Has Indian Cricket lost the art to play spin

We got a very surprising gift on India 68th Independence day from Sri Lankan spinners. Our on paper  strong  team of the richest board in the world cricket  lost to  a side which is going into a transition and struggling.The fact India was dominating the Test for three days , hurts more . The attacking trio of Chandimala , Thiramane and Mumbarak  gave the Lankans  a respectable score to fight .

     With the thought we Indians would get to enjoy  a victory by the end of the day to celebrate  , we were shell shocked to see Indian batting collapsing  in heaps in front of Herath and Kaushala. The conditions in Sri Lanka are slow , low bounce and turning but as professionals and  the good ranking team has it had to be cake walk to win this Test at Galle.

  The reasons for this loss can be:
1.  Too much playing of IPL , T20, ODI formats.: These three formats has given the batsmen to play shots which are risk driven  and at times orthodox.

2. Pitches : Pitches which are being used for these formats are flat  to be able to have high scoring games. Thus Indians who are champions in this format are flummoxed when they are against swinging and spinning tracks .

3.Technique:  Its history, Indians were always susceptible to pace bowling on  fast pitches and that  thing was always hard  to work on. But in the three short formats with pitches made flat and dead, to have high scoring fares , it was solved with players like Rohit Sharma  scoring twice double centuries and are dud in Test  cricket. But our strength where our players  are best to spin attack  are losing the plot as seen even Moeen Ali, Monty Panesar and Lyon  can get through our line up easily.
The technique to defend on turning slow pitches has gone out. With batsman  completely going into shell , give the bowlers to dominate and create pressure on the batsmen. Nobody even tried to neutralize the spin by stepping out of crease and whacking out of ground.

5. The big   Indian  stars  Sachin, Dravid ,Laxman and Ganguly were both technically sound  and aggressive when required. They had clear strategy in place with how to pace the innings and counterattack  as wast the case Tendulkar  - Warne duel.

6.  Experience v/s Novice:  The Indian team now has generally players which has come up from the IPL T20 format.Gone are the days  when players used to come  by playing a grueling competitive season of  Ranji domestic season or stint in English county season. These would give them ample practice to practice against quality pace, spin and competitive cricket.
( Images from cricbuzz.com )

Double Seat : Sweet Feel Good Movie

                            

                   “Everyone should dream big , and move on to chase the  dream". 

 You don't always need a story with corporate rivalry  and competitive sports hero for inspiring film ,  a family film residing in the Mumbai chawl system  can also give you the same impact . This is the beautiful concept of the very beautiful family film “Double Seat “.  The film revolves around the newly married couple and family members. The major attraction for the movie is the star cast which has been chosen which includes Ankush Chaudhari. Mukta Brave, Vidyadhar Joshi &  Vandana Gupte. Director Sameer Vidwans  has used each character to the fullest which brings on an array of emotions and plots which the audience feels they are a part of it. While the film finishes everyone in the audience at least connects with the situation or rather is inspired to pursue and take a leap towards their unfinished hidden goals in life.

  The story is centered around the Naik Family which stays in a chawl in central Mumbai Lalbaug. Amit and Manjiri Naik are the newly married couple which stays with their parents. The family of five , stays in a small one room kitchen.   The newly wed couple face issues of privacy in their house and they have one ambition to have their own flat in Mumbai.  Here,   there the title of the film has been meaningfully portrayed in the film.  In every dream of life, you need a partner who always nudges you to think big in life and supports in the time of distress.  Mukta Barve plays the role of this character perfectly where she who has come from outskirts of Mumbai Roha, is always positive chirpy and always aspiring to live a good life. But she also understands and never lets the family down.  The film also sends the important message that you require the support of family members, without whom you cannot enjoy the fruits of success.

  The basic theme of the movie is along to dream, aspire for a better world tomorrow.The Ankush  Chaudari and Mukta Barve  pairing for the first time  has been refreshing and very pleasing  to eyes.  The movie has always a jovial feeling and no over dramatization in any of the scenes. Even the scene where the family loses all the money saved by family to but new house is lost, has been handled well. Every character in the film has a positive thread in it.  The songs in the film are soft and melodious and picturised well with background of Mumbaikars life and its lifeline Railways.

 Overall, a beautiful film which stresses on the fact that you have to face every situation together and hold on with your partner with a smile and tread the path of success  in  "Double Seat".

Performances in World Cup- Have Standards Lifted or Dropped ??

 As in every profession I,the  world is hinged  on to  the single word  and that is “Performance”. Everyone be it a client or spectator  always expects  a cracking performance which is worth of money invested in buying the services . In cricket, too we have seen the similar analogy  that due to its top performance in India it is been the number one game in the country.

