All about cricket and cricketers....

Andrew Symonds retires from all forms of cricket

2012-02-18T14:46:00.000+05:30

Former Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds announced his retirement from professional cricket including this year's IPL.

Australian former all-rounder Andrew Symonds announces retirement from cricket

“Cricket has given me enormous opportunities in my life and I will always be grateful for this. Recently I have had several new and exciting opportunities come my way, and I have decided it’s time to commit to and develop the next stage of my life," Symonds said in his statement.
“During my time in cricket I have enjoyed the support of many and made numerous friends. I hope to continue to enjoy these friendships through the next stage of my life.”

It has brought to an end a troubled career for this big hitting Australian maverick. He played a key role in the Australia's World Cup victories in 2003 and 2007.
Andrew Symonds also appeared in the Indian version of Big Brother called Bigg Boss in the season 5 as a celebrity guest.

Andrew Symonds, who played for Mumbai Indians IPL team, retires from professional cricket

About his association with Mumbai Indians IPL team and not being able to play this year's IPL - Symonds said
“It is with regret that I will not be able to fulfill my final year of the IPL with the Mumbai Indians. Mumbai Indians and the IPL have both been very supportive of me, but the impending arrival of my first child is a priority. I appreciate their understanding in my making this decision and I wish the team every success this year.”

Andrew Symonds played 26 Tests, scoring 1462 runs at 41 with two hundreds and 198 one-day matches, making 5088 runs at 40 runs average with six centuries.

Yuvraj Singh gets message from Lance Armstrong...

2012-02-16T13:39:00.000+05:30

Good news!! Yuvraj Singh tweeted that his tumor is almost out of his system... glad to hear this news...

Yuvraj's tweet... "Got very good news from dr lawrence today! The tumor is almost way out of the system Aftr reading my todays scan !Second cycle has started"

Another wonderful news is that Lance Armstrong and his team Livestrong has sent an inspirational message to Yuvraj... which Yuvi tweeted happily...

Lance Armstrong's message to Yuvi

Lance Armstrong, a seven time Tour de France champion after surviving cancer, sent the message to Yuvi saying that "Knowledge is power, Unity is strength, and Attitude is everything". Quite inspirational..
Hope Yuvi gets his wish to meet his inspiration Lance Armstrong..

Also, Yuvraj posted his bald look after he lost his hair in chemo therapy radiation treatment to remove the tumor...

Yuvraj Singh after his radiation treatment without hair.. Get well soon Yuvi!! We miss seeing you in the cricket ground

Following Yuvi's twitter for more updates.... eagerly waiting to hear the good news of his successful treatment n back to India...
Best Wishes Yuvi!! We are all behind you....

IPL Auction Results - Winners and Losers

2012-02-07T14:17:00.000+05:30

The fifth season of IPL is about to begin in a couple of months. Last Saturday 4th February 2012, the players' auction for the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League was conducted for the Kochi Tuskers Kerala players and some new players trying to break into the IPL "big purse" league.

As expected Ravindra Jadeja was the big fish that everyone were eying to datch and atlast the Chennai Super Kings caught him for a whopping USD 2 million (Rs 9.71 crore).

Ravindra Jadeja joins Chennai Super Kings for the IPL 2012 season for a whopping 2 million dollars

The 23-year-old Jadeja from Saurashtra had the base price of $100,000, but went to Chennai after the tie-breaker clause was invoked when both CSK and Deccan Chargers bid the maximum ($2 million). Chennai won the tie-breaker and got Jadeja.

The second prized catch for the day was Mahela Jayawardene, the former Sri Lankan captain, who went for a huge sum of USD 1.4 million (Rs 6.80 crore) to the Delhi Daredevils team. Jayawardene said afterwards that he was eying the finisher's role for the Daredevils team.

IPL Auctions - Mahela Jayawardene was bought by Delhi Daredevils for 1.4 million US Dollars

The third big gainers in the IPL auctions was the new Indian medium pacer Vinay Kumar from Karnataka.
He comes back to his home team Royal Challengers Bangalore after RCB bought him for USD 1 million (Rs 4.86 crore).

Vinay Kumar joins the 1 million dollar club as RCB bought him for that sum for the IPL Fifth season

The top three big losers in the IPL Auctions were:

VVS Laxman with base price of USD 400,000
Graeme Swann with base price USD 400,000
James Anderson with base price USD 300,000

All the English players were snubbed by the IPL team bosses as the English players snubbed IPL in the earlier seasons.

Yuvraj has cancer? Get Well Soon, Yuvi!!!

2012-02-07T11:41:00.000+05:30

Indian cricketer and World Cup hero Yuvraj Singh was earlier diagnosed to have a "non-malignant tumour" in his left lung. But, recent news is that he has a rare cancer diagnosis – "mediastinal seminoma", a germ-cell tumor located between his lungs. People are mistaking that Yuvraj has lung cancer... which is not true...
The 30-year-old Yuvraj is currently undergoing chemotherapy in the United States.

Yuvraj Singh is undergoing chemotherapy in US

Yuvraj Singh, who is scheduled to undergo a chemotherapy session on Wednesday, is under the care of Dr Lawrence H Einhorn, an oncologist with Indiana University's Cancer Centre who is credited with revolutionizing the treatment for germ cell cancers. Dr Einhorn's most famous patient so far has been another leading sportsman, Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong. Incidentally, Yuvraj has tweeted about reading Armstrong's book titled It's Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life.

