in the hour of crises – Shivraj Patil
A new Strategy on IPOs and Bonus Shares – Anil Ambani
In the name of the father – Mukesh Ambani
How to score runs in India? Ricky Ponting
Ek thapad ki goonj – Harbhajan Singh
A monkey off my back – Andrew Symonds
Lapping cricketers and their wives – Allan Stanford
Asset to all liabilities to none, a CFO’s account - Anon
Cut costs and losses, a cry for bail out – Association of American Industry
Bank on me – Lehman Brothers
A house with ceiling and no walls – Housing Loan provider
Heavy Price of cheap home loans –
I was there when GDP was 9.3% - P Chidambaram
Art of (Proxy) War – Anon
Aiding terror – Account of US aid pumped into Pakistan - Senate Committee members
Between Diwali and Christmas in 2008 – A Taj tragedy victim.
Realty bites and costs, A marginal dip in Reality stocks – Promoters of DLF and Unitech
A look at the Taj from the Gate Way of India – A mute spectators
Lets fly to the moon – ISRO team members
Booted out of Iraq - George Bush
A long road from White house to my ranch - George Bush
Paint it Black – A white house intern
Not quiet in White House – Hillary Clinton
When I was young (a volume of 3 books) – John McCain
One for a Billion – Abhinav Bindra
How I duped Ponting? – Mahendra Singh Dhoni
At last, I did retire – Sourav Ganguly
At last, I shall two retire – Mattew Hayden
How to get into an MBA – Me
Wealth on top of the Pyramid – A billionaires perspective
How an American earns, invests spends and saves? – Joe and Jane
Value of dividends and bonus shares – India Share holders
Taking claims of lives – Shivraj Patil
American Banking System’s fine print - Ben Bernanke
Only the poor die, rich get bailed out – You and me
How to cook controversy for reality TV? – Anon
It is NEWS if it is on You tube – Content writers for NEWS Channels.
Me Marathi - Raj Thackeray
How to beg, exhort and claim self respect? – Raj Thackeray
Terror in two square miles – A victim’s account.
Trust me – Communist Party of India.
No Big Deal, Fine print of India’s Nuclear deal – Manmohan Singh
Why was I forced to resign? Vilasrao Dehmukh
Famous Hindi movie dialogues – R.R Patil
How to stop living and start worrying? – We the people.
Karl Marx said so … - A diehard Communists
The First President of United States - Barrack Obama
T20 a bookers Delight – Local book maker
Hype of the cash – An IPL fan.
Cost of Rupees 38 to 50, still counting – Money exchanger
Back to Chennai – Sachin Tendulkar.
Chucking Pie – Yuvraj Singh
Down the slope. – Economists and Financiers.
Sensex from 8000-21000, A reverse time line
Oil sinks in water – OPEC Apex Committee
Peaceful intentions and honest motive – “Commanders” of JuD, LeT, ISI, Taliban Al-Qaeda, (first written in 1947, but 25 new revisions and 30 new chapter in last five years)
A Boat from Pakistan – Ajmal Kasab
Sleeping in the hour of crises – Shivraj Patil
A new Strategy on IPOs and Bonus Shares – Anil Ambani
In the name of the father – Mukesh Ambani
How to score runs in India? Ricky Ponting
Ek thapad ki goonj – Harbhajan Singh
A monkey off my back – Andrew Symonds
Lapping cricketers and their wives – Allan Stanford
Asset to all liabilities to none, a CFO’s account - Anon
Cut costs and losses, a cry for bail out – Association of American Industry
Bank on me – Lehman Brothers
A house with ceiling and no walls – Housing Loan provider
Heavy Price of cheap home loans –
I was there when GDP was 9.3% - P Chidambaram
Art of (Proxy) War – Anon
Aiding terror – Account of US aid pumped into Pakistan - Senate Committee members
Between Diwali and Christmas in 2008 – A Taj tragedy victim.
Realty bites and costs, A marginal dip in Reality stocks – Promoters of DLF and Unitech
A look at the Taj from the Gate Way of India – A mute spectators
Lets fly to the moon – ISRO team members
Booted out of Iraq - George Bush
A long road from White house to my ranch - George Bush
Paint it Black – A white house intern
Not quiet in White House – Hillary Clinton
When I was young (a volume of 3 books) – John McCain
One for a Billion – Abhinav Bindra
How I duped Ponting? – Mahendra Singh Dhoni
At last, I did retire – Sourav Ganguly
At last, I shall two retire – Mattew Hayden
How to get into an MBA – Me
Wealth on top of the Pyramid – A billionaires perspective
How an American earns, invests spends and saves? – Joe and Jane
Value of dividends and bonus shares – India Share holders
Taking claims of lives – Shivraj Patil
American Banking System’s fine print - Ben Bernanke
Only the poor die, rich get bailed out – You and me
How to cook controversy for reality TV? – Anon
It is NEWS if it is on You tube – Content writers for NEWS Channels.
Me Marathi - Raj Thackeray
How to beg, exhort and claim self respect? – Raj Thackeray
Terror in two square miles – A victim’s account.
Trust me – Communist Party of India.
No Big Deal, Fine print of India’s Nuclear deal – Manmohan Singh
Why was I forced to resign? Vilasrao Dehmukh
Famous Hindi movie dialogues – R.R Patil
How to stop living and start worrying? – We the people.
Karl Marx said so … - A diehard Communists
The First President of United States - Barrack Obama
T20 a bookers Delight – Local book maker
Hype of the cash – An IPL fan.
Cost of Rupees 38 to 50, still counting – Money exchanger
Back to Chennai – Sachin Tendulkar.
Chucking Pie – Yuvraj Singh
24.12.08
23.12.08
Cricket: Match drawn series won.
Fog claimed this match. Fog drags this match to a draw. India was partially to be blamed. It also highlights why there are still not number one. The momentum is often killed as India looks to defend rather than kick on and make some runs. I know time is of essence and often in cricket lay low when the bowler on top but you have to make up for the lost times and run making opportunity.
If the first innings is to be anything to go by India did not push them harder to win the test.
This match was dragged on and then drawn.
The series was on a high when India came from behind to win the test, with Tendulkar hitting a century of a lifetime perhaps. After that this test was a tame display of sustaining the adrenaline and pump in the enthusiasm. But Sehwag didn’t click, India missed the spark. A big blob in first innings didn’t help. Dravid fought bad form with doubts to stay afloat and get a century in the taking. Gambhir meanwhile went from strength to strength and missed a double in the first innings and century in the second. Tendulkar will just remember day five of the first test in Chennai. He and Dravid failed again and there was a collapse of sorts in the first innings before Yuvraj Singh came in and kicked on the scoring rates. Gambhir trenched in, but poor soul did not keep a cut short down and Ian bell, the biggest loser, catch a ripper in thin air to sent Gambhir packing for 97 in second innings. Indians did not declared their second innings before lunch and thus confirmed the drawn fate of the test, which people imagined to be so at the end of the third day.
It was foggy in the morning but when things cleared out India were 40 something for 3 and 80 for four on the fourth day late afternoon, the whirlwind Yuvraj came in belted it all around, may be hinting a promotion up the order but, if first innings was anything to go by, he came in after the fourth wicket fell.
That was a passage of play which made me think that a quicksilver 45 minutes and India should declare. The fog as expected stalled the proceedings, by the time sun came out and the picture got clearer the match ended in a draw
Pietersen leads the front.
I find Pietersen bemusing; he is a superb stroke player, not only the strokes he plays but also the way he plays them. He is a rare batsman, rare because he is one-quality batsmen and a rank ordinary fielder. I still find it amusing the way he jumps in the crease before playing a stroke. But surely he is SAfs loss and England’s gain. The English were down two for two. Strauss followed a test match in which he belted century in each inning with a third ball duck. That’s the way cricket goes. Next was Ian Bell most incomplete batsman the game of cricket has ever seen. He got a swinging beauty from Ishant and heard his stumps flying all over the place. Pietersen literally jumped to the crease, Dhoni the gambler bought Yuvraj the pie chucker and almost had his man only to Laxman let a chance a begging. Yuvraj almost had his man, Pietersen had almost chucked his wicket. Harbhajan egged n himself to produce something but struggle until the end of the day when he went around getting Pietersen into a false position. Flintoff was claimed by Mishra at the end of days play. India did manage to brush the English tail. The last six wickets fell fro just 22 runs. India claimed a healthy lead in a very forgettable test match.
India kept running them out.
Sehwag, Laxman, Yuvraj were claimed run out and in some ways made Ian Bell’s tour more soothing to him. His performance would have placated him, but may not placate English selectors. India virtually sleep walked with Dravid Tendulkar not contributing much, Laxman has had a silent innings, and perhaps he has to score more against teams other than Aussies. India lumbered to let English 403 in forty overs, Cook came out and Ishant had me caught second slip. The slow scoring tactic were pretty much followed from the first innings, I was so glad when the match ended in a draw, not before Dhoni turning his arm over an over or too. All said and done the match was drawn and a series won.
Man of the series Zaheer,
The reigning Sultan of Swing. Ishant is more of face and hitting the pitch. Zaheer, RP Singh and Sreesanth mean while have superb control. I am curious to know how Munaf does, but I don’t think he can swing it like Zaheer. It’s the amazing sense of control on the old ball that Zaheer seems to have developed that makes him a man to watch out for. He swung it when Aussies were here. He has been castling the stumps with some consistency taking into account the left handers in top of the order, Cook and Strauss in this series. He also comes around the wicket and gets low order batsmen in a tangle castling them or getting them LBW. It is lovely to watch.
Thought of the day ...
Study invites study, idleness produces idleness.
If the first innings is to be anything to go by India did not push them harder to win the test.
This match was dragged on and then drawn.
The series was on a high when India came from behind to win the test, with Tendulkar hitting a century of a lifetime perhaps. After that this test was a tame display of sustaining the adrenaline and pump in the enthusiasm. But Sehwag didn’t click, India missed the spark. A big blob in first innings didn’t help. Dravid fought bad form with doubts to stay afloat and get a century in the taking. Gambhir meanwhile went from strength to strength and missed a double in the first innings and century in the second. Tendulkar will just remember day five of the first test in Chennai. He and Dravid failed again and there was a collapse of sorts in the first innings before Yuvraj Singh came in and kicked on the scoring rates. Gambhir trenched in, but poor soul did not keep a cut short down and Ian bell, the biggest loser, catch a ripper in thin air to sent Gambhir packing for 97 in second innings. Indians did not declared their second innings before lunch and thus confirmed the drawn fate of the test, which people imagined to be so at the end of the third day.
