Chetan Sharma did not have a particularly bad debut in Tests. It was against Pakistan in Pakistan and he bowled quite admirably. However it was Azeem Hafeez who stole the show for Pakistan in that Test. Yes, he was the bowler with the missing middle fingers.
Chetan Sharma's debut series had to be abandoned due to the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Perhaps that was a bad omen. Its wasn't an auspicious start to Chetan Sharma's career.
Normally a cricketer who wins a Test for you at Lords, scores a ODI 100 in a global tournament as a pinch hitter and secures a world-cup hat-trick; at the time he accomplished these feats; should have had a decent career.
Chetan Sharma didn't.
That last ball six 25 years ago, defined Chetan Sharma's career. And the man who hit it was not an Ijaz Faqih or a Mansoor Elahi.
It was the great Javed Miandad.
Anyone lesser known; and probably the six would have passed as a freak incident. Javed Miandad made it count. For more than a decade he used it to play on India's phyche.
Its funny, I remember each of these Chetan Sharma's feats fairly vividly. I remember where I was and the emotions as the events were captured on the live TV, live radio or news reports.
It was the summer holidays when Dilip Vengsarkar's 3rd consecutive century at Lord and Chetan Sharma's 5 wickets negated Graham Gooch's 100 at Lords. Updates were largely via news reports on All India Radio. Being away from Bombay meant no Television. I don't know how, but even without Statsguru, Circinfo previews and pre-game shows, I was aware of the significance of winning a Test Match at Lords. I also knew its not something that's going to happen frequently. That is the pull of Test Match cricket, you somehow know what you need to know and appreciate the game.
I was at home, watching live TV and delirious with joy as Chetan Sharma claimed his hat-trick against New Zealand
The local train on the Central railway was jam packed; in a way only someone from Bombay can appreciate. Yet every run Chetan Sharma scored against England; on his way to his maiden 100; was relayed across the whole compartment. Someone had a transistor on board and was tweeting updates. Riding on Chetan Sharma's 100 India beat England in the Nehru cup.
When Javed Miandad hit that last ball six, I was at home alone watching it live on TV and relaying almost the entire last over to a stranger on the phone. The man had called through out the day to get updates. I think he was a co-worker from my father's work place.
I don't know his name. I did not ask. If he said it, I was not listening. He wanted to know the score and there was no need for any other formalities to be exchanged. Actually I am not even sure if he said he was my father's co-worker. May be I simply assumed. There are no pre-requisites or pre-conditions to share scores.
I remember telling him a run out opportunity was missed. That would have closed the deal for India and Chetan Sharma would have had a more celebrated career. With 4 needed off the last ball, as Javed Miandad deposited the tamest of full tosses to the stands, I said.. "Its a six".
The next thing I hear is the dial-tone.
How rude I thought. I was mildly angry, not because India lost the game after being so close, but because the man hung up on me. That's not how cricket enthusiasts; even if they are across generations; should treat each other.
I was probably 15 then.
Ever since, I can watch any game of cricket, even an India Pakistan game with a weird sense of detachment.
The combination of Chetan Sharma and talking to a rude stranger on the phone did it for me.
Showing posts with label Opinions On. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Opinions On. Show all posts
Monday, April 18, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Opinions on... Gautam Gambhir
I am excited at the prospect of how Gautam Gambhir will evolve as a batsman in the next few years.
He has provided consistency and stability to India's all-star batting line up since 2008. The way he started his career in 2004 there weren't too many reasons to believe in Gautam Gambhir. Since 2008 Gautam Gambhir has been amongst the best batsmen in the world and has secured a place in India's rich history of batsmen as one of the most successful openers. His success while very welcome, was unexpected in many ways.
Here is another Aakash Chopra, is what I said to myself when Gautam Gambhir routinely made his better innings count for 30s and 40s. That must be the best he can offer is what I concluded.
That was premature.
A hint of what was in store was perhaps on display when he made 76 in the World Twenty20 finals against Pakistan but like with his hugely underrated World Cup finals innings in 2011 of 97, that innings in 2007 did not stick with me and indeed with the public for long.
Perhaps he is just not the type of batsman Indians like to rejoice.
Book ended between these 2 most courageous innings, is the story of quite possibly the most well rounded if not the most complete batsman in the world at the moment. The numbers will tell you that Gautam Gambhir is amongst the best batsmen in the world in all forms of the game but what they don't is that he seems to have an ability to recognize a match situation, tailor his game to it and over time, in some cases; influence it.
Very few have the ability to adapt their batting to the variations thrown by formats, pitches, and the opposition like Gautam Gambhir can. He can be physical and in your face with Australia, polite against Bangladesh, stroke-less for hours on end against South Africa and New Zealand; when the need is to save a Test; and nimble with his feet for attack against fast and spin bowlers alike in the shorter formats. He was clinical as captain in the 5-0 blanking of the hapless kiwis in an ODI series last year.
Gautam Gambhir is Mr. Adaptable and I am not the first one to recognize that.
In a team full of all star batsmen, Gautam Gambhir has quietly cranked up an impressive set of numbers. It is generally believed that India's ascent to being the champion Test side began post Sydney 2008. And while Sehwag, Sachin, VVS Laxman (with tail-enders), Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan have all been instrumental for this, Gautam Gambhir's amazing consistency and adaptability has coincided with India being champions in Tests and ODIs.
Gautam Gambhir's rise has also coincided with a somewhat worrisome dip in form from Rahul Dravid. Without Gautam Gambhir, the pressure on Rahul Dravid to retire would have been more intense. Gautam Gambhir has made it affordable for India to invest in an ageing Rahul Dravid as he searches for his second wind for a late career flourish.
Gautam Gambhir is almost 30, generally an age where batsmen peak. With upcoming tours to West Indies, England and Australia and possibly a home series against the West Indies, the next 1000 to 1500 runs Gautam Gambhir must be eying will help India consolidate their Test standing and prepare Gautam Gambhir to be the leader of India's next generation of batting greats.
See Also...
He has provided consistency and stability to India's all-star batting line up since 2008. The way he started his career in 2004 there weren't too many reasons to believe in Gautam Gambhir. Since 2008 Gautam Gambhir has been amongst the best batsmen in the world and has secured a place in India's rich history of batsmen as one of the most successful openers. His success while very welcome, was unexpected in many ways.
Here is another Aakash Chopra, is what I said to myself when Gautam Gambhir routinely made his better innings count for 30s and 40s. That must be the best he can offer is what I concluded.
That was premature.
A hint of what was in store was perhaps on display when he made 76 in the World Twenty20 finals against Pakistan but like with his hugely underrated World Cup finals innings in 2011 of 97, that innings in 2007 did not stick with me and indeed with the public for long.
Perhaps he is just not the type of batsman Indians like to rejoice.
Book ended between these 2 most courageous innings, is the story of quite possibly the most well rounded if not the most complete batsman in the world at the moment. The numbers will tell you that Gautam Gambhir is amongst the best batsmen in the world in all forms of the game but what they don't is that he seems to have an ability to recognize a match situation, tailor his game to it and over time, in some cases; influence it.
Very few have the ability to adapt their batting to the variations thrown by formats, pitches, and the opposition like Gautam Gambhir can. He can be physical and in your face with Australia, polite against Bangladesh, stroke-less for hours on end against South Africa and New Zealand; when the need is to save a Test; and nimble with his feet for attack against fast and spin bowlers alike in the shorter formats. He was clinical as captain in the 5-0 blanking of the hapless kiwis in an ODI series last year.
