Yehi hai Right Choice Dhoni (Pepsi)!!!

Huge drama at Trent Bridge on 3rd day of 2nd test match between India and England took place on last ball before tea. This drama and decision though will be remembered for ever in the history of cricket. Everyone in World is going to remember, what Dhoni did on 31st of July.

Question is not whether Ian Bell was out or not, because, in some eyes, he will look out, and in some eyes he will not. It was a situation where in movies; you can see a culprit with murder weapon in his hands, blood in his clothes of a victim and victim dead body. For many lawyers it’s a clear cut case where you just give out a verdict saying, “Bell is a murderer”. However no one really knows whether Ian bell actually did committed a murder or not.



Only Ian Bell knows when he took those quick 3 steps towards non-striker’s end, was he really looking for 4th run OR was he actually running towards Morgan to celebrate that they just pass out a session without loosing a wicket.



Ian Bell clears out the confusion and declares that it was an honest mistake or naïve mistake to wait till the ball is dead. If you refer the Law book, he is out. Probably he will understand the outcome; probably he will be angry for a while and forget about it. However, Will Strauss is able to forget it? I doubt. Would English team will be able to forget about it? I doubt. Would British Media will be able to forget about it? I doubt.



The incident could have been repeated in some form or another during the next 2 test matches and any Indian batsman might be the Victim next time. However what Dhoni and team India did and the decision that they took today, is something out of ordinary. Only an Indian Team can take such a brave decision. It’s an Indian Way, It’s our Culture to forget the “Naïve” Mistake of opposition and “Forgive” them. Dhoni’s decision was a Mahatma Gandhi moment in Cricket.



Spirit of the game comes into play when you have some gray area and doubts. This was a doubtful call and in such situation you really have to go with the Spirit of the game, where Right Decision was to ask Ian Bell to come back. It was also a calculative decision. There were few overs left before new ball was due and even if you remove bell, Prior would have came and destroyed Indian spinners much the same way, Bell and Morgan did. Probably Prior would have got even more runs (consider he was going more than run a ball, after new ball is taken). India would not have achieved anything by taking bell out of equation. Considering the situation, Logically, Spiritually, Theoretically, It was a right decision to call Bell back. All I can say to Dhoni is : Yehi hai Right Choice Baby !!!! aha.

Delhi Belly: Exposes Hypocritical Morality of a Bollywood

It’s a movie for folks between the age of 15 to 50. It’s not a “Typical” Bollywood Movie. 80% of the dialogues are in English and rest 20% are in Hinglish. It’s a movie for the youth, on the youth, to the Youth.



Movie is all about how to tell the most dramatic scenes in a most realistic way. There are certain dialogues and scenes which happens pretty much everyday in our real life. There are some of the typical dialogues that we use in our real life. Movie is path-breaking in a way because, even though we see reality everyday, we are too afraid to see it in a big screen or film-makers were too afraid to show it in the big screen. In Today’s culture, “Fuck” is probably the most common word to use and have been used very frequently in the movie.



When three friends of the same age are in a conversation we use slangs such as, “Ch**t”; “BenC**d“, “G**du”, “La*du”, a**hole and they have been used very conveniently.



When did we see 5 second scene of Water flowing from tap while bucket being away, a guy pressing boobs of a sl*t, a guy sucking p**sy of a girl friend (and taking a phone), inflamed eye make-up, two girls talking about being Lesbian, a friend introducing another friend as serial rapist etc etc.



There are some of the scenes we might have encounter in Hollywood movies pretty frequently, like Fake Sex Scene with Orgasm to fool others, torturing another gangster by putting a fire cracker in an a**hole, getting shit when you are expecting diamonds, half naked guy sleeping with his bump and a**hole visible etc etc.



Whoever has lived with group of friends, its pretty common not to a certain task, when its not their turn to do it, but seeing the same reality in a big screen, will not only send you for a while to past but make even your heart laugh.



If you feel, your job sucks big time, spare a thought for Arup’s job; to make a picture of “HAPPY BANANA” with an accuracy of 8%, pretty freaking amazing.



Highlight of the movie though is “VIJAY RAAZ”. Every scene that is being filmed on him is amazing. His scenes with Vladimir in the hotel and with the trio in their apartment are to die for. He is truly the greatest actor came out in recent time and perhaps in the same league of Nassiruddin Shah and Om Puri. “B***C****, tum log kya meri barat mein aaye ho” will be remembered for ever.



Songs are working beautifully according to the situation in background. Cinematography is awesome, Screenplay was written very well. There is nothing great in Story but film making is not about Story, it is about how to tell a Story and that has been done pretty well.



It exposes hypocritical morality of a Bollywood in a beautiful way. Excellence can be excelled and perfection can be improved.

Labor

There are many differences in life-style between USA and India; One of them being “Labor” work.




As a kid, I remember when we shifted to a new home; we wanted to build Furniture suited for our new apartment. We went for shopping and just 2 streets down found a furniture shop. Spoke long and hard with owner “Mani Ram” which involved not only the price fix for the furniture that we wanted but also what kind of furniture.



Talks between Maniram and father involved stories from Past, Present and Future. Negotiation was also the key part of that conversation. Price was fixed, Wood was choosen, color was selected, days were decided and everything was finalized.



Maniram and his workers spend about 3 days to build and set-up entire furniture. Those 3 days involved lots of talks. We lived in that place for more than 20 years, plenty of time, furniture or small things related to furniture required help of “Maniram”. Maniram and his resources were more than welcome to help (with some labor charges of course). Those 3 days spend though; build a relationship of a life time and names to remember for ever.



Today, I went to Wal-Mart, to get a piece of furniture to put my books on. A book-shelf was given to me with 6 pieces of cheap wood and few screws and one piece of paper. I hardly remember the name of Company which builds this item. I can hardly say “build” because, they don’t build anything, and they just sell woods. I hardly remember the name of person who was at the counter of “Wal-Mart”. It’s not just the human interaction which is out of fashion or equation, but its also a slap on the very concept of “Community Living”.



