Blog: Sunset on 2012

 As the days have rushed by and year 2012 is ending,soon seconds seems to be busy packing, minutes seem to be in rush to just freak out and hours en-queue for exit as a foggy misty day here in the city awaits the last sunset of 2012 and first crack of dawn of 2013. The time seemed to be flapping its wings, then at times it just flew past us and it times seem to be on a gentle, graceful glide just happy to be floating around. As the curtain comes down on 2012, a peep over the shoulder and a gaze beyond the horizon seem the thing to do.

As the Mayan calendar fell on the face of people who build false platform on the calendar their notion falsified perhaps it is for us to look back and wonder where we were right and wrong. Its learning from the mistake that's the easier part also to learn when we have been successful. We all know success has more victims than failure. If success goes to head than rest be assured that we are too good for our own-selves. The other extreme should also be avoided. The best way out is probably to align our efforts with the aspirations of people who want to see us happy and smiling.

2012 has been ups and downs, 2013 will also have its shares of ups and downs, hopefully I will be in better frame of mind to steer through whatever comes my way. There are so many things to do. I am willing to re-learn a few old tricks. A bit more proactive to whats likely to happen. If you fail to plan than you plain to fail. Household expenses you will know have stricter eye on you. So will waist swelling food and drinks. The morning alarm be my new best friend along with my dear sleep and dreams. I hope anger is a less frequent visitor to me. I must practice smiling and laughing a bit more. I heard a story once a day without laughter is wasted one. I must learn to laugh my problems away. A bit of detour on path of spirituality may just help me find my way back. I have been trying to blog more frequently I hope things fall in place and I don't wait for things to happen to write something.

A poise and balance of mind will help me observe the chaos better and probably bit more decisive in whatever I chose to do. New year will also bring in newer responsibilities. I hope to sharpen my skills again and put more efforts and get better results.

B'bye 2012, nice having you around. I hope I have learn enough lessons going forward.

I wish everyone a best of 2013

In Hope I say, Hello 2013.

About: Life & lost causes?

We are a failing nation or we are a failed one. May be, we have failed and along with it lost our sense of right and wrong.  There is simply no excuse that can be justify for physical/sexual assault on women. You can derive and decry all the reasons, excuses, possibilities and everything but it is simply unpardonable. The physical/sexual assault is against the very fundamental right to living a life. It is also against the fundamental duty and moral duty of every human to help the other to a respectable life.

The instances of news which come out and horror stories of gruesome violence in form of physical/sexual assault and unbearable pain that fuel the rage and dismay everywhere. The only apathy that exceed it, is the response from our holier than cow Gov. The nature of violence makes you question yourself and the sense of shamelessness that we simply cant get rid of. It is indeed disturbing trend. The situation now is like on in a lawless territory. All seemed to be lost and the rage someday will make this world worst than hell.

There are two aspects to all of it. One what  is the deterrent we have to any kind of physical abuse, sexual assaults and other act of violence which cause any injury temporary or permanent physical or mental. We know scars of the victims  mind never heal. What is the deterrent that we do have and is it strong enough so that No One can commit anything for which breaks spirit of the victim along with quashing the rule of law.

The first was deterrent. The second is a speedy trial, which will mean the sentence is spell quickly and perpetrators know there is no escape behind the cloak of law. Also is bit more humane aptitude has to be instilled. If it means reforming the police, judicial system, politics or society then so be it. In India laws have to be in sync with the times today, previous cases should provide enough data of what is happening and a good deterrent and transparent, quick and strong judicial process will perhaps set fear in rogue men/offenders of right set of Do's and Donts.

There is enough rage on twitter and lot of people suggesting many things. When rage begins to fuels mind, reason makes the first escapes. The leadership has to burden the onus. The NHRC sent notices to Commissioner of Delhi and Union Home Secretary. I thought it should have been sent to the Home Minsiter and Delhi CM Shiela Dixit. Let the top civil servants, ministers, cops be stake holders in this incident and come forward to take the blame. The Government can simply let things evolve in society on someones whims and irks. It seems our laws in practice protect the criminal from the victim.

We are amidst a grave problem of violence in form of sexual assaults on women and elderly. If the situation gets worst we will be victims and eyewitness. The trends of these assaults indicate signs of very bad times.

Cricket: Road ahead after dismay

The bitter fruits we have today were borne from a tree that took root in the past. If Indian team wants to be a competitive team in conditions domestic and alien, then time is right for a person who has conviction and vision to come forward and with determination revive Indian teams Test fortunes. England played really well. It is a team in ascendancy for sure. They have a bowling attack for various conditions and batting line ups. A batting order that's firm. A set opener in captain Cook in prime form. An aggressive and mercurial batsman in Pietersen, a work horse in Trott and Bell.. A good keeper-batsman in Prior and a tail that wags and adds more than 80 runs or more for last four wickets. Its pretty much what a test team ought to be, which India isn't on current  capabilities form and fitness.

It's the swing and the spin, stupid.

You know words forming a sentence are open to interpretation e.g. “India is a graveyard of bowlers” now look at Indian bowlers. Zaheer, Ishant, Irfan, VRV Singh, RP Singh, Praveen Kumar, Balaji, Sreesanth, Munaf and many many more have burst on to the scene and disappeared when one blinked an eye. Then there are spinners, Kumble retired, Bhajji just went out of the boil, he looks docile and listless, a very sad scenario. Ashwin and Ojha are raw earning their ropes. I hope BCCI is doing some good work to unearth bowlers and restoring the not so fast bowlers to bowling ftness. The World cup 2011 indeed was victory a miracle considering not many of our bowlers find a place even in the second squad of Pak, Saf, Eng, Aus even WI. I know world cup was a different format. The point is our bowling department mere completes the team. I dont think batsman fret facing our bowlers. We have been in almost perennial dearth of a fast bowler/s, bowling at the peak of prowess, claiming wickets on all condition for more than 10 years. There are too many variables in there, simple there is not enough incentive to be a fast bowler or the system to find one. The stand and wallop pitches on domestic scene don't necessarily encourage any type of bowling.

As I said BCCI seems to be rich in cash flow, there is enough expertise on bowlers, I don't think too much is being done at least nothing is seen in the face of the recent results. The fact is, it is a collective lapse, cant really say batsman have done wonders and bowlers have bought back teams, on foreign tours of Eng and Aus bowlers buckled mid innings (often at the start) too many injuries, not enough match bowling, batsman and bowlers did little to inspire or please, capitulation was on the cards simply because pipeline of bowlers was bone dry and getting drier with every passing tour. Any sport is about balance, with an indifferent batting in alien conditions, batsman preferring to play their natural attacking shot making which either ended in slips or back on to stumps was a big embarrassment

Bowlers win test matches. The next crop of super stars have to be bowlers if Indian team has to be the top teams.

Its time to build again.

Its time, bitter pill was swallowed so that game can move ahead At this point in time it seems we need to swallow lot of pills and work towards getting on top of the tree in five years time. I don't know if Sachin alone is responsible to take a call on his retirement, can the board compel him of one more series, what are the stakes of the sponsors of Indian team and brand that Sachin endorses in his retirement. Should he have retred once Indi won the world cup?If looking forward should he retire at the end of next season, will he play in SAf late next year, many question. One is to make a pool of 25 to 30 players with two to three keepers, 4 to 5 spinners, 8 to ten seamers, 3 openers and other batsman. The senior players like Sehwag, Bhajji, Dhoni, Gambhir, Yuvraj, Zaheerj must be forced to chose any two of the three formats. I think Dhoni must give up gloves in T20 cricket. The captaincy must be split into limited and test cricket. There should be a cap on Indian players who opt to play test to appear in just 8 to 10 of 14 or whatever matches. There are subtle but definite steps that should be taken to safeguard test match cricket.

Old school of India cricket.

