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Virender Shewag Dropped for Australia Tests, Is it all over?

2013-03-07T23:51:00.001+05:30

Dashing Opener Virender Sehwag has been axed from ongoing Australian tests which were scheduled to play in Mohali and Delhi. Former Captain Sourav Ganguly feels this is harsh decision taken by the selectors to drop match winning player like Viru.

Virender Sehwag dropped for Australia Tests of Home Series

All eyes were on India’s team selection for remaining tests, as expected the Delhi batsmen has lost his way out from the team. Earlier, his partner Gautam Gambhir has also been omitted for Australia series due to lack of form.

BCCI Secretary Sanjay Jagdale announced the 14 member squad in which selectors decided against picking a replacement for Sehwag. However, off-spinner Harbhajan Singh who was shaky has retained his spot. There was no replacement in place of Sehwag, which suggest that either Shikhar Dhawan or Ajinkya Rahane might find a place in final playing XI.

34-year-old Sehwag has failed to perform in 5 consecutive Tests after scoring a century in the opening game against England in home series at Ahmedabad in November-December last year. Later, he was failed meet the expectations in New Zealand Test series. Viru has only managed 198 runs in 8 innings of Australia series.

Meanwhile, Rahul Dravid earlier stated that selectors need to take a call on Sehwag. By the exclusion of Virender Sehwag selectors made it clear that any player who is out of form will be dropped looking ahead of Indian cricket future. Selectors are keen to encourage young talents as Team India will be travelling to South Africa and New Zealand later this year.

Sourav Ganguly shared his views saying that, Sehwag is a game changer unfortunately he has been failed to perform consistently, but sure he will make his comeback grand. Dada also hinted there by omitting Viru will now put more pressure on Bhaji. So Hrabhajan should take 5-wicket haul in his next outing?

Dravid felt that Sehwag can be dropped down the batting order and by giving chance to open in home advantage for a new player, will boost his confidence to face some of the best bowling attacks of South Africa with likes of Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander in overseas.

The Prince of Kolkata hinted a word of advice to Viru ‘Don't give up, go and play county cricket and you will come back stronger.’ However, Sehwag vowed to make his comeback to Indian Team.

Indian squad: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Capt.), Sachin Tendulkar, Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Harbhajan Singh, Pragyan Ojha, Ishant Sharma, Ashok Dinda, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Dhoni surpass Ganguly, Most Successful Test Captain

2013-03-05T18:21:00.001+05:30

MS Dhoni becomes India's Best Test Captain to go past Sourav Ganguly, with India's humiliating win against Australia with innings and 135 run win in 2nd test Hyderabad.

Dhoni overtakes Ganguly, India Most Successful Test Captain

It was Dhoni's 22nd win as Test Capatain in his 45 Tests, with a siginificant winning percentage 47, and in process he goes past most aggressive and decisive former captain Sourav Ganguly's record of 21 victories from 49 Tests. Ganguly's feet of 21 Test wins stood for eight years before Dhoni overtook him after inflicting another humiliating loss on Australia. Ganguly is reckoned as India's most successful captain in all formats.

MS Dhoni's achievement is also worth notice because his 22 wins have come in 45 matches while Ganguly captained India in 49 Tests. What differs Dhoni from Ganguly is the fact that Ganguly had more wins outside of India but the former has more time on his hands now, it seems. Dhoni's latest feat comes after he had previously led the team to title triumphs at the World Twenty20 in South Africa in 2007, and in the 50-over World Cup in India in 2011. There was also the No. 1 ranking in Test cricket, which India held between December 2009 and August 2011.

Also, Dhoni has already achieved what Ganguly never managed - a win in South Africa and New Zealand - but still has to prove his worth in Australia and England.

Dhoni has recorded more wins in fewer games than Ganguly. Dhoni also has three overseas wins, one each in New Zealand, South Africa and the West Indies. Besides Dhoni and Ganguly, lets check some of Indian Captain stats as well...Mohammed Azharuddin is third in list with 14 wins, followed by Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi and Sunil Gavaskar are tied on fourth with nine wins each.

Player	Matches	Won	Lost	Draw	Tied	Win %	Loss %
MS Dhoni	45	22	12	11	0	47.72	27.27
Sourav Ganguly	49	21	13	15	0	42.85	26.53
Mohammed Azharuddin	47	14	14	19	0	29.78	29.72
Sunil Gavaskar	47	9	8	30	0	19.14	17.02
M. A. K. Pataudi	40	9	19	12	0	22.50	47.5
Rahul Dravid	25	8	6	11	0	32.00	24.00
BS Bedi	22	6	11	5	0	27.27	50.00
Ajit Wadekar	16	4	4	8	0	25.00	25.00
Kapil Dev	34	4	7	22	1	11.76	20.58
Sachin Tendulkar	25	4	9	12	0	16.00	36.00

However, Dhoni captaincy came under sever criticism after India's summer of England in 2011, as they lost series with 4-0 and also whitewashed by Australians in their soil in 2012. Later India lost home series to Englishmen to 2-1 on home soil since 1984-85. So, Dhoni's captaincy will be more scrutinised in abroad test.....

India defeat Australia, with innings and 135 runs in 2nd Test Hyderbad

Hope, India comes good under the captaincy of MS Dhoni to retain ICC Test Team..

