Bleacher Report - Articles by Prthvir Solanki

There Are Legends And Then There's Sachin Tendulkar

Prthvir Solanki — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:13:44 -0500

The year was 1998 and I must've just gotten out of my nappies. There was a match being broadcast on the television between India and Australia. That match was at Sharjah.

As a kid who couldn't comprehend much and communicate only in drools and gibberish, I believed that in cricket, the wicketkeeper was to throw the ball at the non-striker and the bowler at the batsman, and the main aim of the fielding team was to try and make sure the two batsmen hit each other while they were running. Weird but true.

But there was this one batsman, who kept smashing the bowlers everywhere and hardly ran, thus giving no opportunity for the opponents to make him hit the other guy. The newspapers had 148 printed against his name.

Eleven years later, I'm still not able to comprehend so well but I know the proper rules of cricket, the objective, etc etc..Recently a match took place in Hyderabad, between the same teams I had witnessed eleven years previously.

India required 351 to win but they fell agonisingly short. But the high point of the match was that same man who scored the 148 at Sharjah! He's still alive? That is really cool! As you all know, that man was Sachin Tendulkar.

Even after twenty years of international cricket, his body responds to him as if its his debut. The sheer class of the 'Master Blaster' still haunts bowlers and captain's dreams. Bowlers still jump around like mad after getting his wicket, even after twenty years.

What were, are or will you be doing at the age of sixteen? Watching TV, studying, reading, writing, hanging out with friends or going to watch a cricket match?

Sachin played Wasim, Waqar and Imran at the age of sixteen. Yet he was, and still is, as humble as ever. Everytime he walks out to bat, the people rise up, chant his name and go berserk. Even after twenty years.

I was there at the DY Patil Stadium for that last ODI which got washed out. Even after the match was declared cancelled, the crowd kept screaming, "Sachin Sachin!" Even after twenty years.

The respect he commands at the wicket is astonishing. While bowlers go on giving glares and swears to his partner, they wouldn't dare even complete their follow through while bowling to Sachin, even if he is half of his partner's score in twice as many balls his partner has faced.

So many times has he been criticised, but one inning and those critics are suddenly missing. There are still anti-Sachin people out there. But their just travelling on a goalless journey.

You may not like Sachin for some reason or the other, but there is no denying the fact that Sachin is the God of cricket. Those cherubic features often mislead captains. Most of these captains ended up bald.

Even after twenty years, Sachin walks out to bat with the same passion and excitement as he did at the dawn of his career. Only difference now, we don't know what era or time to call this period.

Even after twenty years..wow twenty years! Twenty years is what it took to make cricket an international sport from just an ordinary sport.

While there are needless feuds between religions, countries and castes, all people come together to watch this masterpiece at work.

There have been some major trenches to this mighty man mountain, like the match fixing scandal, the ball tampering thing, but it is impossible to play for twenty years and not have the bad light thrown on you.

Sachin's emotions, are the common Indian's emotions. When he took those three runs to reach 17,000, Sunil Gavaskar rightly said, those runs are as much as the people's as Sachin's. Indeed, I felt so much more relaxed after he reached that awesome landmark.

A hundred for Sachin, is a hundred for the nation and an insult to him is an insult to the nation.

So what if we lost the Kohinoor? No one can take away Sachin Tendulkar from us. Not even God.

The India-Australia Saga: Back To the Doug-Outs

Prthvir Solanki — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:46:12 -0500

Chapter two

Back to the Doug-outs

It was around 2:30 PM in Delhi when the Indian fielders came out to take their positions after Ricky Ponting asked Dhoni's men to field first.

It was a very surprising decision, considering the fact that the pitch was overused and the ball would come on, slow and low.

This pitch at the Ferozshah Kotla was used during the T20 Champions League and batsmen struggled to find their form here. Why Ponting chose to bat was something to do with the dew. That's what the commentators said. I don't think that's it, though. Why would anyone want their bowlers to ball with a soap?? The ball might skid but once it connects with the bat, bye bye hopes.

Now with Paine out injured, who would open the batting? None other than skipper Ricky himself. Took the responsibility upon himself and, along with Shane Watson, gave Australia a confident start, unexpected from such a pitch.

The bowling wasn't bad, rather the technique used on such a pitch was superb and the going got tough for the Indians. Then Dhoni called upon Yuvraj to get something out of this pitch and he responded with gusto getting Watson stumped and getting the breakthrough India required.

But Hussey came in and how troublesome he is. It seemed impossible to get him out. After playing two excellent innings in the first two matches, Hussey played what could be his best innings so far.

He and Ponting continued the slow killing of the Indian bowlers, the same way Dhoni and Gambhir did in the previous match. But then came the wickets that shook the foundations of a good start.

First, Jadeja got Ponting LBW with a very good delivery, then Cameron White was caught behind, though replays seemed to suggest otherwise.

The next 15 overs saw Voges and Henriques give support to Hussey who unleashed an onslaught on the bowlers. Australia ended up with a very good score on this type of wicket. India required 230 from the allotted 50 overs.

Sachin and Sehwag walked out to the usual screaming from the crowds, but Sehwag didn't live up to their expectations. He tried and tried but the Australian bowlers didn't give him the room he loves.

Siddle then bowled a perfect yorker right on his ankle which made him limp for quite a while. The crowd went silent. They couldn't see their hometown boy being treated like this. What was worse, after recovering, he finally succumbed to an inswinger by Mitchell Johnson.

At the other end, Sachin Tendulkar was ready to play the role of aggressor and played shots all around the field but failed to get the boundaries. Nonetheless, he was looking dangerous. It easily showed on his face, he wanted to take his team home. The only way he could've been out, was either a bad decision or a run out.

Alas, he fell through the latter. Johnson's arm, quicker than he thought. The silence, was loud.

Two overs later, Gambhir who suffered a nasty blow at forward short leg messrs Ponting who pulled hard right on Gauti's neck, fell to a beautiful ball to Nathan Hauritz. India were in tatters at 53 for 3.

Then began the Late Show with Dhoni and Yuvi.

The two most dangerous players in the world played roles completely unexpected of them, yet beautifully executed by them. They pushed, ran, looked for two and kept pushing in the gaps until the Aussie fielders were gasping for breath. That's when they took the advantage.

The boundaries suddenly began to flow off their willows and soon, the target was achieved, 10 balls to spare but not before Yuvraj fell to Moises Henriques.

Two-one up, and India'a tails were high in the sky going to Mohali. They began on a good note with Dhoni winning the toss and asking the Kangaroos to strap on their pads.

Praveen Kumar and Ashish Nehra continued their good form and restricted the runs. Shaun Marsh(who replaced Adan Voges) and Shane Watson couldn't get anything off their bowling.

Finally, in the eighth over, Marsh's misery ended when Nehra trapped him leg before wicket. Unfortunately this is the time the current in our beautiful town was cut. At the same time, I had to prepare for a test I had to give an hour later.

I entered my exam room, searching for people who would (could) know the score, but alas, United's beating of Blackburn (which was cool by the way) was on everybody's lips.

I finished my paper earlier than expected and was pretty shocked to hear Australia being bowled out for 250 on perfectly decent batting track. Also, four un-outs marred their performance. Well, 3-1 for sure.

Sachin and Sehwag had walked out but Sachin rather have come out with a comfy chair to watch Viru burst some huge fireworks. Sehwag dismantled Johnson, and I was sure he was going to start crying sooner or later. Siddle at the other end, kept Sachin at bay or rather Sachin did not want to gatecrash Sehwag's party.

In the first ODI, Dhoni's and Yuvraj's superb performances overshadowed another very good performance by a certain Aussie bowler. Doug Bollinger bowled his 10 overs and gave just 24 runs. He didn't pick up any wickets, but he did his job.

Bollinger was called in to replace Johnson and immediately struck with the important wicket of Sehwag. Ponting's army was ecstatic. Especially Mitch, of course.

Then came in Virat Kohli, who was looking very confident, but he fell after sharing a 38-run stand with Tendulkar, thanks to climbing ball bowled by Dougy.

During this partnership, Sachin continued from where he left off in the previous match. He wasn't at his best. He wasn't timing the ball, yet if he didn't get out, even if the whole team crumbled around him, India were going home.

Now it's really amazing. Whenever Sachin is batting exceptionally, whenever there is intent in his eyes, there are only two ways he could get out. Run out, but he was looking and running his and his partners runs very carefully so that wouldn't happen or a bad decision.

Hauritz bowled a quicker delivery which was sliding down the leg side and hit Sachin's pads on the leg stump. I believed it was not out the moment I saw it, but I guess Aravinda didn't. As soon as he raised his finger, I had it at the corner of my mind. This is it...looks like a pretty good movie.

Even though Sachin walked off, there was a sense of calm in my mind when Dhoni walked out to partner Yuvraj. This was all fine. There was no way Dhoni could get out. Could he?

Well, Yuvraj didn't fit in the same category and was run out thanks to a brilliant piece of fielding by Ricky Ponting.

Word about Ricky here. I think he is the greatest captain cricket is ever going to see. There is no doubting his fielding and batting abilities but his captaincy sets really high standards. Whenever his boys were down and out he clapped and cheered them on and even beat his chest once to show strength. This run out was another example of his amazing ability to lead from the front.

Back to the match where nothing much was developing other than the Australian bowling. Three wickets fell and the end was near. Harbhajan and Kumar couldn't do much. Sorry they could.

Again Bhajji managed to scare the Australian and took the match achingly close, not before Watson caught him out and it ruined India's chances of pulling off a late victory.

The series is now leveled at two games all and no team has the upper hand. Though, Australia may just be brimming with confidence after all, they have retained that prestigious No. 1 spot.

Who Said Twenty20???

Prthvir Solanki — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:44:54 -0500

I'm back to opinion writing, and I'm 'opinioning' about my favourite thing. Anti - T20 (hehehe)! Hey, that rhymes!

Cricket has been an amazingly intriguing and complex game. Not on the field but off it. Mostly the spectators, e.g. you and me.

In the William Shakespeare classic, Julius Caesar , when Brutus, who happened to have been Caesar's best friend and even the one who killed him, explains to the crowd of people why he killed Caesar and why he was useless, the crowd began throwing stones at Caesar's body.

Just a few minutes later, when Antony, one of Caesar's best friends but not one who kills him, explains to the crowd why Caesar owned, they were easily swayed. Result, a bloody war, a bloody riot, and two suicides. Classic.

The last three decades has seen a similar kind of story in cricket. Apart from the bloodshed and chaos of course. In the '70s, one man, named Kerry Packer, played the role of Brutus. No, he didn't kill anyone! He influenced the crowd and covered them with his umbrella called pyjama cricket, a.k.a one day cricket, a.k.a lets call it S-60.