Indian batsman flunked the finger spinner test, they played like the English batsman, stuck on the crease, playing against the turn. We need to find the batsmen who step out and whack it out of the park and then sit back and cut, someone like Sidhu is you want a picture in mind. Old school test match batting seems to be extinct now, playing for time, session, pulling things back bit of old doggedness of boring but sustaining cricket. I think its time to get people of elder generations like Rayudu and Kaif into the test team, give them a decent run. I don't know who the next Indian spinner is on the horizon, one who keeps bowling length and hopefully his variation is not that delivery that pitches right once a spell. I mean one who attacks a spinners' length and batsman's stumps and can do that all day, in any conditions. Whats the incentive in India to be fast bowlers. The some of the time tested quality batsmanship witnessed in Aus vs SAf series along with top notch bowling on both side saw a conteswt keenly followed by cricket fans all over the world. It is that finesse and quality that was delight to watch. I feel there is that quality, Kohli-Dhoni partnership showed us in the last test. But we can be better. If the situation demands that spending time on the wickets keeping the team intact is primordial than natural game suited to flat feather beds must be curtailed when ball is doing tricks.

Indian board Must Do's

Get men responsible of producing a very competitive first class set up. Money is shouldn't be the issue, I think. They must flex there muscles, to have our domestic players to play couple of seasons, in Aus, Saf and England other places too if they can. They have money on the table and people acknowledge their clout. I pity they cant do that, Dravid and Zaheer gained immensely with their county stints. It helped Indian team to no ends. I am no authority of the pitches that first class set up is played about its not good enough to produce a stream of complete test batsmen and bowlers, may be there is some scope of things to be done there. IPL is a decent breeding ground to have a look at what our players have to follow, at least it is an avenue for Indian fans o see what talent is learning their trade on our circuit.

Its time to work of the slack and make a team for the next generation. If we don't find answers to some tough question India cricket may see a slide like many other teams have did in the recent past.

About: Bitter memories of 26/11

A week and four years have gone past, some memories of continues to hunt. It is simplistic saying Pakistan send a few terrorist. The Police was quick in denying an insiders hands. its too simplistic. Things don't simply seem to be true,sum of the parts fall woefully short of the complete picture. You can spin conspiracies theory but lives were lost and the city subtly would never be the same again. It wont reflect in four years and a week but we all know it. It's changed not for the good following this planned attacks, at least this time.

There were three posts written around that time focus on what happened, I look back at it with a feeling of numbness and dismay. Please feel free to read those.

1. Blog: Maximum terrorised city.

2. Blog: The Darkest hour.

3. Blog: In tough times.

This is just a tiny little attempt to pay homage to my people who died in action to save the citizens and city.

Cricket: Indians undone by spin

England have shown,test matches are won,when wickets are taken by bowlers and runs are scored by batsman. Ahmadabad seemed a timid match,like reading from a cliche' Bollywood the script. Dhoni asked for bounced and English spinners turned the table on Indian batsman, literally. Indian played with three spinners, none of them looked even closely as threatening as English spinners. The flurry of wickets on the first day set Indian on back foot. Cook and Pietersen, just rode the Indian bowling. I mean how tough it is for a spinner to purchase their wickets by constantly inviting the batsman to drive. Bhajji has almost lost it. Ashwin kept firing at middle and leg on Cook who kept dabbing most of the time, and turning it when the opportunity arrived. Indian batsmen lost on turn and bounce!

 

Often when playing at home,Indian problems get masked in the limelight of victory. I think we should welcome bouncy pitches, this result withstanding. I mean I don't know how easy is it for our batsmen, go wake up on a flight, disembark and bat on a bitch where ball is bouncing and climbing to chest high. I hope Indian bitches continue to turn and bounce. There is hope that emanates from this series of events.

 

Fingers, palms together closed fist and knock out punch.

 

Indian batsman of yore would use their feet, testament to this fact are bowling averages of Murali and Warne in India and other illustrious spinners before them. The new age Indian batsman, with heavier bats, bought up on flat-graveyard-for-bowlers pitch, tend to play from the crease. There was just one shot from Ashwin when the batsman got adventurous stepped out and smacked Swann for a six. The next delivery predictably was short pitch on middle and leg. The weariness to camp inside to the crease rather than getting to the pitch of ball and hitting over the top of all around the ground is the bane of Indian batsman today. If you play and prod against the spinner, your luck will run out sooner rather than latter. 

 

Beaten by the pace and bounce of Spin.

 

Indian batting team scores in an inverse relation to the bounce on the pitch. Swann and Monty bowled fast on a turning pitch aided with bounce Their missing ingredient however was an invitation to drive. It is another skill that the Indian spinner lacked. Bhajji has been the chief exponent on how not to get wickets and spin. There could be various reasons for Bhajji being off the boil for last couple of years or more. I would just like to highlight. That in the last world cup (payed in India) he just had few wickets and for better part of tournament, Indian leading spinner had same number of wickets as Prosper Utseya of Zimbabwe. Its been that sad for Turbanator. Bhajji stock delivery is one which sees to crash land, on leg (sometimes) out of leg stump(more often than not) offering a single if not a boundary. I don't know if any batsmen visiting India would not welcome Harbhajan bowling. Bhajji has lost it.

 

Cook Pietersen together bake the cake.

 

England had one meaningful partnership and guess that was enough. Cook and Pietersen just pulverized a toothless Indian attack.. Indian bowlers had no clue where to bowl. Cook held one end up. Pietersen played a very crucial knock. He hammered at will He plays a high risk game, when it does come off, England look very good. He took this game with the scruff of the neck and just flayed it all along. He never looked to get out. His body language was proactive and he was in control. He out paced Cook for most of the partnership. It was very good attacking batting. His marathon innings ensured India were chasing a wild goose. English spinners did the rest. England won by 10 wickets a very good effort.

 

Looking back was it...

 

Was it the best toss to lose for England? Some careless batting, by the middle order and then some club class bowling saw us chasing the game. Pujara did hold one end up but feeble batting attempt by Sehwag, Kohli, Yuvraj and out of form Tendulkar just put us in a gridlock and we lost it from there. There are lot of lessons on offer provided team learns them and hopefully come out in Kolkatta as a better.

The series is now 1-1 with Indian Team on the back foot, this is now England's series to loose.

Cricket: England lose Motera test

India won the first test at Motera, Ahmadabad with 9 wickets to much delight. It look obvious on the end of the second day, probable of the third day, wishful at the end fourth day and finally on the fifth day with more than a session to spare. The Indian camp saw performances from Sehwag, who with a run ball century deflated a flagging English attach, Pujara scored a commanding and comprehensive double century, Ojha, toiled for more than 460 deliveries, got 9 wickets, finally stamped and concluded the script that Indian batsman write. The English camp meanwhile went in with weird selections, and came back with not too many performances. Captain Cook had a good match with the bat, but will have to do more going into the series.

Surely they didn't read anything from Shane Warne's column.

The Great Indian Rope trick, cricket version.

Well , Indian cricket equivalent of the Great Indian Rope trick. If you win the toss, at first, bat long, bat once, get the Indian batsman to cheer the crowd and let Indian bowlers rest their feet for first four session if not more. Indian batsman will come up with brilliant, sparkling magnificent poetic centuries, double centuries, and compelling, fifties. These were batsman would have only edged to ellipse of keeper when sailing beyond the high seas. The repeated failure against one kind of bowling in one kind of pitches and its repeat is daunting for the Indian fan. If Indian Team were in a position that Poms were in while traveling, we would have ended the test match by lunch on the fourth day. This is a premise of Great Indian Rope trick, Foreign Edition.

However the Oracle came true, Dhoni woke up on the right side of bed, got down at the right time from the bus, place his right leg on the ground as he went out for toss, stood on the right side of Cook while tossing up the coin, made the right call, India won the toss, made the right call of batting first, Sehwag and Dhoni, said to each other. “Right, Here we go.”

