My tryst with the cricketing GOD.

What could have been an occasion to celebrate on November 15th? Well, nothing as i can remember. But November 15th, 2009 is indeed an occasion to celebrate for the cricketing fraternity, at least. That day when one of the nation's favorite son would have played 20 years of cricket at the highest level one being as dominant as always. 20 years and still counting. At 35, he stands tall and imperious forming the pillar of Indian cricket, scoring humongous amount of runs, making the cricketing world smile with his batting prowess and still being humble as ever. If Google is a habit for many, so is Sachin for the cricketing world. Cricketers in India are like demigods but Sachin stands apart GOD like.

Barring his young flamboyant batting style which has considerably mellowed down, nothing much has changed in the 20 years. People expect the best from Sachin whenever he enters the field; the crowd chants his name when he bowls his arm over and still cheers when the ball goes to him where ever he fields. When Sachin enters the field, he represents every soul in the country. There was a sense of connect when he took his guard, scored his runs, scalped the opposition and executed run outs. As Peter Roebuck rightly said "Sachin is public property and India's proudest possession".

His innings have formed an imprint of sorts in our minds. Whether its his amazing knock as an opener against New Zealand when he changed the perception of opening batting forever, the 1996 world cup innings, the emotional knock when he scored a century and looked up to the heaven's for a while against Kenya immediately after his father's demise in the middle of the world cup, the magnificent 98 against Pakistan in the 2003 world cup, the hero cup win when he bowled the final over in front of the 90,000 crowd at Kolkata, his googly to Moin Khan which changed the course of the match, the back to back centuries at Sharjah in 1998, his match winning knock against England in Chennai after the 26/11 terror attacks or the recent 175 at Hyderabad against Australia. The list goes on. Some of my best Sachin innings were during the India-Australia test series in 1998 when the whole Sachin-Warne dual began followed by a match winning knock in the finals at Sharjah when he hit the straight six off Michael Kasperowicz and another one dancing down the track off Shane Warne straight over the top and the 60 odd runs against Australia at Mumbai in 2001 in the first innings. Personally, my favourite Sachin knock would be the 136 that he scored against Pakistan with excruciating back spasm. India lost the match, Sachin was in tears and so was the entire nation i would believe. I was for sure.



Like most sports fanatics I’ve idolized cricketers and alike and have dreamt of rubbing shoulders with the best in the business. Sachin Tendulkar was obviously on top of my list. Having followed him closely for as long as i can remember, my liking towards the game grew twofold when i saw more of him. One of my best moments was during the opening ceremony at the inaugural season of IPL 2008. All the captains from the eight franchises were called upon to sign the spirit of cricket agreement. As the captain of Mumbai Indians, Sachin was the last to be called upon to sign. The 30,000 crowd at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore went berserk, standing in unison, chanting Sachin's name for over two minutes. The atmosphere was magical; I had goose-pimples all over as i stood up in awe and respect for the greatest cricketer to have ever played.

My first encounter with the great man was during the Indian team’s conditioning camp in 2003-04 in Bangalore. Desperately wanting to be part of the camp in any capacity, despite me knowing there wasn't any chance, I'd bunk college and take off to Chinnaswamy stadium to take a glimpse of all the stars, get their autographs, get a picture in their company and if lucky manage to grab some stardust! It was during one of these loitering days at the stadium did i stumble upon the local manager and decided to vent out my desire to be part of the camp. I remember pleading him and promised him that i wasn't like most people who just came for a photograph and that i really wanted to learn something. I think he saw that passion in me and asked me to come over the next day in cricket whites. My joy knew no bounds as i spent the entire night dreaming about myself standing alongside the legends of the game, asking them questions on the game and so on. I had reasons to feel delighted for these are unfulfilled desires for many. And the rest as they say is history as i spent the next three weeks with the Indian cricket team assisting as a wicket-keeper keeping wickets to the Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh, Sachin Tendulkar and many others.

While i had a lot of moments that I can cherish, the one i can vividly remember was when Sachin Tendulkar asked me to keep wickets off his bowling after recovering from a shoulder injury. That was when the great man caught me on the wrong foot when i misread a googly for a leg spin delivery. In short, the ball went one way while I went the other way! Sachin offered me a tricksy smile indicative of his mastery over the game which I wholeheartedly accepted. It was just great. As any young cricketer would wish I would handle Sachin's bats when he walked in to the field from the dressing room and vice-versa. Holding those bats had made me quite popular as the crowd gathered inside the stadium would try and get a picture with me! I also remember giving him throw downs as he knocked relentlessly. His work ethic was remarkable as I watched him from close quarters. Few days passed by and little did I know I would be getting Sachin's batting gloves signed "Best Wishes". It was a gift from GOD. The next day I would present him an audio cassette comprising of the best Kishore Kumar collection and I remember him putting it inside his handbag. It wouldn't have mattered to him probably, but it was a small token of appreciation from me - a one among the billions of fans who idolized him.