Gautam Gambhir is Mr. Adaptable and I am not the first one to recognize that.
In a team full of all star batsmen, Gautam Gambhir has quietly cranked up an impressive set of numbers. It is generally believed that India's ascent to being the champion Test side began post Sydney 2008. And while Sehwag, Sachin, VVS Laxman (with tail-enders), Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan have all been instrumental for this, Gautam Gambhir's amazing consistency and adaptability has coincided with India being champions in Tests and ODIs.
Gautam Gambhir's rise has also coincided with a somewhat worrisome dip in form from Rahul Dravid. Without Gautam Gambhir, the pressure on Rahul Dravid to retire would have been more intense. Gautam Gambhir has made it affordable for India to invest in an ageing Rahul Dravid as he searches for his second wind for a late career flourish.
Gautam Gambhir is almost 30, generally an age where batsmen peak. With upcoming tours to West Indies, England and Australia and possibly a home series against the West Indies, the next 1000 to 1500 runs Gautam Gambhir must be eying will help India consolidate their Test standing and prepare Gautam Gambhir to be the leader of India's next generation of batting greats.
See Also...
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Opinions on... Shahid Khan Afridi
Shahid Afridi is a joy to watch. Like Virendra Sehwag his game is untouched by modern coaching techniques. Both offer such tremendous value to their teams that often strategies are formed around the pure skills they offer. Both have evolved their skills, keeping a strong connection to their roots and culture.
Born, a Pathan, in a tribal areas near Afghanistan, where the word of the Afridis was the law, Shahid Afridi considers gun toting 12 year olds as "part of the culture". Shooting a gun is a "normal thing" to him and he often goes to a shooting range near the Afghanistan border to fire M16s.
Not known to put any amounts of thought in his decisions and actions, he himself has no clue what he would do next. When asked about his approach to batting, he once said that he always aims to play out 3-5 overs before going for his shots. There is no evidence that he has actually ever done that. What he plans and what he executes are completely distinct things. However he is quick to admit that even if he plans to play out the initial overs, if he does see a hittable ball, first up, he naturally finds himself going after it. So much for having a plan.
True to his character, he announced his decision to quit test cricket and then realized he had done a foolish thing. He was back in a fortnight. Its a pity he has not played many Test matches, because talents like him can truly flourish in the free formats of Test cricket. Limited overs cricket is too restrictive for men like Shahid Afridi and Virendra Sehwag.
Like Sehwag he can turn a test match with a few moments of Afridi-style madness. In a Test match in India, that was going nowhere after the sides had scored more than a thousand runs in the first innings, he scored a 26 ball 50 in the second innings and then returned the next day to claim VVS Laxman, Saurav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar, to consign India to a shock defeat. India's batting might was unable to secure a series clinching draw in the face of Afridi's onslaught.
Pakistan never really put their faith in him as a Test player but they backed him to lead them in the 2011 World Cup over his exact opposite in terms of style and temperament, Misbah-Ul-Haq. The decision that seemed ill advised at that point, proved quite the opposite.
Shahid Afridi led Pakistan admirably and honorably. En route to the World Cup semi-finals they lost only one game and as was with the semi-finals the reason was the same. Dropped catches. For Shahid Afridi and Pakistan this will be one World Cup miss that will hurt for a long time.
Right through the World Cup, Shahid Afridi was refreshing as a leader, always smiling in front of his opponents while constantly cajoling his players. His trademark X man stance on taking wickets and catches is going to be an enduring image of this World Cup. Had Pakistan won it all; and they sure came close to do that; it would have remained in public memory like Johnty's run out of Inzamam-Ul-Haq.
Even through the high tension game against India, Afridi never seemed to forget that it was after all, just a game of cricket. He was cordial with everyone on the Indian team and did his part to ensure that emotionally charged sentiments from the outside, did not spill over on the field by engaging in more than one ways with his Indian opponents.
Whether it was a pat on the back to Sachin for surviving a catch a glance and a knowing smile at Zaheer while batting, offering his greetings after an Indian win, Shahid Afridi finally made me understand why he is most beloved in his country.
See also...
Born, a Pathan, in a tribal areas near Afghanistan, where the word of the Afridis was the law, Shahid Afridi considers gun toting 12 year olds as "part of the culture". Shooting a gun is a "normal thing" to him and he often goes to a shooting range near the Afghanistan border to fire M16s.
Not known to put any amounts of thought in his decisions and actions, he himself has no clue what he would do next. When asked about his approach to batting, he once said that he always aims to play out 3-5 overs before going for his shots. There is no evidence that he has actually ever done that. What he plans and what he executes are completely distinct things. However he is quick to admit that even if he plans to play out the initial overs, if he does see a hittable ball, first up, he naturally finds himself going after it. So much for having a plan.
 |
| Shahid Afridi |
Like Sehwag he can turn a test match with a few moments of Afridi-style madness. In a Test match in India, that was going nowhere after the sides had scored more than a thousand runs in the first innings, he scored a 26 ball 50 in the second innings and then returned the next day to claim VVS Laxman, Saurav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar, to consign India to a shock defeat. India's batting might was unable to secure a series clinching draw in the face of Afridi's onslaught.
Pakistan never really put their faith in him as a Test player but they backed him to lead them in the 2011 World Cup over his exact opposite in terms of style and temperament, Misbah-Ul-Haq. The decision that seemed ill advised at that point, proved quite the opposite.
Shahid Afridi led Pakistan admirably and honorably. En route to the World Cup semi-finals they lost only one game and as was with the semi-finals the reason was the same. Dropped catches. For Shahid Afridi and Pakistan this will be one World Cup miss that will hurt for a long time.
Right through the World Cup, Shahid Afridi was refreshing as a leader, always smiling in front of his opponents while constantly cajoling his players. His trademark X man stance on taking wickets and catches is going to be an enduring image of this World Cup. Had Pakistan won it all; and they sure came close to do that; it would have remained in public memory like Johnty's run out of Inzamam-Ul-Haq.
Even through the high tension game against India, Afridi never seemed to forget that it was after all, just a game of cricket. He was cordial with everyone on the Indian team and did his part to ensure that emotionally charged sentiments from the outside, did not spill over on the field by engaging in more than one ways with his Indian opponents.
Whether it was a pat on the back to Sachin for surviving a catch a glance and a knowing smile at Zaheer while batting, offering his greetings after an Indian win, Shahid Afridi finally made me understand why he is most beloved in his country.
See also...
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Opinions on... Taj Malik
It is mind boggling to think that today's World cup game between New Zealand and Canada could have easily been between New Zealand and Afghanistan or It could well have been Australia v Afghanistan instead of Kenya.
I am not much of a fan of too many associate nations in the World Cup, but I just finished watching a wonderful movie with the most endearing of cricket coaches and I am no longer sure that I agree with myself.
"Out of the Ashes", is about Afghanistan Cricket and Taj Malik in equal measure. Taj Malik is the first coach of the Afghanistan National Cricket team. But, I am now wondering... if there are going to be no associate nations in the 2015 World Cup what does that do to the spirit of people like Taj Malik?
Not many coaches dream about taking a nation with no cricket pitches to qualify for the World Cup. Taj Malik did. And Afghanistan almost succeeded. Afghanistan needed to finish in the top 4 in the final qualifier. Instead they finished 5th behind Ireland, Kenya, Canada and Netherlands.