It was foggy in the morning but when things cleared out India were 40 something for 3 and 80 for four on the fourth day late afternoon, the whirlwind Yuvraj came in belted it all around, may be hinting a promotion up the order but, if first innings was anything to go by, he came in after the fourth wicket fell.
That was a passage of play which made me think that a quicksilver 45 minutes and India should declare. The fog as expected stalled the proceedings, by the time sun came out and the picture got clearer the match ended in a draw
Pietersen leads the front.
I find Pietersen bemusing; he is a superb stroke player, not only the strokes he plays but also the way he plays them. He is a rare batsman, rare because he is one-quality batsmen and a rank ordinary fielder. I still find it amusing the way he jumps in the crease before playing a stroke. But surely he is SAfs loss and England’s gain. The English were down two for two. Strauss followed a test match in which he belted century in each inning with a third ball duck. That’s the way cricket goes. Next was Ian Bell most incomplete batsman the game of cricket has ever seen. He got a swinging beauty from Ishant and heard his stumps flying all over the place. Pietersen literally jumped to the crease, Dhoni the gambler bought Yuvraj the pie chucker and almost had his man only to Laxman let a chance a begging. Yuvraj almost had his man, Pietersen had almost chucked his wicket. Harbhajan egged n himself to produce something but struggle until the end of the day when he went around getting Pietersen into a false position. Flintoff was claimed by Mishra at the end of days play. India did manage to brush the English tail. The last six wickets fell fro just 22 runs. India claimed a healthy lead in a very forgettable test match.
India kept running them out.
Sehwag, Laxman, Yuvraj were claimed run out and in some ways made Ian Bell’s tour more soothing to him. His performance would have placated him, but may not placate English selectors. India virtually sleep walked with Dravid Tendulkar not contributing much, Laxman has had a silent innings, and perhaps he has to score more against teams other than Aussies. India lumbered to let English 403 in forty overs, Cook came out and Ishant had me caught second slip. The slow scoring tactic were pretty much followed from the first innings, I was so glad when the match ended in a draw, not before Dhoni turning his arm over an over or too. All said and done the match was drawn and a series won.
Man of the series Zaheer,
The reigning Sultan of Swing. Ishant is more of face and hitting the pitch. Zaheer, RP Singh and Sreesanth mean while have superb control. I am curious to know how Munaf does, but I don’t think he can swing it like Zaheer. It’s the amazing sense of control on the old ball that Zaheer seems to have developed that makes him a man to watch out for. He swung it when Aussies were here. He has been castling the stumps with some consistency taking into account the left handers in top of the order, Cook and Strauss in this series. He also comes around the wicket and gets low order batsmen in a tangle castling them or getting them LBW. It is lovely to watch.
Thought of the day ...
Study invites study, idleness produces idleness.
21.12.08
Blog: Winter Solstice
Today is the Winter Solstice, here in the northern hemisphere. The days become longer from today, while winter hasn't exactly set in any where around, even as we see winter solstice come and go, one can expect things to cool as we head towards Christmas, New Year's and Lohri. My exams begin in first week of Jan, so I guess new Year's party wont be exactly happening,but I am not complaining though.
Also The Taj and the Trident opened today after the 26 November shocker. Do we as Indian citizen, world's largest democracy accept terrorism as a part of our life or do we have right to live peacefully? We have just sent a probe to moon I think we are capable to help Pakis dismantle and destroy the terrorist infrasturcture they have so painful nurtured, assisted, may be even shown off but never accepted. I firmly believe that while combing operations in the Taj Mahal hotel and Oberoi hotel were still going on, we could have made air strikes in Paki occupied Kashmir and perhaps gave them the taste of their own medicine which much heavier potency. Once bitten twice shy, I dont think Pakis will ever learn their lessons, China and US both tacitly know what Pakis are upto but the dynamics is as such that those who live by the sword die by it. I am afraid we as a country should have enough spine to retaliate to injustice after all bearing injustice is greater injustice to doing it. The people who go over board and get influenced by religious moolahs whose motive are anything but holy should also be bought to book and hanged on the hook.
Well it looks this the match between England and India seems to be headed for a draw. I haven't taken into account Sehwag factor if he plays like the way he did in Chennai then the colours of the game will change with a session else we are headed for a draw.
Talking of drawing, SAfs have drawn first blood. The hapless Aussies were not even able to defend a mammoth of 414 runs, they did not have enough fire power. Since the now unfamous Sydney test the Aussies seem t carry on the guilt, they have progressively waned. Yeah they won against West Indies and Kiwis, if they had no posted win against these teams, one could say for sure they have waned. Although Kiwis did pin them in the first test match, Aussie went on to beat them comfortably, shall we say. Hayden and Ponting cannot find corner to hide their face.
Greame Smith and De Villeirs rocked Aussies with century, Kallis played crucial hand with the bat and bowl to score runs and claim wickets. SAfs always seem to produce all rounders, I wonder when Albie Morkel gets a look into the test side? So much for cricket.
The song played below is one of the classic Lata songs from the movie "Sunny", the movie had couple of more songs,a good collection of tracks to have if you into old Hindi songs.
The song played below is one of the classic Lata songs from the movie "Sunny", the movie had couple of more songs,a good collection of tracks to have if you into old Hindi songs.
These days lyrics and songs and are not worth mentioning, they sell something which make u creep and cringe. I don't know whats wrong but I wonder if it just me.
18.12.08
Cricket: Ghosts laid to rest.
Disclaimer: A long cricket post.
India laid many ghosts to rest. One of them was crumbling in the last innings of a test. Tendulkar’s poor show in last innings, Dravid poor form, Yuvraj being the question mark. It need to cricketing expert to know that English bowling attacking becomes potent many a times, when the dawn white and have a red cherry in hand. Flintoff, I wonder if he can open the bowling, but opening the bowling isn’t an issue of English, Anderson or Broad and Harmison use swing and bounce in various combinations and a decent first class record only helps.
Strauss just managed to clutch on to straws.
I feel for Strauss, poor guy made century in each innings, and ended on the losing side. Paul Collingwood challenged himself and earned a century but in vain, so focuses and reliant were they on Flintoff boosting the score that seem to have lost the plot in Chennai’s blistering sun. Yes the held on to their wickets for too long. You can say this in hindsight but I believe if Pietersen would have declared that just before tea irrespective of the lead and Flintoff could have a short burst of 3-4 overs, Rahul Dravid not in best of form, who know if India would be reeling at tea with couple of wickets down, not a good position to be in compared to what happened when India raced to 134 for one with one day to play and over 250 to get on the last day. The boost with which India had felt it was just the matter of seeing off the first session on the last day. There were a still few ghosts lingering though.
Few people who mattered but were not noticed.
Bhajji and Dhoni’s partner ship in the first innings saved face for Indians. Or else things would have been really be gone. Dhoni meanwhile would have been very pleased coz he scored when things were really hot under the collar and dawn was really far away. Bhajji is scoring runs while not being able to pick wickets but then Dravid and close in catchers aren’t in best of catching form, but Bhajji looks out of rhythm. Hence we don’t see his deliveries jumping and turning. Zaheer Khan well, you facing a problem you go to Zaheer Khan and he gets you wickets. Dhoni would be really happy to exclude himself out of the spot light but we can say now that captain cool showed the way. As a have said that Dhoni has a heart and mind of a gambler, he always have something up his sleeve, he slowed the over rate and English did not bite the bait and continue to trudge along and after tea It is sad to see Dravid woefully out of form, I shall pray him in hope of he scoring again. So also Laxman, what’s with him getting out to spinners, I mean caught bat pad not something that Laxman would want to see. Ishant and Zaheer got it swinging, I wo der if other reserve bowlers can also reverse the old bowl in the maner Zaheer and Ishant can. I wonder if one of the two can be tested or what the point in changing the winning combination. i dont like to see too many changes.
Virender Sehwag the rocket booster fuel, lifts off India.
Man can do two things either you run away trying to save face or you jump up and down the seat laughing hilariously at this marvel. I hope India bats tomorrow and he scores a century; he started this year n song and hasn’t stopped. He is one of the top run getters in this year the other being Greame Smith who lead SAfs against Pom to a series victory, SAfs look to struggle with Johnson getting seven in an innings. Meanwhile back to Sehwag, he has scored a 150 a double and a triple ton all this in this year. He saved a match with a score of over 150 in Adelaide, a double ton where is batted right through and helped India come back by providing enough for Ishant and Zaheer to defend. His 300 was purely a highlights package. He had two double century partnerships in that innings, Dravid just rotated the strike and eased himself a century. He may confess about this innings if he were to write his autobiography.
This innings not only punched the winds out of English sails but also changed the course of Indian innings in this match. Sehwag came to the fore in a quick jiffy and hammered everyone to the boundary and India looked to score runs very quickly. I thought with Gambhir defending Flintoff all the while thereby denying Sehwag strike when he was in some flow hampered him scoring runs and taking a fresh guard. But his six against Monty that went sailing down the ground was a pick of lot. He was on 83 when he got out, all of just three strokes away from a century. If here were to be there on the fifth day I think the game would have been wrapped up before tea. But there were more twists in the tale to follow. He deservingly got the man of the match.
Sachin lays his painful memories to rest.
I have been critical, one cannot have enough of him can we. He struggled for last couple of years. He along with Zaheer, Sehwag, Bhajji, Yuvraj all have made “comeback” of sorts and have written a wonderful stories of sort. Tendulkar after having tough times with injuries has slowly build upon his innings. He goes back to the ground where he broke the record for most runs in Test Cricket. Perhaps one more century? Everyone will remember his epic century and a monumental loss. India set to win in access of 270 on the last day, Ganguly and Dravid getting woeful decisions but he carried on and fall short when India was on doorstep and just 17 runs away. Pakis won by 12 runs. It all started with Nayan Mongia dismissal that triggered the collapse. A ghost that kept lingering on his mind for nearly a decade. It was the start on up and down times, with Tendulkar grappled with form and fitness. It came to rest with another century effort this time leading on a winning note. India came from behind and Sehwag had already wrested the initiative for India. The fifth day was in balance. Tendulkar looked to lay each bring at a time and keep nibbling away each run as English blowers did have come success after Dravid went early, Laxman played a flash in the pan innings but took off pressure with flurry of boundaries. He kept himself in check and looked good for a century, cutting out on risk and making sure goal is in sight. I wonder if Tendulkar would have had his moments after Yuvraj cut lose with not too many to get. I think he had to get 17 out of 30 that India required. He ended the match with a lap sweep and India wrapping the match with 6 wicket in hand.