Whenever a community is being built, it involves various kinds of skills. Someone is good in cutting hairs or electronics or fashion or medicine or building roads or building furniture etc etc. By selling cheap piece of woods, you are promoting an idea, that particular skill is so easy that you can learn it by reading one piece of paper. Why would you bother hiring a furniture guy or calling a labor who can fix small furniture/electronics problem at your home? Learn it on your own, Fix it on your own, Be your own destiny, Be Free, Be Independent, Be Good in everything (at least all small things) and the end-feel “superiority”. Problem is synonym of the word, “superiority” is “Arrogance”.



When you no longer require help from someone to fix your furniture, you just killed job(s) of hundreds of thousands of “Labor” Work. Its not just one simple job that you got rid of, then comes few more. Why should I go and cut my hair somewhere, I can do it myself. Why should I go and pay for Oil Change, I can do it myself and so on. Think twice before you start doing job of others, because soon, someone will start doing yours too.



Create Jobs not Destroy them!!!

Dhoni – Unknown Opener

It took India more than a decade to find a replacement pair to open the inning in one-day format. Sunil Gavaskar and Kris. Srikanth were regular opening batsman in late 80’s but India tried more than 20 different combinations before settling down with Sachin Tendulkar and Saurav Ganguly.



Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag (and at times when either of them is not available, Gautam Gambhir) are opening combination that India uses regularly in One-Day format. However when all three of them are not available things becomes very dicey.



Murli Vijay was tried and tested and failed miserably. Last series against West Indies, Shikhar Dhawan and Parthiv Patel was given a go ahead and they were not even so great either.



Sachin Tendulkar has probably maximum of year cricket left in him and Sehwag and Gambhir are injury prone. India is in anxious need of a good opening batsman to support an era of dominance.



India has lot of good middle order batsman for example: Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Rohit Sharma. Even the next pool of batsman waiting in the wings are middle order batsman: S.Badrinath, Manoj Tiwari, Ambati Rayudu, Venugopal Rao etc.



All above Middle Order Batsman are suited perfectly for Middle Order Batsman Only, perhaps apart from Rohit Sharma. If India has to force an issue and make someone as “MAKE-SHIFT” Opener, then best bet would be M.S.Dhoni.



M.S.Dhoni if tried as an Opening Batsman in One-day format can be very lethal and successful option. After being Captain of the team, and coming in the middle order to finish the game, he has lost the touch of aggressive batting. He at times has to play careful inning in order to win a game. He is very successful in changing his style of play to knock around the ball and take singles.



His First one day century came against Pakistan when Saurav Ganguly send him as Pinch Hitter at number 3 position. He was deadly & destructive against PACE bowling, something in the line of Sehwag. He has ability to hit the ball in air to cover the infield. He has good enough technique to survive good balls. He is very quick in running between the wickets. He has the entire required ingredient to be a successful opening batsman in One Day Format, if tried.



It will benefit Dhoni personally as well, as he will be able to play more freely with bunch of talented batsman to follow him. It will help him to score more runs at the top of the inning. He can be India’s right handed reply to Australia’s Adam Gilchrist.



Greatest Opening batsman of all time, Sachin Tendulkar was also “MAKE-SHIFT” Opener from Middle Order. Who knows this move to send Dhoni at the top may turn out to be Blessing in Disguise!!!

GREATEST GAME EVER...REALLY?

Many are describing the affair between India and Pakistan at Mohali was the greatest game ever. It did generate the greatest amount of pre-match fever in the era of Facebook and Twitter. There was lot of hype created before the game. It surely got its political importance and plenty of stars were witnessing the saga.

However, in terms of Quality of Cricket it was far from being called the greatest game ever. Australia vs South Africa 1999 World Cup Semi Final still remains as one of the best one day game ever played in terms of ups and down and quality of cricket.

Even for the game being played at Mohali this was far away from Australia vs West Indies Semi Final in 1996 World Cup. Australia to loose top 4 wickets in first 10 overs and then Bevan and S.Law making a come back for Australia, West Indies on top in chase and then Warne/McGrath pull things back for Australia in last 10 overs.

In terms of Indian Victory; 1983 Final still remain the best ever game or best cherished memories.

Perhaps, it is being called greatest ever because it was India vs Pakistan game. But India did played Pakistan on four other occasions and 2003, 1999, 1992 and 1996 games remain as better quality games played between India and Pakistan. Perhaps, It was a knock-out game where India played Pakistan and pressure could make this as dreamy event. But then India did play against Pakistan in 1996 Quarter Final which was knockout game.

I don’t see any reason for the game of 30th March to be awarded a status of “Greatest Game Ever”. In terms of performance of the team; Pakistan played some awful cricket.

1) Giving Away 6 chances to Tendulkar and most catches dropped were very simple catches.

2) 205 for 6 and Raina left with tailenders and Pakistan unable to finish the game or at least get India out fewer than 250 to give physiological advantage.

3) During the batting, Pakistani batsman threw away their wicket. Kamran Akmal giving easy catch to Yuvraj. Younis Khan giving easy catch to Raina.

4) Younis Khan’s 33 balls 12 runs & Misbah’s first 12 runs in 34 balls. That’s 25 runs in 11 overs while chasing 260 runs.

5) Even after 6 wickets down and Captain and Wise Captain at the crease and not taking Power Play Option.

If I would be Pakistan Cricket Team supporter I have every reason to be disappointed. There were plenty of chances given by Indians to take victory but Pakistanis were just not willing to grab it.

It was however very discipline performance by Pakistan Cricket team in terms of behavior. They were smiling, enjoying the event and perhaps enjoying the Hospitality.

MMS & MEDIA

Not so long ago, MMS (Man Mohan Singh) & Media declared “NO TALK TILL YOU WALK THE TALK” motion against Pakistan after 26/11 attack. 26/11 attack at Mumbai was not just one of those forget it kind of attack on the soil of India.


There has been lot of attacks and act of proxy war from Pakistan against India including 26/11. However for a moment though it appears as India is a bit serious on the matter of 26/11. There was lot of usual outrage on the streets of Mumbai and across India after 26/11. No Cricket Players were allowed to play in IPL directly or indirectly after 26/11. No direct relationship or talks were happening after 26/11 at Political Level. There was no “CRICKETING ACTION” between these two great nations after 26/11.

