Omkara the revengeful dark thriller

Today I watched Omkara. The movie was released in July 2006. Phew… after 18 years I watched this movie. That time I thought it was an art movie type. It was surprising that Director Vishal Bhardwaj had cast top stars for this movie. He is usually known to work with accomplished theatre actors. The likes of Pankaj Kapur, Irfaan Khan, etc. But this movie's casting was a complete surprise. 

Plus I was at that time interested in the typical Bollywood masala movies with a lot of fluff and colours. 

As stated in the intro, the movie is an adaptation of Willam Shakeshpare’s tragedy drama “Othello”. The casting is perfect. Ajay Devgan as ‘Omkara’ with his brooding and menacing eyes steals the show. 

The surprise package is Saif Ali Khan. With a bulky build and cool posture, he imbibes the role of ‘Langda Tyagi’ with ease. The most loving part is his, dialogue delivery in UP dialect and the rustic look. 

The film rules over with an emotion of jealousy. Denied with the right succession, the jealousy turns to treachery. 

The film would have been more enjoyable on the big screen. Watching it on OTT denies the fun of experiencing the gunfights in the village heartland.

A wonderful afternoon was spent with Omakra!

Missed the OST track of Omakra sung by Sukhwinder Singh. How can Amazon Prime India cut it? 

Please improve the situation at National Park Borivli

Here I want to recount the difficulties we faced at the trip to Sanjay Gandhi National Park ( SGNP), Borivali on 27th October 2017. 

1. Regarding the entry fee Rs 48/- per adult. This doesn’t matches with the facilities provided inside the park. I suppose there would be a good amount of aid from the Centre and State Government. Then when your government subsidies on everything in the country why don’t we have the subsidy for the nature lovers.

2. At the entry, we do not have proper information regarding the various facilities at the park. The timings of the safari, Vanrani and all. People have to move inside and then check the timings and end up disappointed.
3. There are no park provided facilities for transportation where people have to walk in the blazing sun with children. People are fatigued to move up down the trail of around 6kms with carrying their children. Can the government empathize with us the difficulties we face?
4. You have the Vanrani express whose route has nothing much to see. Children expected animals to see from close range. But there were only the common ones like deer and monkeys. The ticket fare is also exorbitant Rs 41/-, given the condition and run by a pollutant fuel harming the environment not great value for money.
5. The Lion safaris and Tiger safaris have such a low frequency considering the amount of attraction it has for the kids. Plus again you take separate fees for it. My point is we you don’t take a point fee at the entrance, and to the government which boasts of Digital India we have to pay cash and fight for change for your esteemed forest staff.
6. Why there is no voluntary guide service by which the visitors can get to know more? Having only the Information center which is also a way ahead and common people will not able to coordinate.

The most awaited tournament during summer- Sharjah

 Much before the advent of  IPL, the tournament which had the glamour was at Sharjah.It was just during the exam times in school, these matches would be telecasted and there was always attention towards the match and the book in hand. Those matches would be started around 2.30 p.m  and it was exciting matches late night.

   April was a fixed season for the royal family of Sharjah to host matches with four-nation or tri-nation tournaments in the city. The most frequently visiting nations would be Pakistan, India, Australia, WestIndies, SriLanka, Zimbabwe, New Zealand. With a crowd mostly of Asians who worked in the city, it was kind of celebration and entertainment to them to watch their favourite nations playing the tournament.

  The most favourite of the rivalry would be India versus Pakistan. These matches attracted the maximum crowd and lot of glamour. Always remember the commentator Henry Blofield would comment on the earnings of the starlets in the VVIP stands. Who will forget the only footage which is being shown where the most wanted criminal of India Dawood Ibrahim speaking on phone. As much as entertainment, it was also an abode of betting where there were frequent accusations of players throwing the matches for the lure of dollars.

But this  venue had few brilliant memories which still remains etched in mind:

1. The most famous were the last-ball six hit by Javed Miandad. This six might have hounded Chetan Sharma for years to come.
2. The famous win for India against Pakistan in a low scoring match in Rothmans Cup 1985.
3.The hat-trick took by Aaquib Javed which literally collapsed the Indian innings.

4. The most memorable event was Sachin Tendulkar innings against Australia. It was a do or die match for India to reach the final on Net Run Rate( NRR) and the master blaster after a break in the match due to sandstorm, played one innings which no Indian will ever forget. He smashed literally everyone  Shane Warne,  Kasprowicz, Steve Waugh, Fleming. The way he single-handedly played a gem of innings showed his class all over in his batting. The memorable moment of the match was the six he hit straight over the head of Steve Waugh and the expression on the Waugh's face looking at the umpire Steve Bucknor.

