5 Reasons Why IPL-5 Will Be a Success

So, its that time of the year again! India's annual summer cricket and entertainment bonanza is here. IPL-5 faces some real credibility issues with its previous edition being lackluster and uninspiring to say the least. But the last edition's low makes me believe that IPL, this year, can only zoom upwards. Forget about the not-so-good opening ceremony (I liked it anyway), the controversies just ahead of the league and other flip-flops, I have my own reasons to believe (and hopefully make you believe) that IPL-5 should be a success story. Here are the 5 reasons:

1. No World Cup Hangover- Its been exactly an year since we won the Cup of Joy. Since then, lot of water has passed under the dam of Indian cricket. We have taken the law of gravity way too seriously, diving towards the ground very quickly quickly after reaching that peak on April 2, 2011. The cricket fans badly need a reason to rejoice and jump up in excitement. Trouncing in England and Australia has taken the sheen off Indian cricket. IPL could well be that balm which will sooth the nerves of distressed spectators. Last year's IPL suffered heavily because the fans were yet to get out of the World Cup euphoria. They were not able to digest a Sachin taking on Dhoni, days after they together danced with that coveted trophy. There was also the 'fatigue' factor and that natural phenomenon of 'low' after achieving a remarkable high.

2. Icons Will Strike Back- Sachin stepping down from Mumbai Indians' captaincy is the last cog in the wheel. Fans should expect all their 'icon players' to shine in IPL this year and I am not saying it just like that. Sachin is free from the burden of his 100th 100 and stepping down from captaincy will only make him lighter. With speculations rife about whether or not the Little Master is now truly well past his prime, I am sure Sachin would let his batting do the talking. Expect a free, fearless and 'enjoying his game' kind of performance from the great man this season. Same goes with Rahul Dravid, another icon player who will take the IPL plunge just for the sheer love of the game. Sehwag, with abundant negativity surrounding him, will also be keen on proving a few points. Ganguly, that never-ending fairytale of India cricket, is excited like a teenager for the IPL. With the Pune franchise giving him free hand, and an exciting pool of players at his disposal, he and his team are my dark horses for this season. And last but not the least, MS Dhoni will also take up IPL as a nice little spa session. With plenty of criticism coming his way in the last one year, Dhoni would like to unwind and relax by playing a few helicopter shots.

3. Fresh Looking Teams, Better Format- There were too many matches in the last season. IPL-5 looks in better shape with one team less and fewer matches. Also, the fresh trading of players has added an element of novelty to the teams, with their core remaining intact. Although, I believe that it should be the last time when open auctions occurred in IPL. The fans must be allowed to develop that emotional connect with their players and the team because that's the epitome of city-based sports league. Too much of shuffle, chopping and changing is not desired.

4. Lesser Controversies/Negativity- Lalit Modi is out of the picture and his shadows are not that long anymore. The shady Kochi franchise is also out of the league and the financial dirt and mud has also settled down. This year's IPL can only look forward after hitting a roadblock last time around. Barring the Sahara fiasco, IPL this year has managed to keep its slate clean. Somehow I feel that relatively low hype and hysteria would help IPL 'build' its own credibility. If cricketers click (which they will), IPL will be back on track.

5. IPL Remains a Legitimate Sporting Product- At the end of the day, it is all about quality of cricket on display. From a little know Paul Valthaty to an ageless wonder like Warne, IPL has been the garden of floral magnificence of all kind. And with new exciting talents like Tamim Iqbal, veterans like Ganguly and Dravid, and other domestic/international players all set to sizzle, IPL assures you of high quality cricket, if not anything else.

With first two days showcasing top four teams of last year, I expect the IPL-5 to hit the right notes from Day 1. The icing on the cake would be if the underdogs like Pune and Kings XI manage to get a good start this season. IPL must live up to its core promise of being unpredictable and exciting. And a good week or so of exciting cricket will be reason enough for estranged IPL lovers to jump back on to the bandwagon.

I am On. Are you?

3 Idiots/ Waiting for Godot

Virender Sehwag is the most irritating player to have ever graced the game of cricket. Yes, he has achieved great personal milestones and made a huge impact on the fortunes of his team, but his self-indulgence and gloated personality makes me virtually hate him. His carefree attitude, both in life and cricket, borders on carelessness. This is not all, he takes pride in being careless and reckless, as if his stupid so-called candid statements make him a dream man for Indian females. He does not know the meaning of word humble, does not know how to handle the media or does not know how to speak at first place. At yesterday’s press conference after India’s crushing defeat at the hands of Lankans, Sehwag was his usual stupid self, throwing himself deeper and deeper into the web of questions weaved by the media.

