निसर्गराजा!

माझा मित्रा पश्या हे एक महान व्यक्तिमत्व आहे पण ते एक जगा-वेगळ रसायन आहे. तो खरा खुलतो ते निसर्गाच्या सान्निध्यात. ते म्हणतात ना, मनाची शांति वगैरे काय ते, ते मिळत त्याला जेव्हा तो दर्या-खोर्‍यातून फिरत असतो तेव्हा. गेल्या ३-४ वर्षं मध्ये त्यान मुंबई पुण्याच्या आस-पासच्या बहुतांश सगळ्याच गड-किल्ल्यांना भेटी दिल्या असतील. खरतर भेट दिली असेल असा म्हणन चुक ठरेल, त्यानी त्या गड-किल्ल्यांचा अभ्यास केला असेल (बरोबर आहे अभ्यास करण आणि खूप मार्क्स मिळवणा हा देखील त्याचा एक छंद) मला अस वाटत की आयुष्यात काय करायचा हे जानन तितकाच महत्वाच आहे जितक की पृथ्वीतलावर जन्म घेण (ही गोष्ट इतकी महत्वाची असूनही हजारात एखादाच जाणतो). बहुतेक ही अनुभूती व्हायला जीवनाच सर्वांगी दर्शन होणा गरजेचा आहे. पश्यान खूप काही पाहिलाय आन तेच कारण असणार की त्याला काय हव आहे, काय करायाच आहे ते तो जाणतो. मोजक्या शब्दात जर त्याच वर्णन करायचा झाल तर 'एक अष्टपैलू व्यक्तिमत्व' हे अतिशय चपखल बसत मी पाहिलेला एकमेवाद्वितीय अष्टपैलू व्यक्ती. तुम्हा असा यूनिवर्सिटी टॉपर शोधून सापडणार नाही जो दर्या-खोर्‍यांनी, गड-किल्ल्यानी फिरतो, जो उत्तम रेखचित्रे काढतो. ह्यास शाडूची माती द्या, तो एखादी सुंदर मूर्ती बनवेल, ह्याच्या हातात कॅमेरा द्या, तुम्ही पाहत राहाल असे फोटोस मिळतील, पक्षी विषयकही तेवढीच माहिती. खेळ आणि खेळाडूंच्या बाबतीत तसेच सिनेमाच्या बाबतीतही एग्ज़ॅक्ट इन्फर्मेशन असते. एकंदर असा प्राणी पुन्हा घडणे नाही. जे ह्याच्या सहवासात आले ते पावन झाले, अन् त्यातलाच मी एक. लवकरच पुढचा भाग.....

2010; Get hooked up to the television set

So the twenty-ten has arrived. It would be one heck of an year for sports followers. Be it Soccer, Cricket, Tennis or Formula1, there will be lot of action.

Sports biggest event, FIFA world cup is ther this year. June-July, whole world would be keenly following the first world cup in African continent. It must be one of the most eagerly awaited event as it will define who is better player between Kaka, Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Lionel Messi. It would be interesting to see whether the methodical european football has what it takes to overturn the magic of Samba kings. After a long time English team is looking good, they have good combination of youth and experience but coming July will only tell whether that is enough or it requires much more than that to be the champions. Though Argentina struggled in qualifiers, they are my personal favorites, They wil be playing under the guidance of Maradona with Lionell Messi and Carlos Tavez at their disposal, they can change result of any match within last gasping seconds also.

Another mega event of 2010 is T20 Worldcup. 2009 Champions League shows that tournament hosts West Indies are the team to look for in this format. Their performance is always unpredictable but T20 is also equally unpredictable format. Indians will surely go as one formidable team in the tournament, they would like to reclaim their lost title but for that to happen they have to win against South Africans first. This year will also show more or less revolving test championship mace. Three test matches series between India and South Africa would be the deciding point for this mace in 2010.