Alright, the same bowlers who were bowling 85 miles and above and swinging it like Beckham, look military medium, something like a canon fodder for phlegmatic Sehwag. I think Sehwag would have prayed for this kind of bowling. He would sleep walk to a century on this type of attack. The English bowling being as uninspiring as English weather. The quicks queued to bowl, Sehwag skewed it over deep point, they kept coming, he kept dispatching. Sehwag scored and Gambhir got some good time in the middle, he too like Sehwag has been off the boil. One of the first on endless reasons, of India's debacle on overseas tours. It got rectified though, a good meaty partnership, and an hour into the second session, England were looking like they lost the plot even before deciding to looking at one. Sehwag knock was interesting and uncharacteristic, because he didn't decide to go jogging by getting into a car. He warmed up and then went to beat leather with willow, runs flowed on their one. The tone was being set, rhythm was there, everything is fine when Indian Openers score a century partnership, Indian don't loose. Sehwag finally getting out on 117 for a very poor shot.

Swann song, Indian batsmen worries against finger spinners.

Graeme Swann had taken just four wickets against the SAf when SAfs toured England, four wickets. The worlds best spinner, playing in his own backyard claimed four wickets against a spin reluctant SAf batting line up. Indian batsman seemed to got stuck into Swann, before Swann decided to get stuck into Indian batsman.

Spinners, get wicket by inducing a stroke which is not to be played, be deceiving the batsmen, by varying the flight, pace, spin imparted on the ball resulting in batsman to gauge which shot he has to play. Swann at one point claimed all the four or five wickets to have fallen. These are big names. Any spinner will vouch for the fact that Indian batsman are hard to bowl to on Indian wickets, let along claim their wickets. Swann proved his class, claimed the top wickets. Gambhir went to cut one to a delivery that hurried, bounced low and disturbed the off stump. Sehwag was out sweeping again an uncharacteristic shot played at a time when he could have held the fort so to speak for some more time. Kohli's dismissal was the best of the lot, the ball was flighted, inviting Kohli to drive

Marathon runners – Cook and Pujara.

They build there innings and struck boundaries with percentage shot, hitting the boundary with a shot they was natural for them. Pujara and Cook kept rotating the strike and kept building the partnerships. Pujara has like camping in with his bad and pads, Cook, we know can bat forever. They seem to be unfazed almost ignorant about batsman coming and going at other end. It seemed they played the delivery rather than a situation of the match. Pujara scored a double ton. He has everything running for him, including comparison with a behemoth Rahul Dravid. The comparisons will also be there, but for that to happen, first few knocks and first matches especially at home (India) is unfair to Pujara and Dravid. Pujara has lot to prove and has enough ability to do it. I just hope we compare Dravid and Pujara after later has has played in Aus, Saf and England at least once especially in those places. Cook showed glimpses of resolved and kept chipping away, but injudiciousness of strokeplay of Trott, Pietersen, Bell failed to compliment Cook's efforts. Cook came back to bat again, as Dhoni asked England to follow on. Cook just dropped the anchor. This time a more authoritative display against spinners. on a fourth and fifth day pitch when Indian spinners were expected to run through the English batting line up. A few unimaginative strokes did seem to help Indian cause but, Cook then with Prior bought some respectability to English scorecard and made sure Indian will have to bat again. A fine 176 by Cook. He like batting here.

Ojha tweaks England.

Indian pitches are frustrating for the bowlers. Ojha bowled more than 70 overs, 9 wickets. I think he deserved a Man of the Match. 9 Wickets, is a lone effort, especially in the second innings when he held one end up and took wickets when required. Ojha and Pujara did well for themselves in the match as young guns. Ojha claimed Pietrsen wicket in both the innings, Pietersen may be guilty of getting out playing strokes which he didnt have too. It would have been embarrassing getting bowled, with middle stump flat or getting bowled second time over round the legs. Pietersen dimissal kept England in check.

So did Cook and Prior and Swann. Sehwag need to continue to do well. Yuvraj looked good for a century but got out caught in the deep of Samit Patel full toss.

England need to realign their selection template and game to the pitch on the ground. In India set template or set game plan don't work.

About: Festival of Dusshera

The festive season is already under way. Navratri (here Sharad Navratri) ended last night. My family folk celebrate two Navratri, one is before Dushera one is around Ram Navmi just around summer. Its a big kick start and almost a welcome to the best of seasons, seasonal fruits vegetables and delicacy after long grumbling summer and non stop torrential rains. Navratri – Dusshera, Diwali all bring special seasonal delicacies on the plate (here table), celebration of food and family. My take of festivities  and what it could have been with respect to food, folklore and cultural significance. It is literally time to soak up the sun without worrying for tan or sun burns.

The root and celebration of fire and food.

Hunger is  one of the basic needs. I guess almost all festival across cultures (not religions, cultures) celebrate food and life. I guess India being a agrarian and rural country, much of celebrations takes place when crops are harvested or sown. I guess, the moon phases and astrology/astronomy and the movements of the Sun the earliest clocks set the tone. The observations of movements of the stars and planets, constellations in different directions around sun set or sun rise, or with respect to other constellations would have triggered a change of seasons and its impact. Moon phases etc would have dictated the beneficial time to till the land, sow the seeds for crops, rear animals, harvest etc. It seems obvious now, but is you were to rewind back to a millenia, things were less obvious perhaps. I have a feeling that myths, stories and epics were woven around these celestial, meta-physical, historic, cultural, geographic, creative phenomenon to keep direction in terms of duties and obligations of an individual to a society, an attempt to weave people together to make sure, progress in sociology-economic sphere is possible. It is what I imagine, not really sure how it happened, if it did at all.

Anyways turn to the present.

The season between Diwali and Holi, official know as winters to other being living outside the Metropolis of Mumbai. It is the best season to move around, meet people, visit places and eat some fine delicacies. I have always had fond memories, of hot food and long walks on chilling evenings and occasional chocolate ice cream cone (other flavors welcome too). The festivities, now give opportunity to have a perspective in life and give and take earn and buy, meet family and friends. Its abut finding perspective in life of right and wrong, try to find an escape route from the rat race. It may also provide us the opportunity to appreciate other fellow human beings and hopefully acknowledge that ours life is not as bad as we project it to the surroundings. A little charity perhaps for others for whom food, clothing and shelter is privilege while life demands barters of sweat and blood for few peaceful breaths.

There is a confession though, rigorous cycle of home, family, demnds/wishes, office, expectation, competion, earnings, little more wants are hard to break free from.

The folklore and cultural significance.

I dont know how deep rooted the effects of culture our. I guess since it have dictate other terms of what we call life, it prevails. Indian society being diverse, each of them contributed to epics and ethics, most of which were passed down from Guru (spiritual guide) to shishya (spiritual aspirant) verbally for generations (it still happens) before it was coded in written form. There are many stories and mythics, perhaps historic perhaps imaginative. The narrative tough remains as true today as it was when it was narrated for the first time. Its the message that good will always prevail. Its perhaps hint that life is daily struggle and if conscience is adhered to, lot of stress and dismay can be avoided. It is a belief that all that is tough, daunting and intimidating can be over come with humility, simplicity, determination. It is amalgamation of so many things. Ram and Ravana, two opposite extremes in every aspects,in terms of personalities, beliefs, abilities, mindsets, values. 

I think the debates between Ramayana and other cultural beliefs being historic or mythic is a futile one. The message is more important. Whats society without spiritual beliefs?There is no point debating virtues, extent and limits of cultural/religious text. It just a reference point to good and bad. The choice is compulsive more often than not. Its about shouldering responsibility and trying to fulfill few obligations. Its about keeping balance in life.

