India, SA left wondering at Wanderers

Well replay this-Venue -New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, First test India Vs South Africa. Target 458, South Africa-442 for 6, just 16 runs from 26 balls to get for record chase win . With no.4 batsman F du Plessis-well set on 134.Indian fielders` heads already started dropping from the thought of certain defeat. And then suddenly from nowhere Ajinkya Rahane`s direct throw from mid off runs out full length diving Faf- F du Plessis. India gets a breather. Real turning point for the match. Surprisingly tail-enders` Philander and Steyn plays it out coolly without any real attempt to go for a historic win. Dale Steyn hits a six off Mohammed Shami on the last ball of the match. Failed short by just 8 runs. South Africa so near yet so far. Crowd boos the outgoing batting pair. Real fight between number one and two test teams at bullring ends on level terms. The epic, greatest drawn test as it is being termed everywhere now. Both teams left wondering what went wrong, which eluded the hard earned victory. Both have to settle in consolation calling it as a win for Test Cricket. Surely it was test cricket at its best for five days. With India not only dominating for first four days but were happily in safe position with set target of 458 runs if not in the winning one. On last day hosts required 320 runs and India 8 wickets. India hoping to wrap up the test with hope that hosts bundled out for paltry 244 in the first innings. But do not forget that number one test team had just three Test match losses in nearly four years. What Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli had done on fourth day for India with 222 runs partnership for third wicket on fourth day, AB de Villiers and F du Plessis replicated it for South Africa for fifth wicket on fourth day with 205 runs, turning the match on its head. From 197 for 4 to 402 for 5, Indian bowlers went wicket less for more than 60 overs. F du Plessis battled for 6.5 hours, but for that Ajinkya Rahane`s alertness, host almost had the match in their kitty. Ajinkya true to his name ensured his team remained `Ajinkya`-undefeated.

Lots of positive signs from India`s point of view. So the first test post Sachin era had very pleasing and satisfied performances from new and emerging batting order to start with. Who would have imagined Indian batsmen would give such a torrid time to world no. 1 fast bowler Dale Steyn, who went wicket less with conceding 104 runs in second innings, a rarity, only second time in his 68 matches’ career. Virat Kohli missed just by 4 runs to register centuries in both innings. India`s new run machine Cheteshwar Pujara made amends to his first innings unfortunate run out by a superb 153 in second innings. Opener Murali Vijay negotiated new ball well in second innings with 39 runs and more importantly 2.5 hours stay at the crease. Ajinkya Rahane showed great promise scoring 47 in the first innings, with 3 hours batting. And yes fitter Zack is back. Fast bowling spearhead, mentor to new generation, bowled well and reached personal mile stone of 300 test wickets. The 35 year old from Shrirampur, Maharashtra become only second fast bowler to achieve the feat after Kapil Dev. India would love to continue with him at least for a couple of more seasons or even up to the world cup of 2015. Ishant Sharma came back to his elements with four very important first innings wickets. Mohammed Shami is improving leaps and bound with every outing with 6 match wickets. R Ashwin had a forgettable match, went wicket less for 42 overs in the match. Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma are also due for their contribution with the bat. Indians need to be consistent with this splendid show. All in all cricket lovers are expecting an exciting tussle, another battle royale at Durban for the second (alas last of the series..!) December 26 - 30. Let`s look forward for a grand year end cricketing feast. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

-  -for Gavakari`s The Day View, Nashik.