However, when it was decided by the outcome of couple of Quarter Finals, that India will play Pakistan in Semi-Final; there was a bit of shameful politics which got played to forget the carnage of 26/11. Cricket and Passion of Cricket indeed binds two variables called India and Pakistan but wasn’t it the ACT of SHAMENESS to call Prime Minister of Pakistan to witness the game and forget what happened in last 3 years as after effects of 26/11.


What is the message that MMS & Media is sending to Pakistan Officials? Aren’t we back to infamous “SAB CHALTA HAI” attitude?

Game between India and Pakistan should have been played with an environment away from Political Affairs. Yes, we should have welcome Pakistani Cricket team with same enthusiasm. Yes, we should have welcome Pakistani Cricket Fans with the same zeal, but sending a formal invitation to Pakistani Prime Minister was a bit like calling them for the funeral of pride.

For a day or two, Media was showing all programs and welcoming Pakistani brothers like there was nothing called 26/11 happened. It was all in the interest of TRP, a bit shameful hypocrisy I must say. Life in India is so cheap and government and especially congress government has never cared about People of India but it’s a disgrace that Media also forget 26/11 under the carpet of TRP is bit gloomy.

Medical Exam

When India plays Pakistan, the event becomes a Mega Event. When India plays Pakistan in a World Cup; it becomes a major mega event. When India plays Pakistan in a World Cup Semi Final; it becomes Mother of Major Mega Event. Perhaps only thing which can be superior to this contest is both teams meeting at a World Cup Final.

There has been lot said about how England and Australia are different in terms of “Cricket” that they display. Even though at cultural level India and Pakistan may have lot of similarity but there are significant differences between the thought processes of both teams. Both teams have different ways of handling the pressure and playing game in general.
With Pakistan Cricket team, you can associate terms such as confident, Talent, Aggressive and Natural brilliance. Indian Cricket team is more devotional, proficient, divine and with (Artificial) Intelligence. Both have one thing in common though: Passion.

From the outside perspective, it may look like India has better batting and Pakistan has better bowling line up. Its always the case that India gets associated with batting while Pakistan gets associated with Bowling. However in the World cup though, history shows that India has bowled much better against Pakistan.

1992 World Cup: First encounter between India and Pakistan at World Cup Stage and India scored only 216 runs but bowled Pakistan out for 173 runs. 1996 Quarter Final: Even though Ajay Jadeja’s 25 balls 45 runs may come quickly in mind; It was Prasad’s getting Aamir Sohail out turn the game to India’s favor. India did not bowled Pakistan out but did manage to take 9 wickets. 1999 World Cup: India scored only 227 runs but V.Prasad took 5 wickets and Pakistan was bundled out for 180 runs.

2003 World Cup was the only exceptional one where India did not perform good with bowlers. India still manages to chase the target but bowlers did not perform as good as they might like. There is a reason though. Pakistan batted first time in First inning against India. In high pressure game such as this; the team who is batting first has advantage. When you are setting a target, you look at the situation more rather than scoreboard. Its how many runs needed against however many you can get.

If India is batting first and scores well over an excess of 300; that’s confirming victory against bowling line up which is as good as you can get. If Pakistan is batting first though, 280 might be enough.

From the team composition perspective; India should not take two off spinners (Ashwin and Harbhajan) against Pakistan who does not have a single lefty batsman. I also think, Nehra might be more useful instead of Munaf because the ball will go away from right hand batsman more often or not. It will be interesting to see what would be Indian Management’s thinking. If they are willing to open the bowling with Ashwin and use the second medium pacer in the middle overs, then Nehra might not be that useful. India did have a Plan B for Munaf. Munaf went for plenty of runs in first over against Australia but soon after that there was a drinks break. Pretty sure, Kirsten suggested plan B for Munaf and Dhoni stand up near stumps and asked Munaf to bowl on the stump line to restrict batsman from scoring. If India wants to pursue same plan then Munaf is a better bowler in middle overs. However if India is not comfortable with Ashwin against Kamran Akmal and Mohd. Hafeez who are much better players of spin bowling then Nehra should be in the side.

From Pakistan’s perspective; they should promote Afridi at number 3 if Ashwin is bowling. Afridi is not being productive later half of the inning and his quick fire 30 could really help them. I prefer Afridi over Razaaq because, Razzaq in the lower orders can keep his cool and still get some runs unlike Afridi who is more likely to throw away his wicket.

Afridi’s middle overs are going to be the turning point of the game. If Afridi comes on when Tendulkar or Gambhir still at crease, they will milk him for runs. If Afridi go for over 50 runs with less than 2 wickets, that’s big plus for India. Afridi’s 10 overs are going to be very crucial.

It’s interesting to see if Dhoni and Afridi are willing to take a risk of having Sreesanth and Shoaib Akhtar in the side. Contest between India and Pakistan has tremendous amount of pressure and not sure if adding this high maintenance nuisance will help them or destroy them. Both of them very talented bowlers but can go for plenty of runs and once they don’t take wicket in a over or two, they both can be wayward and add negative influence to the team.

Asad Safiq’s inclusion has strengthen Pakistan’s middle order; however I don’t think he should be send at number 3 position. I think Pakistan should send Afridi at number 3 and Younis Khan at 4 and then Asad Safiq at number 5. Both Misbah and Umar Akmal are capable to increase the run rate if they come in last 20 overs. Asad Safiq at number 3 is dangerous. One in swinging ball from Zaheer he can get out as LBW and then lot will depend upon Younis/Misbah partnership to bail them out. 3 wickets under 100 runs means 280 might just become out of reach for Pakistan and so is victory.

India’s victory yet again depends upon GOD. Rest assured he will be better prepared against Pakistan. He has more motivation now after Afridi’s trash talk to score that century which he swear, he won’t allow. If Tendulkar scores 100 then India scores over 300 and that might be just more than enough for Victory. Good thing from India’s perspective though is now a days, India’s batting does not depend a lot upon Tendulkar alone. Sehwag is capable of destroying any attack. Gambhir is best player against spin bowling. Yuvraj is the in-form batsman and bowler from India’s side.

Pressure is tremendous for both side to perform before the game. This is one of those game where pressure is not going to go down even during the game. Add to that both team’s prime minister are also attending the game. From player’s perspective they need to be FIT to perform during the game physically as well as mentally. More than players, spectators also need to get their Medical Exams done and check their heart status before the game. This is not the game for weaken souls.

