Archive for the ‘Saurav Ganguly’ Category
Lol.
“The same could be said about Rahul Dravid. Dravid is a great representative of Indian cricket, a team man, humble, a well-spoken gentleman. But unfortunately he could not score a single run in the early rounds of the IPL, and in my opinion, is not suited to this form of the game. I am certain Dravid’s performances were also affected by the off-field drama created by his franchise owner Vijay Mallya.”
His opinions weren’t restricted to India’s ageing stars. He went on to question Yuvraj Singh’s attitude, though he later clarified that there was no malice involved in his comments.
“Yuvraj Singh in a sense tries to be a modern-day Sourav Ganguly, but I don’t think he has the charisma or the dignity with which Ganguly carries himself,” he said.
Tendulkar has been lauded, and rightly so, as one of the very top batsmen in the history of cricket,” he wrote. “But is he an effective T20 player at this stage of his career?
“In the position he plays – as an opener or No. 3 – the T20 game requires not only the finesse and skills he has, but also the power and domination, an ability to take the bowlers on while being creative. You have to be inventive and fearless. And I don’t see those qualities as part of Sachin’s makeup at this stage of his career. Sachin Tendulkar is still a great player but not in this arena of T20
Happy Birthday Sourav
The present day Indian team is all what you transformed from a talented but underperforming unit to a formidable one in Tests and ODIs.
More is always less for you.
You rocked throughout your career and acted as inspiration for lot many lesser folks including the author of this blog.
Time for players with attitude and temparament to don India colors
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Virender Sehwag
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Gautam Gambhir
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MS Dhoni
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Zaheer Khan
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Yuvraj Singh
in addition to some decent performers like :
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Praveen Kumar
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Harbhajan Singh
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Suresh Raina
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Ishant Sharma
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Pragyan Ojha (though just 9 ODIs old)
indicates that the mission youngistan launched in 2008 CB series hasnt quite worked out as per the expectations. The core players who perform have remained the same all through out the 2000s. The ones who made their debut and mark under Sourav and Rahul. The top scorers in last 2 year bull run in ODIs starting Pakistan series home are same who have been the top performers in 2003 world cup and then in subsequent years.
Dravid was dumped after just one poor series in India vs Australia and more for his age. But the fact remains that India has found no good batsman than him in the conditions prevalent in WI series 2nd ODI. When the ball swings, there are no better batsman than Sachin and Rahul at the crease. I dont know if Rahul would ever play a ODI in his remaining career, but he is way better than the likes of Sharma, Raina and Karthik including Y Pathan even at 36.
The core batting group for India remains Sehwag, Gambhir, Tendulkar (choosy in ODIs), Yuvraj, Dhoni even today which was no different than the Sourav era or even Dravid era. So what different has Mr Vengsarkar led selection panel achieved ? Threw caps at will to some undeserving players like Sharma and Y Pathan who has more ducks than 50s in his career so far. Vengsarkar was instrumental in rise of Tendulkar 22 years back, but he failed in the vision to bring similar players or half the 10% of talent of Tendulkar to the forefront. The replacements of injured players are those who cannot be relied to be long term players in ODIs.
You cannot expect the likes of Badri, Karthik or Sharma to play for India for even 2-3 years with their temparament. Screw quota allegations or being hater of TN charges on me, the field performances suggest that the likes of Raina, Sharma and Pathan — the 3 next big things predicted in 2007 have failed. The mission 2011 has lost its direction a bit for now.
The bowlers look even more concerning. Barring Zaheer Khan and occasionally Praveen Kumar on swinging wickets, there are no express bowlers of caliber of even a Umar Gul who supposedly thinks reverse swing is an art gifted by GOD or even Bret Lee or Albie Morkel. Spin bowling is in tatters. Harbhajan is a bowler who likes more to contain than strike. Ojha is relatively new to the field, but its difficult for him to pip Harbhajan and find a consistent place in the team XI.
There is a question of intent on the so called young gifted players in the side. Are they motivated enough to play for the country? Why is it they shine in IPL, but fail to make any impact in ODIs or not considered worthy enough to replace a Dravid or a Tendulkar in the Tests. Laxman would be the last one to go of the Fab Five in Tests, but with whom he would rally along when Sachin and Rahul are gone ?
It took a while for Ganguly, Dravid and Kumble to make a mark in the ODIs. Tendulkar made his 1st 100 in 6 years but then a Indian 100 in ODIs was a rare phenomenon. It was hard to believe then that it was Siddhu who hold the record for most 100s in ODIs. If they took some time, but then there was never a question mark on their intent and competency. More over their attitude. It never struck to the viewers then that this players wont be the ones they turned out to be.
We dont even see the spin bowling today to be as reliable as it was when Kumble was in his peak in ODis. It was Azhar who used to throw the ball to Kumble in first 15 overs and he used to strike back immediately. Now is there anybody who has the attitude of Kumble, let go his skills. His attitude was even evident in IPL – 2 final which was inconsequential by every means. Not only he did lead by front, but delivered with the ball too. I bet if you can expect that today from his partner and so called lead of bowling.