Along the way they won many games and many qualifiers. In Jersey, in Tanzania and in Argentina before the final one in South Africa. They beat teams like Ireland, UAE, Scotland, Namibia, Bermuda who are or have in the past qualified for the World Cup.
Taj Malik is no longer the coach of Afghanistan's national team. In fact very early in the qualifying journey he was replaced by a professional. But without Taj Malik there would be no Afghanistan cricket. I say this with no hint of exaggeration. Its a fact.
Watch "Out of the Ashes" and see it for yourself...
I am not much of a fan of too many associate nations in the World Cup, but I just finished watching a wonderful movie with the most endearing of cricket coaches and I am no longer sure that I agree with myself.
"Out of the Ashes", is about Afghanistan Cricket and Taj Malik in equal measure. Taj Malik is the first coach of the Afghanistan National Cricket team. But, I am now wondering... if there are going to be no associate nations in the 2015 World Cup what does that do to the spirit of people like Taj Malik?
Not many coaches dream about taking a nation with no cricket pitches to qualify for the World Cup. Taj Malik did. And Afghanistan almost succeeded. Afghanistan needed to finish in the top 4 in the final qualifier. Instead they finished 5th behind Ireland, Kenya, Canada and Netherlands.
Along the way they won many games and many qualifiers. In Jersey, in Tanzania and in Argentina before the final one in South Africa. They beat teams like Ireland, UAE, Scotland, Namibia, Bermuda who are or have in the past qualified for the World Cup.
Taj Malik is no longer the coach of Afghanistan's national team. In fact very early in the qualifying journey he was replaced by a professional. But without Taj Malik there would be no Afghanistan cricket. I say this with no hint of exaggeration. Its a fact.
Watch "Out of the Ashes" and see it for yourself...
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Opinions on... Kamran Akmal
We have seen spinners bowling with the new ball. Wicketkeepers doubling up as opening batsmen. Spinners bowling in the power play is also not new. In fact this World Cup it self has seen many of these innovations in play; including Munaf Patel holding a catch while sitting on his butt; allegedly because there was no other way to avoid getting hit by the ball.
But Pakistan have gone "out of the box" with their innovation.
Following their game against New Zealand, they have decided to play without a wicket keeper.
No this is not like India in the past and South Africa today where specialist batsmen double up as wicket keepers. Pakistan will field no one in the position of a wicketkeeper.
Instead they will play a bowler extra, something Mahendra Singh Dhoni found extremely logical. Bowling is Pakistan's strength so they should play as close to 11 bowlers as possible he said. He however offered no comments to a team downsizing on the role of a wicket keeper.
Pakistan have a unique problem. An entire generation of mothers since September 23rd 1971, have been unable to conceive, deliver and nurture an International quality wicket keeper. Not yet 40 many wonder why Moin Khan isn't making a comeback.
The PCB in a rare moment of introspection and transparency acknowledged their failure in managing this problem. A few years back a survey of front line Pakistani bowlers had revealed that as long as a wicketkeeper holds on to 50% of the catches that come their way, they should be able to bowl Pakistan to winning positions. So the PCB used fake match fixers to offer Kamran Akmal millions of dollars to drop 50% of his catches.
No one is really sure if Kamran is plan incompetent, dishonest or is wobbly with his math.
But Pakistan's decision to field no wicket keeper is likely to raise a lot of questions. There are pages and pages of rules in the ICC rule book on what the wicket keeper should and should not do, where he should and should not stand (this section has illustrations by Billy Bowden), when he can and can't wear a helmet, where the helmet can and can't be placed and how many runs can and can't be scored if a ball hits or misses the helmet that has been placed where a helmet can be legally placed when the wicketkeeper can't wear the helmet.
However there is no rule which says that fielding a wicket keeper is mandatory.
Other unsolicited opinions on unsuspecting cricketers...
But Pakistan have gone "out of the box" with their innovation.
Following their game against New Zealand, they have decided to play without a wicket keeper.
No this is not like India in the past and South Africa today where specialist batsmen double up as wicket keepers. Pakistan will field no one in the position of a wicketkeeper.
Instead they will play a bowler extra, something Mahendra Singh Dhoni found extremely logical. Bowling is Pakistan's strength so they should play as close to 11 bowlers as possible he said. He however offered no comments to a team downsizing on the role of a wicket keeper.
Pakistan have a unique problem. An entire generation of mothers since September 23rd 1971, have been unable to conceive, deliver and nurture an International quality wicket keeper. Not yet 40 many wonder why Moin Khan isn't making a comeback.
The PCB in a rare moment of introspection and transparency acknowledged their failure in managing this problem. A few years back a survey of front line Pakistani bowlers had revealed that as long as a wicketkeeper holds on to 50% of the catches that come their way, they should be able to bowl Pakistan to winning positions. So the PCB used fake match fixers to offer Kamran Akmal millions of dollars to drop 50% of his catches.
No one is really sure if Kamran is plan incompetent, dishonest or is wobbly with his math.
But Pakistan's decision to field no wicket keeper is likely to raise a lot of questions. There are pages and pages of rules in the ICC rule book on what the wicket keeper should and should not do, where he should and should not stand (this section has illustrations by Billy Bowden), when he can and can't wear a helmet, where the helmet can and can't be placed and how many runs can and can't be scored if a ball hits or misses the helmet that has been placed where a helmet can be legally placed when the wicketkeeper can't wear the helmet.
However there is no rule which says that fielding a wicket keeper is mandatory.
Other unsolicited opinions on unsuspecting cricketers...
Monday, February 28, 2011
Opinions on... Billy Bowden
Billy Bowden secretly wishes he were a baseball umpire. He sees the "freedom of expression" they are allowed in American Major League Baseball and he lusts for job as a home plate umpire. He grew up with pin ups of great American baseball umpires.
And as an adult...
...he has admitted he sees no reason to surf porn.
Like Murali and Chandrashekhar he uses his physical limitations to his advantage. Or so he thinks.
He isn't much liked by South Africans and Australians alike.
Even the West Indies have lodged an official complaint against him. When a team who expects to lose, loses and still takes time to complain about the umpiring; there has got to be something genuine there.
Recently he thought he had India's backing but being preferred over Steve Bucknor isn't much of a compliment. Regardless, whatever goodwill India might have had for him may evaporate following their World Cup game against England.
Previously, he wasn't exactly known to know the rules. He has left his mark on the 2005 Ashes and was an abettor in the foolishness demonstrated by the ICC umpires in their showpiece event in 2007.
He seems to have corrected it though.
When faced with a choice between common sense and the rule book; he left us wondering if he has any traces of the former
Other unsolicited opinions on unsuspecting cricketers... (and now umpires)
And as an adult...
...he has admitted he sees no reason to surf porn.
Like Murali and Chandrashekhar he uses his physical limitations to his advantage. Or so he thinks.
He isn't much liked by South Africans and Australians alike.
Even the West Indies have lodged an official complaint against him. When a team who expects to lose, loses and still takes time to complain about the umpiring; there has got to be something genuine there.
Recently he thought he had India's backing but being preferred over Steve Bucknor isn't much of a compliment. Regardless, whatever goodwill India might have had for him may evaporate following their World Cup game against England.
Previously, he wasn't exactly known to know the rules. He has left his mark on the 2005 Ashes and was an abettor in the foolishness demonstrated by the ICC umpires in their showpiece event in 2007.
He seems to have corrected it though.
