KATE...Bring It on !

"Life is not that bad to sit and repent' - A day at the Paralympics.

noreply@blogger.com (Karthik) — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 04:34:02 PDT

"Dont be afraid to be weak
Dont be too proud to be strong
Just look into your heart my friend
That will be the return to yourself
The return to innocence

If you want, then start to laugh
If you must, then start to cry
Be yourself dont hide
Just believe in destiny

Dont care what people say
Just follow your own way
Dont give up and use the chance
To return to innocence

Thats not the beginning of the end
Thats the return to yourself
The return to innocence" - Enigma

A few days ago i read this article about a SouthAfrican athlete called 'Radebe Samkelo'. Samkelo is one of the many athletes representing his country in the IWAS Games(Paralympic) at the Kanteerava Stadium here in Bangalore. He finished seventh in the high jump event. Incidentally, Samkelo had lost his limbs due to an electric shock at the age of eight.

That morning when i sat with tea in my hand reading the paper, this statement by Samkelo struck me when he said "Life is not that bad to sit and repent'. He's a law student from the University of Johannesburg and his routine includes going to the gym in the morning, then to class and for the running sessions. Over the weekends, he does his assignments. And he says "I did things by trial and error, learnt all things by myself. I cook, I clean and I drive. I even have a license and drive a manual-geared car, his dad's Toyota Corolla, and an Opel Astra."

When i read this piece i thought about one of Lance Armstrong's quotes in his autobiography where he says "a life spent defensively and worried is a life wasted". The only difference between Lance Armstrong and Radebe Samkelo was probably the number of championship wins under them. But they'd already won the hardest battle an individual can encounter. The battle between the ears. For their attitude and outlook towards life was nonpareil.

It was a first time for me as I watched these athletes, some without limbs, some with amputations and they practiced and played like there was no tomorrow. They sat on the wheel chair playing archery, table tennis and swirled around in their wheel chairs playing indoor rugby. Infact, i watched one of the Japanese track and field athlete with artificial limb in awe as he walked on the track upside down as if it was the easiest thing to do. The first thing that stuck me was the positive vibe on their faces, competing hard and had a smile throughout as if nothing had ever happened to them in life. They seemed unfazed, posing for photographs, mixing along with the other athletes and seemed to be enjoying every moment that was on offer. Motivation or cheering from the crowds was a lot to ask for as the sparse crowd inside couldn't offer much. They didn't seem to care if there was one to support them.

As i entered the stadium to have a glimpse of these athletes i wasn't surprised at the shoddiness of our authorities as the banner inside the stadium read "Welcome to the Participents..". So much for an international event. The Paralympic committee of India totally oblivious and an act of sheer disgrace.

Inside, I met a guy called Diwaker who worked as a corporate trainer and a freelancer. He was about to write a book based on true inspirational stories. I requested Diwaker to take me along when he did some interviews with the athletes when we bumped into the Brazilian archery duo 'Andrey Muniz De Castro' and 'Francisco Dantas Das Chagas'.

Andrey Muniz had lost his limbs in a car accident 14 years ago while Francisco lost his leg in a construction company where he worked as a material construction engineer. Both Muniz and Francisco were the Brazilian champions for the second consecutive year and stood 10th and 20th in the overall category respectively. While Muniz went into depression it wasn't for long before he came back on track when he realised the other patients in the hospital to which he was admitted faced worse and tougher challenges than he did. He said it was as if 'nothing had happened to him" when he watched the plight of a few others in disarray who lay alongside him in the hospital bed. On the other hand, it was disparity that bothered Francisco when he faced bouts of depression for two years, losing all his savings, lacking respect from people who didn't quite see him in the same wavelength after the tragic incident.In order to get back to life they took to sports as an hobby.

While Muniz took to sport as an hobby, he felt it gave him a platform to realize and unleash the potential within. A soccer player earlier, Fancisco's inspiration would come in the form of a certain 'Clodoaldo Silva'. Apparently, Clodoaldo Silva is the greatest Brazilian Paralympic swimmer. Silva competed at the 2004 Summer Paralympics in Athens, where he set four world records, five Paralympic records, and won six gold medals and one silver. He was awarded the Best Male Athlete award by the International Paralympic Committee. As the old adage goes, the rest is history. And today both Muniz's and Francisco's faces beamed with joy as they stood on the podium, proudly holding their national flag, posing for pictures with medals around their neck.

In response to my question about overcoming self-doubt, they owed it all to the sport in general, which gave them an opportunity to get their minds off, be optimistic to lead a normal competitive life and inturn offered challenges. Their next aim is to win more medals at the 2012 London Olympics and moreso at the 2016 Paralympics in Brazil.

As i spoke to them, one thing was clear. That no matter what you just have to move on in life despite the consequences and as Radebe Samkelo says there's "No time to feel sorry for oneself". It was time well spent as I acknowledged them and realised that life is indeed not that bad to sit and repent.

Links:
Radebe Samkelo
Fire Children

When i lived a dream...... almost....

noreply@blogger.com (Karthik) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:09:14 PST

"Stand for something otherwise you'll fall for everything." - Steve Waugh

Not sure where to start. But let me begin somewhere. I have generally loved sports, admired sports persons all over. "Common men go nowhere, you have to be uncommon"- puts it in perspective about the best of sports persons.I played a bit of cricket as a wicket-keeper batsman.

"Wicket keeper are like office boys, said author Ray Robinson, because no one notices them unless a catch is dropped and a stumping missed. Standing up to the wickets to a top class spinner is one of the most challenging assignments in the game and long hours of practice go into the making of a successful wicket keeper."

I enjoyed keeping wickets especially upto the stumps to quick bowlers. As any keeper would testify i enjoyed stumping the batsmen out and every time i squat i visualized myself lifting the bails when the batsmen was beaten down the legside. Very seldom would this happen as the chances were not high and when it did happen it was a "wow" thing!!

I'd like to think i had limited skills and my batting wasn't always up to the mark, more so because i never worked on it. A middle order batsman more of utility. Everywhere i went i projected myself as a keeper and never nurtured my batting. I don't know why. Every time i went to the nets for practice the first thing I'd do was to put on my keeping pads and gloves. My parents were quite supportive, but when it came to playing and studying the latter was the priority. The encouragement was to take sports as a pastime and not as a profession. In no ways am i trying to blame someone else or give an excuse, but its just that as a profession sports in India takes a backseat. Thanks to the booming cricket business there has been a considerable change in outlook towards sports(rather cricket). Probably i didn't have anyone to guide me which is partly true and in hindsight i would say i never put effort to understand the game to feel committed as much was required. I seemed content in whatever was on offer which is quite disappointing. I lacked self-belief and never backed myself. When you fail to make the cut even to a reasonable level and still enjoy doing something it seems an unfinished task.

Like most sports fanatics I've dreamt of being close and working with the best of sportsmen. I looked up to my uncle, a well known sports journalist who had worked with the best in the business. For long I've idolised cricketers and alike, have dreamt of rubbing shoulders with the best. It's very natural to feel that way. After all, every individual in his respective field of interest would always wish this to happen. A singer would want to meet the best artist, a budding actor would want to meet the best actor and here i was a young cricketer wanting to be with the best cricketers. In fact when the Indian team was here for a conditioning camp in 2003-04 i wanted to be a part of that camp so desperately despite me knowing there wasn't any chance. I'd bunk college and take off to Chinnaswamy stadium to take a glimpse of all the stars, get their autographs, get a picture in their company and if lucky manage to grab some stardust!

It was during one of these loitering days at the stadium did i stumble upon the local manager and decided to vent out my desire to be part of the Indian team's conditioning camp. I remember pleading and promised him that i was unlike most people who just came for a photograph and that i really wanted to learn something. I think he saw that passion in me and asked me to come over the next day in cricket whites. My joy knew no bounds as i spent the entire night dreaming about myself standing alongside the legends of the game, asking them questions on the game and so on. I had reasons to feel delighted for these are unfulfilled desires for many.

And the rest as they say is history as i spent the next three weeks with the Indian cricket team assisting as a wicket-keeper keeping wickets to Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh and many others. Couple of instances i can vividly remember were when the then coach John Wright stood right behind me at practice and offered me some words of encouragement when i stumped one of the batsmen out down the leg of leg spinner Sairaj Bahatule. The other one was when Sachin Tendulkar asked me to keep wickets off his bowling after recovering from a shoulder injury. That was when the great man caught me on the wrong foot when i misread a googly for a leg spin delivery. In short,the ball went one way while i went the other way! Sachin offered me a tricksy smile indicative of his mastery over the game which i wholeheartedly accepted. It was just great. Few days passed by and little did i know i would be getting Sachin's batting gloves signed "Best Wishes". It was a gift from GOD.

The reason i talk about this incident of mine is to relate to my experiences of the past and present. While I'd managed to get close to the stars i had never had a first hand experience of the dressing room atmosphere where you could get to see real side of the players most times.

Six years later....

Well, six years later i was fortunate enough to live this dream, be part of an international sports team and got to see everything from close quarters. After having had a good experience at the Karnataka Premier League, my next assignment i was told was the inaugural version of the champions league with UK based Somerset County cricket club or the Somerset Sabers as they were known in the shorter format. The Somerset county team was one with great pedigree having had legends like Viv Richards, Sunil Gavaskar, Ian Botham. The current set up was captained by Australian legend and one of the most successful openers in test cricket, Justin Langer. The team was not high on star power barring Justin Langer and Marcus Trescothick who formed the back bone of the team in terms of experience. My current job excited me since it gave me an opportunity to have an unique experience.

My profile as an analyst required me to be good at observing the game and giving relevant inputs to the coach, captain and the rest of the team, irrespective of team i was going to be part off. The role of an analyst would more often seem rosy from the outset but seldom not. And if any team was investing on an analyst after much deliberation it was our duty to add value to the team in any form.

To one man whom I'm indebted to....

One thing that i learnt over the years is that no matter what one does, your work doesn't hold much significance and command respect until you add value. This particular quality was reiterated and sort of instilled in me time and again by my mentor at work Prasanna Agoram. Prasanna is a pioneer in sports technology and his role as a performance analyst is well documented and widely appreciated. So much so that the former coach of the national team John Wright makes a special note of him in his autobiography "John Wright's Indian Summers"(Page 69) and referred him to the National Cricket Academy(NCA) where he was the technical head. He's a software programmer, a qualified umpire, a gold medalist from Anna University and more famously a "TCN"(Total Cricket Nut) as some refer to him in the Royal Challenger's camp, a testimonial to his commitment and passion towards the game. Most of all he is a "go-to" man for many, for his insights about the game and life in general is matchless.

Prasanna's expertise is not one-dimensional but diversifies into Tennis when Rafael Nadal(at the Chennai open) asked him if his software would help him beat Roger Federer and as an analyst with the Indian Hockey when he worked under then coach Joaquim Caravalho. Hard to believe that he developed the Hockey software all alone on a flight to Belgium during one of the tournaments!

For me Prasanna Agoram is more than a mentor, a fine human being, highly committed and a intelligent individual. He believed in sharing knowledge and when it came to motivating people he was second to none. Am sure a lot of them who've had an opportunity to work alongside and interact with him would agree. He is one person who could easily give any professional coach around the world a run for his money. Trust me he is damn good. If at all the Somerset team appreciated my work i owe it to him without an iota of doubt.

On the professional front, the champions league assignment was in a lot of ways a make or break deal. The expectations to deliver were high, for if things went well it would mean 'there was hope'. Having had no prior experience before, luckily for me the Karnataka Premier League(KPL) was a great platform to experiment and understand about the players, team in general and the various means through which i could add value. The experience with the Bangalore Brigadiers gave me some confidence. Through my regular interactions with Prasanna Agoram, i still knew at the back of my mind that the champions league was at an altogether different level. Obviously the difference between a local team and an international one is massive. While my work was appreciated by the Brigadiers i still had my doubts on how i had to go about with an international setup comprising of star power. Will i be able to deliver, what should i tell the team, the players, how should i communicate with everyone around, will i be accepted as an outsider, will my work really add value were few of those myriad of queries i posted to myself.

I knew i had to approach this with a open mind but i was really nervous which was bound to happen despite the constant encouragement i kept receiving through Prasanna Agoram. As the legendary Tiger Woods said it once - "I always feel pressure. If you don't feel nervous, that means you don't care about how you play. I care about how I perform. I've always said the day I'm not nervous playing is the day I quit. I agree with the golfing legend.

The best part...

I'd like to believe that the initial background work had been done as the response from assistant coach based on my communication through mail was quite satisfactory. The team arrived at Hyderabad on October 5th and my plan was still uncertain. Not sure about my travel plan with the team and with the tour manager Sally expected to call me upon arrival in India i had no option but to be ready and wait. As my friend Satyabrata Dam in his wisdom states "Having no option is also an option; I learn this every day of my life, hanging with my fingers from impossibly high places". The wait allowed me to gain more knowledge from Prasanna and helped me plan better in terms of logistics.

Over a series of "sms" conversations during the day with Sally, i was asked to report next morning(October 6th) at the Uppal Stadium, Hyderabad. Feeling relieved, i went back home from the hotel where the Royal Challengers were put up and started packing my bags. I must admit i was nervous as i got into the cab ready to leave to the airport after a send off by my mom and Ameet in front of my place. I went to a state of reverie as the flight departed to Hyderabad.

October 5th and 6th...
With my accommodation not finalised as yet i had no option but to manage my own stay. I decided to stay at my grandparents place that night and join the team the next morning at the stadium. The stadium was an hour's journey from where i stayed. I called up easy cabs in the morning requesting for a pickup at 9a.m so that i could be there at 10a.m or earlier. In an ideal world everyone would want to be on time for the critical moments. My situation was very similar to an interviewee would want to report for an interview on time failing which he would be unable to make an impression. Sometimes situations are far from ideal and that was one of those day's for me. I had made repeated calls to the easy cabs travel desk to make sure the cab was on time or let me know in advance in case of any issues. Time went past and there was no sign of the cab. All i would be told is the cab was on its way. 9.45a.m and still no signs of the cab. The lady at the travel desk must be cursing her fate for i suppose she'd never ever had a red-faced customer on the other end of the receiver venting out his frustration big time. I knew i had overdone it but i was pissed off and had reasons to feel so. I didn't want to look out for stupid excuses when i met the team management. The cab driver and the travel desk knew they were at fault as repeated attempts to call the driver was in vain. 10a.m(my reporting time) i was still home and on calling the driver, the first thing he says is "Sir, coming in 5 minutes ...can u tell me the address again!!!" I felt devastated for a moment, fuming all the while, for this assignment was extremely critical. And i didn't want such a silly error from a taxi company to spoil my unique experience. If the cab driver was to be believed, he had finished his shift at 7a.m and was woken up by the travel desk at 9a.m. I sympathized with the driver but felt no remorse for the lady at the travel desk who i thought was quite irresponsible. She did get another round of mouthing and i landed at the stadium an hour late feeling guilty.

The team had started practicing in the nets and i tried to look out for Sally Donoughe, the tour manager for Somerset. Finally we did meet after numerous text message exchanges inside the stadium which looked beautiful. Sally took me to the pavillion and said she would introduce me to the team. Needless to say i was bloody nervous. With most of them practicing in the nets there were very few players inside the dressing room. I stood beside sally as she said "Hi all .. this is Karthik and he'd be with team". That was when i first met the legendary Justin Langer who walked towards me and introduced himself as Justin! I thought that was professionalism at its best. He didn't have to walk up to me but he did with a firm handshake. All i managed to say was its a great honour to meet you, Sir! In fact as the day progressed i realised no one really had any idea about this new chap joining the team. I spent the next couple of hours trying to interact with as many team members as possible and juggling around to get my accredition sorted failing which i wouldn't have access to the stadiums due to high security measures.

Time to head back to the hotel. I was on the team bus for the first time trying to recognize every member and eventually sat alone in the last seat observing every individual in the bus. It was quiet for a while when a couple of players started enquiring about the Hussain Sagar lake and the reason for women wearing burqas. Thought i gave them a reasonable explanation. Many were amused when they saw a passer-by urinate in the open. Glad they didn't ask me why? I spent the rest of the afternoon trying to settle down. My work began in the evening as i wanted to cover the practice match between Deccan Chargers and Otago Volts.Our team was supposed to come down to watch the match and get familiar with the conditions in the evening under lights. While the team arrived later i was in a couple of hours earlier making sure everything was in order for me to cover that match.

October 7th.... the day when it all began

Somerset were to play a practice match against the Newzealand based team Otago Volts at noon. We had a team meeting at 10a.m at the hotel. The coach talked about a few points during the first few minutes. The floor was open for questions and was about to be wrapped up. For me it was a challenge as i didn't have enough time to prove my worth here. We had the first round of matches on the 10th and 12th. Given the nature of the format, there was no guarantee of the next round matches. I told to myself it was now or never. I decided to get up, requested the coach for permission and talk about a couple of points which i felt was important for T20 cricket that could be executed during the matches. That was when i was introduced as the analyst with the team. I believe the point's that i put across made sense as the players appreciated my inputs. Justin Langer gave a pat and said that was good information. The ice was broken immediately as i felt relieved at the initial acceptance. That was when i suggested to Justin Langer to have a look at the presentation about the opponents. He was keen on watching it.

I always occupied the first seat on the right in the bus. Once on board we had the head count going with my number being 20. As i said 20, a couple of players from behind said "who is number 20??....i think its the new assistant coach!!!" I was all smiles and was really glad for having stood up in the meeting and suggested my ideas. On our way to the Gymkhana ground, the main strike bowler for somerset Alfonso Thomas(Thommo) sat next to me enquiring if i had some opponent data. I gave him quite a bit of information based on the coverage the previous day following which Thommo was appreciative of my work and the software in use. I heard him telling a few members in the bus that their past experiences with analyst hadn't been satisfactory and that the current one was too good.

