Social Issues+Cricket

THE CURSE OF VIPLAV VINOD 1/2

noreply@blogger.com (atulsondhi) — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 00:49:00 +0000

When I got up this morning, a very unfamiliar face greeted me. A benign, smiling face…..yet sooo unfamiliar!

The 19-year-old, half-steel half-flesh humanoid introduced herself as my greatx8 grand daughter, or my tenth generation!

I was yet to get over the shock when another one greeted me. I had woken up in a mega transparent capsule with nature visible in all its glory….but was too stunned to appreciate it.

I was later told that capsule’s radius was about 100 metres, with a huge temperature bar on the roof giving a reading of 25 degree Celsius. I was told that the outside temperature, at 63 degree, was on the lower side. It was the coolest phase of the winter and, to my utter bewilderment, it was the winter of, believe it or not, 2314. Globalisation had finally taken its toll, but the humanity had survived in mega capsules floating on the mighty and cruel waves of the sea.

Was I dreaming! If I was, I could not have waited to get up. Where was my immediate family. I was informed, after a brief counselling to soothe my nerves, that they were long gone after waiting for me to wake up for decades. They waited in vain since that fateful day of March 20, 2014, when Viplav Vinod, whose name itself is a contradiction of terms, had cursed me to 300 years of sleep.

Well. No revenge was possible. Viplav was long gone too after creating (call it mayhem, anarchy or whatever you like) in my life. And his facebook account was gone too, courtesy the now-in-force strict policy for the dead. So no revenge was possible as well -- either verbal or written.

I was in great distress, experiencing the bouts of amazements at the same time, at the strange term of events. I was cursing viplav all the time. Wish he had realised that his curse of 300 years of sleep, had, somehow, come true, and so tragically for me. (MORE TO COME)

(hole-won format one)

While Basra's application (and I – atul sondhi - won’t ever hear any Sardarji jokes after seeing the results of Basra’s cute application!) is nice in its speed and transparency, I strongly, sincerely, and unequivocally suggest that LET US NOT GET LIMITED BY OUR LIMITATIONS as we trudge through the finely cut grass of the DSC mini-golf course. Otherwise, the sacrifice of numerous insects, who have been clubbed to death by our Irons, and, I dare say, balls, will have gone in vain

This round format with cumulative scoring, which we implement so gladly/happily, is in fact so much inferior to the hole-won format, especially at a course which does not tend to reward adventurous stroke play.

If we want to improve our game, and eventually enter the `golfing hall of fame' of Dwarka Sports Complex, we got to switch to a new format. There are solid reasons for it. (more to follow today, tomorrow or the day after)

CLarification in RAJ-DEEP piece

noreply@blogger.com (atulsondhi) — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 14:02:00 +0000

Media BUG mean
Bad, Good and Ugly in media.

2/4 Raj_DEEP in the time of blinding lights (Second part)

noreply@blogger.com (atulsondhi) — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 13:00:00 +0000

Before I proceed to say anything else, I must empathise with Rajdeep. The Poor man is left to deal with BUGs all the time – BUGs outside and BUGs inside. (BUGs, for record, are not negative. But an acronym, which is a beautiful combination of Positive, Negative, and Neutral pillars of media)

But to Rajdee[‘s credit, he refuses to get ruffled by the swarming, swamping and swimming horde of BUGs in Media.

And this find ample reflection in his tweet `much in journalism which is terrible and deserves to be exposed. But Much that is good too. Time to separate the good, bad and ugly.’ And also his advice to media few nights ago when he slept to the melodious `zhoot bole kauwa kate, kale kauwe se dariyo…. ’ as an advice to politicians and scribes!

But can Media BUG, an entity where one part feeds the other, be subdivided into self-sustaining parts. I fear NO. Though in an ideal world it should – a world where good is separated from the bad. And bad, through a process of ostracism, gradually withers away.

Rajdeep still seems to be living in this ideal world. Gud, as long as he enjoys it. MORE TO FOLLOW

DO NOT SHOOT THE MESSENGER

noreply@blogger.com (atulsondhi) — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 03:18:00 +0000

`Hope my lord has understood what I was trying to tell him two weeks ago about Saint P(AAP) Punya Prasun Vajpayee’

This is the message I received from one of my close friends yesterday. I could sense the glee, having seen an `AAP sympathiser’ fall.

