Farewell, Ricky Ponting!

We will miss you 'PONTING'

A legend walks into the sunset – Ricky Ponting bids adieu to Test cricket to cap a glorious career. It has not only been a journey where he has scaled numerous personal peaks, but one that has helped Australian cricket rise to the pinnacle of the game. In many ways, it was Ponting who symbolised the Aussie dominance over world cricket in the 2000s as his best years coincided with their reign. 
His contribution to the international game has been immense and quite rightly he will be remembered as one of the true legends of the sport. 
He was the most successful captain in the history of Test cricket and was the first player to feature in 100+ Test match victories.
He also steered Australia to two ICC Cricket World Cup triumphs - as well as playing in a third - during which time they set a record of 34 consecutive victories yet another record. He was also captain for two successful ICC Champions Trophy campaigns.

One of my fav(ourite) and greats of the game has retired! So long punter (Ponting) u were a treat to watch. Last big motive for younger guys would be the Ponting innings of 140 in the world cup final (2003) against India (that) sadly took the game away from India.

Ponting hung his boots after playing 168 Test matches, scoring 13,378 runs at an average of 51.85 with a highest of 257. He also scored 41 centuries and 62 half-centuries. In One-Day Internationals (ODI), the former Australia skipper played 375 matches scoring 13,704 runs, including 30 centuries with a highest score of 164.

As a cricket fan it gets increasingly difficult for me to imagine the game being played without 'PONTING', its 

an end of an era.

Impressive Irfan has proved a point

Prior to the beginning of the India-Sri Lanka one-day series many critics, including me, questioned the selection of left-arm seamer Irfan Pathan as a replacement for the injured R. Vinay Kumar. Well, Pathan has proved all of us wrong with some excellent performances with both bat and ball during this series. To be honest there wasn’t any wrongful intention involved in questioning Pathan’s selection, for he is a wonderfully hardworking cricketer. It was just that he wasn’t able to perform anywhere near his potential, and his bowling had also lost the sting he once possessed.No, he hasn’t regained everything on this Lankan tour. But what he has done is exhibit that he can be a match-winner on his day. 
Bowling apart, Pathan has impressed with the bat as well.Despite his success in Lanka, it cannot be said that the old Pathan is back. Still, something of Pathan is better than nothing of him for Indian cricket.



By: Siddharth Jha

What’s wrong with Rohit Sharma?

If one were to ask cricket experts who is the more talented between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, don’t be surprised if most come up with the latter as the answer. Further, when it comes to the aesthetic quotient of the batting as well, Rohit scores over Kohli.
 It is often said that stats don’t always tell the true story, but when a batsman has played 83 matches, there is little chance of numbers providing the wrong picture.
There is no denying that Rohit is among the more talented batsmen India has produced in the last decade. What then is the reason behind his constant failures? The question Rohit needs to ask himself is whether he is working hard enough to give himself the best chance of succeeding.

There was a brief phase last season when he won two man of the series awards, and it seemed like his career was back on track. However, things are back to square one now, and Rohit needs to do plenty to regain the confidence of selectors and the public. A wonderful suggestion came from ex-Lankan coach Tom Moody, who stated Rohit could knock on Kohli’s door to discuss what the latter’s done to turnaround his career. Hope someone passes on the message to Rohit.





By- Siddharth Jha

The Epic Clash

It will be decided on Sunday, 18^th March, 2012 when India and Pakistan renew their cricket rivalry after almost a year’s break when they take part in the Asia Cup one-day tournament starting in Dhaka on Sunday!

No other Sporting rivalry is Greater than Pakistan India which is fueled by nationalism, bloodshed and a shared history. The tension is palpable in the air when these two great cricketing nations go head to head, fierce competitiveness, even hatred, is evident whenever India and Pakistan play a cricket Match.

When these two Asian giants play in Sub-Continent, the excitement is beyond words. Though it is not a war which is fought on the border with bombs and guns but the ambiance during Indo-Pak clash is no less as 11 players play to make their country proud. People talk of the Ashes as a big event; it really don't come close to what a Pakistan, India match.

Both the countries will stand before thousands in the stadium, with over millions watching their every move on television. Each team will have to prove themselves this time. Cricket, in this case, transcends physical fitness, on-field performances and statistics. It becomes a game of mental robustness. Pakistan has defeated the strong teams and the weaker ones, they have performed well with the bat and the ball, and we witnessed outstanding effort in the field from them. 

While on the other hand India performed very well in last matches of CB series so as against Sri Lanka in Asia Cup 2012. Although they lost to Bangladesh in a thrilling contest but will have to perform against Pakistan.
both the Teams should tread boldly as they march into the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium on Sunday. Players should keep their heads up, focus on positivity and enjoy the game. They should revel in the achievement of reaching where they have up till now, and the rest will follow through.

One thing common amongst both the countries, their fans don't want a cup when the teams are facing each other, even accept the lost against weaker teams but can't accept the loss against rivals. No matter if their teams play outstanding cricket, they will receive negative comments in shape of loss and that's why the match between both the countries have importance amongst the cricket lovers.

It will be an epic battle of nerves and the side that is better able to deal with the pressure that comes with playing such a high profile encounter, will surely come out on top.

Contribution: Siddhu Siddharth

Cactus of the Desert

Sometimes, when people decide to leave you for good,you have to let them, no matter how much you don't want them to, there are some things that are far beyond our control, even if you have the strength to fight for them, you have to accept the cold harsh truth - "The people you can't live without, Can live without you."

We have to be tough no matter how fragile and futile the situation becomes. We have to move on, even on bare feet on freezing ground.

What's important is that, we keep on hanging on, for the sake of the people who is looking up to us. Giving up is not in the list of our options, but rather finding a way instead making ourself miserable. Like losing one finger doesn't mean you can no longer use your hand.

It's all right to cry and still, it is the best way to lessen the weight carried by the heart. A child cries, a woman do cry, even a a man has the right to cry. But one question to ask yourself, is it worth shedding your tears? It is up to you to answer.

Yes, everyone has right to be happy, but we don't always get what we want. If we do, what else could we look upon? 

That is why goals are set, to be reach, to strive hard for. 

Not everyone is given with the opportunity to be happy, to be loved, to be secured, to be themselves. So be grateful for atleast and for the best part, we know we are alive. We can make things right by making fresh start.

There is a wide world out there, full of colors, complexity, and experiences to learn. Never lock yourself on your losses, try to see what you can gain. Possibilities are endless for those who dream.

Forgetting easily is a gift. Letting go is a skill. Moving on, is a super power. Forgiving, is Life...

Like the cactus, they survive even in the smallest amount of water (Hope). No matter how arid and unkind the world becomes. It hangs on and patiently waiting for the rain to come.

 You can rest, but you must never quit.