Fedex achieved career grandslam last year, broke Samprass's record for maximum grandslams but memory of last year's Australian final still haunts his fans, they want the rematch and that would be the first major sporting event of the year. Though the US open and year ending tournament showed the advent of new champion (Del Porto), Federer-Nadal is stil regarded as the game to watch out for. Every Nadal fan is awaiting for his return to usual. He has been one great champion of this game and deserves to win couple of more grandslams in this year.

Last year Cavaliers could not reach NBA finals and in a way we missed on watching Kobe Bryant versus Brain James dual. This year with Shaqueel moving to Cavaliers and Lakers as good as last year, we will surely get to see most awaited dual between NBA MVPs. Though Astana won Tour De France last year, legendary Lance Armstrong failed to win Yellow Jersey. This year his Team Radioshack can turn the tables on current champions Alberto Contador and Team Astana.

Last but not the least, December 2009 brought the best news for Formula-1 followers. Return of Schumacher-Brawn pairing ought to create tougher competition for Mclaren and Ferrari. It is clear now that we will be missing Iceman this year, but you never know F-1 is very dynamic sport. With sleek front tires, ban on refuelling during race and new point system It would be an interesting competition.

Lets hope that this year will bring lots of joy to all the followers of sports making their every experience cherishable.

विनाशकाले विपरीत बुद्धी

संजय राउत यांना माझा एक प्रश्न, त्यांना त्यांच्या रडवेल्या मुलाच्या चेहर्यावर तरी हसू आणता येत का? सचिन तेंडुलकरबद्दल तुम्ही काही बोलावा इतकी तुमची लायकी तरी आहे का? अहो त्या माणसाच जेवढ़ कर्तृत्व आहे, तेवढ ना ही तुमच्या लेखनिच अन ना ही तुमच्या राजकारणाच. त्याचा एक फटकार (षटकारही नाही) रडनारया पोराला शांत करतो अन भांडनारया शेजारयाला चुप करतो.

गेली ४-५ वर्षे भारतात अन भारताबाहेर फिरण्याचा काही वेळा योग आला. मग तो भारतीय असो, बांगलादेशी असो वा पाकिस्तानी असो, तो केवळ दोनच गोष्टीबद्दल विचारतो. एक ती लता आणि दुसरा सचिन. आपण कृपया समजून घ्यावे ह्यांच्यात दुभगलेली मना जोडण्याचे सामर्थ्या आहे अन्यथा आपले इस्राएल- पॅलेस्टाईन व्हायला जास्त वेळ नाही लागणार.

तुम्ही सध्या जी सचिनवर चिखलफेक चालवली आहे ना त्यात तुम्हीच घाण होताय हे तुम्ही बहुधा जाणत नाही. बर्‍याचश्या मराठी माणसांत एक दुर्गुन आढळून येतो, दुसर्याला कुणी चांगल म्हणाला तर ह्याला पोटात दुखत अन् ह्या समजाला मांजरेकर, कांबळी अन् तुमच्यासारखे लोक खात-पाणीच घालतात.

मला खरच तुम्हा सांगाव वाटत की राष्ट्र-भावना फार महत्वाची आहे, अन्यथा एकसंध भारत आणि तुकड्या-तुकड्यातला युरोप ह्यात फारसा फरक नाही. तुमच्यासारखे मनानी आणि विचाराणी कोडगे लोक कधीच राष्ट्रभक्त असु शकत नाहीत. तुम्ही म्हणता की तेलुगू असे करतात, तमिळ तसे करतात तर मग आपण मराठीच का बर तसे वागू नये, अहो एक समजून घ्या की हा सर्व भारतवर्ष 'हिंदू' ह्या एका नाळेन जोडलेला आहे. तुम्हाला जर राजकारणच करायचा असेल तर समस्त हिंदूंना एकटरा बांधण्याच करा, ना की त्यात भेदभाव अन् दुरावा निर्माण करण्याच.