 

He did not show an iota of remorse or shame at his terrible batting form and his team’s pathetic all-around display. Instead, he used the occasion to bare open his seemingly irreconcilable differences with Captain MS Dhoni. By the end of the conference, it was clear that his ego has been hurt after Dhoni blew the lid off the infamous rotation policy. Sehwag must realize that he is no holy cow, he is no Sachin Tendulkar. He has been dumped from the side in the past and there is no reason why he can not be shown the doors yet again. His batting is poor and detrimental to team’s interests, his attitude is arrogant and un-sportsman like.

This brings me to Captain Cool turned Captain Fool MS Dhoni. He has clearly lost the plot. Sad and surprising, for a man who seemed so much in command not so long ago. With 2 World Cups and No. 1 Test Ranking under his belt, MS looked invincible as a captain, to say the least. Everything he touched turned into gold, every move he made turned out to be a decisive step. Lady luck was his muse and the country could not believe how a man can be so composed even after having virtually the entire world at his disposal.

But 8 overseas defeats in a row and there are chinks in the armor for everyone to see. MS has become more and more imprudent in media management, his on-field captaincy has taken a tragic turn and his very place in the test side looks pretty much in danger. He is no more a captain who backs his players. Some of his decisions off late, smack of partisanship and favoritism. His cricketing decisions are backfiring like never before, the infamous rotation policy being the latest example. More ominously, Dhoni is losing the dignity and respect captain commands within his team. The seniors are unhappy, and he himself is doing nothing to reach out to them. His ‘confessions’ in the media, be it about the top 3 being slow fielders or his retirement plans in 2013, appear to be amateurish rather than candid.

And there is this 3^rd dimension to the Team India’s woeful media management Down Under. Gautam Gambhir seriously needs a few lessons in yoga and meditation. He always looks so combative and serious. I remember seeing his marriage photographs. Poor Mrs. Gambhir! That ultra serious attitude shows in the kind of statements he makes in the media. Caution and restrain is something that he should learn or else forget about taking up the top job once the Dhoni era is gone.

And heroics of the 3 Idiots aside, there is a raging debate over whether Sachin Tendulkar should be dropped from ODI squad or the little master himself should hang his boots. It’s amazing how fortune changes. And even more amazing the kind of fickle memory we, the cricket lovers have. Though I believe that April 2, 2011 was the perfect date for Sachin to retire from One-day cricket, I am against even the faintest of cry for the great man’s ouster from the side. But again, I also believe that Sachin must not be allowed to pick and choose matches he wants to play. Clearly, playing ODIs after almost a year is not helping his cause in Australia. Sachin’s random choices are also not helping the cause of youngsters who strive hard to make their way in the team.

Sachin Tendulkar has literally achieved everything in shorter format of the game. It’s time he should take a call on his future in One-day cricket. This will help him unwind and concentrate. And who knows that elusive 100^th ton may come just after that clutter is removed from his mind. Sachin’s wait for his personal milestone is turning out to be utterly tragic and anti-climatic. Many have started to wonder whether the wait for Sachin's 100th 100 will end up like the one for Godot!

It will be a dream headline – “Sachin Emulates Don, Retires at 99”

Virat's Middle Finger: Message for us

I, like any other cricket fan, was very excited for the 'Agneepath Series'. The grand cricket stadiums, be it in Sydney, Melbourne or Adelaide, the green grass shying under the sunny sky, the enthusiastic crowd and of course the sheer 'quality' of cricket on display. The mere visualization of these images was very thrilling.

However, two weeks since the first ball of the Boxing Day Test was bowled, we all know the picture has changed dramatically. Aussies have steamrolled the higher-ranked Indian side with utter disdain and a complete whitewash looks pretty much unavoidable. The ease with which this supposed 'weak' Australian side has beaten India in all the forms of the game, is very alarming. So, where does the blame lie? Who is responsible for the massacre Down Under?

Yes, here lies the problem. You can not and you should not blame the Indian bowling. Bowlers were never expected to create havoc at first place. In fact, barring the run riot in the batting paradise called Sydney, Indian bowlers, especially the seamers, have done a decent job on the tour so far. Umesh Yadav looks brilliant, Zaheer is erratic but efficient, Ishant is giving in everything and Ashwin is not the first spinner in history who has failed in Australia. Also, one should not forget that the likes of Clarke, Ponting and Hussey have hit form just when it mattered. And these players have always loved to perform against important teams, on big occasions. Sometimes, you should also acknowledge opposition's strengths rather than just sulking over your weaknesses.

Next up, let's talk about the captain cool. Dhoni, now has lost 6 overseas Tests in a row. A pathetic record for the twice World Cup winning captain, who also helped India top ICC Test rankings. But again, it will be too harsh to hunt his head down for these defeats. Does India have an alternative? Sehwag is too old and unimaginative to be made the Test Captain. Sachin wont walk down the fiery lane. Selectors will not think of giving the mantle to Dravid. The only 'established' young player in the side, Ganbhir, is still trying to establish himself!

