THE OTHER FACE OF CRICKET

No one really thought that the IPL was going to make it that big. Agreed, there was a hell lot of money involved….agreed, there were the best players in the world competing out there…..agreed, twenty20 form of the game had turned super-popular.

There were a lot of reasons. But reasons never calculated the amount of popularity that accompanied the game. For nearly one and the half months, the only pass time of cricket fanatics like me has been spending all evenings glued to the TV set. From scantily clad cheerleaders to the chocolate boy hosts….from expert commentators to VIP team owners….IPL was an entire package of entertainment, fun, game and achievements.

8 teams, 1 goal. Winning the coveted IPL trophy. There were a lot of speculations on who was going to win. All sorts of teams were stripped and analysed. The ones with hi-fi players were deemed as Gods. Betting was high. Players with a great reputation were expected to be the leaders of the pack.

Instead, something else happened! Local talent pool was discovered. Players with no experience and proper training, those who didn’t even have a place in the national team turned out to be the best.

Teams who were the under-dogs went to surprise all. One such team was the Rajasthan Royals.

They were considered the weakest team of the tournament. Yet they won 14 matches out of 16 and finally secured the IPL trophy.  Shane Warne proved to be an excellent captain and he conditioned the players to give their best. Their “NEVER SAY DIE” attitude didn’t let them down. Simple, never before heard players shone like stars…. Hats off to you Shane!

So, overall, IPL was a great SUCCESS!

Its going to be missed by cricket buffs like me. Twenty20 has proved itself worthy of the cricketing honors.

Until next April now, lets wait for another dose of non-stop entertainment.

IPL MORAL OF THE STORY:

1) Big names do not necessarily work all the time.

2) Diamonds are found in the coal mine.

3) Money talks.

4) Motivation achieves greatness.

5) You have the right to EXPECT only if you DELIVER.

6) Believe in Yourself

7) Change is mandatory and most of the times, its always for the better.

The best way to get famous is to give people what they want.

9) Even the best players buckle under pressure.

10) One who keeps his nerve even in difficult times, knows no fear.

So, till the next tournament, enjoy the other forms of the game.

CHEERS TO ONE OF THE GREATEST GAMES OF ALL TIMES…..C-R-I-C-K-E-T!!!

SELLING FAITH AND GLORY

For all die-hard cricket fans like me, the beginning of the Indian Premier League twenty20 (IPL) was a treat to the eyes. Two months of non-stop entertainment. While watching twenty20 matches every single day up to June with the heroics of some of the world’s best cricketers is an exciting idea; however, too much of cricket can be enough to put us off the game for some time.

In a world of instant food, instant communication, instant upbringing; “instant cricket” is nowhere out-of-place. No one has time to sit and think. Everyone wants to just get over with it. People want to do something different every moment. No one wants to stick with a particular thing. We want quick answers and faster decisions.

Cricket has evolved from a test game to a one day international to this more recent twenty20 format. Many people love the age-old 5 day test game, slow and steady. It takes a lot of strategic planning and sheer patience to win that one. Much more, later, started liking the ODI format; one single day and the game gets over. Its easy, its enjoyable and most importantly, you don’t have to wait until next day for the results.

Now, comes the time of twenty20; it doesn’t even last half a day. A super-quick ~4 hours and the game gets over! Its so instant! You are enthralled by the mettle the batsmen exhibit, the shrewdness of the bowlers, the constant fear of the fielders that springs from the fact that even a single unsaved run carries the fate of the game.

And, COMMERCIALIZATION! Cricket has become so business-like. There are scantily-clad cheerleaders (heck, we didn’t even know them, in this part of the world). There are musicians for entertainment purposes. There are actors, politicians, business tycoons, all ready to spill money as easily as water.

Cricketers are being bought and sold! Its kind of funny and extremely sad too. How can you judge the worth of a player in terms of monetary values??? Before the start of IPL, there was the huge market of buy & sell, where players were sold for huge amount of money.

I remember watching over the TV; a news channel was questioning the family of a teenage cricketer, they were asking his mother, “How does it feel that your son was sold for Rs.—?”