पण मला असा वाटत की, सचिन हे एक निमित्त्य आहे. राज ठाकरेंनी तुमच्या धनुष्या-बाणाचा प्रत्यन्चा पळवलाय अन् तुम्ही सर्वेतोपरि प्रयत्न करताय की प्रत्यन्चा नाही तर नाही सुतळी तरी लावता येईल काय. तुम्ही जाणता की सचिन हा राज चा मित्र, त्याला छेडल्यास राज डीवचेल अन् काही तरी प्रतिक्रिया देईल. मग काय करा भांडवल त्याच. मी काय बोलतोय ते समजून घ्या, तुम्ही निवडलेला मार्ग चुकीचा आहे किंबहूना असे म्हणणे सयुक्तिक ठरेल की तुम्ही पायावर कुरहाड मारुन घेतली आहे अन् ह्याचा परिणाम तुम्हाला मुंबई महानगरपालिकेच्या निवडणुकीमध्ये दिसेलच. हे सांगण्यास कुणा ज्योतिषाची वा राजकीय विश्लेषकाची गरज नाही.

एक मात्र समजलय, शिव-सेने वरुन आता ठाकरेंचा कंट्रोल संपलाय अन् तुमचा सुरू झालाय.
..... एक सच्चा भारतीय
..... एक अभिमानी महाराष्ट्रिय
..... एक कडवा हिंदू

Those were privileged

Those were privileged, who watched todays Sachin's inning. It was a real massacre of Aussie bowling.
It wasnt one of the best bowing attacks but looking at that mammoth total, anybody would surrender meekly. Tendulkar played undoubtedly one of the best innings of his life and agin in loosing cause.
asa waatata ki he has been cursed for such an outcome of his efforts.
Look at his dedication guys... Aussie total was already 350, it was last ball of the match, and there was an almost impossible opportunity of catch. He didnt let it go, dived fullheartedly to take it and restrict them.
He came on to bat, took some 15-16 balls to take a good look at pitch, bowlers and everything. By that time Kookaburra already stopped swinging and he sensed the opportunity to free his arms. Whereas other three stalwarts of Indian batting line up were in mood to start hitting right from the word go.
There was lot of pain in Sachin's eyes today. I felt like those words "I care about playing for India" were directed towards all these young guns who threw their prized wicket in a mad manner. I still could not understand what Jadeja was thinking while getting himself runout, I havnt seen such a reckless shot from Gambhir in recent past. I can understand that Dhoni was out to a superb catch but Yuvraj... Its better we dont say anything abt him.
I couldnt get to watch Aussie middle overs, but our bowling attack was experienced so they shud hav atleast tried to contain Aussies by slowing down the pace of the game. At least they shud have tried Joginder Bowling (pitching every ball inches inside the crease)
Anyways, It was sad end.. almost repetition of Chennai Test...Ind- Aus match (Benson & Hedges worldcup) and .....

