Best Yet To Come

Last month we rejoiced the double hundred by Sachin Tendulkar. For the last two decades we have been celebrating his achievements. He gave us numerous moments to have smiles on our faces. We came together as a nation in those moments. We as a nation know very well that these moments of togetherness are very few for us. So the value of his achievements are much greater.

But this super hero is also a human after all. He went through some rough times between 2002 to 2007. A series of injuries and poor performances gave voice to his critics. He is booed even at his home ground. Tendulkar was aged 29 and 34 between this lean period. Traditionally in cricket age between 29 to 34 is said to be flourishing years for a batsman. But Tendulkar's performances went down exactly in that period. If we don't count his performaces against Bangaladesh he averaged around 38 in 35 tests in that period. It's not impressive by any stretch of imagination. Brian Lara, one of Tendulkar's contemporary great, has similar career trough. When Lara was aged 26 to 32 he averaged just above 40. But after that he blossomed again. He was at his best against Murli, Mcgarath, Warne, Kumble and all other greats after that. Looking at the current form of Tendulkar, he seems to be heading for many more glories.

So, friends we have not witnessed the best of Tendulkar. His best is yet to come.

A Billion Wish Came True Tonight

As a kid I always wished for it. In fact every Indian across generations has wished for it. Sachin Tendulkar scoring a double ton is the ultimate dream of a cricket lover in India. Let me pinch myself, ouch!! Oh my God!! its true. Sachin achieved the ultimate milestone of Oneday cricket. What else this super human will achieve? Virtually every record of cricket has written Sachin against it. We are privileged to have born in this era to witness greatness of such a legend.

Now coming back to today's match, Sachin was all over it. What else could you expect when a man scores a double ton? But there were Karthik, Pathan and Dhoni, all of them tore apart the South African bowling attack. Karthik and Sachin prepared the base for a mammoth total, Pathan provided the momentum and Dhoni finished it in style. Final result a mammoth 401.
Once India had 401 on score card it was always going to be a huge ask for SA. But SA have already chased down 434 against Australia and recently Sri Lanka almost chased 414 against India. So there was hope for SA provided they had a good start. But they could not manage that. They lost half their side at 102 and finally reached 248. A.B. Deviliars scored a century to lessen the South African embarrassment.

Indian bowling showed improvement. It may have been motivated by the Sachin's double ton. India have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. India will retain their number two position at the ICC lader.

Time to celebrate Sachin's amazing achievement guys............

Thrilling Begining

Three match ODI series between India and South Africa began on a thrilling note. A last ball finish. Steyn and Parnnel almost clinched an improbable victory. When Kallis got out in 42nd over SA needed 74 of 43 balls with 2 wickets left. At that moment India was all set to register an easy win. But in the final overs Indian bowlers almost chocked to the assault by Steyn and Parnell. The runs started to flow like water and it came down to last over. SA needed 10 from this one. Praveen Kumar was asked to bowl the final over by Dhoni. Praveen kept his cool and managed one run victory for India.
India managed one run victory but there are many questions they will have to answer. Almost every Indian batsman got start but no one converted starts to big score. Its a crime to get a start and not convert those starts. More often than not younger batsmen of Indian team get a start but through it away in 30s and 40s. Karthik, Raina, Kohli have committed this mistake several times. What about Sehwag!!!!! He is a batsman who converts his starts in tests so regularly that we are counting him one of the best opener in the test history of India. When it comes to ODI he starts as stunningly as anybody can but these starts are not converted into big hundreds as in tests. It has reduced this extraordinary test batsman to an ordinary oneday batsman.
Bowling in death overs is getting worse. I am wondering when these bowlers will learn to bowl yorkers. There are countless matches which India lost due to their poor death bowling.
If India wants to win big tournaments like world cup then above questions must be answered quickly. For now we are 1-0 up in this three match series.

Preparations For Big Event Begins

In less than a years time 2011 world cup will be inaugurated. In wake of the next world cup the series between India and South Africa has gained much more importance. Every series from here on should be a preparation opportunity for the Indian team. Three players from the Indian side are unavailable for the series. So it is a great opportunity for Team India to check their bench strength against one of the best side in the world.
The series also promises to be an interesting one. As both the teams fought hard for the number one slot in Test, it will be for the second position in ODI. So another great series on the cards guys.

Time For Shoter Version

We have been listening about the likely demise of one day cricket due to the great success of 20/20. Let's see in the upcoming series how one day cricket unfolds. After the great tests we can hope for another great contest in the shorter version. But both teams have some injury hiccups. From Indian side Zaheer will not be available for the ondayers due to mussel pull during last test match. Gream Smith will be unavailable for SA due to fractured finger. So all set for intriguing contest starting this sunday.

BATTEL ROYAL WON

Can you imagine a better finish to the battle for number 0ne position between best two teams in the world!!!! I don't think you can. It was as thrilling as it can get. SA almost snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat. But they flattered at the final moments of the match true to their chokers tag. But what can you say about Hashim Amla. This guy has the nerves of steel. SA lost their 9th wicket around 90 minutes before the scheduled end of the match. At that moment it seemed just a matter of time that India will wrap up the match. But Amla and the last man Morkel has other ideas. They kept India at bay for almost 80 minutes. Dhoni tried evrything. But nothing worked and a draw was looking the most probable result. Here came Harbhajan who took the last wicket and saved India's numero uno status. From the Indian side it was spectacular comeback after the Nagpur drubbing. But if India want to rule the cricketing world like the Australians did then they will have to do a lot of soul searching. For now we are the Number one team in the world and its a big reason for all of us to have a big smile on our faces