No amount of diplomacy can ever mask the absurdity of that question. Is it a matter of pride, that your son has been put up for sale???

European football clubs are no new to this kind of transaction. Every now and then, you see famous players getting transfered to other clubs and obtaining a lot of money for that. However, here in India, where, for years, values, traditions, customs have been given prime importance, where we have considered the character of an individual the highest and not his wealth, it feels strange to deal with such a situation.

No one is complaining, though. Who will, when there is so much of fun. Its not every day that you get to see all the famous cricketers in India alone and playing their best against each other. Its a fever that has gripped the nation. Every evening, you have a new match to watch. A new treat to look forward to.

Cricket has become this commercialized religion, where one God is superior to other in terms of wealth. Its overwhelming. You are torn between the love for the game and the business environment that has been created. Or do you even understand, what kind of love you have for the game?

There is money, there are players, there are a string of games….. If there isn’t a cricket game coming up for a few days, ever felt the restlessness and craving for one? And now, there are too much to bother.

Every day you see, brilliant plays, disappointments, ridicule of some of the finest men and rising of the unexpected ones. The ones you thought will reach the top, are the ones who are sweeping bottoms AND the one you thought will do no good, are the ones climbing mountains!

Its like selling yourself, selling your faith and glory, selling your love and marketing your own emotions. Its no longer synonymous with pure fun. Its contaminated with the desire for more, of greed and ruthless passion.

BUT then, am I being practical? It is making the Indian cricket board richer. It is making the face of cricket known internationally. It is bringing money and tourism for the country. It is bringing fame and recognition for the players. It is like living a dangerous dream.

Well, sooner or later, when we all have to deal with personal devils, I don’t know, what we will be happy with? The pure pleasure we once felt for the game or the sheer commercialization that turned us into money-earning and power-hungry machines!!!

LESSONS FROM THE GAME

More than a month back, this picture was different. The Australians were jumping with joy. India had lost the test series. It was a big blow. It’s very difficult to accept things when you clearly know that you have been treated unfairly and you had to win. Thats what happened. Disappointment was clearly written on faces of the Indian players.

But they kept quiet. They tried to bury all the past grudges and began new. A new series. A new beginning.

 

The Commonwealth bank series was one of the longest cricketing series of all times consisting of just 3 teams, yet a total of 14 games were played. It lasted a little over one month. And every new match was as exciting as its previous one.

In a crucial game against Sri Lanka, India won very convincingly and that paved their way into the final.  

And thus, the battle began……. 

 

Australian media continued to put Indians in a bad light. Harbhajan was needlessly targeted. Then it was Ishant Sharma’s turn. When the Aussies began understanding that sledging on the field is no longer worrying the Indians but instead aggravating them, they began to pass comments and print baseless stories in the newspapers.

India, howeverr did not falter. It got support from all over the world. And kept playing the game in the true spirit.

 

Finally, after 23 years, India won in Australia, captured the tri-series cup…..

Each young team member gave his best. Ishant Sharma and Praveen Kumar showed their talent as dependable fast bowlers. Irrfan Pathan didn’t let the team down when needed. Gautam Gambhir batted like a true star. Harbhajan, unruffled, did what he was meant to (taking wickets of Symonds and Hayden )! Rohit Sharma showed tremendous promise as an upcoming batsman. Every youngie showcased his mettle. AND Dhoni, whatever weird decisions he might have taken earlier, proved  that INDIANS ARE THE BEST!

To win against a side which is the world’s best, not only in the game but also in sledging, is not an easy job. What the Indians endured in last 2 and the half months, was not less than “sport-racism”. Now, this mental ordeal of going through wrong umpiring decisions, baseless media accusations and constant on-field bickering has finally come to an end.

And, Indians have emerged victorious!!!

 

We all can learn a lot from this entire “India tour of Australia”. You need not understand the rules of the game.You just need to focus on basic facts.

Lessons to learn:

 

Lesson that HARBHAJAN taught….

“Life is unfair. You’ll be let down many times by it. No one will listen to you. You’ll be targeted again and again. People will call you names and your every action will be scrutinized. BUT, never forget, your capabilities can help you to overcome any difficulties. No matter what, always stand by your ground. Never bow down. If you know, you haven’t done anything wrong, stick to it.”