And almost immediately, I rose to defend PPV. And why not.

Almost anyone who has interacted with PPV can vouch for the fact that he is a gud man. A gem.

During my stint as Wisden Producer for AAJTAK for their Cricket programme (I had followed the footsteps of Gaurav Kalra who had joined CNN-IBN), I used to sit in TV Today building for close t 8-9 hours on each match day. Those used to be lonely days. You do not often have friends if you are not a permanent employee of an organisation. Interaction is generally a casuality as outsiders can never be fully trusted

But Punya Prasun, despite his seniority as an India renowned presentor, always made it a point to take a `walking pause’ around my seat, briefly talk about the match situation, and, almost always, share words of encouragement.

I will never forget these gestures. It was such a boost then (August 2005 to Dec 2006 was the period). He is among the most humble of guys I have met, despite all the limelight around him as being part of India’s most popular, if not the best, channel.

Even in the current controversy, I do not, for a moment think, that PPV can be blamed in any way. During my stint as BiTV correspondent, many businessmen and politicians, after an interview, have requested me to remove some comments, which they may have given in the heat of the moment, and highlight some, which could promote their organisation. Sometimes I obliged, sometimes did not. But always in consultation with my then programme producers.

What PPV did, or did not do, Everyone does. It is normal, it is natural, it is acceptable.

(more to follow)
Two other new posts are
http://atulsondhi.blogspot.in/2014/03/raj-deep-in-land-of-eye-blinding-lights.html AND
http://atulsondhi.blogspot.in/2014/03/i-will-never-call-them-aaptards-but-15.html

Raj DEEP in the land of eye-blinding lights 1/4

noreply@blogger.com (atulsondhi) — Sat, 08 Mar 2014 09:39:00 +0000

It certainly won’t be construed debatable, if I were to address Rajdeep Sardesai, a romantic by heart.

The word may seem clichéd, used so often, but what else can be used 2 describe a man who loves to recall, if not listen to, some old all time classics before hitting the bed.

Confirmation, if needed, also comes from his unstinted support to a brand of cricket played in whites, which still embodies romance for the middle-aged, but a sheer waste of time by the younger brigade, at times headed by one’s own children (like my daughter!).

Much like many other romantics, Mr Sardesai does seem to be living in the past. Still fantasising about a world full of idealism, where good arguments and `uninterrupted’ nice debates can still clinch the TRPs. Though his delegation policy, as I hear from my friends in his org, ensures a meaningful, diversified flavour, and end-of-the-day satisfaction.

But here I am not talking about the programmes, which I find quite decent. But what I wish to focus on, is his living in the past. In pursuit of some non-achieveable dream. And this is reflected in something else.

(More to follow)

I will never call them AAPtards, but….. (1/5)

noreply@blogger.com (atulsondhi) — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 15:07:00 +0000

And why should I .

After all, any opposition deserves all the respect. No opposition can ever be taken lightly. And by nearly bagging Delhi once, AAP guys have proved that they are worthy of the respect which comes from fighting well.

As the History of free India is a testimony, Rarely has any party got as many seats, and vote share in their first ever outing. Their sheer numbers in delhi polls, make them worthy of being treated gracefully.

However, while recognising their tremendous debut, I am also glad that I did not join them, despite seriously toying with the idea once.

For numbers do tell the story, but they do not tell the whole story. And also, numbers seldom indicate how the story is going to end. And I fear, it is going to end rather tragically for AAP. And if it does end badly in terms of numbers, they will have no one to blame, but themselves, for the sorry state of affairs. AAP’s has been a classic case of suicidal instincts prevailing over conventional wisdom.

And it’s such a pity as AAP guys could have been the king makers, but they are in danger of becoming the leftovers, the object of ridicule.