Novak Djokovic Wins 4th Dubai Open Title

2013-03-05T15:36:00.001+05:30

Novak Djokovic defeats Tomas Berdych 7-5, 6-3 in the finals of Dubai Duty Free Championship 2013 on Saturday. There by, Djokovic extended his unbeaten winning streak run to 18 matches as he clinches to Dubai Open title for the 4th time.

Djokovic Defeats Bedrych At Dubai Open Finals 2013

World No.1 Novak Djokovic extended his unbeaten streak this year to 13 matches by beating third-seeded Tomas Berdych, 7-5, 6-3, on Saturday in the Dubai Championships in the United Arab Emirates. Djokovic has outclassed Berdych for the 13 times in their 14 meetings.

Serbian Novak Djokovic won his fifth title in six as he clinched a fourth Dubai Open title with a 7-5, 6-3 win over Tomas Berdych. Djokovic has played with lots of confidence which was evident in his game rather than of his opponent, Bedrych. World No.6 from the Czech Republic, who knocked down defending champion Roger Federer in semi-finals couldn't cable show the same intent in finals of Dubai Open 2013.

25-year-old Dojokovic played with an athletically aggressive performance, where as Bedrych has some moments to cherish. Tomas Bedrych had chances to take control of the first set, as he got first blood by breaking Djokovic serve, later in the game he missed 3 chances to consolidate it, and also narrowly failed to convert three crucial break points as well. However, those little small errors were too many to deal with for defeating a class act of Novak Djokovic.

Coming off from, Australian Open 2013 title five weeks ago Dubai Open 2013 is something very sweet one, said Djokovic. He continued saying that, he wasn't the one who loves to play on the fast, super-fast surfaces like this one. But winning he is happy for his past week performances in the tournament and looking forward for the year’s opening Masters event getting under way at Indian Wells next week.

Novak Djokovic Wins 4th Dubai Open Title

Federer, Djokovic advances into Dubai Semi-finals 2013

2013-03-01T16:28:00.001+05:30


Federer eyes Dubai Open

Defending Champion Roger Federer and world no.1 Novak Djokovic enters semi-finals of Dubai ATP Open 2013. Federer defeated Russia's Nikolay Davydenko 6-2, 6-2, while Djokovic suprassed Andreas Seppi with a trampling 6-0, 6-3, continuing his unbeaten rally of 11 in 2013.

Both Swiss maestro Federer and Serbian star Djokovic are now just a foot away from final showdown of Dubai Open 2013. Former world no.1, Roger Federer has once again proved that he is master class by winning quarters match against 5-time champion Nikolay Davydenko, with impressive score line 6-2, 6-2 and in only 54 minutes. Fedex earned semi-final berth against Tomas Berdych by defeating D. Tursunov withy 6-3, 6-2.


Djokovic enter Dubai Open Semis

Meanwhile, 7 Time grand slam champion extended his winning streak to 11 in 2013, by trashing Andreas Seppi with score tag of 6-0, 6-3. Serbian seemed to be unstoppable and will be hard to overcome this macho man of tennis. And now, Djokovic will be facing former US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro, who defeated Daniel Brands 6-4, 6-2 in quarter-finals of Dubai Duty Free Championship.

It seems to be Roger Federer Vs Novak Djokovic Dubai Open finals 2013. Will, 17 Time grand slam champion will chance his luck to overcome Novak Djokovic to regain his world no.1 crown or Novak Djokovic continues his unbeaten streak to surpass all time legend?!

Is Roger Federer Era Came to End?

2013-02-04T12:05:00.000+05:30

Roger Federer, the Swiss Maestro, who has 17-Grand slam titles in his career and held the ATP number one position for a record 237 consecutive weeks and 302 weeks as World's no.1 player. He has got nothing to prove as the Swiss Maestro has achieved literally everything successful as a tennis player would dream of. However, his recent outings on court have ended in a bad taste against Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, but for tennis lovers and his followers, it would be too early to believe that its time up for this Swiss Ace.

31-year-old Federer, who has lost 2013 Australian Open semi finals to his rival World No. 3 Andy Murray in thrilling five sets, he will be working hard in training session along with his coach Paul Annacone on his weapons. Swiss legend has been standing at No. 2 place with 10,265 points, while Djokovic grabs No 1 place with 12920 points in ATP Rankings. Swiss legend is trailing by 2655 points to Djokovic top spot and he is eyeing to show best performance in the upcoming tournaments.

Meanwhile, World No. 3 Andy Murray has been playing best tennis of his career and he is having ability to stun Federer on the ATP Tour Scot needs to play consistent tennis to clinch more ATP Tour titles including Grand Slams. Rafel Nadal, who is coming out of knee surgery is aiming high to upset all his competitors. So one has to wait and see who can get their hands on World No.1 Title in 2013.

Former World No. 1 Roger Federer is going to return back to top form for the upcoming ATP Tournament at the 2013 ABN AMRO World Tennis, which will begin this month on indoor hard courts in UAE. Federer is likely to be seeded as No. 2 ahead of the Novak Djokovic as No. 1 at the 2013 ABN AMRO World Tennis tournament.

Let hope that Roger Federer can clinch the world no.1 rank and continue his dominance in world tennis...!!!!!!!!!

Sachin Tendulkar Announces Retirement - Calls it a Day

2012-12-23T19:16:00.002+05:30

Sachin Tendulkar announces retirement form One-Day Internationals after playing 463 matches with 18,426 runs. Finally, after all the media reports asking Sachin to retire, he calls it day but not from Test format.