The people are enthralled! Why didn't I think of it, rang on in everybody's mind. This was so exciting! From the, now, boring six-day affair, we're seeing matches in just eight to 10 hours! Amazing!!

But then another idea came up. F-50!! Are you crazy? It's never gonna work.

In the Captain Underpants language, to make a long story short, it did.

So things are going fine and dandy, World Cups are going real cool and crowds are enjoying it. Then came the ultimate bomb. The strength of it was only hinted at but in the end, it was proved correct. Worldwide.

The T-20 bomb was unleashed and boy did it kill...fifty over cricket and it completely murdered...soaps and reality shows.

IPL, ICL, EPL, this PL, that PL completely started dominating the World. Just like its predecessors, F-50 was fading away..

Enter the Champions Trophy, but even that didn't have such a great impact so early exit and it's out for a duck.

Then the dreaded and boring (look into your heart, you'll say the same) Champs League came in. A huge success revenue wise, but the players, exhausted and injured. I, for one was tired of watching T20 and I felt as sick as Brett Lee (by the way, haha 7-0!).

Things looked bleak. Exodus of fans all around me. I feel I too am gonna be sucked into the vortex known as 'STUDIOUSNESS'. The thought still makes me squirm.

Then two teams of field agents were selected to get the 'shorter-longer' version of the game back on track. Team India and Team Australia.

The rest as I had said previously, is history. May I repeat it again? Even if you say yes I'm just gonna give the shorter version. My fingers burn typing the same thing again and again. My fingers burn typing the same thing again and again. AHH!!

Just to give you a hint, or a few, Dhoni, Hussey, 354, Gambhir, death overs, Dhoni, Siddle, Ishant, Dhoni, Ponting opening, Ponting, Dhoni, Lee injured (why?? hehe), and Dhoni. That race your memory back, dawg?

T20 anyone?

The India-Australia Saga: Boom Boom Pow

Prthvir Solanki — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:11:33 -0400

Chapter One

Boom Boom Pow

We all have played cricket. At whatever level. Tennis ball, tape ball, rubber ball, leather ball, and sometimes even the golf ball.

Now we all have been whacked on some part of the body while batting. And we all know, even if it's just a tennis ball, it hurts.

Now how many of us have been smacked on the head, first up? I would say a few. But in seriously scarce numbers. But how many of those can say, I smashed a hundred by tearing apart each and every bowler that came to me and scored a hundred batting at a position people believed was too low for me.

Not many. Not many international cricketers. Actually one. Have you seen the Saw movies? I haven't, but from the promos and spoofs, etc., I know its a pretty gory film. With the cutting and chopping and bleeding, etc. Dhoni's batting reminded me of that.

If instead of a bat, he had a sword, the next day's headlines would be, "Captain slays 11, Reserves and Coaches flee." Batting so powerful, I felt the pain of the Aussies. Who said Dhoni should come in at three?

Three days before the mass murder, the India-Australia series got underway. I've been going on and on about this series being a success and stuff like that, but this start was just perfect.

Ricky Ponting asked the Indians to field first but his thoughts of a good start were rubbed of thanks to Ashish Nehra who trapped Shane Watson leg before in the second over. But there is always a problem when a team gets an early wicket, especially when India gets an early wicket. The next wicket take eons to come.

Ponting and Tim Paine, who I think is awesome, rallied on and shared an excellent partnership of 97 runs before was caught behind of Ishant Sharma, who seems to be getting his rhythm back and it's nice to know he's clocking speeds up to 142 now.

But then again, the next wicket took time. Cameron White came in and continued to tire the bowlers along with the Punter before Ravindra Jadeja was called in and bowled a peach of a delivery to dismiss Ponting.

The rest, as they say, is Hussey.

Once again Mr. Cricket, Mr. Consistent, Mr. Crisis (there is a long list given by Sivaramakrishnan but that is another article) guided the Aussies with a flawless knock. He started off slowly and picked up the pace towards the end to lead Australia to 292. The pick of the bowlers being Sharma and the biggest disappointment being Harbhajan. He being the most experienced bowlers should have bowled better.

Out come the Indians and in went Sehwag and Sachin within the first eight overs. Destruction awaited.

Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni did well to support Gambhir, who scored a valiant 68 but at the end of the fortieth, India were 201 for 7.

There are very few people who will bet for you, when you're team needs 93 to win in 60 balls with three wickets in hand. I'll tell you what though, that doesn't seem to be such a bad idea.

Praveen Kumar and Harbhajan came in and smacking the Australians everywhere. I thought we lost it, but now I was sure I was going to have to swallow my words. It came down to the last over. Nine from six. Peter Siddle took his mark. His heart in his mouth. If he had given away a four on his first delivery, I wouldn't be surprised if he vomited it out. Lucky for us, it was a leg bye.

The rest, as they say, was Bhajji.

Yes, I believe Bhajji should take blame for the loss. After batting so well, after getting it so close, after nearing his fifty, why did he have to play a cut shot for a full pitch ball??

Well, the rest IS history. India lost, but by just four runs. Advantage India, possibly.

The teams arrived at Nagpur. The new stadium didn't seem to make the Indians happy. They looked as serious as teachers who believe their subjects rule but students hate it.

Well, India were put into bat by Ponting this time. Dhoni, Gambhir, and Raina. Need I say more?

I was really disappointed to see Sachin walk back early. I bet that he would cross 17000 on the day. I got a nice whack on my back as my friends taunted me. But not for long. Everyone was so exhilarated by what Dhoni did. You won't see innings like those and Gambhir and Raina played their roles superbly.

If it wasn't for an unfortunate run out, there would be two centurions in the team. Gambhir, I think its safe to say, is the next Tendulkar,

Raina came towards the end and began playing test match cricket before he exploded and began playing F-5 cricket.

India amassed 354 but not before the Paine show, which included two superb catches and a cheeky run out.

Australia came out to bat with all guns blazing but Nehra and Kumar seemed to have their bullet-proof vests on. The openers were struggling to get anything. But Praveen ended their misery with an amazing in-swinger, knocking off Tim Paine's leg stump. So much for his awesome-ness.

Ponting came in, but he, too, couldn't find the gaps. He hit the middle alright but the Indian field was a tough cookie to break.

Then came in Ishant and out went Watson with an excellent short ball which rose up to Watson's chest before it his retreating bat and fell into Sachin's hands. Next over, Ponting was given LBW thanks to another peach balled by Kumar. This was too easy. Not.

Again Mr. Crisis, Mr. Consistent...whatever started making the bowlers suffer after struggling with his first five balls. White at the other end gave ample support but Harbhajan, who was relatively quiet, duped him to lose his wicket at mid wicket.

After that, it was just small partnerships which failed to be converted into big ones and that cost them the match along with the Kangaroos disability to maintain the required run rate. Jadeja came in late on, and bowled with gusto to pick up three.

The match was wrapped, and India won by 99 runs.

Any guesses for man of the match? I got a few fingers for that.

So, two ODIs done, and both teams have delivered their punches, but round one is India's, after coming close from nowhere to lose by just four runs at Vadodara, and destroying the Aussie bowling at Nagpur. What happened to '7-0', Mr. Lee?

The bowl is in India's court, and its a nice and juicy volley, which is being prepared to be whacked for the winner.

Chairman of the Bored

Prthvir Solanki — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 04:42:30 -0400

I hear you groaning. I hear you saying, "Ah, it's that mad guy again come to argue about how much T20 reeks and how much ODI rules and how much the India Australia series should entertain."

Well, breathe your sigh of relief because this is not that kind of an article, though it is on similar lines. Wow, that's a big sigh!

Once upon a time, I was sitting with my friend and watching a cricket match. We were actually bouncing on our behinds waiting to see what happens next and our eyes went as dry as the Sahara due to the lack of blinking. Even the biggest Subway sandwich wouldn't disturb our dog-like concentration.

Fast forward a few months ahead, and I'm sitting and watching a match alone when that same friend comes in. He comes in, sits down and joins me. After a few minutes I yawn. Not the big one, just a small one and my manners made me cover my mouth as soon as possible.

Boundaries were hit, wickets were taken. We had seen the same thing happening just about a week back but in a different country. Being the staunch lover of the game, that didn't depress me. Though, I was pretty bored.

My friend on the other hand, wasn't as etiquette driven as me. He yawned, and it was huge. He didn't cover his mouth, but I realised later, even if he had, it wouldn't be enough to cover such a vast span. I swear I felt like I was sitting beside a hippo.

His yawn was huge. As in massive. I think I saw his intestines squirming there (hey, it's hard to ignore such an action!).

I gulped and with all my bravery and asked him, bravery because with a mouth like that, I thought he would swallow me, "Duuuude?"

He said he found it extremely boring and it was time to move on to other sports like football. I told him I'm already in love with football, but I wouldn't want to get married to it. But he said that was the mistake I was making.

So that night I had this insanely weird dream. My third eye was in a kind of conference room. When a host of people entered. But they weren't people. There was a hockey stick with eyes, who was followed by other sporting items with eyes. Last entered a bat with a ball on of his handle and he seemed pretty sleepy.

All the items settled down and right in the middle was a football and the placard in front of him read, 'Chairman of All Sports'.

"Now, Chairman of The Rise in Popularity, tell me what are your plans?", boomed the football's voice. This racquet (not racket) rises up and says "We have planned a very similar schedule to that of our sister sport, tennis. We have even started building larger courts so that more people may come and watch. Also, we have acquired telecast rights from the biggest sport channels." The squash racquet settled down with impressed faces all over.

"Very good. I'm extremely impressed. Now, may the chairman of the bored please give me his plans", said the football with a hint of malice in his voice. He couldn't believe he was once competing with this guy for the 'All Sports' job.

The bat stayed asleep. "CHAIRMAN OF THE BORED! ANSWER ME! What are your future plans?". The bat woke up with a start and blurted out "Two matches everyday!"

All the other goods shook their heads in dismay and everything got blurry and I woke up.

Let's get to the point here. Can we actually classify cricket as 'boring?' Too much cricket is actually putting that tag on the game.

The fact that organisers place finals on Mondays just makes that tag tighter and tougher to remove.

Cricket once a week or twice a week used to be perfect. New entertainment and the time space allowed us to rev up the adrenaline. Now there are cricket matches everyday and you can't help but have the feeling, how much ever you ignore it, that your body is tired and is howling for sleep whenever you watch the game.

But why are we still so intent on watching this beautiful game?