When faced with a choice between common sense and the rule book; he left us wondering if he has any traces of the former
Other unsolicited opinions on unsuspecting cricketers... (and now umpires)
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Opinions on... Shakib Al-Hasan
An evening that started with a chance encounter at a bar had turned deliciously promising, when a very willing Katrina Kaif accompanied Shakib Al-Hasan to his room. It was then that Shakib remembered reading an article that had appeared in the "Amercian Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases". Unprotected intercourse is 68% more likely to result in genital warts.
Shakib Al-Hasan is very selective about the statistics he chooses to back. Many times he succumbs to the wrong ones.
Like the one above.
Although I suspect, visions of Shoaib Akhtar may have a role to play in it.
Whatever the reason, many will agree that the evening should not have ended with Shakib sobbing with Katrina as they watched "Twilight".
Like Anil Kumble, Shakib started off as a fast bowler but found success as a spinner. Unlike with Anil Kumble there are far more than a couple of people who have sworn that they have seen seen him turn the ball. They often said of Anil Kumble that as a bowler he had a fast bowler's mind and aggression. No one has ever said that about Shakib but I think in time they will.
Shakib is one of those rare all-rounders who started out as a specialist batsman. His development as a spin bowler followed much later. Not as late as Yuvraj Singh though.
His approach to captaincy gives us enough reason to believe that he is the kind of guy who would have to be dragged to his Nikah. He is, however, one of the rare captains to have won a Test Series in the West Indies. But it must have felt like making love to Susan Boyle donning a Katrina Kaif mask.
For a long time Shakib was in the shadow of Mashrafe Mortaza but now, finally, he has emerged as Bangladesh's best ever all-rounder. Shakib Al-Hasan is also Bangladesh's answer to Daniel Vettorri.
Nobody is sure whether either of them will take it as a compliment.
Other unsolicited opinions on unsuspecting cricketers...
Shakib Al-Hasan is very selective about the statistics he chooses to back. Many times he succumbs to the wrong ones.
Like the one above.
Although I suspect, visions of Shoaib Akhtar may have a role to play in it.
Whatever the reason, many will agree that the evening should not have ended with Shakib sobbing with Katrina as they watched "Twilight".
Like Anil Kumble, Shakib started off as a fast bowler but found success as a spinner. Unlike with Anil Kumble there are far more than a couple of people who have sworn that they have seen seen him turn the ball. They often said of Anil Kumble that as a bowler he had a fast bowler's mind and aggression. No one has ever said that about Shakib but I think in time they will.
Shakib is one of those rare all-rounders who started out as a specialist batsman. His development as a spin bowler followed much later. Not as late as Yuvraj Singh though.
His approach to captaincy gives us enough reason to believe that he is the kind of guy who would have to be dragged to his Nikah. He is, however, one of the rare captains to have won a Test Series in the West Indies. But it must have felt like making love to Susan Boyle donning a Katrina Kaif mask.
For a long time Shakib was in the shadow of Mashrafe Mortaza but now, finally, he has emerged as Bangladesh's best ever all-rounder. Shakib Al-Hasan is also Bangladesh's answer to Daniel Vettorri.
Nobody is sure whether either of them will take it as a compliment.
Other unsolicited opinions on unsuspecting cricketers...
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Opinions on... Suresh Raina
It doesn't matter how good a batsman you are. To be a great Indian batsman, or viewed as a long term prospect in India, your name counts. I mean the way it sounds.
Suresh Raina isn't going to cut it.
Its a name good enough to make a successful actor; may be. A respected poet; perhaps. A singer too.
A batsman's name conveys is imminent stature amongst his peers, the kind of batsman he will likely become and the longevity he is likely to enjoy. Suresh Raina's name suggests an eager, dutiful but airy-fairy-wafty batsman who is highly regarded by Australian selectors
Look at some of the names that are considered undoubtedly great when it comes to batsmanship; in Indian cricket. Merchant, Hazare, Pataudi, the Manjrekars, Borde, Vengsarkar, Gavaskar, Vishwanath, Dravid, Azharuddin, Tendulkar (not the way Sanjay Manjrekar says it), Venkatasai Vangiparappu Laxman....
I forgot to mention the Amarnaths...
And and if the sound of Amarnath is not good enough; add Lala to it. Notice how between Lala, Mohinder and Surinder, the standings of each men in the history of the game in India is in descending order of the "weight" in the sound of the name. I mean sure you have "Amarnath" as the last name but Surinder kind of dilutes the collective impact. The overall result is simply a century on debut. Entirely on the weight of the name "Amarnath". I have no doubt that if Lala and his wife had named him "Balwinder" or something similar, he would have had a better career than Mohinder Amarnath and who knows India might have won the Oval Test in 1979.
Ganguly, isn't much of a name. It's got too many curves and soft on the edges and men don't seem like men when they say the word "Ganguly". So Ganguly's success as a batsman is hard to explain till you realize that with "Dada" and "Maharaj" for nick names; even if Ganguly's real name were "Pai" for example, it wouldn't have mattered. My due apologies to all Pais aspiring to be batsmen.....give it up. You won't make it. Stick to your books.
Essentially the name has to have a good feel to it. But that's not enough; for it also can't be a common name....
Workmen like names, Contractor, Engineer, Sharma, Joshi, Patil aren't going to help you achieve greatness in the context of Indian cricket.
Suresh Raina's problem is that the names Cheteshwar and Virat convey batsmen who will last the distance. True to their names one scored the fastest fifty on debut in a test match fourth innings in a successful chase and the other scored a century on a World Cup debut.
Suresh Raina should be confined to IPLs
Related Posts
Suresh Raina isn't going to cut it.
Its a name good enough to make a successful actor; may be. A respected poet; perhaps. A singer too.
A batsman's name conveys is imminent stature amongst his peers, the kind of batsman he will likely become and the longevity he is likely to enjoy. Suresh Raina's name suggests an eager, dutiful but airy-fairy-wafty batsman who is highly regarded by Australian selectors
Look at some of the names that are considered undoubtedly great when it comes to batsmanship; in Indian cricket. Merchant, Hazare, Pataudi, the Manjrekars, Borde, Vengsarkar, Gavaskar, Vishwanath, Dravid, Azharuddin, Tendulkar (not the way Sanjay Manjrekar says it), Venkatasai Vangiparappu Laxman....
I forgot to mention the Amarnaths...
And and if the sound of Amarnath is not good enough; add Lala to it. Notice how between Lala, Mohinder and Surinder, the standings of each men in the history of the game in India is in descending order of the "weight" in the sound of the name. I mean sure you have "Amarnath" as the last name but Surinder kind of dilutes the collective impact. The overall result is simply a century on debut. Entirely on the weight of the name "Amarnath". I have no doubt that if Lala and his wife had named him "Balwinder" or something similar, he would have had a better career than Mohinder Amarnath and who knows India might have won the Oval Test in 1979.
Ganguly, isn't much of a name. It's got too many curves and soft on the edges and men don't seem like men when they say the word "Ganguly". So Ganguly's success as a batsman is hard to explain till you realize that with "Dada" and "Maharaj" for nick names; even if Ganguly's real name were "Pai" for example, it wouldn't have mattered. My due apologies to all Pais aspiring to be batsmen.....give it up. You won't make it. Stick to your books.
Essentially the name has to have a good feel to it. But that's not enough; for it also can't be a common name....
Workmen like names, Contractor, Engineer, Sharma, Joshi, Patil aren't going to help you achieve greatness in the context of Indian cricket.
