Killer Last Over

Killer Last Over

This title “Killer Last Over” strikes my mind while watching the IPL match between Delhi Daredevils and Chennai Super Kings. This was an important game for both the teams as both have lost their last match, In fact Super Kings were the suffering end in their last two encounters. Neither of them was in mood and in situation to face yet another defeat and looked much desperate to record a win. Especially for Dhoni’s super Kings this was a do or dies game after two successive and humiliating defeats at hands of Rajasthan Royals and Decan recharges.

As usual coin favored lucky fellow Dhoni and he invited home team to exhibit their batting skills, might the last two batting collapse of the team forced Dhoni for this decision otherwise this is almost a set trend of Dhoni to bat first after winning the toss. Delhi openers Shewag and Gambhir were in mood of giving yet another demonstration for their firing start and Delhi went on to score 46 runs with both the openers at the central 22 yards long strip, but before the Dhoni feel guilty of committing a mistake, stamps at the batting crease uprooted twice for the home team.

Fielding side was assuming a relief breeze after these two dismissals but Gambhir and Dhawan made sure non existence of it, as this pair went on to register the highest partnership of the tournament. Delhi went on to finish the allotted 20 overs with formidable total of 187 runs.

Till the end of 19th over of batting of Super King all was demonstrating daring and devilish powers of Delhi as the opponent need to score 15 runs from the last 6 ball of their inning. M.S. Goni went on to stroke the first ball of the over for the maximum and this over proved the Killer one for the Devils as with the last ball Kings made sure the killing of the devils. This was not the first instance as previously one such over, when Rajasthan Royals utilized last six balls to score the required 19 runs for victory and discharge the powers of one of the stronger contestant team of the title. While writing this match of Kolkatta Knight Riders and Royal Challengers went under the same phase of Killer over as Royals challenger were need of scoring 19 runs from last over for a victory. Mark Butcher started the over with hitting Sharma’s first ball across the boundary on ground levels, but this time Eshant was with very rigid frame of mind not to follow Australian Symonds at least for this and made sure a 5 run victory for the Riders.

IPL images & reflections

IPL images & reflections

Cricketing world is under the phase of being redefined under the influence of IPL a T20 cricket tournament, a BCCI organized sponsored competition. Primary image of Indian Premier League [IPL] is a tournament organized to face the challenges created by Indian Cricket League [ICL] organized by a private body of former cricket players lead by Great Kapil Dev Nikhaj, ever first genuine all rounder and most inspiring captain of India and sponsored by Essel group. IPL is also looked as the efforts of BCCI for keeping the undisputed and undivided rights of conducting the game of cricket on Indian land.

Look at the dominance and inflow of money with the IPL. Sponsored have paid approx. Rs. 43 Lakhs for the solitary run scored by star Indian wicket Keeper Mahindera Singh Dhoni in the match against the Rajasthan Royals. Delhi’s speedster Eshant Sharma, playing for Kolkata Knight Riders, is bowling in the tournament at the unbelievable rate of over Rs. 1.3 lakhs per ball. A few Australian players, like Bret Lee, Pointing, Symonds etc. who played in 3-4 matches of IPL and returned back to join their National team for touring to West Indies, have landed on the kangaroo land with money purses heavier even then that of an Australian player might have only after playing for two years for the national team.

Dominance of IPL, which in fun often called as Indian Paisa [Money] League on Indian land, is very much clear from the Shoaib Akhtar episode. This speedster from Pakistan was banned for five years by PCB for misbehavior on and off the field. This fast bowler was supposed neither to represent country nor to play any kind of cricket in the Pakistan, however PCB has allowed him to play cricket in other parts of the globe without representing Pakistan. IPL rules are very clear about the playing of banned players so even being very much eager Kolkatta Knight Riders have denied the participation of this speedster. This is the true reflection for the influence IPL have on the world cricket that PCB has forced to adjourn the ban till 3rd June 2008 so Shoaib can play in IPL. [Earnings of shoaib from IPL is much higher than what many players might earn by playing five years for the national team of Pakistan]. Just consider on one side PCB chief initiating a judicial suit against this fast bowler and on the other side same PCB is making sure for a crystal clear way of participation in IPL by this star speedster.

