Its not over till its over

Last couple of days we have witnessed the IPL in its most entertaining form, the nail biting finishes, super overs, hat tricks; they say it can’t get better than this, but yes it will definitely get better and it will be more exciting and there will be lot more tense moments both for the players and for the fans as the IPL progresses. Because that is what IPL is all about. Except for the last game between the Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians which became a one sided affair, the three matches played before did speed up the heart beat of millions of fans across the cricketing community as the games were fought very closely and keenly that no one could predict who will come on top.

It was the 11th hat-trick registered in all the IPL seasons so far and the second one for this year’s. Sunil Narine who continues to head the bowlers table for the most wickets in IPL 2013 is the first one to take a hat-trick of this season, but KKR failed to win that game. The second hat-trick by Amit Mishra saw to that Sunrisers have defended a total that is considered below par in this format of the game. Amit Mishra along with Yuvraj Singh have taken hat-trick wickets twice so far in IPLs. He now surpasses the same and becomes the only one to take 3 hat-tricks in the IPL since it started in 2008. 

In the KKR Vs KXIP match, Punjab scored a competitive total after the late heroics of Manpreet Singh Goni. Where was this guy all these days? Punjab will be more than happy to find a hope in form of Goni if he continues to bat like this as its batsmen not firing except for David Hussey. It looked as though  Kolkata will chase down the target barring an over or two until when a fluent Gautam Gambhir was caught behind off a Jaffa of a delivery from Goni. When Eoin Morgan got out, wickets started falling as their middle order collapsed with out putting up any fight.

Just when Punjab started feeling that they have an upper hand, Rajat Bhatia changed the fortune towards their side, hitting Parvinder Awana for two big sixes and changing the equation. But it lasted only for too little time as he dragged the last delivery of the penultimate over on to his stumps. The totally out of sorts Yusuf Pathan again failed to make an impression and Kolkata finished 4 short of the required 11 runs of the last over bowled well by Praveen Kumar. Later in the post match presentation, Gambhir mentioned that “One can never think that the game is in their control” which is but true looking at the next couple of  matches.

The Delhi Daredevils played a confident RCB in the next match that went to super over after the DD wicket keeper fumbled while collecting he last delivery and conceded a bye. RCB requiring 12 runs of the last over bowled by Irfan Pathan found a hero in Ravi Rampaul who not only managed to make it a draw but also bowled well in the super over that restricted Delhi. Umesh Yadav started off the DD super over with 4 good Yorker length deliveries giving away only 3 runs. But he lost his rhythm and bowled 2 length deliveries to ABD who smoked them into the crowds. Delhi came back into the game after picking up the wickets of Virat Kohli and ABD DeViliiers who had a solid partnership which threatened DD to take the game away from them. Surprisingly Virender Sehwag did not come out to bat in the super over for reasons unknown, Delhi needs to fire as a unit in all departments and need to win games consistently from now on to get back into the competition.

Pune warriors are to blame themselves for not being able to win the game chasing a below par total in their own  backyard. Atleast not after Pune reaching a score of 101-4 to get 18 runs from 3 overs with 6 wickets in hand. No one would have expected the Sunrisers Hyderabad to win this game after failing again to put up a decent total on board who were 17-4 at one stage. The Sunrisers have one of the best bowling units in this tournament. They really bowled well in almost all their games. Pune did everything correct until Amit Mishra came either to bat or bowl. First he scored runs and made sure that Hyderabad has got some total on the board to defend, even if it was below par. And then when they came out to defend, Mishra just conceded 19 runs of his allocated 4 overs quota taking the last 4 vital wickets that included a hat-trick.

When Gambhir and Eoin Morgan were batting, when Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers were batting and when Mathews and Mitchell Marsh were batting, in all these games the situation was the same, everyone thought these guys would take their sides to victory. But things change in T-20 matches so drastically. Everyone thought it was all over when these guys were batting the way they did. But its over only when it is actually over. While KKR and Pune saw adverse results, RCB pulled things back in their second chance in the super over. So the IPL is not over till its over, until then lets all have fun and enjoy these close encounters.