I have a few answers in mind. It could be the amazing sound that is heard when willow connects with the ball. It could be the energy of the commentators that takes us off the couch and onto the ground. It could be the energy emitted out by the players who give their all for their teams and countries.

But if majority think (at least majority of the people around me do) that cricket is boring and worthless, why does it still exist?

It's because people like you and me fight for our sport. Its because we have so much love for the sport, that even though we are the minority, the majority is overwhelmed by us.

Again, I was sitting with my friend and watching a match and again, he let out a gigantic roar (yawn). He told me to get off my butt and do something else. This time I raised my head, very movie-like, and asked him to uhh..ahem ahem..off. Where is the love? Feel your heart, it goes tap-tap.

Money That Makes the World Go Flat

Prthvir Solanki — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:46:37 -0400

The last few days have been pretty entertaining on the sports front. Jenson Button winning the F1 championship, Liverpool "ballooning" their way out of consideration for the Premier League title, Davydenko beating Nadal at the Shanghai Masters, etc

But one event shook the entire cricketing fraternity off its hinges. All the IPL teams failed to qualify for the semi final of the Champions League T20. AAAA, that high pitched scream can be heard in the background.

"How can you even talk about it?" screamed one. "You dare speak of it!" another angered fan said. The ousted IPL teams very much resemble Lord Voldemort of Harry Potter. With all the power and everything, they didn't have the souls to reach their goal.

The IPL teams obviously had the strongest teams on paper before the start. But papers can be torn, burnt, crumpled, eaten, stamped on, bitten off and the writings on it can easily be rubbed off or simply be torn into pieces.

Tournament organiser Lalit Modi will be biting his nails off thinking about the TRPs and sponsors. Five teams never heard of, Cape somethings, Trinidad, Tobago, Wales, and New Victoria have reached the semifinals of the tournament.

What does this mean?

Does it mean that the IPL teams are really bad or the other teams are really good? Either way, the IPL teams were, are and will never be as professional as the other leagues.

I finally gathered up the courage to watch Delhi take on the other guys. Unfortunately (or fortunately), I didn't know what time was it or which channel it was on and I didn't have the strength to check either.

Instead of the match, a County T20 match was being telecasted. Obviously, it was a repeat. I saw a batsman heave one six over long on and I was expecting a "DLF Maximum" shout from the commentator. But I didn't get that. I got a straight answer from him. "That is a huge six, mate."

Nothing to be impressed about? Ask a sane person to watch one IPL game after telling him all the rules and terms of cricket. He'll run a sword through you by the end of the game.

The IPL is all about the money. How much ever I try I just don't like the IPL. I'm a staunch supporter of the Mumbai Indians that too because of Sachin. After he retires, I have no idea what is going to happen because it seems cricket is heading to a club era where players will want to represent their clubs more than their countries. All this because of money. The thing that makes the world go round.

When you have the money, the passion disappears. If any of the other teams in this CL would be paying their players the same amount as the IPL players, this could've been a tournament to watch.

The BCCI recently came up with a shocking statement saying that the players are playing for the money and nothing else. That is outrageous. It's not the players, rather its the board and the teams who are offering them this kind of money which allows them to sit back and relax.

How much ever heart they try to put into the game, there is always that money factor at the back of their minds.

Lalit Modi has changed the game, I would say, for the worse and I believe there is worse to come. By bringing in large amount of money, he has let the players relax but what is worse is that all this money is being concentrated in one area (i.e India).

Being Indian, I obviously want the best out of my country and expect the best performances on the field. This money-relaxation thing combined with the disgusting attitude of the board will make the Indian cricketers careless and money minded.

While in the current crop of players, not much change will occur, after a decade or so, India could be ranked among the associate teams and the Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup are good examples that this is already creeping in.

Indian cricket is headed the wrong way and if nothing is done in the next few months time, things could turn ugly. India vs Australia, hopefully, will bring change.

Same Old Previews and The Same Old Giggsy

Prthvir Solanki — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 07:35:19 -0400

Its been a tough week to bear without club football, but finally we're only two days away from action.

Lets just take a look into the upcoming match between Bolton and Manchester UNITED! Its been a long time since I've said that........UNITED! Feels good.

Now before I begin, nobody in the world is going to tell me Bolton are going to give a tough fight to the Red Devils this Saturday. Rather, United themselves are going to have to fight it out to get their heads straight.

After a seriously disappointing draw against Sunderland (but Foster was elbowed) and the ongoing debate about Sir Alex Ferguson being a bully, United really have to pull their socks up.

Their passing was absolutely dreadful to say the least last week and that normal flow of movement had stumbled. But after watching the match, I think I realised what was missing there.

Ryan Giggs has been instrumental in the team's tourney so far and has been getting in those crosses with superb results. His passing has been sublime and has already chipped in with a couple of goals.

With everyone talking about Rooney stepping up and taking over the reins from Ronaldo, Giggs has been, to say the least, phenomenal!

You don't see too many 36 year olds running up and down a football field like that. Infact, you don't see too many 20 year olds do the same.

Along with the 'Giggs Effect', Anderson has been a revelation. After disappointing us last season, he has turned over a new leaf and begun pulling the strings in the middle of the park.

Rooney seems to lose and gain his form whenever he likes. Hopefully he is in a good mood on Saturday.

Berbatov is beginning to find his footing. Easily the best player last Saturday and to top that, he just scored a hattrick for Bulgaria.

Valencia has been a massive disappointment. I didn't expect him to come and start scoring goals straight away but he just doesn't look United for me. Nani has also been lacklustre but he has shown flashes of brilliance.

The rest of midfield has been solid apart from Scholesy who seems to have gotten a strong affinity for cards.

Defence continues to be a bit of a worry, Evra being the only one to stand up and take charge. Hopefully, Van Der Sar should be back between the sticks.

Bolton have no chance in hell. United have every chance in hell to make this game turn into hell but with some good performances in the Cup qualifiers and friendlies as well as Ferguson's growing anger.

I believe, the score United 3 Bolton 0 with the help of Rooney, Berba and Owen. They will of coursel be helped by Sir..sorry, too early for that..Ryan Giggs

I'm Hungry, Where's The Food?

Prthvir Solanki — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:44:10 -0400

The first edition of the Champions League has begun and to be honest, I have absolutely no idea who is playing, what has been happening, who has lost, who has won, etc. etc.

To me, the Champions League is just another advert for the promotion of the dessert in the heavy cricket meal. T20 is gaining momentum and the pendulum is swinging its way.

Soon, a classic stroke would refer to a Dillscoop or the Misbah or whatever the heck its called. I'll be on my wheelchair screaming, "What the bloody hell was that??" and the kids around me would give me lectures on what are and what are not good shots.

Soon, Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Shane Warne, etc would become like dinosaurs. Only seen as still pictures with colour alongside stats which would bewilder only a few. After all, what does test and ODI cricket mean to them.

There was a time when the pyjama format was called a "circus" by some. The same people are now defending it from the even bigger "carnival."

More people are losing interest in the game when it was believed that the T20 format would attract viewers. While it did start out very well, we all know too much dessert can seriously burn our stomachs.

The rise of T20 is slowly bringing the fall of cricket. Younger players now want to stop playing the straight drive and start playing the scoop-thing(what IS it called??) and risk breaking their faces.

The last few test matches played have been thoroughly entertaining, yet most ask, "Where are the sixes? Where is the scoopy? What is with that forward defence?"...well, you get the idea.

OK then watch ODIs. That should satisfy you. But no. Its too long they say. I guess Kerry Packer could'nt shorten it enough.

If this is how it goes, can we expect a T10 World cup in 2030? At this rate I think soon just the toss will satisfy people's appetites.

Well, my stomach isn't hurting and it still wants more of the appetizer and starter. When T20 came in, I was excited but it never gave me the feel of cricket (except of course T20 07 final. That put my adrenaline at boiling point.).

CL T20 is just another way of putting money into the sponsors' pockets and repelling people from the original game.

I have an idea of getting the game back on track and I feel it could be put into use. But I'll share that with you later. Let me enjoy the upcoming Indo-Australia series and savour the food like never before because every meal, might just be a last one.

The Red View: United "Shock" City

Prthvir Solanki — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 12:45:47 -0400

I had been ranting on this whole week about how City are going out to get DESTROYED at Old Trafford. I dreamt of a 10-0 win with Mark Hughes crying on the pitch in front of Carlos Tevez, who was crying because his resignation form was rejected.

But how much ever I hate those nutters, they played one hell of a game tonight.

I sat comfortably (as usual) when Rooney cut passed a couple of defenders to score the first goal in the second minute. I knew this was going to be my day!

From there until about the 15th minute, City reeked. They couldn't pass, they couldn't keep the ball, they could'nt tackle. This was going to be too easy.

But then something happened. Something I never expected. Tevez doing the same thing he did for United for two years FOR City. Running like a barking mad dog at the defenders. And boy did it pay off.

Tevez did say before the match that Foster was going to be a weak link. I thought, "seriously? If he was, I really don't know what he is doing starting ALL the games for United this season so far!" But the bloody Argentine was right!

One of the first things you're taught while practising goalkeeping is clearing the ball. When Foster had that opportunity, it looked as though he might've missed that class. He tried to take the ball away, but a vigilant Tevez pre-meditated that and snatched the ball away to smartly pass it to Gareth Barry, who coolly slotted it into the empty net.

Ok. Game on.

Not quite.

City took the game away from then on, and United seemed to be playing against themselves! The defending was pathetic while City were (*choke) superb. They cut out the through balls very well and United are well known to feast on those passes.

Halftime came and it couldn't have been sooner for the Reds. Tevez just missing a simple chance by hitting the post after a lovely touch on by Stephen Ireland.

Forty-five minutes. Manchester United one. Manchester City one.

Out came the team at opposite ends, and United began superbly. Excellent movement off the ball as well as on it. This was more like it. Soon Fletcher headed home a superb cross from Ryan Giggs (a.k.a God). 2-1!!!

The noise in the stadium suddenly grew louder and the jeers for Tevez grew more harsh. Bellamy did'nt like it. So, he smacked the ball into the top corner after a good pass by Tevez to bring City back on level terms.

Now, unlike the first half, it was up and down this time but it was Ryan Giggs who was doing major part of the work. He was passing brilliantly and crossing magnificently and if he was'nt on the pitch, City could've won this game long before.

His crosses were usually met by Dimitar Berbatov who was having a dreadful game. He could'nt run past the defenders and I was surprised to see him play even after 60 minutes.

But Ryan gave him some hope by shooting balls into the middle. Berba headed thrice. Twice spectacularly saved by Shay Given and once put wide.

Soon, United got another one of their numerous freekicks and Giggs (again) put a high ball into the box. Fletcher (again!) headed it straight into the net. 3-2 it was!!