 

Lesson that ISHANT taught….

“Over-smart people always dominate. They will not respect you if your young. They will underestimate your talents. They will abuse you and try and put you down. BUT, remember, age has got nothing to do with talent. Be fearless. And at the same time, don’t let the success go into your head.”

 

Lesson that DHONI taught….

“Strong people will push the weak ones down. When you lead, there will be tremendous pressure to do better. With responsibilty comes hardships. Critics will be in plenty than well-wishers. BUT, never forget, fortune favors the brave. Never be ashamed to accept your mistakes. Apologise whenever necessary. Take risks. Without risk, there is no chance of any success. As a leader, support those under your command. Let them do something for you not out of fear but love.”

 

Lesson that SACHIN taught….

“A seasoned and experienced person knows that barking dogs seldom bite. Actions speak more than words. So let others speak. You know what to do. Be humble. Respect others (even someone who humiliates you). Respect yourself too. Understand you are not a machine. Failures are a part and parcel of life. They are also a stepping stone to achievements. Losses will come. Your only job is to give your 100%. Once you know, you have given your best, stay rest assured, you’ll get the fruits of your labour.” 

 

AND, in the end

Lesson that from AUSSIES we learnt….

“It’s very easy to look down from the top and make fun of the ones on the ground. Its equally difficult to help the less-fortunate ones to come up. Aggression is required in some walks of life. But, don’t let it become a habit. Humitlity is the greatest virtue. Cultivate it within one self. Always keep on striving to do better. Help the weak ones and share your expertise. Never inflate your head with the glorious past. Otherwise one day you’ll learn very badly that PRIDE always has a DOWNFALL!”

 

 Was it just CRICKET, OR Was it a game of LIFE???

OLD IS GOLD

The only thing that a cricket fan wishes is that his team plays well. Every good batsman you know, should hit a century. Every good bowler you know, should take a couple of wickets. Ofcourse, it’s not possible that every single player plays well in the same match. Obviously, some will fail and some will do well.

 

Dhoni’s comments on Sachin Tendulkar were a litle annoying. It’s true that Sachin wasn’t in his usual self in this tri-series but then, everybody has their ups and downs. Dhoni himself hasn’t been in the best of form. He has played a couple of matches but that’s it. In the earlier series, he was a failure too.

 

Sachin Tendulkar is a man who is so passionate about cricket that few can match his standards. He has been playing cricket for last 19 years!!!

He himself is his best judge. I think, he has the capability of deciding when to call quits. It will be his personal choice.

 

Everybody seems to be criticizing old cricketers. What one musn’t forget is their contribution to the game. It’s true, young blood is needed for bringing about a lot of enthusiasm but at the same time, the value of experiences cannot be ignored.

 

One should feel honoured that Sachin plays for our team. He is a human being afterall and not a machine. There will be times when he’ll falter. But, there always will be great times, when all fans will get a treat to watch his splendid game. Just like today. When he hit a amazing 63 with 10 boundaries.

 

Sachin, we all wish you loads of luck in the coming games. You play your natural game. You retire when you want to. The country is with you. 

But, retire with dignity and not because of someone’s taunts.

 

Today you showed your critics your greatness and let your bat do the talking. Silence prevails now and yet another person knows, what SACHIN TENDULKAR means! 

 

 

“All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost, the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost. From ashes a fire shall be woken, a light from the shadows shall spring; renewed shall be the blade that was broken, the crownless again shall be king.” 

~J.R.R.Tolkein 

AS YOU SOW, SO SHALL YOU REAP

WHAT GOES AROUND,COMES AROUND!

We learned this saying long ago in school. We were fashioned in such a manner that we have believed all through our lives, how what you do now, will balance itself later on.

What can be a better example than the current India-Australia cricket series.

After a devastating second test match for the Indians, the unsure morale of the Indian team seemed meek before the towering Australian confidence.