Both the teams arrived at the Gymkhana grounds a couple of hours before the match. While the team practiced i had to set up all the logistics that is part of an analyst's profile. The main criteria for me is the camera position which needs to be straight on top and straight to the wicket. Ideally the sight screen angle would suit the best. While stadiums are well equipped the other second string grounds pose a lot of physical challenges. Every thing from the electric supply, the wires, the computers(hardware and software) needs to be in order. The dependencies are aplenty. I decided to place my video camera on top of a small house where the security guards resided at a distance from the dressing room. I had to sit with the team in the dressing room so that the players and coach can be in constant communication with me if need be. For this to happen i would need long wires to connect from the camera to my laptop depending on where the camera is setup. Sometimes as long as 100meters. Co-ordinating everything at one go can be taxing in a place like Hyderabad where the temperature can get really hot. With half an hour for the match to begin, while i thought everything was in place before the match began the extension chord went kaput. Such things not under your control can be highly irritating especially on the first day of the job when you are eager to make an impression. I remember running from one end to another looking out for an electrician. The electrician had a close look and had it fixed just ten minutes to the start of play. Watching me run from pillar to post trying to do a whole lot of hardware chores, am sure surprised some of the team members.

I gave myself a pat on the back for having set it up successfully and was geared up for the match. I wore a red Adidas shirt since i didn't have a team jersey. As i went back and forth inside the dressing room to grab a quick bite and some drinks the players started to address me again as an assistant coach. I felt really kicked at this juncture for that was a compliment of sorts for me. Behind me sat Wesley Durston, the middle order batsman and asked if I'd be travelling with the team throughout and till when I'd be there with them. I said "Wesley, till the finals", instinctively. He went inside the dressing room and handed over the official Somerset jersey to me saying "I want you to wear this and feel a part of the team". I never expected anything. Wearing the team jersey with the logo on the chest made me feel so proud. I was beaming with pride and joy. My face lit up, feeling kicked with signs of exhaustion disappearing. I think that is what confidence and the slightest of motivation can do to someone. It was one of the many feel good moments which would follow over the next few days.

Somerset chose to field. Little did i know that worse was in store when the camera gave away after the first over of the innings due to over heating! All the team members noticed the "camera over heated.. Please store it in cool place" blinking on my computer screen. I felt miserable but i had no control on that. I excused myself in between the over to bring the camera back to a cool place and possibly use it for the seconds innings. I informed the coach about the issue who was fine with it. I resumed work and tried to make the most without camera.

We started off well bowling out Otago Volts for a low score. I set up the camera again and everything went fine in the second innings. Somerset won the match comfortably. While on our way back to the hotel the players sat next to me in the bus to check if the points which i mentioned in the team meeting was executed. I gave them my feedback and passed on my laptop to Justin Langer seated behind to check if he'd played as per expectations. All these were encouraging signs for me and the more it happened the better. The next morning i met the coach over breakfast to show him reports of our performance in the practice game and the possible areas of improvement. He noted down the points which was addressed in the team meeting later in the day. I had very little time to prove a point. Atleast the start had been made.

It was very similar on the eve of our second practice match against the Hyderabad XI when we won by a huge margin. I would meet the coach over breakfast to share my reports and views on the game and meet the players either at the stadium or at our respective rooms. The message i intended to send across was that i was available for the team 24/7. It was half past eleven that night when Craig Keiswetter(wicket-keeper batsman, also in reckoning as a keeper for England) knocked on my door. My initial thought was he'd come to discuss about his performance in the practice game. He would later give me a set of shirt, shorts and a cap saying "Thanks mate, i appreciate the work you do for the team and I'd like to give this to you". I asked him if he was sure. He said "That's for you and you must feel part of the team". It couldn't have ended better i thought, as i retired for the day.

The day before our first big game against Deccan Chargers we had a team meeting in the evening to chalk out plans for the match day. I asked for the coach's permission if i could show my reports and clippings of the opposition that could help the team plan better than usual. He had a look at what was in the offing half an hour prior and i was given the go ahead. The meetings would usually last for 45 minutes to an hour. We planned well against Deccan Chargers and the team gave me a positive feedback on studying the opponents when i requested for one.

October 10th, on the day of our first match against the chargers i asked the coach if i could show a motivation clip that i'd prepared. He was skeptical initially but he was fine with it when i showed him a demo of the same. He wanted me to use the clip for the briefing before the team's departure to the stadium. I must say i received some great feedback from everyone with each one requesting me to give it to them in a disc. While the whole team left the room Justin Langer came up to me to enquire if i could help him in preparing similar videos and general computer usage. That was a special moment for me sitting beside someone i respected as i grew up and sharing my thoughts. Along with pre and post match meetings, i would be asked to provide specific reports, suggest my thoughts if any and play motivation clips on match days which would become a norm.

The big day.........

We arrived at the Uppal Stadium and the crowds grew bigger in support for the home team. For many in the team this was a first hand experience of what Indian crowds and stadiums could offer. We were always the underdogs coming into the tournament in contrast to the Deccan Chargers. The positives were the somerset played together with the same team for quite some time where as Deccan Chargers had a more star studded team but hadn't played together since IPL2009. For a couple of days before the game i had been telling the director and chairman of the club on how we would thrash the Deccan Chargers and the way in which Adam Gilchrist would be dismissed by our strike bowler Alfonso Thomas. I was pretty confident of us dismissing Gilchrist as per plan since we discussed it quite extensively at the pre-match meeting.

Deccan Chargers won the toss and batted first. On a brilliant batting track such as the one in Hyderabad all you can do is pray for the opposition to be bowled out for a low score which was not in our control. But what we certainly could do was to bowl in a disciplined manner waiting for the opponents to commit mistakes. With a decent start and after a couple of close chances Alfonso Thomas would come steaming in and dismiss Gilchrist as per plan. It couldn't have got any better. Deccan Chargers were bowled out for 150 clearly falling short by 20 runs. Somerset's chase was nothing less than magnificent as the game went down till the wire with 1run needed of 1ball when Alfonso Thomas guided the team to a thrilling win. The crowd was stunned at the home team's defeat and our celebration lasted for a while.

It was one of the best moments in my life as i ran down to the field to congratulate my team. We hugged one another tight and a couple of players lifted me in joy. After the celebration i would meet the director and chairman to congratulate when we had a hearty laughter about my predictions before the game and the nature in which Gilchrist would be dismissed. It was midnight when we gathered inside the dressing room, got into an huddle and sang the team song as we danced along. Unfortunately, i would miss the dance as i preferred to squat on the floor in the middle with the camera to get the best shot of the team dance. (Video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_mJ-x8fGU0)

A small section of crowd had gathered outside the stadium as we boarded the bus. The chairman of the club declared that the win against Deccan would go down as one of the best in the club's history and that he'd been getting congratulatory messages from cricket followers from England. The celebrations didn't last long as we had an early morning flight to Bangalore but the time never seemed so good that day.

The next morning the team was asked to assemble at the lobby at 7a.m with breakfast arranged early for the team and were asked to wear the grey coloured travel shirt. Myself, Arul Suppiah and Justin Langer were in the lift together. Justin and Arul wore the travel shirt while i wore the practice shirt which i received from Wesley. I proceeded to have breakfast and as i was filling up my bowl with cereals i received a pat on my back. It was Justin. He handed me one of his travel shirts saying "mate...this is for you". As i sat down munching my cereals Justin came and sat along with me. He talked about his feelings from the thrilling match and how winning can change things. I nodded in agreement. I was numb throughout. Firstly it was the shirt and second i was having breakfast with a legend. It was brilliant. I told Justin that it was a special moment for me to be sitting alongside with someone the cricketing world respected. He said "Am sure you're going to enjoy this experience mate.... and we'll have more such moments as we go".

We arrived in Bangalore and the first thing most of them said was "This place is great....Way better than Hyderabad". Justin called me from behind in the bus and told me Taj Westend was one of his all time favourite hotels with lush green lawns all over and the monkey's that would peep through the balcony early morning. Team meeting was scheduled for the evening to chalk out plans against Trinidad&Tobago(T&T). The team from Westindies was always a challenge considering the way they played their sport and to add to that was a plethora of new faces making themselves visible on the world stage for the first time during the tournament.

Although we won our first game against the chargers by a close margin, we still had to win the match against T&T to progress further in the tournament. On the day of the match during the briefing i played a movie comprising of the best moments from the victorious game. Justin stood watching the movie and when it was done he said "Excellent presentation mate... and told the guys that this should motivate each one of them". Unfortunately, we lost the game badly by a huge margin of 55runs. Clearly we lacked intensity and intent. It was extremely disappointing as the loss meant we were virtually out of the tournament, a dependency on the other teams in our group to perform badly. With uncertainty looming large and not sure of knowing what was in store, all we could do was kill time for the next three days and hope for a Deccan Chargers loss against T&T. This dependency on the other team to lose was frustrating to say the least.

I had a couple of options in between either to go home or stay at the hotel to try and make the most of business trying to meet more people, give presentations and make some inroads. I preferred the latter and it paid off well. Shopping was the only option otherwise. Justin asked me if we could get some Diesel jeans during one of the team meeting in Hyderabad. I had no idea about this and the best thing for me to do would have been to politely decline. Instead i shot myself in the foot with a confidently diplomatic reply in "yeah... but only the unofficial stuff". Everyone laughed in unison at my response and were kicked about having the unofficial diesel stuff! I was kicking myself for having said that. I said to myself "where on earth would i go in search of this diesel jeans??".

Anyways as the cliche goes having no option is also an option! I was chatting with Prasanna Agoram in his room as all the teams stayed at the same hotel. It was then my friend Chipli's name cropped up for some reason. Brilliant!! Chipli was more into the branded-trendy type of dressing. I immediately called him to check if he was aware of any store which sells diesel merchandise. Chipli contacted his designer friend Vijay, who incidentally has a boutique of his own and gets some stuff from Bangkok. The next afternoon the team dispersed into groups with one group opting for golf while the other went shopping. Myself, Justin Langer and the coach along with my colleague Ashwin had lunch at an Italian restaurant in UB city followed by a bit of shopping and window shopping on lavelle road and lifestyle stores.

After an extensive team meeting in the evening i invited Vijay to come over and display his collections. The merchandises were scattered all around in the meeting room as each and every bit of clothing was tried, tested and some money invested upon. Vijay had a pretty good day at office i must say selling his stuff. So much so that the team members requested him to get few collections of Ed Hardy and True religion. Eventually he would present me a nice t-shirt to express his gratitude.

Later in the evening Justin asked me to come over to his room to help him in using movie maker and general computer help. To be invited my a man of that stature, to be interacting with him closely about everything in life was beyond my imagination. I really felt privileged to be in such good company talking about his cricketing experiences, the "Invincible" Australian team, Shane Warne, his relationship with Matthew Hayden and a lot more apart from sharing a bit of my computer knowledge. I would get to know a lot of interesting stories about the Australian players, more specifically his loyalty towards the legendary Steve Waugh. Justin on quote - "If Steve asked me to run into a brick wall, I would run as fast as I could and hit the wall as hard as I could. I would not question his request. I trust and respect everything he says,".

I still felt a pinch at the huge loss over Trinidad & Tobago, for a win would have seen us through to the next round without dependencies on the other teams. As Steve Waugh mentions in his autobiography "Out of my comfort zone", there's nothing worse than a losing team's dressing room and all you have is your own thoughts for comfort. I don't know what transpired within me as i shared my computer knowledge. All of a sudden i told Justin, "Sir, it would be great if you could prepare a small motivational clip with your thoughts on that and show it in the team meeting. Till date i would be the only one working on the computer in team meetings. My reasoning was - If the slightest of extra effort from the captain could inspire the team, then nothing like it. I felt it would make the team react differently when they saw Justin using the laptop and notice every message he wanted to convey". Justin gave me a shockingly surprised look. I didn't want to force it on him but reiterated the fact that since he was aware of using the movie maker he could experiment with it and if it worked then so be it. As i left the room Justin thanked me for my help and said he would give my suggestion some thought.

I would meet Justin over breakfast the next morning. He told me that he'd given my suggestion some thought and he'd prepared a motivation clip. I looked at him amazed for a while and smiled at him. We reviewed the clip and was ready to be shown in the team meeting. Justin had his laptop with him as the players looked at him surprised as they entered the meeting room while i set up the projector and speakers. The whole team was glued to the video as i watched the reaction on everyone's face. At the end of it, the sound of the applause grew loud in appreciation of Justin. We weren't really worried about the impact as long as the intent was there and it did rub off on few of them i would think. Few players came up to me and said the presentation was great and they'd like to do something similar. I couldn't help but oblige with goosebumps all over feeling happy for what Justin had done. I really appreciated his effort, for he put the team ahead and thought it could boost their morale.

During breakfast that morning, Justin was curious to know about the plain dosa on my plate accompanied by a variety of chutney's and sambhar. I told him it was a pancake and was best made in South India, especially Karnataka and offered him a bite. Well, who doesn't fall for dosa's i thought when Justin ordered one for himself. Darren Veness, the strength and conditioning coach came over and sat next to me. Needless to say one bite of my dosa and an inspiration from Justin having one himself would spur Darren to order a plain dosa. It was festive season and soon they would be having "Shavige Paysam" with me. It was fun!

Three days spent in Bangalore doing nothing but wait for the D-DAY rather D-Night for the outcome of the match between Trinidad&Tobago and Deccan Chargers. The logic was simple. A Trinidad&Tobago win would mean Somerset would progress further. With Deccan Chargers having lost their first game against Somerset, they had to go for the kill. They did, almost! The whole somerset team assembled at the pub downstairs waiting in anticipation for a Trinidad victory. Guess some of them even had lucky/superstitious seating, dining, smoking, walking, going to the loo positions. It happens in any sport. When things go your way when you are in bit of a disarray, you tend to stick to the same way. Probably a temporary obsessive compulsive disorder of sorts. I was in two minds whether to prepare for our future matches or watch the game. Personally i didn't fancy watching the game and following all the superstitions. I thought if we had played with even half the intensity against Trinidad the other night as compared to watching the game on T.V, the result would have been different. On the other hand, if we progressed then we could face the Diamond Eagles(Southafrica) and New south Wales(Australia) in the next round in Hyderabad. Else it was the Fly Emirates flight for Somerset and a short rickshaw ride for me. I wouldn't say i was optimistic of a Deccan loss but in any eventuality i felt it was better for me to prepare if we progressed further.

I met Prasanna Agoram at his room to get some words of wisdom. Based on his experiences concocted with superstitions, he suggested i start preparing after the Deccan-Trinidad match finished, which was at midnight. He believed Deccan were going to lose at any cost, which was more of a personal motivation strategy directed towards a sulking me. I went out for dinner and ended up missing the game till the final overs. I would walk back and forth in the pub hoping against hope when i managed to watch the final few overs of the game. The atmosphere was tense in Hyderabad and Bangalore and the commentators would make a constant reference to Somerset watching the game on TV with nails in their mouth. Prasanna Agoram stuck to his superstitions as he watched the match with his legs slightly crossed and resisting a pee break for more than an hour. Well, when it happens it happens. Deccan Chargers lost the match in the last over. The Hyderabad crowd was stunned while the scantily crowded pub in Bangalore jumped and hugged one another in jubilation. It was great but i empathized with Deccan Chargers for their jinx continued with not a single win on record at Hyderabad.

I went to congratulate Justin Langer, we shook hands as i said "Sir, the work begins now". He smiled back. Close to 1a.m, i went back to my room feeling great thinking about my next step when i received a message on my phone. It was from the coach and read "Karthik, team meeting at 10.30 a.m and depart to Hyderabad at 1p.m." I recalled my chat with Prasanna when he said, "Karthik, mark my words..Deccan are going to lose today. You will have very little time to prepare for the next game but that is the challenge which would make you more focused and keep motivated. You might have to forego your sleep, but your efforts will be appreciated by one and all". He sang the Deccan Charger's team song "Chargers go... go go go..." in the most sarcastic manner i could imagine, clearly holding his grudge against the Chargers after Royal Challenger's loss to them in the finals of IPL2009. I checked with the coach if we could have the meeting at Hyderabad instead of Bangalore as that would allow the players to have a good memory of what was discussed in the meeting. That wasn't the case however.

I had virtually no data of the Diamond Eagles team and i had to get them by morning for the team meeting. I had no option but to go to office. I called up the travel desk at the hotel requesting for a cab. Five star hotels are not for the middle class. The cab charges for a less than 20km drive cost me 1100Rs. Anyways, the amount would be reimbursed later by the team management. I returned back to the hotel at half past two and started working. My eyes were drooping adding to the misery. 10a.m, i was ready for breakfast and with my presentation. I met the coach and gave him a thumbs up when he enquired me about the oppositions data. On questioning i had no option to tell him how i managed to get them in very little time. Guess the word spread across some of the team members. The meeting went well with a couple of Somerset representing South African players Zan De Bryuyn and Alfonso Thomas giving their valuable inputs about the opponents.

The team reached Hyderabad in two groups. The players leaving first followed by the support staff and the director later in the evening. When you are part of a major event such as the champions league and associated with good cricket teams one can be assured of getting pampered at every possible step. You are allowed to take excessively excess baggage in aircrafts, provided with luxurious waiting lounge, get to travel in the best aircraft available, get to stay in plush hotels and experience the exaggerated(sometimes) respect that's on offer everywhere. 15minutes to boarding we were told that the security needed clearance for one of the bags failing which the bag would be retained in Bangalore. Myself and Darren Veness decided to check since we carried heavy luggage in supplements and electronic hardware. It was our security officer from South Africa travelling with the team whose bag was scrutinised. I called up the coach in Hyderabad asking him to inform the security officer about this. Only when he called up to confirm the metal object was it released.

Reached Hyderabad at 9.30p.m and had my usual hotel nightmares. Just when i checked in the phone started to ring. The voice on the other end said "Hey Karthik, hi pal.. hope you are good buddy". Justin's computer had few issues and the internet wasn't working. I tried my best to fix it up but it was a virus issue eventually resulting in an operating system crash . I offered him my spare laptop used for reporting purpose since it wasn't of much use to me as i wasn't allowed to sit in the dugout in compliance with the ICC anti-corruption unit's regulations against usage of any electronic devices on the field.