ODI Champs to face S.Africa

Indian team on a South African safari to play 3 ODIs and 2 Test matches. Three ODIs series is to start from Thursday 5^th December. The tour got shortened due to BCCI`s stand against Harron Lorgat CEO-Cricket South Africa. Nevertheless BCCI encashed the opportunity by fitting in West Indies, as Sachin Tendulkar farewell series, at home. So it`s emerging young Indian currently dominating batting guns of Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli against experienced dangerous Steyn, Morkel and Jacque Kallis. Fairly experienced Suresh Raina is very much a susceptible member when it comes to facing a short pitched fast bowling .M S Dhoni is happy to start tour with ODIS, as this would allow inexperienced test matches batting line up, to get used to South African conditions. Also with Zaheer Khan sent in early as a bowling coach, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Umesh Yadav would try to settle down before two tests. Team India batsmen would be severely tested on bouncy and livelier South African pitches, against very penetrative bowling attack. Similarly inexperienced Indian pace bowlers would get a better idea of required line n length to bowl on these bowler friendly pitches. With Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, AB de Villiers backed up by veteran Jacque Kallis hosts have got a very good experienced, proven batting line up. And now they are looking for the opportunity to salvage pride due to 1-2 loss in just concluded series against Pakistan. On the other hand Indians are very much eager to prove that they are tigers not only at home, but can demonstrate their skills on foreign soil also.

M S Dhoni

AB de Villiers

The Bullring-Wanderer`s Cricket Ground, Johannesburg.

The venue for first ODI is Wanderer`s Cricket Ground, Johannesburg, very well known as the Bullring. The multistoried stands construction is known to give nervous time for the players playing for the first time, with its intimidating atmosphere. South Africans fans are not happy due to curtailed tour and so Team India is likely to face some kind of irk, from the home crowd. Indian Captain tried to lighten the atmosphere in his press conference  when asked   `` What would you do if someone threw something onto the field? `` By replying, ``  Well, we will pick up and give it back. That`s what we can do. `` Then adding that Indian team has been provided a big security guy to handle such situations. On the outset Dhoni is maintaining a very confident face, in spite of absence of any practice game, like the earlier days. Let’s hope an exciting contest to start with first ODI, at 17.00 hrs Indian Standard Time.

ODI, Schedule:

·         December 5 - 1st ODI, Johannesburg, 17:00 IST.

·         December 8 - 2nd ODI, Durban, 13:30 IST.

·         December 11 - 3rd ODI, Centurion, 17:00 IST.

-      -  for Gavakari`s The Day View, Nashik.

Sach..an addiction…The END!

Now that emotional euphoria about the champion little master`s retirement is slowly becoming the part of the history, maybe just worth trying to portray him in words. Extremely challenging to cover such an illustrious career in an article like this. Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar…the name says it all….Said it all rather… not for days..months..years…decades..But almost for the quarter of a century…24 international years to be precise. Staggering…everything about the man..from playing effortless cricket to humbleness…modesty. Icon of icons. The more he played well first the Indian cricket lovers and then the whole cricketing world went on becoming hungrier and hungrier. The boy wonder that started at just sixteen years of tender age against the most fearsome attack then in 1989 comprising of Wasim Akram ,Waquar Younis legendary Imran Khan and number one spinner Abdul Qadir that too in hostile Pakistan. Sachin rapidly went on to become man for all occasions for team India. Stepped out on the field at Karachi, on Nov 15, 1989 for the first Test verses Pakistan. But the real test came almost a month later on December 14, now much talked about: on the last day of the last test match in Sialkot: Got hit on the nose by Waquar Younis, felled down, got up, wiped his bleeding nose, declining the medical assistance just went on to make 57 runs. For Indian cricketing world the story had started even before, when at 15 on December 11, 1988 scored an unbeaten century against Gujarat at Wankhede stadium, youngest Indian to make a century on the first class debut. Many more firsts followed then for more than two decades. Then Mumbai captain Dilip Vengasarkar had picked the teenager when he saw negotiating Kapil Dev in the nets. Further on New Zealand tour at Napier in February 1990 Sachin missed to become world`s youngest test century maker by 12 runs. Well ultimately later in August 1990 against England at Old Trafford, Manchester scored match saving 119 not out. The first of hundred international hundreds batting at number six in his ninth test match. Masterly display by a 17 year old Mumbaikar.  At this point the world started taking a serious note of Sachins` deeds. Further two dominating hundreds in early 1992 on Australian tour and especially at Perth on world’s fastest, most bouncier pitch, sealed his status as number one batsman.  Then there was a series of international centuries up to hundredth on March 16 2012 in Bangladesh, turned out to be his penultimate one dayer of his career of 463 matches, scoring 18,426 runs, at a healthy 44.83 as batting average. In between scored first one day international double hundred in February 2010 against South African Dale Steyn and company, at Gwalior.200 test matches with 15,921 runs at 53.78 batting average. Totaling to more than 34, 000 overall tally. This means 1431 international runs made every year for 24 consistent years.