A draw was foreseen and on a ground like WACA, Perth; the Australians seemed mighty. Shaun Tait, the newly included fast bowler was already boasting, how he was going to crush Indians and Australia truly were on the verge of their 17th consecutive test victory; a feat no team has achieved yet.

Years before, when the Australian side, won 16th consecutive tests under Steve Waugh’s captaincy, it was the Indians, who put an end to their winning streak and this time, yet again, the Indians toppled the Australians with a 72 run win in the third test.

In spite of Harbhajan Singh’s absence, the confidence level in Indian team was tremendous. Everything, that they did, the bowling, the batting, the fielding was excellent.

The most beautiful thing about the game was, the animosity levels present in the 2nd test match were not openly displayed here and the Indians showed the world, yet again, HUMILITY is the greatest virtue conferred on mankind.

HUMILITY that so easily brushed aside the Australian OVER-CONFIDENCE.

The wrong umpiring decisions of the 2nd test, manifested here too, but this time more in the favor of the Indians. ‘Each day’ was an maginficient treat to the Indian cricket fans. AND, finally, within 4 days, the much awaited win was achieved.

If you are an Indian, you’ll know, what the Indian-Pakistan rivalry means. Especially during cricket matches, it is at its peak. However, during recent times, a more friendly atmosphere has developed between us and the Pakistanis.

But, a new rivalry in the game is coming up, the “India-Australia” one!

Rivalry or no rivalry,there are so many things, all of us can learn from the events of last two test matches.

Whereas, Ricky Ponting refused to discuss the “Harbhajan-Symonds” spat with Anil Kumble initially and proceeded to make complaint; Anil Kumble very humbly let go of the matter about Brad Hogg calling him a ‘bastard’.

Whereas Ricky Ponting, took a very defensive stand and talked about integrity and got agressive; Anil Kumble judged the entire situation well and was assertive in his approach.

Whereas the Australians, ignored the faults of the second game and exhibited the same “we are the best” and “there’s no one like us” and “you are inferior” attitude; the Indians, let their game do the talking and proved themselves better than the Australians, not only as players but as good sportspersons too.

You do wrong and it comes back to you.

Right now, it wouldn’t bounce back, but some day it will.

Injustice happens, we all saw that in the second test, but finally, justice prevailed.

In the third test, the Aussie cricket team was paid back in their own manner.

It is so very true, AS YOU SOW, SO SHALL YOU REAP…..

AND I THOUGHT I LOVED CRICKET…..

I have loved cricket more than any other game. But what happened, in the light of the 2nd test match between India and Australia in Sydney, is not only shameful but enraging.

First of all, Harbhajan Singh, is being accused of racism, which is a downright lie.

Helloooooooooo. We Indians are one of the most racially abused people. Its ridiculous to think, we’ll act so stupidly considering how important the game was.

Symonds should know better. Aussies have never played fair. And yes, we do question their integrity!

In the most controversial final day of the 2nd test, Sourav Ganguly was actually given out, not by an umpire but the Australian captain Ricky Ponting himself!

Since when did the umpires listen to the players and give their decisions???

Moreover, even Dravid and R.P.Singh were the victims of absolutely wrong umpiring decisions.

If at all, the ICC accuses Harbhajan and bans him from playing further matches, then I think its wise enough for BCCI to tell players to pack their bags, cancel the series and head home.

I urge all cricket lovers to follow this controversy.

Support the Indian team. If ONE Symonds was abused by Harbhajan, then in reality, our ENTIRE team has been abused, disgraced in their country.

As, Anil Kumble, summed up the situation, “Only one team played in the spirit of the game..”

AND, we all know who the team is.

I doubt, whether anyone in India has any respect left for the Aussie cricket team.

I guess, http://www.cricinfo.com will keep you updated on most of the things.

So, just be aware!

AUSTRALI-YA & INDI-YEAH

What put, Cricket-crazy Indian fans like me, in an offbeat mood, was the shameful defeat of India against Australia in the first test match of the series. The Indian players were marred with demeaning cuss words. But soon enough, the painful memory of the loss was left in the last year, as the world gracefully slid in 2008.

All were looking forward for Wednesday, Jan 2nd, when the India-Australia second test began.