Middle Overs

New Zealand does not have thrill of Gayle or flamboyance of Ponting or speedster like Brett Lee or Kemar Roach or all-rounder of the decade like Kallis or match winning leg spinner like Imran Tahir or master tactician captain like A.Strauss or World’s best spinner like Swann. Yet New Zealand is the team which qualified in Semi-Final of 2011 World Cup because they play like team.

One of the best assets of NZ is that they are the most amazing fielding side to watch. They give their 400% in the fielding. If they score 220 runs, rest assured its like 260 runs because; they are going to save 40 runs in their fielding. They make brilliant shot turn into simple catches. Run-outs is their best wicket taking bowler. NZ is also the only team who has not won the World Cup which makes them “UNDERDOGS”.


Sri Lanka when the tournament started had the strongest looking squad on paper. They have brilliant spinners, Malinga’s in swinging Yorkers which makes him the most reliable bowler in death overs. They have genuine all rounder like Mathews. They have the best in form batsman in the World (Sangakkara). They have reliable middle order of Jayawardene and Samaraweera. They have opening partnership which can destroy any attack in the form of Tharanga and Dilshan (both scored 100 against England in QF). They literally look team which is invincible.
What could NZ do to overcome something which looks like the most unachievable task in hand? Beating Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka who is in form and in Semi-Final is as tough as climbing Mount Everest but there are people who have climbed that mountain haven't they?


So it’s Doable. NZ do have 2 smart people in the form of John Wright and Alan Donald in coaching staff who can prepare them mentally and strategically to do what is possible. Question is: What is going to be that strategy and Can NZ execute it?

First of all: NZ has to remember that they have “ADVANTAGE” in the middle overs when they bowl.

1) Vettori/Oram/N.McCullum are brilliant in between 15 to 35 overs. They give away very less amount of runs and they take wickets as well. Those 20 overs shouldn’t give more than 80 runs against Sri Lanka and get 2 wickets.

2) Sri Lanka like S.Africa has the long tail. Murli/Herath/Mendis and Malinga cant bat. Expose them

3) Sri Lanka has slightly “in-experienced” lower middle order. Once Sri Lanka loose third wicket, focus should be to get the fourth settled batsman out. Once top 4 of Sri Lanka leaves; pressure will be tremendous on lower middle order with long tail and expectation of 20,000 people at ground. Key is to take first 4 batsmen out.

4) When NZ bat; bat in partnership. 30 runs partnership in between every wicket will see them through. NZ bat much lower down the order. Loosing the wicket is fine as long as they put forward partnership. 30/1; 60/2; 90/3;120/4;150/5;180/6;210/7;240/8;270/9.

5) Field Placement is very important. Catches win matches and run-out is your best wicket taking bowler NZ.

NZ has every chance to pull up the upset if they do every little thing perfectly. Sri Lanka on the other hand has to make sure they play up to their potential. Sri Lanka has to believe that NZ can defeat them because over confidence can take down any side. Sri Lanka has to remember that they have defects in their side. Sri Lanka has to hide their negative points and make sure their positives (top 4 batsman) get the job done.

Sri Lanka lost only one game in the tournament against Pakistan and in that game Malinga did not played. Murlidharan’s 10 overs are still crucial weapon for them to give them those wickets in the middle overs. If Murli is not going to be fit, that could be very big blow for Sri Lanka.

Logically speaking Sri Lanka should prevail in this game but in Cricket funny things do happen. Hard Work can give victory to the sides who probably wont be able to make it. NZ are under achieving team so far but perhaps, 29th March could be one of their day to re-write the History book.

Winner is the TOSS of a COIN

Perhaps this is going to be the Match of the Tournament. There is a enormous amount of expectation from both sides. It is a war like atmosphere at Ahmadabad between two gigantic giants. Every war has series of mini-battles. In order to win the war, you have to win maximum of those battles OR win the key battle which can turn the game on your side.
There are number of great players in both sides for whom this may turn out to be the last match of their career. Two big ones are Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar. Couple of years back, Ricky Ponting was breathing on the neck of Sachin Tendulkar, at least in Test Matches. However last 2 years we had seen one giant’s graphical display going down while the other one is breaking all records known to human kind.

World Cup however is a different ball game specially knockout games. If the comparison is made between Ponting and Tendulkar in terms of World Cup Knockout games, Ponting comes out as a winner. Champion Tendulkar is desparate to put a side the last two games he played against Australia in World Cup and revenge is definitely on to prove that he is better than Ponting in every aspect of the game, be there be a World Cup game or not.

Ponting vs Tendulkar is a majot battle that could seriously put the momentum in either side. If Tendulkar edges to Brett Lee in first 5 overs and get out, that’s a going to be a game changing moment. Amount of confidence that Australians can get out of that wicket is as good as winning a Country in a war. Ponting’s wicket may not be as crucial in terms of game because he is so much out of form and team revolves much around Watson and Hussey to perform with the bat but the ROAR that it can get from the stadium once the captain of the ship gets out could be very motivating factor.

India’s best chance of winning the World Cup game is the amount of wickets they keep in their hand till 35th over. If India is batting first, they might cut down 50 overs game into 5 pieces and achieve smaller targets.

10 overs 50 runs for 0 wickets OR 10 overs 60 runs for 1 wicket OR 10 overs 70 runs for 2 Wickets are good scores for India.
20 overs 100 runs for 1 wicket OR 20 Overs 120 runs for 2/3 wickets are good score for India.
30 Overs 150 runs for 2 wickets OR 30 Overs 160 runs for 3/4 wickets are good score for India.
40 Overs 220 runs for 4 wickets OR 40 Overs 230 runs for 5 wickets are good score for India.

Crucial phase of game for India will be the last 10 overs. How well India is performing in last 10 overs either bowling or batting is going to decide the game. 10 overs 80 runs scoring while they bat could be match winning but 10 overs 80 runs give away could be loosing momentum.

India’s chances of victory decrease if they are chasing a target of 300. India is always known for batting first and setting the target. It helps India because then in 2nd inning, its 11 vs 2 phenomenon which comes into play. Batting first phenomenon also helps in case there is a chain of wickets fell down in first 10 or 20 overs. For recovery purpose it helps if you are setting the target instead of chasing. Even if you are chasing a small target, pressure of getting runs in 2nd inning is much larger.