Yuvraj Singh - India's World Cup Hero - is diagnosed to have a rare form of cancer caused by a germ-cell tumor

Quite a lot of messages and wishes poured in from all quarters of the world for Yuvraj Singh to get well soon.. It is said that Yuvraj would recuperate soon and would be ready for competitive cricket by May. Lets hope that its true!.

GET WELL SOON YUVI!!! WE WILL BE WITH YOU AND PRAY FOR YOU...

Will See You Soon Playing for India!!!

Lets give Yuvraj and his family some privacy during this testing time! Waiting to hear the news of his successful therapy soon..

Dhoni and team watch Agneepath movie???

2012-01-31T12:43:00.001+05:30

Just read the news in the ndtv site that some of the Indian cricket team in Australia went to watch a show of Agneepath...
Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, pacer Umesh Yadav and spinner Rahul Sharma were spotted going to watch Agneepath in Sydney, Australia.

After the drubbing that the Aussies gave us down under, I guess the players were too much pressurized that they decide to take more breaks :)
Am not against them watching or having some fun.. but time and again, this series they've been found lacking match practice and having more fun than usual.. Anyways, hope they come up with a better show in the shorter version of the game...

Captain Dhoni with Umesh Yadav and Rahul Sharma to watch Agneepath movie in Sydney

Dhoni is ready with popcorn to watch Agneepath movie while Rahul Sharma and Umesh Yadav carry the drinks inside the theatre.. hope they had a good movie show

Pics courtesy: ndtv site

I hope our team plays well in the one day triangular series atleast... and salvage some pride!!!

Wedding bells for Zaheer Khan-Isha Sharvani?

2012-01-23T15:08:00.001+05:30

Zaheer Khan and Isha Sharvani, the bollywood actress are supposedly getting married in March 2012 as per the reports going around. So, are these reports of Zaheer and Isha Sharvani's wedding a rumour or fact?? Only time will tell...

Zaheer Khan and Isha Sharvani wedding on cards - Rumour or fact??

Zaheer Khan's girlfriend Isha Sharvani (or should I say fiancee?)

Stylish Indian pacer Zaheer Khan going to wed Isha Sharvani in March

Bollywood star Isha Sharvani reportedly marrying Zaheer this year

Isha Sharvani and Zaheer Khan - hottest couple in the current cricket circle

The Indian star pace bowler had first met Isha Sharvani in 2005 after her Bollywood debut in Subhash Ghai's flop movie Kisna. After dating for a couple of years, Zaheer and Isha split. But Zaheer got back together with Isha Sharvani in 2010 and its been going strong as per the reports.

Zaheer Khan and girlfriend Isha Sharvani together (for life?)

According to reports, Zaheer and Isha's marriage is likely to happen in March. But the final decision will be taken once Zaheer Khan returns from the current Australian tour. There are also reports that if they don't marry in March, then they might tie the knot in October.
Despite repeated attempts, Isha and Zaheer remained unavailable for comment.

Wishes for this lovely couple... I would definitely like them to settle down.... :)

Chris Gayle retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore

2012-01-22T14:00:00.000+05:30

So with the first window of transfers for IPL 2012 season closing on 20th January, 2012, the big question in everyone's mind was where will Chris Gayle go? Will he be retained by the Royal Challengers Bangalore or will he go into the open auctions?

Chris Gayle retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore for IPL 2012 and the next season too

No prize for guessing where he goes.... with an impact player like Chris Gayle in hand, no IPL team would let him loose even if they've to shell out a huge sum of money. And, as expected Royal Challengers Bangalore retain Chris Gayle for an undisclosed amount. This amount though would be disclosed before the IPL Auctions begin this year and the amount would be deducted for the Bangalore IPL Team from the 2 million cap for each team.

"We are delighted to make Chris Gayle a permanent member of our IPL squad. We are confident that with players like him in our side, we will take the extra step this season, and win our maiden IPL title," Sidhartha Mallya, Director of Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd, said in a press release.

"To me, Bangalore has been a home away from home. I wanted to continue playing for them, and it turned out that they were keen to retain my services," Chris Gayle said.

Pragyan Ojha is the other person to be transferred for this season of IPL. The India left-arm spinner Ojha has been transferred from Deccan Chargers to Mumbai Indians for an undisclosed fee for the fifth season of the IPL.

Indian left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha transferred to Mumbai Indians for IPL 2012

In other IPL news, Sourav Ganguly and Allan Donald have been added to the Pune Warriors coaching staff ahead of the IPL 2012 season. South African fast bowler Donald will be the team's bowling coach and left-handed Ganguly will play a dual role as player and mentor. The Pune team would be without the services of a head coach as Geoff Marsh took the coaching role for Sri Lanka. You can recall that Pravin Amre was their batting coach for their first season in IPL which turned out to be a disasterous one.

Now, the action shifts to the IPL Auctions to be conducted on February 4th 2012... With a lot of good players in the auction list, it'll be interesting to see who the big buys will be in this IPL auction for the 2012 season....

Ishant Sharma's turn to show the finger in Australia

2012-01-12T14:59:00.001+05:30

Its Ishant Sharma's turn now to show the middle finger to hecklers after Virat Kohli showed the finger to the Sydney crowd and got fined.