 Although it was one of the most sought of the tournament for the India - Pakistan arch rivalry games but the emergence of match-fixing episodes and underworld operations in the game, India stopped playing.  Even in 2014, IPL few matches were played in Sharjah, but it didn't create the excitement of the golden years.

  Just expressed my thoughts on the most awaited tournament in summer was the Sharjah, now its place has taken by IPL. If anyone has to share their memorable moments about Sharjah feel free to share.

One Man Army - Virat Kohli

 The advent of T20 has shown us time again and again that any total is chase-able with the ability to invent innovative strokes and shots. Thus you have strokes like   Dilshan's Dillscooop , Dhoni’s famous Helicopter shot  ( which has not taken off )  plus some unbelievable range of strokes fro Gayle, ABD, Maxwell and much more. These players have played innings which have defined the moment and glory for the game of cricket.

 But, yesterday innings of Virat Kohli was way beyond imagination. This innings reminded the innings of Sachin Tendulkar “Operation Desert Storm “. Coincidentally, this innings was also against Australia but in the shortest format of the game. Tendulkar innings had the maximum amount of clean innovative aerial shots where even the good length deliveries which would have been defended have been smashed into the stands. Virat innings on other hand was dominated by fours. But the style and execution of those shots were simply fantastic. In the current T20 scenario where its not easy to attack in final overs due to the spread out field, it was heartening to see Kohli was able to find and pierce the ball right into the gaps for boundary.

 The way he pace the innings was also commendable.  On one side he was seeing the failures to stay rooted on the pitch of his fellow cricketers with some stupid strokes, he maintained his composure. Yuvraj Singh who had sprained his leg and couldn’t run with ease, he showed restraint and just carried out with singles. This showed he had the supreme confidence in his own abilities that he can raise his tempo at the right moment and can win this knockout game. Not just silken cover drives, the running between the wickets were such a treat to watch. Both Kohli and Dhoni stole extra runs in front of the best fielders among Aussies.

  He quickly along with his experience in T20s against Aussies, picked up the bowler, he wanted to attack and produce a brilliant over with striking cover drives and sixes. The best part of the final 2 overs was the shots were all ground strokes such a treat to watch how surgically he was creating those gaps in the maze of Australian fielders.  Virat face said it all he was in totally different zone from the over 17^th to 19th over of the game. The way he was hitting the strokes he was making the bowler dictate the length they should bowl to him.

 An Innings of this caliber and ability was required to make India qualify for the semis of the world cup. As pointed out by Dhoni, in the crucial stage everyone should contribute and not only depend on Virat to rescue them from the mess.

All the best to Indian team to win the remaining two matches and bring back the glory they had brought back 9 years ago.

  

Chris Gayle Thunders Sixers Against England

T20 cricket is more of entertainment than just cricket. Here, the format has more   towards big hits over the rope and   slam bang innings of an individual is more preferred than a team play. Thus the game has a stamp of fearless, outgoing and entertaining players who play for the gallery and people loves them irrespective of which country do they belong. For a matter of fact, people don’t even mind to watch a match even if India is not playing.

 One player among these is Chris Gayle. He didn’t disappoint the crowd who had come there to see a swashbuckling innings against England at Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.  Chris Gayle innings of 100 in 47 balls was decorated with 11 sixes and 5 fours .The more interesting part was the way he geared up his tempo and made sure that Windies win the match with 11 balls to spare. Already a favorite among the Indian crowds with his big hitting abilities, he didn’t disappoint them.  The ball disappeared into the stands at regular intervals into the stands and enthralled the evening of Mumbaikars. West Indies players usually enjoy their game and have fun, play for the gallery with their stroke, style and the small jig they do after taking wickets and victory.

Although the crowd missed their Mumbai Indian player Keiron Pollard for the party but  Chris Gayle  made the mends by scoring the explosive century . Even the English batsmen  like Ben Stokes , Eon Morgan  , Joe Root  , Butler  played  good innings to  reach a very competitive  score  of 182 , the inexperienced bowling attack let them down.