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Rohit launches murderous assault

Rohit Sharma blasted away the feeble bowling attack of Pune Warriors on a lively Mumbai pitch that was of some assistance to speedsters. After failing to hit big in the first two games this season, the Mumbaikar has got two fifties in consecutive matches. He played second fiddle to a prolific Dinesh Karthik in his first knock against Delhi, who exploded with big sixes towards the end. But against the warriors, he launched into their bowling the moment he stepped in.

Sharma came in to bat after a solid start from MI top order batsmen. Sachin Tendulkar and the in-form Dinesh Karthik kept the score board ticking at a healthy rate. Then it was Rohit’s show all the way till the last delivery. He smacked the erratic Pune bowlers all over the park and cleared the ropes 8 times with ease out of which he sent the cork sailing over the boundary for Yes bank maxima as many as 5 times. His strike rate of almost 200 in the innings helped the host to post a huge total of 183 which set the stage for Mumbai Indian’s bowlers to rip through the relatively out of form Pune’s batting line up restricting them to 142.

Rohit Sharma who made his debut for India in 2007, failed to capitalise on the opportunities given to him by the national selectors. Praised as a very talented youngster with loads of talent, Rohit Sharma undoubtedly has got the class of one of his kind. It is always treat to watch this youngster play shots with exquisite timing and astounding placement. But one would wonder why a batsman of his calibre often fails to live upto the standards that match his capabilities. Rohit’s temperament was questioned by many critics more than once and he was the topic of many discussions on why he was given so many opportunities in the Indian side even after failing miserably so many times. He was the topic of discussion by cricket analysts more number of times because of his lack of form rather than as a consistent performer in the team.

No one can ever better analyse than Rohit himself on lack of being in form, and he should do some self reflection and come up with some solid performances and many runs under his belt if he likes to get out of his current predicament with the Indian side. But whatever his record as a batsman in the Indian side is, one must agree to the fact that he has been one of the finest young guns who have performed extremely well in the Indian Premier League.

In the first two editions of IPL, when he played for the Deccan Chargers team, he single handedly won many matches for his side. His lofted drive over the straight boundary was one of his best shots. He was instrumental in Deccan Chargers winning the second edition of the IPL. Then he was bought by the mighty Mumbai Indians and Rohit Sharma hopefully would have learnt a lot of lessons from the experienced Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar. For he is in a very good nick at present, scoring big runs by putting price on his wicket and finishing the games in style without throwing his wicket.

As Mumbai will take on a confident Rajasthan Royals who are also with equal points that of the MI on Wednesday evening, MI will again look to its in form players Rohit Sharma and Dinesh Karthik to continue their good run and make valuable contributions in the Royals backyard in Jaipur.

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10 reasons why Tendulkar refuses to retire..

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, India’s most favorite son, has been a subject of huge controversy and debate, lately. The legendary cricketer, who dispatched every bowler in his hey day is now despised bitterly by even the most fanatic of a cricket fan and a seasoned cricket journalist as well.

What makes him the most hated player, even after playing masterly cricket for 23 long years? What turns a hero into villain all of a sudden? What else should he do to satisfy his critics? Well, People first blamed it on his age and his poor reflexes, brought about by advancing age. However, nobody could unearth the real facts. It is in this light, Cricketbash, the blog, did some soul-searching and came up with highly qualified and startling facts on why Tendulkar refuses to retire. After all, you deserve the right to know the insider story.

So, here we go..

1. He sits before Anjali(his wife) all the time and keeps shouting “Aila” every 15 minutes. A doctor that she is, Anjali, felt that Sachin is better off on field than in their living room and asked him to postpone his plans of retirement indefinitely.

2. His daughter, Sara suffered convulsions and is currently undergoing treatment for trauma, for her dad wakes up in the middle of a night and flashes his shiny white teeth. Yet another reason why Anjali is concerned.