This incident happened last Monday when Ishant Sharma had just finished a go-karting session in Belmont. The whole Indian team minus some seniors had gone for a go-karting session before heading over to Perth for the third test match.

Ishant Sharma showing his middle finger to a heckler in Perth, Australia after a go-karting session

Pic courtesy: Sharon Smith/WA News

"Why don't you go learn how to bat and bowl before you go go-karting. It will be 3-0 mate," an Australian heckler said. Ishant Sharma reacted to the taunts by showing a finger gesture to the heckler which was captured by a photographer from the West Australian newspaper.

Indian team management claimed that the paceman Ishant Sharma was simply waving to the fans :) hehe...

India will not take any action against Sharma despite the lanky quick producing an identical response to batsman Virat Kohli who was fined half his match fee for giving the finger signal to the SCG crowd during the second Test.

But these incidents did not go well with the Indian team management and led to the banning of using twitter or any social networking site by the Indian team as such comments from the cricketers might further cause trouble.

As far as I feel about these incidents, the team should take a chill pill and not worry about these incidents... there would be more such hecklers waiting now that they've got some of the junior Indian cricketers irked...
Lets hope that the team copes up with these incidents and comes up with a better performance in the Perth test. It'll be something that every Indian fan would be looking forward to.

IPL Transfers begin for 2012 season

2012-01-11T14:27:00.000+05:30

Indian Premier League popularly known as the IPL League has started making buzz for its IPL 2012 season transfers.

Five IPL transfers have been made till now.

Kevin Pietersen - Delhi Daredevils from Deccan Chargers
Dinesh Karthik - Mumbai Indians from Kings XI Punjab
Andrew McDonald - Royal Challengers Bangalore from Delhi Daredevils
Harmeet Singh - Kings XI Punjab from Deccan Chargers
R Sathish - Kings XI Punjab from Mumbai Indians

The auction for players from the terminated franchise Kochi Tuskers Kerala will be conducted on February 4th. The first window for trading between IPL franchises will close on January 20, 2012. There will be another short window for trading after the February 4 auction.

1) Big fish England batsman Kevin Pietersen has been transferred to Delhi Daredevils from Deccan Chargers for the 2012 season of the IPL. Sehwag will have Pietersen as his teammate for this season. What a deadly combo to watch out for - Sehwag and Pietersen

England batsman Kevin Pietersen transferred from Deccan Chargers to Delhi Daredevils for the IPL 2012 season

2) Another big transfer - in terms of money - was the Tamil Nadu wiketkeeping batsman Dinesh Karthik who will move from Kings XI Punjab to the Mumbai Indians. This was the first transfer to happen this year and it is believed that Mumbai Indians bought the transfer of Dinesh Karthik for a whopping $2.35 million approx. Rs 12.4 crores.

Mumbai Indians badly needed a wicketkeeper after the debacle in the last season where they struggled without a proper keeper and Ambati Rayudu, the makeshift keeper, fared poorly.

Dinesh Karthik has been transferred to Mumbai Indians from Kings XI Punjab for the IPL 2012 season

3) Australian Allrounder Andrew McDonald has been transferred to Royal Challengers Bangalore from Delhi Daredevils in a bid to boost up the allrounders in the Royal Challengers team.

Australian allrounder Andrew McDonald goes to Royal Challengers Bangalore from Delhi Daredevils for the 2012 season of IPL

Lets see who gets where in the IPL Transfers and Auctions for the 2012 season.... gonna be an interesting one..

Virat Kohli fined over finger gesture in Australia

2012-01-05T15:21:00.000+05:30

This news is a bit odd to report.. nevertheless, here is it..

Indian batsman Virat Kohli was fined 50% of his match fee after he was seen gesturing to the crowd with his middle finger on the second day of the second test match between India and Australia in Sydney.

Kohli was charged with a level two offence by the match referee Ranjan Madugalle of Sri Lanka on the third morning of the SCG Test. Kohli went to the hearing along with manager Shivlal Yadav and pleaded guilty.

Virat Kohli showing the middle finger to the Australian crowd in Sydney

Pic courtesy: Getty Images

The incident happened when Virat Kohli was fielding at the boundary for much of the day and some of the spectators poked fun at him and his family. Kohli also tweeted that he had been sorely provoked before responding with the finger gesture.

Kohli also said he had heard abuse worse than he ever had in his life. Virat posted on his twitter account, "i agree cricketers dont have to retaliate. what when the crowd says the worst things about your mother and sister. the worst ive heard"

Kohli found support in England's Kevin Pietersen, who replied to his tweet saying "ha ha ha ha ha!!! Welcome to Australia buddy!!"

Kohli tweeted back saying that he "never heard crap like that. EVER".