Sachin stated that “I have decided to retire from the One Day format of the game, i feel blessed to be part of World Cup wining Indian team. Fulfilling his dream to win a World Cup 2011 and preparatory process to World Cup 2015 should begin right now! Sachin thanked all his well wishers for their support and love over the years. The Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar wished the India to have bright days in the future. Sachin said that, India should look for new talent to defend title in 2015!!

God of Cricket Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar is considered as one of the greatest batsmen of all times, in ODIs and his statistics say that Sachin is by far the most successful one-day batsman in history of cricket.

	Matches	Runs	Batting Avg	100s	50s
ODI	463	18426	44.83	49	96
Test	194	15645	54.32	51	66
T20	1	10	10	-	-
IPL	64	2047	37.90	1	12

39-year-old Tendulkar played 463 ODIs and made a record 18,426 runs with 49 hundreds and 96 half-centuries. His last ODI appearance was earlier this year in the Asia Cup against Pakistan in Dhaka, where he scored 50 in a winning knock. Incidentally, his first ODI appearance also was against Pakistan - way back in December 18, 1989 in Karachi where he failed to trouble the scorers

Little Master, Sachin played a key role in India's 2011 World Cup triumph in the sub-continent. He was also the first batsman to score 200 runs in an ODI innings, against South Africa in Gwalior in 2010. Earlier he stated that winning world cup is the proudest moment of his life. He went to say that, “I couldn't control my tears of joy” after fulfilling his dream in his home ground.

His recent doesn’t reflect his career stats as he is leading run scorer in ODI’s and second-best in the list, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, has already retired from the game with 13,704. Next to them is, Sri Lanka's retired great Sanath Jayasuriya occupies the third spot in the overall chart with 13,430 runs.

Sachin Batting Performance:

	Matches	Innings	Runs	N.O	Best	Bat Avg	100s	50s	4’s	6’s	Catches
ODI	463	452	18426	41	200	44.83	49	96	2016	195	140
Test	194	320	15645	32	248	54.32	51	66	2024	67	114
T20	1	1	10	-	10	10.00	-	-	2	-	1

Besides his batting, Tendulkar was an effective partnership-breaking bowler and finishes his ODI career with 154 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls.

Sachin Bowling Performance:

	Matches	Balls	Runs	Wickets	Best	Avg	Eco	S/R	5’s	10’s
ODI	463	8054	6850	154	5-32	44.48	5.11	52.3	2	-
Test	194	4186	2459	45	3-10	54.64	3.53	93.02	-	-
T20	1	15	12	1	1-12	12	5.22	15	-	-

Sachin Tendulkar's Test records are as awe-inspiring. The right-hander has 15,645 runs at an average of 54.32 in 194 Tests that he has played so far. The tally includes 51 hundreds and 66 half-centuries.

Where India Cricket Future Stands?

2012-10-03T19:41:00.001+05:30

After losing their way out from ICC T20 World Cup 2012, the questions raises in every Indian mind is where it's time to move with leadership after-all Dhoni finishes his 5 years captaincy. Is this Indian team lead by MS Dhoni capable of winning other major cup of ICC?

Dhoni captaincy came under firing line when he dropped Shewag in all important clash with Aussies, and last night, when Rohit Sharma came into the attack ahead of R Ashwin. He said that, ‘I am a great believer in the present’, that doesn't seems to be enough now, India needs to plan for the future.

Team India seems to be in trouble at every single corner of the game, as their opening pair yet to fire they last scored 100-run partnership in Tests came way back in December 2010. Delhi pair, Gambhir has issues with his footwork while Sehwag’s fitness worries are now starting to affect his game as well, they were looking badly out of form.....

Is Irfan Pathan the only all-rounder we have, he might be good with ball but his batting abilities doesn't meet all-rounder abilities in any manner, compared to Shane Watson (Aus). Neither do Piyush Chawla, R Ashwin, Harbhajan Singh are bidding for ll-rounder position with their batting abilities. Only hope for us is Yuvraj Singh, who battled out cancer for several months entered without any match practice. He did exceptional job with ball, still not in his hitting zone, big worries for India:(

Zaheer Khan is a class act but that doesn't speak his performance, he struggles in T20 are very apparent. Zak bowling style much suited to long formats but in T20s! Does India really need him Zaheer in T20 cricket?

The Rohit Sharma question looms large once again. Almost 5 years in international cricket, what is Rohit Sharma’s standing? His average for the tournament is 41.00. Rhoit's 25 off 27 balls in the match against South Africa makes one wonder what’s really happening with him. In every match he was shunted up and down the order. That could not have been easy for him.

There is only one positive hope for Indian Cricket grooming is none other than Virat Kholi. He has been outstanding though out the tournament; will Kholi be leading next Team India for next T20 World Cup?

Are you with Dhoni or Kholi with young guns for next ICC World T20???????

Push in your thoughts with us....!!!!!!!!!!..........

Maria Sharapova, Sasha Vujacic to get Married in November

2012-06-02T15:05:00.002+05:30

Former World No. 1 Maria Sharapova and her long time beau Sasha Vujacic is all set to get married in this November. Sharapova wedding date is set and their wedding ceremony is likely to be gathered in Istanbul.

Maria Sharapova has been in relation with Vujacic from 2009, and has been dating form them. The duo love to spend time together as they were snapped many times roaming around and having some real fun with each other. Recently, Sharapova said that she and her fiancee planning to be all one, by walking down the aisle and do all the wedding premisses. They decide that Istanbul will the most romantic place to held the wedding ceremony, as Vujacic also leaves here in Istanbul. Sasha Vujacic is a former Los Angeles Lakers star and presently plays for Anadolu Efes Basketball club in Istanbul.