Thus the fun has started and more players with their abilities to play extravagant innovative shots will entertain the crowd . Looking forward to ABD Villiers, Shahid Afridi, MSD, Virat Kohli, Maxwell, Warner, Cory Anderson…, Surely will miss my favorite Brendon Mccullum ( Baz) 

Indian spun around Kiwis

    There was lot of buzz around after the pitch report which  suggested , the pitch will have grip and turn . New Zealand actually thrown a surprise when they decided to go with  3 spinners and benching experienced players like Trent Boult and  Southee. The pressure was on New Zealand since there was doubt whether they could handle the Indian spinners.

    As was the case, Indians restricted the Kiwis to a modest total of 126. Surprisingly the best bowling figures came from Suresh Raina who gave only 15 runs in his full quota of 4 overs . With this total on board and Indian batting form for the last few T20s it was assumed it would be a cakewalk for India.

   On paper the strongest of the team, were yet  had no clues how to handle the spin from  the first over. New Zealand who had included 3 spinners Nathan Macullum , Ish Sodhi  and Mitchell Satner  spun a web around the Indian batsmen that lead to their downfall.

    The psyche of the Indian batsmen to go out and hit every ball out of the ground led to their downfall. But, here they couldn’t connect the ball properly and gave simple dollies to Kiwis.

The way the Indians who were supposed to be the best players of spin gave their wickets was baffling to see. Our players required a flat track, ball should be always in inline should not turn and swing , then yes we are the champions of bang bang cricket. The trio of NZ used the condition very well and produced dramatic result. Apart from Kohli and Dhoni , no player could adapt to the spinning condition . This match shown why a player like Rahane is important who adapts to the game as per the situation. All star batsmen got out not to great deliveries but bad shot selection.

   This was the first game and eye opener for India.  As written earlier on Sri Lankan tour https://goo.gl/9phRoP ,  Indian  players nowadays are not the best players of spin. Due to flat wickets in IPL, the players usually go for the shots right from the first ball. No one plays close to the body and footwork is sparsely used, its only stand and deliver .

    Now ahead, big game on the cards India V/s  Pakistan  and looking forward for this epic match. Hope India maintains their victorious record against Pakistan in World Cup ties so far. With matches against the strong Aussies and unpredictable Bangladesh India has task ahead in the tournament. 

World Cup T20 2016- The Countdown starts Now

With the start of today T20 World cup lets see the prospects of each team in this tournament.  Since this tournament staged in India, its natural that there will be a run feast in these tournament. Spectators will be for a treat to watch huge sixes and innovative shots in this World cup T20. India obviously a huge favorites  to win the tournament  with the momentum it has got  in the Asia Cup. Lets just go through each team in the Groups and see what is in store for exciting days ahead.

Group A:
1. Afghanistan:  A team which has practiced its game in the war –prone area has surprised everyone with qualifying in the Super10. Zimbabwe which is in being the cricketing arena for quite years lost to a side which has grit and determination written in their game. Exicting matches to follow will be against Sri Lanka  & England , Afghan can sprung  a surprise for them. Players to watch Mohammad Shahzad & Nabi.

2. England : Under Eon Morgan captaincy , is in competitive best when their key players like Alex Hales , Ben Stokes and Joe Root are in prime hitting form. Since in subcontinent flat track they will get liitle help from pace bowlers. Lot of depends on spin attack from Moeen Ali.

3. South Africa :  One team which has the most experience to play in India  along with Australia  in IPL. This experience makes them to be strongest team to reach the semis of the tournament. Recently concluded series against Australia where it was full of runs and swashbuckling strokes.  De Kock player to watch out for with his hitting abilities along with ABD.They have a class spinner and pace attack with Tahir and Sten in team. Plus t20 specialist like Chris Morris  make  De PLessi  team  to give a tough  time for opponents . Only thing which can make them loose is  their choking in key situations .

4. Sri Lanka :  This team has lost its seniors  and is fresh new young players in the squad . Loosing Malinga to injury will impact their bowling unit , so Angello Mathews has carry  out the burden of  marshaling his available resources .

5. West Indies  : The  Caribbean team which have the best of the hard hitters in it and some intelligent smart bowlers in it. So they will try to replicate the  win of 2012 T20 WC.

The semifinalist from this group according to me is: South Africa and West Indies.

Group B:

 Group  B is actually the  “ Group of Death “ . Each match results is going to turn tables for the teams .
6. Australia:  The one elusive title which the Aussies want badly is World T20 . Winning consecutive series against NZ, South Africa they have started to gain momentum in the series. Similar to South Africa they have experience playing in the conditions due to lot of exposure to the players at IPL.