But does these astounding statistics tell the whole story? Well it is just the summation of an incredible journey. World may never witness like this one. When Sachin stepped on an international scene Legendary Sunil Gavaskar had just retired a couple of years back, leaving a big vacuum to fill. Mohinder Amarnath and Dilip Vengasarkar were past their primes. K Srikkanth, Ravi Shastri were finding hard to fulfill raised expectations of Indian cricket lovers. Apart from Sanjay Manjrekar, Mohammad Azharuddin and Navjyot Siddhu were hardly any quality batsmen around. The whiz kid steeped in at just 16 years of age and made the cricketing world his stage, went on to become one of the most sensational phenomenon. Within couple of years become the darling of the cricketing crowd world over. If Sunil Gavaskar had shown the Indians how to handle giant pace bowlers the world over with sound technique and with just around 5 and ½ feet stature, Sachin went on further few steps ahead and displayed how to dominate, dictate them in any condition, fearlessly…aggressively. Indians so desperately looking for a hero got hooked to his brilliance. Went on creating master pieces match after match, series after series, year after year. Tirelessly, effortlessly carrying the burden of expectations of the whole country every time, he played for India. India just never ever had enough of him; the more he played cricket lovers craved for even more. The hunger of hopes fuelled by man`s hunger for runs, better performances on the field. And well how he fulfilled almost every wish, every demand of this cricket crazy nation. From thrashing Pakistani Shoaib Akhtar on a world cup stage to winning the one at Wankhede Stadium Mumbai on that 2011 April evening. From Sharjah evening desert storm to Headingly, England. His bat always did the talking. Forcing to eat opponents their own words every time, even in their own backyard. Not only to the cricket or sports lovers it had given the much needed self confidence to the billions of Indians. Confidence to take the world on. This coincided with the emerging young India post 1991 economic liberation. His down to earth behavior, humble nature made to wish every mother a son like him, every sister a brother to be proud of. Every sports person tried to follow his unending passion for the chosen game, his work ethic. The champion carried the burden of expectation of millions and millions of fans gracefully. Barring few fabulous years of brilliance of Indian Batting line up of Dravid, Laxman, Sehawag and Ganguly.  Along with these and  Kumble and Srinath reestablished the credibility of the Indian cricket post 1999-2000 match fixing dark chapter. Not to speak of inspiring generations from Virendra Sehawag, Yuvaraj Singh ,M S Dhoni to Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and so on the world over, to play cricket like him. From broken fingers, toes to tennis elbow the master blaster weathered all physical injuries; almost every body part was hit by a cricket ball over the years. Even few psychological blows, when his Mumbai home crowd booed him for a failure against England, few years back. He took all in his stride and kept on bouncing back every now and then. Even critics got fed up of raising questions about his retirement. Ever opportunist market forces thrived to cash in the opportunities, making him the worlds` richest cricketer. Favorite, salable supermodel from toothpaste multinationals to builders selling flats. India was happy with such an irresistible, tempting, overpowering addiction. If possible, everybody would have readily and happily given some part of his/her life to enable to continue like this forever. He made everybody to forget life`s miseries, brought many many moments of sheer joy, happiness to millions of viewers the world over. Kept on inventing new innovative ways, shots from helicopter to upper cut to negotiate well prepared bowling attacks. Ever eager and willing to help youngsters, ask from Sehawag, Virat to Pujara. Always a team man to the core. BCCI would be forever indebted to him. So the ruling parties, politicians, as his game certainly helped to divert public attention over the core issues. The only minor objection from critics was that terming him as an establishment man. As he never really spoke freely about the dark chapter of match fixing, being an insider and integral part of the team.   

