Is cricket really shadowing other sports in India?

I recently read a blog post by someone who believes that other sports in India aren't getting the same recognition and appreciation despite various sports person achieving great heights in their field of sport.

I, for one, am fed of these comparisons where people think that Indian cricket got this reputation and fan following over night. Indian Cricket team also has struggled similarly like most of the sports around India and probably more than a few sports too.

Indian team won their first test match at home in 1952 and 1967 overseas in New Zealand. Indian team was not a great test match team till they started competing and winning since Ganguly lead the team. Before that India was a less than an average test match side. Though, they were great at home but never outside of their own turf.

Yes, India was good One Day side and they proved their metal for the first time with 1983 world cup win. But that was not it, Indian team retained the great form and won the Prudential Cup, involving all the test playing nations in the year 1985. These victories out side of India was responsible for creating the buzz among the people at home.

Decline in India's performance in Hockey at this particular time also lead to the growth of Cricket's popularity. This was also the time when cricket started attracting glamour and investors started pouring money in to the sport. The balance then started to shift towards Cricket and lack of success in other sports was a major contributor.

From then on, Indian cricket team hasn't been out of the picture. They have been consistent across ODI's, however, test cricket still requires a lot of improvement.

And we as Indians have accepted all who have risen to glory in their own field of sport. Saina Nehwal to Gopichand, Peas - Bhupati to Sania, Vijendar - Sangram - Yogeshwar Dutt - Sushil Kumar, Deepika Kumari et.al.

Its not that we don't appericiate efforts sports person make in other fields but they would have to struggle a lot and really a lot, if they want to compare themselves to the status of Cricket in India.

We Are (G)Root !!!!! - English Challenge in Ashes

At the start of this decade, the world of cricket saw some promising new corps making a statement on the international stage. However, one of the most promising and consistent performers over the last few years is none other than Joe Root.

Joe Root, like his challengers for being the best rising batsmen around the world, had performed exceptionally with scores around the world. You can point to any country on the map where English team traveled and you'll find Root's stats reflecting his genius. He, now, has become the spine of his national test side similar Kane Williamson and Virat Kohli, who are also made of the same thread. Though, Williamson and Root seems very similar to each other. Both are classical and text book batsman. They play by the book which is what every coach around the world wants their students to learn. But, reason for me mentioning Root today is because of the on going Ashes.

England is hosting the Ashes 2015 and with the recent performance at home against New Zealand, Aussies shouldn't mistake them as any less. English team is going through a transition at this moment. They have moved on from Kevin Pietersen and Joe Root has made that transition as smooth as it possibly could get. I was eagerly waiting for the Ashes to start especially cause English team is playing on their home turf. On the very first day, we saw a gem of an inning from Joe Root. His 134 lead to a total of 430 and Root again stood rock solid against the Aussie fast bowing attack. Even better, he attached the Mitchell's from Australia and scoring fast against them.

I admire the way Root usually approaches his innings. He is always smiling doesn't matter if its Mitchell Johnson - staring down his throat with dread eyes - after delivering a fast bouncer - which goes whispering past his ears. He has shown a different side of temperament. 

Joe is the most exciting player to be participating in this years Ashes, at least for me. Here's hoping for the best and a great and competitive Ashes 2015.

src - behance.net

Rise of the Challengers - Bangladesh

As the umpire adjudged Mustafizur LBW, it marked an Indian win and also concluded the India vs Bangladesh ODI series. Though, the win was a saving grace for the Indian team, however, it being the high point of the 3 ODI match series wasn't something which fans back at home were execting.

There's no doubt that Bangla team has learned a few new tricks. They have produced some exceptional performances against one of the best teams in the world, especially, on their home turf. They have "Bangla-washed" New Zealand and Pakistan in ODI series in past few year, latter came just a few months back.Underestimating this Bangla team is a mistake which team India, Pakistan and England has recently committed and have paid the price.