Yuvraj keeps Tests.
I doubted Yuvraj, I still do, but that’s restricted to 5 day format of the game. He is vital clog in ODI and T20. He is phenomenal in these two formats of game. When it comes to test he has more weakness than he would confess, one of the most unlikely is facing the short delivery and playing spin. But he has Dhoni’s confidence. He had one day to prove that he is worth to Test side as well. He had one day to prove it, metaphorically Yuvraj is phenomenal in ODI, and Kirsten also suggested Yuvraj to play it like a One Day. He did and creamed the English attack with Tendulkar holding one end Yuvraj seem to have blossomed. The next match is on his home ground and perhaps Yuvraj would score more, but the real test is away from the country i.e. overseas. So as off now Yuvraj did well and co-scripted a famous win.
Dravid shalt make comeback
Dravid was out of form, some say it was good he got out early or else he would have batted India to a draw. A lame argument considering he is perhaps one of the chief architects of India’s major wins including one in Eden Gardens, West Indies, Australia, England, Pakistan you name it he won it. It is not that we want to sing only of his past laurels. The point I wish to make writing anyone off who has more than 10000 runs in two formats of the game isn’t the wisest thing to do.
India laid many ghosts to rest. One of them was crumbling in the last innings of a test. Tendulkar’s poor show in last innings, Dravid poor form, Yuvraj being the question mark. It need to cricketing expert to know that English bowling attacking becomes potent many a times, when the dawn white and have a red cherry in hand. Flintoff, I wonder if he can open the bowling, but opening the bowling isn’t an issue of English, Anderson or Broad and Harmison use swing and bounce in various combinations and a decent first class record only helps.
Strauss just managed to clutch on to straws.
I feel for Strauss, poor guy made century in each innings, and ended on the losing side. Paul Collingwood challenged himself and earned a century but in vain, so focuses and reliant were they on Flintoff boosting the score that seem to have lost the plot in Chennai’s blistering sun. Yes the held on to their wickets for too long. You can say this in hindsight but I believe if Pietersen would have declared that just before tea irrespective of the lead and Flintoff could have a short burst of 3-4 overs, Rahul Dravid not in best of form, who know if India would be reeling at tea with couple of wickets down, not a good position to be in compared to what happened when India raced to 134 for one with one day to play and over 250 to get on the last day. The boost with which India had felt it was just the matter of seeing off the first session on the last day. There were a still few ghosts lingering though.
Few people who mattered but were not noticed.
Bhajji and Dhoni’s partner ship in the first innings saved face for Indians. Or else things would have been really be gone. Dhoni meanwhile would have been very pleased coz he scored when things were really hot under the collar and dawn was really far away. Bhajji is scoring runs while not being able to pick wickets but then Dravid and close in catchers aren’t in best of catching form, but Bhajji looks out of rhythm. Hence we don’t see his deliveries jumping and turning. Zaheer Khan well, you facing a problem you go to Zaheer Khan and he gets you wickets. Dhoni would be really happy to exclude himself out of the spot light but we can say now that captain cool showed the way. As a have said that Dhoni has a heart and mind of a gambler, he always have something up his sleeve, he slowed the over rate and English did not bite the bait and continue to trudge along and after tea It is sad to see Dravid woefully out of form, I shall pray him in hope of he scoring again. So also Laxman, what’s with him getting out to spinners, I mean caught bat pad not something that Laxman would want to see. Ishant and Zaheer got it swinging, I wo der if other reserve bowlers can also reverse the old bowl in the maner Zaheer and Ishant can. I wonder if one of the two can be tested or what the point in changing the winning combination. i dont like to see too many changes.
Virender Sehwag the rocket booster fuel, lifts off India.
Man can do two things either you run away trying to save face or you jump up and down the seat laughing hilariously at this marvel. I hope India bats tomorrow and he scores a century; he started this year n song and hasn’t stopped. He is one of the top run getters in this year the other being Greame Smith who lead SAfs against Pom to a series victory, SAfs look to struggle with Johnson getting seven in an innings. Meanwhile back to Sehwag, he has scored a 150 a double and a triple ton all this in this year. He saved a match with a score of over 150 in Adelaide, a double ton where is batted right through and helped India come back by providing enough for Ishant and Zaheer to defend. His 300 was purely a highlights package. He had two double century partnerships in that innings, Dravid just rotated the strike and eased himself a century. He may confess about this innings if he were to write his autobiography.
This innings not only punched the winds out of English sails but also changed the course of Indian innings in this match. Sehwag came to the fore in a quick jiffy and hammered everyone to the boundary and India looked to score runs very quickly. I thought with Gambhir defending Flintoff all the while thereby denying Sehwag strike when he was in some flow hampered him scoring runs and taking a fresh guard. But his six against Monty that went sailing down the ground was a pick of lot. He was on 83 when he got out, all of just three strokes away from a century. If here were to be there on the fifth day I think the game would have been wrapped up before tea. But there were more twists in the tale to follow. He deservingly got the man of the match.
Sachin lays his painful memories to rest.
I have been critical, one cannot have enough of him can we. He struggled for last couple of years. He along with Zaheer, Sehwag, Bhajji, Yuvraj all have made “comeback” of sorts and have written a wonderful stories of sort. Tendulkar after having tough times with injuries has slowly build upon his innings. He goes back to the ground where he broke the record for most runs in Test Cricket. Perhaps one more century? Everyone will remember his epic century and a monumental loss. India set to win in access of 270 on the last day, Ganguly and Dravid getting woeful decisions but he carried on and fall short when India was on doorstep and just 17 runs away. Pakis won by 12 runs. It all started with Nayan Mongia dismissal that triggered the collapse. A ghost that kept lingering on his mind for nearly a decade. It was the start on up and down times, with Tendulkar grappled with form and fitness. It came to rest with another century effort this time leading on a winning note. India came from behind and Sehwag had already wrested the initiative for India. The fifth day was in balance. Tendulkar looked to lay each bring at a time and keep nibbling away each run as English blowers did have come success after Dravid went early, Laxman played a flash in the pan innings but took off pressure with flurry of boundaries. He kept himself in check and looked good for a century, cutting out on risk and making sure goal is in sight. I wonder if Tendulkar would have had his moments after Yuvraj cut lose with not too many to get. I think he had to get 17 out of 30 that India required. He ended the match with a lap sweep and India wrapping the match with 6 wicket in hand.
Yuvraj keeps Tests.
I doubted Yuvraj, I still do, but that’s restricted to 5 day format of the game. He is vital clog in ODI and T20. He is phenomenal in these two formats of game. When it comes to test he has more weakness than he would confess, one of the most unlikely is facing the short delivery and playing spin. But he has Dhoni’s confidence. He had one day to prove that he is worth to Test side as well. He had one day to prove it, metaphorically Yuvraj is phenomenal in ODI, and Kirsten also suggested Yuvraj to play it like a One Day. He did and creamed the English attack with Tendulkar holding one end Yuvraj seem to have blossomed. The next match is on his home ground and perhaps Yuvraj would score more, but the real test is away from the country i.e. overseas. So as off now Yuvraj did well and co-scripted a famous win.
Dravid shalt make comeback
Dravid was out of form, some say it was good he got out early or else he would have batted India to a draw. A lame argument considering he is perhaps one of the chief architects of India’s major wins including one in Eden Gardens, West Indies, Australia, England, Pakistan you name it he won it. It is not that we want to sing only of his past laurels. The point I wish to make writing anyone off who has more than 10000 runs in two formats of the game isn’t the wisest thing to do.
13.12.08
Cricket: England holds the keys.
There is something about Indian summers in England. Everyone around is great full that they have come around to play the test series. I think Pietersen did very well and England stand a chance of winning the first test and perhaps win in India is they managed to hold on to this lead. England has the bowling to skittle out Indians cheaply in the fourth innings. I am really happy to see cricketing actions live.
ATKT = Allowed to keep test? Yuvraj and Rahul Dravid.
ATKT or simply KT, in engineering when you have to clear first year to stake a claim to answer third year papers i.e. one can go on into second year with earlier year back log papers, but U have to clear them before your second year ends or else you get into an infinite loop of studying the second year and third year course and it’s tough.
I thought till yesterday I though only Dravid and Yuvraj were ATKT, Allowed To Keep Test. Yuvraj bemuses me, he is someone you can build you team around in T20 and ODI but I don’t think he is good enough for test. Yeah I know he has scored big runs in form of centuries, in test and first class. I hope he can find some county and play some first class there may it would help him iron out his fallacies against short pitch stuff But can he face pace battery on fast pitches. The answer is a sad No!! I feel for him. He looks so beleaguered when facing fast bowling in test. It’s not only the pace bowling. I think any good spinner worth his salt can work out Yuvraj very very soon. I was pensive that this would a test of test for Yuvraj. He was to face Flintoff, Harmison and Monty. While Flintoff happened to be making a comeback but his reputation precedes him. He is a very good bowler, unlike a rookie when he started. However, Freddie Flintoff seems more assured of himself more than ever. Harmisson works purely on one principle, bounce. The amount of bounce he can get is prodigious. He bowl aiming for jaw and chest of batsmen and occasionally there is a drive ball and batsman are caught behind looking to cream it through cover point and ending up in slips. Yuvraj feel victim to it. I don’t rate Yuvraj highly as a test batsman. I know its tough facing chin music. However, Yuvraj seems to be relying so heavily on his predictive reactions rather than watching the bowl.
Dravid also on the KT list. :(
Rahul Dravid poor chap. He was one of the safest first slip fielders India cricket would see for a long time. He dropping regulation catches isn't helping nor is his batting is inspiring confidence. He is a unique predicament. The game of cricket has enough examples of people starting and then falling to bad form or injury and then making a fairy tale return. I don’t think Dravid will have this luxury. The predicament is that he is facing a trough at the last turn of his glorious career. He is the sole architect of Ganguly’s success as a test captain. He managed to walk out of Tendulkar’s shadow, no mean achievement in itself. He has over Ten thousand runs in both form of the game, something people should look into. He was labeled a Test Only player if you remember. Dravid at 35 has sands of time slipping through his fingers. I wonder if he playing at five instead of three would help. Also as Sehwag-Gambhir partnership blossoms, Dravid often reads the score at 80 for one rather than nine for 3 or 17 for two. Its tough for him, but his confidence will come back if he starts taking catches in slips. At least we fans would get some reprieve of him being right in the game.