Very seldom in my life have i purchased tickets or passes for a cricket match, for most of the times i would be dependent on my uncle who's a journalist or friends who could get some for free. And here i was, in a situation where the team management handed over free passes for the best of stands in the stadium. I used a few in Bangalore but being in Hyderabad i would distribute the passes to the security personnel or the staff. They would leave my room with a 1000 watt smile as some of the passes cost a fortune.

Our first match in the second round was against Diamond Eagles. Barring Wesley Durston's brilliant knock we didn't have much to brag about. The Eagles were a beatable side and losing to them didn't augur well for Somerset's morale and our progress further. And losing by quite some margin in T20 is sad and it happened twice in a row. It was extremely disappointing as we were virtually out of the tournament, again. Back in the hotel later, as we headed to the lift Justin put his arms around me and said he wanted to buy me dinner. I thought that was a great gesture by one of the finest sportsmen. Needless to say it was an honour and privilege for me.

The next day the team had an optional net session at the stadium followed by a team meeting to discuss our plans against the New South Wales who were a relatively star studded and strong team followed by Diwali celebrations at the hotel premises. Most of the team members gathered at the lawn, with a couple of them making some extra effort to wear a traditional Indian attire looking in awe of the whole diwali cracker bursting process. But the best part about the celebrations was the manner in which the whole NewSouthWales team stayed together and enjoyed the whole evening buying and bursting more crackers.

The motivation clip before the match included a photo of Wesley Durston posing with his mobile in one hand and a sparkler in the other along with a highlight of his knock against the Eagles which read "The star who sparkled". After the meeting Wesley would come up to me and say "Hey champ u know what... my girlfriend would get emotional when she watches this...cos my girlfriend calls me a star"! Our match against the New South Wales was always going to be tough and it was even tougher to digest we lost the game by quite a margin. Everyone shook hands probably for one last time and all of a sudden it all seemed so surreal. When you are part of a team embracing one another, experienced the highs and low's the thought of parting ways is sour. I wanted a picture with the whole team after which i would be presented with an autographed shirt by the whole Somerset team for my efforts.

The team was scheduled to depart at 7a.m in next morning. I still had my task of handing over the clips and data to all the players. I shuttled between the pub and my room. I enjoyed the casual chat with the team members over a few drinks talking beyond cricket. Again, each of the team member thanked me and appreciated my efforts in trying to add value. It feels great to be appreciated and respected. Some of the players called me over to hand some of their merchandises, shades etc... as a way of expressing their gratitude. I did acknowledge them and thanked them for their support.

I had a bat autographed by the Somerset team as a souvenir, had pictures with the best cricketers, worked with a reputed cricket team and managed to gather some stardust. I smiled at myself.

The slightly annoying part ......

For a couple of weeks prior to the tournament I had been in constant touch with the assistant coach through mails sharing various information related to the opponent teams, players, ground details and much more. On the eve of the team's departure from Heathrow i still wasn't sure of my joining dates, accommodation, accredition. Reason being my name hadn't been sent across to the champions league committee which took care of all the participating teams, officials, travel, allowance and stay. The issue with this as i realised as we progressed was that every time the team checked into a hotel in Hyderabad and Bangalore i would be the only one waiting in the lobby with the huge kits with uncertainty all around. I must admit it was disappointing when i was told there were no rooms available for me every time we checked in. Upon my arrival on October6th in Hyderabad i was informed there were no rooms available and they could accommodate me at another hotel. My point was simple. I had been here to assist the team and i had to be available for the team round the clock, for this wasn't any vacation. It was pure business. And if i couldn't stay in the team hotel i could miss out on opportunities to add any value and meet the right people which was extremely crucial. Few phone calls back and forth to Delhi and after waiting for close to an hour i was alloted a room. Sally Donoughe the tour manager must have had some sleepless nights sorting out my issues that seemed never ending. A projector was required during team meetings and this had been informed to the hotel authorities. Needless to say that the expenses regarding anything concerning the team would be taken care by the team management or the champions league committee. Either me or the coach would usually be the first to arrive for team meetings in order to make sure things were in place.

On few occasions when the projectors and speakers were missing, the constant response was "Sir, i am extremely sorry the expenses would have to be paid by you"!!! I hated to hear this time and again. Team meetings are extremely important and when such things happened it looked very unprofessional. I didn't want to be at the receiving end at any cost. Going further i decided to make sure the settings in the team room were in order an hour before so that i could be spared of any excuses. The team comes first and everything later.

I was informed i could be at the same hotel till October 9th and had to move to a different one on the 10th. Eventually after a lot of discussion i could stay in the same hotel, which would mean i could be with the team on the day of the match. However, things don't always seem perfect when i received a call midnight asking me to vacate the room by noon on match day. I got a call in the morning again asking me to stay back and that the rooms were available in the same hotel. Half an hour went past when i was asked to vacate the room again. This happened thrice, when i packed and unpacked my bags(Huge ones). Amidst all this we had a team meeting in the afternoon after which we had to leave to the stadium at 5p.m. Finally, i was asked to vacate my room and had to share the room with one of the players' for that night. Just before the team's departure to Bangalore the next morning i decided enough was enough when i was asked to pay the room tax. It had been a long while since i had lost my cool when i gave the hotel executives some piece of my mind. The last thing i told them was that the stay at the particular hotel was plain annoying and ran to the team bus with me being the last guy to board.

More was in store when we checked into the hotel in Bangalore. Ok, here i go....'Sir, there are no rooms in this hotel but we can accommodate you 5kms away in another hotel of ours". I was quite tired as we came back to our rooms only at 1a.m the previous morning after our victory against the Deccan Chargers. I told the hotel manager that if i had to stay then it had to be with the team else it was pointless. I'd rather stay at home and come back to the hotel for meetings when the coach asked me to. He requested me to wait for 10 mins which extended to more than an hour after which i was told i would be accommodated into a temporary room which would eventually turn out to be a permanent one for the next four days.

Trinidad defeating Deccan Chargers meant Somerset were through to the next round in Hyderabad to play against Diamond Eagles and New South Wales. Due to logistical issues i would presume the teams left to Hyderabad in two batches with the players leaving first in the smaller aircraft and the support staff in the bigger one along with the massive luggages. Our flight later in the evening was delayed as we arrived at 9p.m at Hyderabad. Everyone in the team were given key's to their respective rooms. It was the same guy with whom i had an argument the other day, who handed the key's. I knew at the back of mind about me having to face another frustrating "no rooms available" moment. I was spot on. It was my turn to collect the key and prompt comes the response "Sir, your room on the 16th floor is ready, but.......But, i remarked?(Am sure he was cursing me big time)....But Sir, you will have to pay for it"!! "hahaha"- was my reaction spontaneously. All I could afford was a smile, for that was the appropriate reaction i could offer them at that situation. I hadn't slept over the last 24hrs and i walked away without a glance wanting to hit the sack. Barring the complimentary breakfast and stay anything else would cost me a fortune. Lunch and dinners would happen at the stadiums, through a bowl of fruits or a walk down to the take away. Am sure the hotel authorities hated me for my arrogance but i didn't care because i had a job to accomplish.

This is purely based on observation. That in most tourist places in India once they realise you are someone from the same origin the perception towards an individual is a totally different one. The moment they realise someone is an Indian you take the lower priority in their minds. The views on this might differ, but this is based on my experience during the 3week stint at one of the best hotels in the country. While i wouldn't want to blame it on the hotel authorities entirely, i feel we could have been proactive as an organization back here in Bangalore. If only we had been proactive and sent across my details to the team management things could have possibly been better.

Time to bid Adieu.......

As the cliche goes "we win some, we lose some". Personally it was depressing. Not because we lost, but the manner in which we lost was burning within despite few players trying to pep me up. But then that is what sport is all about. It teaches a lot about life and with time you learn to move on despite all the setbacks trying to soak in the positives.

The team assembled at the hotel lobby on time. It would be the last time i would meet them and if i was lucky then i could be part of the team sometime in the near future. I must admit i felt emotional as i wore my first Somerset shirt and shorts bidding them goodbye. It was all over too soon.

Nevertheless my stint with the Somerset county club was an experience nonpareil. Lastly, my sincere thanks to the Somerset county cricket club, the players, my organization, friends, parents and everyone involved. Special thanks to Prasanna Agoram who believed in me throughout without whom i cease to exist in this profession. I'm making it sound as if this could be the end of the road but i wish myself many more challenges, get serendipitous and enjoy the journey for as long as i can no matter what is in the offing.

Well, as a wise man once said "It's the journey that brings you happiness, not the destination". I couldn't differ on that although the destination could have been slightly better. If only it was an Utopian world. Glad it isn't.

-Karthik :-)

Links:
KPL Experience
Indian team camp
TeamSong

My tryst with the cricketing GOD.

noreply@blogger.com (Karthik) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 03:31:37 PST

What could have been an occasion to celebrate on November 15th? Well, nothing as i can remember. But November 15th, 2009 is indeed an occasion to celebrate for the cricketing fraternity, at least. That day when one of the nation's favorite son would have played 20 years of cricket at the highest level one being as dominant as always. 20 years and still counting. At 35, he stands tall and imperious forming the pillar of Indian cricket, scoring humongous amount of runs, making the cricketing world smile with his batting prowess and still being humble as ever. If Google is a habit for many, so is Sachin for the cricketing world. Cricketers in India are like demigods but Sachin stands apart GOD like.

Barring his young flamboyant batting style which has considerably mellowed down, nothing much has changed in the 20 years. People expect the best from Sachin whenever he enters the field; the crowd chants his name when he bowls his arm over and still cheers when the ball goes to him where ever he fields. When Sachin enters the field, he represents every soul in the country. There was a sense of connect when he took his guard, scored his runs, scalped the opposition and executed run outs. As Peter Roebuck rightly said "Sachin is public property and India's proudest possession".

His innings have formed an imprint of sorts in our minds. Whether its his amazing knock as an opener against New Zealand when he changed the perception of opening batting forever, the 1996 world cup innings, the emotional knock when he scored a century and looked up to the heaven's for a while against Kenya immediately after his father's demise in the middle of the world cup, the magnificent 98 against Pakistan in the 2003 world cup, the hero cup win when he bowled the final over in front of the 90,000 crowd at Kolkata, his googly to Moin Khan which changed the course of the match, the back to back centuries at Sharjah in 1998, his match winning knock against England in Chennai after the 26/11 terror attacks or the recent 175 at Hyderabad against Australia. The list goes on. Some of my best Sachin innings were during the India-Australia test series in 1998 when the whole Sachin-Warne dual began followed by a match winning knock in the finals at Sharjah when he hit the straight six off Michael Kasperowicz and another one dancing down the track off Shane Warne straight over the top and the 60 odd runs against Australia at Mumbai in 2001 in the first innings. Personally, my favourite Sachin knock would be the 136 that he scored against Pakistan with excruciating back spasm. India lost the match, Sachin was in tears and so was the entire nation i would believe. I was for sure.

Like most sports fanatics I’ve idolized cricketers and alike and have dreamt of rubbing shoulders with the best in the business. Sachin Tendulkar was obviously on top of my list. Having followed him closely for as long as i can remember, my liking towards the game grew twofold when i saw more of him. One of my best moments was during the opening ceremony at the inaugural season of IPL 2008. All the captains from the eight franchises were called upon to sign the spirit of cricket agreement. As the captain of Mumbai Indians, Sachin was the last to be called upon to sign. The 30,000 crowd at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore went berserk, standing in unison, chanting Sachin's name for over two minutes. The atmosphere was magical; I had goose-pimples all over as i stood up in awe and respect for the greatest cricketer to have ever played.

My first encounter with the great man was during the Indian team’s conditioning camp in 2003-04 in Bangalore. Desperately wanting to be part of the camp in any capacity, despite me knowing there wasn't any chance, I'd bunk college and take off to Chinnaswamy stadium to take a glimpse of all the stars, get their autographs, get a picture in their company and if lucky manage to grab some stardust! It was during one of these loitering days at the stadium did i stumble upon the local manager and decided to vent out my desire to be part of the camp. I remember pleading him and promised him that i wasn't like most people who just came for a photograph and that i really wanted to learn something. I think he saw that passion in me and asked me to come over the next day in cricket whites. My joy knew no bounds as i spent the entire night dreaming about myself standing alongside the legends of the game, asking them questions on the game and so on. I had reasons to feel delighted for these are unfulfilled desires for many. And the rest as they say is history as i spent the next three weeks with the Indian cricket team assisting as a wicket-keeper keeping wickets to the Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh, Sachin Tendulkar and many others.

While i had a lot of moments that I can cherish, the one i can vividly remember was when Sachin Tendulkar asked me to keep wickets off his bowling after recovering from a shoulder injury. That was when the great man caught me on the wrong foot when i misread a googly for a leg spin delivery. In short, the ball went one way while I went the other way! Sachin offered me a tricksy smile indicative of his mastery over the game which I wholeheartedly accepted. It was just great. As any young cricketer would wish I would handle Sachin's bats when he walked in to the field from the dressing room and vice-versa. Holding those bats had made me quite popular as the crowd gathered inside the stadium would try and get a picture with me! I also remember giving him throw downs as he knocked relentlessly. His work ethic was remarkable as I watched him from close quarters. Few days passed by and little did I know I would be getting Sachin's batting gloves signed "Best Wishes". It was a gift from GOD. The next day I would present him an audio cassette comprising of the best Kishore Kumar collection and I remember him putting it inside his handbag. It wouldn't have mattered to him probably, but it was a small token of appreciation from me - a one among the billions of fans who idolized him.

Many talk about Sachin's elephantine like memory. For he remembers every moment, every knock of his and I can recall an incident which I was part off which was quite embarrassing. Two years later when the Australian team was in India for a five match ODI series. I would manage to sneak through the gates in my cricketing whites to assist the Australian team if I got lucky. I did get lucky as I kept wickets at their practice session. It was then when i bumped into Sachin. I met Javagal Srinath, whom i also knew as a friend in the dressing room. I was greedy to get more of Sachin. I asked Srinath if I could get a bat from Sachin if possible. Sachin would tell Srinath later - "isko mein pichle baar mera gloves diya tha" (meaning I had given him my gloves last time). I was shocked!! That he had remembered giving his gloves to me when we met two years back was beyond my imagination. Trust me its no exaggeration.

No doubt even the greatest of sportsmen haven't been spared of criticisms. Sachin is no exception. Despite the obstacles, shouldering over billions of expectations, trying to give his best every time is in itself a remarkable feat. Yet, as he exceeds all expectations, the world over has an insatiable appetite when it comes to Sachin Tendulkar. Everyone wants more of the little master. His work ethic is something which stands out even to this day making him what he is. For me, it couldn't have been any better as I thoroughly enjoyed watching and spending every moment I could with a man whom the whole world adored.

Wishing him the very best and hope he continues to enthrall and create magic time and again, for one never gets tired of him. A true legend, indeed.

Thank you, Sachin Tendulkar!

From nurturing horses, criminals, cricketers....and what more??

noreply@blogger.com (Karthik) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 02:14:41 PDT

Horse Race: Turf Club : Horses::Cricket: Stadium : Players!...makes for a pretty good analogy, isn't it ?.

Notwithstanding the shifting of the Bangalore Turf Club to the city's outskirts, the launch of "KPL" or the Karnataka Premier League is proving to be the ideal replacement. With a total of eight teams likely to be owned by filmstars, movie production houses, underworld dons and politicians the league provides them with a great breeding ground for establishing a wider base in the state, not to mention all the betting, gambling that comes along.

While the relocation of the turf club comes as a disappointment to many, for some the KPL comes as a blessing to make more money, catapult growth of unscrupulous elements, all in the name of 'CRICKET'. It doesn't come as much of a surprise with Anil Kumble making his displeasure evident. Kumble has a point when he says the league will encourage lot of backdoor entry. The former captain is spot on. From betting on horses to cricketers, the action from the Bangalore Turf club shifts a few miles down to the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium.

With two teams from Bangalore, six teams from mofussil's and media coverage the stakes are high. Another point Kumble makes is about the modest pay caps on players and the overall format. With each association getting an annual grant from the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), the K.S.C.A (Karnataka State Cricket Association) certainly has the wherewithal to run a tournament, develop the game throughout the state on its own terms. If at all the state association believes it lacks the marketing abilities, it could have brought in expertise from professional sports management firms like IMG, develop a business model and take the game forward.

Over the years Karnataka cricket has seen the greatest of cricketers represent the country. Its hypocritical when all those bidding for these teams vouch for the game's developement. And it surely doesn't require a KPL to be held to foster talents. Encouraging elements for whom the game, it's players and the development is of least priority would be the last thing that cricket needed. But at the end of the day it boils down to business.

For the player's, with instant success, fame and money through the IPL's (Indian Premier League) and KPL's the desire and motivation to play for their state teams, Ranji Trophy and the longer version of the game is sure to take a beating. And the signs are ominous. Hope sanity prevails.

Owners bidding for teams include :

Upendra, Ramya, Sudeep, Rockline Venkatesh (actors & producers), Muthappa Rai (underworld don-turned-politician), Sriramulu (Minister), Ambareesh (actor&politician), industrialist Jagannath Y, politician Jayprakash Hegde and educational group Jain Group of institutions.