The zeal and grit displayed by Musrafe Murtaza and Co. proves that the team is ready to graduate from newcomer to the challenger. My favorite player from the Bangla team has been Mushfiqur Rahim, who stood tall against the best of the attacks in the world to take his team home. Watching him slogging one of the best off spinners around, Saeed Ajmal, through mid wicket was nothing less than a treat.And that's not just it, his quiver is full of shots to play all around the ground. Another player which has come up in the ranks in this year has been Taskin Ahmed. Taskin is a gem of a fast bowler. He can bowl above 140 kmph without sweating, hits the deck hard and has been the only bowler to extract extra bounce from the pitch in this Indo Bangla series. Mustafizur is the find of this series. His accuracy and change of pace was impeccable and the best of Indian batsmen couldn't find a way through. He finished the series with 13 wickets and entering the record books subsequently. However, I still rate Taskin as a better bowler than Mustafizur. Bangla pace attack shows great hopes with both these youngsters in their rank, lead by seniors players like the captain Murtaza and Rubel Hossain.

Moving from Bangla's fast bowling to their spin bowling, which is lead by the ace all rounder and current number one, Shakib Al Hasan. He is the first Bangla produce who has proved himself in all different conditions and rightfully earned the title of being their best player. He leads the attach with Nassir Hossain and any occasional spinner in the team. He accuracy with the ball is the flawless.

Now, the batting of the Bangla team. The roar is lead by the fearless Tamin Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar. Sarkar being counted among the players like Gayle and Baz to have the best boundary percentage in their careers in recent year can display their ruthless aggression against any opponent. Batting line then feature the experience of Mushfiqur and Shakib whom the middle order depends. But the lower middle has Shabbir Hosain who makes sure than even with 4-5 wickets down, Bangladesh doesn't go out without a fight. Shabbir has produced a few innings in this short career which have proved crucial in Bangla wins.

I skipped but didn't forget to mention the star of the world cup for Bangladesh, Mahmudullah Riyad. Scoring two centuries on the trot doesn't happen to players every week. He plays at the most crucial position of a cricket team, No. 3. I would like him to play at the same position for many years to come.

The best aspect of this current gritty Bangla team is average age. This team has the perfect mixture of young and restless energy measured and controlled by perfect amount of experience.

I hope to see great cricket from the Bangla Tigers in the coming years.

src: ap2tsroundup.com

G-Cube Premier League

And the major event of the year, which probably or at least half of us wait eagerly for, is here or actually it has reached half way. We have completed 2 days of entertaining, fun filled, ego clashing and cliffhanging matches and another 2 are left, including the final.

Though, I know many of you may not be interested, but this is for me and I think I want this. So, here a little zest of the tourney till, now. GPL started with three teams – Smashers, Rock ’n’ Rolla and The Avengers, namely. Yea, we watch movies. We - Rock ’n’ Rolla, comprising majorly of players who won the GPL – 2011, started as the favorites and till now have very much lived up to the expectations. Talking of the format, all three teams needs to play two matches against each team, meaning four matches for each team. Leaving all the technical jibber-jabber, the center of interest today is the evenly poised condition of the open tourney as it reaches the last stage of the league matches. Rock ’n’ Rolla with 1-1 win-loss of the two played, Smashers with 1-2 win loss of the three and The Avengers with 2-1 win loss ratio will clash ego of the last day. All kind of permutation and combinations are in for this week till we all actually get to know what happens on this Saturday and the picture will be clear.

So, if you didn't get the seriousness of the game till now, these few will surely make you.

The Battle Ground

http://tapanpunetha-photography.blogspot.in/

http://tapanpunetha-photography.blogspot.in/

Tapan Punetha man behind the pics and one who killed it at the end 

For the complete slide show and pics for the coming days, visit Tapan Punetha or facebook.

Howzat Cricket

Being a cricket buff, Howzat Cricket had to do really good as game for me to like it. And for change, it did. I have gone through different online games but ESPNCRICINFOR's Howzat Cricket is the best cricket simulation available online.

I have been hooked to Howzat for more than a couple of months now and been enjoying and getting a bit addicted to it. Plus, because Howzat works with Facebook, I can play the same with my friends. I can challenge them, brag about my achievements in the game and just about anything which I choose. 

The game lets you hit shots all round the park. Though, I specifically like the one offered through the "off-side". The bowling style of bowlers does change really well according to their international namesakes. So another way, for the people who love cricket, to have fun.

So, in case you join the network. Add me too.

See, No Knee Caps !!!!

It’s been more than a month now and finally, I’m off my physiotherapy sessions and can take my knee caps off. Past one month was the best of my life as I was denied to play or run, which I found, how much I liked/loved.