Overambition, it seems, has done them in

(more to follow)

Glue, challenger and AAP

noreply@blogger.com (atulsondhi) — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 23:34:00 +0000

Atul Sondhi ‏@atul_9811801405 2m

Gud morning 5 -- a rainbow of different parties make our democracy rich. So best of luck to @narendramodi @WithCongress and @ArvindKejriwal
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Atul Sondhi ‏@atul_9811801405 5m

Gud Morning 4 -- however, parties like #AAP will also be needed to ensure that the big fishes are always on the toes
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Atul Sondhi ‏@atul_9811801405 6m

Gud morning 3 -- this millennium so far has been stable under NDA and UPA. I see no reason why should it change nationally.
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Atul Sondhi ‏@atul_9811801405 7m

Gud morning 2 -- respect rahul for his fresh ideas, but admire #namo for the way he has generated a positive passion.
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1. Atul Sondhi ‏@atul_9811801405 8m
  
  Gud morning 1 -- Congress has been a glue binding this nation, and it will continue to. but BJP is the flavour of the season
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Frankly, this is what I feel once promising party is becoming

noreply@blogger.com (atulsondhi) — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 17:19:00 +0000

why i wont take bull 2 (win me with love)

noreply@blogger.com (atulsondhi) — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 07:23:00 +0000

Atul Sondhi ‏@atul_98118014057m

bull 9 -- So far in my life I have not grovelled, when asked to, but have gone out of the way to grovel, when requested softly...
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Atul Sondhi ‏@atul_98118014059m

bull 8 -- You can tame me and virtually get you work done by praising me. I will be aware that you are lying, but will still do it....
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Atul Sondhi ‏@atul_981180140512m

bull 7 ------ you show me love & affection, and can even kill me.....but creating fear makes me only more stubborn...I am helpless.......
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Atul Sondhi ‏@atul_981180140514m

bull 6 (carrying from yesterday) possibly it is a mix of all three. but one thing is abundantly clear......

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noreply@blogger.com (atulsondhi) — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 04:49:00 +0000

Why I won't take any bull... 1

(summary of some posts today)

1. Atul Sondhi ‏@atul_981180140557m
  
  Bull 5 -- Is it stubborness, some chemical locha! or a principled approach? .....(will get back tomorrow on this)
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  9:19 AM - 28 Jan 2014 · Details
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Atul Sondhi ‏@atul_98118014051h

Bull 4 -- I have always given it back, and seen people ganging up against me. But do I regret it. A big NO..but why.....
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2. Atul Sondhi ‏@atul_98118014051h
  
  Bull 3 -- I hv always found it unacceptable if Pple -- high ups, neigbours, friends -- try to wrongfully bully me.......
  
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3. Atul Sondhi ‏@atul_98118014051h
  
  Bull 2 -- ......I still feel he is right. even though he was in govt and I have been in pvt.......
  
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4. Atul Sondhi ‏@atul_98118014051h
  
  Bull 1 -- Dad always taught me never to take bulls..t from anybody, if U think you are right. that has made life tough but..........
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Death of a Dream

noreply@blogger.com (atulsondhi) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 03:49:00 +0000

It was early morning in 1984. Just before dawn, we sneaked into a friend's house to listen to the commentary of India-Germany match (1984 Olympics). If I remember correctly, India battled really hard and created many opportunities in that do-or-die final group battle. Fate willed otherwise, India failed to win the match and qualify for semis at Los Angeles.

We were a group of four or five, and all quietly left for our homes. One or two were even crying. It was a very emotional moment as our boys, as we could gather from the commentary, fought manfully but in vain. German machinery were not to be steamrolled into submission. It was well and truly an earth shattering moment for us, and lakhs of other hockey lovers.

Two years later, there was a 12th place finish in 1986 World Cup. And we reconciled to the fact that the golden era was well and truly over. Though India did threaten to reach semis in 1988 and 2000 Olympics, nobody really believed that we could be the golden boys once again.

AstroTurf is said to be a major reason for our decline. True. it all started with 1976 Montreal Olympics when AstroTurf era started. Overnight, you can't develop the skills to play on synthetic turf if you have been playing on grass for first 14-15 years.

But if Aussie or South Africans can win a cricket series in India, so could have India since 1975 hockey World Cup (1980 was a victory due to boycott by the west. There was no Germany, Australia, Holland and Great Britain). And here comes the role of a good, and more importantly, a caring management. A reported cash incentive of Rs 25,000 per player! that's a joke! And here we are talking about our national team!