3. Aussies gave an advance notice that they will stop calling him as God, if he retired anytime soon.

4.Gavaskar and Boycott think that Test cricket will die if Sachin retired. A highly courteous man, Sachin could not disregard their perspective.

5. He also fears that the title “Bonzer’ will be taken back and given to Steve Bucknor.

6.Neetu Ambani isn’t exactly inclined to play an ex-cricketer in Mumbai Indians.

8.Rahul Baba will pester him to join Congress Working Committee and run against Rabri Devi or Mayawati, in 2014 general elections.

9.He gets a chance to phase out MS Dhoni, if he stays until 2016.

10. He has an unfinished agenda to hit six sixers in a Dale Steyn’s over.

So, there you go, why should Sachin Tendulkar retire, when he has so many obligations to fulfill? The public are urged to observe restraint and continue to support him in his endeavor for excellence. Peace to all!

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are definitely mine and have not been sponsored by Rahul baba Gandhi, Sonia Aunty or Yes Madam Singh.

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CSK does it in style

Arguably, the favourites, to win any edition of IPL, the men in yellow on Wednesday night dominated the Paajis from the Punjab in all the departments. Put in to bat first, Kings XI Punjab only managed to lose their first two wickets early, putting themselves under pressure. Brilliant catch from Man of the Match Michael Hussey saw that his former team mate Gilly returned to pavilion without scoring a great deal of runs. It also meant Kings XI had a slow and shaky start.

David Hussey along with Gurkeerat Singh looked to steady the ship after the loss of  Vohra’s wicket  and largely succeeded in doing so. Vohra perished in the deep, caught by Bravo off Ashwin.

When Gurkeerat mistimed a slower delivery and lost his wicket, Punjab lost half of their side. The tail enders could only do as much that gave a semblance of a chance for the Kings to defend. The pitch was totally conducive to  batting. A very disciplined and clever bowling attack from Chennai saw that Punjab lost wickets at regular intervals. Dirk Nannes conceded just one boundary in two matches he played for CSK so far. He bowled a maiden last over, a premium in T20 cricket. The Australian speedster who is currently the highest wicket taker in the T20 arena took 2 wickets while Bravo was rewarded with 3 wickets for his subtle variations in pace. No wonder MSD applauded their effort in the post match ceremony. 

Then it was Michael Hussey and Murali Vijay who assumed the centre stage for CSK, playing delightful strokes all over the park. They made history when they finished the game without losing a wicket. This is only the first time ever, a team won a game with all 10 wickets to spare in the IPL, since its inception in 2008. Murali Vijay coming with loads of confidence from the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar trophy showed what a class player he is in this format of the game. With run-a-delivery, he ably assisted the Mr. Cricket, Mike Hussey in their run chase. The duo paced their innings so well that they did not have to take any undue risks. Their running between the wickets was a standout.

Michael Hussey who retired from playing international cricket for the Oz was clinical in his shot making and was the dominating player of the two openers. Hussey was dropped once and was also lucky when Gilchrist missed out on a stumping chance. Gurkeerat Singh took a stunner in their first battle against Pune Warriors but in this game, Punjab was totally out of sorts in their bowling, batting and fielding. Punjab will have to put this performance behind and come out fresh, if they’re to put up a good show against an in-form Rajasthan Royals. Chennai Super Kings on the other hand will look to continue their good form and improve their position in the teams table. 

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IPL is on

IPL is back and the ever loyal Indian fan is cheering again. The biggest cricketing fest in sub-continent comes back with a few additions, deletions and a few revisions to its format but retains its charisma. The mega event kicked off in hot summer as usual but the steamy performances of Bollywood Glamour dolls made the temperatures sore further.. Katrina and Padukone stole the show while king Khan unleashed himself in his inimitable style in front of his home audience (KKR)..