7. Bangladesh:  One team which has the ability to upset  any team in Group of Death  and  topple the plans of the teams. Being the runner up at Asia Cup ,  they might give a tough fight .

8. India: Among the top favorite with brilliant form and playing at home, This is the golden opportunity for MSD to bring back the T20 trophy  at home.  With  new  spring in the step  due to Bumrah, Nehra  and swashbuckling  Kohli

9. New Zealand:  Black Caps are one of the dark horses of the tournament  which can  surprise us.  Being the finalist at the World Cup 2015, this team can surely repeat he performance . The only sore missing point no Brendon Muccullum in team. But still with Munro, Guptill , Cory Anderson  and Taylor they can pack a punch.

10. Pakistan: This is  the weakest  link in the group . With fairly new batsmen and out of form Shahid  Afridi a concern . The only ray of hope is their speedsters are in fine touch especially the return of Mohd.  Amir. But as per history, this team is the most unpredictable team in the world for their raw talent and plucks a surprise in the tournament.

The semifinalist from this group according to me will be : India  &  Australia  .

Overall , with flat wickets , lightning outfield  and  humungous crowd support this will be the best T20 cricket tournament in India .

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!!!!!   

          

People Power is the Ulitimate Answer, Good Governance Rules

People's mandate clearly shows that people are extremely annoyed and irritated by the Congress rule for years . The results in Jharkand and J& K shows that people want a positive change . It is a really pity to see the opposition party even not learning from the drubbing they got it in LS elections. 

To learn from there mistakes and actually try to be sensible opposition these politicians picked up some fringe issues and are being blowing it out of proportion. Who doesn't knows they fanatics in every religion be it Hindus, Muslims , Christians are trying to convert many people in there fold and increase there fundamentalist base ? It was going in the past and it will still go in the future , but it doesn't stand out  to be a reason to block important issues and bills to be introduced in the Parliament.

 On the black money issue I think few of these opposition leaders have made themselves a laughing stock with there corrupt past behind them .Its a joke to see Mulayam Singh , Lalu Prasad, Rahul Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, Sonia Gandhi are asking for return of Black Money which is stashed in their own accounts at  Swiss Banks.

To create TRPs and to serve their masters most of the TV and Print media moguls are hell bent on tainting the Central Government and mud slinging done on Shri Narendra Modiji .

Today's result have clearly shown people are aware of the truth and are not paying heed to unnecessary noise created by the Blunt Opposition. 

I hope God gives these Opposition leaders to get well soon and let the Government function for the development of nation .

Happy Diwali for Maharashtra !!!!!!

A Happy Diwali to all my friends !!!.

 This Diwali has been true to words a firecrackers stuff , Diwali on the political front in Maharashtra politics. With the amount of fuel created by making the Assembly elections into a five pronged contest , there was sure no greater winner who would enjoy the celebration rather than the  winner.

 Surely the results have brought to light once again that now people are thinking in terms of electing a government on the basis of development in their area rather than emotional call.  I feel  besides the NaMo wave. ,I think the performance of the BJP govt. in the states it is ruling clearly gives a signal to people whom to choose in days  ahead . Might be  they have not got the  full majority  to  form a govt. it has  got  a clear cut support by  raising BJP's stake in the voting 2-3 times than previous scores.

Shiv Sena  who thought by  touching the linguistic umbilical cord with  Marathi Manoos  would grab the Maharashtrian  votes were for a surprise when the results  shown people supported the developmental politics. The more surprising element was only one (1)  seat for   Raj Thackeray MNS in state .  The reason was clear Raj's opportunistic mind, playing local card and the party needs 8 years to form a blue print, a developmental plan for Maharashtra was questionable . The more Raj talks  about development has never been done on the ground even in the local areas he won in 2009 and his every agitation takes a violent turnaround has made people realize its better not to give him power to rule. The way he united with NCP, SS for grabbing  the seat in local elections created a hazy picture in the people .

Congress also got a superb drubbing along with the NCP.In which defeat of Narayan Rane was an icing on the cake . But still there are many questions answered why people like Ajit Pawar,  R.R.Patil still get  elected . ?

The results made amply clear that if there would have been coalition  of BJP-SS  they would have trounced the Cong-NCP govt  . But the way Udhav used the language to  defame Modi and he made Aditya  a novice to handle a serious issue of coalition would have surely ruffled feathers among them.