The injury goes back to 30th of December 2010. We had a company outing. I was excited to be on this trip unlike many others as they had been to these trips earlier. Me being the new one in the company and the team wanted to know more and most of the people and these outings are really a great chance to know the who’s who of the company.

Moving on, as soon as we reached the place, I was able to find a cricket pitch with all the equipments. It’s like a moth to the flame. I automatically find them. J

However, it’s wasn’t the best of outing on the ground for me as I got injured or ruptured on of the cartilage in my knee. It would have been less painful if I hadn’t ignored it. But, I do get out of control on the field. I thought of it as a minor pain which will get over in moments but it didn’t. After the game, I wasn’t even able to bend my knee and it was really painful and thus, I ruined my outing.


Eventually, I had to take an off the other day which clubbed to be a three day off which helped a lot. But, still it wasn’t enough. I consulted to an Orthopedic, who told me that I had a ruptured cartilage which has swollen and started the painful days. Although, I wasn’t suggested a complete bed rest but think that would have been much better. For the next one month, till the physiotherapy lasted, I couldn’t take stairs or if had to, then had to climb one step at a time.

But, at the end (hoping this is the end), I can now again run, be not dependent on elevators and most importantly, I can play again. Even though, I’m not a professional in this game, but I surely love it a lot.

And this is it, I’m done with the medication and exercises and life is back to normal.

Hey, by the way, the Cricket World Cup is starting by next week 19th Feb 2011. I’m going to be glued to the TV. What’s your plan?

The Contenders - Australia

Australia will be playing this world cup to extend their unbeaten streak at world cup. Ricky Ponting have had many lows in his career especially as a captain like losing Ashes under his captaincy 3 times which is a notorious feat not touched by any Aussie captain. 

After the recent loss to England in Ashes series, Australia wouldn't be in the best of mood and under immense pressure to live up to the expectation of the Aussie fans and their World Cup Winner's reputation.

Batting

Aussie batting have been very inconsistent in last couple of years which have lead to the downfall in their performances. The only player scoring consistently, with the bat and bowl, is Shane Watson and Aussies will be heavily depending on him to score as he have been exceptional in the sub continent. Other than him the Hussy(Michael and David) brothers will be the most dependable players. Both the Hussy brothers have performed especially in the important matches and they have the ability to bat down the order and take the team to good totals and the best thing about both of them is that they can play with the lower order batters very well.

Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke will also have to contribute as they have been due since a long time now. Ricky Ponting will also been one of those legendary players who won't be playing the next world cup, so this does becomes an important world cup for him for obvious reasons.

Tim Paine and Brad Haddin, both wicket keepers, so won't be expecting both of them to be part of the playing eleven. However, i think who ever makes it, chances of Haddin are better, will be opening the batting with Watson. Steven Smith is the all rounder they'll be carrying and will be playing an important role as a regular leg spinner and batter down the order.

Cameron White would also be an X factor if Australia wins this world cup. The big hitting middle order batsman is a big asset to the team and have been performing pretty good recently.


Bowling

Aussie bowling may looking a bit weak but you can never predict them. Doug Bollinger is my fav pick among the bowlers especially after his performance during the last year's IPL while playing for CSK. He has done good in the sub continent compared to any other Aussie bowler. Then, Mitchell Johnson is another player who's been inconsistent in the recent past and was also dropped from one of the Ashes match but made a great return. Then, we also have Brett Lee coming back in to the side after a long time. He has performed well in the recent matches he has played but i would still have picked Peter Siddle. Any who, moving on. John Hasting's inclusion was also a surprise especially with Ryan Harris sitting on the side lines. Another any who, moving on. Shaun Tait is also another fast, really fast bowler who can be lethal on the day when he hits the correct line because usually he is not.

Nathan Hauritz will be commanding the slow bowling department and again i have nothing to say. It's not because he is a bad bowler but his inclusion in the side feels like Aussies don't have any bench strength in the spin bowling department. Nathan Hauritz had a horrible tour of India last year. Steven Smith and David Hussy will his spin bowling partners.


Fielding

Aussies have always been a good fielding side. This Aussie side is also a good fielding side with Ricky Ponting, Clarke et. al. It's hard to find a bad fielder from this side. May be John Hasting but i'm only giving his name because i haven't seen much of him.