`Why should only players think about nation' is a brilliant headline in Times of India. Don't they have families to feed? How many of our sports analysts will go to AIR/DD studio daily without fail, just for the sake of the game, if they do not receive any cheque for their fist love? Cricket gives benefits to even retired cricketers not to count the plum assignments with TV. One very well knows what hockey gives to its players.

I strongly suggest that either we treat hockey like our child, or completely forget about it. There is no middle way. The last resort will be to ensure that hockey is governed only by former players. Else, let's move on. Future seem great in Cricket, Tennis, Badminton and Golf.

Hera Pheri unlimited

noreply@blogger.com (atulsondhi) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 03:06:00 +0000

Saw the verdict on Ruchika Case and Heri Pheri (1976) yesterday. While it may still be true in 2009 that `Durbaar mein uparwale ke undher nahin par deri hai', it is certainly true that `Durbaar mein neechewale ke andher bhi hai, deri bhi hai!'. Not a surprise that few victims take law in their hands, unlike in the developed world where legal system manages to cater to the most.

But what can be expected in a land where even men like Kasab are seen to be making the mockery of law and it takes years to hang the assassins of Mr Gandhi. Where does it leave the common man! No wonder, angry man Amitabh of 70s and 80s was a cult figure. If it is still a pleasure to watch his movies, it is because things have changed very little in terms of justice to the common man, even though we may be living a dream in terms of materialistic gains. (More)

The two debates

noreply@blogger.com (atulsondhi) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 06:56:00 +0000

Two magnificent debates are currently raging in the country. On right to divorce, and right to live. Both deals with the freedom of choice and dignity of life. There are strong divisions on both, and both will have a bearing on the quality of our lives. Court's judgement will also decide if we are indeed moving into t...he 21st century, or continue to live in the middle of the 20th!

First divorce. Every one knows how marriages happen in India. Mostly conditioned with very little room to know each other. So, invariably, there are very good chances of many marriages falling flat on the face with partners being forced to live and bear with each other.

Even in love marriages, the way love happens in India!, odds are usually staked against really knowing each other. So a remedy should be easy divorce, with or without mutual consent! Especially so in cases where both the partners are earning.

Children's rights are important, but children may suffer more in marriages that have gone horribly wrong. Condition for mutual consent may only prolong mutual agony, especially in cases where both partners can take care of themselves. People waiting for 5, 10 years to get divorce is really not on, certainly not in conformity with our modern lifestyle.

The second most important debate relates to euthanasia. Possibly, it can be allowed on experimental basis for next ten years, and reviewed thereafter. But, in a poor country like India, there is also a very good chance of children emotionally blackmailing their ailing parents into ending their lives prematurely. So, some amount of safeguard is needed here. Ideally, only young people, with no hope of recovery, should be allowed to avail of this. Euthanasia should be a strict no-no for anyone over 50.

It's realy good that society is debating these issues today. But only a pragmatic approach on these twin issues can take India forward.

THE OLDEST DEBATe

noreply@blogger.com (atulsondhi) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 01:56:00 +0000

Give a few months old child something he cherishes. Then try and take it back. You will be met with such high decibel cries that you will dare not take what the toddler thinks belongs to her/him.

The tendency does not change a bit as one grows. Tendency to grab anything, and I dare say, at any cost becomes integral to the existence of most of us. Hence I beg to disagree with Ramesh Kumar.

I beg to differ with Ramesh when he says that human being are basically good and circumstances make them bad. In fact, human being are born with a strong streak of possessiveness and self-preservation. Either circumstances make them feel the importance of sharing their goodies, or they remain the way they are, or even become worse! In fact, it's a four-way process 1) unfavourable circumstances keep them bad 2) they remain bad despite favourable circumstances 3) favourable Circumstances turn them good 4) they turn good in spite of unfavourable circumstances.

If you look carefully and scrutinise lives of people around, you will see almost all the cases fall under one or the other category. It's a struggle which either ends in succumbing to circumstances and retaining one's evil streak, or, in stray cases, becoming good despite circumstances.

We love the kids for their innocence. They deserve it. But we fail to see their greed. Most people, I am no exception, tend to fuel this greed, to make them a success story at any cost. In the process, we tend to do away what is good in them and, inadvertently, help them in consolidating their evil streak.

If human being was basically good, we would not have promoted sports like boxing, loved reality shows with streaks of hatred, and eulogised people like Alexander whose armies, to fulfil his whims and ambition, destroyed many a civilisations.