Cricket: Preview T20 World Cup

T20 frenzy kicks off from today in Sri Lanka. 12 teams clash to the shortest format of Gentlemens game. My quick 20 takes -

1. Weather could play a spoil sport,which will tumble the points table.

2. David and Goliaths, punt on a minnows beating a top Test teams.

3. Expecting big sixes, swinging yorkers, ace fielding,the team with best bowling and fielding will win the Cup.

4. Lots of cricketers play T20 leagues in Aus, India, England and Lanka. - Oram, Pollard, Vettori, Afridi etc.

5. Games within games, some making comeback Yuvraj and Kallis, some facing wilderness, Pietrsen debuts on the analyst corner.

6. All Rounders on premium – Kallis, Oram, Morkel, Afridi, Razzaq, McCullum, Dhoni, Angello Matthews, Sammy.

7. Myster Spinners -  Ajmal, Afridi, Narine, Mendis, Ashwin, Balaji.

8. Ace fielders - Guptill, Pollar, Raina, Virat, Imaran Nazir, DeVilliers, Warner.

9. Game changers with the bat - Gayle, Raina, bravo, Angello, Baristow, Warner, Watson.

10. Game changers with the ball - Gul, Afridi, Mendis, Narine, Steyn, Watson.

11. Teams to watch out Pakistan, West Indies, South Africa.

12. Minnows to watch out for Ireland, Bangladesh, Australia.

13. Twitter, FB is in, Live telecast may see a blip in T20 at least at the group stages.

14. This is the most open tournament of cricket is last 10 years or more.

15. SL tend to be low and slow, the pitches are relaid and hopefully they wont be slow and low.

16. Toss could be a very big deal.

17. Dhoni and Co look very good if you consider a batting unit, only.

18. Future stars that may emerge will still have to grind it out in Test match areans.

19. A brilliant piece of felding, consecutive boundaries, run outs may just change the game on its head.

20. May the best team win.

Blog: To Goa and back

At the end of this week it will be a month,since I had a short vacation to Goa. I have been bought up in Mumbai, Goa seemed a natural choice for a short vacation for all these years. It wasn't to be. I had a chance to go to Goa from college, only for that paper I had to reappear in a place with blistering summers, far away from the lovely breeze of Goa. It wasn't to be. An office application faced a raised eyebrow from the boss,Goa?Yes!The application got ascent of the required along with heaved a sigh of much relief from me. The bags were packed couple of nights back. The camera was packed too this time. A list of places to visit list was prepared too.

Late to bed, early to rise makes the travel all the worth while.

Tickets were check and rechecked, couple of tickets were canceled, rescheduled, edited modified, but all that with in 4 days from the Zeroth day of travel. I was looking forward to the break, the monotony had got a tight grip on my life and surroundings. I just wanted to loosen a few shackles, breathe easy for a change, just for a few days. A confession here, my life is the most daunting, stressful and ungainly or something like. It is often easy to feel and find everyone is sailing on the same boat called “Scheduled Overloaded”

Anyways, repacking was not accounted for, one thing led to another, among the chaos, calls, dinner, packing. The luggage piled on and the reality started sinking in that the vacation as truly on. The alarm clocks were set and rechecked. A sleepless night and a feeble sound of alarm turning into a hooter,me waking up, shaking and stirring as everything was buzzing, from the ceiling fan to the running water to the cellphones. A call from the Cab announcing his availability and confirming my address. Oh wait,no, ok, Holy Cash! Cash invariably divides us and them, you and me, everyone of us. A cheque was written, a mad scamper not before getting ready reading the tickets again, munching something, packing half of whatever it was. It was starting to look a very long early morning, it wasn't even dawn yet. For a fleeting second I felt what it was to feel tryst o destiny and when world goes to sleep India wakes up to … Holidays I thought. A few more hustle bustle, click of lock and the lift downstairs, the waiting cab and off to catching the train.

Independence day Express.

A pleasant morning,seeing sunrise literally after ages as the train chugs in the station, a rush to get on and find the seats, empty coupes offering cold welcome, and warm blankets a futile attempt to stay awake for next 45 minutes, sipping and munching needlessly and aimlessly. I surrender to sleep, climbing up on to my allotted bunker and go to sleep what was to be the next two to two and half hours, perhaps more. A smell of coffee and cheese sandwich clearing the disorientation induced by my slumber. It was lot of munching and sipping as some real delicacies that were on offer and it seemed obvious to oblige, eating from the pantry in the train never felt so good and satiated. Hunger is surely the best sauce. A good sleep and stomach full, led me to the doors of the coach armed with cellphone and camera, enjoying the tunnels, the breeze and whiff of rain, and the very green flora and greys Konkan skies as, tunnels and rivulets, bridges and farms and fields continued parted only by the railway track in between them. The smell of earth and air of trees and rivers. The sounds of cool fresh air and hues of colour and vigour. It was mesmerizing, intoxicating and soothing, even journey seem to be the part of vacation. All the monies and confusion that prevailed during the planning of the vacation till the train was boarded seemed worthy now. There wasn't simply not enough to breathe in and soak in. I wasn't missing my tiredness.

Green green Goa.

Living in the concrete jungle and towering apartments, the intimidating hills and lush green almost seem to be forgotten and unimaginable. There was more than enough of it on the way, in and around Goa. It did rain while traveling but never played a spoil sport. The weather was nice and calm for most times. The food and drink was never too much to be had. Perhaps a group of 6 to 8 should make very efforts to come and unwind. I was amazed at what I missed, surely grass looks greener on the other side, but this one was different. It felt calmer and serene than usual. I grew up on an island city, kept looking at rising waves and wailing tides. It still has me under its charms. The sight seeing was yet to begin.

Sightseeing.

A bit expensive to travel around in Goa, especially in Rupee terms. It is best to hire a vehicle if you have a license. Otherwise the traveling part around Goa is expensive. I was there when rain was around, but it didn't prove much of a hassle, thank God for that. It was cool and pleasant It was such a change to unwind. There are lot of options for day tour around Goa. Take a bus and sea, North and South Goa. Lots of places to see and enjoy the sights and settle into the ease of Goa.

A friend of mine was getting married. So I had the pleasurable experience of Goan hospitality. It was a first Christian wedding for me. A very thrilling experience for me. I wanted to have more of Goa but then it had to come to an end as things an equal pleasurable train journey back to Mumbai awaited.

I guess places like Goa are best when you have a group of 6 to 8 people for the tour to be cost effective more the merrier.

PS:- I have posted albums on FB already. I will try to upload the pics in second edit.

Second Edit - Random Snaps from Goa Trip

Cricket: Second test and series win

India took the series 2-0 against New Zealand. It looked a cruise after Dhoni hoick one out of the park for a six and claim victory in a match that swayed both ways. New Zealand stepping straight into the Test arena without a practice game against a tough team at home. More on that after the review of the series. Pujara and Kohi, stepping into Laxman and Dravid shoes. A big responsibility. They have done satisfactory considering what they would be weigh against for next few seasons if not next few years.

Indian pitches Bowler's graveyard?

Indian is not for the people who come on with their wares and sell them using techniques know to them. It doesn't work in India. The traditional seam and bounce of pitches of Australia, SAf and erstwhile West Indies, is missing neither there is swing of English pitches that prevail here. The lack of bounce, reverse swing, cross seem cutters are the order of the day. The bowlers have to mix it all up along with the conventional bowling. A change in length too, too short or too full will make the batsman look really cool and the fielding captain a fool. Martin proved it in some extent in the first test, let down by butter finger catching. Southee truly nailed the Indian batsmen in the first innings in the second test. I mean seven wickets on any pitch is commendable especially against, Indian batsmen on Indian pitches. Indian pitches calls for innovation and different mindset for the bowlers wanting to claim success against Indian batsmen.

The difference was fielding.

Indian fielding was top class, Dravid and Laxman did what they did with the bat but apart from exemplary batsmen they were good catches as well. Fielding was the difference, NZ dropped catches at crucial moments, which widening of the series to 2-0. NZ are expected to be good fielding side but catching for some reason was not class. Sehwag took some awesome catches off spinners, close in catching was also really very good. Ashwin and Ojha with the ball, Pujara and Kohli have ticked most boxes, now it's the question of consistency over the period.

