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 .