This time, the Indian Premier League has started off with Bret Lee uprooting the off stump of the young Unmukt Chand, the right hander playing inside the line of the away going delivery. KKR though has started off with a win continuing their domination from the last IPL, could not find partnerships going while chasing a modest 144 against the Royals who have not kept a foot wrong so far in this season. KKR hope that senior Pathan will perform to standards set by him.

The Gayle storm has already struck once giving the Royal Challengers their first win, but it was Virat Kohli who stole the lime light in their second encounter with the Sunrisers. An aggressive Kohli batted belligerently and his knock meant RCB scripted the highest run chase so far in IPL 2013. With the return of ABD in their ranks and with Virat and Gayle striking the ball well, the Challengers are looking good at the moment with their batting, but one can argue that their bowling looks inexperienced barring Muralidharan.

With the world's leading fast bowler Dale Steyn, Indian speedster Ishanth Sharma and a disciplined Amit Mishra in their bowling ranks, the Sunrisers have a very good bowling attack. But their batters are still battling to get in to form. Except for Cameron White who made a fifty, no one else has really fired for their team. Even with Akshanth Reddy getting some starts and Perera hitting some mighty blows, the Sunrisers need to fire with their bats if they are hoping to be there in the first four of the table.

Ricky Ponting took a brilliant catch in short covers. Rohit Sharma is back to form with few mighty blows. But it is Dinesh Karthik who is the man in form for Mumbai Indians. DK almost got them through in their first game in Bangalore, nevertheless he has played some phenomenal shots against the Delhi Daredevils in their home game that saw this season's first 200 plus score. Thanks to Rohit, Pollard and Rayudu, the Mumbai Indian's middle order looks fine. But they need their Opening pair of the legends to come to party in the coming games. There has been much talk about them being the best opening pair and so on. It is only time they will get back to what they are best doing at; getting their best out in pressure. With Malinga back to the squad, Harbhajan, Jhonson, Ojha and Pollard bowling well in tandem, the MI bowling attack is formidable.

Rajasthan Royals are striking a good balance in all the departments of batting, bowling and fielding. They are really charged up under the stable captaincy of Rahul Dravid and is a team to watch out in IPL6. Kings XI Punjab played lone game and thumped the Pune Warriors who look completely out of sorts in all the three departments. They wish come back man Yuvi recovers and plays a vital role in their battling line up. Pune requires some resolution and they have to put up better display of their skills in the coming games, otherwise, the chances are that they end up in bottom lot.

Delhi Daredevils call for Virender Sehwag to change their fortunes. The Daredevils team is one of the IPL teams that performed consistently over the seasons. But the fact that they never reached finals anytime reminds that this team does not peak its performance when it mattered the most. Another team that still needs to open their account is the Chennai Super Kings. Under the able leadership of MS Dhoni, this team from the south is the only team to appear in 4 finals of the Indian Premier League and winning twice. As is the case in the previous years, CSK always remains as one of the favourites to win the trophy even if they lost their opening encounter to Mumbai in a close counter in which MSD played gem of a knock almost pulling the game in favour of the home team.

Another season of IPL is back for the fans, for the cricket's shortest version lovers, for the T20 cricket haters, for those cricketers who figure in only this form of game, for those innovative advertisements: Vodafone starting with the crazy feet and then the Zoo Zoos are back. IPL is back for the younger guns from various franchises to showcase their talent and to impress the Indian selectors for a place in the national squad. Long gone are the DLF Maximums, and it is time for OH YEAH!! ABHI the Pepsi Indian Premier League that has kicked off in style with a new tune to it, Jumping Japang Jampak Jampak. Gili gili yeah.. watch out for all the fun and action from your favourite players and franchises.

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India create history; humiliate Australia by 4-0

India completed the formalities. They dispatched a listless Aussie camp with a rousing margin of 4-0. MS Dhoni’s men have triumphed, in what has been billed as a revenge series. India set the record straight on the 3rd day itself, as Australia surrendered meekly and were bundled out for a meager 164 in their second essay on a crumbling pitch. Peter Siddle, has emerged as an unlikely hero for Australia, as he scored two half-centuries in each of their innings. Apart from Nathan Lyon’s 7 for 94 in India’s first innings, there was nothing to cheer for Australia.