Many talk about Sachin's elephantine like memory. For he remembers every moment, every knock of his and I can recall an incident which I was part off which was quite embarrassing. Two years later when the Australian team was in India for a five match ODI series. I would manage to sneak through the gates in my cricketing whites to assist the Australian team if I got lucky. I did get lucky as I kept wickets at their practice session. It was then when i bumped into Sachin. I met Javagal Srinath, whom i also knew as a friend in the dressing room. I was greedy to get more of Sachin. I asked Srinath if I could get a bat from Sachin if possible. Sachin would tell Srinath later - "isko mein pichle baar mera gloves diya tha" (meaning I had given him my gloves last time). I was shocked!! That he had remembered giving his gloves to me when we met two years back was beyond my imagination. Trust me its no exaggeration.





No doubt even the greatest of sportsmen haven't been spared of criticisms. Sachin is no exception. Despite the obstacles, shouldering over billions of expectations, trying to give his best every time is in itself a remarkable feat. Yet, as he exceeds all expectations, the world over has an insatiable appetite when it comes to Sachin Tendulkar. Everyone wants more of the little master. His work ethic is something which stands out even to this day making him what he is. For me, it couldn't have been any better as I thoroughly enjoyed watching and spending every moment I could with a man whom the whole world adored.

Wishing him the very best and hope he continues to enthrall and create magic time and again, for one never gets tired of him. A true legend, indeed.

Thank you, Sachin Tendulkar!

Playing your Natural Game - a silly theory

Rahul Dravid during the Newzealand series said he didn't quite understand what the whole "natural game" thing was all about and what mattered was it is the ability to adapt for any player, which makes him a great player eventually. I think it's become a cliche of sorts. Thanks to the power play's in ODI and the T20 format.

While most of the player's credit their success to the "natural game" phenomenon, i feel it has seldom worked barring for a few. The whole problem is, it is embarrassing for the players and teams ending up on the losing side. The game between Rajasthan Royal and Royal Challengers Bangalore was a testimony to this.

First it was Robin Uthappa who succumbed with a mistimed shot with the score reading 17/2 with 15 overs to spare. At this point, all that was required of Robin to stick his neck out and build a nice partnership alongside Kevin Pietersen with Dravid due to come next. The Royals had their share of natural game players in Asnodkar and Tyron Henderson. Asnodkar trying to pull of a good length outswinging delivery wouldn't have even impressed Shipla Shetty, for it made him inept to handle quality bowling.

However it was the master who came out and showed how the game is played. Having lost early wickets Dravid ensured he played a long innings, building partnerships and once set paced the innings brilliantly with boundaries. And deservingly the knock earned him the man of the match which is sure to keep the critics hiding behind their couch.

Clearly it is the ability to play to the situation accordingly and use the natural game as a weapon to counter the opponents at the right moment. The Gayle's, Tendulkar's and the McCullum's know it at the back of their mind and that is why they succeed.

A one off knock could just be a flash in the pan. But its high time the mentality amongst the youngsters change, or else playing the natural game every time would make you look really stupid.

A cricketing delight - Test cricket at its pinnacle best

Two weeks of magnificent test cricket, two teams with amazing cricketing pedigree vying for the top spot and two great run chases. The Aussie winning streak is at a low ebb. Cricket couldn't have been any better.

Proteas Power - “Staying Sharp”

Playing against Australia on their home turf is quite a task. To give the Aussies a stern challenge and beat them on a regular basis by opposition teams is quite an achievement. To be doing it repeatedly is even more remarkable.

After being confronted by the Indians, the Proteas have done just that. Chasing a target of 414 on day 4 and day 5 of a test match at any part of the world is an herculean task.

Batting by both teams in the 1st innings wasn't quite up to the mark. The Proteas seem to lose the sting on both occasions failing to clear the Aussie tail. Bowling in particular by Makhaya Ntini and Mitchell Johnson's was inspiring. Mitchell Johnson was a revelation. Johnson's bowling at a consistent 145 kmph along with his slower cutters was splendid. The Proteas top order was shaken as there was a carnage of wickets on Day2. Fielding by both teams, to say was terrific would be an understatement.