Dhoni mean while will soon get a taste of first defeat if England rub it in tomorrow. The bigger challenge for him would be winning chasing in the fourth innings. Indians has a terrible record, it is perhaps worst than losing finals in ODIs. One can debate and argue on that but the fact remains that at present no one, yes no one know how to bat in the fourth innings. Tendulkar fourth innings has been a handicapped a blind spot for him. Layman flashes too much, Dravid out of form, Yuvraj will buckle to pace or seduced by spin. Dhoti’s technique isn’t his forte. Sehwag is the only one who can, coz pitches and nature of bowling doesn’t matter to him, if it is in his percentages he will score. But he too may feel the pressure.
I don’t think India deserves to win this one the way the have played till date. English happen to script this list. Although there is an opportunity here, if they have to stake the claim of numero uno in cricket they have to dissolve the mental block of the fourth innings and give themselves every chance of winning this match by finishing the English innings soon tomorrow and then look to bat 120 overs in the fourth innings and claim victory.
There are only couples of things in India’s favour:
Cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties; it is never over until the last wicket is claimed or the last run scored.
India is one team that can make one sided match exciting.
Are the rain gods watching?
The only problem is time is running out and English hold the key. I imagine myself writing a review of this test tomorrow evening itself. I don’t think lack of preparation owing to off the field events in the near past should be an excuse.
ATKT = Allowed to keep test? Yuvraj and Rahul Dravid.
ATKT or simply KT, in engineering when you have to clear first year to stake a claim to answer third year papers i.e. one can go on into second year with earlier year back log papers, but U have to clear them before your second year ends or else you get into an infinite loop of studying the second year and third year course and it’s tough.
I thought till yesterday I though only Dravid and Yuvraj were ATKT, Allowed To Keep Test. Yuvraj bemuses me, he is someone you can build you team around in T20 and ODI but I don’t think he is good enough for test. Yeah I know he has scored big runs in form of centuries, in test and first class. I hope he can find some county and play some first class there may it would help him iron out his fallacies against short pitch stuff But can he face pace battery on fast pitches. The answer is a sad No!! I feel for him. He looks so beleaguered when facing fast bowling in test. It’s not only the pace bowling. I think any good spinner worth his salt can work out Yuvraj very very soon. I was pensive that this would a test of test for Yuvraj. He was to face Flintoff, Harmison and Monty. While Flintoff happened to be making a comeback but his reputation precedes him. He is a very good bowler, unlike a rookie when he started. However, Freddie Flintoff seems more assured of himself more than ever. Harmisson works purely on one principle, bounce. The amount of bounce he can get is prodigious. He bowl aiming for jaw and chest of batsmen and occasionally there is a drive ball and batsman are caught behind looking to cream it through cover point and ending up in slips. Yuvraj feel victim to it. I don’t rate Yuvraj highly as a test batsman. I know its tough facing chin music. However, Yuvraj seems to be relying so heavily on his predictive reactions rather than watching the bowl.
Dravid also on the KT list. :(
Rahul Dravid poor chap. He was one of the safest first slip fielders India cricket would see for a long time. He dropping regulation catches isn't helping nor is his batting is inspiring confidence. He is a unique predicament. The game of cricket has enough examples of people starting and then falling to bad form or injury and then making a fairy tale return. I don’t think Dravid will have this luxury. The predicament is that he is facing a trough at the last turn of his glorious career. He is the sole architect of Ganguly’s success as a test captain. He managed to walk out of Tendulkar’s shadow, no mean achievement in itself. He has over Ten thousand runs in both form of the game, something people should look into. He was labeled a Test Only player if you remember. Dravid at 35 has sands of time slipping through his fingers. I wonder if he playing at five instead of three would help. Also as Sehwag-Gambhir partnership blossoms, Dravid often reads the score at 80 for one rather than nine for 3 or 17 for two. Its tough for him, but his confidence will come back if he starts taking catches in slips. At least we fans would get some reprieve of him being right in the game.
Dhoni mean while will soon get a taste of first defeat if England rub it in tomorrow. The bigger challenge for him would be winning chasing in the fourth innings. Indians has a terrible record, it is perhaps worst than losing finals in ODIs. One can debate and argue on that but the fact remains that at present no one, yes no one know how to bat in the fourth innings. Tendulkar fourth innings has been a handicapped a blind spot for him. Layman flashes too much, Dravid out of form, Yuvraj will buckle to pace or seduced by spin. Dhoti’s technique isn’t his forte. Sehwag is the only one who can, coz pitches and nature of bowling doesn’t matter to him, if it is in his percentages he will score. But he too may feel the pressure.
I don’t think India deserves to win this one the way the have played till date. English happen to script this list. Although there is an opportunity here, if they have to stake the claim of numero uno in cricket they have to dissolve the mental block of the fourth innings and give themselves every chance of winning this match by finishing the English innings soon tomorrow and then look to bat 120 overs in the fourth innings and claim victory.
There are only couples of things in India’s favour:
Cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties; it is never over until the last wicket is claimed or the last run scored.
India is one team that can make one sided match exciting.
Are the rain gods watching?
The only problem is time is running out and English hold the key. I imagine myself writing a review of this test tomorrow evening itself. I don’t think lack of preparation owing to off the field events in the near past should be an excuse.
8.12.08
Blog: In tough times.
It happens only in India. India is unique in context to our neighbours. But I am sure this “context” is not limited to the neighbours alone or for that matter the entire sub-continent. India tends to be resembling a seed of an ever green tree, the deeper you bury it, the stronger the roots and tastier the fruits, the greener the leaves. India’s democracy along with all the whims of corruption, political imbroglio, Pakistani (the state not the people) sponsored, inspired, supported, funded, trained terrorism and acts of terrors and crime against humanity, but it remains a blossoming economy, thriving cultural melting pot and strengthening democracy. Its here the various neighbours pale down in the spectrum of colours which India represents. China seems to have all things in control, but then their human rights are under dark cover and red tape of communism. Pakistan, well under the circumstances and tide of time, less said the better. Bangladesh is slowly breeding ground of rogue preachers, who bring a continuous embarrassment to Muslims world over especially Muslims in India who want to be earning their livelihood in peace and fearless environment. They too are victims of terror.
If you point a finger at someone …
The other three fingers point back at you. I don’t think our track record is a clean state in Jammu and Kashmir. But Jammu and Kashmir is a unique problem for which all the parties involved namely India and Pakistan want a solution. The possible step could for India to scrap Article 370 in the Indian Constitution. Let us follow the true principle of democracy, whereby everyone gets equal rights rather Special Rights or Special Privileges. Let brethren in Jammu and Kashmir also share the burden of the beast. We have to make people realize that nothing comes for free someone pays for what you earn.
Abolishment of Article 370 is the first step of allowing peace and harmony to return to the valley. There are encouraging signs; one of these is the phenomenal turn out in the state elections. Hurriyat by not participating it are obviously walking on treaded lines come from their head quarters in Islamabad. It also proves that they foresee and favour an autocratic or a quasi-democratic setup. I wonder what kept the Hurriyat away from not contesting election if they are the (only) “true” representative of people of Jammu and Kashmir.
If you looking to improve or change you need to look in the mirror and look yourself in the eye and say it I am not good enough but I can be better if I agree with myself that I need to change something to improve. I am afraid we Indians are either too embarrassed or too reluctantly to pick up that mirror and look ourselves in the eye.
The three fingers are …
Judiciary, Polity and Beauracracy. You ask we what’s left. I mean look at it this way the laws governing our Police are nearly 150 years old, dating back to 1861 A.D. . . . I didn’t know how many other laws are there which we are suppose to follow which are more than 50 years. Come on people, there has to be a rethink? I think it’s high time.
You know why hasn’t it changed or likely to remain the same? It gives our politicians feudal powers to mutilate manipulate and abuse the system. Why does Mayawati need 350 policemen? Why are we allowing criminals to run for elections? These guys have criminal case pending against them.
Judiciary need to be strengthened. Why should we debate about human rights of a terrorist? He is a mad rabid dog and put away so that society can live in peace. I know law must take its own course but I think it’s your responsibility to ensure the course is direct and not meandering.
Beauraucracy and Polity seem to saving each other arse from time to time, I think people there too need to be told that you must stand for the system and not other wise.
Where are the other fingers and toes pointing?
Hi Raj Thackeray where have you been? I think Raj Thackeray and people who follow him should be exiled out of Maharashtra and not even allowed 200 kms to the state boundaries. He has been a rogue trying to gain political mileage but dividing society. Our media claims to be holy and pure. If media claims to be a part of society then it shouldn’t claiming holier than thou rhetoric. I think 24 hours news channels and media house promoting these channels, I mean it is good to feed off information. But these news channels are more of hype, and propagating negative vibes and sentiments. The news is everything sensationalist and cipher sensible. Moreover they are not showing what we want to see instead they are showing what they want us to see. There are enough emails floating around the pull the rug below there feet. I think that’s why I love BBC. They give u the news and then they have loads of information to learn and understand and educate.
The positive of terror strikes.
The terrorist strike has exposed a few elements in more than a compromising position.
The likes Shivraj Patil who live each day by either barter or kill their conscience.
The likes of Vilasrao Deshmukh who just want to stick their seats no matter if there are a time bomb planted below the seat.
The likes of Narayan Rane and Chaggan Bhubal, who just want to hog limelight and leap frog to a post of munching money and spreading corruption.
The people who debated over a week whether to fire Vilasrao Deshmukh.
The people like you and me who stay divided and fragmented, we are a country belonging people to come and attack us that’s how the Barbers,Ghaznavis,Abdalis,Temurs and others who came, that’s how British ruled.
The political dismay and bigotry that we are forced to chose.The ugly, obese and heavy beer belly if the Neta-Thulla-Babu
It is time we learn the crude chapter of our history and don’t slip over the banana skin again.
Raj Thackery majjhi Mumbai needs you, where art thou?
Song: Kadam Kadam Badhaye Jaa ...
29.11.08
Blog: The Darkest hour
I firmly believe that its between 4 AM (night for many) and 5 AM is when the nights the coldest, darkest and most haunting. As I write this NSG still doing combing operations in at The Taj Mahal Hotel. As the Gate Way of India stands eyewitness to another wave of violence. I hope that they Gate Way of India also stands tall and mighty as ever and eventually becomes Hell Way for terrorist. These include not only the people who sprayed bullets but also people who trained them, showed them the way by telling them, how. It shall also stand witness to people who laid their lives and strengthen the roots of India.