Earlier, Russian beauty Sharapova and Vujacic, her longtime boyfriend have planned to get married in August. But Sharapova prolonged her wedding due to 2012 London Olympics at All England Club. As per the reports couple has set 10th November as their wedding date, but they have not announced any official date right now.

24-year-old Maria Sharapova has been playing really well in 2012 French Open tournament in Paris and one of the favourite contenders to win title. Sharapova advances into 3rd round where she will be playing againg S. Peng June 2 at Roland Garros. World No. 2 is looking to gain back the top spot in the WTA Rankings, by winning French Open 2012 crown.

CSK lost to KXIP slims IPL 5 play-offs chances

2012-05-18T16:17:00.001+05:30

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) yesterdays' lost against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) has just tightened their screws of making into play-offs of (IPL 5) Indian Premier League V 2012.

In the all important game Chennai has played more uncharacteristic game and kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Big names like MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Murali Vijay were never upto their mark, but never take away credit from KXIP bowlers. They performed really well Awaana was key in restricting Chennai to modest total of 120. he seems to be the rising star, Azhar Mahmood and Pyush Chawala backed up him.

DJ Bravo has been the outstanding performer of CSK in this season. Bravo once again played very crucial innings for his team he along with Albie Morkel tried to shift the gears in 16^th over, but it was too late where they were place at 78/5 at that point. Bravo felt 2 runs short of 50, and CSK managed to score 120/7 in 20.0 overs.

Return of Adam Gilchrist proved to be very important in a must win game, where he stood the ground and finished game for his team. Chasing 120 was never so difficult in a T20 game but without any big names in their line-up KXIP did a decent job to pull a crucial win. Gilly unbeaten 63 was packed firehouse shots all over the park and he seems to be in hurry to finish the game off early, to improve their net run rate as well.

So here ends the CSK journey in league stages ending up with 17 points in IPL point table and placed in #4 now. Meanwhile, KXIP run for play-offs is still alive with one game to play still, KXIP vs. DD on 19 May, 2012.

As Delhidare Devils and Kolkata Knight Riders are already qualified to play-off of IPL 5 2012. there is a stiff competition for 3 and 4 places, who will be making to the play-offs are not yet confirmed. Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Kings XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bangalore are bidding for those places. Indian Premier League is still pretty much alive with all these top teams fighting hard.

Rahul Dravid

2012-02-29T15:53:00.004+05:30

A liquid material minded person to fit in the container given to him. After the couple of test series lost in England and Australia, regained his energy and joined in the IPL 2012 camp today. He is the captain of Rajasthan Royals team. Eagerly waiting to see how he will lead the team and what the miracles he is going to do.............

MS Dhoni: Best finisher ever

2012-02-16T10:59:00.003+05:30

Indian skipper, MS Dhoni is considered as the best finisher in the present ODI cricket. Dhoni even rated the beat of all the greats like Michael Beavan Lance Klusener, Abdul Razzaq and Jonty Rhodes.

India has just finished two most tense and most thrilling games on the ongoing CB series in Australia. Dhoni played two absolute gem of innings to finish the game. But not to take the credit from Gambhir’s bat as he played most difficult part of the innings in both the games, but finishing off games is most important in one-day cricket. The two consecutive knocks at Adelaide retell Dhoni’s reputation as one of the finest finishers in the one-day game.

Even Dhoni’s rivals accept the fact that he is bet finisher in the ODI cricket. Australian skipper Michael Clarke was left feel sorry about his team’s fate after Dhoni chased down the 13 runs in the last over and takes India to victory. In match against Sri Lanka Dhoni played really well to finish the game in tie, where India needed 4 from 1 ball. Dhoni placed it over cover fielder for 3 runs, and there are no words of Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene over the tie what could be a possible win for them.

However, Dhoni stated that it was very difficult to bat low-down the order and win games. He credits his teammate Yuvraj Singh as the best finisher, Yuvi the only one consistent batsman lower down the order was at number six, who bats really well. Dhoni admits that no job in one-day cricket is as difficult as that of a finishing. A player has to be able to hit big yet be capable of manipulating the field with deft placements. He needs to be an excellent judger of a run and must have the speed to convert a singles into a doubles.

Captain cools’ stats suggest that He is nest finisher ever the cricketing world has witnessed. Dhoni has remained notout in 30 of India's 49 successful run chases and scored at an average of 104.89. Despite, - Michael Bevan, Lance Klusener, Abdul Razzaq and Jonty Rhodes who were considered best in finishing the games were nowhere near to Dhoni. Dhoni has played 200 matches and stayed unbeaten 50 times or in every fourth innings of his career. With 44 fifties and 7 centuries, Dhoni is scoring at least a half century in every 4 innings.

MS Dhoni’s stats in successful run-chases:

M	I	NO	Runs	Avg	100s	50s	Highest
62	49	30	1993	104.89	2	14	183*

Dhoni’s record in successful run-chases since he took up captaincy:

M	I	NO	Runs	Avg	100s	50s	Highest
37	30	18	1123	93.58	1	8	101*

List of successful run-chasers in ODI:

Player	M	I*	NO	Runs	Avg	100s	50s	Highest
MS Dhoni	62	49	30	1993	104.89	2	14	183*
Michael Clarke	58	44	24	1784	89.20	3	15	105*
Michael Bevan	75	45	25	1725	86.25	3	12	107
Misbah-ul-Haq	34	24	14	859	85.90	0	7	93*
Michael Hussey	49	25	17	671	83.87	0	3	75*
Graham Thorpe	26	21	9	849	70.75	0	9	82
Shane Watson	46	34	9	1759	70.36	5	9	185*
Hansie Cronje	54	43	19	1682	70.08	0	15	94*

Rahul Dravid is considered as ‘Wall’ of Indian Cricket in test.