There isn’t going to be much to offer from Ahmadabad Pitch. Its going to have no grass, It might not crack for 100 over game, specially no game has played in last couple of weeks. It’s probably not going to offer any wind or breeze help either for bowlers. Its going to sunny and hot weather in Ahmadabad and hence it will be perfect condition to bat first if you win the Toss.

If the game is starting as 50-50 chance for both teams, Toss is so crucial that whoever wins the toss, straightaway that team has at least increased their chance of winning the game by 10%.

If India win the toss and India has not lost a wicket in first10 overs then India increased their chances by another 10%. So, Game could be 70% in India’s hand and all they have to do is not to mess it up in last 10 overs like they did against S.Africa by loosing 9 wickets for 29 runs. If India put up the total in access of 300 batting first, India’s chance of winning the game is at least 85%.

If Australia is chasing a target of fewer than 250; they should be able to do it comfortably. Australia like India is also playing with 7 batsman and unlike India they have better and reliable tail Enders. Mitchel Johnson, Jason Kretza and Brett Lee all can bat a bit. In terms of batting; Australia rely heavily on Shane Watson. If Zaheer can get Watson out in first 10 overs (and Australia is chasing over 250 runs); that’s a major drift towards India. Best way to get Watson out is LBW. Get 4 balls going away from him and bring one back into his pads and hope that he tries to whack it over mid-wicket and misses it. The Moment Ponting comes in, play a mind game and get Harbhajan on. Best way to get likes of Ponting and Tendulkar out is early. Once they get 20 odd runs in their pocket, they are hard to remove.

Yuvraj singh is India’s second best bowler after Zaheer Khan. He is not only just any 5th bowler for India , but the bowler who can get wickets for India. He has improved drastically in bowling and is a major wicket taking threat. Specially, White/Clarke/Smith might not be comfortable against Yuvraj.

It will be highly unlikely that even if Australia bats first, they will get out under 250 runs. Pakistan did bowled them out under 200 but Pakistan has better bowlers compare to India. If Australia is batting first and they are putting over 250 runs, with the bowling line up of Lee, Tait, Johnson, Watson, Kretza its going to be as good as climbing mountain.

Tait can be a match winner but if he continue to ball down the leg side, Tendulkar/Sehwag/Gambhir is going to milk him for runs. Lee can be destructive but hittable. Johnson according to me is going to be a wicket taking option from Australia.


My Prediction depends a lot upon who is going to bat first. If India is batting first, my pick for the game is India. If Australia is batting first they are my pick. So My Pick is the coin of the Toss, Its almost whoever wins it, wins the game.

Tendulkar Timing

The moment the name “Tendulkar” pops up; inning of a century at Sharjah images just comes along side. Best player of 1996 World Cup and highest scorer as well was undone by a silly mistake in semi-final. India and world needed that glimpse of a champion to come back and show the World he is a “Winner”. Sharjah back to back knocks were not only special, but extra ordinary because it is a classical example of One man Army taking on mighty Australians.
World was witnessing Tendulkar’s transformation into a winner after that Sharjah knocks but destiny had another option.

Stage was set for that remarkable come back in 1999 World Cup Super Six game against Australia. Both teams needed a win to remain in World Cup. Australia batted first and scored 282 runs. Expectation from Tendulkar to give something special was enormous. He edged and failed.
Stage was again set after four years in 2003 World Cup final. Tendulkar edged and failed again.

Stage was again set to what known as perhaps Tendulkar’s last world cup in 2007. Sri Lanka scored 254 runs and India had to chase and was again expecting Tendulkar to give them a hope and victory. Hope was denied and Tendulkar got out without troubling the scorers.

Everyone wrote Tendulkar out. Inzamam Ul Haq and Brian Lara retired after 2007 World Cup and perhaps critics were expecting Tendulkar to hang his pads in One Day Format. Tendulkar though had a burning desire to win a World Cup.

He geared up for the challenge. He showed in 2008 Commonwealth Bank Series. He scored back to back centuries against Australia in Australia and won the cup for India. He scored 200 runs against South Africa (in India though).

Stage is “again” set for one more remarkable come back from the greatest of great. Will he deliver this time the magic 100th century in a game against three time World Champions Australia and knock them out of the World Cup. Timing of Tendulkar innings are spectacular as always and now time is there for “Tendulkar Timing” to turn things in a Winning way.

Pakistan can cause an Upset

Every time Pakistan plays there is a guaranteed statement which comes out; “Only Pakistan can beat Pakistan”. Its actually quiet true because if Pakistan plays with their given potential and talent, there is no team in the World which can beat them. They showed that against Australia and proved that many times. However, they never play according to the book; they are never boring either.


One of the positive that came out from the group stage from Pakistan’s perspective is Asad Shafiq. Pakistan wanted a strong middle order batsman to give back bone to Younis Khan and Misbah Ul Haq. Their middle order was looking vulnerable as one wicket of either Younis or Misbah could open up the tail.



Game against West Indies in Quarter Final at Mirpur, lot will rely on how Pakistan middle order performs. Both West Indies and Pakistan rely heavily on their bowlers to perform. This quarter final will not see more than 500 runs in a day but there is a good chance, we might see close to 20 wickets fall down in a day. Roach and Benn (west indies is more likely to open bowling with Benn) have given them early wickets. Neither Kamran Akmal nor Mohd.Hafeez looks solid at the crease which means Pakistan middle order will be in within first 15 overs. From 15th Over to 40th Over; Pakistan’s middle order has to play cautiously to win the game for them.



If West Indies can take wickets in the middle order and expose likes of Afridi and Razzaq before 35th over; match will be drift towards West Indies.


On the other side, Pakistan also has bowling line up which can defend target of 200. Umar Gul and Wahab Riaz are attacking bowlers but their spinners and specially Afridi (who is the highest wicket taker in the tournament so far) are their best chance to go through any line up.


West Indies’s best chance to perform better relies on how well, Gayle and Smith performs. If they can actually stay there for first 10 overs or so, rest all pieces of puzzle will fall perfectly for them. Bravo and Sarwan are capable to handle pressure and dig them out but not if they start their inning in first 10 overs. It would be too much to ask from only 2 middle order batsman to play for than 30 overs and West Indies opening partnership is critical.