Another reflective image of IPL lies with creation of new line of difference among the players [though this was in existence with English County Cricket but was not so deeper]. Prior to IPL, players were getting unanimous remuneration for their participation in same tournament representing same team. These unanimous and equal rates of payments are now deposited with history. Look at earning of some of young star performers of IPL like, Virat Kohali, Yusuf Pathan, Sohil Tanvir etc. they are going to earn for playing in whole tournament much lesser than what some of their other team mates might be earning for playing in single match of same tournament and representing same team. Surely this earning difference is working with the psychic of players, deeper this valley of difference of remuneration, more the ups and down in the performance of the team.

Look at team performance of Rajasthan Royals, at the start of tournament team was with the lowest ranking for winning the tournament and today when we are at almost halfway of tournament, this, Halla Bol squad of Rajasthan Royals are leading the point table, just because with this team the money difference valley is narrowest in comparison on other teams.

Last but not the least image of IPL, this tournament has not left anything unturned for making this gentleman game, a racecourse. Starting from the franchise of team to picking the players for the team, nothing was hidden, each and every thing was available for biding and all this was giving the look of crucial olden days of Slave market.

Positive and shining reflection of IPL lies with the performance by the Indian players which is on the way of proving that this is the tournament of dominance by Indians in the cricketing world. Highest Individual inning record is not with an Indian but a musical chair race is on between Rohit sharma, Gautam Gambhir and Shewag for being the highest run scorer of the tournament at present the “Orange cap” is changing hands in succession with them.

Pakitani speedster Sohil Tanvir exposed the magical rabbit under hat by taking record 6 wickets for just 14 runs while playing against the Super Kings but still Indian Irfan Pathan playing for Kings Eleven is the highest wicket taker of the tournament till date. All rounder Yusuf Pathan is miles and miles ahead of well known names from other countries and playing in IPL.

Coming to captaincy, the only foreign captain Shane Warne playing for Rajasthan Royals is on success run and creating new definitions for leading a cricket team but still with the daring decisions MS Dhoni and innovating inspiring game plans Shewag and Yuvraj are the front runners. It will be a genuine treat for cricket lovers from all part of world to be witness for the captaincy tactics, after a long time, of master blaster Sachin Tendulkar as and when he comes out from injury and start leading Mumbai Indians.

Formal Chat

Formal Chat

It was to almost 11 pm and at my home all was set for going to bed, she was about to switch off the light when my cell started to sing “Azi ruthkar kar Kanha Jayaega, Jahana Jayaega Hume Payaega.” I was surprised, why Kishori is calling me at this time but the answer was only best known to him so I decided to pick the call not because I was much eager to know the reason but as I know the fact on the basis of my past experience if I don’t pick, Kishori will keep on disturbing at least for next 2 hours with numerous old songs and unfortunately today I was not in position of switching of my mobile as one of our relative was coming from Pune and was reaching Kolhapur late in night. For my new blog readers Kishori Lalsingh Pahalwan is a traditional wrestler who turned into politicians. Any way I picked the call and this was Kishori at other end.

My regular blog readers will surely recall my last meeting with Kishori Lalsingh Pahalwan for knowing his reactions for the recommendations of sixth pay commission. Before he complains about not meeting with him since last seven days, I promise him to be there in at his palace like house in the morning to give him company on his routine morning walk but before my wife put off the lights my mobile once started singing “Aayega Ayega Aayega Aanewala Aayega”, You correctly judged this was again Kishori for being sure about my company on morning walk on next morning.

Next Morning I was there but as this was raining so for a while we sit in open shed and with the sips of hot tea Kishori started the discussion. Netaji seemed bubbling with vocabulary as he started on the cricket a topic of my choice; apparently he looked worried over the recent development of Indian cricket team on the issue of senior and junior players. He was also not happy with BCCI, for not helping out to Sunil Gavaskar for the fight against the ICC, this supreme authority looked determine to force Gavaskar to leave the President ship of the committee on the issue of his criticize of match referee Mr. Proctor, on the issue of Sydney test between India and Australia.

We were on the walk on specially constructed covered footboard with the boundary walls of the house and hot tea was not proving sufficient to melt the ice of silence which started to get deeper and deeper between both of us. “S. P. Sir, how are your relation with Mr. Chandra?”

I was surprised at this sudden question but our previously on going discussion and my common sense spontaneously suggested me that Netaji might be talking about Shri. Subash Chandera, the chairman of Zee Television Network, so I replied “NO, Kishori Ji I never met with him, but what happen?”