Now, the final and the most probable suspects, the batsmen. Yes, Indian batting needs to owe up the responsibility. Bulk of the blame should go to Sehwag, Laxman, Dravid, Gambhir, Dhoni, Kohli and even Sachin for failing to fire individually as well as in unison. Sehwag looks very lethargic and his hand-eye co-ordination has deteriorated. I am almost confident that this is his last tour down under. Gambhir has some serious technical shortcomings, but he deserves praise for digging it out at SCG. Dravid has miraculously created a 'gate' between his bat and the legs. He is also looking very scratchy, unlike his fluent demeanor during the English tour. Laxman is in horrible form, he was lucky to score that fifty at SCG. It is clear, Laxman is well past his prime. Kohli must be learning a few lessons in batting on this tour. While his poor outing is sure to teach him a lesson, Indian prospects are taking a beating in the process. Dhoni hardly looks a test batsman. In fact, his overall batting prowess comes cropper once he steps out of Indian soil. His wicket-keeping has been brilliant on this tour, but he does not deserve a place in the side on the merit of his batting.

And finally, let's talk about the master. Sachin looks the best Indian batsman by a long distance. But it is amazing how the greatest batsman of the world gets affected when he reaches that remarkable milestone. Let's face it, we all have been seeing it! Sachin Tendulkar does get very cautious and tentative as soon as he reaches the late 70s. His eloquence vanishes, boundaries dry up and a thick shell is created all around him. Tendulkar is most vulnerable (in Test cricket) when he plays for time. And he has been doing so throughout this tour. Whether it is for any approaching break (lunch, tea, stumps) or that coveted milestone. Believe it or not, Sachin's 100th 100 has become a huge psychological bogey both for him and the team.

But all said and done, we can not make too many changes in the batting. There are no openers other than Viru and Gambhir. Dravid, even with that 'gate', is the best bet at no. 3. Sachin is Sachin. You may think of scalping VVS' head, but do not forget that he has done too many good things in Australia, and against Australia. Moreover, you can not risk playing two absolute youngsters at no. 5 and 6 (Rohit and Virat). What if they fail? Will you drop them as well? Let's not throw these talented batsmen in fire straightaway. And Dhoni of course will continue to be number 7 till he is the captain of the Test side. So, the only possible, and actually needless, change is bringing in Rohit Sharma in place of Virat Kohli. How does it matter? 

So, a team that has lost 6 overseas test matches in a row, can only afford to make one or at most two changes in the playing XI. This is the biggest problem. We have no option but to silently wait for the inevitable. With his middle finger, Virat, unintentionally, has sent a very lucid message back here in India.

Osama, Anna & the World Cup- News Events 2011

News is a subjective term. Journalists, communicators and sociologists have tried to define and interpret the term 'news' in their own ways. Despite the variance in the overall perception and definition, few characteristics remain universal in the term that has become so common in our daily lives. So, news is something that affects us directly, influences our thoughts/opinions and has certain 'proximity' and 'relativity' with us, the consumers of news.

2011 was a remarkable year in terms of news making and breaking. World, especially the Middle East, witnessed an unprecedented wave of protests against autocratic regimes, US killed the man who brought the Twin Tower down and our own Men in Blue won the Cricket World Cup at the home soil. All of this and much more shaped India's and the world's fortunes in 2011. With the new year already in full swing, its time to reflect upon 10 News Events that affected me, you and all of us the most in the year 2011-

1. Tere Bin Laden- He lived near one of the safest places in Pakistan, contrary to the popular belief that he must be hiding in caves and mountains of Afghanistan. After tracking his movements for several years, Uncle Sam finally struck, killing the World's Most Wanted Terrorist, right under the nose of an embarrassed and humiliated Pakistan. SEALs became a term synonymous with courage and US finally had something to cheer about in its War on Terror. And what about Pakistan? We all have been knowing and saying that. They are the ultimate bastards turned jokers. (Click here to read more on Laden)



2. I was alive when India Won the World Cup!- Exactly a month before Laden's killing, this dream drama unfolded at Mumbai's Wankhade Stadium. Dhoni hit the ball for a six to add that final jewel in Sachin's crown. Tears of joy, celebratory hugs, beer mugs, mad shouting- all of this followed after that memorable finale, both among the players and the fans. I had my share of fun at the India Gate. :) (Click here to read more)