Likely team owners

My neighbour - "Teresa"..

noreply@blogger.com (Karthik) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 03:08:09 PDT

If there's one place where I've spent more time than Bangalore, its Bristol. There was a great connect with the place in a lot of ways. And when things happen unexpectedly you tend to enjoy all the more. Sometimes it takes time to adapt and the initial days were quite boring. But soon it was fun. Everything about Bristol was great. The food, travel, shopping, soccer, Horfield sports center, cricket, cycling, the pubs and much more :-)

While i kind of hated travelling initially, i realized it was infact great fun going around Europe. That was the best thing to happen. Although a veggie, food was never an issue. I loved the McVities chocolate biscuit and almond croissant from Tesco, the breakfast at my workplace Aztec West which included scrambled eggs, toast and honey, hashbrown and bakedbeans, the cereal bars and Lucozade sports drink. Everyone loved the Horfield sports center, for its facilities were magnificent. It had a swimming pool with warm water, squash courts, gym and a makeshift basketball/football/badminton court. The 5-a side football game at Horfield was a great pastime and everyone of us (Caritor/Keane employees) would be eager for the weekend to kick some ass on the court.

While i cherish the whole experience one thing which i miss about Bristol is my doting neighbour Teresa Lines. When i came back to Bangalore i made it a point to keep in touch with her either through phone or mail. Her husband Vic, an avid sports lover was on medication for quite a long time and passed away in 2007. Her grandchildren lived close by, couple of roads away but Teresa lived alone. Whenever i called her she'd instantly recognize through my voice and would start the conversation in her own inimitable style "khaaaurtikkk(read karthik).... hi my love.... how r u????" with a laugh. I'd always joke around with her and crack some stupid jokes whenever i spoke to her. She was quite fond of me always enquiring about girl friends, my work, my parents and ofcourse my gym!

During one of my recent phone conversation, the voice on the other side trembled. I realized something was wrong. She said "Khaaurtik..... I've not been well for a while now.... I've just had a surgery and some x-rays for the lungs.....I've turned 80 and its not getting better". After the conversation i went into a reverie trying to remember the days in Bristol.

Teresa was like a guardian. Am sure the rest of the guys who stayed at 42, Third avenue opine the same. Not many in their 80's would have the energy and enthusiasm as she did. It was fantastic to see how she cared for us - the boys next door. She would enquire about our work, the life back in India , the soiled curtains, gardening and a whole load of things. She'd update us with what had happened in the neighbourhood, the thefts, burglaries, prayers at the church and much more. Infact, a lot of times she'd remind us of the day when the garbage collection happened and the color of the bin which was supposed to be kept outside.

Most times I'd bump into her with my shorts and jerkin before heading to the gym. She'd ask me not to come back late from the gym as there were few instances of people getting roughed up. She would talk about football and her grandson Chris's stint with the Bristol Rovers. She was extremely proud of him and one day invited me over to her place to show a collection of his photos and articles that appeared in the local media.

Although very sweet I vividly remember an instance of Teresa getting charged up. That day when we had locked the house and left the keys inside. Teresa helped us get a ladder from her neighbour and we tried to sneak through a small opening unsuccessfully. We finally reached the landlord for a duplicate key and were asked collect them. We informed Teresa about this and left to get the duplicate keys. Little did we know Teresa would be waiting for us the whole evening. I must admit it was quite stupid of us to not inform her once we were back. We were in our rooms when she knocked the door hard and started shouting at us for not letting her know. Teresa had a point, for she usually went to bed early and had been waiting for us that day only to realize we'd been home an hour back! It was shameful and embarrassing as she left in a huff saying she wouldn't help us again. I'd been feeling guilty for what had happened and decided to repair the damage done. The next afternoon i wrote an apology letter, got a small teddy bear from the greeting shop and dropped it at her doorstep as she wasn't at home. As i sat watching TV in the evening someone knocked the door. It was Teresa. She was emotional as she hugged me saying it was all fine. The letter and the bear had done the trick :-)

One very poignant moment hard to forget was during the Mumbai train blasts. I came home from work a bit late. Teresa was outside watering the plants. She enquired me about the blasts and the situation in Mumbai. Just as we chatted she broke down. Incidentally she'd lost her son in the war and felt miserable about all the violence in the world. Its hard to react at such times. It was just silence all round.

She loved displaying greeting cards. I think it was during Easter or Christmas, when the cards were all over on the fireplace, window panes and on the table. The best part about Teresa was when she'd prepare home made cakes and distribute. To say they were great would be an understatement. She kept her house spick and span, very contrasting to the one next door!

She loved her cat -"Shandy". Shandy and Teresa had some kind of connection. After Vic's death i paid a visit to her place. Shandy was quiet, didn't move around much and coiled in between my legs quietly. She knew something was definitely amiss.

With just 2 months away before i departed Bristol, i had my parents come over after an Europe trip. The way in which she interacted with them was remarkable. Although my parents couldn't quite comprehend the fast paced English she spoke they were able to understand what she intended to say. Probably telepathic. By the end of their stay they were touched by Teresa's warmth and gesture. Am sure Adi's parents who visited him in 2008 would testify the same.

The week before i left (1st week of July) i presented her with a classic pendulum clock along with a note of thanks. Any number of words wouldn't suffice to express something to Teresa. She hugged me and gave a peck on my cheek. She said she'd miss me and that i was a great lad. That for me was one of the best compliments that I've ever received from someone. Certainly not bragging, but that was something special. I remember messaging Malavika about that.

It was sort of a trend for those who left that place (I'd seen atleast a couple of them) to leave a bouquet at her door. I did the same on July7th. As i left Bristol, i saw Teresa watching from her window and waving at me for one last time.

Teresa was expressive and always spoke her heart out. Her laughter was addictive with great energy in them. She'd introduce her friends, make great cakes. She'd sign off in style saying "alrightttt...take care my love.... byee khaaaaaurtik" and she did mumble the other night when i spoke to her.

She'll always remain special...Home away from home..

India's political and cricket fortunes

noreply@blogger.com (Karthik) — Sun, 24 May 2009 22:39:25 PDT

Well, the events that unfolded over the last few weeks have been quite invigorating, bit like a roller-coaster ride. It couldn't have been better with the IPL happening both on and off the field (Indian Premier League & the Indian Political League).

Firstly, the uncertainty over any sort of clear majority in the Loksabha elections was palpable. The IPL in South Africa was pretty much similar. For, almost 6 teams jostled for a place in the top four to make it through to the semi-finals. Like the Congress and BJP which formed the fulcrum in their respective alliances (UPA & NDA) with numerous smaller parties revolving around, the Delhi Daredevils and Chennai Superkings were probably the big players on field with the rest beating around the bush trying to have their share of pie.

The mandate looked to be clearly divided with no clear winner emerging. So much so, that the leaders from relatively smaller parties like Mayawati, Sharad Pawar nursed ambitions to become the Prime Minister. While the BSP's and NCP's ebbed away, the resurgence of Royal Challengers and Deccan chargers is a distinctive part between the elections and cricket with the underdogs emerging victorious.For Royal Challenger's the road to the top has been a challenging one especially to stage a comeback after four loses. A testament of the team's will to succeed despite all odds.

The last three matches (Royals Vs KKR, KingsXI Vs Superkings and Royal Challengers Vs Deccan Chargers) were almost like the days before the counting on May 16 with no winners in sight and every party bargaining with every other party in town. While the Royals went down without a fight against the battered Knightriders, KingsXI despite losing to Chennai seemed to be in contention for the semi-finals provided the Royal Challengers lost by huge margins. For Kings XI to make it to the top four, required Deccan Chargers to chase a total of 170 by 11.2 overs, which was quite unlikely.

On the field the wait and the anticipation finally ended with the Royal Challengers joining Daredevils, Deccan and Superkings. At last the points table looked as stable as the people's mandate for the Congress and its allies. Of course, the aftermath was evident with the market shooting up 2000 points like the upsurge of the Royal Challengers. An upsurge that wasn't serendipitous.

With the party's and teams having made and shown great promises it remains to seen if they have the wherewithal to deliver when it really matters.

IPL is more International

noreply@blogger.com (Karthik) — Fri, 15 May 2009 07:35:16 PDT

The critics wrote it off, the former cricketer's disliked the shorter format and some believed the city based culture was hard to establish given the nationalistic sentiment about the game in India. By and large there were more skeptics than an optimistic audience.

But the IPL took off with a bang, with a hope to nurture young Indian cricketers giving them an opportunity one could never ever fathom about - sharing the same dressing room with the connoisseurs of the game or effecting a run chase with Sachin Tendulkar or setting a field in consultation with Adam Gilchrist or a keeper saying "Common Warney" when Shane Warne is about to bowl! The IPL was a boon that began with a boom, no doubt.

Now in the middle of the second leg of the IPL one wonders if the IPL has actually had one of its objective fulfilled, which is to have some fine young prospects forming the back bone of Indian cricket. With 8 teams and over 60 Indian players, the percentage of an Indian prospect outshining a player of international repute is very negligible. Barring a few like Ravindra Jadeja, Shadab Jakati, Abhishek Nayar, Rajat Bhatia and Pradeep Sangwan the rest of the chunk has failed to create any considerable impact.

Time and again the onus has been on the established players to either make or break the game. While the IPL was expected to have some young talent shining through amidst the galaxy of stars, its still players like Hayden, Gilchrist, Tendulkar and Warne who continue to reign.

The game against Mumbai and Royals (May 14th) was an example of the inability of the Indian talent to take responsibility and perform. The idea of sending Yogesh Takawale and Rahane up the order before Sachin and Jayasurya backfired. Eventually it was upto Sachin to help resurrect Mumbai Indians. The Royal Challenger's, Bangalore have been largely dependent on the experience of Anil Kumble while the likes of Robin Uthappa, Karan Sharma, Rajesh Bishnoi haven't delivered as expected. Similarly, Chennai SuperKings have been doing well, thanks to Matthew Hayden and Delhi with AB De Villiers and Dirk Nannes. And for Punjab its a certain Yusuf Abdulla from SouthAfrica.

While a few performances have been heartening, its the international players who have been the kingmakers of the IPL. However the experience of being the subordinates amidst all the master's is sure to keep them in good stead. And with a hope they will rule one fine day.

Batting
ML Hayden -> 486(Runs)

AC Gilchrist -> 329(Runs)

SK Raina -> 322(Runs)

AB de Villiers -> 315(Runs)

SR Tendulkar -> 307(Runs)

JP Duminy -> 301(Runs)

Bowling
SL Malinga ->16 (Wkts)

RP Singh -> 16 (Wkts)

A Nehra -> 15 (Wkts)

YA Abdulla ->14 (Wkts)

SK Warne -> 14 (Wkts)

A Kumble -> 13 (Wkts)

Royal Challenger's timely Resurgence

noreply@blogger.com (Karthik) — Fri, 15 May 2009 03:45:01 PDT

Not withstanding last year's debacle, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) owned by the liquor baron were expected to be on high spirits right through the 2009 IPL season. The expectations were certainly high after the signings of Kevin Pietersen, Jesse Ryder alike.

But the last couple of games for the RCB (match 41&44) against the battered KnightRiders and a balanced SuperKings outfit is sure to give them a high. A high better than Whyte & Mackay whisky, the team's sponsors.

The Knightriders can't help ruing their luck, thanks to their bowlers. Despite being in shatters McCullum's knock was a testament of grit. 170 by T20 standards is a winning total and any team ought to have defended it. On the other hand the Superkings were undone by some sensible bowling and fielding by Kumble and co. While not many team's have capitalized on Suresh Raina's weakness for the short pitch deliveries, the RCB had surely done their homework well. The think tank comprising of the coach, analyst deserve the credit, for Raina has been in pristine form in the shorter version ever since his return to international cricket.

Considering the myriad of drop catches in the tournament, RCB's fielding was quite refreshing. Van Der Merwe's caught and bowled of a straight drive from Dhoni was brilliant. Dhoni's wicket was probably the turning point, for he along with Hayden were putting on a nice partnership. The rest of the lineup fell like a pack of cards after Dhoni and Hayden's departure when the Superkings were reduced to 101/4.

In response the RCB didn't quite seem to be confident enough in chasing at over 6runs per over. Robin Uthappa's form has been disastrous, Virat kohli's form patchy and the onus was again on Ross Taylor to see the team through. And he did do it with elan. However Van der Merwe's complacent running would deserve some stick from Ray Jennings, the RCB coach.

While the RCB may have lost an opportunity to up the run rate considering the fact that the Mumbai India's and the Royals have that one point advantage (courtesy:a wash out of the first game between MI and Royals), it was a humdinger of a performance by their "go-to man" Ross Taylor nevertheless.

Whether the RCB can make it to the top 4 still remains a mystery, if only they can grab the horse by its ears and create those opportunities rather than playing it too safe.

Playing your Natural Game - a silly theory

noreply@blogger.com (Karthik) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 22:20:12 PDT

Rahul Dravid during the Newzealand series said he didn't quite understand what the whole "natural game" thing was all about and what mattered was it is the ability to adapt for any player, which makes him a great player eventually. I think it's become a cliche of sorts. Thanks to the power play's in ODI and the T20 format.

While most of the player's credit their success to the "natural game" phenomenon, i feel it has seldom worked barring for a few. The whole problem is, it is embarrassing for the players and teams ending up on the losing side. The game between Rajasthan Royal and Royal Challengers Bangalore was a testimony to this.

First it was Robin Uthappa who succumbed with a mistimed shot with the score reading 17/2 with 15 overs to spare. At this point, all that was required of Robin to stick his neck out and build a nice partnership alongside Kevin Pietersen with Dravid due to come next. The Royals had their share of natural game players in Asnodkar and Tyron Henderson. Asnodkar trying to pull of a good length outswinging delivery wouldn't have even impressed Shipla Shetty, for it made him inept to handle quality bowling.

However it was the master who came out and showed how the game is played. Having lost early wickets Dravid ensured he played a long innings, building partnerships and once set paced the innings brilliantly with boundaries. And deservingly the knock earned him the man of the match which is sure to keep the critics hiding behind their couch.

Clearly it is the ability to play to the situation accordingly and use the natural game as a weapon to counter the opponents at the right moment. The Gayle's, Tendulkar's and the McCullum's know it at the back of their mind and that is why they succeed.

A one off knock could just be a flash in the pan. But its high time the mentality amongst the youngsters change, or else playing the natural game every time would make you look really stupid.

South End Road - A Paradise Lost

noreply@blogger.com (Karthik) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 22:35:50 PDT

What makes Bangalore special apart from the weather? Hard thing to answer. Its not about the IT revolution, the malls or anything else. When it comes to food, most people identify themselves with Idly, vada, sambhar or the masala dosa's at the various fast foods like SLV, Adigas or the Brahmin's coffee bar or the famous Vidyarthi Bhavan.

While parks and trees are in abundance there's one place in particular that holds a special place in our hearts. From young couples koochi-kooing, to elders and joggers exercising in the parks, to motorists, "South-end road" (aka Rose Garden, Nanda Talkies road) is a great boon to Bangalorean's.

Surrounded by gardens throughout the stretch, with canopy of trees and beautiful tree avenues the place makes for a pleasant sight. A ride or stroll under the tree canopies, even the hottest summer in town can go unnoticed. The breeze running through the face is like balm. For those commuting to Jayanagar, J.P.Nagar and few parts of South Bangalore travelling through this stretch is mindblowing. And for those coming from outstations, the beginning of this stretch really makes you feel at home. An experience nonpareil.

This day for me and most of the fellow Bangalorean's it is sad and depressing as we realize that this fabulous place or a part of it would be gone forever. Thanks to the Bangalore Metro project, this place as we call it the "heaven on earth" will never be the same again.

While the government maintains it has taken measures to plant samplings elsewhere in the city, it is hard to comprehend why anyone would even try to mess up with this beautiful area which has been a part of most of us. More importantly something we identify with. If Delhi can have an underground metro why not Bangalore.

That Bangalore is known as the Garden city is testimony to places such as these. Unfortunately in years to come, the paradise will be lost and the identity too to an extent. And soon enjoying a sumptuous breakfast after an early morning fitness might just be a thing of the past.

But as the cliche goes "life goes on".

The Dressing Room

noreply@blogger.com (Karthik) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 04:00:26 PDT

Cricketers in India are demi-gods. We worship them when they do well on the field and burn effigies when they fail to perform. For the world outside the perception about our cricketers is different – that cricketers are stars and sometimes arrogant. At times it seems justified for very few are privy to their lives inside the dressing room or their behavior outside the field.

I've been a sports fan and more so a cricket fanatic for long. Having grown up idolizing these stars it was a dream to meet them at some point in time. I've been lucky to have witnessed the cricketers, few of them and observe their personalities to an extent. It was in September 2004 when I had a first hand experience in terms of the effort each player instills in his game. The Indian team had their conditioning camp at the K.S.C.A, Bangalore where I had the privilege to assist the team as a wicket-keeper.

Keeping wickets to Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh and few others was phenomenal. John Wright the coach then watched the players from behind the nets along with keeper Parthiv Patel beside him. Sairaj Bahatule, the Mumbai leg spinner bowled one down the leg and I had collected the ball well when I heard John Wright saying “good job” mate and explaining my movement down the leg side to Parthiv Patel. The next couple of deliveries I had goosebumps literally. I remember Sachin Tendulkar having recovered from a shoulder injury and tried his hand at bowling. During one of his deliveries Sachin had bowled a googly which I failed to read and went the wrong way while the ball went in the other direction and Sachin gestured with a smile indicating how I was foxed. The 3 weeks I spent with the players was remarkable.

Almost four years later I had an opportunity to experience something similar. This time around it wasn't with my white dress and keeping gloves, but trying to learn the nuances of my new job or part of it I must say, sitting in the dressing room alongside the players. It was a Duleep trophy game between South and Central zone having great players and prospects like Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, L.Balaji, Badrinath, Piyush Chawla, Kaif, Dinesh Karthik to name a few. To be sitting in there and not get distracted by their presence is impossible. Looking at them speak, conduct themselves, prepare for the game, their food during breaks was fantastic. The starry nature of theirs isn't visible for they are completely natural in the dressing room atmosphere in comparison to facing thousands of autograph seekers outside.