One match immortals

Its a weird title but very true. I observed that, there are handful of cricket players who have literally become immortal just because of their performances, good or bad, in just one match. Those were surely innings of their lives.
The first one who comes to my mind is Douglas Marrilier. In these T20 times, we see paddle scoop (shot over wicketkeeper's head) very frequently, particularly by Dilshan but nobody at least Indian fans will forget the hammering at the hands of this Zimbabwean. He was the one who introduced this shot to world cricket by scoring fifty of some twenty deliveries against formidable Indian bowling attack, and in turn giving Zimbabwe rare ODI victory on Indian soil.
From the time I am watching cricket, there have been many players who came in, promised a lot but just got vanished within few months. First one is Ricardo Powell, this guy made mockery of Indian bowling attack.One another player is Phillo Wallace, this guy hit Srinath for first over sixer, truly amazing stuff but nobody knows when they went offline :-)
There have been few Indians also. Though Venkatesh Prasad went on to play for quite long time, he will always be remembered for that magic ball to Aamir Sohail. We all know him just for that one wicket as it turned the game in India's favour. Same is the story of Hrishikesh Kanitkar. Ask any Indian cricket fan, he knows him for match winning last over boundary to Saqlain Mushtaq's 'Dooosara'.
You might not agree with me, even laugh at me but I must include Joginder Sharma's name in this list. He is still trying but I dont see him coming back in Indian team. He became immortal with that match winning last over bowling against Pakistan in T20 World cup.
There are few players who regained this immortality just because of the connection with Sachin Tendulkar. Henry Olonga, Andrew Caddik to name the few. Aquib Javed, Ata-Ur-Rehman would be remembered more for their wicket of Tendulkar than their involvement in match fixing.
As they say, history of winners would be written. Most of these immortals have scripted victories for their respective sides but there have been instances when guys on the other side have also earned place. The first one should be Chetan Sharma, he has been haunted with that last ball six against Pakistan throughout his life. It was such a blemish on his career that, even a hattrick in worldcup could not wash it away. But, there is this one rare case, this one lefty, Atul Bedade has remained in fans' hearts for his heroics against Wasim Akram, world's greatest one day bowler. Call up any Indian cricket fan, and he will surely tell you how Bedade has hit Wasim Akram for three sixes in one over.

विजयादशमीचा विजय

Vijayadashami 1997, Its been more than a decade, I was in 9th standard and we all friends were out on our bicycles visiting teachers' homes to give Sona and take their blessings. I remember even though Sachin was on ground, after Azhar's dismissal and subsequent interruption by crowd almost everybody had given up hopes of winning (It was supposed to be a repeat of Eden Garden) or even resumption of match and were wandering, enjoying festival.
But that was not to happen, match resumed, I dont think anybody has watched how Tendulkar and Jadeja played that evening. After seeing 100 on the scorecard, everybody sensed that Tendulkar is playing a captain's knock and almost immediately everybody was back at home, watching the proceedings.
Very soon Jadeja fell and slight tension creeped amongst the viewers. Next batsman was Nayan Mongia, he had test century against Aussies to his credit and so people had belief in him. He indeed supported Tendulkar with double digit score. But Mongia, Sunil Joshi, Tendulkar went back in quick succession and almost everybody switched off the television sets.
Tendulkar played a patient knock but went back at very key moment. And then came the historic moment of the match. Two of the local players (to everybody's surprise there were 6 players from Karnataka in that Team... Anybody remembers Sujith Somsundar) started hitting ball around. Whosoever watching that game after Sachin's dismissal, were shell-shocked as nobody has ever seen a wagging Indian tail and that too against the likes of Mcgraths, Flemings and Gillespis. Thereon, It was one great experience to cherish for lifetime.
From that match every cricket fan will always remember one face from crowd, It was Kumble's mother. Every run that was taken brought forward a brilliant new expression from Anil Kumble’s mother. Suddenly, this wasn’t merely a contest between two teams, it was a mother willing her son on towards victory. She was really enjoying her son's heroics. It wasnt just that one mother, with every expression and anxiety on her face, all other India mothers were praying for victory. With last run scored there was kind of jubilation in households. At my home, my mother, my Mavashi, my Maami, everybody was as happy as never before.
Already it was a festival day, and such a memorable victory made my day.

World's greatest tennis player, Roger Federer!!!!

Congratulations to Roger Federer. A-Rod, you were truly unbelievable thoughout the match. you showed that numbers are misleading. It might be 18-2 against u and now 19-2 but every tennis fan would be proud of your fight. I am a proud fan of Roger Federer but A-Rod u surely deserves a standing ovation for the fight.

This years final was way different than last year. This year I had a sense of watching Pete Sampras versus Goran Ivansevich match. It was all about brute power, booming serves, Aces, little less vollyes. I remember watching Sampras and Goran hitting more than 40 aces each. I havent seen anybody hitting 50 Aces, Roger did that. It was just unbelievable.

I have surely started feeling like, rest of the top players are reaching to the level of Roger and Rafa and in coming years we are gonna see better tennis.