MS Dhoni, though diplomatic and non-committal on the revenge aspect, looked thoroughly happy, jumping for joy, rushing to celebrate with his mates and often exhibiting an uncharacteristic excitement when a wicket fell. But, why not? he lead from the front after all and extracted the best from his young guns. In fact, the captain cool, has very much escaped the gun after the 8-0 debacle overseas and a 2-1 humiliation on home soil by Alastair Cook’s English side. He would sure continue as the captain of India indefinitely and all his sins will be forgiven.

While Ravichandran Ashwin tore apart the Aussies in first innings, it was Ravindra Jadeja, who assumed centrestage in the second essay to quell any Australian resistance. He scalped 5 for 58 and dismissed the first 3 batsmen, Steve Smith and Mitch Johnson. Once again, Indian spinners took 9 of the 10 possible wickets in Australian second innings and the OZ came woefully short against genuine spin bowling. Ravindra Jadeja, also scored a scintillating 43 in India’s first innings, with 6 hits to the fence.

As if to rub salt into Aussie wounds, Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli established a century partnership in the last innings of the match on a crumbling wicket. They effectively showed the Aussies the need to apply on difficult tracks and that you don’t get a featherbed of a wicket every time you walk out to the middle. Pujara scored 82 at a fair clip and his form has been the icing on the cake for MS Dhoni and a smack in the face for all those who complain of doctored pitches in Indian sub-continent.

On a whole, India have done really well and their resounding victory will give them huge confidence going into South Africa tour later this year. Australia on the other hand have been rocked hard ahead of Ashes tour.

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Indian spinners torment Australia yet again

A good one month since their arrival, Australian batsmen simply refuse to adapt to spin-friendly conditions in India. On the first day of the ongoing Delhi test match, Australia, cut a sorry figure again and their batsmen batted like complete noobs, against some quality spin bowling.

Australia, were 136 for 7 after winning the toss. Just 54 overs of batting on the first day and the OZ have lost 7 wickets already. Only Phil Hughes and Steve Smith have showed some kind of resistance as Aussies came apart like 9 pins on a helpful pitch at Delhi. On the contrary, Indians have continued their rich vein of form, as they kept pounding the Aussies, all ends up. Ravichandran Ashwin, the Indian spin maestro, scalped 4 of the 8 wickets that were to fall on the first day. Ishant Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja claimed 2 apiece. Ishant bowled a snorted to Hughes, that unsettled his footwork and subsequently got him play one onto his stumps.

Aussies looked lost, all through, and could have been bowled out inside 150. However, Peter Siddle, came to their rescue with an unbeaten 47 and is the top scorer of the innings, so far. Australia, recovered to 231 for 8 and James Pattinson is giving him company. A classic case of tail-enders donning the  rescue mission yet again.

If Siddle could show some character, why not their front-line batsmen? Skill apart, application plays a major role in international cricket. You don’t always get the wickets that suit your strengths. If you keep demanding, flat wickets or fastish tracks, how good you are as a professional cricketer? What if the wicket turns a mile? What is your definition for a sportive track?  Aussies, clearly didn’t do their homework. And to label the Indian wickets as doctored pitches, is nothing but insanity and incompetence at its ridiculous best.

Australia, made as many as 5 changes to their side. Injured captain, Michael Clarke sat out and Shane Watson took over the reins in his absence. Mitchell Johnson too comes in place of injured Mitchell Starc. Matthew Wade, James Pattinson stage a come back while Glenn Maxwell got the nod ahead of impressive Xavier Doherty. None of the changes worked for them.