What started as a perfect day, for a match between two of the greatest teams in the world, actually held seeds of hopelessness, hatred and a lot of un-cool decisions.

The Indians looked marvelously well in control with Australia down for 2 off 22. And then, one man turned the game! True, Brad Hogg and Brett Lee shot some brilliant half centuries, BUT a smashing 167 not out by Andrew Symmonds turned the tables on us Indians. And, NO, he wasn’t the one who took limelight for the reversal of the game, but, one ‘daring’ west indian, an umpire Steve Bucknor.

It would be highly inappropriate, if I begin a series of cuss words and slang terms in this blog, so lets just be sarcastic…..

Symmonds who was dismissed 3 times by the fiery Indian bowlers, was never given out and continued his blitz-krieg. On one such occasion, he had snicked the bowl by Ishant Sharma, directly into wicket-keeper Dhoni’s hands. The Indians were rejoicing, the commentrators were exclaiming, but only Bucknor remained unruffled! Symmonds was playing on 30 at that time. Imagine, what the state of Australians would have been, if he had been given out then……. Inspite of Hogg’s and Lee’s heroics the next day, Australia wouldn’t have crossed the total of 300.

Later, even Symmonds agreed that he had indeed snicked the ball and for the very first time in the history of the game, a batsman “thanked” an umpire for his achievement.

The Indian cricket board, was furious. They thought, Symmonds should have showed some sportsmanship and should have walked away .

What an expectation! Since, when did the Australians become “team-players” ? I doubt, whether anyone understands the spirit of the game, as well as the Indians do!!

The aftermath of this episode, was the furore that followed. The ICC president Malcom Speed later announced the new rule, twisted in order to benefit the players. It has now been decided that players can appeal directly to the third umpire, if they are not convinced with the field umpire’s decision. This is a positive change and surely, Sachin Tendulkar, will get the most benefit out of it. After all, he has been mis-judged out several times .

Anyways, Australia piled up a total of 463 runs by the lunch time of second day and finally, India came to bat.

Yet again Steve Bucknor played tyrant when he judged Wasim Jaffer out on a clear-cut no ball.

Struggling to keep up with the Australian bowling attack, the Indians managed to hold fort and the by the end of second day, Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar remained not out. Earlier, Laxman and Dravid put on a solid partnership and helped India elevate to a competent level. Dravid did a snail-paced yet useful 53, while Laxman, seemed to be playing an ODI, with an amazing 109.

But, with 3 wickets down, India still needed to do better.

A new day began. Every Cricket fan hoped that this would be the day, that Sachin would get that elusive ton finally! But, wickets were falling steadily. Ganguly did hit a fabulous 67 but Yuvraj and Dhoni failed miserably. And, Sachin was slowly progressing from a quiet 84 runs, with Harbhajan Singh keeping him company and hitting glorious shots.

Sachin edged towards 98 and the tension was obvious. Billions of Indians and Cricket fans all over the world were silently praying that he sails through that ton. Suart Clark’s over began. Sachin let go of the first 3 balls and then on the fourth, he hit hard. He tore his way across the pitch. Only if he took a quick first run, he could try for the second. And, he did. Everyone was cheering, clapping. He himself looked happy beyond imagination. As soon as he removed the helmet and looked skywards, praying and thanking the almighty, the crowd rejoiced. The jinx was broken and he proved, yet again, that he is and will always remain, one of the best batsman, this game ever produced……..

I know, if India wins this match, it would be a double-bonanza for all. But, even if this match draws, cricket enthusiastics would still be happy that their ‘God’ Tendulkar, finally gave the new year a befitting start .

I pray and hope, everything goes right for Tendulkar and India all throughout the year.

As for Bucknor, well, each man has to pay for his sins, at some time in his life. Let this match get over, and it will be seen, it’s his final one.

And, for his own safety, I hope, he never places his foot on the Indian soil, because we Indians can be exceedingly humble with hospitality, yet can turn into blazing fires, when we are enraged!!!!

R.I.P

JINXED

SACHIN!!!!

WE LOVE YOU!!!!!

No matter how many centuries, he misses…..he was my idol, is my idol and will always remain so.