While we may cry for the mute Gate Way of India and Crown Prince of Indian hotels, The Taj. The self appointed saviours of the city may not have looked in the mirrors,if they were too the mirror would have shattered to pieces from shame. These guys have still to come out and see what happens when you stack integrity of the Nation for a few seats in Parliament, so that it fuels business - of bemoaning for local citizen.
Raj Thackeray has chosen to be mum over this issue, seems to have taken leave of absence when not expected. The NSG guys are fighting terror in confines of Taj. The terror plot wouldn't be at a better time following the frenzy Raj Thackeray and the ruling government whipped and then bought the city to a halt.You too have added your two cents in the pyre of martyrs.
India continues to be the net importer of Terror and Violence while our neighbours are continuously building upon infrastructure and over hauling designing, plots, machinery and minds into new methods of warfare. I wont be surprised if terrorist have some connection with the Pakistani Army. I think the time is write to call Pakistan's bluff,advance in Jammu and Kashmir and weed out ISI and terror outfits. If it means intervention in the region then so be it. At least we will know and be prepared with who we are engaging to a battle.
The terror plots thus hatched also expose many blunders that we have in your system. I know Terrorist have no face but they do have arms and legs and mind. I think the worst are people who remain tacit and quiet when they need to come out and pledge support to the Nation. Such a meticulous operation has to involve people in our own country. The attack may have been planned for months now.In 1993 serial bomb blast case, there were lots of people in the government machinery that help carried out the blasts. This time it isnt too different either.
I hope the dawn breaks soon and the darkest hour dispels. One day, may be we People will dream of a Nation for all and not of regions for few.
While we may cry for the mute Gate Way of India and Crown Prince of Indian hotels, The Taj. The self appointed saviours of the city may not have looked in the mirrors,if they were too the mirror would have shattered to pieces from shame. These guys have still to come out and see what happens when you stack integrity of the Nation for a few seats in Parliament, so that it fuels business - of bemoaning for local citizen.
Raj Thackeray has chosen to be mum over this issue, seems to have taken leave of absence when not expected. The NSG guys are fighting terror in confines of Taj. The terror plot wouldn't be at a better time following the frenzy Raj Thackeray and the ruling government whipped and then bought the city to a halt.You too have added your two cents in the pyre of martyrs.
India continues to be the net importer of Terror and Violence while our neighbours are continuously building upon infrastructure and over hauling designing, plots, machinery and minds into new methods of warfare. I wont be surprised if terrorist have some connection with the Pakistani Army. I think the time is write to call Pakistan's bluff,advance in Jammu and Kashmir and weed out ISI and terror outfits. If it means intervention in the region then so be it. At least we will know and be prepared with who we are engaging to a battle.
The terror plots thus hatched also expose many blunders that we have in your system. I know Terrorist have no face but they do have arms and legs and mind. I think the worst are people who remain tacit and quiet when they need to come out and pledge support to the Nation. Such a meticulous operation has to involve people in our own country. The attack may have been planned for months now.In 1993 serial bomb blast case, there were lots of people in the government machinery that help carried out the blasts. This time it isnt too different either.
I hope the dawn breaks soon and the darkest hour dispels. One day, may be we People will dream of a Nation for all and not of regions for few.
27.11.08
Blog: Maximum terrorised city
It is something I wish not to write, but India is firmly in hands goons,stupids, opportunists.They have gift wrapped opportunity to terrorist to rape its peace and prosperity damage property and lives.
Like begets like even terrorist are terrified of their own lives.It has to be and Iron hand in a velvet glove,it can't be other way round.
Shivraj Patil if you, Sir still have a conscience thats alive then pick up that pen and resign from your post, prove it that Pen is mightier than Sword.
It is a long night of disgust and unease.
Suketu Mehta wrote the Maximum city, I write a blog on Maximum Terrorized City.I hope things turned to normalcy with a click of a button but I guess the night is really, really long and tragic.
Perhaps blasts in Assam were just a precursor of events to follow.
Unfortunately the series of events started unfolding on A Wednesday.
For more check any of the news website.
I guess terror would soon replace sex as the most searched word on Google.
24.11.08
Cricket: Indians on song.
All is well that ends well. However, even before the series is over India have managed to flay England four games to none. I had imagined India always would be couple of games ahead of England, but they have cleaned up England and can look to test some other talent, while some cricketers will get to chill for a few days, I think Zak and Dhoni may take rest. I think before the new comers the onus is on Raina, Munaf and Pathan (Yusuf) to drive home the advantage.
Up up and away with MSD.
I think MSD would be great players of cards. He may not always pick his card well, but he has a great sense of conviction and he views his every card as an Ace. He may have inherited a lot of Ganguly and perhaps a lot from Ganguly. But I don’t think Dravid or Kumble were bad. They strengthen the team. Dravid being studious won us WI, Pakistan and may be England (all away Test series) Kumble always confessed to be a stopgap but he gave up when he couldn’t go ahead any longer. Dhoni meanwhile is not only a bundle of energy and the way to channel that energy. A team success and failure goes into captain’s account. He has won almost everything on international stage. His indifference in victory and defeat suggest someone who is always looking ahead. You may not every see Dhoni punching through covers but you will see a lot of him hammering down the crowd.
Moreover he acknowledges seniors contribution again suggesting implementing plans more important than making them. He has time and again acknowledged Sachin and Zaheer. He also packs Yuvraj, India's best limited over’s player on form.
Letting it go for the sake of the team.
Shouldn’t Tendulkar be batting at number four? I mean will he open in tests? How many T20 will he play? Gambhir-Sehwag (may be in that order) fit the bill for all forms of the game. I think these two should be encouraged. Sehwag, Gambhir, Yuvraj, Tendulkar, Dhoni, Raina, Pathan. Feels good reading the above names and dream of them coming in this order. I have high hopes on Yusuf Pathan but I hope he isn’t another Shahid Afridi in the making. Tendulkar has to take a call on where he has to bat. He is already taking a call on what games to play. I think Sehwag-Gambhir deserves the slot, keeping the future in mind.
Problems for Pietersen and England.
I wish to know if Strauss, Cook and Monty are good enough to play for ODI. They are class act and deserve to be in the team. I don’t know whets wrong with Vaughan either. I have a complaint against ICC, English hardly play any ODI. When did you last hear English going to play only for ODIs? I mean some one as class as Vaughan is has played as many test as ODI. The English play 12-14 tests in a year while playing hardly any ODIs. They may play lots of ODI for their counties but look utter misfit when it comes to ODIs. Pietersen was coming off on such a high, beating SAfs 4 games to nothing. I hope he realized that’s SAfs were without their captain Smith, their bowling looked out of form meanwhile Kallis was totally out of form.
Pietersen has lot many things to do. He has to try something radical, out of the box. He may fail, but hasn’t he already lost the series. India has just lost one ODI in their last ten ODIs. Commendable. I think Pietersen is swimming at the wrong end of the pool with his hands tied behind his back. I am convinced that England will do better in Tests. Yuvraj is set to storm in but I think Monty should look forward to bowl to Yuvraj.
Up up and away with MSD.
I think MSD would be great players of cards. He may not always pick his card well, but he has a great sense of conviction and he views his every card as an Ace. He may have inherited a lot of Ganguly and perhaps a lot from Ganguly. But I don’t think Dravid or Kumble were bad. They strengthen the team. Dravid being studious won us WI, Pakistan and may be England (all away Test series) Kumble always confessed to be a stopgap but he gave up when he couldn’t go ahead any longer. Dhoni meanwhile is not only a bundle of energy and the way to channel that energy. A team success and failure goes into captain’s account. He has won almost everything on international stage. His indifference in victory and defeat suggest someone who is always looking ahead. You may not every see Dhoni punching through covers but you will see a lot of him hammering down the crowd.
Moreover he acknowledges seniors contribution again suggesting implementing plans more important than making them. He has time and again acknowledged Sachin and Zaheer. He also packs Yuvraj, India's best limited over’s player on form.
Letting it go for the sake of the team.
Shouldn’t Tendulkar be batting at number four? I mean will he open in tests? How many T20 will he play? Gambhir-Sehwag (may be in that order) fit the bill for all forms of the game. I think these two should be encouraged. Sehwag, Gambhir, Yuvraj, Tendulkar, Dhoni, Raina, Pathan. Feels good reading the above names and dream of them coming in this order. I have high hopes on Yusuf Pathan but I hope he isn’t another Shahid Afridi in the making. Tendulkar has to take a call on where he has to bat. He is already taking a call on what games to play. I think Sehwag-Gambhir deserves the slot, keeping the future in mind.
Problems for Pietersen and England.
I wish to know if Strauss, Cook and Monty are good enough to play for ODI. They are class act and deserve to be in the team. I don’t know whets wrong with Vaughan either. I have a complaint against ICC, English hardly play any ODI. When did you last hear English going to play only for ODIs? I mean some one as class as Vaughan is has played as many test as ODI. The English play 12-14 tests in a year while playing hardly any ODIs. They may play lots of ODI for their counties but look utter misfit when it comes to ODIs. Pietersen was coming off on such a high, beating SAfs 4 games to nothing. I hope he realized that’s SAfs were without their captain Smith, their bowling looked out of form meanwhile Kallis was totally out of form.
Pietersen has lot many things to do. He has to try something radical, out of the box. He may fail, but hasn’t he already lost the series. India has just lost one ODI in their last ten ODIs. Commendable. I think Pietersen is swimming at the wrong end of the pool with his hands tied behind his back. I am convinced that England will do better in Tests. Yuvraj is set to storm in but I think Monty should look forward to bowl to Yuvraj.
21.11.08
Blog: Sequence of consequences.
We value things disparagingly. You know we all have this Big Goals, we like to talk about, to everyone and yet often we lose sleep over a few frugal thing we should have done some where during the day but then as we look at things disparagingly, times just fly and we out weigh many little things by a single large thing.
There is a problem or there is a solution. A life is consequence of problem which may be of similar nature but you can’t just put up your hand and offer similar solutions. You can’t and must not. Often there are situation where we have to take the blame or stand in the “I am guilty” box and people judge you what you should have done, but then it is all in retrospect. Who know what other may have done at that very point. If I go on and say how judgmental people can be then it would be a judgment on those very people. To be honest, everyone has whims and often seduce/hypnotise themselves and just doesn’t want to let their whims go even for a change. I wonder can I ever drain the act of judging people out of my system.