As I sat with my colleague trying to learn some new stuff, right next to us was Venkatesh Prasad speaking about banks and a whole lot of things happening around before he departed. Rahul Dravid who failed to create any impact was alone, not much of interaction, laying his hands at almost every newspaper and discussing a murder case that appeared on the first page with Robin Uthappa. Chief selector and Sehwag of the 80's Krish Srikanth was in his own inimitable style talking aloud and smoking. South Zone were struggling at 81/5 when Dinesh Karthik went out to bat. In the current scenario even a double century by Karthik would be hard to earn him a recall to the test and ODI side and moreso since Dhoni is at his peak. As he walked down to the field, Srikanth shouted at him in tamil saying " dai machaa... Jolly aa valaaadu" (meaning enjoy your game).

The best of the lot of was VVS Laxman. That Laxman is humble, friendly and liked by everyone was a testimonial to what I observed. Laxman, Kumble and Srikanth spoke a bit of every language (tamil, telugu, hindi,english). Srikanth mentioned that the role of a selector was a thankless job along with wicket-keeping and umpiring. He went on to say that the selector could only pick any one of the 3 best contenders for any slot and dropping the other 2 was a sin. The aftermath, the “gaaliyan”(abuse) that a selector receives on dropping players was the worst part.

Dravid eventually joined the three and burst into a laughter when Srikanth mentioned that his “expert analyst” role with one of the news channel was the best as he would sit in his lawn with his “dhoti” and answer few questions from the studio. They spoke about the Satyam scam, recession, stock exchange losses, investments and real estate. On the field Dinesh Karthik did just what Srikanth told him, to enjoy the game, as he resurrected the south zone innings with a fine 152 of 112 deliveries. The whole team stood up and applauded as he showed his bat towards the dressing room. Laxman on hearing the noise sat beside coming fresh from a nap and ordered some tea enquiring about Karthik's knock.

John Wright in his book “Indian summers” mentions Laxman was pivotal in forming a bridge between the old and the younger lot. He was spot on. The way he carries himself is wonderful. Simple, no nonsense, approachable and most importantly liked by all. The general chat revolved around Laxman as he chatted in with Dinesh Karthik, enquiring Balaji about his home in Chennai, Badrinath and few others. Piyush Chawla later came in saying “Laxman bhai I couldn't bowl well as i lacked practice with the Kookabura ball” as part of the new experiment. Post match, Laxman would get Sreeshanth to analyse his bowling and the plan for Day 2 relishing with a plate of Rava Idly.

Personally having had an opportunity to watch these greats from close quarters was fascinating and a day well spent, I'd say.

A cricketing delight - Test cricket at its pinnacle best

noreply@blogger.com (Karthik) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:04:31 PST

Two weeks of magnificent test cricket, two teams with amazing cricketing pedigree vying for the top spot and two great run chases. The Aussie winning streak is at a low ebb. Cricket couldn't have been any better.

Proteas Power - “Staying Sharp”

Playing against Australia on their home turf is quite a task. To give the Aussies a stern challenge and beat them on a regular basis by opposition teams is quite an achievement. To be doing it repeatedly is even more remarkable.

After being confronted by the Indians, the Proteas have done just that. Chasing a target of 414 on day 4 and day 5 of a test match at any part of the world is an herculean task.

Batting by both teams in the 1st innings wasn't quite up to the mark. The Proteas seem to lose the sting on both occasions failing to clear the Aussie tail. Bowling in particular by Makhaya Ntini and Mitchell Johnson's was inspiring. Mitchell Johnson was a revelation. Johnson's bowling at a consistent 145 kmph along with his slower cutters was splendid. The Proteas top order was shaken as there was a carnage of wickets on Day2. Fielding by both teams, to say was terrific would be an understatement.

Brad Haddin notched up a well compiled 94 along with a wagging tail that contributed considerably in the 2nd innings. The knock is sure to keep him in good stead and assure him the wicket-keeping slot left void by Adam Gilchrist. The rest of the Aussie batting failed to create much impact. However it was the 2nd innings that saw the proteas bounce back. Two outstanding catches by Ab De Villiers would have made even Peter Schmeichel stand up and applaud. Well, his website's tagline “Stay sharp” just sums it up.

The Aussie's probably underestimated the South African batting line up and were a touch over confident. For, Ricky and his boys would have thought chasing 414 on Day 4 and 5 was improbable.

Greame Smith with an injured elbow played a captain's knock of 108 ably supported by Hashim Amla. The Aussies were at him as they realised it wouldn't be easy to play his drives with a tennis elbow placing fielders disabling him from playing to his strengths. Ian Healy rightly said - “Test cricket is all about finding ways to score when its not comfortable”. It was indeed as Smith stood resilient and nothing could deter him from achieving his goal as he punished the bad balls and rotated the strike.

Ricky Ponting's frustration was evident. Amla on the other hand was seemingly elegant comfortable both on the back and front foot. Amla's return to form as a much improved player is refreshing considering the criticism he's been under for his technique. However the tables really turned on the extended final session of Day 4 when Jacque Kallis surprisingly took an aggressive approach smashing Jason Krejza and Peter Siddle building on a steady partnership with Ab De Villiers.

Their approach on Day 5 was noteworthy as they milked the Aussie bowlers sensibily ensuring they maintained a run rate of close to 3 runs per over. Even as Kallis perished, another partnership between De Villiers and debutant JP Duminy started brewing. Incidentally the best advice De Villiers ever received came from Jonty Rhodes who'd said “Take every innings ball by ball”. His unbeaten knock of 106 was testimony to this. Duminy on debut played like a man with tons of experience behind him scoring a maiden half-century and the winning runs. History had been created in one of the great run chases knocking out the Aussies in their own backyard.

While the once formidable Aussie's grapple to fill the void left behind by Warne and McGrath, the Indians and Proteas are on their way up with bright prospects in their ranks. Test cricket has never been so competitive of late. Incredible sessions marked by individual brilliance that could alter the course of the game. Partnerships that can ensure any target is achievable. That test cricket is the real test of skill has never been in doubt. It would be a shame to lose out the charm of test cricket. Is Test cricket on a decline? Not at all.

England's Gift to India

That Sports can be a binding factor in any adversity proved to be more than just a cliché. Thanks to the England team for they made it possible despite all that transpired after the Mumbai terror attacks. Any amount of praise showered on Kevin Peitersen and his men wouldn't suffice, for the first test between England and India at Chennai was testimony to this.

Amidst all the action and emotions around, the contest on the pitch was exceptional marked by brilliant performances by both teams. A resilient batting by Andrew Strauss with consecutive tons followed by a solid bowling display by Andrew Flintoff, England never really looked short of practice. If only their spearheads had supported Fredie from the other end, the result could have been different.

The cyclone across the Bay of Bengal seemed to have crossed over to the pitch of the Chidambaram Stadium in the form of Virendra Sehwag. While England failed to accelerate during their final session setting a target of 387, Sehwag bludgeoned the bowlers like there was no tomorrow. A knock that had an impact on both the teams psychologically, with India gaining impetus after a rather depleted performance for over 3 days.

While there is no debate on the knock, Sehwag was helped by a toothless performance in the form of Steve Harmison, James Anderson and Monty Panesar. Sehwag is one of the finest players of the cut shot. It was precisely for this reason he was picked at the last moment (courtesy Ian Chappell) for the Australian tour which has fast, bouncy tracks. And to be bowling short and wide on slow Indian wickets is beyond comprehension. The damage had been done.

Day 4 clearly belonged to Sehwag and day 5 had more in store. After the foundation laid by Sehwag, Tendulkar crafted an innings to perfection along with an unlikely star in Yuvraj Singh. In fact Tendulkar had proved a point or two, for his contribution to the team's success in the 2nd innings has eluded him for years. Secondly, it was a satisfying knock that helped his team win a test on the same ground which saw him score a brilliant 136 against Pakistan in vain when India lost by 13 runs.

One of the nation's most revered sons, dedicating the win to the whole nation during troubled times was a nice gesture. India created history but eventually cricket emerged victorious. No second thoughts on that.

Third world - Mayhem..

noreply@blogger.com (Karthik) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 03:56:33 PST

Why did it happen? How did it happen? Why can't we stop this? Does no one really care? A plethora of questions ran through the mind after the terror attacks in Mumbai on 26th of November. It has hit us hard. Brave men sacrificed their lives fighting for the nation, innocent people as always ended up as easy targets. The totem of Mumbai's heritage the Taj-Mahal palace was shattered. The Oberoi wasn't spared either.

In a way the incident is historical. The impact is massive. The feeling is numb and the public outcry just seems to intensify by the minute and understandably so. The only difference this time around was that it wasn't just the common man who suffered. The rich and affluent, echelons of the business world also bore the brunt of the attacks. The failure of our intelligence, the unpreparedness of our security was appalling. The state and central government's hitherto, needless to say, have been lackadaisical in initiating timely actions.

The previous attacks were similar, the magnitude probably lesser. Nationwide protests have been carried out, candle's have been lit across the country, celebrities and the business-world have come out in support to express solidarity. So what is it that's awakened us this time around?. Is it just because they ended up on the wrong side this time around? In a situation as volatile as this, it isn't quite right to talk about differences within the same section of society at a time when everyone ought to stand united. But let's face the reality. The divide between the rich and the lower strata of society has been palpable, television channels included.

We've been witness to a myriad of these attacks over the years. But 26/11 was nonpareil. Watching the 60 hour ordeal on T.V channels was an experience of sorts. No doubt it was the first of its kind for the media in India.

While hordes of reporters stood outside the Taj and Oberoi and presenters bragged about exclusive footages, the coverage on the CST where terrorists drew first blood leaves a lot to be desired. There was hardly any mention about the dead, injured in contrast to the Taj where guests where held hostage. While substantial footage was aired about the journalist who lost her life in the luxury suite on the 6th Floor of the Taj, there wasn't even a trace of the actual heroes.

Consider the case of ASI Tukaram Omble. Incidentally Omble intercepted one of the terrorists, and caught hold of the barrel of the AK-47 rifle with both hands and held on to it till his last breath even as a spray of bullets entered his stomach and intestines. Thanks to Omble's presence of mind, for we could nab the only terrorist alive and present a formidable case against Pakistan. Omble's efforts deserved to be told as much as the gallant acts by the Taj and Oberoi staff.

The views of citizens on television were nothing less than disgraceful. In fact one of them who claimed to be a designer was heard saying "I couldn't see the Taj burnt this way. I shall do whatever it takes to contribute to see the Taj and Oberoi resurrected". Where are these "contributing" citizens when train stations and markets are ripped off in similar fashion as the Taj. Probably some of them never ever have had the necessity to travel by trains, buses and shop in the bustling markets. And even more embarrassing were the irresponsible statements made by our celebs on national television, most of them clearly inept to be representing the general public.

My immediate thoughts after this went back to Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden who's comments didn't quite go down well with certain sections. Referring to India as a third world country Hayden said - "One of the things I love the most about India, is that you walk around the back of the hotel, and there's a man who's selling peanuts on the street for one cent a month, and he holds his head so high, and is so proud, as if he was making $2 million a month. There is a large portion of India that is third world that is below the poverty line. But from my experience, it is those people who I admire the most. They are the ones who send out the messages of love and passion and have that amazing enthusiasm for life. I greatly admire, and appreciate, all the wonderful sentiments they have conveyed to me over the years, and for anyone to suggest otherwise is way off the mark."

It is rather unfortunate that we ourselves fail to understand this. And our obdurate views also need to change, probably. In an optimistic sense, this scourge of terrorism could well be the catalyst that we needed to stand up for a cause, spirited, united and be heard as one. Hopefully things will change.

Cricket's not just Mumbai....

noreply@blogger.com (Karthik) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 21:26:42 PST

Mumbai and cricket are probably like the fish in water. They are quite inseparable. A place with impeccable cricketing pedigree. The talent that crops up from this part of the nation is noteworthy for it has produced many a gem time and again. Be it Vijay Hazare, Polly Umrigar, Sunil Gavaskar, Dileep Vengsarkar or Sachin Tendulkar. All of them, connoisseurs of the game who brought joy to millions of cricket fans around the globe.

For long cricketers from Mumbai have had an edge over their counterparts from other parts of the country. Samir Dighe, Paras Mambhrey, Ajit Agarkar, Wasim Jaffer had limited talent and ended up representing the country for a substantial period of time with not much impact on the national scene. While Agarkar and Jaffer have had their share of success, in hindsight their performances have hardly been consistent given the opportunities they've had.

Indian cricket is witnessing the transition of a team formed by individuals that made the country's national team a potent force to reckon with. A team game no doubt which produced players of such great repute worthy of emulation. It is almost the end of an era. Kumble and Ganguly have moved on. Sooner or later the remaining part of the "Fab4" will leave on their own terms. The void is massive and to fill it up is difficult but not impossible.

While the selectors grapple to find suitable replacements for the future, the obvious question is who next? Rohit Sharma, Badrinath, M.Vijay, Suresh Raina, Mohammad Kaif, Yuvraj Singh instantly come to mind, a mixture of youngsters and the tried and tested lot. The talent is available, but it is imperative to fill the slots with the right players. Rohit Sharma, Badrinath, Yuvraj Singh have been knocking on the doors for quite a while now. And it only makes sense for the selectors to pick the most suitable player irrespective of any bias whatsoever.

Dravid not being amongst the runs is a cause for concern, for the last two years have been forgettable for “THE WALL”. While it is premature to even think of a replacement for Dravid, the topic was subject to discussion in the recently concluded test series against Australia. Former players, however have been quite one sided in their views.

While Ian Chappell felt M.Vijay could be drafted in to the middle order considering his impressive temperament in the Nagpur test, Ravi Shastri's constant mention of Rohit Sharma was notable throughout. So much so that Ian Chappell retorted back to Shastri if his preference was due to the fact that the southpaw hailed from his state Mumbai. In an another interview to a television channel Sunil Gavaskar was heard overrating Rohit during a discussion on who was best suited to replace Dravid if his form deteriorated further.

Rohit Sharma no doubt is a great talent, a natural strokemaker, already displaying traits of a seasoned batsman. His drives of the backfoot are elegant as he stands tall, dispatching the fast bowlers with poise.

Indian cricket is not just about Mumbai, Bangalore or Delhi and former players need to be non-biased in their opinions. While there is no harm in pointing out an individual who stands out, it is imperative on their part to mention other players in the reckoning and discuss about the areas of improvement. And to do that they ought to have an understanding of the performances in the domestic circuit.

Afterall a word of praise or two from the 'legends' can only make a world of good for the players and the game even more competitive.

Reverse Swing

noreply@blogger.com (Karthik) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 01:09:53 PDT

Australia v India, 2nd Test, Sydney, Day 5, India chasing a target of 333 runs were in a comfortable position until the dreaded finger of Steve Buckner went up, saw India's formidable batting line-up collapse. Rahul Dravid, who battled to 38, was sturdy when he pushed his pad forward to Symonds and hid his bat and gloves behind his front leg. The Australians yelled and India's comfortable position of 3 for 115 was soon to be 6 for 137. Gilchrist no doubt has been one of the game's greatest ambassador and his attitude nothing short of exemplary. For someone who volunteered to walk without waiting for the umpire's decision, the voiceforous appeal coming from Gilchrist was quite surprising. India eventually lost the match they deserved to win considering the nature of events that unfolded over the five days of the Sydney test.

Cricketers for long have been successful in making a transition to the media as writers and commentators. But given the spate of autobiographies cropping up, they might as well be successful marketing executives. John Wright's Indian Summers gave an insight into the Indian dressing room and more recently Marcus Trescothick's revelations about the use of mint to shine the ball during Ashes 2005. Adam Gilchrist's comments questioning the game's most revered player over the monkey gate incident in his autobiography "True Colors" is possibly headed in the same direction as the rest.

All Gilchrist has done is create curiosity in people's mind by raking up an issue that was amicably thought to be resolved between the two sides. The hype is a great marketing strategy and will help keep the cash registers ringing. If Tendulkar's statements have been contradicting as stated by Gilchrist then Michael Clarke's presence as witness in the hearing doesn't even stand a chance. Having edged the ball to Rahul Dravid at first slip, Clarke stood his ground as if nothing had happened while the Indian's celebrated his dismissal. In one of the matches in the same series the Australian players were found not appreciating the little master's century, very unlike Australian. So much for playing the game in the right spirit.

At a time when the Aussies are struggling to cope with the reverse swing on Indian soil, this one by Gilly might just go down the legside.

The Retrospective.

noreply@blogger.com (Karthik) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:18:14 PDT

If October 2nd was a dry day for liquor lovers, it certainly was a dry day of sorts for me. Not that i was exasperated for not having laid my hands on liquor (am not a booze freak anyways) but it was a day when i was totally sapped and probably let myself and a team of 14 individuals down. That day when i felt distraught with my own actions.

The finals of the corporate cricket tournament between AOL & Wipro was scheduled for October 2nd at 9 a.m. The team had to be on the field an hour early. We had to win the match as there was quite a lot at stake. Another task i had in mind was to go for dandiya the previous night with a few friends. The plan was simple - I'd spend time at the dandiya party till 1 a.m, get some sleep and go for the match fresh the next morning. Little did i know what was in store the next day. Sometimes its the retrospective that helps you judge better - for better decisions in future, hopefully.

I must admit i had a blast at the dandiya party. But for some reason i was able to leave the venue only at 2 a.m. Saw my friends off and was home at 3 a.m. Two hours of sleep is by no means satisfactory considering the fact that i had to spend 4 hours on the field. Corporate events may not be as competitive as the regular league matches. But once on the field you don't want to be giving anything less than 100% for that is a great lesson sport can teach any individual. I was like an insomaniac clearly not feeling comfortable. One of my teammate asked me about my red-eyed eyes. For once i wished it had rained like crazy and the match got shelved. Anyways once on the field the everything else becomes immaterial.