Suresh Raina's problem is that the names Cheteshwar and Virat convey batsmen who will last the distance. True to their names one scored the fastest fifty on debut in a test match fourth innings in a successful chase and the other scored a century on a World Cup debut.
Suresh Raina should be confined to IPLs
Related Posts
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Opinions on... Mahendra Singh Dhoni
We will perhaps never know how good Mahendra Sing Dhoni is as a leader. Like Steve Waugh and Ponting, Dhoni is the beneficiary of greater efforts of men that came before him. At the same time the resume he has built up is phenomenal.
Unlike past captains like Dilip Vengsarkar, Rahul Dravid or Anil Kumble, captaincy was not given to him as an entitlement. He got it ahead of many of his peers and seniors because he had the knack for it.
Unlike Pataudi, Azharuddin or Ganguly, he did not have to build a side around him.
He was given a high performance, fully functional side on the ascendancy. May be like an Ajit Wadekar.
His short career can be viewed in two parts. The first with long hair and the second with a more traditional cut. With the long hair he was like a Yusuf Pathan. Pathan's beard phase that is. With the short hair he has displayed a side that many did not think he had.
With the long hair, he almost lost his Test place in the side to Dinesh Karthik but he pulled off a Paul Collingwood, before Paul Collingwood, at Lords in 2007. Since then he hasn't looked back. May be has, only to check if the short hair at the back of his head is to his liking.
Many wins later, he is now tasked with emulating Kapil Dev for a second time. The first time he emulated Kapil Dev, was not the real World Cup. This is the real World Cup. This one happens once in 4 years; sometimes 5. But not monthly like the one he won.
As a batsman he reminds me of Javed Miandad. In that he does not resemble a batsman. Perhaps a butcher. He is no where in the class of Javed Miandad but like with Pakistan and Miandad, India are never completely out of the game till he is batting.
Cool and Luck are words most frequently associated with him. Perhaps the later is a by product of the first.
I think India's fortunes are tied to Dhoni's in this world cup. Its not Sachin's to win. Its Dhoni's. And as long as Mahendra Singh Dhoni is in the game, India are firm firm favorites.
Unlike past captains like Dilip Vengsarkar, Rahul Dravid or Anil Kumble, captaincy was not given to him as an entitlement. He got it ahead of many of his peers and seniors because he had the knack for it.
Unlike Pataudi, Azharuddin or Ganguly, he did not have to build a side around him.
He was given a high performance, fully functional side on the ascendancy. May be like an Ajit Wadekar.
His short career can be viewed in two parts. The first with long hair and the second with a more traditional cut. With the long hair he was like a Yusuf Pathan. Pathan's beard phase that is. With the short hair he has displayed a side that many did not think he had.
With the long hair, he almost lost his Test place in the side to Dinesh Karthik but he pulled off a Paul Collingwood, before Paul Collingwood, at Lords in 2007. Since then he hasn't looked back. May be has, only to check if the short hair at the back of his head is to his liking.
Many wins later, he is now tasked with emulating Kapil Dev for a second time. The first time he emulated Kapil Dev, was not the real World Cup. This is the real World Cup. This one happens once in 4 years; sometimes 5. But not monthly like the one he won.
As a batsman he reminds me of Javed Miandad. In that he does not resemble a batsman. Perhaps a butcher. He is no where in the class of Javed Miandad but like with Pakistan and Miandad, India are never completely out of the game till he is batting.
Cool and Luck are words most frequently associated with him. Perhaps the later is a by product of the first.
I think India's fortunes are tied to Dhoni's in this world cup. Its not Sachin's to win. Its Dhoni's. And as long as Mahendra Singh Dhoni is in the game, India are firm firm favorites.
Our other unsolicited opinions...
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Opinions on... Daniel Vettori
On hearing about Daniel Vettori's desire to be just another player again, Jesse Ryder is said to have asked...
Does this mean you will no longer cook for us for us?
Short of fielding at silly point off his own bowling, Daniel Vettori played all possible roles for New Zealand Cricket.
New Zealand's unemployment rate has doubled during his captaincy tenure.
Its hard to believe. But between the amount of roles Daniel Vettori played and New Zealand's population; where even small numbers translate to huge percentages; it isn't that hard to comprehend.
Daniel Vettori started off as a clean-shaving, good looking cricketer. Over the past few years he seemed to have adopted an unkempt style with facial hair somewhere between a stubble and a proper beard.
Try juggling so many roles and you might appreciate that it isn't a deliberate fashion statement
Daniel Vettori's efforts rarely make New Zealand look good. Whenever he scores runs or takes wickets; which is quite frequently; it prompts people to question the competence of others.
Somehow his individual successes are always a negative commentary on the state of New Zealand cricket. Its like they never expect him to score runs and take wickets.
If he motors along for a few more years Daniel Vettori will retire as one of New Zealand's highest run getters and wicket takers.
And you too will wonder; was HE one of the best they ever had?
Does this mean you will no longer cook for us for us?
Short of fielding at silly point off his own bowling, Daniel Vettori played all possible roles for New Zealand Cricket.
New Zealand's unemployment rate has doubled during his captaincy tenure.
Its hard to believe. But between the amount of roles Daniel Vettori played and New Zealand's population; where even small numbers translate to huge percentages; it isn't that hard to comprehend.
Daniel Vettori started off as a clean-shaving, good looking cricketer. Over the past few years he seemed to have adopted an unkempt style with facial hair somewhere between a stubble and a proper beard.
Try juggling so many roles and you might appreciate that it isn't a deliberate fashion statement
Daniel Vettori's efforts rarely make New Zealand look good. Whenever he scores runs or takes wickets; which is quite frequently; it prompts people to question the competence of others.
Somehow his individual successes are always a negative commentary on the state of New Zealand cricket. Its like they never expect him to score runs and take wickets.
If he motors along for a few more years Daniel Vettori will retire as one of New Zealand's highest run getters and wicket takers.
And you too will wonder; was HE one of the best they ever had?
Friday, January 14, 2011
Opinions On...Yuvraj Singh
Yograj Singh was once watching on television, old, grainy videos of Donald Bradman batting. He called his wife and said. Look dear, this guy's batting reminds me of our son.
Of course I am making this up but that's how Yuvraj's father sees him. No wonder Yuvraj made it to the list of top 10 sporting egos.
The general perception is that Yograj Singh is the Punjabi Mike Agassi. I highly doubt Mike Agassi had anything kind to say to Andre. Yograj, on the contrary proclaimed his son is the best batsman after Bradman. He had just belted baby faced Stuart Broad for 6 sixes in a single over in cricket match. It wasn't even real cricket.
Yuvraj Singh is the original Kieron Pollard. The first cricketer who became a star without playing real cricket. Yes, there was Michael Bevan before him but he was a specialist not a star.
Yuvraj is also the oldest 29 year old ever. Physically. Mentally there isn't much evidence that he's anywhere close to 29. For the amount of cricket he plays; which isn't a lot compared to today's standards; he seems to be carrying a battered and bruised body.
His career seems to be going nowhere either.
He started off as an ODI specialist with potential to mature into a Test player. Now he is an ODI player with a lot of accumulated resentments and disappointments. He seemed to have aspirations to be India's captain in the shorter format but was blind sided by the suave and clear thinking Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Nowadays he only sulks.
Once a spectacular fielder in the point, gully region capable of pulling off stunning stops and catches, he now fields at third man making effeminate faces.