Virat Kohli, after losing half of his match fee, began the third day on a more positive note tweeting, "New day new beginning! :)"

So then, after Clarke hit a triple ton and Ponting & Hussey with hundreds of their own, Australia are sitting pretty in this test match... What are the odds that India blame this one on the pitch :)

Same old story.... looking forward for some brand new beginnings.. not sure when though :(

Photos of Sachin Tendulkar as a young kid - Part 2

2011-12-29T14:24:00.001+05:30

This is a continuation to the first part of Sachin Tendulkar's pictures as a young boy and kid. Being an ardent fan of the Cricketing God, I can't resist posting more of Sachin's photos... Am still waiting patiently for his 100th ton... though he missed it in Melbourne, looking forward for it in Sydney. Meanwhile, check out these young Sachin Tendulkar's pictures and enjoy :)

Sachin Tendulkar's picture on his debut test match against Pakistan at Karachi in the year 1989

Sachin Tendulkar with Sandip Patil and Vinodh Kambli

Sachin Tendulkar with his father Ramesh Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar scoring a century in Ranji Trophy

Sachin Tendulkar with the under-17 Indian team

Young Sachin Tendulkar's colorful picture

Sachin Tendulkar with the then captain Dilip Vengsarkar during a test match

Teenage Sachin Tendulkar's vintage picture

Sachin Tendulkar with Atul Ranade

Waiting for the 100th ton from our Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar :) All the best..

Sehwag and Pattinson clash in Boxing Day Test

2011-12-27T13:28:00.001+05:30

The Boxing day test match between India and Australia which started yesterday the 26th of Dec 2011 in Melbourne has already had its share of news and controversies in just two days.

After a couple of controversial decisions against Australia for Mike Hussey and Ed Cowan (though I feel this is out) and one more that India didn't get (that of Zaheer Khan's lbw appeal of Brad Haddin), today was another day for fresh controversy brewing.

Virender Sehwag and Pattinson clash in the Boxing Day Test match

Indian opener Virender Sehwag was involved in an altercation with Australian pacers James Pattinson and Peter Siddle during the visitors` first innings today. The incident happened in the fourth ball of seventh over bowled by the latest Aussie sensation James Pattinson.

Virender Sehwag was on 16 when this happened. He played the ball down to fine leg and ran for a single during which Pattinson stood at the middle on his follow through with his elbow stretched , though unintentionally, which Sehwag evaded.

Sehwag had a few harsh words for Pattinson after he completed the run and he was also seen pointing his bat towards Pattinson. Pattinson was not to be held back as he retorted agressively too. Peter Siddle who was fielding nearby too joined the banter to support Pattinson.
Finally, umpire Marais Erasmus calmed the proceedings speaking to Sehwag and things were back to normal.

After a few overs, Sehwag while taking a second run clashed with Peter Siddle who was on his follow through after the delivery. Sehwag apologized immediately but Siddle didn't even look or respond to that :)

Sad to see that Sachin Tendulkar missed out on his 100th century though.. just a matter of time...
Things are heating up in the Boxing day test match.. lets see what happens in the remaining days.

Zaheer Khan's New Hairstyle

2011-12-26T13:33:00.001+05:30

Boxing Day test match between India and Australia at Melbourne witnessed a new debut today... It was Zaheer Khan's new and latest hair style...

Indian bowling spearhead Zaheer Khan came out of the pavilion today in a new hairstyle which stunned quite a few folks including me. Its an interesting hairstyle which can't be said good or bad :)

Check out Zaheer's latest hairstyle and pass your thoughts on it.

Indian pace bowler Zaheer Khan's new hairstyle

Photo credit: Mark Dadswell/Getty Images and cricinfo site

Zaheer Khan's latest hairstyle that he had for the Boxing Day test match against Australia

Photo credit: Hamish Blair/Getty Images and cricinfo site

Zaheer Khan new hairstyle in display for the Boxing Day Test match

Photo credit: Mark Dadswell/Getty Images and cricinfo site

New look for the changed Zaheer Khan.. hope this brings new luck to India too and gets him back to a match winner again.... His dismissal of Michael Clarke and Michael Hussey were classy and looking forward for many more :)

Young Sachin Tendulkar Photos - Part 1

2011-12-23T15:18:00.001+05:30

Its been a while since I posted something on our cricket god Sachin Tendulkar... This time I thought its good to start a series of Sachin Tendulkar's vintage photos...

These are a collection of Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar's pictures taken when he was young at school and at club level....thanks to the Sachin fans like me all over the internet, I got hold of quite a few young Sachin's pictures...

Starting with my favourite kid Sachin Tendulkar's photo... Sachin as a kid looked quite cute.. my fav pic

Teenaged Sachin Tendulkar at around 14 years getting ready for International cricket

Schoolboy Sachin Tendulkar displaying his trophy

Another cute Sachin photo as a small kid

Young Sachin with Dilip Vengsarkar during a match

School boy Sachin with his friend Vinod Kambli sharing a light moment

A group picture of young Sachin with many other club cricketers...

Sachin as a teenage kid got lots of accolades and trophies.. here is one more to show

Young Sachin Tendulkar with Kapil Dev and Azharuddin in a match

Now a legend with nearly 100 International centuries, Sachin as a teenage boy here acknowledging one of his early centuries :)

Hope you enjoyed these pictures of Sachin Tendulkar as a kid and school boy... more to come... stay tuned..

James Pattinson - Australia's new glamour boy

2011-12-21T14:50:00.000+05:30

Australian cricket team recruited a new glamour boy in their ranks... its their new Victorian fast bowler James Pattinson who shined in his first test series against New Zealand early this month.

Victorian fast bowler James Lee Pattinson - The Latest hunk in Australian cricket team

Photo credit: Photo by Hamish Blair/Getty Images AsiaPac

The Australian cricket team were going down n low in their hunk rankings of late and badly required this expansion with newcomer James Pattinson, who is now earning a reputation as the man most likely to take the glamour-boy mantle once held by Michael Clarke.