Well Sachin, we would have definitely loved you to continue few more years, even though recent performances were not a typical Sachin like. The last innings on November 15 morning was a reminder of the effortless class, was hard to believe that this was going to be your last one. Played with such a free and flowing spirit on Wankhede wicket in front of home crowd. Slowly with increasing age batting kept turning from dominator to accumulator. But fans seldom complained. Signs of fading sun were started appearing with every passing series. Brain was accepting but heart was always in full denial. As long as you were on the ground, especially at the batting crease there was hope of bright, entertaining future. Some memorable moments were used to follow inevitably every now and then. You had repeatedly said over last few years that you would take the decision at right time. You ultimately thought this one is the right, who can be better when it comes to time a masterstroke. This was the final one from you. Hopefully the new generation of batsman is shaping up, as evident at least in the subcontinent conditions to try and carry forward your legacy. You are walking into the sunset with so much to recall, over the life time, from the bag full of golden memories. For the diehard followers –The `GOD` has left the temple. Bharat Ratna or not would have hardly mattered. Good Bye; Alvida dear Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar the nation would be ever grateful to you.-for Gavakari`s The Day View, Nashik.

Windies hoping revival amidst Sachin Frenzy

Sammy and his men are unexpectedly struck by Debutant Kolkata boy Mohammad Shami, to curtail Bengal Cricket Association`s plans of aerial flowers showering on Sachin Tendulkar. 

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ravichandran Ashwin consumed top three in 219 runs trailing West Indies second innings and then it was Shami all the way with pleasing sites of flying middle stumps. Suddenly, unexpectedly India has found a great prospect in tear away fast bowling department. Hope he prospers well and does not keep on dropping in his speed clock from around 140 km/ph to 120-130. This has happened in all his seniors’ cases right from Zaheer Khan to Irfan Pathan. And most importantly remains injury free. Somebody like fitter Umesh Yadav may be helpful from the other end as a partner. Indian captain and team`s think tank has to handle him very carefully to avoid early burnout. Such a formidable fast bowling department would be very useful in forth coming South African tour plus especially if we have to do consistently well on overseas tours. Not to forget that next world cup 2015 would be on bouncy Australian pitches. The local hero`s performance made to forget the `God`s` failure so much so that first day Sachin Sachin.. chanting Eden Gardens finished Shami Shami on third day evening. Shami earned appreciation from all experts, reminded of legendary Pakistani Imran Khan with deep lethal in swingers. Such a supremacy he shown especially with his reverse swinging old ball that six batsmen were bowled and one lbw out of his nine match wickets. This was icing on the cake of record partnership by another little late test cricket debutant in form Rohit Sharma and R. Ashwin who is fast emerging as a test cricket all rounder. From 83 for five and then 156 for six the pair foiled all strategies by Darren Sammy. Who found wanting in his tactics as to why he ignored experienced bowling options of Marlaon Samuels and Chris Gayle. India seems to be settling down with newly found batting order at least in Indian subcontinent conditions. Rohit was all elegant, effortless, classy n mature in his 177.Was bit unlucky with lbw decision…but so were the great Sachin and dangerous experienced Marlaon Samuels in second windies innings. Rohit`s batting chart displayed his array of strokes all over the ground stamping his well known ability to play all around the park. One young Mumbaikar rising on the world cricket horizon with lot of promise as the old champion is about to set on 18^th November.

So now over to Wankhede Stadium Mumbai on Thursday morning. The whole cricketing world is busy talking about the grand farewell 200th Test of a little genius. West Indies is trying to find a suitable replacement to injured pacer Kemar Roach. Sammy hopeful for a repeat splendid performance by off spinner Shane Shillingford who troubled India with his six wickets including four top batsmen. To stop India going for 2-0 win if not 1-1.Apart from considering little shuffle in batting order, with may be like promoting 150^th test man Shivnarine Chanderpaul. India likely to play with the same winning eleven unless Dhoni wants to give Umesh Yadav a chance before South Africa’s December tour. So let us hope for a one final memorable great show from Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar on his home turf.-

for Gavakari`s The Day View, Nashik

Confident Windies Vs Sachiniesd Indians !