“Nothing abnormal but there were reports that when you were in Delhi for the five day shooting schedule of “Public Ka Vittmantri” at Zee studios, he was also there so I thought you both might have developed a good understand for each other in these five days.”

I was wondering over the imaginary powers of Naetaji, what a thought as I and Subash chandera both were in the capital city of the country and not only both we meet but find time sufficient to develop understanding for each other, but my thought process was interrupted with the voice of Netaji.

“Look how he is working, he has engaged Mithun dada for giving fight to SRK in Kolkatta, I am wondering for his wisdom how he forget that original Dada [Sourav] is with us. I was thinking of conveying a message to him, as the Maharashtrian king of farmers is controlling the activities of the cricket in the country and presently he is not opposing the high command but in fact proving a great help for us at center in keeping the left parties under control, so activities of this type by him might provoke anger of high command and if it happen it will be much troublesome for his business enterprises.”

There was nothing to reply but the eager and concentrated eyes of Netaji were prompting me for being vocal but before this influencing atmosphere results in an action from my vocal chord, Neatji’s Cell started to sing “Aaya aaya Tufan, Bahaga Bhaga shaitan”. I don’t know who was at the other end but this call has disturbed kishori such that he dropped his routine walk and we started to return back. I asked permission to go back to my home; Netaji was still in some what worried mood and told me.

“Sir ji, keep in touch and keep on visiting at regular intervals and yes do think of my today’s question about cricket and do come with some positive thoughts for our next meeting”.

I left Netaji with his cell phone which by this time have started to sing “Jina Yahan Marana Yahan Iske Siyai Jana Kanhan”.

Cricketing controversy

Cricketing controversy

It is often said success always try to run into your head and at least at present most of the Indian cricket lovers and former players are of the opinion that success is running into the head of Indian captain M S Dhoni especially after his statement about the inclusion of the senior players into the plating squad for the ODI.

Why there is so much unrest and anguish for the Dhoni? If we look at the history of the game, this is always the captain of the team who is blamed most for the defeat of the team and has to face the criticism, even at some times is forced to leave the captaincy of the team. It is still alive in the memories that not only S. Shrikant [after the defeat in Pakistan] but many more Indian captains have gone under the same situation. In these conditions if a captain is expressing his preferences and priorities about the team composition and asking for selecting team of his choice than what is wrong in it?

We are living in the age of professionalism and killer instant has become the most important aspect of the game for the winning. Every captain is supposed to come out with a definite game plan for the victory. Cricket being the team game one has to depend a lot on the performance of other players of the team as for as winning is concerned. In these conditions it is natural right of the captains to have the players in the team who can be the most suitable for implementing his game plan for the victory.

If we look at Dhoni’s statement in this context nothing will appear abnormal and he can be appreciated for having a clear attitude but one thing which might Dhoni forget and which is causing the evolution of this storm is that we are Indians and we have a great respect, higher than human from any other part of the world, for our elders and heroes. When we talk of senior players like Sachin, Dravid, Sourav Ganguli or Even Laxman all of them have a proven record of serving the game and playing for the pride of nation. There abilities and commitment towards the game is beyond doubts and have given their best years of life for the success of Indian cricket team more ever still their game skills and playing abilities specially of sachin Ganguli are adequate to meet with the modern demands of the game even in the ODI format of the game. Secondly still in our country, sending the old aged parents to old age homes is treated as the mark of failure in fulfilling the responsibilities.

Players like the Sachin and Sourav have done a lot for the game and still they are performing well hence as the mark of respect we must leave it with them when they decided to call it a day for themselves. Here, I would like to quote Ishant sharma, when after returning from successful tour of Australia, he was asked about the experiences there, his reply was the that the most moral boosting thing of the tour was the sharing the thoughts and game plan with the players like Sachin, who had spend years on the cricket grounds almost equal of his age. Surely the physical abilities of human beings are always show a decline with growing age but that doest prove sufficient to mark end for the utility of the person concerned. The age factor has started to work against the fielding capacities of these senior players but still their talent, commitment and experience are compensating their this shortcoming and more importantly they are working for guiding the younger players and helping to build the future team by their presence in the team.

Can Dhoni even dare for dreaming of defeating Australia in Australia if he can keep performance of senior players like Sachin apart? The killing instant and aggression which is shown by the Indian team in the recent one year or so is an overnight developed attitude? Surely not, the present killing instant, zeal of winning and will of raising the performance under the pressures are the result of hard work and dedication of the players like Sachin Sourav and Dravid for over the years, considering all this we cay surely Dhoni has done a thing which doesn’t stands with the moral behavior of Indians.