3. I am Anna! to Who is Anna?- Anna Hazare, a 70-something Gandhian rose to national and global limelight for demanding a 'Strong JanLokapl' and leading an unprecedented mass protest against corruption. The sleepy middle class of India came out of its slumber and showed rare solidarity with Hazare's noble cause . Soon, metros and small cities across India were filled with angry protesters wearing 'I am Anna' caps. The UPA government buckled under pressure on few occasions, only to resume its cat and mouse game later on. After a long drawn slug fest with the government and his own over ambitiousness as well as stubborn attitude, Anna Hazare finally lost the plot towards the fag end of 2011. The anti-corruption movement as well as ailing Gandhian, now, look set to vanish in oblivion. (Read more on Anna Hazare)

4. A world of free Muslims- As most legends and romantic fables would have it, the story started when a vegetable seller set himself on fire in tiny Arab nation called Tunisia. He was not happy with autocratic president and his goons, who took away his livelihood. His sacrifice paved way for the JASMINE REVOLUTION. A first of its kind in Muslim world, at least in the recent memory. The flames of revolution reached Egypt, Yemen, Bahrain, Libya and Syria. It still threatens to engulf other Gulf nations, the iconic Monarchy of Saudi Arabia included in the list. Quite satisfactorily, social networking played a very crucial role in the build up. And we thought, Muslims only create groups on facebook to banish India, Israel, US and that Danish cartoonist. (Read more on Arab Spring)

5. End of Tyranny or the Beginning?- Rebels and the NATO forces finally hunted down Colonel Gadaffi  ending more than 4 decades of dictatorship in Libya. . He was severely beaten up, abused and finally shot in head. But the question is who gave the NATO and the US the right to kill Gadaffi? And who will care for human rights violations? Did not Gadaffi deserve a better treatment?

6. Price Rise/ Inflation- Petrol and Sachin got in an amazing duel in 2011. Who will first reach the 100 mark? However by now, we know that none of them have actually touched the coveted milestone. On a serious note, the Aam Admi suffered heavily due to rising food and petrol prices throughout the year. Government played hide and seek  by raising and lowering the petrol price as per its convenience. And of course, we know that the government has decontrolled the petrol prices and it does not have any say in fluctuation of rates. Yawn.

7. Bengal Tigress Conquers the Red Fort- No, no. I am not saying this literally. I am talking of Mamata Banerjee's historic assembly election victory in West Bengal. Didi's Trinamool-Congress Alliance drove the CPM-led Left Front out of Bengal, by securing a thumping two-third majority in the state assembly. Left's 34-year relentless rule finally ended, thanks to Banerjee's doggedness and never say never attitude. (Click here to read more on Bengal)

8. Japan Earthquake-Nuclear Disaster- World watched in utter horror as a devastating earthquake hit Japan triggering Tsunami. The quake was worst of its kind in Japan and one of the 5 most powerful earthquakes in recorded human history. Thousands of people were killed and millions were rendered homeless in this horrific natural disaster. Nuclear accidents further aggravated the situation, bringing back memories of troubled Japanese past. Many could not help but wonder is this the beginning of the end of this world?

9. Eurozone crisis-Indian bubble burst?- In 2011, European economy crumbled like a pack of cards. Greece was brought down to its knees, so were other EU giants including the UK and Italy. Back home, Indian economy also slowed down due to a dismal industrial growth and lack of reforms (FDI fiasco). Indian rupee fell sharply compared to the US dollar and the Sensex plummeted downwards. All of these developments sparked speculations about the Great Indian Story coming to an end.

10. Ra.One in your face!- Yes, Shah Rukh Khan's ambitious superhero flick Ra.One broke all the precedents by embarking on a never seen before promotional trail. Nearly two dozen brand tie-ups, 9 month promotional campaign on TV and Internet, add to it an energetic but frail King Khan hopping from city to city. Easily the most talked about and publicized Hindi film in recent memory, Ra.One went on to break some records at the Box-Office. The film set new record for highest ever collection in a single day (Rs. 25 Crore), Highest collection on Diwali day (Rs. 15 Crores approx) and highest opening weekend collection. The film received mixed reviews and garnered sharply divided opinions from the audience. (Read more on Ra.One)


I know it is very difficult to define what is important and what is not. The level of difficulty goes up b a few notches in case of 'news'. With so much happening each and every day, in all parts of the world and in all spheres of the life, it is almost impossible to keep track of everything that qualifies as news. Here, I have tried to list out all top news events not just from India but from world over/ The challenge was zero down on a few events from a sea of information. Also, let me clarify that the order of the news events does not matter, India winning World Cup may be top on your list or come further down. But I am sure, all these 10 news events must have affected you in some way or the other.

Let us hope for similarly eventful but a happier 2012!

India Defeated: The Way Forward

India's Tour of England: Mid-Series Analysis

Dignity is of paramount importance. Men who fail to guard their dignity are worse than those who do not have any dignity at first place. Dhoni and  his Men suffered second humiliating defeat in a row at the hands of a rampaging English side, which seems to be getting better with every single match. Those 319 runs were not just mere numbers but a reminder to the Indian Team that it can not take its No. 1 test spot for granted. England outplayed India in all departments of the game by putting up a remarkable team effort. This humiliating loss has tarnished the very 'seat' of World's No.1 Test Team. More than loss, it was the manner in which we lost, will haunt us for a long time.