Rosco and Southee come to rescue on the front

Ross Taylor shares the dais of audacity with Sehwag. Ross Taylor came out with intent and batted with intent, he matched fire and fire and at given point in time he literally swept the Indian spinners all around the park. A very comprehensive strokeful century just lit up the chances for NZ, but sadly in the end, he was out sweeping, and in the second innings he almost undid Southee's good work. Ross Taylor will get better, I don't know if Vettori will come back as captain. But I think McCullum on top of the order is asking a bit too much. He should be batting at five or six and keeping wickets. A little jig at the batting order and some more players will to bid their time at the crease will help Kiwis, coz we know they are good with in fielding and bowling. Southee kept it on the string and Indian batsmen were caught napping, injudicious shot selection did them in. They fell away like nine pins, but by then India had almost closed in on NZ. It was NZ onus to set a challenging target for India on the fourth innings. It was not before Virat scored a century, a brilliant effort, he deserved it, he had time to settle on the crease, he may have got one in the first test, wasn't to be. He got one in trying circumstances in the second test,with the team against the wall. He literally cashed in on Tendulkar's poor run. The challenge for Ojha, Ashwin, Pujara, Kohli, and Yadav and may be Raina  is to build upon this fabulous start of the season and take it forward when tougher challenges come along.

NZ third innings wasted chance.

It was time for Indian spinners to come to the fore, that that they had not bagged wickets in the previous innings or match. The field set up just helped in compelling the batsman to think on the defensive. Ashwin ran thought the Kiwi batting line up, it was a wedding procession. Ojha fed Rosco for sweep shot, he bit more than he could chew, he was trapped leg before. Kane Williamson almost, played the perfect forward defense only to edge one to Sehwag. Ashwin churned out classical off spinners dismissals. Kiwis would have liked to have some more runs but Indian bowlers kept them in check. A solid start would be enough to seal the series.

Final Innings chase.

Indians traditionally haven't been good chaser. It was always preferred to set the total and wait for the mistake. In the last years (from 2000) in tests and ODIs arena under the aegis of Dravid and Laxman, batsman have learnt to construct and map out the chase. Indian fans have been witnessed to remarkable back to the front chases, be it series victory in that Lords final when Yuvraj and Kaif came together at 128/5 to chase down 327, be it record number of chases in times when Dravid was captain, no one may want to forget Dhoni's six to claim India's world cup victory. There are various reasons to it, one of them is stringing partnership. Sehwag and Gambhir almost exploded scoring at a fair rate before both convinced themselves to get out, a fragile partnership, Pujara showed glimpses of his mettle, a flurry of wickets and Virat and Dhoni, master of chases in current form and abilities guided the ship home and ensured a victory.

Two cents worth of advice to The Custodians of the Game.

If ICC is indeed serious about Test Cricket and all that the song and dance about IPL should stop. It is the mandate of ICC to see whats happening in test Arena, how to make it more competitive, how to balance DRS and tradition? How the tour should be structured?The top three or four teams should play five test match, I am pointing to England South Africa series. I don't remember when India last played five test series.

A good cricket contest will have people following, be it a T20 an ODI or Test. There is scope for cutting down ODI, have three or four teams tournaments in different venues. England had played an ODI series against Aussies, we might as well have had a very competitive tri-series, which sadly never happened. We would have cheered for a five match test series, which didn't happen. An ideal tour should have a three matches ODI series, a full first class match, a practice match followed by Test series and ending with a couple of T 20 matches. Thats ideally speaking. But if a tour is suited around this formula, quality of cricket will improve which would mean more following and probably more revenues. It is easier said than done, but it should be done for the sake of cricket followers for whom the game is played.

Cricket: Indians win first test

India won the match by innings and 115 runs. Ashwin took 12 wickets in the match. NZ were all out for 159 and 164. Pujara scored a mammoth 159, considering, he was number three a position guarded by Dravid for so long, along with guarding the top and middle order. Pujara, should look to build on, not only for this series, but also for rest of the season and collect as many runs before Indian team flies abroad. Dhoni seems to be getting his team. He should have got more runs. His pe3rformances will be crucial for team doing well at home.

India batter first, which wasn't much of rocket science. Sehwag and Gambhir started well. Gambhir and Sehwag should have pushed on and got more runs. A bad form and tough opposition are never far away, they did well but more is expected considering the fact the opposition will get tougher and chances of runs lesser as the long seasons prevails Its vital to get into habit of making runs rather than try playing an indifferent rash shot. Infact, Gambhir, Sehwag, Kohli holed out to shots uncalled for. Kiwis dropping catches didn't help matters. Sehwag, Pujara both being let off. Pujara and Kohli added a delightful partnership Many reckon there will be more to come from these two. Kohli made a good 50 and got out when he had a century for the taking. Raina got out caught behind of a glove. Dhoni started cautiously and just when he was about to cut loose, he holed out to mid on. Ashwin with some quick fire runs and Pujara ultimately getting out, Indian posted a very good competitive score of 430 plus.

Kiwis started strong. McCullum looked good, but was caught at cover not keeping an ambitious drive on the ground. McCullum is poor selection on the top. He is more likely to get more runs when Kiwis are 150 for 5 (or less). McCullum is hard to dislodge and Van Wyk although looks good as a keeper doesn't help the balance of the side. Kiwis should change their batting order to Guptill, Franklin, Williamson, McCullum, Taylor, Flynn drop Van Wyk get another batsman, get Southee playing. A bit more responsive and responsible fielding and they should do better. Ross Taylors performance with the bat is crucial. I mean leaving an off spinner of length or line is inviting problem. He should know. Kiwis showed bit of a fight in the second innings following on but then we all now wickets tend to fall in a heap in Test cricket. From 105 for 2 to 164 all out. Kiwis were caught in the spin, literally. The second innings' story is pretty much a repeat of the first. Indians caught well though, some stick some don't but Indians really converted half chances which reflected in the margin of victory.

I don't know if Bhajji is watching it, but Ashwins flight and line looked good. Bhajji is out of the reckoning for tests. I don't know if he would be the first choice bowler in T20. Ashwin and Pujara co-scripted a comprehensive win. But I think I would love to see Ojha and Ashwin inviting the batsman a little more. It's when the batsman obliges to drive can he offer chances of getting out caught with fielders round the bat or getting bowled etc. It is something that Indian teams think tank should take note.

I guess Indians have ticked most of the boxes which had to be ticked at the start of the season. The second test is in Bengalluru, starts this Friday The weather may impinge again.

Cricket: Preview NZ vs India

New Zealand tour of India starts tomorrow. India are tough cookies to crack at home, it's the land of tigers for sure. It is the green pastures abroad that irks Indian cricket fans. NZ were beaten by Gayle and West Indies in West Indies now have sailed to India shores from Caribbean. Virender Sehwag part of welcoming entourage. Indian are in top five of the test table, six to eight points separate the teams on the top. NZ in the bottom of the table. Indian team on paper boast of some big names on prevailing conditions. NZ struggling to cover all bases. Vettori; NZ best selector, coach, physio, captain, bowler, batsman, strategist is missing out on injury having sat out a game in West Indies, perhaps struggling with an injury since days of IPL. Vettori's injury has just loaded the odds that bit more against NZ. However, this series has more than what meets the eye. This series is not for cricket fans who are anticipating India taking the series winning every match by an inning just after tea on the third day. I reckon it might just get close. The ICC ranking and team strength on paper is academic. The action on the pitch is what is of primary essence.

NZ – discipline of sticking to the basics.