Brad Haddin notched up a well compiled 94 along with a wagging tail that contributed considerably in the 2nd innings. The knock is sure to keep him in good stead and assure him the wicket-keeping slot left void by Adam Gilchrist. The rest of the Aussie batting failed to create much impact. However it was the 2nd innings that saw the proteas bounce back. Two outstanding catches by Ab De Villiers would have made even Peter Schmeichel stand up and applaud. Well, his website's tagline “Stay sharp” just sums it up.

The Aussie's probably underestimated the South African batting line up and were a touch over confident. For, Ricky and his boys would have thought chasing 414 on Day 4 and 5 was improbable.

Greame Smith with an injured elbow played a captain's knock of 108 ably supported by Hashim Amla. The Aussies were at him as they realised it wouldn't be easy to play his drives with a tennis elbow placing fielders disabling him from playing to his strengths. Ian Healy rightly said - “Test cricket is all about finding ways to score when its not comfortable”. It was indeed as Smith stood resilient and nothing could deter him from achieving his goal as he punished the bad balls and rotated the strike.

Ricky Ponting's frustration was evident. Amla on the other hand was seemingly elegant comfortable both on the back and front foot. Amla's return to form as a much improved player is refreshing considering the criticism he's been under for his technique. However the tables really turned on the extended final session of Day 4 when Jacque Kallis surprisingly took an aggressive approach smashing Jason Krejza and Peter Siddle building on a steady partnership with Ab De Villiers.

Their approach on Day 5 was noteworthy as they milked the Aussie bowlers sensibily ensuring they maintained a run rate of close to 3 runs per over. Even as Kallis perished, another partnership between De Villiers and debutant JP Duminy started brewing. Incidentally the best advice De Villiers ever received came from Jonty Rhodes who'd said “Take every innings ball by ball”. His unbeaten knock of 106 was testimony to this. Duminy on debut played like a man with tons of experience behind him scoring a maiden half-century and the winning runs. History had been created in one of the great run chases knocking out the Aussies in their own backyard.

While the once formidable Aussie's grapple to fill the void left behind by Warne and McGrath, the Indians and Proteas are on their way up with bright prospects in their ranks. Test cricket has never been so competitive of late. Incredible sessions marked by individual brilliance that could alter the course of the game. Partnerships that can ensure any target is achievable. That test cricket is the real test of skill has never been in doubt. It would be a shame to lose out the charm of test cricket. Is Test cricket on a decline? Not at all.

England's Gift to India

That Sports can be a binding factor in any adversity proved to be more than just a cliché. Thanks to the England team for they made it possible despite all that transpired after the Mumbai terror attacks. Any amount of praise showered on Kevin Peitersen and his men wouldn't suffice, for the first test between England and India at Chennai was testimony to this.

Amidst all the action and emotions around, the contest on the pitch was exceptional marked by brilliant performances by both teams. A resilient batting by Andrew Strauss with consecutive tons followed by a solid bowling display by Andrew Flintoff, England never really looked short of practice. If only their spearheads had supported Fredie from the other end, the result could have been different.

The cyclone across the Bay of Bengal seemed to have crossed over to the pitch of the Chidambaram Stadium in the form of Virendra Sehwag. While England failed to accelerate during their final session setting a target of 387, Sehwag bludgeoned the bowlers like there was no tomorrow. A knock that had an impact on both the teams psychologically, with India gaining impetus after a rather depleted performance for over 3 days.

While there is no debate on the knock, Sehwag was helped by a toothless performance in the form of Steve Harmison, James Anderson and Monty Panesar. Sehwag is one of the finest players of the cut shot. It was precisely for this reason he was picked at the last moment (courtesy Ian Chappell) for the Australian tour which has fast, bouncy tracks. And to be bowling short and wide on slow Indian wickets is beyond comprehension. The damage had been done.

Day 4 clearly belonged to Sehwag and day 5 had more in store. After the foundation laid by Sehwag, Tendulkar crafted an innings to perfection along with an unlikely star in Yuvraj Singh. In fact Tendulkar had proved a point or two, for his contribution to the team's success in the 2nd innings has eluded him for years. Secondly, it was a satisfying knock that helped his team win a test on the same ground which saw him score a brilliant 136 against Pakistan in vain when India lost by 13 runs.

One of the nation's most revered sons, dedicating the win to the whole nation during troubled times was a nice gesture. India created history but eventually cricket emerged victorious. No second thoughts on that.

Cricket's not just Mumbai....

Mumbai and cricket are probably like the fish in water. They are quite inseparable. A place with impeccable cricketing pedigree. The talent that crops up from this part of the nation is noteworthy for it has produced many a gem time and again. Be it Vijay Hazare, Polly Umrigar, Sunil Gavaskar, Dileep Vengsarkar or Sachin Tendulkar. All of them, connoisseurs of the game who brought joy to millions of cricket fans around the globe.