Well Sammy and his men are back in India…For hurriedly planned two five day tests and three ODIs. Windies are on roll in a recent test cricket played by them. More confident as they have enviable recent test victories record under their belt. Six consecutive tests wins, even though with lesser oppositions like Zimbabwe, Bagladesh and inexperienced New Zealand side. West Indies are very eager to prove their point as an improved test playing side. And certainly more focused than the host Indian squad.

Sachin`s effortless trade mark off drive

Windies Skipper Darren Sammy

India selectors have unexpectedly have taken a bold step, when it comes to the selection of fast bowling unit. Very surprisingly fitter and keener, most experienced Zaheer Khan`s comeback to international cricket has delayed. At the same time out of form Ishant Sharma is retained his place. Umesh Yadav also has not had much of a match practice after his recovery from injury. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammad Shami are other two, out of which one of them is likely to get a chance to be part of playing eleven. As for spinners India most likely to go with settled pair of R. Ashwin and Pragyan Ojha. Talking about the batsmen there is a competition within Mumbai boys. The last ODI star Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane. With Shikhar Dhawan as a certainty for opening , for his partner it remains to be seen if Dhoni goes ahead with his trusted IPL Chennai Team mate Murli Vijay, or Rahane or even promotes Rohit in tests too. Rest Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli along with Sachin and Dhoni are automatic selection. It`s interesting to see if Dhoni chooses a part time spinner by strengthening batting up to number seven or goes for a fifth bowler, mostly spinner. As Raivndra Jadeja is unfit.   

Explosive Chris Gayle

Ever Reliable Shivnarine  Chanderpaul

 As for visitors India`s old nemesis Shivnarine Chanderpaul is also approaching landmark and playing his 149<sup>th</sup> test at Kolkata. He is already shown his form with a century in a practice game. With having India tour experienced Darren Sammy as captain, few more familiar stars like Darren Bravo, Kieran Powell, Marlon Samuels and dashing, ever aggressive Chris Gayle make a formidable batting line up. Kemar Roach`s pace would be useful for the visitors along with aggressive, confident and energetic Tino Best as his new ball partner.

Whatever may be the reason..BCCI wanted to teach a lesson to South Africa over Haroon Lorgat`s appointment as their CEO…by curtailing and delaying tour to South Africa. Or give the great Sachin Tendulkar his 200^th grand farewell test at home…cricket lovers are hopeful for some exiting, entertaining three weeks ahead. So come Wednesday 6^th November..over to packed historic Eden Gardens Kolkata. 

-For Gavakari Publications ..The Day View...,.Nashik.

Youthful Indian Tigers` thrash kangaroos to clinch ODI series 3-2.

Well at last the new generation Indian tiger batsmen specially the top three Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli floored the visiting Australian Kangaroos to clinch the 7-match ODI series 3-2.The world cup holders stamped the supremacy with last two thumping victories at Nagpur and Bangalore. After the rain marred 4^th and 5^th matches Indians were very desperate to level n then win the series from 1-2 score line. In the last two matches Indians justified their strong n able batting line up, full of emerging stars. Hosts played to their strength forgetting the comparatively ineffective bowling in the Indian subcontinent conditions and new ODI rules by ICC of allowing just four fielders outside the circle making it appear more and more mediocre with every match.

Rohit Sharma is the most talented and gifted new generation batsman, post Sachin Tendulkar era. He justified his enormous talent on display with effortless ease with amassing almost 500 runs in the series. With 141 not out at Jaipur in a successful record 360 runs chase in second match and then rocketing to 209 at the final seventh match, further to the delight of jam packed ,Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore and not to mention millions watching it live on TV. With a world record 16 sixes, all hits as proper cricketing shots. With artistic touch to his gifted skills, was pleasant to watch throughout. Lightened Saturday Diwali Night for billions of Indian cricket lovers, in true sense, even opposition enjoyed his skillful batting. But for the Mohali hero Faulkner`s brilliant counterattack, visitors would have lost with very heavy margin chasing 384 for winning the series on the last tour day.