Is MS Dhoni fit for the mane ‘THE WALL’ in One-day cricket?

Slip in your thoughts with us………………!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Novak Djokovic pulls out of BNP Paribas Masters 2011

2011-11-13T17:30:00.003+05:30

World No.1 Novak Djokovic has pulled out of 2011 BNP Paribas Masters, due to his sore shoulder and apologized to his fans.

Novak Djokovic reached to quarters and is due to fight with French favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, but sadly Djokovic has withdrawn from the tournament. It is clear that Djokovic is looking to regain his full fitness ahead of the ATP Tour Finals at London’s O2 Arena.

The man-in-form, Djokovic wrote on his Twitter page saying that ‘Dear fans and friends, the ATP Tour Finals at London’s O2 Arena’. He added that he has been pushing himself to make available for ATP Tour Finals at London’s O2 Arena. After his qualifying match for quarters, his shoulder got injury got even worse and so he decided to withdraw from the Paris Masters. Djokovic added that as a professional player his soul urges him to lay for last drop of energy.

The Serbian quoted that he is very sorry for all who bought tickets and wanted to come to watch him play. His season has been long and exhausting, he played all of his matches at highest level, and now his body is hurting for recovery.

However it is rumoured that Djokovic only played at Paris for bonus price money of $1.6 million after skipping Shangai Masters.

Rafael Nadal pulls out of 2011 Paris Masters

2011-11-04T16:04:00.002+05:30

World No.2 Rafael Nadal pulls out of 2011 BNP Paribas Masters tournament, schedule to play in Paris next week.

The 10-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal has posted a message on his Facebook page that, he has withdrawn from the next week’s 2011 BNP Paribas Masters tournament held in Paris. Nadal said, it’s been a tough decision taken by him and hopes to return back to 2011 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals begin from 20th November at Arena O2 in London. Rafa added that he will return back to Paris Masters in 2012 season in the most beautiful city in the world.

The King of clay court Rafael Nadal has played his last tournament at Shanghai Rolex Masters tournament, although he made an early exit from the tournament, where he lost to Florian Mayer of Germany in two sets in the third round. Nadal has played well at Japan Open last month, but couldn’t overcome the title short against World No. 3 ranked Andy Murray.

The 25-year-old has been working hard in the training sessions at his home town at Manacor, before heading into the 2011 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London. Nadal even concentrating to regain his fitness and working hard along with his uncle Miguel Angel Nadal and physical trainer Maymo, where he sustained foot injury at the US Open in August.

Maria Sharapova slips to No.4 in WTA Rankings

2011-11-02T20:16:00.001+05:30

Former World No.1 Maria Sharapova slips to No.4 in WTA Rankings while WTA Champion Petra Kvitova has top the WTA rankings this week with No.2 in the world.

2011 Wimbledon champion, Petra Kvitova has shown an outstanding performance in the finals of the 2011 WTA Championships defaeting Belarusian, Victoria Azarenka in three set thriller with 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 to clinch her sixth title of the 2011. This win ensured Petra Kvitiva a career high No.2 ranking in the world. Petra Kvitova with a total of 7370 WTA ranking points stands 115 points behind the Caroline Wozniacki world no.1.

Denmark player Caroline Wozniacki having won 6-WTA titles this season, has been the world No.1 for the second successive year with a total of 7485 WTA rankings points. 2011 WTA championship runner-up, Victoria Azarenka has sealed her place in No.3 of the WTA Rankings with a total of 6520 points winning 3-titles in 2011.

Maria Sharapova has been dropped to fourth after being withdrawn from the 2011 WTA championship, due to an ankle injury. She has a total of 6510 WTA ranking points. Howvever, Li Na and Samantha Stosur have placed No.5 and No.6 in WTA Rankings.

Rank	Name	Points
1	Caroline Wozniacki (Den)	7485
2	Petra Kvitova (Czech)	7370
3	Victoria Azarenka (Blrl)	6520
4	Maria Sharapova (Rus)	6510
5	Na Li (CHN)	5720
6	Samantha Stosur (Aus)	5585
7	Vera Zvonareva (Rus)	5435
8	Agnieszka Radwanska (Pol)	5252
9	Marion Bartoli (Fra)	4710
10	Andrea Petkovic (Ger)	4580

Yuvraj Singh: My best years are yet to come

2011-11-02T20:11:00.003+05:30

Yuvraj Singh has played most crucial role for India in World Cup winning team. Yuvraj Singh believes that his best years as a cricketer are ‘yet to come’. The elegant left-hander is trying hard to cement his place in Indian Test squad where he is striving to restart his Test career.

India's middle-order batsman Yuvraj Singh is not a permanent member of Test squad, he was considered as one-day batsman. Yuvi lost his place in the Test side after the Sri Lanka series in past year, but the stylish left-hander said that he wants to be remembered as a good Test cricketer after retirement.