We must expect Kiwis to come up with a disciplined performance with bat, ball and field every time. They have been a very good fielding sides. A good fielding sides can convert half chances into wickets, a run out invariably changes course of a match, more so in a test match. The opening batsman is not much of a thought on Indian pitches, any decent batsman, who has patience to stick around will do good. I don't like the idea of McCullum in the top order as a good one. He earned his reputation on finishing tight matches. He is a waste on top of the order. I wish to see Guptill and Williamson occupying two of the three top order, followed by Taylor and McCullum, Southee and Chris Martin with opening spell with the ball, Franklin as a first change. If they play a spinner, Dhoni may send them a Diwali-Christmas invite. It is an early start of the season, here in India. There will be a bit more bounce off the pitch, so deliveries that stay below the knee may rise sharply towards the knee cap. It's not something Indian batsman may lose their yawn. But then thats the slight and only advantage Kiwi bowlers should expect. I don't know if it is fair to say that subcontinent pitches are graveyard for fast bowlers. They should look to employ different skill set. Bowl stump to stump take advantage of indifferent bounce. They have option of bending the deliveries back with reverse swing. Zaheer would be there for their reference. They have the option of using a split field, a slip, two in the gully and two catching cover, one catching a short mid wicket,a third man and rest patrolling the boundary.

Complacency galore on Indian ranks.

Indian will be competing with complacency and NZ. Its fresh start to long and competitive season. The Poms and Aussies will already be making notes. India find themselves devoid of two vital cogs, Dravid and Laxman. Dravid hung his boots. Laxman who was born under the Damocles sword, live under it, blossomed under it, perished by it. It is bizarre that all of us, thought Laxman was the one replaceable when team didn't get the right set of results. I feel, looking back every innings of his was an attempt to bargain lease for one more innings. More on him in the following part of the blog. I just hope the youngsters “Do it for Laxman”.

The struggle with complacency will be a tough fight. If NZ prove to be more than sum of the parts, we could have a good series. It is time for Sachin to change his batting order. I don't know if it is prudent to break the opening partnership. Sehwag and Gambhir to open. Raina, Pujara, Rahane, Kohli, Badrinath are in the fray for two slots. I don't know why Kaif and Ambati Raydu are not in the fray. I have high hopes from Ambati Raydu. I guess he likes to get on with things and not sit and pose of talent and ability. Hyderabadi for Hyderabadai, I was hoping Raydu would replace Laxman. I will forward to the series to see if some of my questions will be answered.

These few questions are -

Will India play seven batsmen four bowlers?

If Irfan include can we have three seamers,two spinners?

Does Tendulkar have to play two down?

Should Rahane open the innings?

When does that tipping point arrives when questions of Tendulkar's retirement turn from why to why not?

There are two spinners Ashwin and Ojha, is there another new spinner on a distant horizon?

How is this series paves the way for rest of the season, when Poms and Aussies tour later in season?

Guys, do it for Laxman.

Indian batting line up boasted of Sehwag, Dravid, Tendulkar, Ganguly and Laxman. They all have had their critics and fans. Ganguly started with a bang and ended without a celebration. As his ODI performances grew his test prowess waned. Tendulkar was the acclaimed prodigy and did most things right to prove to be one. His success in scoring runs and being humble both at once is an enviable achievement. Sehwag is a maverick, his run scoring audacious ability is independent of pitch, bowling attack, match situation. Dravid a perfect test batsman, loads of temperament and skill and hunger for runs.

Laxman was in many ways had few these qualities of each of his team mates and still had something more, a signature uniqueness of his own. He had the audacity of Sehwag's strokes, the panache and grit of Dravid, exhilaration of Tendulkar, Ganguly's timing to script a performance. But in many ways he was unique. If you can flick a spinner, like Shane Warne you are good, if you can flick and score runs off Shane Warne when he is round the wicket, you are very good. If you can flick Shane Warne and score a boundary when he bowling at his peak and pitch is turning you are brilliant. If you can flick Shane Warne, bowling round the wicket on the fourth day out of the rough for consecutive boundaries on will you have to be Vangipurappu Venkata Sai Laxman. He did it on will. He has his best scores against the Aussies. I think his five of his best seven scores have been against Aussies. It wasn't an Aussie attack with erratic seam bowlers and a left arm orthodox darting at leg stump. It was the time when it consisted of three excellent and one a very good one. 

He did excel and thrilled audiences with some brilliant counter attacks against odds. Off course his 281 at Eden comes to the mind. He and Dravid batted out the whole of the fourth day and turned the flagging series on its head. There was another one with Dravid at Adelaide. Aussies had scored 550 odd at 5 an over, Ponting going berserk Dravid and Laxman came together and stitch a strokeful 300 plus runs partnership, it bought the Aussie house was bought down. There was a 165 he made once in Sydney, India lost. The best score of the team after his 165 was 25. he flicked and cut all day with a strokeful century. He could carve out a stroke through the eye of needle at backward point and straightish mid wicket. Then there were so many rescue acts, Mohali, Durban, Monera, St Johns. He did it all, with an endearing smile. A chapter of cricket when batsman with touch scored runs has ended.

It was with such grace and style,just like flavours of Dum Biryani of Old Hyderabad City. He was as classic as styles of Nizams. The Nizams commanded a 21 gun salute one of only five princely state in the days gone by. Laxman of all deserves one.

A salute to The Very Very Special Laxman.

Cricket: Review SAf vs England

Success has many fathers, failure is always an orphan. In last few seasons,teams have climbed on the top, stayed there for few seasons and saw themselves on the wrong side of slope. Its all the more reason, to look back at the great Australian, team and their performances 1995 to 2005-2007. It was a complete team. Two fine openers, and gritty middle order batsmen, a most fearsome, batsman/glove man ever to play the game. A wizard tweaker and a metronome fast bowler along with very capable pace battery. Their fielding was top notch, their motivation, ability and fitness were source of intimidation. They prevailed in all conditions home and abroad. It was as if they would walk into a contest as the lone competitors and walk away with series win against all opposition under all circumstances. No team cricket team in modern times held such a swagger.

Now follows the review of the series between SAf and England.

England looked lack lustre. We all know that problems don't come in drip of water from a leaking tap, instead they come as a flash floods. England players looked out of boil. The bowlers hardly showed any inspiration, their batsmen shone in bits,not many partnerships worth the note. Then there was The Pietersen issue. He shoots from the hip and invariable his aim is his own toes or fingers tips. I mean it is not the sole reason for a very feeble show put up by English. We expected a contest when the best two teams on top of the table met,it ended in a whimper, after reading the scoreline of 2-0 looks more like a no contest..

When problems do come, so much ambiguity and collusion and distortion of thoughts take root in the thought process that mind goes numb and rigid and dense. Strauss may confess to this very fact. It need some inspiring selection and imagination, both for much missing. Strauss is not the most expressive and imaginative captain to play test matches. He is likely to search for his handkerchief when its time to pull the rabbit out of the hat. His own form too didn't inspire much. He just scored 107 runs,at times Morkel was on top of his mark and Strauss was marking his exit standing on top of the batting crease. Cook and Trott looked clueless. Bell the most incomplete batsman across an age. Only Rohit Shama on current form will give him a run for his money. Pietersen meticulously keeps shooting his own foot. He took four wickets and scored a hundred only to be inevitably be dropped. He went too far one way, took a u-turn came back a long way and reached a point where he thought he had travelled a long road and still found himself just behind the start mark. Surely there would have been a subtle and smarter way to resolve issue. English players can't even blame IPL for their misery, so at least for England IPL cannot be a valid excuse.

This also brings down the excellent setup and the coaching staff which we thought we were brilliant a season. There is more to it than support staff that win you matches. England have taken a step back to the lost 90s when they lacked imagination. The provisional success of England especially against teams of the sub continent and WI was based on green pitches and in form pace attack. SAf had a better pace attack purely on the form of fitness and ability which almost negated the advantage to zilch A team may have a bowler and batsman out of form and still the team may do well. But if a newbie in Baristow and talismanic batman Pietersen lead your batting and bowling averages respectively, its time to rush to buy a new drawing board. The seeds of English capitulation were sown in series in UAE against Pakistan. England never recovered.