Neither of the side was picked as one of the favorite to win this tournament (India, S.Africa, Australia and Sri Lanka were favorite to reach to Semi Final). Both this sides are fancy to call themselves as “Underdogs”. They thrive on their ability to cause an upset. Both this team has unique “FLAIR” to offer. Both sides has monster hitters with likes of Gayle, Pollard, Afridi and Razzaq. Both sides are not naturally good fielding side. Both the sides are naturally “Attacking” Side. Both this side however crumbed under pressure, so, the game will be decided between West Indies Opening Pair vs Pakistan’s Middle Order Batsman because rest assured both team’s bowling line up will perform at their best. Gayle/Smith vs Younis/Misbah, the combination which can hold their nerver, will be presented with the Victory.

Pakistan normally are confident side when they enter the ground. We need to see whether victory over Australia gives them more confidence or over confidence.


My Prediction says: Pakistan will cause an upset; by playing rash and give away victory to West Indies.

Pakistan Probable Playing XI:
Kamran Akmal, Mohd.Hafeez, Asad Safiz, Younis Khan, Misbah Ul Haq, Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, Saeed Ajmal, Umar Gul and Wahab Riaz.
(Too many left handed batsman in west indies and hence Saeed Ajmal in place of Abdul Rehman)
(Shoaib Akhtar is probably not fit and lefty Wahab Riaz gives variety in bowling attack).

West Indies Probably Playing XI:
C.Gayle, D.Smith, D.Bravo, R.Sarwan, K.Pollard, Sammy, Brown, Benn, Bishoo, A.Russel, Roach.

Probable Turning Points of the game:
1)Bishoo and Russel taking wickets in the middle overs
2)Gayle/Smith's opening partnership.

Selection Decision

When it comes to selection of choosing the correct XI, you have to look at the opposition team. Australia has only one left handed batsman in their XI: Michael Hussey. It is highly unlikely that Indians go for three off spinners against them.

So, What do Dhoni/Indians do in terms of selection. Hoping that Sehwag will return to open the inning with Sachin Tendulkar, Top 6 (Sehwag, Sachin, Gambhir, Kohli, Yuvraj and Dhoni) gets selected on the basis of their current form.

In bowling department though, there are lots of question marks other than Zaheer Khan.

Raina can safely put himself in number 12 position and rest assured will be used for at least 15 overs in fielding department to cover Sehwag and/or Sachin.

Pathan, Ashwin, Harbhajan, Nehra, Munaf, Sreesanth and Chawla; Seven Stars and 4 Positions. It is very certain that India will at least go for one fast bowler to support Zaheer.

Lets look at PROS & CONS between three seamers.

Nehra:
PROS: Wicket taking option in the middle overs.

He is pretty effective in the depth overs (compare to Munaf and Sreesanth)


CONS: With Zaheer he will be second left arm seamer which gives less variety.

Can go for Plenty of runs and can be wayward under pressure.



Sreesanth


PROS: Better Fielder compare to Munaf and Nehra.

Better Batsman compare to Munaf and Nehra.

Better Wicket Taking Option in first 10 overs


CONS: Bad Temperament.

Can go for plenty of runs at the start and end overs if put under pressure.


Munaf

PROS: Better Line & Length bowler compare to Sreesanth and Nehra

Better economy rate.

Wicket taking option in the depth overs

CONS: Worst fielder/batsman compare to other two.

Least likely to take wickets in first 10 overs puts ressure on Zaheer

Ahemdabad track will not have lot of grass or bounce which means three fast bowlers is highly unlikely scenario. This means, Dhoni will go for 3 spinners out of 4 available (Pathan, Ashwin, Harbhajan, Chawla).

Pathan is most likely to get in the playing XI. Ahmadabad is close to his home town. He is match winner in terms of his batting. He is better fielder among the other 3 spinners. Dhoni likes playing seven batsman and hence he gets in.

2 Spots and 3 Spinners much like , “Aadmi 2 aur goli 3, bahut na insaafi hai re.”

Problem in going with Ashwin and Harbhajan is that, then India will have 3 off spinners against Australians who has only one left handed batsman. That will certainly make India’s bowling one dimensional, no matter how different all three off spinners are.

Problem in going with Chawla is that he is short of confidence plus after both the off spinners performed so well, Ashwin and Harbhajan in last game, who should be left out?

Can Dhoni take a risk of dropping Pathan and go with three front line spinners and 5 front line batsmans, considering that Yuvraj has also found the lost form in last game by scoring a hundred. My recommendation is to go with five bowlers and make a statement. After all, What do seventh batsman can do that six couldn’t? There can be a calculated risk taken and send Harbhajan as a pinch hitter in between Gambhir and Kohli somewhere around 20th over when Kretza and Watson are bowling to nullify the need for Pathan at the depth overs.

We have to wait and see what is the strategy Indian think tank come up in terms of selection of playing XI before the game.

Playing for India or Indians?

Dhoni posted a strong post match comment saying some of the players were playing for crowd (indians) rather than team. Actually, it is quiet true, not just for one player but most players within team. There is hardly anything called "TEAM" when team India plays; Its always individuals. Personal glory and milestones matters more than a team victory. Some fans consider, giving Nehra the final over was a ridiculous decision, I bet Had Dhoni thrown a ball to Bhajji and he would have went for 13 runs, same group of people would have criticized and revesed their statement asking; "Why Bhajji"?

It wasnt the final over where India lost the game. India for more than decades have one major problem, They do not have bowlers who can bowl at the death overs. We dont have it, not even Zaheer Khan is good enough consistent bowler to bowl at the death overs. Yes, he was lucky enough to give only 4 in second last over of the match however same Zaheer khan in his 9th over gave away 17 runs to put S.Africa right back into the game. (40th over Zaheer conceded 17 runs after which S.Africa needed 79 runs in last 10 overs with 7 wickets in hand , kind of cake walk).

India knows very well, they do not have bowlers who can defend in last 10 overs. Its very important for India to post over 350 runs target every time they bat first in sub continent pitches. With over 350 runs on board, while chasing, opposition team is more likely to make more mistakes in first 40 overs and hand over Victory to India. IF the team has lost just 3 wickets and 80 runs are required in last 10 overs, India is never going to be able to defend it.