Yuvi thinks that it is the right time to focus on his Test career and wanted to be remembered as a good batsman in the longer format of the game. Yuvraj quoted that he always wanted to give his best shot whenever he is out in the field irrespective of formats, but unfortunately injury are real concerns for him. The upcoming series against the West Indies and Australia, He expressed his desire to score big and make his mark in the Test format. Yuvi stated that he wants to restructure his Test career and he will be raising the standard of his game.

29-years-old Yuvraj said, he has matured as a player after going through various ups and downs in his career, he almost saw the both sides of the coin and his injury/fitness really worried him a lot. Yuvi claims that his best years are yet to come, making sure that he is fully fit after a long injury layoff. Yuvraj stated that his career has been damaged by a lot of injury issues but he think it's on the right path now. Yuvi feels that his best is yet to come as lot of cricket is still left in him.

After returning back home from England tour with an injury, he worked hard toward his training. Yuvi said that his body took a lot of toll in the past one year due to injury issues. And they are no more injuries with him and he is looking forward to make his mark in Test cricket and India will be playing with West Indies at home for 3 Test and 5 ODI’s.

Novak Djokovic tops ATP Rankings

2011-11-02T16:52:00.003+05:30

The Serbian Novak Djokovic, who has dream year of 2011 as he clinched 10-titles this season is tops the ATP rankings, after the clinching the Wimbledon title at the All England Club in London. Novak Djokovic has total of 13,295 points at No.1 in ATP rankings this week.

Former No.1 Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray, who is bidding for No.1, are staying next behind Djokovic for the second successive week standing No.2 and No.3 in the ATP rankings. Swiss Maestro Roger Federer dropped to No.4 ranking in the ATP, after Murray claiming the title triumph at Shanghai Masters has a total of 5,185 points.

Meanwhile 30-year-old Federer competing in this week home tournament, and trying almost he could to move his plac

e to top-3 of the ATP rankings by the end of 2011 season. There are only few changes have been done in this week’s top-10, as Jo-Wilfred Tsonga winning the title at Vienna Open has earned 500-points to move to No.7 in the ATP rankings while, Mardy Fish has been dropped to No.8.

Rank	Name	Points
1	Novak Djokovic (SRB)	13295
2	Rafael Nadal (ESP)	9500
3	Andy Murray (GBR)	7200
4	Roger Federer (SUI)	5815
5	David Ferrer (ESP)	4300
6	Tomas Berdych (CZE)	2940
7	Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA)	2890
8	Mardy Fish (USA)	2875
9	Nicolas Almagro (ESP)	2370
10	Janko Tipsarevic (SRB)	2305

Sebastian Vettel: Indian first F1 Grand Prix winner

2011-10-31T17:25:00.001+05:30

Red Bull's champion Sebastian Vettel wins inaugural Indian F1 Grand Prix held at new Buddh International Circuit, Delhi on October 30, 2011.

Spectacular motor racing action thrilled a sell-out crowd of 95,000 people at Greater Noida's Buddh International Circuit on Sunday. As Germany's Sebastian Vettel won 11th time this season for Red Bulls. Where many celebrities of India sports stars, movie stars were in the attendance.

McLaren's Jenson Button and Ferrari's Fernando Alonso finished the top three in the India’s first F1 race. The action of first Indian Grand Prix was started when India’s batting great Sachin Tendulkar waved the chequeed flag with a huge cheers rise from the stands after the national anthem, the first big international sporting event after the Commonwealth Games.

Sebastian Vettel led from start to finish, constructing a comfortable lead and finishing 8.4 seconds ahead of McLaren's Jenson Button, with Ferrari's Fernando Alonso a distant third at the Buddh International Circuit. Meanwhile, Red Bull's Mark Webber was fourth, ahead of the Mercedes pair of Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg. Sebastian Vettel has 11 wins this season, and victories in the final two races in Brazil and Abu Dhabi and eying for a world record of 13 wins in a season by Michael Schimacher. Vettel turned in a flawless performance, leading every lap and posting the fastest lap.

The German said that it’s all in all it was a smooth race, the car was very well balanced, and he is very proud to be the first winner in India F1. However, the race witnessed yet another collision between McLaren's Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari's Felipe Massa to intensify their rivalry.

Sachin Tendulkar along with some of his other teammates witnessed the Grand Prix said that this is big for India, as he came out of the track after the chequered flag along with wife Anjali and his children. Sachin also added that it was just wonderful and amazing to be at first ever Indian Grand Prix, it was a great race and he thoroughly enjoyed watching it. Earlier, Sachin was seen chatting with Michael Schumamcher.

Latest cricket news - weekly updates

2011-10-30T18:13:00.001+05:30

Australia completes series win against South Africa by wining last match a clinch the series with 2-1.

Pakistan defeats Sri Lanka in second test to go ahead with 1-0 in 3 test match series.

England on top of ICC Twenty-20 rankling with a strong win against India

Kohli and Ishant in Grade A contract list, while Yuvi retuns to grade A

Harbhajan Sinh ignored for WI tour as Sehwag, Sachin and Yuvi back in the squad

Chris Gayle: what should i apoplexies fro,

Simon Katich gushes that M Clarke is responsible for his career, but Clarke dismissed the claims

I Pathan aim to be back with Team India for Australia down under

Yuvraj, Kohli and Ishant promotes to Grade A contracts

2011-10-30T18:10:00.000+05:30

The cricket control board of India BCCI Working committee has announced the contract grades of players in Kolkata. The all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, Virat Kohli and pacer Ishant Sharma were named in the Grade A contract list. Surprisingly Ashish Nehra has been omitted from the list of Contract players.