Wipro batted first with former India batsman Sujith Somsundar in their ranks, was dismissed early. Despite the plethora of extras conceeded we kept the opponents under control who were 4 wickets down for 60 runs. For me the nightmare was just about to begin. A wicket-keeper's feel good factor is pretty much like a batsman hitting the first few balls he faces right in the middle of the bat. The sweet sound from the willow charges you up. Similarly, a keeper feels good when the ball lands with a thud straight into the center of the gloves. When that doesn't happen then something is certainly wrong.

It was terribly hot, I felt weak, feeling drowsy and was unable to squat well. But i couldn't show it out as the keeper forms the backbone of a team. It showed in my body language when i wasn't at my vocal best. Just when we thought we were cruising along well the new batsman edged an outswinging delivery. It went low to my right, hit the tip of my glove and was past me even before i could realise. When the ball is low, going away from you the best possible way is to stay low (knee bent) that enables the keeper to enable a smooth finish. Clearly I was late without the intended focus on the ball, a catch i would have snatched up on any other day.

The batsman eventually went on to score more than 50 runs that enabled Wipro to defend a formidable 180 in 20 overs. In the break i was down and out physically although few of my teammate's tried to cheer me up. I'd paid for my mistake overnight. The only way out now was to compensate with the bat and try to win the match for my team. I did my best batting reasonably well scoring at close to 10 runs per over and in the process managed to reach 100 in the 11th over as expected. At times i couldn't run those singles which i could have at relative ease, had cramps and felt like vomiting. My first thoughts were about the Dravid's and Tendulkar's playing a 5-day test match at Cochin or Vizag where the temperature can be unforgiving. And here i was, a non-entity who was passionate about the game playing a 20 over game in relatively better conditions.

We needed 80 runs from 8 overs with 8 wickets in hand. From now on it was a matter of sticking at the crease as long as possible and keep the score ticking. A realistic target for sure and a gettable one. By then i was watching the ball really well until the first ball of the 13th over when i top edged a short ball to a fielder at deep square leg.The bowler yelled as i walked back making it evident that he'd broken a partnership that would have seen AOL through for i was determined to finish the game at any cost. There was a great sense of resentment morseo since the drop catch played on my mind throughout. Eventually we lost the match and the finals by 10 runs. Ironically the batsman received the man of the match award while my teammates teased me saying i should have got the award instead.

As i mentioned earlier the level of competence isn't quite as comparable to the highest level. But for an individual such experiences, emotions are similar irrespective of the league one represents. The drop catch reminded me of Herschelle Gibbs who dropped Steve Waugh's catch in the 1999 world cup that helped Australia go through the finals. Incidentally Steve Waugh was famously quoted as saying "Son you've just dropped the world cup". My inability to finish the game later reminded me of the famous innings by Tendulkar against Pakistan in 1999-2000 in Chennai when he battled all odds with a severe back spasm scoring 136 before holding out to Saqlain Mushtaq. That loss in particular still continues to haunt Sachin.

I am no Gibbs or a Tendulkar but the fact is that i could relate to what these legends must have gone through. And to play under such pressure physically and emotionally at the highest level takes tremendous effort. As for the common man it is rather easy to be a couch critic and lament at these players when they have had a bad day on field. The underlying fact is that every athlete tries to give his 100 percent or more when he performs. Over a period of time they become champions who in the process toil hard relentlessly. It doesn't take much effort to comment on a drop catch of a Brett Lee delivery bowling at 150kmph, ridicule a 7-time Tour de France winner in Lance Armstrong with dope charges or a 8-time Grand Prix winner in Valentino Rossi. But to emerge victorious after every possible adversity like these champions do requires great effort and courage. Criticism is fair when it is constructive.

Michael Jordan in one of his quotes said - "I've always believed that if you put in work results will come. I don't do things half-heartedly. Because i know if i do, then i can expect half-hearted result". As for me it was a day that taught me a great deal. It was a lesson well learnt and that would be not to do things half-heartedly and to get one's priorities right.

Cricketing Apartheid

noreply@blogger.com (Karthik) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 03:55:21 PDT

"It's nothing but a form of apartheid when the board dictates that you can play with X but not with Y.", Kapil Dev was quoted as saying referring to harsh treatment of ICL players by the BCCI.

Clearly some strong words by the legendary all-rounder expressing his displeasure over the standoff between the BCCI and the ICL or the rebel league. It doesn't come as a surprise when decisions taken by the BCCI, more often that not seem extremely immature. There seems to be no respite in the board's bitterness towards the ICL ever since its inception.

While the BCCI chances upon every opportunity to cold shoulder the ICL, the players in its own backyard aren't spared either. It was nothing short of a shocker when the BCCI decided to preclude the participation of its players (V.V.S Laxman, Piyush Chawla and Ajit Agarkar) in the English county circuit involving ICL players. This stance by the board whose sole objective lies in improving the game and provide support to its players is devoid of any logic and commonsense.

Over the years world cricket has been witness to the inability and inefficiency of its governing body (ICC) to take tough stands on its member associations and in tackling issues especially on the game's richest board. There is little doubt over BCCI's hegemony in world cricket. However, it does not have any morality in initiating decisions that could hinder the game or its players. To say the ICL is an "unrecognized" format of the game - is just a subterfuge. With the second season due to begin, one would expect to see the ICL fight for its recognition with the ICC or in the courts with some vigor. A lot of questions continue to remain unanswered and the answer is quite simple. If soccer can have different leagues in one nation then why not cricket?

To forbid players from playing based on such reasons seems just irrelevant clearly indicative of a restriction in freedom of movement which wouldn't stand in the court of law. Over the years soccer and handball have had similar issues eventually impacting world sport. One such case was by Belgium player Jean-Marc Bosman. Bosman’s contract with Belgium club side RFC Liege had run out and he wanted to be transferred to French club Dunkerque. RFC Liege, however, refused to let Bosman leave without the payment of a transfer fee which Dunkerque were unwilling to pay. Bosman claimed that as a European Union citizen, he possessed the right to "freedom of movement" within the European Union if he wished to.

Another case that had a major impact was the ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) involving a Slovakian handball player Maros Kolpak. Kolpak was employed as a professional by a German second division team. As a national of a then non-European Economic Area (EEA) state, Kolpak was not considered by the German regulator to qualify for the benefits emergent from the decision in Bosman case. On this basis the Handballbund club limited the number of non-EEA nationals which a team could field in any one professional fixture. Kolpak suggested that an association agreement between Slovakia and the European Union entitled him to be treated in the same manner as an EEA national as regards treatment once in employment.

The implications of the above cases were largely significant and one among them was the "quota system", that limited the number of foreigners in a team was illegal. This decision augured well for the players and EPL teams such as Arsenal and Chelsea. Meanwhile the debate ceases to rest either within the ECB (England & Wales cricket board)on the Kolpak issue (dual nationality) in county cricket or the FIFA, suggesting for a "6+5" proposal (6 national & 5 foreign players in a team) which if implemented is certain to be challenged again by the EU Law and the ECJ which prohibits any discrimination based on nationality.

Cricket unlike soccer is not a ubiquitous sport restricting itself to a handful of countries. Until very recently, county cricket in the U.K was the only professional format which recruited foreign players to enhance the domestic competition. However unlike soccer cricketing nations thrive on the success of its national teams. And with not enough money in the domestic circuit, for the players a stint with a county team in England meant - great experience in enhancing skills and a sense of financial security. However with mounting broadcast rights, sponsors and new leagues like IPL and ICL cropping up the players are in a better position unlike the ones in the past.

The ICL however has reasons to be optimistic having found some support with the England and Srilanka cricket boards. The Lankan board's decision to allow its rebel players to participate in their domestic competition's might have made the BCCI crimson with embarrassment. Specially coming from a senior statesman like Arjuna Ranatunga who heads Srilankan cricket and regarded as an individual responsible for Srilanka's cricketing renaissance makes it all the more significant.

The ICL certainly has its limitations which probably doesn't align with the BCCI's objectives and the way it functions. Country representation, selection issues are some concerns. But to treat the rebel league and its representatives as pariah is setting a sad example. If the BCCI has any objections with the rebel league it has to take it up on a different platform. It's high time cricket had its own Bosman's and Kolpak's to fight against the system and get rid of the monopoly of the board's on its players.

An article by Simon Boyes from the Nottingham Law School clearly sums it up - "It ensures that sporting institutions have the power to promote a sport in a manner which they consider to be the most consistent with their objectives, provided that their choices do not give rise to discrimination or conceal the pursuit of economic interests."

At the end of the day one has to realize that an average sports persons' career lasts for not more than 5-6 years. Very few manage to be at the peak consistently and it only makes sense to maximize the opportunities in the short span. To deprive them of their bread and butter would be insane.

Setting the Benchmark - The Aussie way

noreply@blogger.com (Karthik) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 03:04:43 PDT

Australia's rise in world cricket over the years doesn't come as much of a surprise considering the kind of effort that has gone into developing the game. From investing in the grassroots to creating the right environment for cricketer's to hone their skills to managing the players', the results are apparent. A great team effort marked by the presence of shrewd individuals comprising of former players in the administrative ranks in concoction with a team of spirited athlete's on field testifies their dominance. In short there has been a great deal of emphasis laid on creating an effective work ethic that has helped them succeed.

Every administration has it's share of failures and cricket Australia is no different. There is little doubt their system has been infallible. However what sets them apart from the rest is their attitude towards the game as a whole - Execution of plans with a clear vision and their ability to learn from mistakes.

The recent incident involving Andrew Symonds after being sent back home in the event of missing out on a team meeting (who went out fishing instead) indicates the level of commitment expected by an individual regardless of one's position within the team. Symonds whose commitment to the game has been found wanting had left the Australian management in a rage. The aftermath was quite evident when cricket Australia with the leadership group decided to castigate Symonds leaving the all-rounder to ponder over his future.

Michael Clarke, a close friend of Symonds, along with coach Tim Neilsen and captian Ricky Ponting who as part of the leadership group decided it was time to take a call and that Symonds had to get his priorities right. There were no half measures in invoking the decision. Michael Clarke's statement later summed up the entire issue on how coveted a position it is to be part of the team. A clear demarcation between personal and professional relationships.

Clarke on quote said "It's so hard to play for this team. In my opinion we are the greatest sporting team in the world, and we have standards. They may be higher than other teams, but if you don't fulfil those standards, unfortunately, you're not going to be a part of our squad... The main concern for us as a leadership group and a team is commitment to the team. That isn't just about on the field - that's off the field, that's attitude. There are a number of things we believe he wasn't fulfilling."

Symonds might have had his own share of issues with the board, the infamous racial incident with Harbhajan Singh being the most prominent. While the punishment may sound harsh , cricket Australia's support to athlete's in distress deserves to be applauded. Afterall the Aussies are know to set high standards for themselves.

There are few who believe the issue is too trivial. However this isn't the first of its kind. Ricky Ponting earlier in his career was given a mouthing after his behaviour off the field wasn't going to help his cause if he was to be considered for the Australian captaincy after Steve Waugh's retirement. Shane Warne, who many believed was the best in the business to take over the reigns never had the honour of captaining his country, eventually losing out on the vice-captaincy to Adam Gilchrist owing to his constant misdemeanours.

There are a lot of lessons cricketing bodies specially the Indian (BCCI) and Pakistan Board's (PCB) can learn, who under their ranks have players under severe scrutiny on and off-field. Be it the slapgate incident involving Harbhajan Singh, Shoaib Akhtar & Sreesanth's antics or Mohammad Asif who seems to be reeling under the shadow of his disgraced bowling counterpart. Make no mistake - For these athlete's to emerge successful despite their struggles is a commendable feat. However there is little doubt that early success in sport or in any other walk of life can alter an individual's psyche.

Word's of encouragement goes a long way in motivating an athlete. Rather than leaving the player in a lurch, the Australian board in saying the player is welcome into the team at a later stage has done just that. Be it providing Symonds with ample support or Shaun Tait's recuperation after mental and physical exhaustion.The player's need to be made aware of their importance within the team and that nothing can be taken for granted, for there are player's waiting in the wings for over 10 years just to get a look-in. Ask Michael Hussey, Misbah-Ul-Haq or S.Badrinath and they would nod their heads in unison.

Every individual evolves with his own set of qualities and ideologies. And there are very few who despite constant success and adulation continue to remain grounded. A handful of players like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Adam Gilchrist, Kumar Sangakara and Steve Waugh are worthy of a mention. The board's need to realise that they have an obligation towards educating players rather than avoid embarassment at a later stage.

There's more to it than just educating a player. Respecting the player is of paramount importance that is seldom the case in India. There's little doubt cricket in India rides high on emotions. Saurav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid instantly come to mind, having been omitted from the one-day squad in preference to the youngesters.

Ganguly, despite his high handedness and undoubtedly one of the most successful captians in Indian cricket definitely brought in a different prespective to the game exhibiting a great sense of passion and was instrumental in nurturing the youngsters. Rahul Dravid on the other hand, quite reticent in contrast to Ganguly, epitomized an individual with great discipline and grit. The least the board can do is to provide them with an opportunity to have a graceful exit, for their contribution towards the game has been impeccable. The BCCI in the recent past had to be alarmed when it was oblivious in honouring Anil Kumble's feat of 600 Test wickets. The list is endless and the discussions could go on and on.

The Australian board in complete contrast surely knows how to treat its heroes. To say Steve Waugh's contribution to the game has been remarkable would be an understatement. With all due respect, cricket Australia provided him with a mandate to end his eventful career while still on top of his game giving him an opportunity to sign-off the game in his own way at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in 2004. On similar lines Tim Nielsen, the Australian coach when asked about a replacement for Matthew Hayden for the next worldcup iterated - "We really do think it's important to respect senior players' ideas of how they'd like to go out, as long as they're still performing and contributing to the group."

Clearly the Australian's have set the benchmark. If only the rest of the cricketing world could emulate from them, the game would be a lot better.

Thank you Abhinav Bindra

noreply@blogger.com (Karthik) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 02:41:55 PDT

"If better is possible,good is not enough!"

The month of August holds a greater significance in India's history.Though there isn't one in comparison to August 15, we probably have a lesser but yet significant date in August 11 that is worth a marking on our calendar's and memories.That day when Abhinav Bhindra created history by winning the first ever individual gold that's been eluding for years.

For long we've been witness to cricketing wins uniting the nation in every possible aspect.The scene was no different after Bindra's riveting performance in China.From TV channels flashing with breaking news throughout the day, mail forwards, to "You've made us proud" sms'es exchanged, Bindra's win at Beijing was ubiquitous and rightly so.The aftermath of the effect was palpable.There is little doubt, sport once again proved to be the binding factor.

Lets face it.At a time when everyone hoped for a better performance than Athens 2004 with a touch of optimism from a select few, Bindra's feat is nothing short of a sporting spectacle considering the fact that we have a dearth of Olympic heroes.A concoction of self-belief, effective work ethic and perseverance that eventually paid off, the hallmark of a winner.To be witnessing Bindra stand on the podium with the National Anthem at the backdrop was so overwhelming.A poignant moment in our sporting history hard to describe.

Thanks to Bindra, for once a country of over a billion has an Olympic hero to brag about.Such is the irony indicative of the state of affairs when it comes to Olympic sports in India.The victory is an apt response to all the cynics who believed in the games not able to create an impact with the masses.Bindra's triumph at Beijing could just be the catalyst that was much needed.Will it inspire younger athletes? Hopefully,Yes.But to expect the same out of the sponsors would be premature given the fact that there is very little exposure of such athletes in comparison to cricket.

While the euphoria will continue to reside, there are valuable lessons to be learnt from the games.With hardly any assistance from the government it is a fine example of an individual succeeding with an effective support system (an Olympic standard shooting range in house) in the family, a far cry in Indian sports.

While it is necessary to savour the victory it is also about taking positives from the Olympics.Despite the losses the Indian contingent has put up some inspirational performances in the form of debutant's Saina Nehwal,Jitender Kumar,Anup Sridhar and few others progressing through.The experience at the Beijing Olympics for the youngsters is invaluable and is certain to hold them in good stead in the future.With age on their side these athletes are sure to make a mark at the world stage sooner.

"Be the change you want to see" - We've had a plethora of discussions and ideas to improve the state of sports but at the end of the day it boils down to execution which depends on the mindset of people running the show.It is time the government and the sporting bodies pull up their socks, got rid of the unprofessional set up that looms large and invest in creating an effective system.It is imperative to realise the kind of talent available within the country, back deserving athletes to the core and nurture them into being future Olympians.It is time to let go the ego and learn from countries like China and Australia and instill a strong sporting culture in terms of setting up academies on par with best in the world, offer athletes with sponsorships to train abroad and develop better infrastructure.

The rise of the Indian Railways, a case study in management circles is a fine example indicative of the advantages in forging a public-private partnership provided it is carried out with a vision.The federations can take cue from the success story of the Railways.A conjunction with the best sports management groups like the IMG could be a postive step in initiating change.

Lets be optimistic and hope victories such as these catapult into more such sporting wins in future.Only time will tell if history will repeat or if its going to be a flash in the pan.But for now its time to bask in the glory of an momentous occasion we've never been privileged to be a part of.

Thanks Abhinav..

From Mt.Abu to Jodhpur.....my favorite bus journey!

noreply@blogger.com (Karthik) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 03:01:16 PDT

Thoughts, in a lot of ways are like the highway routes which connect to one another at some point of time.Incidentally this week has been full of journey's.First it was chennai and then to the temple town of Madurai for a U.K friend's wedding.It is a mere coincidence as i write this piece on one of the "most eventful bus journey" i've had.My return trip from Madurai was booked on airavata, supposedly one of the better luxury buses that exist.It costed around 450 Rs for which one gets to experience good pushback seats, a fully airconditioned bus with blankets provided to feel warm for those who aren't fortunate enough to be accompanied by hot girls and a complimentary water bottle that the customers can avail. With the roads leading to bangalore not upto the mark i realised travelling in the best bus might not be all that luxurious eventually.