A number 8 team in ODis beats the best ODI team of last 2 years with 100 balls to spare and 8 wkts in hand. Thats ridiculous to say the least. And picture turns even more pessimistic to see the way the likes of first 3 and then the next 3 after 4 and 5 went. If the likes of RP singh can last for 75 balls, then why not Mr Sharma or Mr Pathan ? Or for that matter Mr IPL Dancer ?
Its time to look for new players for the slots of Rohit Sharma and Yusuf Pathan. May be Pathan can be a good bet in WC’11 in home conditions, but he would certainly be a cropper in abroad. Its time to look for players who are hungry to make their mark in the international cricket, not necessarily the best of talented players but the ones who are ready to put their best and even beyond that for the country, not just IPL or domestic cricket.
I rest my case.
Preview to the Ind vs WI game
“We had options for back-up openers, Yusuf and I were also spoken about. But Rohit was in good form in the IPL and has grabbed his chance with both hands”
MS was speaking on the options for opening in absence of Viru. Heavens gracious, he didn’t open. Just imagine what would have been the reaction if MS was opening. Flood gates would have been opened. He is reeled for coming at # 3, he is being accused of leaking the news and being arrogant with the media. He is now no more the captain kewl.
Rohit Sharma has been pretty decent with the opening spot in England. However he must soon realize that opening is not his cup of tea and its just that he is filling in for Viru in his absence. Ditto for DK. His first test comes today when he takes on his Deccan Chargers team mate Fidel Edwards (subject to play) in the first super 8 game India plays tonite against West Indies at Lord’s. Yes the same ground where 26 years ago India beat WI by 43 runs to win their World Cup.
India would have one challenge to stop Gayle, who has tormented them in the past since 2002 or even old since 1999. Remember the Singapore tri-series followed by Toronto 3 game series when Ganguly first time captained India. Another question India would need to find an answer to is the place of Irfan Pathan. He has been pathetic with the ball. If he opens the bowling today, Gayle is for sure to run away with game. May be Praveen Kumar would be an option to go with as he swings the ball and gets more wickets than Irfan does. Yeah India would lose a batting all-rounder, but then there is enough firepower in the batting department.
India vs Ireland LIVE
Good over. 2 off the first one for Ireland.
Zaheer bowling the 2nd over. Swing again. Wide ball. Trying hard to hit the ball for boundary, timing not right for Bray. Zaheer Khan would have pleasent memories of Nottingham Test, the one India won in 2007. Jelly beans. Yusuf Pathan in slips. Amazing. This ball came inside the left hander. Thats it. Bowled. Confidence. Bowler’s delight.
1/4 in 2 overs.
Pathan back for 2nd over. Still no boundary. Pathan speeds below 130 
. Miss again. Skipper on strike. He opens. Indian skipper comes on 3rd. He is trashed. 2 to end the over.
1/9 in 3.0
Zaheer takes his 2nd. And Yusuf grabs one in the slip. Skipper gone. Usual slippers for India in ODIs are either Sehwag (DK’ed), Gambhir or Raina. None of the last two standing today in the silips. Perhaps Sehwag would return to India through Chennai flight 
Good pouch by YP. Stil no boundary. 11 for 2 in 21 balls. First boundary there. Ishant couldnt stop. Oh boy. YP on roll. Zaks on fire. Poor shot. Ireland in trouble. Pakistan should meet MS before their super 8 game against Ireland to avoid 2007 repeat (very rare though).
3/18 in 4.0
Ishant begins with a 4. 6 off the over.
3/24 in 5.0
Another bowling change ? Yes its YS bowling. More slow options for MS though — Bhajji, Ojha P, Raina and Sharma R.
Great to hear Anil’s voice. The great man is now in commentary team and he would be joined in by hhis ex-captain, who is also India’s greatest skipper — supposed quota selection from Bengal. ROTFL.
Power plays are gone. 4 from the 6th over. 3/28 in 6.
Another bowling change and another wicket. Ojha Naman this time. Oops No. Pragyan Ojha this time. MS’s luck (??) continues. Aircel ads on the TV. A network from TN for mobiles endorsed by MS, the TN IPL team skipper. Did i ever write on Arm Ball that I wanted CSK to win but I also wanted AK to excel. He did.
Does Ojha chuck ? May be yes if he gets some success against Australia .Bad throw. Run out chance missed. CSK player missed the chance. Raina 
. Ojha not happy. He is tossing the ball up.
4/30 in 7.
Bhajji in the attack. His spin partner in the commentary box. Wkts needed for this supposed loud mouthed sardaar. Nope, not my opinion. Reverse sweep. 3 off the over.
4/34 in 8.
First boundary in many overs. Ojha needs a wkt.
11 from the over. 4/45 in 9. Half way mark. AirCell ad again. Mind itttttt!!!
Slow phase of he game. Runs and wkts have dried up. There you go. First wkt for HS. Confidence booster for him.