   Considering performance on the World scenario its different considering the culture, tradition and interest among the countries for the game of cricket. England the Mecca of cricket  which has its root firmly established in the Five day game of Test cricket are not available to gain grounds in the One day format of the game  .  They have different options available to considering the amount of interest in football The English Premier league has over there.  The Aussies love every game they play and has a history of stalwarts in cricket like Don Bradman, Dennis Lille and many more. West Indies which is a compilation of small islands was a force to reckon with be there pace batteries like Garner, Marshall or there attacking batsman like Clive Lloyd, Viv Richards. The sub continent has also seen the rise of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka which with its passion for the game created a market for the game which start earning big bucks  for the game and made the game more professional. The likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Wasim Akram and Sangakkara are revered international scenario.  New Zealand  also have always  showed how  the minnows with all its  passion and fun in the game  can turn the game  to be one of the favorites to win  the game on International scenario. Many small nations with influence of these giants even though struggling in  their  home nation due to economic or political turmoil are still fighting and making a mark  in the cricket , these includes Bangladesh, Zimbabwe , Ireland. Even the South Africans after their return have always progressed each tournament with a humungous progress in every department of cricket.

  The game is now being compartmentalized in three formats:

1.       The traditional Test Cricket

2.       The  shorter format of One Day International (ODI)

3.        The Neomodern Bang Bang format of T20 Cricket.

  The smallest format of the game has brought a big change in the game of cricket. Due to nature of the game to score as much possible runs in 20 overs , this  attitude has rubbed on to  both Test  and ODIs  . Now we are watching result oriented matches in Test, with side batting in the last innings try to accelerate their run rate In the penultimate overs and try to win the match instead of a dull draw.  We are seeing more 300 runs being scored by individuals.  The fielding has also improved considering every runs counts.

 Even its impact is seen in the ongoing World Cup where sides are posting a total of 400 not once but many more times.  Now the statistics which analyst looks out for are strike rate at which he scores the runs and fastest fifty, hundreds and more recently the double hundreds. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has also impacted the kind of swash buckling play by many cricketers like AB De Villiers, Brendon Mccullum  , Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle   and many more.

  The major impact is the innovative techniques which every batsmen have developed to counter the pace of 150 kmph deliveries.  The Dilshan scoop, The ABD slog ,Dhoni’s Helicopter shot  has all Changed the  game from its traditional  text book style of playing in the V.The broader blades of the cricket willow and   stand  & deliver  without feet movement has lost the charm of the old  day cricket.   The nimble footed cuts, shots with back foot and front foot are losing shine to the glare of bang bang cricket.

 With bowling arena, the game has been cruel to them with change in format. Using two new balls from both ends, restriction on bouncers, very less room for wide, more fielders in the inner circle , THE Free Hits has been  nightmare for the bowling fraternity. Cricket should give some room to improve the rules in the game otherwise the pace bowlers and spinner may become an extinct species in the world.  Still the art of fast bowling is not dead because of bowlers like Mitchell Starc, Trent Boult  who with their swings  and toe crushers Yorkers still are a game for the batsman.  The art of spin may be dying but the veteran like Vettori still show why he such a great spinner with the way he restricts the batsmen to score and take wickets  at  regular intervals .

  The fielding of every nation has notched a bar higher with every tour.  The brilliant catches at the boundaries are breathtaking. The slides   and the relay throws are the innovations which make to view fielding exciting. Interestingly, the higher catches are being spilled by fielders and some breath taking catches are held on with regularity.

Over all the performances have notched higher and making the game of cricket exciting.  Considering the tight clashes of the minnows among themselves is increasing the intensity of the game. They should be given more chance in the international arena to play against the test playing nations so they improve. The first win by Afghanistan has been the icing on the cake in the ongoing WC since it shows the grit of their players to overcome all odds and go for a win .  Ireland has shown their consistency with win against West Indies that they are force to reckon in the future.   India with their disastrous tri series in Australia has picked up with excellent performance in all departments of game and in the race of defending the title.  Pakistan with the initial hiccups is again showing why there fast bowlers have the raw talent to turn on any game against the strong team in the world.  South Africa is a worry with their inability to chase against good teams. West Indies with their second rung team under their new captain is losing the sheen in the World Cup. New Zealand is the real dark horse which can bring on surprise to the world. The way Trent Boult is hurling and swings the ball with the   not kind hearted Brendon Mcculum opening counter attack is just worth watching.  Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene have shown why they are class in batting for Sri Lankan dominance.  The minnows even though  are not playing well but  are playing a  strong heart against the Test playing nation  and will up their performance in the days to come. England has once again shown that  the place where cricket was born  and the colonists spread the game everywhere has lost there space in the World Cup. Tigers of Bangla has done something unbelievable has defeated  the Poms with thunder .

Overall, exciting days ahead with top notch performances coming ahead in the knock out stages  and  for cricket ahead for the glory of the gentlemen game. 

Let’s give them fair chance!!!!