All those who love cricket and are as crazy fans as me will understand the respect this guy commands. You need not be an Indian to love him! If you are a true fan of the game, “Sachin Tendulkar” is a name that will head the list of your favorite cricketers.

18 long years have passed and he still has the enthusiasm that he had as a 16 year old kid. Battling all those physical ailments, he shows the determination of a predator who is ready to kill. His excellent timing, impeccable shots, calm attitude puts him in a class of his own.

In spite of such tremendous success in such a young age, he is still the humble and quiet Sachin that everyone knows. ( Please Sreesanth, take lessons in simplicity from him!)

He converses less on field and lets his bat does the talking. His cover drives, square drives and straight huge sixes leave you spell-bound.

All his critics who shamelessly belittled him after the world cup this year when India was ousted early, have shut their mouths.

All those who felt that the guy was in the final stages of his career must be feeling ashamed of their predictions.

He is back! Back to the top. playing almost every match. Making his contribution even with the ball!

BUT, ALAS!

Something is terribly wrong. He has missed 7 centuries this year, getting hopelessly out in the “nervous nineties”. Let’s rename them “sachin nineties”!

Plus, there have been so many other matches in which he has fallen between 75-90 runs.

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING????

IS HE JINXED????

I bet someone has done black magic on him. Voodoo and all….

Is it a conspiracy by God himself???

If I was not such a scientific person, I might have almost believed that!

How much unlucky can a person get?

Come on God, this guy deserves better than this!

He’s striving so hard. He deserves a century. Look at all that were missed. It’s bad luck!

Perhaps he’ll get a hundred in the final match of the year 2007.

Or perhaps, in 2008, he’ll hit only centuries and centuries!!! (Wow….dream come true)

He is still the modest Sachin. Happy that India won the match and the series after 24 long years.

He cares more about the team than his personal milestones.

I hope this black magic reverses on the people who keep criticizing him needlessly. If you ain’t that great, you have no right to speak ill about him.

AND as fans, we keep hoping……we keep loving….we keep supporting….one amazing hard-working man that goes by the name SACHIN RAMESH TENDULKAR…..

CRICKET OR POLITICS?

In a biazzare turn of events, it has been declared that Virender Sehwag has replaced Rahul Dravid in the ODI squad for the first two one dayers against Pakistan.

Dravid has been out of form in two successive series but one cannot ignore his talent and mettle as a great batsman. Though he was a poor capatain but still as a player has been one of the best that India has produced. And, to drop him out of the team because of a sudden bad patch is a very shameless thing to do.

What’s even more funny is that to give a chance to a player like “Sehwag” who has been consistently out-of-form. Ever since he has been dubbed as the successor of Savhin Tendulkar, he has taken every effort to prove that it is not so (LOL).

With just an unbeaten 75 in the challenger trophy, he has nothing else to defend about. His role in twenty20 world cup was certainly not something to praise about. Anybody could have played the part. Now, don’t forget we are playing against Pakistan. It’s not going to be easy and Pak does have a strong bowling side which can prove difficult to tackle.

Chairman of the selection committee, Dilip Vengsarkar’s comments about both Dravid and Sehwag have certainly been lame. He stated that, “We decided to give him a break. He’s a great player and he will be back soon.” Now, that is a very stupid excuse. I think fans, do understand the difference between “rested” and “dropped”.

About Sehwag, he stated, “He has been among runs recently and even today he showed he was in good form”

Hellooooooooooo. I think Mr. Vengsarkar doesn’t watch cricket much these days. Since when, did Sehwag was in form? I think he has played a good match after an eternity. A so-called fiery 75 and that to against Indian bowlers.

Though I am not so great fan of Rahul Dravid but someone has to raise voice against injustice. He is a better player than Virender Sehwag.

Oh, we’ll get along in the one dayer’s I guess. But, one cannot ignore Dravid’s contribution to test cricket.

SO, is it really CRICKET or mere POLITICS?

Mr.Vengsarkar, I hope you are listening to fans pleas. Perhaps some day you’ll understand, that A GREAT PLAYER NEED NOT BE A GREAT SELECTOR.