If we go with the verbal meaning of statement given by Dhoni, This is objectionable at least the timing and way is surely but if we look at this as the attitude it will look a very great vision. Any way it will be more interesting to see reaction of Dhoni for such statement in coming few years. After all players like Sourav Ganguli, the most successful and inspiring captain has been force to leave the space vacant for captaincy by other and same will happen with Dhoni in few years from now. Most probably Dhoni missed that, surely it is the youth who can build the future building but this is to be build on the foundation stone provided by the elderly persons.

Twist of Selecting Indian Cricketers

Twist of Selecting Indian Cricketers

The mighty Australians are still not able to digest the ODI home series defeat at the hands of young Indian team and Indians are willing to keep continue to be in celebration mood for the this victory and winning of under 19 world cup cricket on the same day. As the world witness many sunrises since these two happenings hence the things started to settle down in to history book.

It is often said that every sunrise is bound to bring new hopes and new challenge together. Sunrise of this March 17th is going to bring a genuine challenge for the selectors of Indian cricket team as they have to pick the team for the home test match series against the newly ICC ranked No. 1 team of South Aferica. The twist of selection lies in the untold war of seniors and youngsters and gets more twisted turn with the report of physical trainer about the fitness problem of many players. It is fact that in the recent almost one year dominance of youth has been increased in the Indian team but no one will dare to deny the role played by the seniors in the recent victories of the team.

Forget about the selection committee because they know their job better and Indians are become habituate to bear the shock of one / two unexpected inclusion / exclusion in every selected team. Here we will try to find out the ideal composition of the cricket team.

The ideal composition of team is the five batsmen one wicket keeper batsman and five specialist bowlers with at least one batting all-rounder. Considering the Indian strength over the years with the aspect of batting and spin bowling and recent development of speedsters the ideal composition of team will be six batsman, one wicket keeper and four bowlers.

India is emerging as the new champion in the world cricket not of recent wins like the Twenty-20 World cup, beating Australia in Australia and winning the under-19 world but because of the strong bench strength on which Indians seems to be marching ahead of rest of the world.

Though it is said openers are the problems for the Indian team but look at options available for the selection committee
1. Gautam Gambhir
2. Wasim Jaffer
3. Aakash Chopara
4. Virendra Shewag

When we turn to middle order the option range become much more, wider with
1. Rahul Dravid
2. Sachin Tendulkar
3. Sourav Ganguli
4. V V S Laxman
5. Yuvraj Singh
6. Suresh Raina
7. Robin Uthappa
8. Mohd. Kaif
In the bowling department options available for the selection include the names [Zahir Khan being not fit is excluded from the list]
1. Anil Kumbale
2. Harbhajan Singh
3. Piyush Chawala
4. R. P Singh
5. S. Shreesanth
6. Ishant Sharma
7. Praveen Kumar
8. Murali Kartik
Indian players are facing the pressures of long schedules ahead of them at least till the end of this years they have to play back to back matches and series and surely it will be a true test for them to play the IPCL in famous Indian hot summer of months of April and May though the matches will be played late in the evening and will completed in just three hours but being of twenty 20 format, these three hours will be sufficient to absorb much of water from the fitness ocean of the players. Keeping all this I will pick the following 15 players [in order of batting]

1. Virendra Shewag
2. Gautam Gambhir
3. Rahul Dravid
4. Sachin Tendulkar
5. Saurav Ganguli
6. V V S Laxman
7. M S Dhoni
8. Irfan Pathan
9. Anil Kumbale
10. R. P Singh
11. Pravin Kumar
12. Ishant Sharma
13. Yuvraj Singh
14. Robin Uthappa
15. Piyush Chawala

I had preferred to rest Harbhjan just because of long schedule ahead and give yet another go for the young Piyush chawala to prove his worth. Having just one spinner in the playing eleven might also invite criticism from the giants of the game but considering the ability of rolling the arm over of Sachin and Shewag I can justify my selection however picking the playing eleven will be the right of team management who will be in better position to have measures of ground realities on those particular days of match. There is dispute over the fitness of Yuvraj and if he is rule out this ground I will prefer to include Suresh Raina, even S Badrinath who is not included in the options any where might get consideration here.