For long cricketers from Mumbai have had an edge over their counterparts from other parts of the country. Samir Dighe, Paras Mambhrey, Ajit Agarkar, Wasim Jaffer had limited talent and ended up representing the country for a substantial period of time with not much impact on the national scene. While Agarkar and Jaffer have had their share of success, in hindsight their performances have hardly been consistent given the opportunities they've had.

Indian cricket is witnessing the transition of a team formed by individuals that made the country's national team a potent force to reckon with. A team game no doubt which produced players of such great repute worthy of emulation. It is almost the end of an era. Kumble and Ganguly have moved on. Sooner or later the remaining part of the "Fab4" will leave on their own terms. The void is massive and to fill it up is difficult but not impossible.

While the selectors grapple to find suitable replacements for the future, the obvious question is who next? Rohit Sharma, Badrinath, M.Vijay, Suresh Raina, Mohammad Kaif, Yuvraj Singh instantly come to mind, a mixture of youngsters and the tried and tested lot. The talent is available, but it is imperative to fill the slots with the right players. Rohit Sharma, Badrinath, Yuvraj Singh have been knocking on the doors for quite a while now. And it only makes sense for the selectors to pick the most suitable player irrespective of any bias whatsoever.

Dravid not being amongst the runs is a cause for concern, for the last two years have been forgettable for “THE WALL”. While it is premature to even think of a replacement for Dravid, the topic was subject to discussion in the recently concluded test series against Australia. Former players, however have been quite one sided in their views.

While Ian Chappell felt M.Vijay could be drafted in to the middle order considering his impressive temperament in the Nagpur test, Ravi Shastri's constant mention of Rohit Sharma was notable throughout. So much so that Ian Chappell retorted back to Shastri if his preference was due to the fact that the southpaw hailed from his state Mumbai. In an another interview to a television channel Sunil Gavaskar was heard overrating Rohit during a discussion on who was best suited to replace Dravid if his form deteriorated further.

Rohit Sharma no doubt is a great talent, a natural strokemaker, already displaying traits of a seasoned batsman. His drives of the backfoot are elegant as he stands tall, dispatching the fast bowlers with poise.

Indian cricket is not just about Mumbai, Bangalore or Delhi and former players need to be non-biased in their opinions. While there is no harm in pointing out an individual who stands out, it is imperative on their part to mention other players in the reckoning and discuss about the areas of improvement. And to do that they ought to have an understanding of the performances in the domestic circuit.

Afterall a word of praise or two from the 'legends' can only make a world of good for the players and the game even more competitive.

Reverse Swing

Australia v India, 2nd Test, Sydney, Day 5, India chasing a target of 333 runs were in a comfortable position until the dreaded finger of Steve Buckner went up, saw India's formidable batting line-up collapse. Rahul Dravid, who battled to 38, was sturdy when he pushed his pad forward to Symonds and hid his bat and gloves behind his front leg. The Australians yelled and India's comfortable position of 3 for 115 was soon to be 6 for 137. Gilchrist no doubt has been one of the game's greatest ambassador and his attitude nothing short of exemplary. For someone who volunteered to walk without waiting for the umpire's decision, the voiceforous appeal coming from Gilchrist was quite surprising. India eventually lost the match they deserved to win considering the nature of events that unfolded over the five days of the Sydney test.

Cricketers for long have been successful in making a transition to the media as writers and commentators. But given the spate of autobiographies cropping up, they might as well be successful marketing executives. John Wright's Indian Summers gave an insight into the Indian dressing room and more recently Marcus Trescothick's revelations about the use of mint to shine the ball during Ashes 2005. Adam Gilchrist's comments questioning the game's most revered player over the monkey gate incident in his autobiography "True Colors" is possibly headed in the same direction as the rest.

All Gilchrist has done is create curiosity in people's mind by raking up an issue that was amicably thought to be resolved between the two sides. The hype is a great marketing strategy and will help keep the cash registers ringing. If Tendulkar's statements have been contradicting as stated by Gilchrist then Michael Clarke's presence as witness in the hearing doesn't even stand a chance. Having edged the ball to Rahul Dravid at first slip, Clarke stood his ground as if nothing had happened while the Indian's celebrated his dismissal. In one of the matches in the same series the Australian players were found not appreciating the little master's century, very unlike Australian. So much for playing the game in the right spirit.

At a time when the Aussies are struggling to cope with the reverse swing on Indian soil, this one by Gilly might just go down the legside.