At the halfway stage, series is heavily dominated by England with a commanding 2-0 lead, which only needs to be maintained or bettered to occupy the No.1 test status. England are a very well balanced side with genuine fast bowlers and quality all-rounders, two category of gems that India lacks. India have lot to ponder upon. Lets find out what troubles India and what can be done to restore some of the lost pride in the next two tests:

• Touted as the mainstay of the team, India's batting has failed to deliver. Barring Dravid, no other batsman has shown the guts to stand before the English trio of Anderson, Bresnan and Broad. Abhinav Mukund seems to have been pushed into test arena, a bit too early. Laxman has not been able to convert starts into something significant. Sachin has looked patchy and uncertain. Raina and Yuvraj are unpredictable. MS Dhoni's horrible test record is only getting worse.
• The only quick remedy for batting woes seems to be Virender Sehwag. When Sehwag fires at top, the middle order usually responds with batting masterpieces. Without a good opening stand, India's middle order fails to deliver, most of the times.
• Injuries seem to have developed a special liking for Indians. Blame it on excessive cricket or overall poor fitness of Indian cricketers, but we surely missed Zaheer, Sehwag and Gambhir. But I believe, World's Best Test Team should have a lizard's tail. These 3 should have been missed. But they were made to look like indispensables!
• If Gambhir and Sehwag do come back for the next game, India should get its batting order in place. There is too much confusion in the middle. There is uncertainty and disorder in the Indian ranks.
• Harbhajan Singh should be dropped. No arguments. Period.
• MS Dhoni: Next time you win the toss, elect to bat first. By electing to field, you not only underplay what you consider as the greatest strength of your team but also end up playing 'catch up' game throughout the match. 

The morale of Indian team must be in the dire straits. It needs that one moment of celebration, inspiration and probably one-handed brilliance to resurrect its fortunes. It could, ideally, be any one or a combination of more than one, of the following events:

• Sachin scores his 100th 100 and you will suddenly see a changed Indian team. There would be a spring in the feets and reassurance in the dressing room.
• Sehwag gives India a flying start, scores blazing hundred on Day 1 of the next match. India end up with nearly 400 runs on first day with only a couple of wickets down!
• Sreesanth rips through English top order, bags a fiver for himself. And breaks into a jig.
• The captain cool silences all critics with a responsible hundred. His first on foreign soil.

This is not wishful thinking. Nor is this fanciful summer retreat. All of this has happened before. And there is no reason why it can not happen again (what if there are some 'firsts' in the list!). We have our hopes and prayers intact.


P.S- On what has been a very poor series for Indians so far, Two Captains of the team have Glittered Brightly. While MS Dhoni, the man in-charge of the operations right now, perhaps took the most intelligent decision of his career by recalling Bell Post-Tea, Sourav Ganguly, India's Original Captain Courageous, beautifully deflated Miachel Vaughan's cheap publicity campaign, both in and out of the studio. Till we have great captains like them, there is always bucket full of hopes.

Cup of Joy: An Alternate Reality

April 2, 2011 must be feeling like an over-milked cow. The day was anticipated, much before its eventual arrival, thanks to the media frenzy and those 'Kings of Cricket' sitting, high and handsome, in the studios. When the fateful day finally arrived, the world seemed to have come to a halt. India and Indians were singing, dancing and hugging each other, from Bhagalpur to Birmimgham. It was perhaps the most emotional moment for Modern India.

But is this triumph only about painted faces, hoarse voices and SMS rhetoric? Does a World Cup victory stand prominent only because it happened after 28 years? Mauling the Lankans, Taming the Aussies and overcoming the Pakistanis, is that all what we sought? Perhaps not.