But surely, today's game showed that Roger is the greatest player (I have seen) of this generation. For consecutive second year, he played one of the longest and must be most followed games in tennis history. At first he walked as runners up but this year when it seemed that same thing would happen, he came out winning. Roger was just not able to understand Rodic's serve. He could not break his serve till the winning point. But during this 5 setter, Roger hit 100 winners. The last set 16-14 was a real test of character. I wish next year I will get to watch similar score-line with Nadal on the other side. I have seen Sampras and I am a big fan of Sampras also but I would like to say that Federer's game gives more pleasure to eyes than Sampras's. Undoubtedly Federer is world's best tennis player. He has won all four grandslams. Total tally goes beyond 14 and moreover he is amongst the rare players who have won French and Wimbledon is the same year.

Thanks Roger for making me happy.

Elections'09:

Elections '09 are over with the best possible results. Its been a long time India has seen such a clear verdict in favour of any party (I don't see BJP's count in 1999 as very much clear ). Indian voters have got habit to deceive seasoned politicians and political analysts. When India was shining and there were exit polls suggesting re-election of NDA to center, Indian voters have thrown them out and this time around when they were saying that Mayawati will play Kingmaker's role or Queen herself, they have bitten her the dust. UP people have completely discarded her social engineering within two years of its inception.
It will be important to see results of Metros in this election as those were the cities marred with petrifying mujaheddin bomb attacks and those are the cities where global recession has deep impact. Surprisingly two of the metros Mumbai and Delhi have been won hands down by Congress, I don't think they were expecting it even in their dreams. And for such stupendous performance they cant deny credit to two of the astute politicians. Delhi, India's capital city is being served by Sheila aunty for long. She has served Delhi well and surely congress is eating fruits of that. Its renovated Delhi which hopes for better with Sheila and just because of her they have voted for Congress otherwise I don't see any reason any politician winning in Delhi after acquittal of Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler. If Sheila Dikshit continues her good work, I don't see congress loosing any of the Delhi seats even in 2014 elections. Another person who has made his mark in Metros is Raj Thakare. Literally he handed over victory to Congress-NCP in Maharashtra. His party is literally infant compared to many others but number of votes he has received makes it clear that Raj Thakare is there to stay. MNS ended up counting more than one Lakh votes in almost every Mumbai constituency, way more than the victory margin of Congress-NCP candidates. Most surprising thing which cant go unnoticed is, in two constituency they pushed Shivsena candidate to third spot. It will be important to follow him in coming days as he will start spreading his wings beyond Mumbai-Nashik-Pune.
One important thing to understand from election is that, Indian elections be it Parliamentary or Legislative are fought on local issues. Indian voters have completely decoupled their voting from national issues. If bomb attacks on Metros, recession or Taliban insurgency in Pakistan are national issues for India, then It has to be understood that Indian voters don't pay any importance to them while voting. Particularly for rural India, their daily bread and farming loans are the deciding factors. NREGA and farming loan waiver has helped congress win rural votes. Another important thing to be seen is typical voting pattern seen till now in India. Almost always incumbency creates quantifiable impact on government but it is not at all seen in this voting. Its not seen even in Andhra or Orissa assembly voting either. I don't know whom to credit for that as I don't think local governments are working any better and voters are happy with them. I think Indian voters are maturing and have decided to give more time to incumbent government.
I was thinking about the factors which helped congress won allover the India handsomely. And I could figure out hardly few. One important factor is triangular race. Almost everywhere (excluding Red dominated Bengal and Kerala) out of 543 seats we have seen triangular race and usual congress voters have remained loyal to them. the second factor is Rahul Gandhi. He understood that road to Delhi goes through UP. He concentrated on UP, decided to go on his own. That was one tactical but risky decision and surely that one decision has made it clear that another Gandhi scion will be India's prime minister sooner or later. Third and important factor is farming loan waiver and NREGA. You just cant deny that rural India, at least Congress ruled states have benefited largely due to it.
This election has also given couple of more things to follow in coming years. 1) Varun Gandhi; He has made a mark for himself, though it is through the hate speech, India will surely follow this firebrand "non-Hindu" Hindu extremist. 2) Narendra Modi, you can hate him but you cant neglect him. He is the only person in BJP who has nationwide acceptance from majority Hindu voters and who can create turn around in almost dead BJP 3) Ruling governments be it national or local have to understand that, if people of India are not heard then they need to be ready for Shoe-side attacks. It can happen anytime, anywhere. I don't think India believes in Satyagrah and March to hell as way of protest anymore. 4) And the last and most important thing is performance of young congress politicians. It is said that all the young congress politicians Rahul Gandhi, Sachin Pilot, Jitin Prasad, Jyotiraditya Scindhia etc etc will be given cabinet portfolios, Young Indian blood will be keeping an eye on their performance and I am sure that their performance will be scrutinized to the minute levels.
Last words about election should be saved for one of the most prominent figures in Indian politics who is about to go in retirement, one person who has changed Indian politics upside down during mid 80's and 90's, Mr Lalkrishna Advani. He was undoubtedly deserving candidate for the post of Indian PM, but has to accept the truth. Thanks Advaniji for reinventing Hindu feeling amongst almost dead Hindus of India. Every Hindu will remember you for your contribution.
Jai Hind!!