My three fav picks from this Aussie side are: - Shane Watson, Cameron White and Doug Bollinger

Ricky Ponting (Captain)   
Doug Bollinger
John Hastings   
David Hussey    
Mitchell Johnson
Tim Paine
Shaun Tait    
Cameron White
Michael Clarke (Vive Captain)
Brad Haddin (Wicket Keeper)
Nathan Hauritz    
Michael Hussey    
Brett Lee
Steven Smith    
Shane Watson 

The Contenders - Bangladesh

Bangladesh is one team who will be competing in this world cup to prove themselves. Till now, they have always been rated as the minnow's of the cricketing world but this time, especially being in good form and home conditions, they can surely turn the tables around. They have shown, many a times, that they are capable of winning matches against the best of the world. However, their biggest worry would be about performing in front of their home crowd.

Batting

Tamim Iqbal

Bangladesh is a good batting side who can chase formidable totals of 300 odd runs. They rely on Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Ul Hasan heavily in the batting department, however, they do have players like Md. Ashraful who balances the team with his kind of experience and abilities to stand up against the best of the bowlers. Then, the young team members Imrul Kayes, Mushfique Rahim, Mahmudulla and Shahriar Nafees who provides that young energy to the batting brigade. I have especially been impressed by Mahmudulla's performance at number 5-6 in the ODIs. Rating the Bangaladeshi team, i would say they are better in the batting department than compared to others, so their batters will really need work hard and put maximum effort if they want to make a reputation in this world cup.

Bowling

Abdur Razzak

Bangladeshi team will surely miss Mashrafe Mortaza, their premier fast bowler, who'll be missing the world cup due to injury. Even though, they have a good spin bowling attack but they lack a good fast bowler. I'm not taking anything away from their current fast bowlers, however, the fast bowling attack haven't been able to click for the Bangladeshi's. However, its good to see some new faces in the fast bowling department who can prove to be a surprise to their competitors.

Other than fast bowling, Bangladeshi spin bowling attack can be marked as one of the best in their own conditions. Abdur Razzak and Shakid ul Hasan have done it earlier and can beat the bats of the best again in their home conditions.

Fielding

Bangladeshi team's fielding has certainly improved in last couple of years, especially, because of the young cricketers they have been pulling up. Tamin Iqbal and Shakib ul Hasan would have to lead by examples in these departments too.


Summing it up, Bangladesh is not the side someone would rate less especially in a One dayer and in their home conditions. Bangladesh, for me, have good chances of making it through to the knockout round as they will be playing all of their league matches on their home grounds. Tamim Iqbal, Shakib ul Hasan and Abdur Razzak are my favorite picks from this team.

Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib Al Hasan(captain),
Tamim Iqbal (vice-captain),
Mushfiqur Rahim (wk),
Md Ashraful,
Imrul Kayes,
Shahriar Nafees,
Juaneed Siddiqui,
Roquibul Hasan,
Mahmudullah Riyad,
Naeem Islam,
Abdur Razzak,
Suhrawardi Shuvo,
Shafiul Islam,
Nazmul Hossain,
Rubel Hossain.

You Can Call It An Year Now

Hey All,

It's been an year since the day, i left my home and moved to this new city of Bengaluru(Bangalore). Today, i also complete a whole year in my second job for Invidya Solutions pvt. ltd.

Left most with eyes closed.

The year is filled with a lots of first's. And today, i'm only going to talk about the happy first's. So, read on the happy experiences i have had since last year till this date :-

1. The best thing happened to me after moving to Bangalore was the TRIP TO GOKARN. It was the first time, i saw at a sea for me. The first time i saw it, i was amazed by the vastness of it and still is.


2. You can call me independent now. I have been living, on my own for more than 8 months now. I'm responsible for my life here. Not dependent on anyone of any sort.

Black with folded hands, that's me.

3. Blogger's meet. I have attended 2 blogger's meet organized by Indiblogger. I always thought blogger's are these virtual people whom you can't physically meet. But this myth was broken early in this year, when i attended my first blogger's meet. It's always good to give faces to the names.


4. Work is getting better. It obviously is from where it started .....it is in much better conditions.




5. Sea Food. See, the bad part of living is Northern India is, you don't get good sea food which i got to know only after moving here, similarly i no more try to find good chaats in Bangalore, cause it is there. I ate prawns, different fishes(Tuna, being my fav), crabs though i haven't tried any wired stuff.