• The World Cup victory confirms, once again, that cricket is the greatest binding force in this country. Two of its nearest rivals, politics and cinema, seem to be fading away in comparison. While politicos are getting neck-deep in dirt day by day, cinema seems to be developing and defining its own varied target audience. The universal appeal seems to have waned from films, barring a few like Dabangg. However, cricket seems to be nullifying the 'niche' phenomenon. I, myself, do not remember how may people hugged me and did a high-five at India Gate on that fateful night.
• This triumph comes as a relief for the common Indian man, who was reeling under a series of shocking scams, raging inflation and a certain degree of gloominess. This victory makes us believe that we have finally arrived, and are a force to reckon with. We have always been there and thereabout, talent sans finesse, roads sans destinations; this win is set to change all that. India has always craved for idols, those inspirational figures or role models, this world cup gifted us a squad of heroes.
• The proceedings at the world cup final also confirm the notion that life is never perfect. The only perfect thing in this world is the word 'perfect' itself. Sachin Tendulkar realized his dream of kissing that coveted trophy but could not notch-up that 100^th ton in the final. The cake was there to relish, but the cherry on the top was missing. MS Dhoni scored a brilliant 91 not out, Gambhir scored most vital 97 runs of his career, but their names would never feature in that list of century makers in a world cup final. Life gives us a lot of happiness, but attaches a small little moral at the end. We, as individuals, and Team India, as a cricketing side, have a lot to achieve in life. Sachin Tendulkar, perhaps, did the right thing by not retiring from ODIs.
• According to me, this historic victory carried a very significant message 'for the youth and from the youth'. The sight of a Virat Kohli handing over the 'stump' to Sachin and showering praises on him in the post match interview, was truly exceptional. Young Indians are non-conventional, like to freak out, break a few rules, but are sensitive and responsible when the situation demands. So, Yuvarj Singh is not only a part hopper, he also happens to be Man of the Tournament in the cricket world cup 2011. MS Dhoni not only can sport long locks, but can also shave off his hair to fulfill a religious vow. This is a tempting blend of modernity and tradition, and in this very blend, rests India's future recipe. 

• This world cup also proves that victory is the prerogative of a certain breed only. The victor must have control over his words, mannerisms and behavior. MS Dhoni fits this bill perfectly, while someone like a Shahid Afridi comes across as a complaining kid. His outburst against India, after arriving in Pakistan, was not at all outrageous. Rather it was extremely funny and makes me pity the atmosphere of fear and insecurity in Pakistan. It was a last ditch effort by the captain to retain his post, after being trounced by India in the semis.

A Dream Come True

TO BE CONTINUED

P.S.: The writer thinks that having evening tea in that 'cup' is a more fulfilling experience now.

An Open Letter to Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Dear Mahi,

I hope you are doing well and enjoying your great run as India Captain. To be honest, I was skeptical to address you as ‘Mahi’, mainly because I am not very fond of such nicknames. But I thought calling someone by his/her surname (Dhoni, in your case) is a bit rude, especially while writing a letter. And I am sure, you would also prefer to be called Mahi than Mahendra.

I know it’s tough not to be with your family on occasions as big as Holi. Due to the very fact that you and all your team members are away from your homes on this occasion of festivity, my heart goes out to all of you. The situation is more precarious for a man like you who is missing out on the first Holi of his married life. My best Holi wishes to you, your wife and the entire family.

Tomorrow is a big day for India. You and your boys will play the West Indies in the last league match. This is your last chance to regroup and perform as a unit before the knock-out stage begins. I wish to suggest some changes that you may consider to bring about in the team composition.

Hopefully by now, your fascination with Piyush Chawla might have ended. And you also must have figured out that 2 off-spinners formula is indeed the way forward, specially against a team like West Indies (because it has a lot of left-handers). England proved it the other night by using Swann and Tredwell. I plead to you to include Ashwin in the playing XI.

Why do you worry about 'variety' in your 'bowling attack', when you do not have a 'bowling attack' at first place? It’s a "bowling defense", to put it in mild terms. Your bowlers are expected to defend any score between 350-400, and also make a match of it when the batsmen score around 300-mark. If you still insist on variety, let me tell you that Yuvraj’s left arm slow balls surely offer ample variety.

Also, I would like you to accommodate Suresh Raina in the side. I remember Ian Chappell suggesting to drop Gambhir to accommodate Raina. He reasoned that India’s batting looks ‘top-heavy’ (His observation was proven correct in the last game). I may not suggest you to drop Gautam but you must take a call on Yusuf Pathan. Raina is an asset in the field and can also bowl a few overs. His versatility with bat will be crucial in crunch games. Yes, he may not impact a game in the way Pathan might, but he inspires more confidence in a cricket lover than Yusuf does.

This was about the team composition. Now, few things I would like to tell you directly. Look, I have nothing personal against you. You are a wonderful man, a good leader and have brought laurels for your state and the country. Your fans accuse me of getting 'personal' with you, but let me assure you that I do not relish being critical of you. I just happen to be very affectionate towards cricket and slightly 'more aware'. Sometimes, I look beyond what’s there on view and in the process end up making harsh remarks. I care for the feelings of billions of Indians, young & old, male & female, rich & poor.

You must be realizing by now that you are not merely captaining a cricketing side. You are carrying the lantern of hope of this entertainment and thrill starved country. Our last major achievement in one-day cricket was way back in 1983. Ironically, the game has grown leaps and bounds since then but we have managed to reach finals only once. We are a nation desperate to find icons and idols. The country spotted you and found solace in your stylish mane. You have lived up to your billing most of the times, but you are seemingly faltering this time around.