Then there are negatively charged or enlighten God sends. They are negative no matter what. You meet them at sunrise and they cringe, bloody daylight and when sun sets they cry bloody night. Some of them standing in a room half full of pessimist. Then there are some who will see the glass half full but depending upon there moods remark that glass ought to be full or empty. They basically live in the world what ought to have been rather than what it is. I came across a friend of mean since we too have a small amount invested we were discussing the present economic bloom. Some of them just pass on statements just to make sure they have said something it doesn’t matter to them that what they say doesn’t necessarily what they believe in.
Yeah I have put on the judges cloak but dagger is missing though. I believe people deserve to rot to the peaceful end. The punishment for some people is allowing them to live.
Monday night I went for Dostana, man was I not happy to be back home and the last scene “The End” was my favourite. How boring? I think everyone goes to watch a movie for some fancy or anticipation. I thought this one would throw some comic punches but what I got was hammer of naive jokes. Like they do in marketing, the market the product on qualities which ones own product may not have but it is not there in the competitive product as well. Sex has been integral to show biz but then we are so short of ideas that we are busy re-packaging sex. There was nothing comic and scenes seemed to be copy pasted from scores of old Hindi and English movies. Originality is a mistake in Bollywood. It is surviving people on make up artists and dress designers. Priyanka hams in all through the movie, Abhishekh is a nurse. I assume he was on a part time duty and John he plays a photographer sans the camera. Then there is the normal twist in which a Punjabi character is added to the confusion. The movie is a loaf jaggery coated in sugar syrupy dressed in icing sugar. One should have strong reasons to sit through the movie; provided John has semi-exposed bum isn’t what you crave for. It brings me to another point, why critics should not slam movie of big movie production houses. I have notice than a movie produced by big banners often get great reviews although; there is nothing substantial apart from the interval and rolling of the cast and crew at the end. I think Dasvidaniya should have been a better bet. I think I have missed Quantum of Solace as well.
There is a problem or there is a solution. A life is consequence of problem which may be of similar nature but you can’t just put up your hand and offer similar solutions. You can’t and must not. Often there are situation where we have to take the blame or stand in the “I am guilty” box and people judge you what you should have done, but then it is all in retrospect. Who know what other may have done at that very point. If I go on and say how judgmental people can be then it would be a judgment on those very people. To be honest, everyone has whims and often seduce/hypnotise themselves and just doesn’t want to let their whims go even for a change. I wonder can I ever drain the act of judging people out of my system.
Then there are negatively charged or enlighten God sends. They are negative no matter what. You meet them at sunrise and they cringe, bloody daylight and when sun sets they cry bloody night. Some of them standing in a room half full of pessimist. Then there are some who will see the glass half full but depending upon there moods remark that glass ought to be full or empty. They basically live in the world what ought to have been rather than what it is. I came across a friend of mean since we too have a small amount invested we were discussing the present economic bloom. Some of them just pass on statements just to make sure they have said something it doesn’t matter to them that what they say doesn’t necessarily what they believe in.
Yeah I have put on the judges cloak but dagger is missing though. I believe people deserve to rot to the peaceful end. The punishment for some people is allowing them to live.
Monday night I went for Dostana, man was I not happy to be back home and the last scene “The End” was my favourite. How boring? I think everyone goes to watch a movie for some fancy or anticipation. I thought this one would throw some comic punches but what I got was hammer of naive jokes. Like they do in marketing, the market the product on qualities which ones own product may not have but it is not there in the competitive product as well. Sex has been integral to show biz but then we are so short of ideas that we are busy re-packaging sex. There was nothing comic and scenes seemed to be copy pasted from scores of old Hindi and English movies. Originality is a mistake in Bollywood. It is surviving people on make up artists and dress designers. Priyanka hams in all through the movie, Abhishekh is a nurse. I assume he was on a part time duty and John he plays a photographer sans the camera. Then there is the normal twist in which a Punjabi character is added to the confusion. The movie is a loaf jaggery coated in sugar syrupy dressed in icing sugar. One should have strong reasons to sit through the movie; provided John has semi-exposed bum isn’t what you crave for. It brings me to another point, why critics should not slam movie of big movie production houses. I have notice than a movie produced by big banners often get great reviews although; there is nothing substantial apart from the interval and rolling of the cast and crew at the end. I think Dasvidaniya should have been a better bet. I think I have missed Quantum of Solace as well.
16.11.08
Cricket: Sombre Sunday
Sunday started in a sombre note, I thought there would be an England vs. India ODI, but as match didn’t start well past 10 (I got up little after 9:55 A.M.). My father suggested that there are two days between matches, till late last night I was just gearing up myself for a big Sunday match. Anyways I am hoping an English fight back provided they change their batting order Collingwood a decent player of spinners, and Pietersen should be right on top but I am not sure if Flintoff can open? Is Flintoff ready to open the innings is the crucial question to ask.
Yuvraj best India batsmen in limited overs.
I wonder who between Ganguly and Yuvraj (both in the peak) would be a better timer of a cricket ball. I think unbiased choice would have to pick Yuvraj. But since Ganguly has hung up his boots, gloves lets focus on Yuvraj. Yuvraj is the best ODI batsmen in limited overs cricket. He fought for the prime number four spot and go it is last years T20 World Cup. He deserves it more than anyone else. He is a champion in limited over. His effect is so profound that I am sure that Ganguly won’t be missed. Sehwag was decimating the English attack. Yuvraj went a step further; he annihilated the English attack including Flintoff. England were batted out of the game. Any chance of victory were evaporated when the English were letting reeling 76 for 4. Indians went on to win by 158 runs.
I think Yuvraj has still time on his hands; he is just 26 or 27 so like Michael Hussey he may get a chance in Test fold but he needs to sort out his batting against spin attack. This observation is against Yuvraj is restricted to test arena. I mean bowlers like Monty, Murali, Mendis, Vettori, couple of Pakistani spinners would look forward to bowling to him. I am sure those very spinners would go into incognito when it come to ODI. I think Mendis Yuvraj contest would be keenly watched contest.
Yuvi should talk to guys like Andy Flower (current English batting coach) to get a different prospect to playing spin. I think even Dhoni should talk to him about captaining, keeping and batting. He was good. I know Gilchrist was an exception keeper batsmen but I wonder why Andy Flower is not talked about much as a keeper batsmen. He was phenomenal against spin bowling. I just get the feeling he gets tied up playing spin. He goes neither front nor back.
So much so for his test batting abilities. But his limited overs ability has blossomed in last couple of year. India has hardly lost anything if he crosses a fifty. He was crucial in the record run chase we had. I always knew what to do, but over the years he learnt how to pace his innings. He always has been a great finisher of limited overs cricket. He runs brilliantly has broad powerful shoulder and can time the cricket ball as good as it can get. I think Dhoni acknowledges this fact. Dhoni and Yuvraj are brilliant finishers.
I wonder if Tendulkar when he comes back into the team would want to look to get back to number five for the sake of the team. I think Sehwag-Gambhir are the future. Yuvraj has made two down his own. Raina meanwhile is hot and cold, but I think he has to be persevered with. Pathan meanwhile has not come to the party yet. I wish to know what Dhoni has planned for Yusuf Pathan.
India drubs Aussies two to nothing.
When in India do as the Indians do. I think Ponting took this too much to his heart. I mean in hindsight he screwed up of all chances of retaining his trophy. He really let situations take control of him. I mean all the moment that Aussies had at fourth day by the end of second session was gifted back to Indians. I think Ponting should have went to Krazeja and told him to rush his over while Shane Watson would have cleaned up the tail in no time and may be Aussies have won the test by fifth day tea and drawn the series. Ponting mean while lost the test, and got fined for slow over rate. The worst of it was then making the excuses and saying that he did whatever he did i.e. pressing likes of Hussey into action to bowl and letting there would have been no fines for him if Indians would have capitulated in the final session. Dhoni on the other hand won the test, won the series, and even did not get fined for not bowling the required over in the first session. The Aussie came and went. Ponting committed suicidal run after that it was matter of time before curtains came down on a poor series for Aussies. They have only themselves to blame for this poor show. Ponting should be presented a bloated pumpkin for his stupidity. Dhoni played negative, out thought the Aussies. They were found wanting and lost. The have crying hoarse of everything rather than see the scorecard which says they lost. I don’t thing Aussies are on their way down. They are the strongest team because their first class set up is the toughest to get into and yields top class players, good enough for Kiwis and SAfs and perhaps Ashes too. It is too early to take a call. It is true that Aussies have been diffused in India but I think they are hard to beat. Since the quality of opposition is well measured by the Aussies, I think it will be tough for all the teams to beat Australia in their own backyard.
Dhoni a good captain.
Dhoni meanwhile is a genius, he picking up Kumble and then asking Ganguly to lead for a while when the series was wrapped up, is more than what Kumble and Ganguly would have wanted, it was a small gesture but it was unprecedented and have presented a glimpse of how big is Dhoni’s heart and how he values each member of his team.
I don’t think Ganguly farewell post should be just an add on to this post. I think he commands a space of his own, may be when I get time I would really want to write something for and about Sourav Ganguly.
Yuvraj best India batsmen in limited overs.
I wonder who between Ganguly and Yuvraj (both in the peak) would be a better timer of a cricket ball. I think unbiased choice would have to pick Yuvraj. But since Ganguly has hung up his boots, gloves lets focus on Yuvraj. Yuvraj is the best ODI batsmen in limited overs cricket. He fought for the prime number four spot and go it is last years T20 World Cup. He deserves it more than anyone else. He is a champion in limited over. His effect is so profound that I am sure that Ganguly won’t be missed. Sehwag was decimating the English attack. Yuvraj went a step further; he annihilated the English attack including Flintoff. England were batted out of the game. Any chance of victory were evaporated when the English were letting reeling 76 for 4. Indians went on to win by 158 runs.
I think Yuvraj has still time on his hands; he is just 26 or 27 so like Michael Hussey he may get a chance in Test fold but he needs to sort out his batting against spin attack. This observation is against Yuvraj is restricted to test arena. I mean bowlers like Monty, Murali, Mendis, Vettori, couple of Pakistani spinners would look forward to bowling to him. I am sure those very spinners would go into incognito when it come to ODI. I think Mendis Yuvraj contest would be keenly watched contest.