90 minutes gone, surely it was over. But Rio had other ideas. United were keeping the ball well until Ferdinand tried to do something fancy by chipping the ball over Bellamy. Only that's not what happened. He chipped it straight to Bellamy who out stripped Rio and took a late shot but nonetheless, 3-3.

Now it had to be over. Surely nothing more. But that's what derby games are about!! It's never over!!

Giggs (again!! I mean he's 36!!) brilliantly stroked the ball between the defenders to find Owen, who had come on for Berba, who took the shot after a couple of touches. Then came ecstasy!!

One of the most entertaining derby games ever. But surely, the best game of the season so far. The match ended the way it did, I believe, due to two players who tirelessly played all around. Ryan Giggs and Anderson. And to some extent, Patrice Evra.

The three lefties worked the ball everywhere and Giggs and Evra were making runs into the box as if it were their's. Anderson passed the ball around as if on a carom board and occasionally ran at defenders and that too successfully.

I usually go on and on about the way United played and really undermine the opposite team. But today, City really proved what they can do. I don't like them, I don't like their attitude, their arrogance, their sometimes-over-confident manager and Adebayor, but there is something about them that might just help them break into the top four.

So today, I just sigh with relief and say, "Glory Glory, Man United"

The Deserving and The Undeserving

Prthvir Solanki — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:57:54 -0400

India won the final of the Compaq Cup. Really? Is this the best the World number two side can do?

You know, while watching the match I had a feeling my building mates could have easily beaten Dhoni's boys. This was by far, the most pathetic performance by the Indian cricket team I've ever seen. And I will drop blood for this team India.

But lets all forget about that. Whatever mistakes I can find, Sachin Tendulkar drifts into my mind and reverse sweeps those thoughts away.

I had a bet with one of my friend's earlier in the day. He said Sachin isn't going to cross 20. I said he'd cross 50. I don't have to write who won the bet. Obviously he did. He didn't give the five Rupees he promised.

I was unfortunate to miss the Indian innings, but fortunate enough to watch the highlights. Even during the highlights, I just wanted to switch off the box after The Master was dismissed.

This was easily one of the best innings he has played and that was later confirmed by Sachin himself. But only if he had come out to field. The Little Master studded his innings with 10 boundaries and a mighty six.

Then out came Yuvraj and played another wonder knock. This was Yuvi at his best and he seriously needed such an inning after disappointing us in the first two matches.

India amassed 319 in the alloted 50 overs. Surely enough to win a final when your bowling under lights on a pitch like the one in Colombo.

To make a long story short, it wasn't.

Virat Kohli, who came into the side I would say more for his fielding than batting, dropped a sitter off Jayasuriya early on that proved to be fatal. Jayasuriya and Dlshan blasted the fast bowlers all around the park and thats when I thought I could captain my building to a win.

But the Turbanator turned things around.

First he dismissed Dilshan and then the in-okayish-form Jayawardene. Then Yusuf got Jayasuriya, but that was the end of the match for him, I can tell you. Captain Sangakarra came into steady the ship and steady he did. Playing a patient knock and not hesitating to take just the singles. He knew that if he stayed on until the end, Lanka were going to pull off an upset.

But Angelo Mathews and promoted Thushara couldn't support him. But then came in the hero of the previous match, Thilina Kandamby. The wrestler...oh, I mean, left hander, came in and asserted his authority right away, not giving the bowlers much to exploit.

Between all this, there was something really strange going on. The Indian fielders must have had some seriously butter-y food before taking the field. Everything that came the fielders way was fumbled and those that stuck were thrown outrageously.

For a team having Yuvraj, Raina, Kohli, Dravid, Dhoni, etc., you would be expecting a lot more.

Sanga and Kandamby seemed to be taking the match away and the only way India could have come back was sheer luck. And how luck laughed for them!

RP Singh was bowling another one of his dreadful overs when he bowled an utterly useless ball. An extremely slow full toss ball which at first glance would seem a no ball, but that glance would be forgotten for what happened next.

I was just telling my dad that as long as Sanga stayed, India had no chance. But Sangakkara obviously must have heard me and started feeling conscious. He went for a full fledged heave which he missed. Unfortunately for him, his bat didn't. It slipped out of his hands and flew over his head and onto the stumps. One of the most bizarre dismissals and no thanks to RP but the Indians were celebrating as if they had got Lanka all out in ten balls at the finals of the World Cup.

But Sri Lankans never lose easy. Kapugedera and Kandamby led their charge once again and India's fielding went from bad, to worse, to worst.

Yuvraj was bowling to Kandamby and he bowled a shooter pitched halfway down the pitch. Kandamby top edged and had already started walking off and Indians all over started celebrating when we saw the ball on the ground.

Yusuf had dropped a catch, which he could have swallowed on another day, with his eyes shut. There was a sense of spiritlesness in the team after that, and things were looking very bad. The fielding had gone so much down that I felt every hold on to the ball was worth applauding.

Suresh Raina though, had been bowling really well and he finally struck after what felt like milenias getting Kapugedera caught behind (yes!! caught!!).

After that, Dhoni brought back Bhajji, who picked the last three wickets to complete his five-for.

All in all, a match which should have been Sri Lankas', ended being Indias' all thanks to a small man with an awesome new bat and a big guy with a never-say-die-but-say-kill attitude.

If this was preparation for the Champions Trophy, India have to pull up their socks. But at the moment, it really looks like they don't even have socks. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, should gear up for another good tournament and might just turn out to be the team to beat.

Anderson's Goal(!) and Almunia's Header(!!!)

Prthvir Solanki — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 12:24:03 -0400

It's like I had said: Tottenham didn't have a chance in heck to beat United. But there were some hiccups.

I had just settled into my beanbag when I screamed "WHAT THE FOUR LETTER WORD JUST HAPPENED!!". Defoe bicycled a brilliant goal within the first minute of the match. That must have inflated the heads of Spurs fans to a humongous level.

I expected United going down against them, but within a minute?? No way! This was a much better Tottenham team than last season. Their results have shown that.

But Giggs and co. were just too good for them. No pressure was taken and play continued normally as if somebody had just joked that Anderson had scored a goal.

United were in complete control. But Spurs kept creating the chances. Crouch was brilliant and used his height very well.

Then came the free kick from about 10-yards from the box. The commentators were debating who would take it and how great Ronaldo was from these positions when Giggsy fired in one of the best free kicks I've seen. The top corner finish showed that he still had it in him.

There was no stopping there. The whole team suddenly came to life and Scholes started tackling. Period.

Then the most amazing thing happened. To make a long story short. Anderson scored. A fine left footer into the bottom corner. There couldn't have been a more relieved Anderson, who was having a good game.

If I have to analyse the player performances, again Fletcher stands out. He went for everything without fear—though he was reckless at times.

Foster had a good day and could have done nothing about the goal. I was expecting a lot more from Rio but it was his first match after sometime so that's OK.

Berba was excellent. With all the jeers and pressure, he played exceptionally well. He seemed to be a target for the Spurs players.

Rooney had a good game. Which was disappointing. He's been playing much better than that. But after Scholes sending off, which I would say appropriate, he turned it on and scored a brilliant goal by first putting the ball between that bald defender's legs, then between that Chelsea keeper's legs.

All in all, an expected result.

But a few hours before this match, was another exciting match between Man City and Arsenal. I was rooting for Arsenal but Almunia...I don't know what to say.

I know it wasn't on purpose but I can't help but think, "How many times does it rebound off the keeper and into the net? OK maybe a bit but how many times does it hit a keeper's head and go in??"

How much ever Emmanuel acted like an idiot, it was Manuel who stole the show!

Next week's derby is one I actually am ready to skip ANYTHING IN THE WORLD to watch. With United already breaking Arsenal and Tottenham's 100 percent record, its time these Blues are taught a lesson.

A Manchester United Perspective of Today's Match: Spurs Fans Beware

Prthvir Solanki — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 08:19:47 -0400

While reading the preview of the United vs Tottenham match in this morning's papers, something kept buzzing in my head.

The buzzing sounded a lot like '5-2...5-2...' and I was transported to 25th April 2009..

I was kicking everything I saw! I could not believe the scoreline! Two goals down to Tottenham! But there was still some hope, it was only halftime.

For some unknown reason, I always felt I was gonna sleep happy that night. Second half and out came the now-traitor Carlos Tevez. Then was bliss.

Immaculate football, amazing passing, and Ronaldo was at his bloody brilliant best. But it was Rooney who was scaring the pants off Harry Redknapp. Playing on his unfavoured left side, Rooney mesmerised both the defenders and the crowd.

The audience began singing and chanting and everyone was on their feet. But that goal wasn't coming. Then Howard Webb gave a tough-to-judge decision and the penalty was all that was needed to switch on the shower of goals.

Rooney and Ronaldo scored four goals alternatively within fifteen minutes. I, and a million other people around the world, were on a high.

But it was Berbatov's name I wanted on the score-sheet. For all the criticism he got, he played like GOD! That £30 million Ferguson paid seemed like change, I was always on neutral. He was never gonna be a Ruud but he was good.

But on that day, he unleashed his talent. I've been a fan ever since that goal he scored. Apr. 25th: A day to remember.

Fast forward just under five months.

Tottenham fans must be jumping around like mad after the start they've had. A 100 percent record is a great start. But now it's time to play the big boys, son. (Those counting Liverpool as "big" are nutters)

Man Utd are off to an excellent start compared to the previous seasons. A win against Arsenal would have just bolstered the confidence. Rooney is in the form of his life and Berbatov is beginning to find his footing.

Valencia seems good, but his scoring output will be low. Nani has been very good and seeing him step into Ronaldo's shoes is heartening. Fletcher has been awesome, emerging as one of the best midfielders in the league.

Carrick has been OK but he'll find his way back. Giggs and Scholes have always been good but I find they're a touch better this time around. Evra, for me, is the best left back in the world. Vidic IS the best center back in the world and he has been in brilliant form.

Rio is back so that is more good news. Right-back has been a problem for the last year with a lot of injuries occurring but O'Shea seems up to the task. Foster has been really good but there are rumours of a Van Der Sar comeback today.

All in all, Tottenham look like...ummm...faeces in front of United. I'm not saying Tottenham can't win, I'm saying they have no chance. After their last meeting, I'll be screaming, "ENCORE PLEASE!"

The Magnetic Effect Of Cristiano Ronaldo

Prthvir Solanki — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:55:58 -0400

"I am very openly supportive of Manchester United so if anyone feels a bit angry, disappointed or sad if I criticize another team (ahem ahem....harshly), please forgive me. It’s in my blood."