Its like Becker playing from the baseline at Wimbledon and emoting like Venus Williams.
His Test performance has been patchy. While he has to his credit a 100 on a Lahore green top and a memorable 86 not out in a famous run chase in Mohali, the way he let India down in Australia in 2007-08 is what will always count against him.
He made his debut with Zaheer Khan in the first batch of post match fixing debutantes. Zaheer Khan will retire as India's greatest left arm pace man.
Yuvraj will probably retire without becoming news.
Of course I am making this up but that's how Yuvraj's father sees him. No wonder Yuvraj made it to the list of top 10 sporting egos.
 |
| Yuvraj Singh |
Yuvraj Singh is the original Kieron Pollard. The first cricketer who became a star without playing real cricket. Yes, there was Michael Bevan before him but he was a specialist not a star.
Yuvraj is also the oldest 29 year old ever. Physically. Mentally there isn't much evidence that he's anywhere close to 29. For the amount of cricket he plays; which isn't a lot compared to today's standards; he seems to be carrying a battered and bruised body.
His career seems to be going nowhere either.
He started off as an ODI specialist with potential to mature into a Test player. Now he is an ODI player with a lot of accumulated resentments and disappointments. He seemed to have aspirations to be India's captain in the shorter format but was blind sided by the suave and clear thinking Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Nowadays he only sulks.
Once a spectacular fielder in the point, gully region capable of pulling off stunning stops and catches, he now fields at third man making effeminate faces.
Its like Becker playing from the baseline at Wimbledon and emoting like Venus Williams.
His Test performance has been patchy. While he has to his credit a 100 on a Lahore green top and a memorable 86 not out in a famous run chase in Mohali, the way he let India down in Australia in 2007-08 is what will always count against him.
He made his debut with Zaheer Khan in the first batch of post match fixing debutantes. Zaheer Khan will retire as India's greatest left arm pace man.
Yuvraj will probably retire without becoming news.
When the pitch is flat. When the ball isn't moving around. When the skies are clear. That's when Yuvraj roars. He becomes a bully. The begins to resemble the Micheal Holding of batsmen. And India begin to look unbeatable.
The coming World Cup will be an ideal setting for Yuvraj to make something of his career again. An ODI specialist with Test potential.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Opinions On...Shane Watson
You see Shane Watson play and you instantly think; I have seen this before. In reality he is a mishmash of many Indian cricketers of the past. When India were India. Not the India of today.
Shane Watson is an earnest cricketer. Much like a Sanjay Bangar, Roger Binny or Manoj Prabhakar.
We have said this before; champion teams have either no need or an entirely different utility for such players.
The only champion team I can visualize Shane Watson thriving in; is the 1983 world cup winning Indian team. That team had only 3 specialists. Sunil Gavaskar, Krishnamachari Srikanth, and Balwinder Singh Sandhu. The rest were all multi-skilled players. Fielding wasn't considered a skill back then. Kapil Dev was an all rounder and that included fielding. Srikanth used to jump around; largely due to symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. That helped his fielding. But side effects can't be counted as cure.
Shane Watson for Sunil Gavaskar in that team would have been an ideal fit. For everyone; Shane Watson, Sunil Gavasakar and India. Gavaskar might think that it would be a racist move but he doesn't understand World Cups. So we'll be fine.
You look at what Watson has done in his career and you would say he is a pretty decent cricketer. He gives Australia steady starts and has a 5-for at Lords. In that sense he is a reverse Ajit Agarkar.
Shane Watson is designed to be a #6 or a #7 for Australia but he was no good at it. So they asked him to open the batting. There he hasn't failed. He hasn't entirely succeeded either. Kind of like Chetan Chauhan.
Chetan Chauhan is considered a successful opener. But that was India. When India were India. Not the India of today.
The Australlia of today is beginning to look like India. When India were India. Not the India of today. No wonder Shane Watson has found a home
Shane Watson is an earnest cricketer. Much like a Sanjay Bangar, Roger Binny or Manoj Prabhakar.
We have said this before; champion teams have either no need or an entirely different utility for such players.
The only champion team I can visualize Shane Watson thriving in; is the 1983 world cup winning Indian team. That team had only 3 specialists. Sunil Gavaskar, Krishnamachari Srikanth, and Balwinder Singh Sandhu. The rest were all multi-skilled players. Fielding wasn't considered a skill back then. Kapil Dev was an all rounder and that included fielding. Srikanth used to jump around; largely due to symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. That helped his fielding. But side effects can't be counted as cure.
Shane Watson for Sunil Gavaskar in that team would have been an ideal fit. For everyone; Shane Watson, Sunil Gavasakar and India. Gavaskar might think that it would be a racist move but he doesn't understand World Cups. So we'll be fine.
You look at what Watson has done in his career and you would say he is a pretty decent cricketer. He gives Australia steady starts and has a 5-for at Lords. In that sense he is a reverse Ajit Agarkar.
Shane Watson is designed to be a #6 or a #7 for Australia but he was no good at it. So they asked him to open the batting. There he hasn't failed. He hasn't entirely succeeded either. Kind of like Chetan Chauhan.
Chetan Chauhan is considered a successful opener. But that was India. When India were India. Not the India of today.
The Australlia of today is beginning to look like India. When India were India. Not the India of today. No wonder Shane Watson has found a home
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Opinions On...Ashwell Prince
Ashwell Prince, while at the crease, has the perpetual expression of a long distance runner who has hit a wall into mile 20 of a marathon.
It does not matter if South Africa are ahead or trying to catch up.
Neither does it mater if he is batting on zero or a hundred.
A raging turner of a pitch or green top. For Ashwell its all the same.
He likes to make batting look like a test of endurance. Of the spectators' that is.
If England's Trott is boring, Ashwell Prince is painful to watch.
Everything about his batting is edgy, proddy, apologetic and laboured. Even his crispiest drives seem miscued. The way he goes about moving around the crease between balls, gives you the impression he is trying to hide from the world.
If Ashwell Price were to bat with a big hole in the center of his bat, I doubt anyone, including him, would notice. He would still have played 61 Tests and scored 3487 runs @ 43.58 for South Africa.
Before the Ashes, God, in answering Ricky Pontings's prayers said....
You wil score 800+ runs, 6 hundreds. Your side will win the Ashes 5-0. You will be captain for as long as you wish. However...
I will have to make you bat like Little Ashwell
Ricky Ponting said promptly..."Thanks but no Thanks".
Mike Hussey has not forgiven Ricky Ponting for this. Greg Chappel on hearing about this is learnt to have put an arm around Ponting and said..."I understand, mate...Its tough to make the right calls sometimes"
Other opinions on cricketers...
Other opinions on cricketers...
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Opinions on... Ricky Ponting
For a man who has won more test matches than any one; Ponting is quite grumpy. Imagine if he were Indian.
Sometimes I think Ponting was engineered in some Australian lab in response to such talents like Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar and Inzamam-Ul-Haq. However Wikipedia says he was conceived by regular human beings. So it must be true.
That however, fails to entirely convince me.
He is not so much programmed to win as he wants to win. Each win seems to make him thirsty for the next one. Its funny how I make it sound like a negative. But he is the kind of guy that makes me like him less for wanting to win.
Its not like I will like him more if he begins to lose.
I don't seem to mind Sachin Tendulkar wanting to score more centuries. Or Roger Federrer wanting to win more Grand Slams. But I count the same desire in Ponting as a negative.