While batting as well; there were lot of mistakes made. First 15 overs when India batted; there was not a single mistake from either Sehwag or Tendulkar. However thats when India had a chance to make a move. India should have took "BATTING POWERPLAY" on 16th over. G.Smith was clueless when India posted 128 runs with no wickets down in first 15 overs. Wouldnt it be great to just push him at the corner, I wonder. Smith was hoping that India do not take the power play and he can bring his spinners and restrict India to under 350. Batting powerplay at that time, could put India well within the reach of 400 runs.

Sachin Tendulkar scored 50 in 33 balls. After 15th over he was 37 balls 57 runs. Till that time, he was playing for Country and he was playing great. Compare 37 balls 57 runs against 92 balls 100 runs. From Strike rate of 154 to 108; thats a lot of change. If this is not playing for your own records, playing for scoring centuries, playing for Crowd, playing for Indians then what it is? Now Quickly lets glance through S.African scoreboard, Did anyone scored a century? Every one contributed to the Team's Victory. Not to forget, Sachin Tendulkar denied India 10 runs through his "defensive", "unfit" running between the wickets. However, Lets forget Tendulkar for a while, because Tendulkar's batting is not the concern for Team India. After all, he still hit a century with more than run a ball strike rate. Its what happens, after Tendulkar gets out in this particular game was horrifying.

Sending Pathan after the fall of Tendulkar's wicket was a bad move. Pathan hits the ball so powerfully and can clear the ground easily, he does not need to play inside the Power Play. In fact had Pathan not there in Power Play, fielder who caught might not even be there and it would have been a easy single for him. Lets give credit to Yuvraj and Dhoni for playing cautiously for couple of overs once they lost Pathan, Gambhir and Tendulkar in power play. Lets not blame Yuvraj too much for going for a shot on the last ball of a Power play, after all he did hit the six in previous over.

What happens after 43rd over, is clear lack of application from Indian lower order. Specially the dismissal of Kohli and Bhajji and Zaheer were just not acceptable. There needs to be a bit of blame need to go to Dhoni as well over there. He was in the middle with them and if he can not motivate them to play for India, then he is failing as a captain and as a premier batsman. He should have been talking with them every ball, and what is the requirement of Team India. From 283 for 5 to 296 all out is lack of determination.

Fitness or Talent

Tendulkar played a magnificent inning against England. He was focused and frozen while Sehwag was bombarding. He launch into the inning after the departure of Sehwag. He played cautiously, with a big score in mind; perhaps a century and he achieved his target. He is astute reader of media reports and statements prior to the game. He listen Swann to silence the Indian crowd and replied him with an elegant assault and hips of sixes.

India was outplayed in the run-chase by Strauss and Bell. England was cruising for a victory until Dhoni brought in Zaheer Khan as almost last throw of a dice. It’s amazing how 600 ball game gets changed in the span of 3 balls. Zaheer’s first over of third power play converted a soap opera into a top-notch Thriller.

Clearly, If India has to pick two match winners; they are Sachin Tendulkar and Zaheer Khan for their batting and bowling respectively. However they lacked so poorly in the third department called “Fielding” which actually cost India the game and one extra point.

There is no way to prove statistically, “the lack of effort” in the team game. Dhoni’s post-match comment of “We can not improve much on our fielding” was a honest confession of a team lead who is practically aware of the situation. Sachin Tendulkar and Zaheer Khan are perhaps spearhead of India’s batting and bowling department but they are no where close to being the Match-Fit.

You can not prove you are match fit, by scoring a hundred or taking 5 wickets. Match fitness is about being active and remaining actively involved throughout the span of 7 hour game. What was more disturbing was there was a lack of effort for fielding from both. Virat Kohli misfielded and dropped a catch, Harbhajan singh did not put 2 hands to try a catch, Raina took the eyes of the ball and misfielded, Gambhir’s throw was not good enough to reach the crease, are some of the examples which show India was poor in their fielding but there was no “Lack of effort” in above examples. In case of Sachin Tendulkar and Zaheer Khan; it was lack of effort. Lack of effort was due to the fact that they are scared that if they try harder in the field, they can pull a muscle or two and perhaps have to sit out from the rest of the tournament.

It’s almost like you are going in a war with 9 soldiers and you have to protect other two throughout 50 overs. They surely have the talent to produce match winning moments but do they have the match fitness? Answer is clearly No, they are not match fit. Next Question is to the selectors of the Indian team; would you select players in the team based on mach fitness OR that’s not a criteria at all. Is Indian team going back to the days of Nabjot Sidhu and Sanjay Manjrekar where, if they played a good knock; they would be sitting in the dressing room and 12^th man will be utilized of their “Lack of Effort”.

Take a leaf out of Australian’s book; Michael Hussey, their best batsman in one day format, is not in the team because he was not match fit. Can India do that for Sachin Tendulkar? Would India have not scored the same amount of total had Sachin not present? Would Sehwag and Gambhir are less threatening pair compare to Sachin and Sehwag? Wasn’t there occasions when India was bating where Sachin denied singles 3 or 4 times as it would stretch his thigh muscle? Wasn’t there a sign after scoring a century that Tendulkar was looking tired (compare the freshness of Strauss after fielding for 50 overs and then scoring a hundred)

Australians dropped out Symonds long time ago, because, he was not creating a good environment in the dressing room. Can India do that for Sreesanth?

There are questions with only one possible answer. “Yeh India hai yaar, yahan pe sab chalta hai”. Hopefully we get out of this, “Sab Chalta hai” mentality and start giving preference to what is right rather than what is politically correct.

Zindagi !!!

कुछ ख्वाब ऐसे देखे हमने, अनजानी सी बन गयी यह ज़िन्दगी !


प्यार,पैसा, शोहरत बन्दे के पास है न है सिर्फ अपनों की बंदगी !!



कभी वक़्त को भुला करते थे हम, अभी वक़्त ने हमें भुला दिया !!!

कुछ पाने की लालच ने , बहुत कुछ हम ने गवा दिया !!!

कभी हसी हमारे दामन में थी, अब रोना भी मुश्किल होने लगा !!!

जस्बात कुछ ऐसे होने लगे है, न दिल है, न यारो की दिल्लगी !!!