South African charge, inspired by Mark Boucher.

Not everything went in favour of SAf from the word go. A freakish career ending injury was hardly an auspicious start to the tour. England in England one would have thought at the start would fight fire with fire but wasn't to be. Boucher has been such an inspiration who everyone holds in high esteem. Everyone in SAf squad would swear by grit and determination of Boucher. It was grit and determination that saw SAf come up triumphs. His injury provided SAf with an extra zip if ever they needed one. SAf have always been tough mean competitors. They have always been good fighters and disciplined in approach. At times one would scoff when they would choke. Gary Kirsten seemed to have replaced this choke with an extra spark plug. His success with Indian team and now with South African team is surely no coincidence. Steyn, Morkel, Philander with the wickets, Amla, Smith, Kallis with the runs, Duminy and Rudolph with meaningful contribution lead an all round and complete assault which saw England being bought down the ladder.

Ama kept batting, England bowlers would have seen enough of him but couldn't have a clue as to whats operating within Amla. He kept one end up, scoring runs, and the entire SAf team batted around him.

At the last session on the series, at one point there were four possibilities, a win either ways, draw and a tie. Baristow, Prior and Swann kept the SA in check, if only for a more meaningful partnership, this test match could have been one of the best comeback in the game by England. It wasn't to be. Also, Tahir operating round the wicket, didn't help matters. Tahir is not threatening enough or imaginative enough to use outside the leg stump line to good effect. Murali and Warne could don't think many bowlers can tie batsman down, claim wickets and make run getting difficult. Smith used him far too long from round the wicket. Prior was amused to say the least.

Two wickets in two balls sealed it for South Africa in the end. Philander with another five-for

I don't know who prepares cricket schedules or who they are settled. But surely whoever is in-charge of setting up schedules has no clue of the pulse of test cricket fans. I mean when top teams are playing is three test matches good enough? Isn't it a shame? Surely a lousy series against Aussies could have been done away with a couple of ODI from SAf should have done away with for a full five test match series. It is such a whimper. It is something that takes the interest away. I mean ODI are struggling for survival. If top teams are playing, it will give your more revenue if you play longer test series and shorter ODI series. T20 will get you the money anyways.

About: Indian Athletes in Olympics 2012

The four year event is just few hours away. The grandest celebration of sports the Olympics 2012 kickoff this time in London.  We Indians are a crazy lot, we know the passes Xavi made in 2012, we know the misses from Suarez, people remember the pit stop time of Ferrari in the last German Grand Prix. Ussain Bolt creates fervor and there is no one you will meet who doesn't worship Messi. Let us all Indians come together and celebrate all the Indian players taking part in various sports and disciplines in this summer Olympics 2012. Let every win by each athlete better the celebrations after Dhoni whacked one out of Wankhede and Diwali visited every Indians home before April 2011 ended.

India is sending her largest Olympic contingent ever, 58 men, 23 women in 54 events in 13 sports. Let us come together and let Mary Kom know that hands that rocks the cradle can also rock jaws. Let Ronjan Sodhi shoot the double trap down and Gangan Narang shoot from the hip. Let victory be sweet to Abhinav Bindra. Jwala Gutta and Diju create flutter in mixed double badminton let Ashwini return every Chinese smash. Let us drool on every drop shot with which Saina inches ahead. Let us the tell the women and men in Archery team Deepika Rani and Rahul Banerjee that no ones has rained arrows better at the bulls eye. Chekrovolu Swuro and Laishram Bombayla Devi spruce up the individual and team event in archery.

Let us all get together when Shivinder sets the cat among the pigeons with finesse, touch and skill when he scores in hockey. Let the Indian hockey captain Bharat Chhetri how courage and determination and stop everything that come his way. Sardara and Sunil and Tushar let us tell every one that hockey is still alive and kicking in the ruins and rubbled which was triggered by our hockey administrators. Let the world see Sushil Kumar's prowess when he carries the tricolour in his hands. Krishna Poonia and Vikas Gowda dent the track and field with the discuss throw. Let us back Somdev, Rohan, Leander and Mahesh and Sania to play their best tennis and get together for glory once more. Manoj Kumar and Vijender we know will punch with all their might and settle all the odds Indian athletes have been stacked by our privileged sports authorities(?).

Indian sport mired by callousness and apathy, best scene in the movie “Chak De India” sports other than Cricket, are kept out of peoples mind. Our athletes, have burden of such a large nation, they deserve better, in terms of how to learn and improve. Last year hockey TEAM was struggling to find finance of 1 Crore,a newbie in IPL may get 20 lakhs for every delivery he bowls. There lies a disconnect. I mean I don't know why government is managing sports. BCCI resembles a high power conference of Members of Parliament. It is not that politicians shouldn't be there, but somehow who can help make that particular sports better should be a welcome. A small change is there underway. But changing the whole mindset will take time, Our athlete till then will be continue to bear the burden of our expectations and sport administrators doubts.

I real want to see our athletes performing well. I believe if Indian athletes instead of competing with other athletes, imagine their sport administrations governing body members, then an Olympic medals should not be that tough to comeby. The list of athletes of Indian Contingent is here on this wiki link. It would be in many ways,be a proof that our athletes can compete and win against all odds (read as the system).

Best of luck to all of our athletes in all the events, who would be leading the front. I hope you give us all lot of memories to cherish and opportunity to write a few more inspiring tales. We are already proud of all our athletes.

This Post has been cross posted on a syndicate blog called - Sleepless in Cyberia

Cricket: Oval test review

Success and failure are part of life and sports. But Success tends to make us a reluctant students and failure is a hard task master. Failure and your enemy can be the best teachers you will come across. England went into this match in robes of numero uno team in test matches, lost it all. SAf were suppose to pose a stiff challenge,but England sitting on past laurels were caught napping when SAF batsmen were forging meaty partnerships. Smith, Amla and Kallis scored century with the bat and Anderson, Broad, Swann and Bresnan scored a century with their bowling. The batsmen helped themselves to big scores in the very first inning of the tour. The ball is literally in English bowlers court and they need to bounce back.

Well within the means, day one.

The English had a bad start, losing the captain Strauss in the first over, Morkle claiming him LBW with a delivery in the very first over, that was hitting middle of middle stump, following that dismissal, the SAf just looked very subdued all day. Trott and Cooked helped themselves on a slowish, docile pitch. SAf bowlers meanwhile had a tough day, were operating pretty much on half accelerator and second gear. English batsman through the first and second session kept scoring by mean of a good solid partnership, between Cook and Trott. They kept scoring the round against SAf bowlers who were not even half throttle.

Storm in the tea cup.

In the first two sessions SAf bowlers managed just a single wicket, after tea, Trott nicked a wide delivery and went caught behind. Pietersen fresh from retire, re-retirement from limited overs and IPL walked in, scored a few boundaries good looked for more. But there is no batsman playing International cricket who flatter to deceive like Pietersen. He came, he scored, he edged and he was gone. He scored a 40, got out. The English woes started when he went out. His dismissal was that point on the cliff when the descend started and ended with England capitulating with an inninsg to spare. After that no partnership lasted more than 10 overs or so for probably the whole match.

Day two exact opposite of day one, un-redux.

It seemed Steyn was just warming up. He kept the run flow in check on day one, build up to day two. We all know SAf didn't have all the practice they thought that was required. After summing and sizing the conditions on day one,SAf bowlers were back and back in style. Dale on top on his mark and peering down English batsman on the other end of the pitch. The bowler with one of the best strike rate in Test Match history was beginning to ask question without the batsmen having a sniff of a hint, The English batsmen came and went with their bats tugged into their arms and tail in between their legs. They were cruising at 271 for 3 and were reduced to 313 for 7. Cook, Bell, Bopara, Bresnan found themselves on bull eye of a raging Dale “Steyn Gunn” . The English lost their last Seven wickets for 114 runs. An interesting and a very long tale with no twists was about to unfold. England found themselves 385 all out.