Perhaps I believe that Australia have used up their quota of wins and now they should stop wanting to win. Actually stop winning all together.
I am actually not sure what Ponting needs to do to be liked by me. By anyone I think.
There is however one thing he likes more than winning. That is playing. Being in the XI. For that, he will willingly not want to win a game.
Today I learnt that Douglas Jardine and Ricky Ponting are the 2 captains with the best win-loss ratio of all time. That explains to some extent why I feel what I feel about Ponting.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Opinions On...Jacque Kallis
Jacque Kallis has affected no stumping in his career.
Other than that he has done everything. Scored lots of runs and centuries. Taken so many wickets that only 3 of his countrymen have ever taken more. Only a handful of international players have played more matches than him and even fewer have taken more catches than him. He has even been captain.
But no stumping.
That however is not why Jacque Kallis is never given his due as a remarkable all-rounder. Jacque Kallis is perhaps too over qualified to be an all rounder. He is too correct, reliable and prolific with the bat to be thought of as an allrounder. That and he just doesn't look beautiful doing his stuff.
All rounders have to be bowlers first who never realize their potential as batsmen. Numbers wise...may be a 90-100 Tests, 300-400 odd wickets not more than 5000-6000 runs and not drop catches.
Outside of numbers they need to be...
Rustic natural athletes like a Kapil Dev.
Flamboyant, outrageously handsome with a spectacular bowling action like Imran Khan.
Whole hearted, larger than life, inspiring and storied like an Ian Botham
Strong, fast, efficient and think your side to wins by taking over almost all of the wicket taking workload like a Richard Hadlee.
Play attractive and on rare occasions high quality cricket like a Chris Cairns or Andrew Flintoff.
Jacque Kallis is different.
He is a bit too fat to be athletic.
His run up to bowling is laborious. As if he were climbing a wall. He seems to exert twice as much effort...well it was thrice but he has made his action more efficient recently...in his deliveries than lets say a Shoab Akhtar or Bret Lee for roughly 75% of the output.
By most standards he is adeduately ugly.
I have always switched channels to avoid seeing him bat. Nothing in his batting is compelling for a non South African to watch. Even when he is competing with Sachin for the Maroon Underwear in the IPL.
I don't know anyone who are Kallis fans.
I have never seen him drop catches but heven't noticed when he notched up 160 odd catches either.
But if you just look at the man's numbers you would be excused if you said Gary Sobers was the Jacque Kallis of his time. Why no one ever says that...
Other than that he has done everything. Scored lots of runs and centuries. Taken so many wickets that only 3 of his countrymen have ever taken more. Only a handful of international players have played more matches than him and even fewer have taken more catches than him. He has even been captain.
But no stumping.
That however is not why Jacque Kallis is never given his due as a remarkable all-rounder. Jacque Kallis is perhaps too over qualified to be an all rounder. He is too correct, reliable and prolific with the bat to be thought of as an allrounder. That and he just doesn't look beautiful doing his stuff.
All rounders have to be bowlers first who never realize their potential as batsmen. Numbers wise...may be a 90-100 Tests, 300-400 odd wickets not more than 5000-6000 runs and not drop catches.
Outside of numbers they need to be...
Rustic natural athletes like a Kapil Dev.
Flamboyant, outrageously handsome with a spectacular bowling action like Imran Khan.
Whole hearted, larger than life, inspiring and storied like an Ian Botham
Strong, fast, efficient and think your side to wins by taking over almost all of the wicket taking workload like a Richard Hadlee.
Play attractive and on rare occasions high quality cricket like a Chris Cairns or Andrew Flintoff.
Jacque Kallis is different.
He is a bit too fat to be athletic.
His run up to bowling is laborious. As if he were climbing a wall. He seems to exert twice as much effort...well it was thrice but he has made his action more efficient recently...in his deliveries than lets say a Shoab Akhtar or Bret Lee for roughly 75% of the output.
By most standards he is adeduately ugly.
I have always switched channels to avoid seeing him bat. Nothing in his batting is compelling for a non South African to watch. Even when he is competing with Sachin for the Maroon Underwear in the IPL.
I don't know anyone who are Kallis fans.
I have never seen him drop catches but heven't noticed when he notched up 160 odd catches either.
But if you just look at the man's numbers you would be excused if you said Gary Sobers was the Jacque Kallis of his time. Why no one ever says that...
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Opinions on... IPL Auctions
I don't like IPL auctions.
Players are entitled to get market value for the services they offer. There is a huge market for cricket in the subcontinent. There is money to be made. Cricketers are the central theme that make it possible for businesses to diversify and make a profit from the game of cricket. And for that players and stars need to get their due. The greater the star value of a player the better his market price. I get that.
But I don't like IPL auctions.
There are some things that need to happen behind closed doors. Not everything needs to be on reality TV. To reduce contract negotiations to a yearly episode of "Deal or No Deal", makes me want to cringe and hide. Its impolite to ask anyone how much he or she makes. I am not suggesting that player contracts be classified. But is there a need to make such a brazen, coarse, ostentatious, pompous, vainglorious, theatrical show out of it.
Can we not have agents who work with the franchises, under guidelines laid out by the IPL governing council negotiate the best contract on behalf of the players.
And, please can someone tell the media that when Kevin Pietersen signs with the Royal Challengers Bangalore that they have not bought him. Its simply a contract between RCB and Kevin Pietersen where he is paid a few dollars for services rendered.
The IPL is a phenomenal product in need of some serious class.
Completely unrelated posts...
Players are entitled to get market value for the services they offer. There is a huge market for cricket in the subcontinent. There is money to be made. Cricketers are the central theme that make it possible for businesses to diversify and make a profit from the game of cricket. And for that players and stars need to get their due. The greater the star value of a player the better his market price. I get that.
But I don't like IPL auctions.
There are some things that need to happen behind closed doors. Not everything needs to be on reality TV. To reduce contract negotiations to a yearly episode of "Deal or No Deal", makes me want to cringe and hide. Its impolite to ask anyone how much he or she makes. I am not suggesting that player contracts be classified. But is there a need to make such a brazen, coarse, ostentatious, pompous, vainglorious, theatrical show out of it.
Can we not have agents who work with the franchises, under guidelines laid out by the IPL governing council negotiate the best contract on behalf of the players.
And, please can someone tell the media that when Kevin Pietersen signs with the Royal Challengers Bangalore that they have not bought him. Its simply a contract between RCB and Kevin Pietersen where he is paid a few dollars for services rendered.
The IPL is a phenomenal product in need of some serious class.
Completely unrelated posts...
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Opinions on... UDRS
Is the UDRS about technology or the process by which decisions are delivered?
We are all for technology. But not for technology for technology's sake. Unlike MS Dhoni, we do not believe technology should be 100% fool proof before it is deployed. Unlike Sachin Tendulkar we do not claim to understand the reliability of Hot Spot over Snickometer. We don't really understand the cost issues around adopting UDRS, so we can't say whether the BCCI is justified in its relentless opposition to using UDRS.
What we do know is that the process of delivering decisions using technology is flawed. Make the UDRS a tool of the on-field umpire not a tool for the players to challenge his authority.
So the recent announcement that UDRS will not be deployed for the title clash in South Africa, should make us happy. Not really, because its completely missing the point and unlikely to influence that case of our concern.
We are all for technology. But not for technology for technology's sake. Unlike MS Dhoni, we do not believe technology should be 100% fool proof before it is deployed. Unlike Sachin Tendulkar we do not claim to understand the reliability of Hot Spot over Snickometer. We don't really understand the cost issues around adopting UDRS, so we can't say whether the BCCI is justified in its relentless opposition to using UDRS.
