Mumbai attack

My heartfelt condolences to all families who lost their near and dear ones in the Mumbai terrorist attack. I pray to God to give you strength in this dark hour.

Sore Losers !

I was browsing thro some cricket press and two quotes caught my attention... “Often we find ourselves waiting with hands on hips for someone to face up or someone on the sight board to move away or some of those little frustrations happening with third world countries” Mathew Hayden after Australia was outclassed by India in the test series
Source: http://www.rediff.com/cricket/2008/nov/13hayden-calls-india-third-world-country.htm

“Given how much experience English cricketers have at the limited-overs version of the game, it's astonishing how limited and naive they continue to be against even half-decent sides. Monday's game encapsulated England's one-day woes.” A useless journalist in English press
Source: http://timesonline.typepad.com/the_doosra/2008/11/yuvraj-steals-t.html

The Aussies and Poms are sore losers. Mathew Hayen would not hestitate to give a lap dance to Modi to enjoy IPL luxuries. Hayden has made a name for himself with his inappropriate comments and latest gaffe would not make him a popular man in the Chennai superstars team for whom he will represent in the Champions League in December. Graceless losers, no doubt.

Atleast the Aussies have been a great cricket force; the Poms fool themselves into believing that they are a champion team! After all this is one team where anyone who can bat and bowl is the next Ian Botham! And Kevin Pieterson is best batsman in the world ;Matt Prior is the best wicket keeper in the world; The perenial laughing stocks but still fool themselves into believing that they are individually and as a team World Champions. Guys grow up and own up to your frailities and weaknesses.

Tribute to Anil and Sourav

Anil Kumble has been greatest match winner for India in tests. More so than Dravid, Laxman, Kapil or Tendulkar. Anil has been a champion cricketer who always gave his 100%. He is a superb role model who wore the India cap with pride. India will miss him. I shall never forget his bowling in Hero Cup final in 1993 when he took 6 for 12 against West Indies. Those were the days when cricket telecast from India was produced by TWI and it was great fun to hear Charles Coville wax eloquent about this great man. And ofcourse the Kotla 10fer against Pakistan remains etched in memory. But to my mind his greatest contributions (and oft not recognised) have been his roles in our overseas victories in England (2002, 2007), West Indies (2002, 2006), Pakistan (2004) and Australia (2003, 2007). Anil Kumble had taken 5 wickets or more in each of the test matches India had won in the above mentioned series. Just to prove that he is as much a match winner overseas as he is at home. Goodbye champ and best wishes for a bright future ahead.

I feel in love with Sourav Ganguly watching his silken cover drives during his debt at Lords in 1996. Indeed he was God on the offside ! He has been my favourite cricketer since. More than his contribution with the bat (which is not insignificant), Dada would be remembered for building team India from group of disjointed and disoriented individuals. He instilled steel into the Indian team and we had a dream run from 2001 (Aussie tour of India) - 2004 (India tour to Pak). Hats of to Ganguly. History still remembers Allan Border and Mark Taylor for laying the building blocks of the great Aussie teams under Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting. No less is the contribution of Sourav Ganguly. Future generations of Indian team will be eternally grateful for the Dada for building Team India. Best of Luck Dada!