You appear to be autocratic in team selection. You are inflexible and smartly term it as “going by instincts”. Some of your decisions in this world cup have been baffling to say the least. Your persistence with Chawla, ignorance of Ashwin, not handing out the last over to Bhajji, promoting Yusuf unnecessarily, taking singles on first bowl when batting with tailenders, are just a few of them.

You have no idea, what does this cup mean to India! Or if you have the idea, you better realize your responsibility. Your team’s performance has a bearing on everything, from sensex to bedroom. A shopkeeper’s sale, a priest’s earnings, a temple’s footfalls, a bar's business every damn thing is directly proportional to you and your team. My very own love relationship is at stake too.

And also, there is a 38 year old man in your dressing room who has occupied that place for some 22 years now. Day after day, he has been investing his soul, heart, body and mind in cricket and in this country. He is still trying his best, he would continue to do the same till his last day on cricket field. He has undergone a lot of agony, availed tremendous pressure over the years from that 1996 world cup semi-final to your recent loss to South Africa few days back.

I am not trying to make you emotional. True, the cup needs to be won for a billion of fans but what’s the harm if the aspirations of a national hero get served in the process? How can you expect to fulfill a billion hopes when you can’t take care of the sentiments and emotions of a single man?

I am tired now. Hopefully, you will take this letter in good spirits and revert back soon. I wish you and your team all the best for tomorrow's game. I will go and do some preparation for Holi now. I just hope holi ka rang aur gujiya ka swad kahin feeka naa pad jaye.

Yours Lovingly,

ASICF (A Stupid Indian Cricket Fan)

Of Shame, Hope and Some More Hope

What's in a defeat? One comes across wins and losses quite regularly in his/her life. Actually life in itself is nothing but an aggregation of "jeet and haar". This ideologue stands true, even more, in case of competitive sport. No sportsperson or a team can imagine to win all matches or end up losing all. There is a small little piece of sweet cake and a pinch of salt for everyone.

Though a loss does not matter much in sport, the way you lose does. India's loss to South Africa in Nagpur last night was hard to digest, in this very regard. After being in a commanding position for at least 35 overs in both the innings, the Indian team threw away the match much like a distraught child throws away the biscuit he does not like! It was shocking to see the extent to which a team can self destruct and snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, almost adamantly.

A man called Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar came out to bat around 2.30 in the afternoon. From the very first ball he faced, the intention was clear. He wanted to excel personally, bring laurels to the country and take that one more step towards what has been the only unfulfilled dream in his iconic career. He was reasonably supported by an arrogant Sehwag who batted foolishly for the first 10 overs. His ability to rotate the strike is questionable, his attitude hinges on selfishness, at times. But still he hung around and butchered the South African attack. On the other end, a poetry was in motion. As cool as a January morning and as calm as the sea of tranquility itself. Sachin was less violent and doubly effective. The lofted shots were back and he had a better strike rate than Sehwag, in whatever strike he got.

But the here the story ends. What happened henceforth was hard to comprehend and difficult to digest. India lost last 9 wickets for 29 runs. From 267/1 at one stage, the team finally folded at 296 without even lasting their allotted 50 overs. It was a shameful display and the famed Indian batting line up looked a bunch of idiots. Everyone was trying to play a glamorous shot and make it to the newspaper front page. All of them forgot that singles and doubles are lifeline of cricket. But alas, adventurism and glitz seems to have made heavy inroads in the minds of these Tees Maar Khans.

I feel ashamed at the very thought of these players swearing to win the Cup for their paaji a few days back. Their paaji is far more committed and rather self sufficient to achieve this feat. You guys are only here to pose to the shutterbags and endorse brands. That zeal, that pride to play a world cup for India is clearly missing.

MS Dhoni was horrible as a captain. His decision to hand over the ball to Ashish Nehra for the last over was baffling. As a batsman, he foolishly took singles on first balls of the overs and handed over the strike to the likes of Khan and Nehra. There is some serious lapse of wisdom and mental agility on his part. He better pull up his socks and pants, stop pretending to be unperturbed and start showing some urgency.

It was a bitter loss. Something which will drain the team mentally and leave a strong impact on their minds. They themselves dug their graves and now it will be tough to come out of it. The game against windies is their last chance to register a 'proper' win before the knock stage commences.

A billion of hopes are hoping against hope. I am being called an emotional fool, a traitor, whatever. I dont mind these tags if the team recovers well in time. A World Cup glory is all I seek. and trust me I will dance on the rooftop if it happens. Because howsoever critical I might be, at the end of day I am an stupid Indian cricket fan!

P.S. The above post is a combined effort of an ardent Indian team/cricket lover and a shrewd critic.

And we thought, winning the world cup was our birthright!