Pattinson made his Test debut in the Dec 2011 home series against New Zealand, in the first Test in Brisbane on 1 December 2011. Pattinson took 5 wickets for 27 runs in the second innings of his debut Test and helped Australia to a nine-wicket win and took the Man of the Match award too. He took another five-wicket haul in the first innings of the second test (which New Zealand won dramatically), and was named Man of the Series, with fourteen wickets at an average of an amazing 14.00 across the two tests.

Pattinson is already attracting some female admirers on Facebook fan pages due to his single status and also some attention from sponsors keen to hitch their wagon to this talented and upcoming pace bowler.

Here are some more pictures of this new Australian hunk...

Australian fast bowler James Pattinson poses during an Australian cricket player portrait session

Photo Credit: Chris Hyde/Getty Images AsiaPac

Australia's new sensation James Pattinson during a bowling practice

Photo credit: Michael Dodge Herald Sun

Australian paceman James Pattinson acknowledges the crowd after taking five New Zealand wickets on the fourth day of the first cricket Test match between Australia and New Zealand at the Gabba in Brisbane on December 4, 2011

Photo credit: WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images

Young and spiky James Pattinson as an 18 year old youngster

Photo credit: Cricket Victoria

Victorian pace bowler and Australia's latest recruit James Pattinson pose for a portrait photoshoot

Photo credit: Hamish Blair/Getty Images AsiaPac

Australia's new test fast bowler James Lee Pattinson

Photo credit: Cricket Victoria

Australian James Pattinson poses next to his Baggy Green Cap

Photo credit: Hamish Blair/Getty Images AsiaPac

James Pattinson made an excellent debut in the Australia-New Zealand series earlier this month winning the Man of the Series award too. Unfortunately, he was down with a calf strain and he is supposed to recover from his injury to be ready for the important Australia-India home series...

Lets hope that this new Australian hunk JAmes Pattinson lives upto all the expectations that he has gained in a few months...

Virender Sehwag's ODI double century in pictures...

2011-12-18T15:10:00.000+05:30

Virender Sehwag Breaks Sachin's Record of 200 Runs. This has been the headlines all over the web and newpapers earlier this month....

Virender Sehwag scores a world record 219 runs in an ODI against West Indies in Indore on Dec 8th 2011

Virender Sehwag created history scoring a double century in the fourth one day international cricket match against West Indies in Indore on December 8, 2011.

Sehwag hit 219 runs in 149 balls and the carnage was laced with 25 fours and 7 sixes. Sehwag's 219 is currently the highest total by an individual in the One Day International Cricket. He got past Tendulkar's record with a four through point off Andre Russel.

Sehwag became only the second batsman in history to score a double century in a one-day international following Sachin Tendulkar, who made 200 against South Africa in Gwailor last year. Tendulkar's 200 off 147 balls (25x4, 3x6) came against South Africa at Gwalior in February 2010. He is the first cricketer to score a double century in ODIs.

More pictures of Virender Sehwag breaking Sachin's record on his way to set the highest score in an ODI match

Sehwag shared a wonderful partnership with Gautam Gambhir during his double ton

Sehwag smashed six sixers in his double century

Virender Sehwag smashes his way to a double century to break Sachin Tendulkar's highest ODI run of 200

Virender Sehwag exults after reaching the magic figure of 200 against West Indies

Sehwag acknowledges the crowd appreciating him after reaching 200 runs to become the second cricketer after Sachin to reach the landmark

Gambhir and Sehwag during Sehwag's amazing double century

Sehwag smashing one out of the park during his outstanding double century in the ODI against West Indies in Indore

Sehwag acknowledging after reaching his century which became double very quickly....

Virender Sehwag thanking almighty after his amazing double ton

(pics courtesy - various cricketing sites)

"I was playing my shots throughout the innings,” Sehwag said. “I thought [about] it [the double-century] when I was batting in the batting Powerplay and thought if I just bat this Powerplay, maybe I'll cross that 200-mark. When Sammy dropped the catch [Sehwag was on 170 at the time], I thought God was with me and was telling me you just bat till the 45th or 46th over and get your 200.”

I was glad to catch this match live in TV... Hope to see many such innings from Sachin, Sehwag and many other talented cricketers for that matter.. good for cricket ain't it?

Wishing Sehwag for his amazing double century and breaking Sachin's record!

R Ashwin to receive Dilip Sardesai Award from BCCI

2011-11-29T14:51:00.001+05:30

Rewarding Ravichandran Ashwin for his stupendous show in the just-concluded Test series against the West Indies, the BCCI decided to bestow the Dilip Sardesai award on the off-spinner.

The 25-year-old, who was the Man-of-the-series in the three-Test series with 22 wickets, will be presented the trophy at the BCCI Annual Awards Ceremony in Chennai on December 10.

Ravichandran Ashwin - Man of the series in the recent India vs West Indies test series

"R Ashwin will receive the Dilip Sardesai Award for being India's best cricketer in the 2011-12 Test series against the West Indies," a BCCI release said.

The award comprises a trophy and a cheque for 5 lakh rupees.

Well done Ashwin!

Yuvraj Singh - I am absolutely fine, will be back soon....