कुछ ख्वाब ऐसे देखे हमने, अनजानी सी बन गयी यह ज़िन्दगी !!!!!!!



साए को चुने की हमारी चाह थी , अंधेरो में लिपटी हमारी राह थी

जूनून ने जब दस्तक दी थी , चुपके से सुकून ने रुक्सत ली थी !!!

कभी दुनिया हमारी सुनथी थी, अब कहना मुश्किल होने लगा !!!

हालत कुछ ऐसे होने लगे, ना सांसे है ना है कोई दिलकशी !!!

कुछ ख्वाब ऐसे देखे हमने, अनजानी सी बन गयी यह ज़िन्दगी !!!!!!!

Ajay Devgan

He is the only actor whose voice I heard first and then saw in the movies/television. It was sometime during 1991 when his first movie, Phool aur Kaante was about to release. I used to listen to Radio lot often during those days. He was introduced as the "STAR" being born before the movie got released.

Early 90's, in Bollywood movies, if the music of the movie is good, it was bound to do good business. Phool aur Kaante's music was awesome by Nadeem Shravan and it was topping the chart and hence the stardom to newcomer, son of Action Master, Mr.Veeru Devgan.

I still wonder why he prefer to change his name from Vishal to Ajay. Vishal Devgan is equally impacting name as Ajay Devgan.

Ajay Devgan has awesome 2010 with wide variety of movies released. I am surprised he has done over 90 movies in last 20 year or so. Thats lot of movies compare to other 3 Khans or Akshay Kumar.

Ajay Devgan do give lot of flops too but he is a "genuine" actor and a person. There are more than 25 movies which are notable from his long list of 90+ movies.

Phool aur Kaante


Dilwale

DilJale

Ishq

Pyar To Hona Hi Tha

Zakhm

Kachhe Dhage

Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam

Company

Gangajal

Khakee

Yuva

Kaal

Golmaal 1, 2, 3

Omkara

Raajneeti

Once upon a time in Mumbai

London Dreams

Sunday

Halla Bol

Masti

Raincoat

LOC Kargil

Top 10 of 2010

One of my new year resolution is to write more blogs than what I have done in the past. Hindi Movies are lifeless without its music. Over the years, if the music of the film does well, its bound to do well at Box-Office as well. For almost 40 years, Hindi Music's success barrier was Radio Show called, "Binaca (and later, Cibaca) Top 10 Songs" hosted by none other than Amit Sayani.

Later on, during my jawani (and not Sheila ki jawani), it was SuperHit Muqabala on doordarshan which gave the pleasure of top 10 songs. Later on we had MTV and VTV and many other tv channels such as Zoom TV, B4U etc, as full time music channels. So, Let me present what I think are the Top 10 songs of year 2010.

10) Sheila ki Jawani from the movie TEES MAAR KHAN.

Although, I particularly does not like the song, but nevertheless its quiet famous, and it has catchy tune for sure. It would be unfair to leave out this song from Top 10 considering it has quiet a big fan following.

9) Tere Naina Re --My Name is Khan

Although, Noor -e Khuda and Sajda (which also sung by my fav. singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan) were much more famous than Tere Naina Re, but as far as melody is concern, this one makes it to my Top 10.

8) Anjaana Anjaani -- Title Song

Typical Vishal-Shekhar music. They are the modern day, Shankar-Jaikishan/Laxmikanth Pyarelal. They give the music which works for that 3 month period (1 month before the movie release, and 2 month after the movie releases), Their Music has enough catchiness to work. Problem is they give very similar music, be it I hate Love Stories or Break ke Baad or Anjaana Anjaani. Out of those 3, title song of Anjaana Anjaani was much better and ofcourse it was sung by Monali Thakur (who came from Indian Idol, my fav.show).

7) "Gal Mitthi Mitthi" - AISHA

Actually its the choreography of the song which gives this song the feeling of nice to see. It has catchy lyrics (most punjabi lyrics are nice to listen to), and rhythmic tune as well.

There was another song, "Tere Bin" from I hate Love Stories, but I so hate Karan Johar, Dont I? Just Kidding. Tere Bin has better cinematography but choreography wins against cinematography, isnt it?

6) Surili Ankhiyon Wale -- VEER

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has so many hit songs this year, isnt it? Again the movie wasnt that good, neither the other songs but this one is so pleasant-sounding track.

5) Bheegi Si Bhaagi Si -- Raajneeti

Mohit Chauhan and Antara Mitra (again, Indian Idol fame), sung this song very beautyfully. Not that lyrics and tune is not that good, its good, its catchy but its the singing which is making this song to listen again and again. Entire movie is so intense drama that this song comes in between like a sweet river in a desert.

4) Zor Ka Zhatka -- Action Replayy
I agree the movie is super flop. But the song is the most catchy and one of the best dance number of 2010. The dance step was the most unique and most successful dance step of the year. Besides, Aishwarya Rai rocks and Daler Paaji can still deliver.

3) Munni Badnaam Hui

For many, This would be number 1 song of the year. I dont blame them, for me as well, it was quiet a difficult task not to put this song as number 1. However, I guess I am so much into Rahat Fateh Ali Khan singing and the other two songs which are at respective number 2 and 1 number are more sweet numbers that this one takes 2 steps back. Nevertheless, this one is definately the most played song in the entire year in entire India for sure. Munni fetch audience to the theater and Salman made sure they go happy, thats the story of DABANGG.

2) Dil To Bachha Hai Ji -- ISHQIYA

Music Director Vishal Bhardwaj's forte is actually film making. So, when he gives music, he tries to make it so simple and within the script of the movie that it actually works like a charm. Such is the effect of the song is that, there is a movie coming up with the title "Dil To Bachha Hai Ji" in less than a year after the song is released. Lyrics are just so awesome and my strong recommendation to win the award for Lyrics would be this song. "hum jaisa haaji hi hoga" is simply wow.

1) TERE MAST MAST DO NAIN -- DABANGG

Its a classic. It starts with classical note, and then it catches up and becomes as a typical hindi movie song of 90's and performance of Salman Khan makes this song as not only the best song of the year but perhaps may also qualify in top 10 songs of the decade. Its just to good a song. Simple Lyrics, Nice Tune, Awesome singing and mind-blowing performance by Salman. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan also deserves an Award for the song.