There are evidently two kinds of fan following.

The first are, of course, the 'through thick and thin' fans. Those who will tattoo Champions League trophies on their arms (without actually winning one), paint themselves red and die for their clubs, also known as 'the True Fans.'

Others are the infamous 'Gloryhunters'. Those who support the teams that are on top or winning or which have won. Seeing the last three years they wouldn’t have to change much, would they?

But I'm confident that I’ve found a third kind.

For the last few years 'the Gloryhunters' joined the United fan club along with me and since we continued winning they decided to remain with me. A Red Devil forever.

Then one fine morning a huge headline splashed across all the papers.

"Ronaldo to Real Madrid. Record Transfer Fee."

To be honest, I was very disappointed. Ronaldo provided something that nobody in the club's history provided. The amazing thing is that I don’t know what that 'thing' is but, when Ronaldo was on the field, confidence was high.

I went to meet my friends that day and I could expect what the day's topic of conversation was going to be, but they all seemed so intent on talking about Real Madrid and their money.

I was scratching my head thinking, what could have brought about this change when my friend whacked me on my head.

He told me what an idiot I am. "Didn’t you read the papers?" he asked. "Yeah, I did". Then i just recalled what i had read and it struck me. Madrid had made a bid for Kaka! That’s when my friend again smacked me and called me a dolt.

He turned around and what he showed me horrified me.

No it was not what you think. He was wearing a Real Madrid jersey with..wait..oh man......Ronaldo written on it.

That’s when I realized that Ronaldo was much more than what I felt he was. He was a magnet for fans. I looked around me and realized something i never felt I’d realize.

I was the lone Red Devil.

There was a time when me and my friends used to pick on some Arsenal wimp and scare him off.

But now I was that wimp. All the Real fans were laughing at me as if Ronaldo was the base of the world's tallest building called Manchester United. What was worse, that Arsenal guy was laughing as well.

What is it about Ronaldo that makes people go after him?

One said looks (seriously?), another his tricks (ok, valid) and another just spat out " Man United ain't gonna win this year!"

WHAT!?

Just because Ronaldo goes, it’s all over for United? What about Rooney? And Berbatov? Rio? Vida? Fletcher? Van Der Sar? Were they just show pieces??

Now I’m alone, and believe me, I'm that wimp and the Arsenal guy still laughs at me. Micheal Faraday might have found his successor in Cristiano Ronaldo.

The End of Australia! The End of Australia?

Prthvir Solanki — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:02:37 -0400

The End!

Out walked Ben Hilfenhaus, on a seemingly hot day, to join "Mr Cricket" Mike Hussey in the middle. Two of his mates, Peter Siddle and Stuart Clarke, had just been knocked over with two balls by some tall bloke by the name of Steve Harmison.

If it was just that, Hilfenhaus would have come dancing out.

Big Ben came in at 343 lbs. for nine in the 100th over of the fourth inning, needing another 200-odd to win.

Oh, I forgot to mention, it was also the last test of the Ashes 2009.

Does that makes it pressurising, you ask? The series is tied at 1-1 and any cricket lover would know, what the Ashes mean to England and Australia.

Both teams were craving for it, this time around. England had been humiliated in Australia a couple of years back when the Kangaroos decimated the Barmy Army, 5-0. Revenge was needed, and seeing the circumstances, it seemed imminent.

Australia, on the other hand, are the more "pride" type guys. They didn't want to lose to England in England for consecutiveve times. The last time was embarrassing enough. I mean, an open top bus ride and a visit to Buckingham Palace? Guys, you aren't as good as us.

Check the rankings! But what really drove most of these men was the shame of losing two Ashes series' in a career. Most of these players didn't want to know what it felt like. What made it worse was that no one could tell them how it felt.

Anyways, Hilfenhaus comes out and faces the last ball of Harmy's over and walks over to the other end. Surely there was a way out of this. If that left armer and fast bowler could do it, why couldn't another fast bowler and a proper batsman not do it? Simple math, eh?

Two overs later, the "proper batsman", Hussey pops a catch to Cook and before he knew it, the English were climbing on top of each other. They were happy. Maybe a bit more than that. Surely not as happy as last time. No bus ride this time. Just booze and food at the hotel. No drunk Andrew Flintoff...perfect.

But the loss wasn't just music to English ears. All around the world, people celebrated the downfall of the Aussies.

This wasn't the first time they lost. They lost to India, then South Africa, and now England. Surely that's that!

Australia free-fell and landed hard on their behinds when the new rankings were released. From first to fourth. At least better than England, mate.

The End?

Everybody around the world had imaginations of Ponting quitting. All players over 30 usually retire and Mitchell Johnson even lost his arm (the left one), but no. Two ODI's against their detractors and two wins, without Ponting, and those bloody over 30's are still sticking around and Mitchell's arm seems to be stuck. And now that Lee fellow is back.

Let's get to the point, seriously now.

How many times have people ruled Australia out? I myself have thrown them into the 10th position about three billion times. But they just keep coming back and irritating us just like the common lousy cold.

Michael seems an able leader, especially after Ponting's retirement from T20's. For me, that's a sign of things to come. He wishes to play the Ashes in 2013, but my guess is Hayden's son might take his place.

Speaking of Hayden, Australia has completely lost their track after losing Haydos, Gilly, Langer, Martyn, Gillespie, McGrath, and Warnie. Now that was expected. Depending on the experienced seems great but forgetting to nurture the young is crime.

Clarke and Johnson are a few products of Aussie nurturing and look how they've turned out! Easily both are one among the best batsmen and bowlers, respectively, in the world.

The next three to five years are going to be similar with the exodus of several cricketers. Mike Hussey, Ricky Ponting, Brett Lee, and possibly Brad Haddin (who has been terribly disappointing after Gilchrist's retirement) are sure to turn their backs on the game.

But the newer talent seems to fit the bill. Marcus North is exciting and seems like a finisher. It will be great to exploit his ODI techniques.

Shane Watson has been superb with the ball, but it's his bat which has been doing the talking and doesn't seem to want to stop.

Peter Siddle is the highest wicket tacker in tests this year. What more can you say to a guy who begun his career with a skull crack to Virender Sehwag?

Mitchell Johnson. Nothing more said.

Nathan Hauritz is the player who Australia dearly missed in the final test. He is an excellent spinner, but don't expect any Warne-esque things from him.

Craig White has also been good, but is much more capable; the same goes with Shaun Marsh.

All-in-all, Australia is down, but certainly not out. They never were. Never will be. But since they are..."Pass the beer, boys!"

West Indies: The Empire Strikes Back?

Prthvir Solanki — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:18:02 -0400

Ah, the Caribbean atmosphere! Music, drums, and lots of bad dancing which, because of the enthusiasm, looks great. When was the last time we saw this? Well, I'm glad to say, just about a month back.

The West Indians were looking as vicious as tigers ready to pounce on their prey. The trio of Jerome Taylor, Fidel Edwards, and Darren Powell had echoes of Courtney Walsh, Courtley Ambrose, and Malcolm Marshall, and Suleiman Benn just added a spinning effect.

West Indies have been struggling for the last 10 years or so. After the retirement of Viv Richards, Clive Lloyds, Micheal Holding, Gordon Greenidge, etc., West Indies never looked the same.

Walsh and Ambrose really did send the spirits sky high, but soon they to had to hang up their boots. The team of legends had just one legend in Brian Lara, who continued to work hard, striving in order to achieve something for his team.

Very few lent a helping hand to him. Carl Hooper was an instant phenomenon, reminding the people of how Sir Viv played, but that slowly died down. Merv Dillon and Cameron Cuffy had daunting physical features and made use of that, but only in conditions which suited them, unlike their predecessors.

After Lara's retirement, all seemed over. Who was left? West Indies were stuck in a very dark cave. But then, they saw the light in the form of Shiv Chanderpaul, and around him, light began spreading everywhere. Chris Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan, and Dwayne Bravo all stood up and prepared for the strike back.

But things didn't begin well. And nor did they improve. Players were changed every now and then, but nobody could build around what their seniors did.

West Indies' main strength was in their pace attack, and that was suddenly obsolete. No fast bowler seemed capable of even fitting in the shadows of the greats who played before.

Then came the English series of 2009.

West Indies played their three most senior fast bowlers and added a spin bowler in the mix. But the English played them with superiority and scored well above 280. But the new and improved batting lineup lived up to their shine, and outshined their counterparts.

Now it was the time for the bowlers.

To make a known long story short, they ripped the famed English lineup into pieces. Getting them all out for a paltry 50-odd runs, and England failed to score 390 in two innings of batting.

This marks a new beginning in West Indian cricket, or shall I say, a reincarnation. As I write/type, the West Indians are destroying the English once again in the third ODI in Barbados. At the time of writing, England are at 68-for-8.

There was a time when West Indies ruled everything. They tore apart each team that came in their way as if it was an insult playing against them. Teams were scared to play them and names of players gave teams the nightmares.

My question is simple. Is this just one of those bad phases England is going through?

Or has the West Indian empire struck back?

The Great Indian...oops!! Premier League Is Back!!!

Prthvir Solanki — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 09:01:39 -0400

Aw, man!! The Indian Premier League is'nt Indian anymore!! It has been confirmed by the BCCI that this year's IPL will be held either in England or South Africa.

I had a feeling that it might be cancelled due to security circumstances, but shifted abroad? Never!!

I guess its just the 'PL' now. Imagine watching Rajasthan Royals defend their titles at Lord's and being called the Indian Premier League champions. Every time the word Indian is heard on the screen, the whole country will moan and groan together, the same way their promotional adverts are going.

This shift in venue would mean a lot more hassles for IPL manager Lalit Modi to face.

First and foremost, the time. Let's say, the IPL will be played in England. India is five-and-a-half hours ahead of England's time. Now we Indians would not like to watch the 'early' start match at 9:30 PM, would we?

Lalit Modi also said that they were looking to reduce the number of players playing in the IPL. What is the use of that? The local players will obviously be excluded but that is'nt the idea, is it?

The main idea is to give international experience to young local cricketers. If that is'nt happening, how is it going to work?

Another question I am pondering over is, will the British or South African crowd go to watch the IPL? No doubt that cricket is enormously famous there but with the restriction of only four foreign players in each side, recognising players for them will be tough.

Then again, for these 'unknowns', this is a huge opportunity to show their talent abroad. You never know, we may see Dinesh Salunkhe play for Kent next year.

But in the end, the income for IPL may have a huge advantage. With most Indians now watching the matches on the idiot box, ad slots will be tough to get and obviously the highest bidder will get a slot.