2011-11-28T12:11:00.001+05:30

Flamboyant Indian batting allrounder and World Cup hero Yuvraj Singh is currently recuperating from a "non-malignant tumour" in his left lung.

Get well soon Yuvi!!!

The 29-year-old Indian left-handed batsman withdrew from the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies after revealing that he is being treated for a tumour in his left lung. His mother Shabnam Singh made the revelation in a formal statement on Saturday.

Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh with his mother Shabnam Singh who revealed that Yuvi was recuperating from a non-malignant tumour" in his left lung

According to a statement released by his mother, Shabnam Singh, Yuvi had been troubled by bouts of coughing and vomitting during the 2011 World Cup but had ignored the problem during the tournament, "assuming it was due to stress."

When the problem persisted after the World Cup, Yuvraj sought medical advice and tests revealed "a golf-ball sized" growth on his left lung, the statement said. Initial reports had suggested that Yuvraj "had what in medical terms is called an abnormal tumor called lymphoma. The danger was, we were told, that it could be malignant."

Yuvraj tweeted that he would be returning sooner rather than later.

"Overwhelmed with ur love n support. I am absolutely fine, just need to get match fitness and training will be back soon," Yuvi tweeted.

Yuvraj's mother also said that his entire focus now is to re-gain his full fitness. He is already preparing himself to play the one-day series in Australia. He doesn't want to rush things, he wants to be hundred percent fit before resuming his cricket for India.

We are all glad that this was not a serious issue... Lets wish Yuvraj Singh a speedy recovery

Here are some more pictures of this handsome cricketer Yuvraj Singh...

Yuvraj Singh raises his bat to acknowledge the crowd of his accomplishment in his trademark smug style

Ever cheerful and always playful Yuvraj Singh is seen playing here with his ICC award

Yuvraj Singh endorses Reebok and is here seen with F1 racer Lewis Hamilton who also supports Reebok

Yuvraj Singh modeling - make for a perfect Yuvi wallpaper picture

Yuvraj Singh models for Reebok shoes

Yuvraj Singh also endorses Revital

Handsome Yuvi modeling for a ramp walk

Yuvraj Singh's trademark shot for six

Yuvraj Singh acknowledges his landmark in his style

Wishing Yuvraj Singh a speedy recovery! And am sure he'll come back to play more winning knocks for India.....

Ravichandran Ashwin and Preethi Narayanan - Marriage Pictures....

2011-11-14T12:19:00.001+05:30

India's upcoming off-spinner and Chennai Super Kings leading wicket taker Ravichandran Ashwin married his childhood sweetheart Preethi Narayanan at a private ceremony in Chennai on 13th November, 2011.

Ravichandran Ashwin with Preethi Narayan - Wedding ceremony

Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni conveyed his good wishes for Ravichandran Ashwin on his wedding and welcomed them to the 'elite club' ;)
Dhoni also said in a joking manner that Ashwin wasn't selected in the first Test match against West Indies for his upcoming marriage :)

Here are more pictures of Indian cricket off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's marriage with Preethi Narayanan (aka Prithi).

Preethi Narayanan weds Indian off-spinner Ashwin in Chennai

Indian cricketer Ashwin and Prithi Narayanan marriage photo

Marriage ceremony of Ravichandran Ashwin and Preethi Narayanan

Ashwin weds childhood friend Preethi in Chennai

Wedding ceremony of Indian cricketer Ashwin and Preethi

Ravichandran Ashwin and Preethi Narayanan - Marriage Reception pictures

At the marriage reception of Ravichandran Ashwin and Preethi

The new jodi in the Indian cricketing cricle- Ravichandran Ashwin and Preethi

Preethi Narayanan is the new WAG in the Indian cricket circle now after her marriage to Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin

Ashwin is scheduled to play for India against West Indies in the second test match at Eden Gardens the next day after his marriage...
Wishing Ashwin and Preethi a Happy Married Life... and hope Ashwin carries his good form in the second test match against West Indies too..

Ravichandran Ashwin is getting hooked!

2011-11-10T12:25:00.001+05:30

Yes, you heard it right. The Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, whose debut against West Indies in New Delhi earlier this week earned him a match winning 9 wickets and man of the match, is getting married this Sunday. Another eligible bachelor in the Indian Cricket team is relinquishing his status :)
You might have known that just last month Gautam Gambhir got married to Natasha Jain.

Ravichandran Ashwin is all set to marry childhood friend Preethi Narayanan on Sunday the 13th of November, his family confirmed. Ashwin and Preethi were engaged earlier this year during the IPL season.

Marriage boy Ravichandran Ashwin debuts against West Indies for India in the test matches

The 25-year old offie from Chennai, Tamilnadu made ODI and T20 debuts last year and has gained in status in the past couple of seasons as a bowler with lots of variations and one who contains the batsmen alot. He also played a key role in the Chennai Super Kings winning back-to-back titles in the Indian Premier League.
He is also known for his special carrom ball which apart from him only Ajantha Mendis of Sri Lanka bowls in the current players.

Ashwin's father Ravichandran, while reluctant to divulge details, said the marriage, scheduled a day ahead of the second India-West Indies cricket Test in Kolkata, would be restricted to the two families and close friends.

Wishing Ravichandran Ashwin A Happy Married Life

Hoping that the new lady-luck in his life will bring Ashwin and thus Team India more laurels in all forms of cricket.