All is well , ends well. I hope now SS with cool head joins the BJP without any tantrums and try  to form a good developmental government in state. The annoying noises from the Gadkari camp  to be CM should be  giving one tight slap from PM Modiji itself. Yes, its better to have a clean image  and highly educated  CM  Devendra Fadnavis than any other  Tai or Bhau .

 Now the quarrel over Big and Small brother has been settled , the scores  show who is the elder among the two. Now we Maharastrians hope to have a  progressive and strong Maharashtra which will  make all of us proud.


Jai  Hind , Jai Maharashtra  !!!!!!

Cook fries Dhoni's champions with Spin tadka

The third test  between India v/s England at Southampton was  really dominated by the Englishmen.  It was quiet surprising,how Indians included Rohit Sharma  in final eleven when his track record on seam and swing pitches is dismal.  I think at times Dhoni acts a little arrogant,when he says he works with his intuition and not practical situations . Now with gaining a  fantastic win at Lord's , he should have gone with the momentum and  not change the winning combination .  Unfortunately , Ishant the MoM of Lord's victory was injured , Dhoni should have gone with a spinner knowing Ashwin's experience and  with a  bit of batting would have done good for the team.  Similarly Dhawan  a product  completely transformed into IPL types  is not the right  opener to  play in swinging English conditions. Best was to try Gautam Gambhir who has played well in the opening practice game and lots of experience behind him.

                                               

   Jadeja let down a sitter in the slip cordon and the whole match slipped with the comeback form of Cook who used the   chance to  prove his critics wrong .  It feels sad  for  Pankaj Singh who  toiled so much  to get a break lost  a great oppurtunity  due to  butter fingers of Jadeja .  He proved that his class his  permanent form is temporary. England players used  time and  maintained a good run rate throught the match. Our star player Bhuvnesh Kumar  seems tired  and couldn't break the shackles of England team. Shami  is not bowling the way he bowled in  Indian conditions . He shown lot of promise  in Indian conditions . Anderson and  Stuart Broad  show the way how to bent their backs and  place great line and length  to destroy the Indian line up.

 Indian's have  a knack of creating a Hero from Zero. Here  Mooen Ali  has  been the new hero capped by Indian batsmen. Always been told Indians are excellent players of spin  now got the reality by  third grade performance from  the great  Indian  batting line up . I think at least know our  arrogant captain Dhoni takes some  tough stand and select  a  proper  team  which has a  spine to face  the rejuvenated English team,
 Still search  for   quartet  veterans like  Tendulkar, Dravid ,Laxman, and Ganguly  going  on with Pujara, Kohli, Sharma ( no expectation)  failed miserably .

Long Live Test Cricket !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

   

Wow!!! emotions were running high in the mind while watching the  India- South Africa first test match last day last session.  It was unbelievable batting display by A .B.  de Villers  and Faf Du Plessis.  No one would have thought  that any team would be able to chase and come close  to victory. The manner in which both of them stood upright against an unpredictable bounce on the pitch .

     Pre- match with India loosing the one day series it was foregone conclusion that Indians would fall like a pack of cards and continue there  bad  show overseas. It cannot be blamed entirely to the players since considering the previous India didn't have a single practice  game to play  and acclimatise with the conditions.

     It was heartening to see the Indian captain chose to bat and face the  pacers on the first day  of the match.  It was great to watch the new bunch of cricketers with there first tour to SA played with such grit and patience. Cheteshwar Pujara & Virat Kohli played  with such concentration that it was  a treat to see  them leaving the balls outside off stump that earlier our players used to knick it down to the slips. It was treat to see Virat Kohli  smashing the bad deliveries and treating  the good deliveries with the respect. Nice to watch Ajinkya Rahane also facing the pacers with  superb technique  and front face of the  bat.. Still , the surprise was on the day 2 when the  Indians pacers bowled brilliantly  to restrict  SA   and take marginal lead. Of the pack   Shami looked lethal with his good length and pace . Ishant was a surprise to deliver the goods. The Indian second innings was  a surprise to the Indians when the Pujara and Kohli made a big and brilliant partnership to give Indians  a score  from where  they could attack and win the match .The SA  second innings was stable with less setbacks but to cover the huge mountain was really a daunting task  which everyone thought would be impossible to reach even 300 or near it.