Yuvraj Singh was back to Grade A list of contract, after being demoted to Grade B following his disastrous form where he almost loses his place in the team. Yuvi was to Grade A after his Man-of-the-Series performance in the World Cup. While Virat Kohli consistent performance scored 995 runs in 2010 and over 1000 runs in 2011ensured his place as Grade A player. Ishant Sharma has raised his game standards and been performing well at the highest level for India gained him Grade A.

However, the surprising omission was Ashish Nehra, who was part of India's winning World Cup campaign and a B-Grade player last year. Earlier he was ignored for England one-day series, where he expressed his disfavor over exclusion. He even publicly claimed his wonder after also being announced he was fit to play.

The spinners who were showing most significant performance in recent times, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja were promoted to Grade B, in addition with Rohit Sharma who moved from Grade C. Rahul Sharma, whe need to make his debut for Team India was also earned a contract, coming in at Grade C after being part of the T20, ODI and recent Test squads for India.

The other important major decision taken by BCCI committee was IPL matches will now be a List A matches. Until now the domestic 50-over competitions, with some 40-over ones also included recently are under List A matches, but now IPL matches will now be added to the list.

Contracted Players List:

Grade A: (Rs. 1 crore per annum) MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Yuvraj Singh, Virat Kohli, Ishant Sharma.

Grade B: (Rs. 50 lakhs per annum) Praveen Kumar, Pragyan Ojha, R Ashwin, Rohit Shamra, Ravindra Jadeja.

Grade C: (Rs. 25 lakhs per annum) S Sreesanth, Amit Mishra, Cheteshwar Pujara, Abhimanyu Mithun, Vinay Kumar, Ajinkya Rahane, Munaf Patel, Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Wridhiman Saha, Parthiv Patel, S Badrinath, Manoj Tiwary, Piyush Chawla, Dinesh Kartik, Jaidev Unadkat, Umesh Yadav, Rahul Sharma, Varun Aaron.

Finally a win for England cruises India in T20

2011-10-30T18:06:00.000+05:30

England defeated India with 6 wickets in the only T20 played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Saturday. Finally English team managed to win their first game of the tour and return home with some pride after losing one-day series with 5-0.

The ICC world Twenty-20 champions, England will remain No.1 in T-20 rankings with this win. The match between England and India were played as their fight for supremacy, where England has the final laugh. The English team looked more comfort in their last outing in India as their bowling looked impressive where fielding also backing bowlers seemed more destructive and then batsmen completed a comprehensive win.

India 120/9 20 Overs (Raina 39 and Finn 3/22, Bopara 2/16)

England 121/4 18.4 Overs (Pirtersen 53 and R Jadeja & Raina 1/9)

Man of the Match – Kevin Pietersen 53

Earlier, India won the toss and decided to bat first but England bowlers showed much improved performance as both the openers Uthappa (1) and Rahane (0) dismissed cheaply by Bresnan and Finn. While Kohli (15) and Raina (31) studied the innings but its not long as Kohli was caught out in the deep and when Raina looked scoring freely was dislodged. Indian s kipper MS Dhoni seemed struggling to hit the ball he hit a boundary in last over and Yusuf who was known as powerful hitter never seemed to hit the ball, they were deceived by slow bowls by English pacers.

Later England chased down the target of 121 with out any difficult, openers Hales (11) and Kieswetter (12) were dismissed early but Pirtersen (53) ensured England win along with all-rounder S Patel (21).

Kevin Pietersen was dropped on one by Raina and India paid price for missing the catch as he hit 5 - fours and 3 – sixes and played crucial role in England win. India started bowling with Yususf and continued with Jadeja, Ashwin where Kohli and Raina also chipped in with some overs and even looked impressive with a wicket each expect for Ashwin. But pacers were bowled only 3 overs in 18.4, if the main strike bowlers were not need to bowl then what is the use of them in the line-up?

Michael Schumacher wants to meet Sachin Tendulkar

2011-10-29T15:48:00.000+05:30

Michael Schumacher, seven times World Champion is keen to meet the iconic batsmen Sachin Tendulkar for the second time.

India is hosting its first ever Grand Prix, where the legendary Formula One driver is looking to regain his legacy. Sachin Tendulkar is a die-hard fan of motorsports is expected to wave the chequered flag at the race. The German is keen on meeting Tendulkar at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC).

The 42-year-old Schumacher will be driving for Mercedes Benz in India's inaugural Formula One race here over the weekend. The two legends last met in 2002, when Schumacher gifted Tendulkar the keys of a Ferrari for equalling Australian great Don Bradman's 29 Test centuries.

However, Schumamcaher said that he was not his expectations making his comeback in 2010. Earlier Michael associated with Ferrari for 11 years where he won five of his seven championships with them retired from racing in 2006 served as an advisor for Ferrari. He was supposed to replace Ferrari’s Felipe Massa in the second half of the season in the 2009, but a neck injury hindered his plan.

Finally, Michael Schumacher finally made his comeback in 2010 when he signed a three year contract with the newly formed Mercedes Benz Team.

Gambhir married to Delhi girl Natasha

2011-10-29T12:57:00.000+05:30

Indian star batsmen Gautam Gambhir will starts a new innings, but this time it’s Off the field as he tied the knot with Delhi girl Natasha Jain on Friday in a quiet ceremony which was attended by only close family members and friends.