The fact is, life is a constant struggle to become good. But most of us take an easier way out. We tend to remain bad, and pin the blame on the circumstances. Nothing wrong with that. That is humane after all!

Humanity readies for self-destruction

noreply@blogger.com (atulsondhi) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:53:00 +0000

If humanity has an `inadvertent’ death wish, it’s symbolized best in a piece of news by Reuters, tucked away in inside pages of most papers. The summit, says figures compiled by host Denmark, will produce 46,200 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to the annual output of over half a million Ethiopians! 5,700 tonnes will be created by the Summit, and a further 40,500 by attendees flights to Copenhagen!

So, going by how the conference is proceeding, it may end up adding more to the destruction of environment, than eliminating some of the negative factors. Fights over money, development, and perceived discrimination may be destroying our only hope of saving life on this planet.

Not so long ago, I was watching a programme on how Oxygen appeared in the atmosphere on FOX history channel. Well, it took a few billion years for earthlings to be ready to inhale the life-saver. But, going by the trend and inaction, it may take less than 300 to 400 years of development (starting with Industrial revolution) to destroy our very existence. Estimates vary on when this will happen, but no body is in doubt that it eventually will.

Still. I can sense a total inability, and willingness, to learn. Though some damage to environment may have been permanent, there is even reservation on tackling what all can be tackled. Looks like, there is a very strong death wish. The only pity is that this attitude may also end up in snuffing out the lives of all other species, who are not really responsible for this imminent collective suicide.

What a statement!

noreply@blogger.com (atulsondhi) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 03:01:00 +0000

There are times when statistics takes a backseat, especially, when there is too much of it, and sentiments are back to the centrestage. So more than the runs scored, some statements become more important by the time you sit down and analyse a game after witnessing an array of mind-boggling performances. Hence, it is a pity that Sehwag’s most important statement of the day did not get a mention in most Indian newspapers. The statement, which tells so eloquently about the simplicity of the man, as well as his respect for the class shown by the opposition.

Pioneer was the only paper (out of four which I get), which had highlighted Sehwag’s statement, the kind of which no cricketer in history may have uttered during any presentation. “I was not tense at all because I was supporting Sri Lanka” says Sehwag about the final stages of the match. ``I have this superstition that whenever I support India, we lose. So I was supporting Sri Lanka here and was never tense.’’ Possibly, the statement was as much about superstition, as about acknowledging the brilliance of Lanka. It also shows the simplicity and frank approach towards the game of a man, who may one day be rated on par with the best in history, if not already. Remember, Sehwag once said about the difference between Tendulkar and himself as something relating to the bank account!

I am sure people love this kind of approach. They want some kind of honesty and `coming straight out of heart’ speeches. After seeing Sri Lanka’s bold approach, I am sure many Indians would have not felt bad had the visitors won.

I, for sure, was supporting Lanka too during the end phases of the match. I am glad there was at least one Indian in the playing XI, who was supporting my team on that day, even though for reasons of superstition!

A Lesson of Mohali

noreply@blogger.com (atulsondhi) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:44:00 +0000

Some things are blessings in disguise. India giving away 17 runs off wides at Mohali was one such blessing. But for these extra runs, a world record chase would never have been possible, and the victory, certainly, not so sweet!

But in most matches such blessings can easily become a curse. Our calculations show that 16 more runs were added in 7th and 8th balls of such overs.

India, in all, gave away 33 runs off wides, and the extra deliveries. The massive 6 off the 7th ball of the final over was a fitting tribute to India's indiscipline. In a perfect case scenario, that is with no wides, Sri Lanka would have ended at 173 in their 20 overs, and not 206 in 23! The first 7 overs saw 14 runs off wide deliveries alone. And 8 runs off additional 9 balls meant 83/1 in 7 overs had 22 runs courtesy wrong line.

Of course, bowlers are likely to be more relaxed in a 50 over format and one can expect better control over line. That will be of utmost important as batsmen can't always be expected to repeat the performance of Mohali. No team in the world can afford to give so many runs free, and expect its winning momentum to continue. Even if it is India at home!