Yuvi should talk to guys like Andy Flower (current English batting coach) to get a different prospect to playing spin. I think even Dhoni should talk to him about captaining, keeping and batting. He was good. I know Gilchrist was an exception keeper batsmen but I wonder why Andy Flower is not talked about much as a keeper batsmen. He was phenomenal against spin bowling. I just get the feeling he gets tied up playing spin. He goes neither front nor back.
So much so for his test batting abilities. But his limited overs ability has blossomed in last couple of year. India has hardly lost anything if he crosses a fifty. He was crucial in the record run chase we had. I always knew what to do, but over the years he learnt how to pace his innings. He always has been a great finisher of limited overs cricket. He runs brilliantly has broad powerful shoulder and can time the cricket ball as good as it can get. I think Dhoni acknowledges this fact. Dhoni and Yuvraj are brilliant finishers.
I wonder if Tendulkar when he comes back into the team would want to look to get back to number five for the sake of the team. I think Sehwag-Gambhir are the future. Yuvraj has made two down his own. Raina meanwhile is hot and cold, but I think he has to be persevered with. Pathan meanwhile has not come to the party yet. I wish to know what Dhoni has planned for Yusuf Pathan.
India drubs Aussies two to nothing.
When in India do as the Indians do. I think Ponting took this too much to his heart. I mean in hindsight he screwed up of all chances of retaining his trophy. He really let situations take control of him. I mean all the moment that Aussies had at fourth day by the end of second session was gifted back to Indians. I think Ponting should have went to Krazeja and told him to rush his over while Shane Watson would have cleaned up the tail in no time and may be Aussies have won the test by fifth day tea and drawn the series. Ponting mean while lost the test, and got fined for slow over rate. The worst of it was then making the excuses and saying that he did whatever he did i.e. pressing likes of Hussey into action to bowl and letting there would have been no fines for him if Indians would have capitulated in the final session. Dhoni on the other hand won the test, won the series, and even did not get fined for not bowling the required over in the first session. The Aussie came and went. Ponting committed suicidal run after that it was matter of time before curtains came down on a poor series for Aussies. They have only themselves to blame for this poor show. Ponting should be presented a bloated pumpkin for his stupidity. Dhoni played negative, out thought the Aussies. They were found wanting and lost. The have crying hoarse of everything rather than see the scorecard which says they lost. I don’t thing Aussies are on their way down. They are the strongest team because their first class set up is the toughest to get into and yields top class players, good enough for Kiwis and SAfs and perhaps Ashes too. It is too early to take a call. It is true that Aussies have been diffused in India but I think they are hard to beat. Since the quality of opposition is well measured by the Aussies, I think it will be tough for all the teams to beat Australia in their own backyard.
Dhoni a good captain.
Dhoni meanwhile is a genius, he picking up Kumble and then asking Ganguly to lead for a while when the series was wrapped up, is more than what Kumble and Ganguly would have wanted, it was a small gesture but it was unprecedented and have presented a glimpse of how big is Dhoni’s heart and how he values each member of his team.
I don’t think Ganguly farewell post should be just an add on to this post. I think he commands a space of his own, may be when I get time I would really want to write something for and about Sourav Ganguly.
15.11.08
About: Man, Machine & Moon.
Indian Tricolour is unfurled on the Moon 14 November at 8:31 Indian Stnadard Time. It is a major achievement considering that Indian Space programme is indegious. Three cheers for Guys at ISRO. I am damn proud of everyone who could have made this dream a reality.
Dream for sure come true. Chandrayan-I sees something Indian over the moon.
It is one of the proudest moment to go down in Indian History.
For once a cricket post can wait till the mornig. :D
Dream for sure come true. Chandrayan-I sees something Indian over the moon.
It is one of the proudest moment to go down in Indian History.
For once a cricket post can wait till the mornig. :D
7.11.08
Blog: An ease of a weekend.
My life is not all that hectic, yes there is a great deal of impatience. There are many things that I have to do, but some how they slip form to be done to shall be done. It is done very easily; the harder thing is to regret doing it. I wait for this weekend since Tuesday. Its not that I don’t look for weekends. I simply love them because one can sit down and take account of what is happening and what is to be done. The more that is done the better it is for our own sake.
Perhaps a week off college and a boring Test along with my determine effort not to take an effort took its toll on them, plus I was munching chocolates and sweets and surfing the Net without knowing what I am looking for, it is perhaps the worst hangover, a hangover of thoughts, is the toughest to get out of. It is just a relief to get back on track, get some adrenaline flowing and give up the lethargy
I slept as much as I would do earlier but fell way of my schedule, I did reach on time and all the necessary assignments and tasks were done well, but that made me run out of breath for much more time than required. I had a minor temperature every night, not too much but just between 99.8 and100, not good enough even to take a few medicines and get up to get going. Perhaps it is a state where mind is dull and body catching up with a dull mind. I am hell bent on one day getting up before dawn, go out for a stroll. Smell what the fresh morning air feels like. It is just like an itch behind your back, just below your neck or an itch on the soul when your Accounts professor is teaching various Schedules of a Balance Sheet. You feel guilty of not paying enough attention to the balance sheet neither getting rid of the itch. All this has been not without the due share of humour though. Something or the other has had come up so that’s good. At the end of the day when you say the prayers before going to sleep and recollect how tough has been the day, you want to have a smile before the grey cells turn off.
I often feel that at times, it seems like reaching late on the bus stand, after the bus has gone, although you know another bus will be coming around soon, but there is persistent feeling of missing the bus. Is life a tale of missed opportunities/ second chances? I think affirmative of it; wish to get your reaction to the question above.
I had a HR presentation today, it was a group presentation, everyone spoke our parts well, since the first group did not started well, we did well. The lady taking the lecture before we started was curious why everything seemed so dull and cold. Lack of preparation or lack of will for wanting to present something, I thought. Our did not shake everything of, but when I ended I was happy with a single slide I had to explain, One of the members spoke really well, We scored well so that was the proverbial icing on the cake a few hi fi and we happily dispersed.
We are all gearing up for going to companies and get ourselves a few summer internships. As the current financial things is in dumps asking for summer internships for finance is no mean task. I don’t know who bleak the situation is but recession is a part of a cycle which is bound to hit the markets time and again. The hold for anything by the way. I mean things will test themselves time and again before moving ahead. I am just hoping that somebody just spares us few minutes of their quality time. The rest will come fall in place in due course of time. I am convinced at least of that.
Barrack Obama won the race of the Races. I don’t align myself to a particular race. I don’t personally know anyone of either Obama or McCain. But I think McCain is a wittier between the two. The election would have been added some more interest if it were between a black man and a white lady. I guess USA is still to learn how to elect a woman President. But obviously Obama speaks well, I loved his Berlin speech. He succeeds in Bush in tough times. While Bush took every opportunity to let the “crises” to happen there is lot of cleaning up to do. I will look forward as to what Obama does with the Global Warming and Environment and Farm subsidies. I am convincing that I don’t see farm subsidies coming down in USA.
A weekend also presents an opportunity to wine, dine and be merry. :)
Hint: A Cricket post soon.
Perhaps a week off college and a boring Test along with my determine effort not to take an effort took its toll on them, plus I was munching chocolates and sweets and surfing the Net without knowing what I am looking for, it is perhaps the worst hangover, a hangover of thoughts, is the toughest to get out of. It is just a relief to get back on track, get some adrenaline flowing and give up the lethargy
I slept as much as I would do earlier but fell way of my schedule, I did reach on time and all the necessary assignments and tasks were done well, but that made me run out of breath for much more time than required. I had a minor temperature every night, not too much but just between 99.8 and100, not good enough even to take a few medicines and get up to get going. Perhaps it is a state where mind is dull and body catching up with a dull mind. I am hell bent on one day getting up before dawn, go out for a stroll. Smell what the fresh morning air feels like. It is just like an itch behind your back, just below your neck or an itch on the soul when your Accounts professor is teaching various Schedules of a Balance Sheet. You feel guilty of not paying enough attention to the balance sheet neither getting rid of the itch. All this has been not without the due share of humour though. Something or the other has had come up so that’s good. At the end of the day when you say the prayers before going to sleep and recollect how tough has been the day, you want to have a smile before the grey cells turn off.
I often feel that at times, it seems like reaching late on the bus stand, after the bus has gone, although you know another bus will be coming around soon, but there is persistent feeling of missing the bus. Is life a tale of missed opportunities/ second chances? I think affirmative of it; wish to get your reaction to the question above.
I had a HR presentation today, it was a group presentation, everyone spoke our parts well, since the first group did not started well, we did well. The lady taking the lecture before we started was curious why everything seemed so dull and cold. Lack of preparation or lack of will for wanting to present something, I thought. Our did not shake everything of, but when I ended I was happy with a single slide I had to explain, One of the members spoke really well, We scored well so that was the proverbial icing on the cake a few hi fi and we happily dispersed.
We are all gearing up for going to companies and get ourselves a few summer internships. As the current financial things is in dumps asking for summer internships for finance is no mean task. I don’t know who bleak the situation is but recession is a part of a cycle which is bound to hit the markets time and again. The hold for anything by the way. I mean things will test themselves time and again before moving ahead. I am just hoping that somebody just spares us few minutes of their quality time. The rest will come fall in place in due course of time. I am convinced at least of that.
Barrack Obama won the race of the Races. I don’t align myself to a particular race. I don’t personally know anyone of either Obama or McCain. But I think McCain is a wittier between the two. The election would have been added some more interest if it were between a black man and a white lady. I guess USA is still to learn how to elect a woman President. But obviously Obama speaks well, I loved his Berlin speech. He succeeds in Bush in tough times. While Bush took every opportunity to let the “crises” to happen there is lot of cleaning up to do. I will look forward as to what Obama does with the Global Warming and Environment and Farm subsidies. I am convincing that I don’t see farm subsidies coming down in USA.
A weekend also presents an opportunity to wine, dine and be merry. :)
Hint: A Cricket post soon.
3.11.08
Cricket: Bowling Jumbo shabaash.
Cricket: Bowling Jumbo shabaash.
“Bowling Jumbo, Shabaash Jumbo Shabaash” Nayan Mongia howling behind the wickets after gathering another vicious Kumble delivery in a test on dusty bowls on a sunny day, the batsman has no clue while Kumble goes back to the top of his bowl mark. The batsmen sighed a relief saying another Kumble spit fire out of the way. Anil Kumble has called it a day today he played 134 matches took 619 wickets and scored a marvelous unbeaten century. He is the only man other than a Jim Laker to take all ten wickets in an innings. A feat that can only be equaled and not be bettered.