It was past midnight when the driver stopped for a break and as it took off i lost sleep with my heads bouncing as the bus traversed through the even more depleted roads ahead.I started cribbing about my bus rides which very seldom have been good.As i went on a reverie, strangely my mind went back to the previous bus journey,an eventful journey in november from Mt.Abu to Jodhpur.I sat in the same seat(seat.no39) on the second last row - aisle seat on the right hand side!I wouldn't stop laughing thinking about the Jodhpur trip as the old man next to me continued to stertor right into my ears at a few good decibels .My immediate thoughts were about Mals (Malavika),tina (Sonatina),Karishma,Hayan and Divya.I vaguely remembered a few moments of that ride from Abu to the Blue city.

In the entire trip the only time when we didn't have tickets was from Abu to Jodhpur.After an eventful jeep ride from Dilwara temples to the city center, thanks to the driver's(Bhavani alias Nandi) antics, myself,mals and karishma went looking for tickets to Jodhpur which was hard to get by whilst tina,hayan and divya ordered some gujarati thali.Eventually we managed to get 6 "deluxe" bus tickets in the only available bus for the day.The ride to Jodhpur was memorable in more than one ways completely in contrast to the Baroda-Mt.Abu journey but had a few similarities with the airavata one.Little did we know the "deluxe" bus would be so terrific.It was sans push back seats,levers,suspension and even windows in that cold winter.Tina sat next to me and i remember both of us having a good laugh as i exclaimed "Oouch..!" when i parked my butt on one of the "push-back" levers only to realise later that they had been made non-functional throughout.

The bumpy ride was on as everyone's head almost hit the top.Mals and Karishma sat next to each other to my left.Later, i guess karishma decided to have an entire seat in front of me and her long legs hit mals at most times.Barring Hayan who had a gift to doze off anywhere i presume the rest had a bit of a nightmare.And to add to the fun midway a gay couple left Divya a touch dazed.I vividly remember one guy sitting on the other's lap as they downed some drinks during the break.The whole bus was asleep as it halted for a break during mid-night.I felt hungry since i hadn't had sandwich along with the rest when we kicked off.It was dark and silent and i couldn't reach for the sandwich conscious of awakening my fellow passengers due the rumbling noise from the plastic bags.I finally managed to get hold of it after 5min search.The whole night was spent finding a suitable position to fall asleep trying to avoid the chill (thanks to the windowless bus) and the levers from poking me again on the back.And everytime i thought i had a comfortable one ,was greeted by a set of humps all thanks to the the bus without suspension.Towards the end when i did manage to get some sleep we'd arrived at Jodhpur!

As we got down the bus early morning we had chai(more than one) on a road side stall enroute to the guest house and had a great time sharing our thoughts on our overnight trip.The best part of the overnight trip was everyone enjoyed it thoroughly,which could have beeen otherwise if we'd made a fuss about it.The first sight of jodhpur was filth all around.We were greeted by Shakti Singh who owned the guest house.As we sat on the terrace facing Merangarh fort (a remarkable sight) i must say all of us were impressed by Mr.Singh's hospitality.Not only did he get us masala chai(again!) & breakfast,but also made sure we had a good time,explaining about the fort and Jodhpur in general(this was around 5-6 a.m) and organised the auto trip for the entire day.

That to adapt to conditions at times,enjoy the moment and share them is what travel can teach you.It was great fun nevertheless.

My First SOLO Bullet ride - 700km

noreply@blogger.com (Karthik) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 21:46:08 PST

Bangalore - Kolar -Palamner-Chitoor-Ranipet-Chennai (Approx.700Km).

Return:Chennai-NewECR-Mahabalipuram-Kanchipuram-vellore-Bangalore highway NH46,NH7 Krishnagiri-Hosur-Bangalore)

A trip for my MOM !

Great sportspersons are always worth emulating often in their approach towards life .Their quotes in a lot of ways reflect the individual's attitude, character.Some of my favourite quotes are by legends who've struggled in life to be where they are.

I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying - "Michael Jordan"

He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life - "Mohammad Ali"

Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything - "Mohammad Ali"

This was my first ever solo ride and is quite close to my heart.I've tried to pen down every moment of the ride

Why did I ride?
-------------------------------------------------------

In 25 years i must admit, i've always been close to my friends than with any cousin of mine.There's hardly been any proximity or the much needed connectivity specially with the one's on my dad's side.So much so that its been almost 10-11 years since i bumped into some.Probably it was mutual, but i never regret that.Fortunately i've always been around with friends, had the best moments of life and the best of relations.At any given point, i'd prefer the latter without an element of doubt.To be honest, for me having good friend is the best thing to happen than a obligated relation.

I guess the absense of the "Bangalore cousins" resulted the elderly relatives (Uncle's/aunt's) who eventually began bombarding my parents with this question of "Why don't you get your sons along for wedding,upanayam's etc..?".I've been quite adamant in not travelling to a few places in the South because i simply hated being there.To attend a fucntion and meet a few people i didn't connect with was the last thing on my mind and was simply not possible.Over a period of time this got to my mother who insisted that i attend a cousin's wedding in chennai on June 1st.My reply was a simple "NO" and explained my reasons for refraining from such occasions.Before giving up on me she said "Just try making it once and henceforth i shall not pester you in future".

The Ride...... NH4(Hoskote-Kolar-Palamner-Ranipet-Sriperambudur
-Chennai)

After a nice heavy buffet at Harsha's housewarming party,Vegan Shake,coffee and pastry at the coffee day with Ameet the previous night, i woke up late in the morning to answer my mom's "last effort call" in persuading me to come over and the response from me was no different.As i sat reading the newspaper with tea in hand, i just wondered if i could make it to chennai to fulfill my mother's request and if so what was the best way i could do it? I really did't fancy going by train, Bus or even by flight.On the other hand i'd been wanting to do a long ride on my bullet to Badami and Hampi.Call it lack of likeminded compananions willing to travel by bike or procrastination, it never happened but i was so desperate to make the ride happen one day.I just said to myself that if i rode to chennai, attend the wedding for 2 hours and drive back i'd be a happy man! The next moment i called up my mom to inform her that i'd be coming, only to be told i had to be there before 09.00 a.m.

It was 1.00 p.m and the drive to chennai would take atleast 6 hours (approx.330-350 Kms depending on the route) and driving in the night would be hard.Googled a few best routes before i decided upon NH4-the Old Madras route through Kolar, Chitoor, Ranipet, Sriperambudur.Packed my bag, showed up my bullet with the mechanic for a checkup,filled up some engine oil, fuel and finally kicked off at about 3 p.m.All along i thought i had to cover the maximum distance in day light.Having spent the day without breakfast and lunch, my first stop was at Kamat near Hoskote.Ordered for Raagi Dosa, cool drinks and took off.As i enjoyed the thump on NH4 with a great sense of satisfaction little did i realise that the worst was yet to come.Kolar welcomed me with rains, luckily didn't last long.Briefly stopped at a Dhaba where i heard a guy telling his friend "hey alli nodo Jinke marigalu" (metaphorical to chicks)refering to a group of young girls who seemed to be enjoying their weekend!.The reason i say worst was because my helmet didn't have a wiser which would have helped me from the rain falling over my face.And little did i know my jacket would give in to the rains.

After the brief stoppage there was no looking back.I said to myself that the next break would be possibly after 150km.Was a bit harsh on myself but i had to do it if i had to escape from the rains and avoid the night drive.The road on NH4 was just splendid and with the thump reverberating alongside a few songs by Bryan Adams, at no point did i feel like stopping the bike.All the way i maintained a good speed hovering about 90-100 while at times i couldn't resist raising the throttle till 110-120.It was magical to be speeding along for hours together with the breeze straight on the face not having to worry about the traffic, roads, crowd or anything else that you hate in the city.
As i crossed Palamner,Chitoor and entered Ranipet there was a downpour for a while.I was relentless thumping along while i said a bad rhyming joke("PJ") to myself- "I think this place should be called "Rainpet" instead of Ranipet".Probably even the gods felt embarrassed with that when the rains stopped 0.5kms further.

My next much needed "pee" but no "tea" break was during sunset 153kms away from Chennai.Stretched a bit, clicked some pictures and started off.The nightmare was turning out to be true 120 kms to chennai when it rained like crazy.The precipitous rain hit my face like a sting, the eyeshades were wet almost blinding me, my jacket was soaked, the legs were getting heavy with water inside the shoes.I was running against time and there was hardly any place where i could stop for long in the incessant rain.It was instinctive at most times as i drove alongside the white marking in the middle of the road looking through the corner of my eyes.Risky it was, but after a while i was comfortable as i drove for another 40kms.Despite the rains i maintained a good speed zooming past few vehicles almost matching the lightning in the sky.I was nearing Chennai and just when i thought the ride ahead would be smooth, the bike ran out of fuel.I was confident enough of using up a little close to a litre(30 kms) but not more than that.I stopped at the petrol bunk only to be told there was no fuel.It made me worry a bit if there was some sort of a strike with the fuel price expected to increase.The next bunk was 1 km away and to make matters worse there was no fuel again.Drenched completely there was no way i could push the bike if it gave away mid way.Now i couldn't help but curse myself for not filling up the tank in bangalore.Since i'd filled up the tank a few days ago and with not much of travelling in between i thought filling up for 350Rs should be good enough as against an entire 500Rs.Anyway things were better ahead as i found a fuel station and made sure the tank was full this time around.

Chennai beckoned in typical style with a small road side food stall that read "FOOD READY- BAROTTA(read Parota),Chappatai and Dosai".I was extremely pleased for having made so far.My next major task was to navigate through Chennai to reach the wedding hall.Every alternate person i passed through was a "GPS" till i found my way out and must appreciate i was guided in the right direction.Finally reached the destination, parked my bike, called my mom downstairs.She wouldn't stop smiling and told anyone she met that i'd come all the way by bike.I met this kid who was not kiddish called Balaji who'd come down and was amazed when his dad told him that i'd driven all the way.While everyone was fast asleep, alone in the dining hall i was belting away some Uthappam and sweets and belched before catching up with some good sleep.If not for the ride which happened unexpectedly, i had plans of catching up with my friend Ravi Bellur from U.K, whom i'd no chance of meeting up with and also go around the school with Ameet, all of which i missed out on.

Day2:At the wedding Hall:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I wanted to sleep till 8 a.m the next morning and with the function ending at 10.30 a.m, thought i would end up spending less time getting bored! I woke up to the sound&beat of the "Nadaswaram and Thavil" as early as 4.30 but managed to get some sleep till 7 when my mom woke me saying "get up u are the only one still sleeping in the entire hall" as some curious guests waked past the corridor staring.I dragged on for half an hour when my mom finally decided i had to get up.She was looking great in those "yards" saree.The first thing i asked her was "How long would i need to be here?" since i decided to travel to Mahabalipuram on the famous "ECR"(East coast road)".My presence was required for 15 mins where i had to perform a small procedure of placing rice pops(read puri),flowers etc.in my cousin's(bride) palm thrice.As my mom took me down to the main hall for breakfast expectedly some stared at me moreso for the "pony" and i even overheard some asking their neighbour - "Who's this guy and who's son is he?".Call it public relation or personal relation it was all happening.I finally met my cousins, some who said they couldn't recognize me in this look.10 years isn't a short span and the last 2 years were simply great!.And then each one introduced me to their respective other halves and every relation of their's who'd heard about me but never seen before asking me about the U.K, Europe trips and the cricket stories.All's well and the renewal finally happened!

Interview by kids!!
---------------------------------------------------------

I decided to call up Mani who's from Chennai to enquire about the ECR route which helped me and caught with the day's IPL action.The kid balaji sat next to me asking me a myriad of curious queries he had.He told me he was in the 6th standard studying in a Delhi school.Frankly i enjoyed speaking to the small boy than the rest for he didn't show typical childish traits.His mother came over and said her son was kind of hero worshipping "me" after the bike trip and was thrilled to know i'd been alongside Sachin Tendulkar and Dravid.He was a topper in maths, a chess champion at school and aspired to be a doctor.His joy manifolded when i showed him my picture with Sachin.The questions to me ranged from my favorite cricketers, IPL teams, chelsea players, soccer to Ronaldinho.The kid wasn't the only one curious to speak to me but there were two small girls who came up to me asking for how long i'd grown my hair and how i had maintained it for two years with a word of advice. I was called up on the stage to carry out the small procedure which ended even before i'd realized with the pundit handing over a plate with coconut and 1001Rs saying "Son,the money is for you!" and the rest of the plate had to be given back to the bride.I joked to the pundit asking him if i could do that procedure again and the crowd on the stage burst into laughter.It was a win-win situation having spent just 2 hrs at the wedding, made everyone happy with my attendance and had my expenditure almost reimbursed :-)

Towards ECR - Mahabalipuram & the identity crisis...again !!
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Freedom at last.Changed my attire, packed up my bag and bid adieu to all the maami's,maama's and the rest in the hall.The weather was good and i was all set to head to the ECR enroute Mahabalipuram.Mani was spot on with his inputs and all i had to do was ask a few people for ECR.East Coast Road (ECR) is an express highway built along the coast of the Bay of Bengal connecting Chennai to Cuddalore via Pondicherry. A trip along the East Coast Road gives rise to a spectacular scenic beauty with beaches and fishermen hamlets.On reaching Mahabalipuram i decided to visit the world heritage temple and the beach.

For the past few months i've been experiencing an "identity crisis" of sorts because of my pony, i guess!.After being questioned at the Red fort and Qutub minar during my trip to Delhi in February i found myself in a similar situation at the temple's entrance when the security asked me for my passport.He said "U r from India?".I replied "Sir, Bangalore-25 years!".He smiled at me saying "Aaapko Hindi maalum hai" to which i replied back in my broken Hindi saying "Haan sir maalum hai!".The last time i'd been there was on a school trip in 1998.

It was past 1 p.m and with the heat getting unbearable i wanted to make my way back to Bangalore.With no sense of direction i stopped to speak to a cab driver to decide upon the most viable routes.The driver said it would be 350km to Bangalore through Chengalpettu,Kanchipuram(Outskirts) and vellore.The road leading to NH46 was good and my next stop was at the Silk city-Kanchipuram.Had some good food at the Saravana Bhavan Hotel near the bus stand kicked off at3.15 p.m and in no time was on the Bangalore Highway.To say the the national highway(NH46) was outstanding would be an understatement.The last time i was witness to such magnificient roads and landscape was during my trip to Ireland in 2007.The NH46 along with NH7 and NH4 is part of the golden qualdilateral project initiated by Atal Behari Vajpayee.Filled up the tank, plugged in my ipod and what better way to kick-start the remaining 250kms with "Yeh jo Des" from Swades.Taking frequent breaks in between was imperative but with such great roads, the thump which was like music to the ears, scenic landscape breaking was not an option unless i really needed one.

A nightmare's nighmare & Lance armstrong's Maillot Jaune !
-----------------------------------------------------------

There was a loud thunder followed by lightning and things didn't seem to look good with grey clouds all over.All i had in mind was to cover as much distance possible before i got snarled in the rains.It rained like there was no tomorrow and even if i'd wanted to stop the rains wouldn't in the next 1-2 hours.I had to move.The final 150kms was the worst ride i've had.My hopes of the rains stopping after a while vanished.A helmet sans wiser, an incomplete raincoat - it was like a blind person driving at full speed.With no place to stop on the highway i was soaked and without a break i had a terrible back spasm with my legs begining to ache.I was determined to move on for i realised stopping and getting back in the rain was even painful when i did once.All along i hit 90-100 kmph.It was frightening at times as i saw the signboards marked "Do not drive to hell", "Know Safety No injury,No Safety know injury"!

All through the pain two thoughts came up my mind.I don't know why!.The first was how 7-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong in his autobiography "Its not about the Bike,My journey back to life" details about his struggle with a life threatning Testicular cancer, the death of his team mate on the tour, the flicking in the peloton and ended up winning the Tour de France getting to wear the "Maillot Jaune" (Yello Jersey).The second thought was about this crazy guy called Bear Grylls who presents a survivor series on Discovery channel called "Man Versus Wild".I reached home with a great sense of relief and accomplishment at 20.15.

Final word:
---------------------------------------------

Looking back i would have liked to

1) do better in terms of planning,preparation
2) Write better hopefully in future when i really feel like again .......

In the end my bike the - "Bullet 350" was the winner.All i could do was marvel at how this piece of automobile engineering worked.The bike i'd have with me forever and hopefully take me to places in future.Like every bullet enthusiast my dream is to make it to Leh-Ladakh and Bhutan some day!.

This is for you Maa....

Cheers,
Karthik.

IPL Fan Loyalty and Mumbai's partial crowd

noreply@blogger.com (Karthik) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 02:58:56 PDT

It was one of the most thrilling matches so far in the IPL and the Mumbai crowd certainly had their moneys worth.A last ball,last wicket runout and a game perfectly scripted for T20 that went down till the wire, ending up with the Kings Punjab eventually winning, who looked defeated until Sachin Tendulkar's dismissal.For Mumbai Indians it wasn't a game they deserved to lose considering the stiff competition on the top of the league table sans the Rajasthan Royals.

While the over 20,000 Wankhede crowd had reasons to feel let down, throughout the match the support for the hometeam was unconditional not to mention that it was thoroughly onesided, booing the Punjab players.At the post match presentation Yuvraj Singh made his displesure evident indicating the "crowd was partial" and that the guests had a host of players like himself, Sreesanth and others who represent the country and deserved to be appreciated.This wasn't the first of its kind though.The IPL has already been witness to similar instances when Rahul Dravid was surprised on not being lauded after scoring a boundary in Mumbai and Sehwag literally begging for an applause in Hyderabad.

While Yuvraj might have made his intentions clear like Sehwag and Dravid did earlier, these were clearly signs of what the IPL had in the offing to which the Mumbai fans would testify to.The Punjab captain's complaint for once defies logic, certainly the IPL logic.Wasn't this expected when IPL started on similar lines as the EPL(English Premier League) - Growing city based loyalties? As for the debates surrounding the IPL in terms of the fans apprehenson towards supporting their favourite stars or the city based franchise, the match against Punjab and Mumbai was testimonial to what the future holds for IPL in terms of the fan's loyalty.

