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.

Sachin Tendulkar and His 100th Century: A Case of the Pathetic State of Sports in India

The hype and expectation circling the still elusive 100th international century for Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar, is a clear indication of the pathetic state of sports, in general, in India. Further evidence of the earlier statement may lie in the fact of promoting, to extremes, individual achievement in a team sport, pointing the way to a sort of shameless star worship we involve ourselves in.
Calls to award the "Bharat Ratna" - India's highest civilian honor - may have gained intensity following India' World Cup triumph. It must be said that it is easy to understand why politicians and social crusaders like Anna Hazare demand the recognition for Tendulkar; he is something of a living God for a number of young men and women in the country, who, incidentally, comprise immensely large vote banks for the politicians to play with.
A coveted award like the "Bharat Ratna" should really only be given to an individual whose achievements have benefitted the society at large, rather than an individual whose claim to fame is of a far more personal nature... the scoring of, say, 99 or 100 centuries.

Of course, it cannot be denied that Tendulkar is a fine batsman and his achievements do make the country proud. However, it must also be said that his career coincided with the years marking his country's entry into the whole idea of a global consumer culture and represented the success of the Indian middle class. His personal achievements, therefore, were billed as a triumph for India, as a whole.
Cricket is not a game of personal accomplishments; it is fundamentally a team sport. Tendulkar's failure to carry the team to victory when his presence was most needed and the ability to translate transient leads into triumphant results suggest that the act of labeling him a cricketing God is perhaps not quite right. One particular example of that inability was back in 1999, when India lost a test to Pakistan (in Chennai), despite Tendulkar scoring a century. Most recently, the inability of the player to come to his team's resuce during the disastrous tour of England, highlights, perhaps, his flaw. Unfortunately, however, we have a culture where the unashamed worship of heroes is a characteristic feature.


At the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, Indians should have realized that they had a number of talented athletes, across a number of sporting disciplines, including those capable of creating their own legacies. How many does the country remember today?


For example, India last won the hockey World Cup in 1975. Since then it has not placed in the top four of any edition; its best was an eight-place finish at the 2010 World Cup. The country's men's national soccer team is ranked 145 in the world; 50 in basketball and 37 in volleyball. At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, India won three medals - a gold in shooting and a bronze each in wrestling and boxing. In contrast, the hosts, China, won 100 medals (51 gold) and Brazil 15 (3 gold).


While the cricket World Cup win was impressive and deserves to be celebrated, India has to figure out ways to improve its performances in other sports. A major reason why the sport is so successful in the country is because it represents big business to the nation's corporate czars. In fact, India is, by some distance, one of the most popular and lucrative markets for the game.


The popularity of the sport and the nation's tendency to hero worship, especially among the younger generation, seems to be preventing the growth of other sporting activities.

Are Australia prepared for India?

At first glance, that is an insane question to ask, considering what India endured on their most recent foreign tour. But their preparation index - and their desire to learn a lesson - will be judged later.

Right now, this is Australia's big moment. Rewind the clock a little. In the last three summers, Australia lost to England and South Africa at home. They won against New Zealand (always a weaker opponent for them), West Indies (nowadays a weaker opponent for everyone) and Pakistan (it is widely believed they chose to 'play weak' in that series). India are generally considered a better Test outfit than any of these three aforementioned teams and their record Down Under on the last two tours is quite appreciable.

Consider their 4-0 spanking in the summer as an anomaly and the summation is that Michael Clarke should be a worried man indeed.

It can be argued that there are ifs and buts against that last statement. India's batting needs to click, its pivotal figures all need to stay fit, Zaheer Khan has to last all four Tests and they need to find proper support bowlers for him, while hoping that R Ashwin can continue to fill Harbhajan Singh's shoes.

Quite a few things can go wrong for any subcontinental team on a tour to Australia and they will. But there is also the odd chance that it all just comes together perfectly. India will be a very difficult proposition in that light. And this is about that slim, but definite possibility.

One has to begin with their recent tour of South Africa and by any standard, if your team is struggling at 21 for 9 in one of only four Test innings, then the trip isn't really a success. That they came back from the dead to win in Johannesburg is down to the mental strength these Aussies possess.

They can back themselves against the heaviest of odds, in any situation. And 47 all out was a hurtful score indeed, bad enough to awaken even minnows. With a new selection committee coming in ahead of their summer, the task is clear cut - build again.

And they have to start with the two Tests against New Zealand. The process has sort of begun already with Mickey Arthur appointed as new coach. It is a well-thought-out selection. Arthur has been working in their domestic circuit with Western Australia. He took South Africa to good heights during his long term with them and has been given an equally long term here, until 2015.

Normally coaches aren't given such a lengthy contract first up. Plus, under the new system, both the captain and the coach have selection powers. Both these factors only suggest that Australia are keen to see where a proper rebuilding process takes them. And of course they have already set eyes on the next ODI World Cup to be played at home, but that is for much later.

Right now, a new Australian team has to begin with getting rid of those who have outlived their utility. This pointer rests much on Ricky Ponting and to be honest, one isn't a proper judge of where he stands in his career. He is a true legend of the game and has to take a call on his own, yet the need to consult the selectors and his captain is fast arising. Never has he seemed so susceptible while lunging forward - his trademark front foot movement - and the ease with which he fell LBW against the Proteas is a mark of the same.

If Ponting goes, the last bond with that superhuman team of Steve Waugh will be cut. Mike Hussey came much later, so he isn't really a total part of those 'invincibles'. Perhaps it will also allow Clarke some breathing space, something young captains don't really get when you have an ageing old-timer on your back. It isn't really expected that Ponting won't play against India, but beyond that this should be given proper consideration, depending upon form.

In the current scenario, a whole lot of players need to be unearthed and their problems are much similar to India's. A proper spinner, a couple of fit and healthy fast bowlers who can replace Mitchell Johnson and the easily injured Ryan Harris, along with an opener or two to take the load off Shane Watson. And they need to replace Brad Haddin too, for his horrible shot in the second innings at Cape Town alone merits severe punishment, let alone dropping.

Before long, India will be on their way. It is indeed time for Cricket Australia and their wards to get cracking.

Contributed By: Siddharth Jha