       The last final day was  just one how the Indian pacers  would use the morning session and the unpredictable bounce and win the match by tea. But  A .B.  De .Villers  and Faf Du Plessis had some interesting thing in there mind  they batted like warriors who never give up. They  put back the horrendous decision given to Kallis in there strides and played an innings which was making the huge mountain hill target  within there reach.  The Indian pacer trio Shami,  Ishant and Zaheer  bowled with there heart out  but were without luck missing the knick or ball failed to kiss the bails.  When the target was within reach Rahane  made a direct hit which changed the course of the  match . The match which was in ways SA hands was then drifted by the fear of loss which made them draw the Test . Surprisingly , Philander and Steyn didn't felt they could score the 16 runs in the final 3 overs. Everyone present there and watching all over were surprised that there was no intent to win .

        Overall, the match was the memorable match which will be in the history for  the  best run chase  seen . It would be having  a fitting  a decisive result  for the match  for which everyone showed an impressive fightback in all departments of the game .Kudos  to both  teams  which played an excellent test  match  to make the series  more exciting and liven up the Test Cricket in the era of T20s and ODIs.

Looking forward  to the  Durban Test  on the Boxing Day.  Ready for exciting Fight.....

THE GREAT WALL OF INDIAN CRICKET

With lot of clamour going among the cricket circles and fans about the performance of the senior players with the pathetic performance delivered in Australia and England . It was a sort of drubbing no one would have thought would have occurred after the stupendous success of winning the World Cup in India. There was a pertinent question among the fans regarding when the trio of Sachin , Sehwag and Dravid would call it a day and bring in fresh blood and legs to perform at the highest level of cricket -Test Cricket . With Sachin being burdened by the pressure to back off the irritating pressure of completing the 100th hundred . Sehwag has still not lost hopes of his revival and dream job to captain India which further creating friction with Dhoni which is clearly visible . It was the turn of the highly dependable "The Wall" gutsy call to retire which made it sure that his commitment was and always remained for the Team India .




In the case of numbers there is no doubt a man with 13000 runs under his belt would certainly create a huge lacunae among the Indian team who was one of the players who was always Mr.Consistent in local as well as foreign shores. He always place his values far ahead than any other measurement in the modern day cricket which would demand the charisma, chutzpah, and moolah . A middle class upbringing for the Bangalore boy got into the team with loads of runs and sweat in the domestic cricket . It was an institution in itself to play in Ranji tournaments which gave us the cricketers like Laxman, Sachin, Gambhir ,Kambli and many more.


The most formidable style of his game was his defence. Rahul used put a price on the wicket such that it would require a Jumbo effort for any player from the other side to uproot his wicket. It was the strenuous effort he made in the heat and made each express delivery hurled at him into solid defence which made the pace bowling seem redundant even at 140-150 kmph. He was such a cool and confident customer who even in the worst start for India would make the next batsman comfortable and make huge partnership that would take out India from the verge of defeat . Who would forget the superb partnership with VVS Laxman against Aussie at Eden Garden .

He was the only player who would always had technical brilliance who could negate the harsh and bouncy conditions of foreign wickets . If Sachin , Laxman were run scoring machine with stroke making brilliance ,Dravid had the elegance of standing tall in the moment of calamity . This calmness and belief to lead the team to safety and further post dramatic victory at Headingley were the pitch was spitting venom he stood by hitting on every part of the body but never ever gave his wicket.



He always showed his leadership skills the way he captained the team to success on the overseas wins at West Indies and England . The most brave and controversial decision to declare was at Multan Test when India declared with Sachin stranded at 194* , shows his gumption to put Team decision before individual decision . The ways the seniormost player in the team wear gloves and accept wicket -keeping to help the team accommodate seventh batsmen in the team .

He will always remembered for his dignified persona even when the bowler used to sledge the Mr. Cool of Indian Cricket. Who would forget the outburst of Allan Donald against him in South Africa and Michael Slater notorious verbal volley in India against a doubtful catch. It shows his focus on the game despite hurdles.


Dravid was dropped from One day in series in India on pretext of slow batting . That hurt him so much that he determined to change his game for the faster version of the man . And yes he did it with style smashing four and sixes with equal aplomb . The once Test labelled Dravid now is a formidable member in the Rajasthan Royals IPL team leading the pack of young players. His flurry of 3 huge sixers in his last ODI at England showed his mettle as cricketer who can adapt to every form of the game .

Known as "Jammy" for his role as jammer against the pace batteries all over the world here is a player who has always held his high while debuting in test against England with 95 at Lords. His last series was one blip in his career which can be forgotten regarding his huge career success and contribution to India . Even if the WALL has retired , the strength of his values and commitment will always be pillar of success for TEAM INDIA .