THE INTERVIEW THAT I MISSED

noreply@blogger.com (atulsondhi) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 08:03:00 +0000

It was a blazing knock played in body-numbing cold of January 2001, by an India discard. I was stationed with the TWI crew at Mohali, and brief was to somehow get exclusive interviews of Yuvraj Singh and RS Sodhi. The match, which witnessed a superb 150+ by Virender Sehwag, was a crucial Duleep Trophy encounter between North and West Zones.

Critical encounter it was, as India-Australia series was just about a month away. Big names like Zaheer, Rathore, Yuvraj, RS Sodhi, Dinesh Mongia were either trying to cement, or bag a place in the Indian squad. They looked too focused to pay any attention to TWI crew, and the situation was looking grim in terms of getting these two interviews. Of course, that nobody wanted any controversy did not help the matters.

Meanwhile, Sehwag was looking a forlorn figure. For this match, he was to come at 5th or 6th down and that was certainly not an ideal position to score big and impress the Indian selectors.

But, as the fate would have it, it turned out to be Sehwag's day. A brilliant 150+ at over run-a-ball saved North the blushes. It was a knock which even Ganguly mentioned in a later interview to TWI (a few days before the Australia series started but even he forgot Sehwag's name and used the word `Delhi batsman').

Soon after that knock, I was tempted to interview Sehwag instead of Yuvraj or Sodhi, but refrained from doing so as I felt it might not be carried. After all, it was a 1st class match and nobody felt Sehwag had a realistic chance of getting into the Indian team against Australia. I certainly did not want to interview Sehwag, and then disappoint him by not carrying it in the programme on DD.

On the last day of the match. I managed both Sodhi and Yuvraj and did not regret not interviewing Sehwag. Though, in the hindsight, I believe that I missed the most important exclusive interview of my career, which was there for the taking.

Of course, a month after Sourav's interview, Sehwag was drafted into the Indian team for Bangalore ODI against Australia. He scored 50 and bagged three wickets. The `Delhi batsman' was reborn and there was no looking back after that.

SHOULD TIGER BE LEFT ALONE?

noreply@blogger.com (atulsondhi) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 03:38:00 +0000

More than a decade ago, Karishma, then 18 or 19, featured in a song `sexy, sexy, sexy mujhe log boolein (people call me sexy, sexy, sexy). After a massive public outcry, words were later changed to `fancy, fancy, fancy muzhe log bolein'. Karishma cited her age in her defence. `I am just a teen,' said an anguished Karishma.

Well wishers asked media to leave her alone as `she was still gaining in maturity'. However, some analysts in media pointed out, and rightly so, that if she was mature enough to command lakhs of rupee, she was mature enough to face the music after taking such a `bold step on celluloid'.

Coming to Tiger's case, thanks to his excellent rapport with media and clean image, not to talk of near perfect golf, he managed to earn billions. Mind it. it was as much image as it was skill. In history, players like Agassi and Kournikova were still earning in millions in endorsements even when they were not winning tournaments. Just because of certain kind of image they portrayed.
Now Tiger thrived on the image of a gentleman, a family man, a dream friend to have. He earned the love and respect of billions as they perceived him to be a true gentleman.

Mind it, any lesser man would have fallen to the kind of temptations that he had. Most certainly, I would have faced with hundreds of such opportunities on offer every month. That's why, he was the man one could not cease to adore.

Now that he has shown that he is no different, he is getting the treatment he deserves. He could have stalled it by coming out clean within first 24, 48, 72 hours. He chose not to. He underestimated the damage his indiscretions will cause. Media is perfectly justified in hyping up the story. Tiger's version is still not there!

Honey, it's all about money!

noreply@blogger.com (atulsondhi) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 08:16:00 +0000

At a restaurant in Sydney, Jane was stunned to see a blonde rushing to her table, kissing her husband, saying a few words into his ear, and then rushing out with the same speed. What’s this and who’s she? The Angry wife demanded to know. Quickly judging that there was no way out, Peter replied, honestly, `she is my mistress’

Wife slapped him hard, and asked for divorce. `Sure’, said Peter, but cautioned her that `there will be no more vacations in Switzerland, no more shopping in Paris, and no beach house in Rio’

Just as Peter was about to finish, another woman appeared, reached out to another table, and kissed Joe, a family friend seated nearby.