The 30-year-old left-handed opener entered into marriage life with Natasha, a local businessman's daughter whom he met a year ago. The wedding ceremony of Gambhir and Natasha took place at a Westend Farm on the Delhi-Gurgaon road with limited guests attending it apart from the close relatives of the groom and the bridegroom.

Gautam Gambhir will be out of action during the only Twenty20 cricket match of India's ongoing series against England on account of his marriage.

More than 300 guests were invited for the wedding, the most important among them being Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, who also co-owns IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, in addition to Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh and Munaf Patel.

However, Gambhir did well in the recently finished ODI series against England where India whitewashed the % match one day series with 5-0. Gambhir has scored 213 including two half centuries, after recovering from concussion suffered in the England tour

So let’s wish the newlywed couple, Gambhir and Natasha a very happy and successful Married life ahead..!

Team India schedule for West Indies tour 2011 - India's squad

2011-10-29T00:16:00.012+05:30

Squad for the first Test: MS Dhoni (c/wk), Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Yuvraj Singh, R Ashwin, Pragyan Ojha, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Virat Kohli, Varun Aaron, Ajinkya Rahane, Rahul Sharma.

MS Dhoni will lead Team India, while Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh set to return after retaining fitness levels missing England ODI's in home and away as well due to injuries. While off-spinner Harbhajan Singh and Suresh Raina dropped, but Praveen Kumar rested for the series.

Team India's most experienced players Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxaman and opener Gautum Gambhir also included in the squad. While Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane was there in 15 member squad. Ishant will be spearhead, he along with Varun Aaroan or Umesh Yadav will share the share the new ball. R Ashwin, Pragyan Ojha along with Rahul Sharma finish the bowling line-up.

Date	Match Details	Timings (IST)	Venue
Nov 06 - Nov 10	India v West Indies, 1st Test	9:30	Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi
Nov 14 - Nov 18	India v West Indies, 2nd Test	9:30	Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Nov 22 - Nov 26	India v West Indies, 3rd Test	9:30	Wankhede Stadium Mumbai
Nov 29 - Tuesday	India v West Indies, 1st ODI	14:30, D/N	Barabati Stadium, Cuttack
Dec 02 - Friday	India v West Indies, 2nd ODI	14:30, D/N	Indira Priyadarshini Stadium, Visakhapatnam
Oct 29 - Saturday	India v West Indies, 3rd ODI	14:30, D/N	Sardar Vallabhai Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad
Dec 08- Thursday	India v West Indies, 4th ODI	14:30, D/N	Maharani Usharaje Stadium, Indore
Dec 11 - Sunday	India v West Indies, 5th ODI	14:30, D/N	MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

Sehwag, Sachin back for WI Tests, Harbhajan axed

2011-10-28T23:30:00.002+05:30

Indian team is back to full strength in their batting line-up as dashing opener Virender Sehwag and batting maestro was announced in the West Indies squad for Tests. However, Suresh Raina and Harbhajan has been axed from the Indian test squad.

The BCCI Selection Committee announced the 15 member Test squad for three tests against West Indies as they excluded off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who sat out during the England ODI's due to his low power perfromance. While Suresh Raina also dropped as he was lacking the temperament and patince what the Test cricket needed. Parveen Kumar was rested despite of his great form recent times. The squad was filled with senior trio after regaining fitness Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh in the squad for the first of the three Tests against West Indies.

Suresh Raina exclusion means Virat Kohli has a chance to make in 15 memeber squad but he might be stick to bench as Indian team batting line-up is rock soild as no new face can be included in the batting line-up, while the same reflects for Ajinkaya Rahane too. As everone knows that VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid will definetly included in the squad along with Gautam Gambhir. There are rumors that Dhoni might be rested but puttting end to speculations the selection committee announced that MS Dhoni will continue his captaincy duties.

Ishant Sharam will led the Inidan pace attack along with two new faces Umaesh Yadav and Varaun Aaron. The Indain pace wing looks like filled with speed now with Varun and Umesh. Pragyan Ojha and Rahul Sharma was the surprise inclusion in the squad as everyone expected that R Ashwin will be in the squad.

Robin Uthappa keen to perform for India

2011-10-28T17:31:00.000+05:30

One of the India’s dashing opener Robin Uthappa, who has been recalled to Indian side for a Twenty-20 match against England on Oct 29, 2011 at Eden Gardens. Uthappa has last played for India three years back and the Karnataka lad is keen to perform as an opener.

Robin Uthappa expressed his desire to open the innings for India and go all guns blazing against the world No 1 England in the one-off T20 International here at the Eden Gardens on Saturday. Uthappa said that in T20 player need to be flexible to play any position, but he prefers to open the batting as he really enjoys the role and almost made it was sure that he will be open the Batting for India.

The right handed batsmen added that it was one of the opportunities to go out there in the middle and prove his ability by performing. Uthappa has played crucial role in India’s inaugural World Twenty20 triumph in 2007 was out of the team after some disastrous performances. Later there was no space for him to get into the side as there is plenty of competition as Indian team many options in batting department.

The right handed batsman has been performing well on consistent basis as he scored three back-to-back centuries. One in domestic T20 for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and 132 for India Green in the Challengers Cup has confirmed his return to Indian team. Uthappa said past few years he worked hard to perform more consistent and to play his natural game. Uthappa said that he worked hard on many things he realized that he need to play his natural game and express himself as a batsmen, when he was dropped out.

Uthappa played his last T20 International against Australia in February 2008.