What we do know is that the process of delivering decisions using technology is flawed. Make the UDRS a tool of the on-field umpire not a tool for the players to challenge his authority.
So the recent announcement that UDRS will not be deployed for the title clash in South Africa, should make us happy. Not really, because its completely missing the point and unlikely to influence that case of our concern.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Picking on Murali
I don't know why I am picking on Murali today. Perhaps, the trigger was the 2 posts, one @ Straight Points "Is Team India a One Man Army Again" and another @ Confessions of a Forced Spectator "Shut Up and Bowl". The former talked about Zaheer Khan and the later was unduly critical of Harbhajan Singh.
In any case, it got me thinking. Who is the bowler that has contributed most to his side's wins. That's when Murali entered my frame of argument. So here's the deal. When Murali made his debut in 1992, Sri Lanka had all but 2 wins in their name. Since he has retired they haven't won a game yet. During his entire career, he helped Sri Lanka win 54 games. During his career there were only 5 games that Sri Lanka won, in which he did not play. Murali took 438 of his 800 wickets in Sri Lanka's wins. That's a staggering 41% of the wickets. Assuming of course that almost all wins needs 20. How does this rate against the best bowlers of all time?
Well here goes...This is a list of Top 10 bowlers sorted on % of wickets in wins. I only chose those bowlers who have claimed 150 or more wickets in test matches they helped their countries win.
Number 11 on this list is Harbhajan Singh. Ahead of some all time greats like, Ian Botham, Wasim Akram, McGrath, Holding. No I am not making this a "in defense of Harbhajan" piece...may be some other day
But sorting this list on strike rate, there are no spinners and Dale Steyn emerges from no where as the bowler with a killer strike rate. A wicket every 5th over! 155 of those over 22 test wins.
In any case, back to Murali. I believe his best contribution to cricket is the comments he evoked from Bedi. I am not saying he was a cheat, but he shouldn't have been allowed to bowl the way he was allowed to. To me Sir Richard Hadlee according to these 2 tables is the better bowler only because he had a legitimate action.
Rules were bent to allow Murali to play. The Asian Block choose the wrong issue to show their might and the authority of the on field umpire was compromised beyond repair all to allow this man, Murali to bowl. His numbers are awesome but...
In any case, it got me thinking. Who is the bowler that has contributed most to his side's wins. That's when Murali entered my frame of argument. So here's the deal. When Murali made his debut in 1992, Sri Lanka had all but 2 wins in their name. Since he has retired they haven't won a game yet. During his entire career, he helped Sri Lanka win 54 games. During his career there were only 5 games that Sri Lanka won, in which he did not play. Murali took 438 of his 800 wickets in Sri Lanka's wins. That's a staggering 41% of the wickets. Assuming of course that almost all wins needs 20. How does this rate against the best bowlers of all time?
Well here goes...This is a list of Top 10 bowlers sorted on % of wickets in wins. I only chose those bowlers who have claimed 150 or more wickets in test matches they helped their countries win.
 |
| Top 10 bowlers instrumental in Test Wins of all Time |
Number 11 on this list is Harbhajan Singh. Ahead of some all time greats like, Ian Botham, Wasim Akram, McGrath, Holding. No I am not making this a "in defense of Harbhajan" piece...may be some other day
 |
| The meanest strike rates of all time in Test wins |
In any case, back to Murali. I believe his best contribution to cricket is the comments he evoked from Bedi. I am not saying he was a cheat, but he shouldn't have been allowed to bowl the way he was allowed to. To me Sir Richard Hadlee according to these 2 tables is the better bowler only because he had a legitimate action.
Rules were bent to allow Murali to play. The Asian Block choose the wrong issue to show their might and the authority of the on field umpire was compromised beyond repair all to allow this man, Murali to bowl. His numbers are awesome but...
Monday, November 8, 2010
Delivering Decisions
When a business invests in new technology to better sales, it does not introduce it as a "Sales Decisions Review System" and have its salesmen second guessing themselves. Hospitals don't use technology to review a doctor's decisions. Banks don't invest in software to review a loan underwriter's decisions. All of them introduce technology as tools to empower their work force. They introduce technology as tools that enable salesmen, doctors and bankers to do their jobs better. To reduce errors. To make them better salesmen, doctors and bankers. Technology is rarely introduced to review and then over turn a decision made by experts.
Why then is cricket, where the umpire's decision is considered to be final, positioning and deploying technology as a "review" of the umpire's decisions?
Much has been made of BCCI's opposition to the UDRS, but all of it is due to its funding. Sachin Tendulkar and Mahendra Sing Dhoni too have spoken against it but both the comments miss what I think is fundamentally flawed about the UDRS.
It isn't about the technology and the need for it to be fool proof. Its about empowering the on-field umpire with the data; images, sounds, heat patterns, etc; available to "off field" umpires and millions of viewers and then allowing him to make a decision.
The process of challenge followed by a referral to an "off field" umpire and a final decision by the "off-field" umpire, undermines the authority of the on-field umpire. Its also distasteful. If players are expected to regard the on-field umpire as the ultimate authority, then the on-field umpire needs to always be in complete control of the game and make the big decisions. And if he needs data captured by the tools; hot spot, ball tracker, snick-o-meter, etc; he needs to be provided access to it.
When a fielding side appeals, the on-field umpire should be the exclusive person to determine the process of decision making, the tools to involve or not involve, and ultimately deliver the decision. If the players do not like the decision; there should be no challenges, no one else to go to.
The problem now becomes how to instantly deploy the data to the on-field umpire. How difficult can that be. Today I get all the data on my iPhone Thousands of miles away. The umpire is only a few yards from where the data is located. The underlying technologies in the UDRS will likely evolve to be more accurate but the process of delivery of decisions is flawed. That process needed to protect the on-field umpires authority and it's failed in that regard.
Why then is cricket, where the umpire's decision is considered to be final, positioning and deploying technology as a "review" of the umpire's decisions?
Much has been made of BCCI's opposition to the UDRS, but all of it is due to its funding. Sachin Tendulkar and Mahendra Sing Dhoni too have spoken against it but both the comments miss what I think is fundamentally flawed about the UDRS.
It isn't about the technology and the need for it to be fool proof. Its about empowering the on-field umpire with the data; images, sounds, heat patterns, etc; available to "off field" umpires and millions of viewers and then allowing him to make a decision.
The process of challenge followed by a referral to an "off field" umpire and a final decision by the "off-field" umpire, undermines the authority of the on-field umpire. Its also distasteful. If players are expected to regard the on-field umpire as the ultimate authority, then the on-field umpire needs to always be in complete control of the game and make the big decisions. And if he needs data captured by the tools; hot spot, ball tracker, snick-o-meter, etc; he needs to be provided access to it.
When a fielding side appeals, the on-field umpire should be the exclusive person to determine the process of decision making, the tools to involve or not involve, and ultimately deliver the decision. If the players do not like the decision; there should be no challenges, no one else to go to.
The problem now becomes how to instantly deploy the data to the on-field umpire. How difficult can that be. Today I get all the data on my iPhone Thousands of miles away. The umpire is only a few yards from where the data is located. The underlying technologies in the UDRS will likely evolve to be more accurate but the process of delivery of decisions is flawed. That process needed to protect the on-field umpires authority and it's failed in that regard.
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