Best Wishes Ashwin! :)

Sachin Tendulkar at F1 Grand Prix of India 2011 Race...

2011-11-01T12:42:00.000+05:30

The inaugural F1 Grand Prix of Inda race concluded amongst big fan-fare at the Buddh International Circuit on October 30, 2011 in Noida near New Delhi. Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull Racing team lead from start to finish to win inaugural Indian Grand Prix race on Sunday the 30th of October, 2011.

But, there was a bigger event going on at the Indian Gran Prix - Sachin Tendulkar doing the honors of waving the chequered flag at the finish line for the winners.

Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar waving the chequered flag at the F1 Indian Grand Prix 2011

Indian Cricket star player Sachin Tendulkar waves the chequered flag for Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany as he crosses the finish line to win the Indian first F1 Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit

God of Indian Cricket - Sachin Tendulkar with the chequered flag waving for the winner of the Indian Gran Prix race of 2011.

Sachin arrived at the Buddh International Circuit early with his family - wife Anjali Tendulkar and daughter Sara.
Sachin met the F1 legend Michael Schumacher and many other F1 racers and teams. He also went to the Sahara Force India camp and spent sometime with the owners Vijay Mallya and Sahara Subrata Roy.

Here are some more pictures of Sachin Tendulkar at the F1 Grand Prix of India in New Delhi...

Sachin Tendulkar arriving at the Buddh International Circuit for the F1 Indian Grand Prix Race

Sachin Tendulkar at the F1 Indian Grandprix race

The God of Cricket Sachin Tendulkar ar the F1 Grand Prix of India 2011 race

Cricket superstar Sachin Tendulkar with F1 superstar Michael Schumacher at the Indian Grand prix

Indian cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar with F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone

Sachin Tendulkar met Vijay Mallya owner of Sahara Force India racing team at the F1 Indian GP

Sachin Tendulkar with Sahara Force India co-owner Subrata Roy at the Buddh race circuit

Sachin Tendulkar with Nico Rosberg of Mercedes GP Formula One Team

Sachin Tendulkar in a discussion at the F1 Indian Grandprix Race

Sachin Tendulkar with wife Anjali Tendulkar at the F1 Indian Grand Prix event

Indian cricket superstar Sachin Tendulkar with Shah Rukh Khan, Gulshan Grover, F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone and Sahara Force India bosses Vijay Mallya & Subrata Roy

Pictures courtesy: Thanks to the various internet sites for sharing these images..

Also, for more pictures of bollywood stars and sportstars at the F1 Indian Grand Prix event, visit the following links:
Celebrities and Sportstars at the F1 Grand Prix of India
Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan at F1 Indian Grand Prix

"Wonderfully organised F1 event by Jaypee. A world class track with excellent facilities for spectators. Truly a memorable day for all of us. What an experience it was to wave the chequered flag!!! Got to keep it as well!!! :-)" tweeted Sachin Tendulkar after watching the F1 Indian Grand prix.

Wishing to see Sachin Tendulkar score his 100th century soon! Best Wishes Sachin!!

Gautam Gambhir and Natasha Jain - Wedding pictures...

2011-10-30T13:02:00.000+05:30

Ding ding... wedding bells ringing in the Indian Cricket team.. Guess you all might have learnt for whom this bell was rung..... yes our own chocolate-boy Gautam Gambhir got married to Delhi-ite Natasha Jain... on 28th October, 2011 at Westend Farm on the Delhi-Gurgaon road.

Newly-wed Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir and Natasha Jain pose for the cameras

Indian cricket team’s star batsman Gautam Gambhir, 30, tied the knot with Natasha Jain, 27, in a traditional ceremony in Gurgaon on Friday evening. Fans and media were actually kept away from the venue during the nuptials, after which the couple stepped out for a short photo op.
The couple was expected to leave for their honeymoon in Maldives yesterday.

Gambhir wore a beige kurta pyjama for the wedding ceremony and later for the reception changed to a black knee-length fusion style ensemble. Natasha wore a heavily embellished red lehenga designed by Delhi designer, Tarun Tahiliani.

A close look at the designer dresses that Natasha and Gambhir wore for their marriage.

Natasha Jain wore a heavily embellished red lehenga designed by Delhi designer, Tarun Tahiliani

Another look at the Tarun Tahiliani designed red lehenga that Natasha wore on her wedding to Gautam Gambhir

Gambhir looks dashing in a black Sherwani that he wore for his wedding with Natasha Jain

The Jain family hosted a mehendi ceremony on Thursday night.

Gautam Gambhir with wife Natasha Jain at the mehndi ceremony

More pictures of the new couple and the newest addition to Indian cricket WAGs group... Natasha Jain with Gautam Gambhir

New addition to Indian cricket WAGs - Natasha Jain poses with Indian star cricketer Gautam Gambhir on thier marriage day

Gautam Gambhir poses with his newly-wed wife Natasha Jain for a photo shoot

The beautiful Natasha Jain posing for the camera with husband Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir and wife Natasha Jain aided to the stage by their friends

One for the camera - Gautam Gambhir and wife Natasha Jain - Indian crickets newest and hottest couple

Pictures courtesy: Various internet sources

Gambhir’s coach, Sanjay Bhardwaj, said, “Gautam is very happy that he is starting a new phase with Natasha. The families know each other for the past 30 years. I am sure that she will be the perfect lady luck for him.”