To put things in perspective, people in the past have toured India, successfully conquered Indian spinners and went onto won matches for their respective sides. Legends like Viv Richards, Clive Lloyd, Andy Flower are to name a few. In fact, the current England captain, Alastair Cook, won a remarkable 2-1 series against this very Indian team. Indian fans have always applauded genuine merit and always cheered visiting sides, who were prepared to slog it out on turning tracks. Batsmen like Andy Flower, Zaheer Abbas, Viv Richards, Hashim Amla, Jack Kallis have all won critical acclaim from Indian public.

The lack of fight by Aussie ranks is disappointing and it seems nothing in the world could stop MS Dhoni and his men to cricketing glory. Indian openers, Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara are in great form and to check their progress is a daunting task for Peter Siddle and co, when he comes back with ball in his hand. Let us still wish, we get to see a contest and if Australia could ever check the Indian batting machine.

Well, friends, please share your views on how Aussies fared so far, the Indian dominance and whether India is justified in preparing spinning tracks.

image courtesy: www.abc.net.au, www.thehindu.com

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Can Australia halt Indian Juggernaut..

Come 22nd, the March 2013, Australians are set to face the stiffest competition of Test cricket ever. Yes, Aussies face the ignominy of being whitewashed by MS Dhoni’s India and they’ve to fight by the skin of their teeth to avoid being mauled by a victory margin of 4-0. Indian captain, though, plays down, revenge in sports, set his sights firmly on completing the formalities at Delhi’s Ferozshah Kotla stadium. Indians indeed, vengefully look forward to inflict a heavy defeat on Australia and clean sweep the Border-Gavaskar trophy.

Having suffered a 4-0 drubbing, in Kangaroo homeland, Indians have transformed into a determined lot, and were desperate to exact the revenge, when OZ come back to sub-continent for a return series. They are, now on the verge of clean sweeping the series and deal a body blow to OZ’s reputation as the toughest side in the world, in all conditions. Dhoni’s men have been relentless in their assault on Aussies and their spin trio of Ashwin, Jadeja and Ojha are all set to get one final chance to blow out the Aussies, before they wrap up the series 4-0 and set the record straight. Ferozshah Kotla,  has traditionally favored spinners and is the one on which legendary leg spinner, Anil Kumble picked 10 out of 10 wickets in an innings against Pakistan. He bested Jim Laker of England in doing so. It is therefore going to be an uphill task for Australia to try and save the game and the prospect of going down 0-4 seems very much on cards.

As if to add insult to injury, Micky Arthur’s antics did not help their side’s cause either. OZ coach did his best in completely demoralizing the ailing party. Mohali is the only venue in India, which assists pacers and Australia could ill-afford internal squabbles, ahead of the match, if they were to pull one back. They needed to stay united and back their seamers to try and save the series. India had already taken an unassailable lead in the series and the OZ needed to gather all their wits to try and stay in the series. But the foolish coach, sabotaged any such plans and his stupid peer reviews, spelt trouble, big time, to Australian unit as a whole. Rumors of simmering differences between Clarke and Watson also rented the air. Watson’s abrupt departure to Australia and his angry reaction to the turn of events also spoiled the mood in the party.

With Shane Watson, James Pattinson and Mitchell Johnson, gone, Australia was beaten and beaten soundly inside 4 days by a born-again Indian team. A washed out first day could not even save the demoralized Aussies as the marauding Indians pounded the Kangaroos and kept piling on the agony. The cool as cucumber Indian Captain, MS Dhoni, was there to see his side through, in a final hour win for the hosts.

Whatever, Indians played great cricket while Aussies didn’t. They’ve also been undone, in fact, hard done by a clownish coach and internal bickerings. While MS Dhoni, escapes an intense media scrutiny and a public furore, over an 8-0 overseas debacle and 2-1 home loss to Alastair Cook’s England, Michael Clarke would be jolted ahead of Ashes series.

As it unfolds, Aussies have no one to blame, except themselves and they are sure to get rolled over by Indian juggernaut, with the humiliation value, put up at 4-0.

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