Who is she? Jane asked Peter. `She is Joe’s mistress’, said Peter. `Well, ours is better’ said Jane and sat down again for a quiet dinner.

SO POSSIBLY, TIGER'S MARRIAGE WILL SURVIVE TOO! THERE IS SIMPLY TOO MUCH MONEY AT STAKE, FOR TIGER, FOR WIFE, FOR SPONSORS, FOR ADVERTISERS. THE INDICATIONS ARE ALREADY THERE.

Well, PGA tour is losing 50% of viewership, and brands like NIKE are possibly losing their biggest brand ambassador. Will they sit silently, and watch! Impossible! All the pressure will be on Tiger and his wife to somehow kiss and make up. It's not just Tiger's money and prestige which is at stake. Some Institutions are at a big risk of witnessing massive erosion in their credibility, and value

It is naive to even think that Tiger will be allowed to be away from golf from more than three-four months. Possibly, the temporary sabbatical will just be an attempt to show that the patch up is a sincere attempt to genuinely forgive and forget. In the end, you will get a mellowed down Tiger who continues to be as good at golf as he was before his wife clubbed him; a wife who may sulk occasionally but will accept the dark reality of the past and move on.

Fans will accept that Tiger is a human after all. NIKE will get its brand back, slightly less valuable but still eminently sellable. The only persons, who will not have a selfish motive in seeing the patch-up, will be couple's two children. They would have welcomed the patch up, if it happens which it should, even if Tiger was not so rich and not so famous!

Not the tiger we know!

noreply@blogger.com (atulsondhi) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:08:00 +0000

It was the winter of 2001. And Tiger was standing just 2 feet away from us. His 2nd shot from fareway had landed little outside the green, just where we had our camera crew stationed. I could sense the increasing heartbeat of the Chinese ladies at Missions Hills as tiger truged his way to the spot, a little disapointed but eager to make amends with a birdie.

A picture of poise, Tiger did manage a birdie from a very difficult position (it was a 25-30 foot putt). His female legion of fans clapped loudly, but the only thing which stopped the ladies assembled there from whistling was that they were knowledgable about the game, and the decorum. Tiger just took of his cap, and gave an innocent smile. That was all!

At that time (and, as we know now, for 8 more years) Tiger had the reputation of being a formidable rival, but gentleman to the core. A man who was most likely to bow down on his knees to kiss the hand of the ladies and, like old time knights, ask them for a dance.

He was indeed a role model. The top sportsman of the world (there was no roger federer then) who could have beaten the likes of Shane Warne hollow in his game, if he wanted to. Unfortunately, over the years, Tiger's resistance seems to have melted. The numbers of affairs tumnbling out of the closet are a clear pointer to his indiscretions.

But more than his affairs, what stinks about this whole episode is that the man tried to use money to ensure that his marriage remains intact. Attempts to bribe his wife to remain his wife must be a most pathetic attempt. Possibly, he could have saved his marriage had he tried to come clean as soon as the first reports had appeared. Celebrities can't always resist temptations, but at least they can behave like gentlemen.

Mumbaikars will rather be secure, than brave

noreply@blogger.com (atulsondhi) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:51:00 +0000

Mumbaikars deserve a pat on the back. They are indeed our role models. Despite all the riots and terrorism, they come back again and again, and with all their might. They are quick to bury the ghosts of fear, delivered by an inept political system, as they wage the battle of livelihood on almost daily basis. But do they have any alternative?

Given a choice, many of them would like to settle in less expensive, less congested and more secure cities. But is there a choice? The lack of many attractive employment opportunities elsewhere may be forcing many of them to stay put and battle it out.

Terrorism in trains, pavements, and hotels fails to deter them. But bravery is less of a factor here. Their, and families, lives are so much intervined with these means of livelihood. They have to be brave. Simply no alternative. They are like people travelling on two-wheelers, who know that roads are dangerous for such vehicles, but still forced to travel by them.

Given a choice between bravery and safety, one would not be surprised if there is 100% vote in favour of safety. And that is what the political system needs to deliver. So that people are not forced to make supreme sacrifices in future. The families of martyrs will surely be proud of them, but secretly they would also wish that 26/11 had never happened.