Cricket is a religion in this country, very right, but its only when you take off the spectacles of devotion from your eyes, the dark truth makes an appearance. India, for the second time in a row, made chasing a modest total look like a process as complicated as pregnancy. Bowlers leaked runs like a damaged sewer leaks water. Batsmen wobbled around as if there was an ant under their pants. All this, before a packed Kotla crowd, which in anticipation of a demolition of sorts of the Netherlands by India, had thronged the stadium.

 MS Dhoni was at loss of words while explaining India's precarious performance. His usual diplomacy did not augur well either with the fans or the media. I lauded him for deciding to field first against a somewhat dangerous Irish side. But his tactics against Netherlands were quite questionable and left me wondering whether there is a hint of arrogance under that garb of coolness.

• Why declare that India was looking for an 'easy game' even before the first ball was bowled? Do you look for tough games when you go into field? Is not it the hope for a comprehensive victory that should drive you into the filed, every time you step in?
• What prompted you to undermine Dutch's prowess? Does your team, at the moment, look like winning every game? No, it does not. Do you think your team can beat minnows comfortably? Wasn't Ireland a lesson? First fix your own woes, then take your oppositions lightly. A mature captain of a cricket crazy nation must not play to the gallery and declare intentions first up. Your boastfulness belittled India's effort even more!

Indian team is hugely imbalanced at the moment. It looks like a bunch of talented school kids, basking in their own little world of glories. While bowlers are absolutely clueless about their job, batsmen seem to be following their own agenda. As if a Sehwag was not 'natural' enough, we have a Pathan to accompany him. On bowling front, Piyush Chawla is being given a longer run for no reason whatsoever. Harbhajan Singh is a liability, to say the least. Time for a well-deserved reality-check!

• Harbhajan Singh! Get a life! You are a pathetic One-Day Bowler! You don't deserve a place in playing XI. Doing monkey acts and participating in dance shows seems to have gone into your head. 2 wickets in 4 games show that you are not capable of taking wickets. You can not spin a cricket bowl. You are virtually impotent.
• Virender Sehwag! Why do you think you are God's greatest devastating gift to planet? Why are you so arrogant and over confident? Why you seem to be in a constant hurry and anger? What's bothering you? Till when will continue playing your 'natural game'? Add some grace to your butcher ways! Sometimes you are pain to eyes!
• Yusuf Pathan, why do you look lost while batting. Add some brain behind your raw power and you would be fine. Boundary rope is not the only thing in a cricket field. There are plenty of gaps, here and there, that are meant to be used. If you continue in this fashion, I am sorry to say, you have a short cricketing career under your sleeve.
• Piyush Chawla! You are self proclaimed heir of Anil Kumble in this country. I learn that you are a 'young talent' since 3-4 years and are being 'groomed'. The captain seems to have a 'special liking' for you. Between all this, can you please start leg spinning, your primary job. Please get rid of your 'baby' image, when you don that blue jersey next time!

Sorry to say, this team does not have in it to lift 'the cup that matters'. However, I would like to be proven wrong. 

MSD 'The Leader' Impressed me..(Ind Vs Ireland)

Yesterday, MS Dhoni impressed me first up. His decision to bowl first after winning the toss was excellent and well thought of , it smelled of chanakyaneeti. He fizzled out half of the Irish Challenge by not batting first. Remember, Ireland, and most of the underdogs, fancy their chances while chasing a total. Whether they have to chase 250 or 350, they play their 'natural game', without fear of losing. Once the task of 'setting a target' is assigned to them, they start doubting their abilities. Also, Ireland was fresh from its conquest of Mount England, and would have loved to chase, come what may.

Dhoni's decision might have disappointed the fans who wanted to see another Sachin epic or Sehwag blitzkrieg, but the eventual result must have delighted them. Also, by bowling first, Dhoni gave a chance to his off-color bowlers to get some groove ahead of business end of the tournament. Yuvraj Singh and Zaheer looked very impressive, and this augurs well for India in future.

Though, I am not very much fond of this lad from Ranchi, but this single decision has forced me to respect his leadership skills even more. It was a well-calculated decision by the skipper, which is sure to benefit the team. Yes, Ireland did offer great resistance and tried their best to topple Dhoni's calculations, but at the end India were the better team and deserved full points from the game. 

Ireland might have lost the game but have won millions of hearts across the cricketing world. They continue to get better and better with every game and the call for granting them full ODI Status is bound to get shriller and louder.

Meanwhile, South Africa imploded, much to my fear. RSA's loss to England was yet another instance of its vulnerability and inability to handle tensed situations. By far, they looked the best team in the tournament, but yesterday's defeat makes them look very ordinary. On the other hand, England continues to surprise me. Their rise and fall and rise, is somewhat like classic English literature. It has aura, romanticism and dignity around it. 

The Cup is only 'quarter full'. Much more yet to come. Stay glued!