50 up for Ireeland. Did Ishant tour 2007 to England ? I dont think so. 11 gone. 5 for 54. 40 balls to go. 42 to get for 100.
5 for 65 in 12.
Pretty tight bowling from Indians. 4 more to go and Ireland are just 5 for 69. Ojha for last over. No boundaries
Simple dismissal. Ojha gets 6th of the tournament. Highest wicket taker now. Ridiculous running from Batter. Appeal for run out. Could be out. Yes he is. 7th gone.
7 for 73 in 15.
First four in long time. Irfan back in the attack. Runs aplenty here, Pathan sucks for the speed. Four to end the over. 7/88 in 16.
Zaheer takes his 4th. 4th time an Indian bowler takes a 4for in T20I Ireland all set to get a 100. Can Zaks get a 5- for ? No. 17 gone. 8 / 97. Mis field from Zaheer. 8/100. Bhajji not happy. In the air. 2 more. Another boundary. 8/107. Tough luck for this boundary. Triple nelson. End of innings. 8/112 in 18.
India vs Ireland fact bax
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ROhit Sharma made his international debut and DNB as Sourav cracked a match winning 50.
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But it was Gautam Gambhir who stole the limelight with a match winning 80 and cemented his place in the ODi series leading to his comeback. Mind you he had missed out the world cup berth to Robin Uthappa.
Semi-finalists and Rameez’s commentary
Saurav Ganguly has seen it all, done it all. Can he do it today ?
A shievering Shiva is down there for us.
A stammering Rameez is sucking us.
MS Dhoni, Mr Kewl. Yeah yeah the same man who beat somebody 4-1 and 3-2 in last 2 ODI series
Sorry for off the topic. Rameez ‘s verbal potshots. Sounding almost similar to Mbangwa. Huge time, big time, big time, huge time. Mbangwa style.
So the semis are eye wide open. Delhi vs CSK is tempting proposition for final. Batting might of CSK and misfiring Viru and Gauti. Question is who are going to be other 2 ?
1) Rajasthan are 13. If they win against KKR they go 15. Still no guarantee.
2) Deccan Chargers are 14 with positive NRR. 1 game left to play RBC on last day of league games. One win and they are 16. If they lose, they are on brink as well.
3) KXIP have a game against CSK, their final game after today. I fancy CSK. KXIP should win a game to be in race. If they lose they go out.
4) RCB, they have 2 games left. Must win both to get through. DD and DC. Can fancy beating DC. DD are beatable too. I believe they could make it. If RCB win both games they go in. DC depend then on Royals result against KKR, which they should win.
So my pick:
DD
CSK
RR
RCB
Rameez, you are now stinking. Ganguly, subcontinent player finds tough to go in SA, eyes blinking, trying to concentrate on job. He s got lot of nervous energy Siva.
My ass Kameez, did you even know Ganguly’s record in SA ? 2003 success in world cup, 2006 Test series, 2001 tri series. Go check the record mate.
McCullum seems in good nick in chasing 189. Ganguly stuggling and Rameez stinking. Rameez Kameez go away.
Predictions for SUnday
BRC over Mumbai
Delhi over KKR.
Sachin to hit a 50 at least. Dravid a 40, Kumble to get a 2 or 3. DADA if he plays a big role from him as well.
Ahh dont bother, last line was a wishlist than a prediction.
And for those who doubt Rahul Dravid’s ability in limited form of the game let me tell you he has got 10000 odd runs in 334 games at 40.05 runs per game, he holds record for fastest 50 by an Indian and he was the first finisher the country ever had in ODIs in Ganguly era.
Fake IPL player suggests Ganguly rest plan
The only way to end this farce for Ganguly is to back out and return to India. Right now, right then.
No place for regional attitude in Indian cricket
Unfortunately this age REGIONALISM doesnt hold any place in Indian cricket. Dilip Vengsarkar tried to do it but he wasnt successful. Srikanth tried to stuff in his Tamil players in the team but nobody succeeded. Badrinath was automatic replacement for every injured player in 2008 in Srikanth era as was Rohit Sharma during Vengsarkar era. Chennai, Mumbai.
Why do we need to give regional boundaries to CRICKET in India. It stumps me. And then few jingoist bloggers who blindly support a team and trample others (Mumbai supported, others trashed) leave a bad taste in the mouth. Sourav Ganguly changed the mindset of the Indian cricketing setup, unforutnately the public mindset couldnt be changed.
Mantra according to me is perform and earn your place. Doesnt matter if you hail from Mumbai or Morena or Madurai or Delhi or Dehradun or Andaman…Jingoism, cynicism and regional feudal mindset just doesnt have any place in modern day Indian cricket. The days of Raj are over and so are feudal days.
No wonder supporting the pan Indian mindset has shooed away all the commenters on this blog. Regionalism wins. Go find blogs which whine on Mumbai or Tamil Nadu, they would have all comments, not this one. Fuck who bothers about comments.