Therefore, profits are expected for Lalit Modi, which he desperately needs after losing the elections for the Rajasthan Cricket Association President post.

As an Indian, I am very disappointed with this decision. The buzz in the cities will no longer be there and watching matches live is now impossible (unless someone comes and gives me a free ticket to England, of course).

But on the flip-side, the security concerns were large and players were hesitant to come to India. Surely now, there would'nt be much of a problem and the IPL will have its star-power.

Whether it becomes successful or not, is an answer only time can tell. Lets hope watching IPL or 'PL' rather, at home from England will be same as last year, and the excitement remains upbeat.

Liverpool Won't Win the Premier League This Year

Prthvir Solanki — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 02:54:59 -0400

Okay, last week we saw Liverpool thump United at Old Trafford 4-1. But any honest football fan would say, United were in control.

More shots, more possession, more passing. Only problem was, they had more mistakes as well.

Liverpool did the same at Anfield in September, when the were at the top of the table. Coming from behind to beat the defending champs, who began the season inconsistently.

But what did that come to?

That's right, nothing.

Liverpool struggled after that, the fans became so restless that they actually booed the players off after drawing 0-0 at home to West Ham (very loyal).

On the other hand, Man United began playing the way we know they can. A long winning streak was needed and that was ensured with a bonus of Van der Sar not letting in anything for three months.

But United had to give away a goal sometime. They had to lose sometime. It was unfortunate it happened against Liverpool, but in the end, United didn't need the win. It was Liverpool who were desperate for it. They got it, but it's not going to make any difference.

Man United have an amazing record of wins after losing. Seeing their confidence at the moment, that isn't going to change.

Liverpool will be glad they just had an excellent week, but do they have the capacity to continue?

They might, but if Rafa keeps talking rubbish like he has been, not only the kits, but even their faces might be red.

Apart from the beginning of the season, Liverpool have been inconsistent. They might go into their next game with sky high confidence, but that confidence might just get them a bit too high and thus, they can mistakes during their match against a dangerous Aston Villa.

Liverpool can't win the title. And that's a fact.

India in New Zealand: Batsmen or Bowlers?

Prthvir Solanki — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 02:24:20 -0400

So after much dilly dallying, India has managed to beat New Zealand at home after 33 years after a comprehensive 10 wicket victory, which had some splendid performances by both batsman and bowler.

Man of the match, Sachin Tendulkar, was at his best scoring a sublime 160.

Rahul Dravid marked his return to form with an excellent 66. Gautam Gambhit played a powerful knock in the first innings and made sure the paltry target of 39 was reached without any hiccups.

Harbhajan Singh was at his best picking up 6 for 63 in the second innings. Ishant Sharma used the conditions well and picked up four in the first innings.

But the surprise of the match was Munaf Patel, who bowled a good line and length. He was rewarded with five good wickets in the match.

In the presentation ceremony, Dhoni mentioned his bowlers doing very well, but I would like to contradict that.

They did bowl well, but they were not at their best. Letting New Zealand score 279, when they were struggling at 60 for 6 was a huge letdown.

Allowing Ian O'Brien to settle and share a 76 run stand with McCullum was also disappointing.

All in all, India should have won this match before I woke up early in the morning.

The bowlers were not bowling with gusto and enthusiasm. Watching was even worse. The only fun moment was when Harbhajan slept on the ground to stop a ball in the deep, when McCullum was refusing to give strike to O'Brien.

Three slips were in place for the fast bowlers, but there was no sign of them bowling up to the batsman. They did that in the first innings and got early breakthroughs.

Dhoni's captaincy can also be questioned here. Instead of bringing the field in for McCullum, he let the fielders remain in the deep, allowing McCullum to remain at ease.

McCullum was following the same pattern every over-first three balls play whatever you like, fourth ball, give strike to blog expert.

If he failed to rotate strike, Dhoni would bring the fielders up for the last two balls. It would not have hurt if he had asked them to come up on the fourth ball. Would it?

Talking about the batsman, I think they were absolutely flawless.

The only let down was Sehwag, which occurred because of a run out, otherwise India would surely have scored more than 600.

Every batsman contributed well, including Zaheer Khan, who played superbly for his fifty.

I was glad to see very few cross-bat shots being played. Batsman now are so excited about T20, they play like sweepers everywhere.

Dhoni might have said that the bowlers did do well, but I believe it was the batsman who won the game for India.

The bowlers were inconsistent and their problem of failing to clean up the tail quickly was evident today.

The Thing About Ducks...

Prthvir Solanki — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 05:35:16 -0400

When a batsman gets out for a duck, he/she leaves dejected.

When a batsman gets out for a golden duck, he/she leaves depressed.

When a batsman gets out for a pair, he/she leaves depressed, dejected and demoralised.

When a batsman gets out for a silver pair, he/she leaves depressed, dejected...well, basically, suicidal.

They say "Runs maketh a man" (I think). That's balderdash I say! It ought to be "Ducks maketh a man." Ducks are part of the game. If you don't get a duck, you are'nt part of the game.

Let's all bow down to Chris Martin for a while. 25 ducks in 60-odd innings. Amazing! How does he do it?

But there are some, who fail to get any ducks. Lets see how they have fared in their careers.

Tests

James Anderson, English fast bowler. He has never got a duck in his whole career. Hey, hey but guess what? He is known as a fabulous...umm...tailender. Even his bowling has taken a hammering in recent months.

Another famous example of being duckless is Pakistani batsman, Yasir Hameed. No wonder he was dropped from the team two years back.

Farveez Maharoof. Oh so talented. No ducks in his career. Has'nt played a test since 2007.

Now lets take examples of those who have so many ducks under their belts, you can't wait to count the chicks.

Courtney Walsh. 43 ducks in 185 innings. So what? Picks up 519 wickets and dances his Caribbean jig into history books.

But Walsh was a bowler. I bet that would be your argument. No problem for me though. Lets look at some batsmen.

Marvan Attapatu. He had six ducks in his first seven innings! Ended his career with 22 ducks in 156 innings. But that does'nt stop him from being one heck of a classy batsman as well one of Sri Lanka's most admired captains.

Steve Waugh also had 22 ducks but in 78 more test matches than Attapatu. No matter. Scoring 32 hundreds is so easy, even Brian Lara could do it.

Speaking of Lara, 17 ducks. Cool, huh? Did'nt stop him from getting 10,000 runs, breaking the highest individual score twice and score 34 hundreds.

ODI

Brad Haddin has not had a duck in his whole ODI career! Yes, he is a talented batsman. Yeah, he is a great keeper and yes, he is living up to half of Gilchrist's reputation. But, is'nt Australia suddenly the fairytale gone wrong?

Jacque Rudolphe. What a start he had to his career. Scoring a double hundred on debut for South Africa against Bangladesh and continuing the form into the ODI's.

If only he could have got out on a duck. He was charged with being racist and was kicked out of the team. Thats what happens when you are vegetarian I guess.

Peter Kirsten is Guru Gary's elder brother. Never got a duck. Where did it land him? In the shadow of Gary Kirsten and kicked out of the South African cricket team.

Lets see players who will keep counting their ducks until they start applying hair color.

Sanath Jayasuriya has been duck 33 times. But his career spans more than 400 ODI's, so in proportion to that, that's a marvelous record. So is everything else for him.

Not everyone plays 432 ODI's and maintains a strike rate of over 90 AND scored more than 13,000 runs! He would have been glad the day he walked back on nought.

Inzamam Ul Haq. 20 ducks in 378 matches. SO? 11000 runs, 83 fifties, captain of Pakistan team with a flawless English vocabulary and accent. One of the most dangerous players the game ever produced and ever will produce.

Sachin Tendulkar also has 20 ducks but in 425 matches. He holds all records and still haunts Shane Warne in the night. He proves the fact that it pays to get off the mark.

My conclusion: Ducks rule, Okay?

Rahul Dravid: The Great Wall of India

Prthvir Solanki — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 04:25:30 -0400

Rahul Dravid has experienced all the highs and lows of cricket, just like any other great in the game. The problem is he is facing the lows at the twilight of his glorious career.

His mastery has been overshadowed by that of Sachin Tendulkar throughout his life but his name is still mentioned in the same breath as Lara, Border, and Richards.

When you begin your career with a score in the nineties, you are destined for greatness.

But once again, The Wall, as we call him, was overshadowed thanks to another debutant, who would go on to become on of the best captains ever, Sourav Ganguly.

Dravid has almost gone through his enitre career unnoticed. Imagine if there was no Sachin or Ganguly, Dravid would have been considered THE best in the world. His absolutely correct technique has left the best of bowlers stranded for answers.

He has hit 26 test hundreds. Out of those 26, five are double hundreds, which is the joint highest for an Indian along with Virender Sehwag.

He has an amazing distinction of scoring four centuries in a row. And to top it all, he has more than 10,000 runs in his kitty and is also considered to be the greatest ever number three batsman after Don Bradman.

He is without any doubt one of the greatest Test batsman ever and comparable even to the Don because of his fluent stroke play.

His ODI career has been superb too, for someone type-cast as incapable of playing in this format of the game, and with just 40 sixers in 333 ODI's!

An excellent average of about forty, one of the few players to have scored over ten thousand runs and has the third highest number of fifties (83; and he also has the 4th highest number of 50+ scores which include 100+ socres as well) after Inzamam-Ul-Haq and Sachin Tendulkar.

The reason I write this article is that people are starting to think Dravid is in the team just so that it is possible to field eleven players while playing.

I was talking to my friends about the Indo-NZ test series and said that Dravid will be a very important member for India. They laughed for the next ten minutes and I was looking around for someone who must have done something funny. Then I realised they were laughing at me for even suggesting Dravid could do something to help India win.

I have not seen Dravid smile for the last one year. He has been criticised from all directions for losing form. Losing form!! If you don't lose form, you are not human.

But that is why people started criticising him I guess. He just was not human for the first 8-10 years of his career.

A Look at the Indian Squad for the Kiwi Challenge

Prthvir Solanki — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:41:29 -0400

So finally, the tests are here after a seemingly long and entertaining ODI and T20 series. The Indians will obviously be the favourites to win the series, especially after their exceptional performance in the ODI series.

But don't underestimate the Kiwis. They quite easily beat the T20 champions in the that format and thrashed them in the last one dayer. Daniel Vettori's boys will surely be sky high after that win.

Their squad for the first test is almost a complete makeover. In the squad of 14, six players will be playing India for the first time. This could be a worrying factor for India as they have never played these guys before.

They already had a tough time with Jesse Ryder and Martin Guptill. If they have more of that then it will be a challenge for Dhoni's devils.