A nightmarish session for Lankans

noreply@blogger.com (atulsondhi) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 06:22:00 +0000

Call it the Pressure of chasing over 600 runs, call it some poor shot selection, call it never-say-die spirit of Sreesanth -- the fact is that just one good session by Indian bowlers in the current series has put India on the top. Going by the way things have gone in the morning session, SL could well be playing their second innings post-tea. Unless, J2 factor comes into play again.

Sometimes, just one good session is what it takes for a team to turn the series on its head. And India had to wait for good 22 sessions for a session like this. In contrast, Lanka took four or more wickets thrice in a session. 1st was on the 1st morning of Ahmedabad test, 2nd was the first session of day two at Ahmedabad, and third was yesterday evening at Kanpur when India lost 6 wickets post-tea while Lanka lost Dilshan.

Out of these four sessions won by the bowlers in their battle against batsmen, only one can be dubbed as a real genuine one when none of the teams were under any pressure. That was on day one when Lanka had India reeling at 32/4 at one stage. Immaculate line and length by Weledegara doing all the damage on the morning of 1st test.

The other three performances were more due to complacency of batsmen, or the fact that tailenders were batting, or the sheer pressure of a massive total. Still all credit to Sreesanth for ensuring that Sri Lanka remained on the back-foot. He showed tremendous attitude and application. At times, it takes just one inspired spell to ensure that the fate conspires against the opposition.

Lanka may believe that they were little unlucky that their edges rattled the stumps, while edges during indian innings missed stumps by miles. But they will also accept the fact that it was poor shot selection, and even poorer feet movement, which led to the dismissal of some of their highly-rated batsmen. Lanka have a very steep climb from now on, and it will need a miracle for them to draw this test. Just one poor session may have done them in.

Indians don't disappoint on dead track

noreply@blogger.com (atulsondhi) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:55:00 +0000

The pitch for the first 5 sessions of Kanpur test has been an absolute beauty to bat on. The exploits of top six Indian batsmen, especially the way they scored their runs, shows how easy it was to stay and get runs at a healthy average through classical strokes alone. The Top six batsmen scored 612 runs, with as many as 171 coming from Cover region alone.

The right-handed batsmen in the Indian team (Sehwag, Dravid, tendulkar and Laxman) completely relished the opportunity to score some easy runs, and played some authentic cover drives. 117 of the 378 runs of right-handers came from cover region alone. The top right-handed batsmen played more in front of the wicket. The area between Cover and Midwicket accounted for 251 (66%) of their runs, while the areas between square leg and Point accounted for just 34% .

Ditto for the Left-handers. 54 runs off the blades of Yuvraj and Gambhir came from Cover area, while 40 were scored off mid off region. The track afforded the opportunity to assault the Lankans with minimum risk. And the top six batsmen did accomplish that with great merit to put India in a position of extreme strength. A position from where the hosts simply can't lose.

Dump such tracks

noreply@blogger.com (atulsondhi) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:55:00 +0000

In normal circumstances, I would love to see the belligerence of Sehwag, poise of Gambhir, method in Dravid's display, genius of Sachin and artistry of Laxman. I welcome the very sight of them outwitting the bowlers, and cherish the runs they compile. But certainly not on tracks like these.

The essential ingredient in their masterly display is invariably outwitting the bowlers of calibre. But where does the question of outwitting arise on such tracks. The guile of the likes of Mendis and Murali goes all in vain and just getting the ball past the bat, once or twice, becomes a tremendous achievement.

It is debatable that departure of Sehwag without scoring today could have signalled a collapse. Even if there were to be a mini collapse, Lankan bowlers, like at Ahmedabad, could have never hoped to run through the Indian batting line up. No pace, no spin, no life makes mockery of Test cricket, which, the past artistes, dub as a fair contest between bat and ball.

Instead of preparing pitches where a match could go unfinished even after seven-eight days of cricket, it is better to have pitches where a match ends in 3-4 days. I will certainly not mind a pitch where a ball turns from day one and give as a match as interesting as India vs Pak at B'lore (1986-87) or matches when Kumble was at his peak.

Let there be dusty, spinning, lethal tracks. The tracks that make spinners rub their hands in glee and ensure results. These tracks will also ensure that both the teams are always in the match. Not like the tussle at Kanpur, which may already have eliminated one result from the equation -- a win for the visitors.