1/1 bring on Hashim Amla.

Alviro Petersen got out for a duck. SAf were in a spot of bother Amla is a man of few words. It does not reflect his repertoire of strokes. Broad and Swann had worked him out when SAf hosted England in South Africa few years back. Both were at sea against Amla as he started rebuilding, hoisting his sails and steering the SAf ship away from England's grasp. Smith meanwhile seemed looking to get into an exclusive club of batsman who have scored century in their 100th test. He ground himself on the pitch and then pulverized the attack. When the big bliff Smith scores, he bludgeons bowling attack and makes a very big score. Smith and Amla cautiously stitched a very meaningful and vital 200 runs second wicket partnership. The English bowlers looked more helpless with each passing over. The second and third day being the easiest to bat on a traditional test match pitch. SAf batsmen are traditionally know how to trade caution and aggression, flair and grit. Smith was being outscored for a while by Amla. But story changed once he breezed past his fifty.

Amla being very choosy of what to play and how, every on middle and leg was played straight down, taking LBW out of equation. Every Indian batsmen wanting to score runs should get the CD of Amla innings and should force to see every ball he played. He for better part of the innings chose to stay in the middle there by scoring runs. He did this by playing percentage shots, his strengths, dab behind third man and cover, flicks to midwicket square leg if the ball pitched outside the line of leg stump. Amla scored a hundred and another hundred and another hundred in the same innings. A triple hundred in a test match is tough to get, getting against the Number One team in their own backyard is something worthy of respect.

Jacques Kallis the greatest unacknowledged.

Jacques Kallis is a Colossus. He has taken wickets scored century taken catches. He is a perfect team man. He came into this series with an average of 29 at the start of the tour. Flintoff was all over him last time around. He looks more eager now. Boucher injury has given him an extra reason, if ever he required one. He and Amla made sure England bowlers keep bowling, two days on the field is never fun. It means that team that behind the contest will never catch up and will have to play beyond their measure to get out of the jail. Kallis exactly ensured that. Amla, Smith and Kallis helped each other and SAf boasted a score of 637 for 2. The jury is out whether Smith called them in too early, it is perhaps the right call considering SAf won the test.

Not quiet England, the team.

English bowlers presented a very tired and lack luster body language. Yes there was nothing in that favour, Strauss is most into the box kind off campaign. I can ever see him instigating or engineering a turn around. His batsman score his bowlers take wickets. Pakistan humbled them in Dubai earlier this year. They were all at sea. Philander claimed Cook early, if there was anyone who could have batted for a draw it was Cook. Steyn, Morkel and Tahir broke the back of the batting line up. Steyn with the second new ball cleaned up the tail, Tahir collected three and Steyn five and SAf completed one of the most astounding victories we have witnessed. They won by an inning and 12 runs, losing only two wickets in the match. A superb effort.

England should bounce back probably on more responsive bouncier pitch.

Cricket: Preview SAf tour of England

South Africa Tour England for English summer of 2012. It is the fight for the Numero Uno status in the Test Arena. South Africa the eternal bridesmaid will eye a series win and repeat the victory of 2008. If only this was a full five test match series. I don't know who sets the cricketing calendar but surely this person is oblivious of want the fans are queuing up for. A premier Test Series like this one in which the top bracket teams are playing deserve a five test series. I believe premier ties like Indian-Pak, Indian-Aus, Aus-SAf, SAf-Eng deserve to be a five test series, if it means sacrificing a few dead ODI of T20 so be it.There was an additional wish that was lingering in my mind, an ODI series of Aus-SAf-Eng it would have been perfect. I think its the best series that never happened in some time now. It is sad to say the least. SAf start this series with absence of Mark Boucher. I know these two teams playing offer a lot but an indifferent English weather is the key to whole series.

Mark Boucher a Hero.

How brilliant was Mark Boucher? I mean yes he was best compared to Gilchrist for better part of his career. But I am sure Boucher could hold on to this game his own. His qualities, abilities and performances defy and outweigh his career stats. He was one player you would look forward to when the team wasn't doing good. He got out on a freakish injury when he was struck by a bail that flew off to hit his eye. It perhaps the saddest way to bow out. If you could imagine, its something like an opera singer gearing up for that finale only to retire because of sore throat. It is indeed sad and anti-climatic, unworthy and rude to someone like Mark Boucher. I hope Boucher provides an inspiration and hopefully South Africans will have some additional motivation to push for series win. Whoever replaces Boucher will have a huge role to fulfill. I thought in last few seaso Boucher was given a raw deal. He shouldnt have been dropped for 2011 World Cup considering he was the most adapt at playing spin especially on sub-continental pitches. He wasn't the first choice keeper for limited overs cricket for some time. Boucher has 999 dismals to his name. A huge Mountain to climb if somebody has to emulate and better him.

South Africa on the chase.

South Africa is one of the better teams, considering, discipline, fintess and ability to make runs especially in English condition. Smith, Kallis, De'Villers along with (Alviro) Petersen, Amla, Duminy and Rudolph. The SAf bat around Kallis who averages 29 against England in England, hoping he does better, considering he averages around 56 in tests otherwise. Kallis will have to do well if South Africa wishes to upstage England in their backyard. Smith will remember previous English tour with some sense of fondness, he has done well and he will have to set the tone and swagger as he opens the batting. Amla is a key componenet and provides variety in the Saf line up. DeVilliers is a top athelete and has had a very good last couple of season. He will be keep with Boucher injured may just alter his game. Rudolph knows the English condition as he has played first class county there, not sure he will have a role to play. Dumiy need to find more peaks to climb after some good performances early on in his career in Australia. But English attack is on ascendency and will test Duminy if and when he plays.

Dale Styen Gun will be al ready to fire on all cylinder with a formidable bowling attack. He is a key memeber who can have significant influence by taking and inducing wickets. Morkel, Philander, Tahir, Kallis, DeLange and other. It is a ver formidable attack Steyn will look to destroy and Morkel will look to bounce, Philander will look to outwit with cunning use of swing and seam. Tahir should play all tests. But Saf dont use spinners in an attacking role. Tahir himself will look to keep things tight. It will be interesting to see how Smith uses Tahir, SAf haave in recent years not have a leg spinner an attacking option. Smith should attack with Tahir,it will be very interesting how things unravel in the spin department. SAf will be facing Swan who is on top of the game at the moment.

It will be intersting. Dale versus Peitersen will be a treat to watch. I already cant wait to see this contest.I am not sure what playing eleven Saf choose but I hope their starting eleven is - (Alviro) Petersen, Smith, Amla, Kallis, DeVilliers, Rudolph, (Albie) Morkel, Steyn Philander, (Morne) Morkle, Tahir. 

 The English Challenge

English team seems to be one of the most settled teams, Strauss, Cook, Bell, Trott, Pietersen, Bopara, Prior, Broad, Swan, Bresnan, Anderson and others. They have enough in the batting line up to make run. The bowling also balances each other out in bowling. Anderson can seem to string the ball and bend it on will, Broad and Bresnan keep the batsman honest.  Broad has had very good few season. But SAf provide the English the toughest challenge since Pak toured England. Then English were faced wih some other challenges ad found themselves in some fix. Strauss and Cook like to bat long. Pietersen provides the oomph while Trott will provide the soothing effect, Bell and Bopara the key. English have enough riches with their tail often coming to fore front and scoring runs. Te bowling line up has variety in pace and spin. Swann will l pose some very interesting questions. Swan will be hoping he gets some purchase from the pitches.

The advantage they have had is they have already played a few test coming into this test. They will hope to get SAf early. Smith vs Strauss is another contest to look forward too.The weather and pitches hold key. 

The link to blog on previous tour of South Africa to England.