Earlier at Nagpur it was Virat evening show in the sixth ODI allowing India to level the series, once again making the mockery of 350 - otherwise safe set total - in any conditions, anywhere. Virat heroics completely overshadowed Shikhar Dhawan`s attacking century and Rohit`s well compiled supportive 79.Virat has tremendously grown in stature as a top class batsman in world cricket, in last few months. Going from strength to strength this well settled Indian Vice captain has now become the world cricket `s best finisher that too primarily in chasing big totals successfully consistently. In India`s recent 64 successful ODI run chases this was his 11^th century, behind only to none other than Sachin Tendulkar. And the last two centuries are the fastest amongst top three. In just 52 and 61 balls, sure to catch up sooner or later with Shahid Afridi and Sanath Jaysurya, who scored more than one century in less than 65 balls. On 5^th November turning 25, this aggressive Delhi lad will be enjoying his very well deserved birthday bash.

Regarding bowling attack, Captain Dhoni expressed very remarkable thoughts after Nagpur and Bangalore wins. At Nagpur he protected his thrashed bowlers unit by saying: ` These days I am confused about what a good performance is. I don`t know whether our bowlers bowled badly or not. Because we also chased the same target in same number of overs. The new fielding rules are very hard on bowlers and we are yet to figure out how to use our bowlers effectively. ` And after clinching the series in his ever diplomatic mild way put across the point further: ``Why nobody is talking about Australian bowling? Indians have chased 350+ twice and amassed huge 383 in the last one. `` Logic like this has certainly helped Ishant Sharma to retain his place in Indian squad.

Friends anyway - which ends well is always well: So this Diwali, let`s enjoy this sweet taste of this magnificent youthful Indian series victory, justifying world no.1, ICC ranking in One Day Internationals.  -  For The DAY VIEW, Gavakari Publications Group, Nashik.- 04.11.2013

Successful Indian Chase for 351 on at VCA, Jamtha , Nagpur..6th ODI..30.10.2013

Venue for 6th ODI..Ind Vs Aus ..30/10/2013

Bailey Unstoppable, Shami Back

So it was rains at Ranchi…where India was having a little more edge, when they started chasing 296 as target. After three consecutive 300 plus scores by visitors, Indian Bowlers may just feel a little better with 295. But 295 was a very competitive score given Australian penetrative fast bowling and excellent ground fielding, which easily adds up 20-25 runs each time to the target set by them. Even without Ishant Sharma India struggled to curb Aussies run flow. Indians are yet to find a way to contain no.6, Glenn Maxwell and mainly the consistent Aussie Captain George Bailey-now a leading series scorer. Baileys` consistent runs getting and handling spinners especially R Ashwin effortlessly has become a big headache for India in this series so far.  India was lucky to get both these batsmen out through Vinay Kumar, going after him in bit too hurry, while looking for even bigger score, as Indians chased 350 plus total effortlessly in second ODI at Jaipur.

Aussie Captain Bailey                                          Mohammad Shami

But the opening hour of the match belonged to comeback man Mohammad Shami. This 23 year old Bengal Ranji player was having just 11 matches experience behind him. But what he did to Australia was not even expected in anybody`s wildest of dreams. Australia was just 32 for 3 in 8<sup>th</sup> over. With Shami reading 20 for 3 off four overs. It could have been even worse for visitors if Captain Bailey’s first ball catch would have stuck in Virat Kohli`s palm at Third slip in the sixth over. This missed opportunity cost Indians very dearly, 98 runs to be precise and not to speak of 153 runs partnership with Maxwell. Through this partnership Aussies made a comeback in this 4^th ODI and put almost 300 on the board. And by the way Indians went on to make that tally of dropped catches to 5. Indian Fielding is continuously on a down side with every match. Only few months back this side was termed as one of the best fielding side in Champions Trophy. This makes Indian attack look more mediocre.