That's all food in front of us. We sat for close to 2 hours for this buffet.

6. Buffets. I love buffet's, now. After, coming here, my appetite grew drastically. I have attended some 8-10 buffet's and can tell you, if you want to get the worth out of an expensive buffet, i'm your guy.


7. Blogging. Though, i have mentioned it at seventh spot but by no means, it is less important to me. Blogging have been really good for me. I reached an alexa of 67,000 in January, 2010 and mind that it's really good. Then, i got my first Google Page Rank of 3 for the first time in the 3 years of my blog's history. I stood 3rd and 5th while participating in the Indiblogger of the Month for the month of April and May, respectively.

Click to enlarge, You can see my name there. Yaay me!!!!

8. Live Cricket. I saw live cricket for the first time in my life. It was Delhi Dare Devils v/s Bangalore Royal Challengers. It's an amazing feeling to watch a game live.

I know, i look stupid....in most of the pics......but that's me.

Warping it up for the day. Soon, will be writing about the bad first's.

Bodyline Series (1932-1933)

Bodyline Series played between 2nd December 1932- 28th Feb 1933 played between cricket teams of England and Australia in Australia. If you refer to any cricket Guru or pundit, then you'll know that this is one of the most remembered cricket series ever played. You can call it the "Most Notorious" series of all time.

Hunter and Pray

High Points of the series was the BODYLINE strategy, which was invented by  the English Captain Douglas Jardine(in pic) with the captain of an English Country Team Nottinghamshire, Arther Curr with his fast bowlers Harold Larwood and Bill Voce. This strategy was especially tailor made to get rid of Don Bradman(in pic) as soon as possible because Don Bradman was always a threat to the English team and was majorly responsible for holding England from winning against Australia. Don Bradman made a whooping 974 runs in the previous 5 match series of 1930 in England with an average of 139.14 which still is a record to be broken. Jardine knew how dangerous can Bradman be again to his team and he wanted to win the series at any cost this time. Though, the strategy was successful and England won the series 4-1 but Don Bradman still made lot of runs at an average of 56.

The Rebel/ Protagonist

Iftekhar Ali Khan, well you should remember him by his name but if you don't know him then he was the great father of Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, another Indian Cricketing legend. I.A Khan was selected in the English team to play against Australia in the bodyline series. He made a century on Debut - 102. But, when he came across the bodyline strategy put up by his captain Douglas Jardine, he refused to take field or participate cause he thought it was not in the spirit of the game. He was dropped of the team after the test match and never played in the series in the team again.

Douglas Jardine said "I see His Highness is a conscientious objector." 

Towards the end of the tour, Pataudi commented, "I am told he has his(Douglas Jardine) good points. In three months I have yet to see them." 

Bodyline Strategy

So, now what Bodyline Strategy was????

Bodyline Strategy was when a bowler bowls short pitched delivery aiming towards the body, between rig cage and head to be specific, trying to make batsman play or loop the ball in the air on leg side and hoping that one the fielders will catch it. This tactic was considered by many to be intimidatory and physically threatening.

Although, there wasn't any serious injuries from the series but it brought a ill feeling between the teams which led to diplomatic controversies. This strategy was treated to be bad for the spirit of cricket and many laws in the coming years were made to avoid such practice again in future.

"OK, which of you bastards called Larwood a bastard instead of this bastard."
Richardson on opening the dressing-room door to face Jardine demanding an apology after he overheard one of the Australians sledging Larwood. Ref- Cricinfo

 You can find more infamous quotes of the series from the same link.

Some of the picture's i found.

Though, the series was notorious but the high points would be the passion and killer instinct with which English players played the game and haven't seen the same in years till now.

Underdog's

I have always been a great fan of sports and it's not just one sports. I like to watch all of them. Well don't get me started on list of sports of like to watch and play. But the best things is always about the underdog's winning or underdog's fighting their heart out to win.

One of the incidents were recent when Trinidad and Tobago's T20 Team(Cricket) competed in a 8 Nation competition. Because it was Caribbean team and cause the Caribbean cricket is at its lowest point right now, no body was putting money on them. But when they started playing the game, they beat the prominent contender's of the title too. Though not a good end to the story cause they didn't win the final. But i can assure, that this tournament won't be remember for the team who won but the Underdog's who beat all of them.