The Indian squad has also had a number of changes made. Let's have a quick summary and glance at the 16-man squad.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni(captain)

MS Dhoni is going to have to be an integral player for the team. Playing down the order makes it even more difficult. India's horrendous last series here saw the number seven batsman coming out very quickly.

Dhoni is going to have to be prepared for that and look to guide his team out of trouble at that time.

Keeping would also be a little hard to adjust with. The red ball will swing a lot and bowlers like Ishant Sharma, who could easily clock 150km/h, will give Dhoni a tough time and he is going to adjust with that and fast.

Rahul Dravid

The Wall is back and how! Scoring a hundred in his last test ad a century in the practice match he played for Canterbury. Rahul Dravid has shown that he means business and the Kiwis are going to have to be careful of his form.

Getting him early is going to be the key. If they don't, the rest will be history.

Harbhajan Singh

The main spinner for India. After Jumbo's retirement, Harbhajan has took the task of filling Anil Kumble's huge boots. He had a very good series against England at home but conditions in New Zealand are completely different.

But he has proved to be a tough nut to crack for the batsman and has been exceptional in the one day series. A lot depends on this man. Let's see if he lives up to it—he should.

Zaheer Khan

Another important bowler. Zaheer will be spearheading the attack, and opening the bowling with Ishant Sharma or Lakshmipathy Balaji. He had a modest one day series picking up four wickets in five matches (you might say that is not impressive, but the highest wicket-taker picked five wickets) but at a high average of 46.

In almost matches, he started off his spell very well but started falling apart later into it and he also had a problem clearing up the tail quickly. Surely he will work on these aspects in the nets. Lets see if his work pays off.

VVS Laxman

Vengipurrapu Venkatsai Laxman is one of the last remaining of the Fab Five, which is now the Tremendous Three(okay?). He has a lot to prove after failing to perform in the England series. He is tipped to be the next one to retire, but we all know how good he is when under pressure.

Also, he has an amazing record in Australia and if I am not mistaken, New Zealand pitches are similar, so expect to see something Very Very Special.

Munaf Patel

Munaf Patel was really useless in the ODI series. As they arrived in New Zealand, he suffered an injury. The one match he played, he bowled without any aim and ended up with figures of 7.2-0-79-0.

I will be surprised if he gets a chance to play. If he does, he better use it. This could be his last chance.

Ishant Sharma

How important is this man? The quickest bowler in the team will be expected to exploit the conditions and trouble the batsman with his pace and swing. He picked up wickets in the one dayers but at a very high strike rate and that might just worry Dhoni a little.

Otherwise, this man is the key.

Murali Vijay

The reserve opener will not get a chance unless Sehwag or Gambhir get injured. He impressed in his first test against Australia, but seeing the way the Delhi boys are playing, a chance to play seems far for him.

Lakshmipathy Balaji

The comeback man for India! Had an excellent start to his career but injuries slowed him down and eventually got him out of the team.

The 'Smiling Assassin' did not particularly impress in Sri Lanka, with his pace down and smile out, but his line and length has forced the selectors to pick him.

If he gets back to his old ways, the Kiwis are in for a tough time.

Gautam Gambhir

The left hander did not have an impressive series for the first time in almost a year and a half. He will be hungry for runs and will play carefully and try to avoid that late cut to third man.

He can afford to be slow and steady, after all Virender Sehwag will be at the other end.

Dinesh Karthik

Unlikely to get a place in the first eleven in any match of the series because it is'nt really easy to replace the captain you know. Selected over Parthiv Patel after his performance in the Ranji Trophy.

Though, Patel also had a very good season, Karthik was selected after his good performance behind the stumps and with the bat in the inter-zonal matches.

Dhawal Kulkarni

For the first time in many years, an uncapped Mumbaikar will be part of the Indian test squad.

We were all waiting for the next Tendulkar, though he is'nt a batsman, he does have the ability to scale great heights. His zippy bowling could trouble the batsman and that was seen in the inaugural IPL season, where he played for the Mumbai Indians and won the hearts for many.

He also performed in the County match playing for Central Districts, picking up three important wickets. The surprise package of the squad without any doubt.

Amit Mishra

A lot of expectations ride on this fellow's shoulders. The replacement for Anil Kumble has so far impressed all and his googly has surprised batsman to a large extent. He picked up three wickets in the county game he played.

A good start would certainly have given him confidence and given him an extra edge to perform against New Zealand.

Virender Sehwag

The talk of the town everywhere in India or New Zealand. Sehwag has already asserted his authority over the Kiwi bowlers but he might have to adjust with the new bowlers coming in.

Vettori and his army would be spending half the planning time on getting ideas on how to get the Nawab Of Najafgarh out, but still be clueless. The key man for India, if he plays well the team will most likely follow suit.

Sachin Tendulkar

Another man who is the topic of gossip everywhere, Sachin has also, like Sehwag, brought fear into the bowlers mind. His innings in the one dayers, especially the 163*, would have the bowlers struggling for answers.

Nobody has Sachin in this kind of form for a long time, and unfortunately, New Zealand are going to have to bear the brunt.

Yuvraj Singh

Mr. Sixer would be an important member of the team. Another replacement for one of the Fab Five, living up to Ganguly's reputation will be tough, but that's exactly when Yuvraj performs. He relishes challenges, and takes his opportunities very well. Surely a major threat for the Kiwis.

This is the squad that could create history by winning a test series against New Zealand in New Zealand. Well the question is, can they?

IPL 2009: On or Off?

Prthvir Solanki — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 12:28:06 -0400

Its on!

No..wait...it's not..

Oh yes it is!

Wait a sec...no it's gone

This is even more interesting than the Ronaldo transfer saga! Just a week back, IPL chairman Lalit Modi says everything is alright, IPL is right on track. This conformation came after people started raising eyebrows, seeing the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team.

After saying this, the Home Minister says he is not happy with the dates. Mr. Modi takes it in his stride and fixes the dates to accommodate the elections and divide the security well.

For two days, all is fine and well. People are gearing up for IPL 2. Suddenly, some states have said that they are not willing to give security for the players and matches during the elections.

WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON!?!?

Lalit Modi is now rushing to make amends to his date sheet, so that IPL 2 will happen. If you thought getting through the pressures last year were tough, don't talk about this one!

I will be honest here. I seriously hope it will happen. I just loved it last year. I have always supported football teams like Man United, but supporting Mumbai Indians was so much better mainly because I was part of the city. Its a different feeling.

As for security. I believe, if there is a doubt, it should not happen. Players will not come feeling they don't have enough security. Stadiums will most probably be half-full (optimistic, huh!) and with only Indians, it will look like a normal Ranji game.

Delaying it is impossible, with the calender booked for the whole year, the people regard the elections more important than the IPL (and I do to after all, its about the future of the country), and after the 3/3 attacks, players will be reluctant and a good example is the richest IPL player, Kevin Pietersen. All in all, IPL 2 seems unlikely.

I'm sure many hope it will happen. But security has been a problem. I am not saying our government is not capable of providing high-level security (they are more than capable), but trying to divide the security here and there is not a good idea to me.

We all loved it. We all hope its coming back. But at least according to me, IPL 2009 is gone. I hope it hasn't, but my gut feeling says yes.

I hope my gut is wrong. What say you?

Why Sachin Tendulkar Is Still the Best!!

Prthvir Solanki — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 05:51:26 -0400

Just before the Indian team left for New Zealand, I'm sure many fans in India read an article in one of the newspapers titled "Sach a Grey Area". As the title suggests, it was about the Little Master's inclusion in the ODI team. The writer felt it was time Sachin concentrated on tests like how Laxman and Dravid currently (and forcefully) do.

I dont know about others, but as a hardcore Sachin fan, I was seething with anger after reading the article. I hated the way it criticised Sachin in audacious ways one can never imagine, for example, blaming him for getting the wrong decisions against Sri Lanka and describing his knocks in the CB series finals as slow and over-cautious.

Well, after his performance so far, I have completely forgotten about the article but one thing keeps popping in my head. Daniel Vettori had said that New Zealand fear Sehwag the most and are aiming to get him out very early. All fine and dandy, but as that article pointed out, there was a time when teams felt the shivers when Sachin was coming out to bat and Vettori completely knocked over that theory.

Anyway, after seeing the way he played in the second ODI, I had a feeling something big is coming. Something never seen before, and how right I was! Tendulkar played an innings so '97-like. On so many occasions he put his right foot out of the way and smashed the ball through the offside. On so many occasions he shuffled across in order to achieve the perfect sweep, which on many occasions the ball crossed the ropes.

It was a Sachin we have'nt seen in years. He looked like the 16-year-old lad once again thrashing bowlers left, right, and centre and by the 44th over he was on a mammoth 163 of just a bit above 130 balls. If it wasn't for the injury, I think another record was for the taking for the Master Blaster.

But why is Sachin still criticism's bunny?

So many think its time he retires. Why doesn't anyone ask Jayasuriya to retire? We Indians think that if Sachin gets a duck, he is useless. If he scored a century, he is back to being God. There was a time when people were beaten up for insulting him. Now, there are so many people criticising that they can easily overpower the fighters.

But those who understand cricket will know, Sachin will always be the greatest cricketer to be alive. He may even be better than The Don, but that is another argument.

He holds all the important World Records and those who think WRs are not important then one should know, he is the classiest player alive. He has maybe the most beautiful cover drive in his arsenal. His head should by high in the sky, but they are firmly put at five and a half feet from the ground. He is the most humble, honest, and he has achieved more than anyone will in ten lives.

He is Sachin Tendulkar.

Cricket 2020: Mumbai Indians Win the Treble

Prthvir Solanki — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:28:56 -0500

Its 3 AM, and I'm wide awake, singing songs with my friend in a pub where everyone else is also singing. The date on a newspaper lying on the floor reads; 6 December 2020.

"Yes!! We finally did it!! We finally won the treble," howled my friend for the third time in 15 minutes, and for the third time in as many minutes, the whole room screamed with joy.

"Who would have thought Mumbai Indians would win? Nobody..but we did it! The Bushrangers were nothing! I loved the look on Duminy's face after they lost! Didn't he say 'I've achieved all I have here in Mumbai, now i want to go for bigger and better things?'" I said mocking Duminy. And we sang the rest of the night...

No, I am not talking about football.

I am talking about the game we all love, Cricket.

But can this be true? How can Mumbai Indians win a treble?

Well, my views on how cricket will be in 2020 are very much like how football is today.

Premier Leagues everywhere in each country, knockout tournaments, controversial transfers. and BIG money. Yep, that's cricket in 2020.