Barring Mohammad Shami every other Indian bowler struggled to make any sort of mark on visitors. They found it difficult either to contain or strike at right time, by bowling better in right areas. M S Dhoni`s team selection also puzzled cricket pundits.  Under the circumstances Bhuvnesh Kumar -who swings the ball both ways -was the first choice. But along with Ishant he was also dropped. Probably MSD considered experience of Vinay Kumar would be more useful in death overs. Or he probably wanted to give few more chances to Vinay Kumar as a built up to 2015 world cup. Also everybody failed to understand why the best bowler on the day was underutilised. Shami bowled only 8 out of his quota of 10.But that`s Mahi style, always unpredictable. Always follows his gut feeling, this way he has become most successful Indian Captain and given us the second world cup also . Indians still think 296 was gettable, but for the untimely rain. So hope for the best weather and cricket at Cuttack on Saturday afternoon, with India very keen to level the series 2-2 with 3 more to go.

-For The DAY VIEW, Nashik 26.10.2013.

Faulkner missile floors Mahi fort!

Ishant, Ishant and Ishant…the name on every Indian Cricket lover`s lips, ever since the lanky Delhi pacer bowled that now infamous over on Saturday night in Mohali Chandigarh. Faulkner No.8 Aussie batsman smashed 30 runs off that 48<sup>th</sup> over of the Australian innings, which turned out to be decisive, in the end when Australia had needed 44 runs off 18 balls. Pick up any newspaper, any social networking site...Face book, Twitter you name it. Favorite subject for every cartoonist right up to the Amul advertisement Ishant Sharma is everywhere, very easily recognizable with his long hair style. True it turned the match fully in the visitors favor. No doubt Ishant is struggling with his bowling rhythm since first ODI, with more than 7.5 runs per over as economy rate. But don`t forget there were others- two specialists –Bhuvnesh and Vinay Kumar , 2 all rounders –Jadeja and Yuvaraj and one part timer Virat Kohli who bowled 42 overs in between them which gave away 241 runs at 5.73 runs per over. Barring Jadeja 31 off his 10, at 3.1 economy rate everybody else was expensive. Virat conceded 18 off his solitary over. R. Ashwin the main spinner continues to frustrate his captain and side more than the visiting Aussies. His overall figures of 163 runs off 27 overs with just 3 wickets for last 3 matches with combined economy above 6 runs has let visitors off the hook. Who are scoring 300 plus consistently at ease in every match. Let`s not forget Cricket is a team game and 11 players are expected to contribute…play their part effectively to win. Apart from toothless bowling attack, India has yet to come terms with the new ODI fielding rule, which allows only four fielders in the deep outside 30 yard circle instead of earlier five. Statistics shows that India has lost six out of 11 games at home, since the introduction of this rule, compared to 1 loss in ten for previous two years in the same period. This has been adding to flurry of boundaries apart from lack of penetration and wicket taking ability of Indian bowling unit. Surprisingly and fortunately for Ishant and Ashwin the same squad has retained, for the rest 4 games of the series. Let’s see if Dhoni continues with Ishant on Thursday match or takes a bolder step to rest the internationally senior most pacer, who was supposed to be spearheading of the attack. Dhoni will have a very tough time at his home ground Ranchi; if India’s bowling misery continues.

Let us spare a thought for Mahi Dhoni`s captains knock. Easily one of the best in recent ODI history. 139 not out in just 121 balls with five sixes and twelve fours. He came at the crease with score reading 76 for 4 with Yuvi out on very first ball. Then India further deep in trouble, at 154 for 6 when R Jadeja departed in 32<sup>nd</sup> over. Indians were hoping to cross at least 250 and would have considered themselves very lucky with that sort of recovery. It was ideal lesson in building up of a ODI innings in a crisis time. From drives, hooks, pulls, cuts to famous helicopter shot everything was on majestic display, this made Saturday evening Chandigarh crowd to forget home boy Yuvi`s disappointing failure. Assuming full responsibility and taking tail enders` like Ashwin and Bhuvnesh for company he not only gave respectability to the Indian total but with crossing unimaginable 300 at one time almost gave a winning total. But for the Faulkner`s 64 runs out of 39 balls, match was in India`s grip. With today, Thursday`s match at Ranchi home boy Captain cool M S Dhoni  is hoping to level 2-2 with the visitors, with some all-round better team performance.