Another player i want to highlight is Allen Iverson who played to Philadelphia 76ers. Being a basketball player, Allen's height was too short but the talent he got stood above the tallest person in the world. He was the best player they got. He also won many awards and was declared player of the year too. One question i also get is how is manager to jump higher???

Well whatever....the moral is no matter what your past or history was.........but it's never late. Start from now and you will succeed.

Cheers to all.

NOTE :- I REQUIRE LINKS. ANYBODY INTERESTED IN LINK EXCHANGE PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE. REALLY, I WANT IT MORE THAN YOU.

22 Down

Hey All,

Its my Birth-Day today. If, i'm in your list of friends in facebook or orkut, you may have seen it there.

Yes, the phone is ringing since 00:00 AM, 28th October. So, since a couple of days i've been thinking of what i should post on my B'day. Nothing came into my mind.......i was carrying the same thing with me to the bed.....and it was on my mind all time. So, today morning, when i woke up. This idea came into my mind. Don't know how bad or good it is but this is one of those feeling which strangely comes to the mind when you wake up. It felt as if, i was thinking about the whole thing all night and felt confident about it.

So here it goes, i've planned to break the last 22 years for this post.


1987- The year i was born.

1988- Really don't remember anything about it. Come on, i was too young.

1989- My brother told me that he used to let me win a race only cause i use to cry after loosing.

1990- My father told me that he bought me my first bat(that's why i'm such a huge fan of Cricket).

1991- I joined my first school.

1992- One of those years of which i don't have any memories.

1993- My uncle, father's bro, got married and then he no longer took me to school(only thing i remember of that year).

1994- That was the year when i had my first favorite actor -- SANJAY DUTT

1995- don't remember.

1996- Being the huge cricket buff and Cricket world cup held first time in India, that was the first world cup which i saw start to end and remember, i think, most of it.

1997 - I left my first school and joined a new one. Miss my friends from the old school........damn i'm not in contact with any one of them.

1998- Failed an exam in the monthly test. The only i have ever failed in my school life. It was terrible, i cried the whole night.

1999- My first real love.



2000- My first favorite actress came into the Indian Movie Industry. Have been in love with her since then. Never miss a single movie of her. She didn't make it big in the industry as was expected but she'll be my fav for life.

2001- First time my school group had an outing...which made us come close as a group. We are still together, all 14 of us. The same year was marked as the year of rise of SHAM. We four friends called us. Every word is the initial of one of our name. Like second one is mine Hitesh :)

2002- Passed the 10th standard. Got disapointing results which was a big switch.

2003- 14 of us were not together and were falling apart with some of us moved to distant places.

2004- Won school championship for table tennis. Also passed out my school. Entered the college for graduation.

2005- First year of college, found great friends. Become distant from school friends.
2006- Got into first and only fight of my life in college.

2007- Bought a Nokia N70 of my blogging money. My first phone. Came close to school friends again.

2008- Appeared to join in Indian Army. Couldn't make it. Completd graduation. Joined my first job. Made good friends at the job. Still with them.

2009- Changed job. Left home and moved to new city.


So, these are the last 22 year of my life................
There will be a couple of more B'day posts.

Happy Birthday to ME people \,,,/

This Diwali

Hi everyone,

If I haven’t visited you in last two days and plz excuse me cause, I was busy with Diwali and the celebrations.

This diwali was good cause I saw, for the first time in my life, a live cricket match from the stadium. Bad thing about this diwali, I wasn’t with my friends and family. But anyways, left me tell you about the good part, also I’ll post the bad part also.

The feeling of watching a match live from a stadium is heavenly. Atleast, I felt that way in my first experience. The capacity of the stadium was more than 35,000 and yes, it was jam packed because two of the best teams in the league where lined up to play. We were all screaming and shouting for the players. We were cheering each and everything thing happening on the ground.

It was one of the captain’s(Anil Kumble) birthday. We all stood up and sang the birthday song for him. The captain ANIL KUMBLE is the legend in the cricket history. I know most of you don’t know him. But come to India and tell anybody that you love him. You’ll get a especial treatment.

Back to the stadium. My home team won the toss and batted. The support for both the team was so much that you can’t tell; by the noise we were making that, which one has more support.

Posting some pics. More will come in coming days.