 Watching today’s match between Ireland v/s United Arab Emirates (U.A.E), it seems that these associate nations are fun to watch and the matches are going to be exciting and enjoyable. It is actually giving a competitive spirit among equal playing teams which comes together every four years together to play in front of the world scenario.

 It’s really time for ICC to rethink about deciding in the next world cup where they are thinking to reduce the number of teams to competition to 10 nation tournaments. These associate nations should be given a fair amount of chance to play with these test playing nations. They should be given a chance to play along Test and ODI series with big test playing nations. India can play a great role for these nations to give them a chance to play in domestic Ranji tournaments and many competitive games.  Playing with these nations in neutral locations like USA, Singapore, Malaysia, and many more can give this game a boost to the game.

Cricket even though it has turned into a commercial extravaganza, but still it is a game which is enjoyed by a larger masses . It makes them to forget there daily troubles for a time being and make them smile. As we know how India- Pakistan series have always created a good atmosphere among the citizens of the two countries developing a favorable atmosphere for a positive talks. Afghanistan a war torn nation  which has gone through  lot of turmoil and crisis, to rise into a force in cricket to give fight back to Test playing nations in the world cup is great sight to see. The fighting spirit they show on cricket field is similar to they face in their home. We want them to play more cricket with all Test Playing nations. 

Zimbabwe a nation which has been in deep been in economic crisis and ruled by a dictatorial rule of President Robert Mugabme, have also shown a great fight in this tournament.

There also nation like UAE who have also  have people from many Asian nations working  there, who know are playing for them there Karmabhoomi.Plus the Scottish team which  influence by English county can spring a surprise. Even the Irish team has started with a bang  and shown consistency in performance similar to the last World Cup 2011.

 We have seen many nations before like Holland, Kenya , Canada and  Bermuda have played but have not been able to stand  the competitive cricket. If these nations would have been allowed to play with Test playing nations on regular basis they might have improved and developed cricket.

It’s true that these nations for majority of matches are one sided affair where a strong side rips of their batting side or sometimes score smashing world records against these nations. This should not be the reason to not let them participate in the next tournament. Thus, even Sachin Tendulkar has suggested ICC should try to engage this nation for playing with Test Playing nations. Even individual boards can invite to play their first class matches and domestic series. 

  As  the game of Football, has  united the globe to a friendly and competitive  relations among each nations, Cricket  can also join  in the league  of  developing  this Beautiful Game !!!!

Tilgul Ghya Goda Goda Bola !!!!!!

Makar Sakranti  a festival which  for me was always  been a treat to gorge on  delicious  tilgul  ladoos. It was always  fun to sit with Mom and just  count on the ladoos in the thali and just gulp one down in mouth.  The aroma which spreads during the making of til  ladoos  is extremely fascinating  . Initially we never knew the significance of Sankrant associated with harvest season and we just used to enjoy relishing on tilgul.  It was fun to meet all the friends and enjoy distribute the tilgul  ladoos  and insisting  everyone by saying “ Tilgul Ghya God God Bola”.  In a sense it was a very good tradition for all to forget all bitterness which may have arisen over  a year  and forget everything  and start this new harvest season with sweetness of tilgul  with sweetness in your talk too.

 How can we forget the equation of Makar Sankaranti with “Kite Flying”. Although, I have never been able to fly a kite. But it always a fun to enjoy to be with friends, to hold the firki and shout “ Kai Poche” whenever someone else Kite is being  cut. Kite flying is actual an art , it just such a simple and beautiful  activity that you get so much engrossed by just watching  the kite up in the sky . Always a fun to hear the lingo like Dhil de , Lapet   during the kite flying session . For people like me who don’t flew kites , we are with the job to catch the kite which are being cut and are flown into our terrace. It was pure child like innocence which is seen in the adults when the flew the kites, the enjoyment in the eyes when you cut someone else kite  , extremely electrifying atmosphere .

 One of my memorable   Makar Sankaranti was a very different and exciting.  Due to weekend holidays,  I  had gone to my friend at Junnar.  There on the day of Sankranti, we three friends enjoyed a trek on  Shivneri Fort, ( Shivaji Maharaj birthplace ). I was initially hesitant to trek over and was opting for the simple steps pathway. But my friends forced me to take this path and it was thanks to them and enthralling journey. It was very cool to balance, use your strength to climb the rocks, balance on the edges and a super excitement was there to move forward inch by inch. It was such a joyous feeling when we reached the top . WOW!!!!

After coming back at friend’s house there was a treat for  Makar Sankranti with  a huge Puranpoli,  kheer and fenya . Wow it was a wholesome treat. I would never forget this  Makar Sankranti.

 Nowadays, due to  lot of work  pressure the excitement  has come down a bit. But  still  people enjoy  the relishing of tilgul, the Kite DJ parties  plus the  beautiful chain of  Akash Kandil in the sky at night .

HAPPY MAKARSANKRANTI TO ALL MY FRIENDS!!!!!