23.10.2013-The DAY VIEW, Nashik.

MCA,Pune Stadium Day n Night Views.

Aussies surrender meekly to Indian Super Cyclone

             So the Young Fearless India`s relatively new top three  Rohit, Shikhar ,Virat  struck back in incredible style ,to make it one all at Jaipur, with five more to go in this One Day Internationals, Season starter series. After almost one sided end to Pune`s first one dayer, where Indians lost to through professional Aussies, by 72 runs. One wake call seemed enough to shed complacency if any, to the world cup holders to show case their true potential. Well Kangaroos were made to kneel down completely in this totally 

              Virat capitalized on the tips from Mahi n Yuvi after Pune Match.

one sided huge run chase of 360 runs at Sawai Mansing Stadium, Jaipur. Even ardent Indian supporters would not have imagined such a blunt counterattack in their wildest of dreams.

In Pune`s first match - it was excellent Aussie ground fielding which kept continuous pressure on the India during 305 target run chase. This resulted in mounting pressure, ultimately resulting in wickets falling at continuous interval, to much disciplined kangaroo pace attack. That match was virtually over in 41<sup>st</sup> over when 7<sup>th</sup> Indian batsman Dhoni sent back to pavilion even before 200 on the board. Pune`s new world class Sahara Cricket Stadium inaugurated with almost one sided Aussie win, leaving the whole Pune with huge disappointment, who had stormed on festive Dassera afternoon, to witness some exciting contest. This was India`s 11^th failed attempt to chase 300-plus successfully against Australia. 

So coming back to Jaipur`s second one dayer, Kangaroos bettered their target by 55 runs to make it safe looking 360.Only until the last couple of hours of the match, when India`s new top three went on making mockery of a huge total, the target appeared more than competitive. With ever aggressive Shikhar Dhawan and much gifted Rohit Sharma Indian batsman hammered 176 in just 27th over with more than 6.5 runs per over. Shikhar`s initial onslaught made Rohit to settle nicely in his groove for a big innings. Though Shikhar missed a very well deserved century by five runs. But Virat Kohli`s arrival to the crease completely sealed any chances whatsoever of Australia was hoping to make it a match. With his seventh ball at the batting crease Virat Kohli stepping down to the fast bowler thrashed the ball in the air for four to the midwicket boundary. This converted the Indian cyclone to super one with just 52 ball century. Everything Australia tried, as host captain Gorge Bailey put it later: The ball seemed to go further and harder. This record achievement by Indian batsman has raised expectation level at a new level for Indian cricket lovers. Captain cool Mahi Dhoni sensed the same at presentation and wisely made a point: Our batting is looking good, but it's unfair to assume the batsmen are going to chase a 300 plus target every time.

Virrat  Jaipur Victory Celebration with Rohit

Desert storm in Jaipur, Rajasthan turned out to be Indian Super Cyclone flooring the visitors.In a day run feast of 685 runs with 75 fours, 23 sixes; for just six wickets – at an average of more than hundred per batsman. India pounced to a super sensational nine-wicket victory, India’s highest successful chase ever and the second highest of all time in one day internationals.

Series has suddenly come alive and kicking. So friends – today-Saturday at Mohali is altogether anew day….new match and hopefully a very close and exciting contest on cards. Mohali is Punjab da puttar Yuvaraj`s home ground who was in such a devastating form and bagged T20 Man of the match with 77 not out off just 57 balls. So over to Mohali at 1.30 p.m. today for some Saturday entertainment. 

-19.10.2013-The DAY VIEW, Nashik.