Changes Are Here

Yea, i never thought that my life will change. I hate changes so much that still i want to get back and make everything exactly as it was. But i know, change is the natural phenomena. I have grown. Moved out. These are the big moments of your life. Need of compromise.

Some of the things i have lost while moving from my Teens to responsibilities :

1 Cricket - Man i miss my cricketing days. Its not that i can't play now but its really tough to get people around you raise up to play cricket. No one wants to, also i know time is a big issue. But i want to, i can take out time for it but no body else. But i know one day, i'll be back there.

2 Movies - If you are wondering why i have almost stopped writing about the movies and everthing......... cause i'm not watching much these days......in college life, i used to watch atleast one movie a day on an average but now......its not even once a week and the main or primary reason for this is Time which i don't get now.

3 F'n'F - I miss my friends and family. I never thought they would ever mean so much to me. And yea, you will never know till the day you go away. I left my home, my city for job and moved to a new place. Yea, i have friends here......but still i lived there for 21 years of my life. Its not that easy.

4 Blogging - Yea, another thing. I liketo write. One place i can express no matter what happen. I like being here. But another issue with blogging...... i get time only in the weekends to do it. But i make sure i do it atleast on weekends and visit you all in the weekdays.

99 -- What is happening to Kunal

What the Fuck is Kunal Khemu upto these days. He is developing into one of those actor who are disappointing me everyday. I mean he raised a lot of expectations when he made a comeback or debut as a main lead and carried it very impressivly. Also following on with another typical Kunal Khemu style in "Traffic Signal" but after that its always been a slump. Look at the choices he made. And this is another movie to that string also.
When the trailors started, i was like excited, its a kunal khemu movie must be good and also with a really impressive cast. People like Soha ali khan, Boman Irani, Cyrus Brocha and Mahesh manjrekar who have done good work many a times. But i think the weekness of the movie was the screenplay and direction. I thought after watching the movie that could have been shown better on the screen.
The only thing good i found about the movie was the song, goes like "Aaye hai badshah". That's it, yea that's it, there wasn't even a single good about the movie that i could find.
I don't know anything about the technicalities of the movie making. Take me as a lame man or layman, what i wanted is some entertainment and the movie couldn't even live upto it. So won't suggest to watch this movie. Save you money.
3/10 Stars

Tests - Shortest Completed Matches

Based on all matches up to and including
Test #1840: England v India at Lord's, Pataudi Trophy 1st Test, 19 Jul 2007

Shortest Tests by Days played
2 England v Australia The Oval 1882
2 England v Australia Lord's 1888
2 England v Australia The Oval 1888
2 England v Australia Manchester 1888
2 South Africa v England Port Elizabeth 1888/89
2 South Africa v England Cape Town 1888/89
2 England v Australia The Oval 1890
2 South Africa v England Port Elizabeth 1895/96
2 South Africa v England Cape Town 1895/96
2 Australia v South Africa Manchester 1912
2 England v South Africa The Oval 1912
2 England v Australia Nottingham 1921
2 Australia v West Indies Melbourne 1930/31
2 South Africa v Australia Johannesburg 1935/36
2 New Zealand v Australia Wellington 1945/46
2 England v West Indies Leeds 2000
2 Australia v Pakistan Sharjah 2002/03
2 South Africa v Zimbabwe Cape Town 2004/05
2 Zimbabwe v New Zealand Harare 2005/06

Shortest Tests by Balls Bowled
656 Australia v South Africa Melbourne 1931/32
672 West Indies v England Bridgetown 1934/35
788 England v Australia Manchester 1888
792 England v Australia Lord's 1888
796 South Africa v England Cape Town 1888/89
815 England v South Africa The Oval 1912
872 New Zealand v Australia Wellington 1945/46
883 South Africa v England Centurion 1999/00
893 Australia v Pakistan Sharjah 2002/03
911 Australia v England Sydney 1894/95
940 South Africa v Zimbabwe Cape Town 2004/05
941 England v West Indies Leeds 2000
976 England v South Africa Leeds 1907
983 West Indies v Australia Port of Spain 1994/95
1006 South Africa v England Port Elizabeth 1895/96
1011 Zimbabwe v New Zealand Harare 2005/06
1014 South Africa v England Port Elizabeth 1888/89
1034 Australia v England Brisbane 1950/51
1034 England v West Indies Birmingham 1995
1041 New Zealand v England Christchurch 1983/84