Well, I know the County Championship has two divisions (I'm not sure, please correct me if I am wrong), imagine the IPL having two divisions. Not just any two divisions, but the second division will be the ICL teams.

Slowly and steadily, IPL teams get relegated to IPL second division. Meanwhile, the second division winners go to the Premier League.

But why ICL came to my mind as a second division league is something I am not proud of. I believe ICL teams just are not as good as the IPL teams—but I might not be wrong.

The knockout tournaments will be similar to the FA Cup in English football. The Champions League will have 32 teams. Two teams from a country, which means 16 countries. (I am very sure the game will spread around the world by the time.)

That's where the example I gave about MI winning the treble comes from; an IPL title, the knockout tournament, and the Champions League.

But wait a second. Cricket seems so dull without international matches! Very few test matches every year (though i hope not) will be played. ODI's will also be reduced and the t20 World Cup will be ultimate glore but, club cricket is where it really matters.

I also really do hope, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar will still be entertaining us in 2020 (yes my dreams are BIG).

While all these assumptions are wild guesses, one thing I am certain about is, cricket will be the most peaceful sport. No cancelling of tours, no terrorists attacking cricketers as I know, by 2020 terrorists, like the Dodos, will be extinct.

Mashrafe Mortaza: The New Knight!

Prthvir Solanki — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 07:04:10 -0500

I'm surprised Mashrafe Mortaza has not jumped off from the tallest building in the world. Before the auction on February 6th, Mortaza was surely a player people expected to be bought.

But people were in for a much bigger surprise. Something Shakib Ul Hasan and even Shaun Tait would envy.

Mortaza was placed in the Pool F and was among unknowns like George Bailey (who was sold to Chennai Super Kings at his base price), Kemar Roach, and others. His base price was the lowest in the whole auction. A meagre $50,000 price tag (that's the adjective he would use now) was hung on him and who would buy him for more?

When Mashrafe's name was called out along with his base price, not much entertainment was expected. Kings XI and Knight Riders were contesting for the young fast bowler. But suddenly, the bidding turned into a fierce fight.

Slowly and steadily the offered price went higher and higher, until the Knight riders bid for $400,000.

Surely it was over.

But Punjab franchisee owner Preity Zinta continued the battle and bid $410,000. The prices went higher and higher in denominations of $10,000, when another speed breaker made the Punjab owners think again. Would it be wise to contest $500,000?

Apparently, it was. The bid went up by a whopping $50,000, and Mortaza was already guaranteed a first team place.

But the Knight riders battled on and bid for $600,000 for Bangladeshi pace bowler, Mashrafe Mortaza. After a few minutes of discussion, Preity Zinta ended the war. Mashrafe was bought for 12 times his base price.

Now the question is, is he worth the moolah?

Yes he is an extremely talented bowler and has the right aggression and attitude to be one, but his stats speak a different story.

In nine T20 matches, he has an average of 50-plus and an economy rate of about nine and a half. But his recent form in the ODI's has covered that up.

He has jumped like a frog to rank at number eight on the ICC's list of bowlers in ODI's and his recent performance against Zimbabwe is notable. His aggressive batting skills can also be used as he can hit the balls into space.

With all the money spent on him, will KKR be able to play him in the first XI? Can Mashrafe Mortaza fill the big boots left by Umar Gul?

Only time will tell...

Ajantha Mendis: Magic!!!

Prthvir Solanki — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 04:26:43 -0400

He is 23 years old. Bowls leg spin, off spin, googly, flipper, the faster one, and the doosra perfectly. He destroyed the inform batting lineup in the Asia Cup finals by picking up six wickets.

Yes, you've guessed it. Ajantha Mendis has created ripples across the cricketing world. His unpredictability has earned him fame, fortune, and more importantly for Sri Lanka, a successor to Murali's throne.

For a long time the Lankans have been looking for an able spinner who could bowl along side Murali and then do what he did later on without him. But Sri Lanka, as the board found out, is not a spinner friendly country anymore. Upul Chandana was, at one time, a very good partner for him, but he lacked the killer instinct that Muttiah had.

While Chandana tried to bowl, somewhere in Sri Lanka, a match between the Sri Lankan army and the Lankan cricket Club was going on where a young medium bowler made his debut. He did not pick up any wickets but, little did he know, that the following matches he played would get him a chance to play his cricketing idols.

Ajantha Mendis, then picked 111 wickets in 19 first class matches at an average of 14 and 57 wickets in the list A level at an unbelievable average if 11.07! Surely he would have got a call for national duty, and within no time he did.

He made his debut against West Indies and started with a bang, picking up three wickets at an economy rate of 3.9 an over. After that, Mendis became a wonder. After having a very good debut series against Windies, he was instantly picked for the Asia Cup squad and made his presence felt.

When I said a "medium bowler made his debut" I didn't write anything wrong because he was considered one, but obviously he showed he could turn the ball both ways and bamboozle the batsman however he likes. His performance was so good, that he was the one who got the rest against India in the Super four and not Muttiah.

After his success at the Asia Cup, Mendis is loved by the people of his country and he even got a promotion in the army (he is part of the Sri Lankan National Army). After playing eight One Dayers, he has an average of 10 (don't rub your eyes, you read that right) after taking 20 wickets.

Could he be the next great spinner or is he just a one show wonder?

Cricket: A Three-Way Battle For the Asia Cup?

Prthvir Solanki — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 01:04:07 -0400

The third biggest tournament of the year (after the IPL and Champions Trophy) is just a few days away, and you can already tell which teams will reach the final four.

From there, you can tell which teams will be in the top three. The Asia Cup is like a tri-series more than anything else. The three-way battle for the cup will obviously be between India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh will hope that the other three might just slip to give them an outside chance (and by that i mean a "one in a million" chance) to come in the top three. This is what I think of the teams:

Group A

Sri Lanka, without any doubt, will top the group. The question is whether they will retain the cup or not. I would say they have a better chance than Pakistan but after the World Cup last year, Sri Lanka has not been looking so good.

They played some fantastic cricket last time in this tournament, but they just don't look like that team any more.

Prediction: third

Key Players: The same old names come up, and you can be sure that some of them will not be present in the next edition. Kumara Sangakarra has always been performing. Sanath Jayasuriya, who after being dropped, was called back following a brilliant run in the IPL. Farveez Maharoof, who learnt a lot from his Delhi teammate, Glenn McGrath, will be hoping to continue his good form. And of course, Muttiah Muralitharan! Do I have to give a description?

Bangladesh will make it through to the final four but will lose their way from then on; they didn't play up to their potential at the Kitply Cup. Since they have their first match against UAE, they will be hoping to make a strong statement to show Sri Lanka not to take them easily.

Prediction: fourth

Key Players: Captain Mohammed Ashraful is the best player on the team and will have to show that. Mashrafe Mortaza, the most experienced bowler in the team, will have the job of picking up early wickets. Raqibul Hasan showed in their last match against India that he can stay at the crease and get the runs for his team.

United Arab Emirates: I have the feeling they have a little chance of going through to the top four. They will have to show a really good performance in the opening match against Bangladesh in order for this to happen.

Prediction: last in Group A

Key Player: Only one player who has performed for them, captain and opening bowler Arshad Ali.

Group B

Pakistan:With Shoaib Akhtar banned and Asif caught with drugs, Pakistan looked very weak in the Kitply Cup but surprised many by beating India in the final. Because of that, they could go on to win this tournament and, of course, they have the home advantage.

Prediction: Runners-up

Key Players: Salman Butt is at the moment, for me, the best player in the team and showed that in the finals in Bangladesh. Younis Khan started the Kitply Cup horribly by getting two ducks and played just one ball in two matches but in the final showed his class scoring an amazing hundred.

Umar Gul impressed as usual and will continue his form. Sohail Tanvir after being the top wicket taker at the IPL failed to impress in the Kitply Cup, so he will be wanting to show his true abilities.

Hong Kong: They will be here for sight seeing more than anything else. That's really all that I can say.

Prediction: Last in Group B

Key Player: Will not really matter and anyway I don't think any of us know even one player from the Hong Kong team, but I will mention a name who might just impress, Courtney Kruger.

India: We all thought with Sachin injured, India won't look too good but they played superbly at the Kitply Cup and Dhoni's boys proved that young is in. The favourites of the tournament, without a doubt. Will reach the finals unless they do something terribly wrong and that has not been India's habit lately.

Prediction: Winners

Key Players: So many have performed in the Kitply Cup and in the CB series, but the pick of the performers was Gautam Gambhir. He has shown that he can bat forever without stopping and has firmly cemented his place in the Indian team.

Virender Sehwag along with Gambhir demolished bowlers in the IPL and the Kitply Cup and it does not look like they won't continue. Praveen Kumar has shown that pace is not required to pick up wickets, and he picks those regularly. Piyush Chawla is the next big spinner for India and I expect him to play at his best.

So that's how it stands for me. It's India vs. Pakistan at Karachi.

Cricket: The Slight Glimmer Of Hope for West Indies

Prthvir Solanki — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 01:31:09 -0400

When he took his stance on his test debut against England in 1994, the commentators said that he is playing the wrong game and asked him to go to the hockey stadium.

But soon they would have to take their words back, as Shivnarine Chanderpaul scored a very unorthodox 62, where his runs came from the legside or the offside but nothing from the V. What better debut than to have a 112 run partnership with the great Brian Lara?

When Chanderpaul came into the team, he was surrounded by legends. Desmond Haynes, Carl Hooper, Courtney Walsh and Brian Lara just to name a few.

Fourteen years down the line, and Chanderpaul is on one of the weakest cricket teams in the world. West Indies are ranked eight in the test rankings, only above Bangladesh as well as in the ODI rankings.

Coming at about a 3 or 2 down position, he usually finds his team struggling at a 20 for 3 or, if their lucky, 80 for 3. From there, he takes the team to a commendable position where they might just sneak a victory but the bowlers disappoint.

What used to be powerhouse team now looks like a school team except for one player, Shivnarine Chanderpaul. He is extremely unlucky to be in such a team.

West Indies have the firepower as well as the players, but they just don't perform at the right time. Sometimes I think, maybe Chanderpaul should have been playing during the 70's and 80's.

Though West Indian cricket is on the downfall, Chanderpaul gives the people a glimmer of hope that West Indian cricket could just make it back to the top. But now at almost 34 years of age, he might not have enough left in him to go on playing.

After Lara's retirement, Chanderpaul stood up and took the opportunity to become the trump card of the team. While he consistently plays valuable knocks, the rest of the team crumbles around him.

But for some reason I believe, slowly all players are beginning to grab an opportunity and show their worth. With Chanderpaul leading the way, West Indies could well on be on the pathway to glory.