Kumble has essayed many a turn around for Indian cricket. He along with the other Fabs, were one of the reasons why India were formidable in India. While Tendulkar and company made runs, Srinath would come on at time take wickets and it would be Kumble show from there on. He was obviously well supported by other bowlers from time to time, from Raju, Chauhan, Bhaji to name a few, but he could turn things around in very little time.
Jumbo is a strange name for a spinner. He never believed in flight. He would dart close to off stump, giving himself the option of capturing batsmen bowled, LBW or caught. Jumbo was perhaps for the fact that Kumble deliveries would seem to take off after pitching. It made the batsmen hurry up for a stroke, which confound his miseries and like a fighter plane Kumble would hone in on the batsman, until he got him.
Like Tendulkar. Kumble wasn’t ever party to on the field controversies ever. He preferred working off the limelight. I think though people in the “Fab Four” n(something I hate to use) would be the first to throw light on his prowess. Out of the four, three (Tendulkar, Ganguly Dravid) went to captain him and he proved to a match winner for all of them at different point in time. Perhaps Azhar gave him the most opportunities. His tenure as a captain wasn’t bad either. He would be best remembered for handling the team matters after the Sydney fiasco, turned the table on Ponting & Co. perhaps a telling point in the game of cricket, if Aussies continued to slide in form and fortune.
To be continued …
Kumble started his career in 1990 in England only to be dropped, Jumbo really took flight couple of seasons later when England came calling. You know England though, their players start to make excuses for not being upto the scratch and then England lose the plot and often the series. But then Sri Lanka were also emerging and coming to their own, in Test matches. Kumble was again the platform of another series win at home against the Lankans and Indias formidable nature continued to grow and they won hardly anything abroad. It was almost like a formula Hindi movie, Tendulkar lead the scoring charts, Kumble the bowling charts, meanwhile Tendulkar and other batsmen were labeled the Fab Four they knew for themselves that Kumble is the enginer powering there performances as well. Indian batsmen consolidated, Kumble consolidated more.
Rahul Dravid then started to share Tendulkar run making contribution especially abroad and Kumble having enough runs to bowl to, dissolved his confusion whether to attack and defend. The quality of seem bowling also improved. We have know Zak, Ishant, Sreesanth, RP Singh, Munaf and Pathan who can match wonders when we tour abroad. But it wasn’t so when Kumble was evolving.
Kumble the fighter that he is has proven time and again to come back stronger and better then before, underlining his focus and determination and dedication to go back to the drawing board and add more to repertoire physically as well as mentally. The fizz waned meanwhile accuracy and potency grew exponentially.
The second period is under Ganguly and the belief his instilled in the people he chose and taught to fight the raging bulls. The things started to change circa 2001. India started winning abroad and as our batting performances improved Kumble went further into the background playing an equal hand in most Indian victories. It came to be characterized by Dravid scoring runs and Kumble taking wickets. But he mat agree wasn’t the first choice spinner for his team. But he made sure that he continued to take wickets in bulk. The truck load of wickets in Australia, 2004 followed by operformances in Pakistan and then when Pakistan visited us. At one point in time he was leading wicket taker a few seasons back.
One of his traits were carrying on the fight when everything seemed down and out, obviously pointing to his injury in this match, Sydney fiasco, the spell at Antigua, and various comebacks. He came did his job of taking wickets while batsmen were glorified by the media, Kumble stuck to his task and bowled and bowled. As all things which have a beginning has an end, Kumble has ended his career with pride and with a self assurance that this team is on ascendency
Review of the test.
If a team score over 600 runs, and doesn’t makes the opposition follow on, the result of test is hard to achieve if there is no hara-kiri from one of the teams. India made 600, both Gambhir and Laxman made double century. The momentum was clearly lost, Aussies were put off pressure and when Indians took every opportunity of dropping catches and setting very defensive fields. The Aussies kep making runs down behind the wicket on the off side. The position mid on/mid off fielders continues to piss me off, I mean why do you want a mid off deep when Sehwag is bowling to a RHB and turning it square, you don’t mind him driving, there was virtually no second slip all day and I don’t wish to say much of the fielding, it was really ordinary. Kumble blown away due to injury. Both teams ambled along and settled for a draw. I think Aussies batsmen had much to gain, for a change Zaheer and Ishant went wicketless, Sehwag bowled marvelously to take a five wickets and joining an club of off-spinners to worry Aussies. It is an known fact that Aussies inherently struggle against off-spin. Jim Laker, Lance Gibbs, Jassu Patel, Harbhajan, Murali, Croft and know Sehwag have done well against the Aussies at different times. It was sad for Bhajji to miss out. But there is are a few positive aspect of Kumble retiring, Indians wont be facing selection dilemma and have a golden opportunity to win the series. It is a long way to go though.
I think Aussies should bite the bullet, drop White, get Marsh to open with Hayden, Katich to play in the middle order and also bowl a bit more. Hussey to be one down followed by Ponting and Clarke, Haddin, Watson, Lee, Johnson, Krezja
“Bowling Jumbo, Shabaash Jumbo Shabaash” Nayan Mongia howling behind the wickets after gathering another vicious Kumble delivery in a test on dusty bowls on a sunny day, the batsman has no clue while Kumble goes back to the top of his bowl mark. The batsmen sighed a relief saying another Kumble spit fire out of the way. Anil Kumble has called it a day today he played 134 matches took 619 wickets and scored a marvelous unbeaten century. He is the only man other than a Jim Laker to take all ten wickets in an innings. A feat that can only be equaled and not be bettered.
Kumble has essayed many a turn around for Indian cricket. He along with the other Fabs, were one of the reasons why India were formidable in India. While Tendulkar and company made runs, Srinath would come on at time take wickets and it would be Kumble show from there on. He was obviously well supported by other bowlers from time to time, from Raju, Chauhan, Bhaji to name a few, but he could turn things around in very little time.
Jumbo is a strange name for a spinner. He never believed in flight. He would dart close to off stump, giving himself the option of capturing batsmen bowled, LBW or caught. Jumbo was perhaps for the fact that Kumble deliveries would seem to take off after pitching. It made the batsmen hurry up for a stroke, which confound his miseries and like a fighter plane Kumble would hone in on the batsman, until he got him.
Like Tendulkar. Kumble wasn’t ever party to on the field controversies ever. He preferred working off the limelight. I think though people in the “Fab Four” n(something I hate to use) would be the first to throw light on his prowess. Out of the four, three (Tendulkar, Ganguly Dravid) went to captain him and he proved to a match winner for all of them at different point in time. Perhaps Azhar gave him the most opportunities. His tenure as a captain wasn’t bad either. He would be best remembered for handling the team matters after the Sydney fiasco, turned the table on Ponting & Co. perhaps a telling point in the game of cricket, if Aussies continued to slide in form and fortune.
To be continued …
Kumble started his career in 1990 in England only to be dropped, Jumbo really took flight couple of seasons later when England came calling. You know England though, their players start to make excuses for not being upto the scratch and then England lose the plot and often the series. But then Sri Lanka were also emerging and coming to their own, in Test matches. Kumble was again the platform of another series win at home against the Lankans and Indias formidable nature continued to grow and they won hardly anything abroad. It was almost like a formula Hindi movie, Tendulkar lead the scoring charts, Kumble the bowling charts, meanwhile Tendulkar and other batsmen were labeled the Fab Four they knew for themselves that Kumble is the enginer powering there performances as well. Indian batsmen consolidated, Kumble consolidated more.
Rahul Dravid then started to share Tendulkar run making contribution especially abroad and Kumble having enough runs to bowl to, dissolved his confusion whether to attack and defend. The quality of seem bowling also improved. We have know Zak, Ishant, Sreesanth, RP Singh, Munaf and Pathan who can match wonders when we tour abroad. But it wasn’t so when Kumble was evolving.
Kumble the fighter that he is has proven time and again to come back stronger and better then before, underlining his focus and determination and dedication to go back to the drawing board and add more to repertoire physically as well as mentally. The fizz waned meanwhile accuracy and potency grew exponentially.
The second period is under Ganguly and the belief his instilled in the people he chose and taught to fight the raging bulls. The things started to change circa 2001. India started winning abroad and as our batting performances improved Kumble went further into the background playing an equal hand in most Indian victories. It came to be characterized by Dravid scoring runs and Kumble taking wickets. But he mat agree wasn’t the first choice spinner for his team. But he made sure that he continued to take wickets in bulk. The truck load of wickets in Australia, 2004 followed by operformances in Pakistan and then when Pakistan visited us. At one point in time he was leading wicket taker a few seasons back.
One of his traits were carrying on the fight when everything seemed down and out, obviously pointing to his injury in this match, Sydney fiasco, the spell at Antigua, and various comebacks. He came did his job of taking wickets while batsmen were glorified by the media, Kumble stuck to his task and bowled and bowled. As all things which have a beginning has an end, Kumble has ended his career with pride and with a self assurance that this team is on ascendency
Review of the test.
If a team score over 600 runs, and doesn’t makes the opposition follow on, the result of test is hard to achieve if there is no hara-kiri from one of the teams. India made 600, both Gambhir and Laxman made double century. The momentum was clearly lost, Aussies were put off pressure and when Indians took every opportunity of dropping catches and setting very defensive fields. The Aussies kep making runs down behind the wicket on the off side. The position mid on/mid off fielders continues to piss me off, I mean why do you want a mid off deep when Sehwag is bowling to a RHB and turning it square, you don’t mind him driving, there was virtually no second slip all day and I don’t wish to say much of the fielding, it was really ordinary. Kumble blown away due to injury. Both teams ambled along and settled for a draw. I think Aussies batsmen had much to gain, for a change Zaheer and Ishant went wicketless, Sehwag bowled marvelously to take a five wickets and joining an club of off-spinners to worry Aussies. It is an known fact that Aussies inherently struggle against off-spin. Jim Laker, Lance Gibbs, Jassu Patel, Harbhajan, Murali, Croft and know Sehwag have done well against the Aussies at different times. It was sad for Bhajji to miss out. But there is are a few positive aspect of Kumble retiring, Indians wont be facing selection dilemma and have a golden opportunity to win the series. It is a long way to go though.
I think Aussies should bite the bullet, drop White, get Marsh to open with Hayden, Katich to play in the middle order and also bowl a bit more. Hussey to be one down followed by Ponting and Clarke, Haddin, Watson, Lee, Johnson, Krezja
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