Lets hope that this lady luck helps Gautam Gambhir to bring more laurels to the Indian cricket team..
Best wishes to Gautam Gambhir and Natasha Jain!

Pictures of Cricketers walking down the ramp - Part 2

2011-10-20T12:22:00.000+05:30

Continuing the new series that I started sometime back on Cricketers who walk the ramp for fashion shows, for photo shoots and promotional events...

If you've missed the first part - Check out the Part 1 - Indian Cricketers walking the ramp & fashion shows

Here is the second set of pictures showing Indian cricketers like Dhoni, Harbhajan, Uthappa, Zaheer Khan and many more taking the ramp n showing their fashionable side to the whole world.

Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni posing at Kolkata Fashion Week

Harbhajan Singh talking at a promotional event

Handsome Yuvraj Singh in a wonderful suit posing during a promotional event

Fast bowler Zaheer Khan doing a ramp walk

One of India's greatest cricketers - Rahul Dravid giving us a wonderful pose in this photo shoot

Virender Sehwag smiling in a cool pose for a photo shoot

Robin Uthappa during a fashion ramp walk (he gets a new lease of life after he was selected in the team for the T20 match against England)

Indian cricket rebel icon Sreesanth posing for a promotional event

Captain Cool Mahi (Dhoni) in coat n suit during a ramp walk

Handsome Yuvraj Singh in a funny pose during the ramp walk for Sahara's new jersey launch for Team India

Sahara India launch's Indian cricket team's new jersey at a launch event where Indian cricketers including captain Dhoni, Zaheer Khan, Yuvraj, Rohit Sharma gracing the occasion

Team India on the ramp posing during Sahara India jersey launch event

Pictures Courtesy: Various internet sources

Will try to come up with more posts involving other cricketers in fashion ramp walk events and photo shoots. Have fun!

Shane Watson - Pictures of Australia's top cricketer

2011-10-19T14:46:00.004+05:30

Shane Watson (full name: Shane Robert Watson) - the fit & burly Australian cricketer - is currently one of the hottest players in the world.... He is the top Australian cricketer in the world and going through a great phase of career.

Here are some of Shane Watson's pictures showcasing his amazing athletic body and good-looking boyish charm too.

Australian cricketer and allrounder Shane Watson

Shane Watson posing shirtless for Men Of Cricket Calendar photo shoot done for McGrath's foundation

Born on 17th June 1981 at Ipswich (Queensland, Australia), Shane Watson is known to be a very strong personality who fights against all odds to be back on top again.
As cricinfo player profile rightly said - Despite boasting an athletic figure made for photo shoots, Watson's frame was so brittle it threatened to break him. He refused to give up. Not through recurrences of back stress fractures, hamstring strains, calf problems, hip complaints, a dislocated shoulder or a suspected heart attack that turned out to be food poisoning.

The burly Ozzy Shane Watson aka Watto

Shane Watson in a handsome pose for Men of Cricket calendar

Nick named "Watto", Shane Watson opens the batting for Australia in all forms of cricket - Tests, One days and T20s. He is a right handed batsman and right arm fast-medium bowler.

Stylish Shane Watson playing volleyball with Hussey and Clarke

Shirtless Shane Watson showing his hot chiseled body

Shane Watson at the beach with his Australian cricket friends... also spotted is Andrew Symonds

Shane Watson in a brooding look

Shane Watson in Men's Health Magazine cover photo

Shane Watson being welcomed in India by kids

Watson's is married to Lee Furlong since June 2010. Lee Furlong is a Fox Sports Australia presenter.

Shane Watson striking a pretty picture with wife Lee Furlong

Shane Watson was awarded the Allan Border Medal by Cricket Australia for two consecutive years - 2010 and 2011 thus Ricky Ponting as the only other player to receive it consecutively in 2006 and 2007.

Shane Watson with his Allan Border Medal and Cricket Australia Test and ODI Awards

Handsome hunk Shane Watson in a promotional ad

Pictures courtesy: Various internet sources

Virat Kohli - India's latest heartthrob

2011-10-17T13:21:00.000+05:30

Virat Kohli is the latest heartthrob for Indian cricket fans.... This Delhi lad is known for his style, fashion sense, agression and attitude...

Check out some of Virat Kohli's cool stylish pictures taken during various photo shoots and promotional events..

Virat Kohli wallpaper - print ad for Flying Machine jeans

Indian heartthrob young talented cricketer Virat Kohli in Flying Machine photo shoot

Stylish Virat Kohli with cool goggles looking all hip n happening

Virat Kohli dances or walks the ramp for Bangalore Royal Challengers IPL team event

Virat Kohli in Go magazine cover

Virat Kohli's Fastrack Photo shoot pictures

Virat Kohli in Fastrack photoshoot

Virat Kohli promoting Fastrack watches

Stylish Virat Kohli modeling for fastrack

Virat Kohli was the captain of the victorious Indian team at the 2008 U19 Cricket World Cup held in Malaysia.

Virat Kohli - Captain of U19 Indian World Cup winning team

Fashionable Virat Kohli in a stylish look with tattoos showing off

Virat Kohli donning a blazer with a cool look

Pictures courtesy: Thanks to various internet sources :)