Scenes like these are a new experience to the cricketers who otherwise witness great support when representing the country.But soon they would also need to realise that the league has a flavour of its own or one which is expected to build over the coming years and that the players not being appreciated playing away from home should not be a cause for concern.On the contrary the franchise owners would be smiling all the way for it has provided them with better opportunities to reach out to its niche audience and reap greater returns on their huge investments.

Afterall how often do we see a Steven Gerrard or a Lampard booed by the "English fans" at the Theatre of Dreams in the English premier league who otherwise get exceptional fan support playing at the Euro2008 or a Christiano Ronaldo welcomed back at Manchester United after a verbal dual with Wayne Rooney at the 2006Worldcup.The IPL fan loyalty will take its time to be as definitive as the EPL or a champions league.With such a dream start to its maiden venture the IPL slowly and steadily has all the makings to catch up with the best in the world.

Cheers,
Karthik.

A.R.Rahman Live Life Concert,Feb 9,2008,Chennai.

noreply@blogger.com (Karthik) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 01:59:41 PST

It was close to 4 p.m on friday when i was filling up my timesheets just when i received a call from my friend only to be surprised by him "Are you aware that ARR is performing tomorrow at Chennai and whether i was going?"!He gave me the website link where i filled up the form with no hope of getting into the concert,but i wanted to be there desperately. Even if i did get a pass i had to leave bangalore early on Saturday morning.I called up the telephone number on Marg's website only to be told by the lady that she couldn't be of much help in getting me a pass.But she did give me another contact which was helpful.I called up Mr.Sanath trying to convince him to get me an entry to the concert but he rejected until i broke a deal with him saying "Can u get me IN if i catch the first flight and reach Chennai" only to be ridiculed by him "Are you joking,karthik!".I said "I had done it before for the Unity concert in 2000".Once i had an assurance from him i decided to leave by the morning train.With no reservations all i could was manage some standing space at the pantry car of the crowded Chennai express.

The Journey:

Train journey's are fascinating in simple words:-)I decided to leave at the last minute,went standing in the steaming pantry car of the chennai express,stood amidst the loo,sat on rice sacks(not good for smone looking out for 6 packs!),sat on "Klass water bottle crates",and huge TUMMIES hitting on me,some scrathing their arm pits just over my eyes MY GAAADDDDDD....and finally got some seating at a station....IT WAS JUST GREAT with lots of people starring at my PONY & goatie as if i'd come down from my first MARS expedition.Even when i spoke to the people at bus stand in tamil they'd try and speak to me in English!People starred at me in the bus on the way to Nandanam(18k).Man was i getting great attention.I even over heard a couple of guys saying "must be from bangalore"!.

On reaching YMCA,Nandanam in the evening,Mr.Sanath(incidentally he was the GM,MARG) as promised picked me up and I WAS IN! Overall the concert was great sans the "CROWD" despite ARR saying it was a special evening since it was the first concert of the year in his hometown.It lacked intensity,moreso i thought because it was a free invitation for the corporates,business group who at some time might or would be part of MARG.And am sure many ARR hardcore fans would have missed it because of lack of promotion,publicity.When i asked the GM of Marg he said it was intentional not to have a tie-up with sponsors as they wanted this 3.5 crore event to be a "SOLO" show to commemorate the SEZ acquisition.

The show kicked off with Guitar Prasanna, along with A.K.Pazhanivel (Tavil), S.Karthik (Ghatam), B.S.Purushottaman (Khanjira), R.Raman (Morsing) and Keith Peters (Bass Guitar), performed Taaye tirupurasundari, Alaipayuthey,Peaceful and 31(both Prasanna’s composition).I must say Prasanna was great with his team but not many were appreciative of that to be honest.One instance of it was a section of people starting to clap in between in desperation,probably due to the delay in start.To add to it the speech by the MARG chairman and his counterpart was a great means of causing "restlessness" to the already somber crowd.Am sure none of them wanted to listen to the speech which talked about "developementspirituality,growth,infrastructure,IT,real estate" etc...,except for the fireworks which was worth watching.

With Percept Mark handling event management i would say they could have made a better choice instead of "MC-Rakshanda Khan".The crowd needed an entertainer of sorts who could lift their spirits(say a javed jaffrey or a local guy with good humour & wisecracks),rather than someone making an announcement on stage.The reason i wanted to elaborate on the crowd and organising was with such a BIG BUDGET things could have been better.In contrast the Bangalore concert in 2005 even with stage disasters and "not good" organising had great intensity amongst the crowd inspite of the rains,the audience listening to the songs with chairs on top of their heads!

Back to the concert:-(Shall keep it short as the Nafeez's blog details about this)

Must say the choice of songs were great,amazing quality with lots to choose from "Guru".Khalbali was one hell of a kick-ass number and you couldn't help but get out of the seats and jump around."Maiya Maiya" was exceptional by Neeti.Not only was she apt in singing the right way(neeti wasn't the original singer)but her dance,the sync with music and costumes were spot-on.I caught up with her backstage and congratulated for this when she said she had practised and that having sung before at couple of concerts(guess one in USA) helped her sing well. As we know the legacy goes on - Hariharan & Chitra did just that and everytime they repeat a ROJA or BOMBAY it gives the feel as if it were a new song,one which is unsullied.That's the MAGIC OF LEGEND's AND ARR's music.However i thought quite a few songs were cut short(Dil Se,bits of Tere Bina-Guru),am not sure why?The medley of Azeem-o-shan(Jodha Akbar),Rukkumani(Roja) and veerapandi kotaiyle(Thiruda Thiruda)was "TOP NOTCH".The unplugged by Hariharan,Chitra and Chinmayee included songs like Uyire(Bombay),one of my peronsonal best "Anjali anjali(Duet)",Sahana(Sivaji) were riveting.Personally I thought atleast the performance by Benny & Chinmayee(Maduraikku Pogathadee from Azhagiya Tamilmagan)(was smashing!) should have lifted the spirits....but wasn't the case until when ARR asked the crowd "ARE U ALL SLEEPY?","DO YOU WANT SOMEMORE?".Blazee and ARR provided a magical one as always with "hama hama" and crowd was on its feet.

What i found missing this time around was the Instrumentals by Naveen(Bombay Theme) and Shivamani's solo show. Finally it ended with Vande Mataram(of which i have a pretty good video).Later i went backstage and caught up with Prasanna,Neeti,Chinmayee,Benny and Naresh Iyer.I spoke to Naresh and Benny for a good 10mins and the first thing they told me was "Man... it was a disappointing crowd.. what do u think?" and that the troop were disappointed too.Well i said my views were no different!

A great show by the great MAN again.ARR Rules as always and proves time and again why he's the BEST!. In the end it was all worth the SWEAT and a satisfying experience .

Thanks to ARR and his troop again,for the performance was invigorating.

About Guitar Prasanna:http://www.guitarprasanna.com/mainindex.html

Very few pics @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/stumpersinn

Videos i've uploaded:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1966042354317940968 (medley) http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4395505985980062913 (azhagiya tamil..) http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=267022962764392088 (Khalbali) http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2414828841433187284 (Roobaroo) http://rapidshare.com/files/90913365/Vandemataram_video.MPG.html (VandeMataram Video) --The video is good after a while when i stood on the chairs!
http://rapidshare.com/files/91115311/guru_jagehain1.MPG.html

Related articles:(By Nafeez-arrahmanfans.com)

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/arrahmanfans/message/89705

Cheers,
Karthik.

Wicket-keepers are like office boys

noreply@blogger.com (Karthik) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 21:56:24 PST

The article was written by G.Rajaraman during the Indian Cricket Team's conditioning camp in Bangalore,2004.I was an assist wicket-keeper for 3 weeks and am proud to have kept wickets to Anil Kumble,Harbhajan Singh and all the bowlers in Indian Cricket.

Fans of Indian cricket may or may not get to hear about K Karthik but he is not likely to forget the National team’s training camp in Bangalore this month in a hurry. I have known him for long enough to be aware that he will cherish his collection of memorablia that he picked up for helping the team at the nets as a wicket-keeper.

The seventh-semester student of engineering has already collected a sweat-shirt from Yuvraj Singh, a cricket ball that Harbhajan Singh bowled with, a pair of batting gloves from Sanjay Bangar besides a pat on the back from God, as he calls Sachin Tendulkar, and a word of recognition from coach John Wright.

But more than any of this, he will treasure memories of his stumping Virender Sehwag at the nets - twice in one session. Karthik is well aware that Sehwag has been stumped but once each in one-day internationals and Tests - both times against the West Indies by Ridley Jacobs off Carl Hooper.

There are many like him who take great pride in simply being of some help to the Indian cricketers at the camp, themselves picking up a bit of stardust along the way. But, in Delhi, a long way away from Indian probables’ camp, I bumped into Vijay Dahiya who has been introspecting on what went wrong for him to be out of favour.

To begin with, it was not his fault that he went out of the side after playing two Tests against Zimbabwe in November 2000 and the last of his 19 one-day internationals in April 2001. He now knows he did not have a great time in the last domestic season, having got just 282 runs in first-class cricket when Karnataka’s VS Thilak Naidu scored 817 and accounted for 39 victims to get into national reckoning.

He has promised himself that he will play for Delhi with a renewed resolve in the new season that beckons the first-class cricketers. Then again, he is aware that the wicket-keepers have not exactly been treated with kid gloves. Nayan Mongia, MSK Prasad, Sameer Dighe, Deep Dasgupta, Ajay Ratra and he have all been in the revolving door.

I remember asking selector, former India wicket-keeper Kiran More on the sidelines of the Irani Trophy match between Railways and Rest of India in Delhi a year ago if he had talked to Ratra after the Haryana lad was cold-shouldered even for that game -and More didn’t even have a contact number for Ratra.

Hopefully things will have changed. More was himself in charge of a wicket-keepers’ camp at the National Cricket Academy from June 16 to 21 last. As many as 11 stumpers were chosen for special attention in what was a step in the direction of grooming youngsters for one of the most thankless jobs on the cricket field.

Yet, by all accounts, Naidu and even Ratra, not to speak of the rest, now seem resigned to watching young Parthiv Patel keep wickets in Tests and Rahul Dravid continue in the limited-over version. If you went by what captain Sourav Ganguly said at the end of the training camp, Dravid would perforce continue to figure in the team’s scheme of things as the stumper since none of the wicket-keeper-batsmen seems capable of displacing the extra specialist batsman from the one-day XI.

In choosing Patel as the only wicket-keeper in the India A squad which toured England recently, the selectors advertised the fact that the Gujarat youngster would be an overwhelming favourite for the Tests. Despite such opportunities, it does seem that his batting has not quite matched the quality of his work behind the bails.

For all that, the most important words came from coach John Wright who gave us a state of fitness report on Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Ashish Nehra, having already clarified that Harbhajan Singh could bowl without a problem but had been kept away from the Challengers since the selectors wanted to play him first in a first-class tie.

Wright, of course, did not say much about the fortunes awaiting specialist wicket-keepers this season. Which takes us back to Ray Robinson’s theory of the stumpers being like office-boys - everyone knows that they are there but they are relegated to the penumbra until they make a mistake when the spotlight is turned on them.

K Karthik, an unabashed fan of Mongia’s work behind the stumps, does not have to worry. He has just come back to reality after spending the past few days in the company of the country’s best cricketers. His reward may not be an India cap but he is pretty contented with the stardust that he picked up at the camp.

By G Rajaraman

The Dreaded "SAAFTWARE" Interview..

noreply@blogger.com (Karthik) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 05:43:44 PDT

The writings here are based on personal experiences and observations.The views expressed here are personal and might differ from person to person ..i can't do much if someone feels otherwise.

Well,the "IT " industry and "software engineer" tag goes hand in hand ..To be frank i prefer being called a analyst or something else as i feel "Engineer" is an highly coveted tag,exaggerated at times,so terrifying that i get goose-bumps and shrink like the characters in Honey, i shrunk the audience.And the most likely people who fancy using this tag are all the mothers and the neighborhood aunties referring to their son's and daughters as "My son/daughter is a software engineer" and a teaser from my friends at times ! I am not against it but just that "not everyone deserves being called an engineer" barring a few.Its very straightforward and if u ask the "Software engineer" you'll know why.

Anyways with companies booming day by day,with the want for higher salaries the one thing that has great relevance,in common is "interview,package,partiality,on-site(going abroad),offshore,papers (for quitters),attrition".

I was no different having decided to quit my previous company (Keane/Caritor) in pursuit of a good change, "package" and attended quite a few interviews in the process.I mean change for GOOD with a LOT OF HOPE- i hope there's no one to tell me "I'm not supposed to come to work in a denim on Friday's", i hope there's no manager asking me" to send an SMS if i went to office at 9:01 or 9:05 a.m", i hope NOT to meet employees speculating on someone else's affair or whether a lady is wearing her top button or not while he can mind his business, hope not to meet a team lead/manager who'll discuss what happened at the in-laws place,one who'll comb a team members hair and decorate it like a makeup-artist, i hope not to meet employees requesting for an ONSITE because he's recently married or had to repay loans after getting a new home", i hope not to meet managers promoting, not-promoting people based on personal likes and dislikes and in turn my colleagues buttering the higher up's in all possible ways", i hope not to meet team leads complaining about colleagues through mails when he's seated just 2 cubicles away and doesn't utter a word face to face", i hope not to meet people who start crying on giving serious feedback", i hope not to be denied a good hike owing to FALLING DOLLAR RATES and i sincerely hope not to meet people who take things seriously and can't comprehend HUMOUR.As i said - IT'S JUST A HOPE, who cares anyways!But i do HOPE to meet amazing friends, colleagues like i've had before.They were truly fantastic.

INTERVIEW - Nine letter word that sends shivers down the spine !

>> "Hi, We'll definitely get back to you tomorrow,next week" !
>> "The project team is held up with critical project, so we'll let you know when you can come back"
>> "You have done very well but won't quite fit in the desired position..... But we'll keep your resume for future openings"

Crap ! True these are from the HR's diction.This was my first tryst with "jumping companies" and must admit was fortunate enough not to face enough rejections,for i would have had to hear these time and again. But i do empathize with the HR's as their primary role lies in letting a candidate know that he's not been selected diplomatically.Yes a candidate getting selected or not could be an emotional issue at times. All said and done some are real turn offs like the one below:

Treating candidate's as puppets !

I was recently called to attend an interview through a consultancy for an opening in testing with a leading organization.I wanted to attend only because i had fond memories with the company way back in 2004/05.

The requirements were simple : Testing experience,Unix knowledge and shell scripting.

With no printouts of my resume i decided to get one from the cybercafe.I was told that the black and white printer was out of order and had to take a color printout.For once in my career i had the costliest CV ever (3 pages -> 40 Rs.)The interviewer had a detail look at the CV as if he was starring at a pretty damsel.Then i was asked about a few questions on testing,how bugs are reported,regression testing,test director and seemed satisfied with my answers.Unix related questions were , explain the OS with diagram,system calls etc..The next one was a shocker ! I was asked to "write all the commands that i was aware of in unix on a piece of paper?" Am not sure if this was a "good" one ,for if the interviewer had any nous at all,why would someone be asked to write the commands in unix and in layman terms it is like "asking a candidate to list all the English words from the Oxford Dictionary".Yes i did write some of them when i was interrupted saying "i know its hard to list it direct when you are not actually using it pragmatically". Thought finally common sense had prevailed! Another guy chips in with his shell scripting questions like "for loop" syntax,write sample scripts".Once done with all the tech stuff i decided to ask them about the project i'd be working upon and not once in the entire conversation was i told that i didn't satisfy the criteria in terms of the "profile". And none of the questions were based on programming,if so i wouldn't have gone in the first place as it gives me nightmares :-) I was asked to wait at the reception.I had an hope of getting through as i believed i had done very well with answering all queries that was put forth only to be told by the HR

HR : "you are Karthik right? You may Leave".
Fine i had no issues leaving but i found it strange to be asked to leave without a proper reason on what went wrong and what the expectation was from me.
On asking ,the HR said "sorry you don't fit the profile". I replied "what profile/position? I'd like to know the reason for exit ?
HR : Karthik they were expecting someone with programming knowledge ! .
KK : Alright what kind of programming? the position was for testing and the panel never bothered to ask me programming questions.
HR : They wanted someone who's worked on unix,shell scripting !
KK : Did i ever say i worked on JAVA/J2EE !! ?? And what about the scripts and the so called "unix commands" ? Wasn't that Unix i said ?
HR : Oh so do you have work exp. in Unix,testing and shell scripts ?
KK : Well,Doesn't my resume say that ?If not this was mentioned explicitly in the "tell me about urself round" !
HR : Oh ok just give me 2 min karthik i shall speak to the panel and put you across to a different round again !

I sat outside for close to 2 hours while i saw the other cadets being rejected,happily handing out the badge and signing on the register.I didn't care if i attended the "different round" again but i decided wouldn't leave until i had a proper justification.Just because the organization is big and people are keen to work there, doesn't imply you can play with cadets according to one;s whims and fancies.The HR met me again( am sure she was cursing me big time ) when i told her " i don't want the interview again and that i wanted the "EXPENSIVE" CV returned back instead of going to the bins.The HR looked at me bewildered for a while,went searching for it and finally handed over the CV to me.

The next immediate thing i did was to call up the manager in-charge of the consultancy and suggested them to thoroughly examine a candidate's profile rather than just put him across to an interview.As the cliche goes "No one is indispensable".The issue here is not with x or y getting knocked out, but the manner in which the whole thing is done.Personally it really didn't matter to me if i get through or not as i have a good enough offer in hand but the matter of fact is that there will be candidate's who are desperately in need of such opportunities and these are easy ways to get knocked out.

At the end of the day it makes sense to choose a person for what he's good at and how well one fits in the scheme of things.