Oh Finally!!!!
Its been a tough season for Ferrari so far. From the time I am following, I havent seen them in such worst situations. It took them 4 races to debut on points table. Though it wasnt a good display from Ferrari by first loosing race position and then with tighter fuel conditions,
being an ardent Ferrari fan, I just wish that they will capitalise on these 3 points and will continue as I have seen till now.

Goodbye Maharaja!!!!

Lords, 13th July 2002.... every Indian cricket fan was on cloud nine. This picture shows not only Sourav Ganguly's emotions that night but of whole India. It was more than a mere reply to what Flintoff did at Wankhede. Thats Dada...Maharaja...Prince of Kolkata.

"The only man after God on the off side" are the most talked about words about Sourav Ganguly and truly the pleasure his off-drives have given over last 12 years to any and every cricket follower is unmatchable. I take immense pride in being left-hander and very much thankful to the person who first gave me cricket bat and asked me to hold it that way.

So called IT generation...young generation of India has grown up watching fab four batting and I think everybody will agree that it hurts to see the fort Fab-4 built up finally getting dismantled. Along with off-drives Ganguly would always be known for his Captaincy. No one would ever dare to deny him credit for matches India won abroad. Dada's leadership and the best ever middle order in India's history made that possible. Indians were always called Tigers at home and sheeps abroad but Ganguly and his team has surely changed this perception of cricket analysts by winning everywhere around the world.

Nagpur was the last test appearance for Ganguly. In first inning it was very certain till that beauty from Krejza that he will be giving fitting reply to Chappell (who holds unique record for scoring century in debut and in last innning) by scoring century in the last appearance but that was not to happen and he fell short by 15 runs. Today in his last test appearance he got out on zero. Thats what is called fate. Finally, Maharaja thanks for making every Indian proud of your achievements and showcasing world the might of India.

Goodbye Dada....Wish you all the best...

Yesterday was one great day for me….. I will cherish memories of it forever…..

For the first time I went to Formula-1 sports bar here in Pune…. The atmosphere was electrifying… It was worth paying 250 bucks…..

I had been to sports bar earlier in US as well as in Hyderabad but the atmosphere was never so great… (There might be better sports bars but I am yet to go ther)

Moreover the way championship was shaped up this year, it was just awesome…It was as thrilling as last year…I was praying for Ferrari’s victory…(I just don’t like watching Mclaren win)

And believe me guys, it turned out to be greatest race I have ever seen….

It had all the drama embedded in it….. It was raining so heavily just before race starts that race start was delayed by 10 mins…The moment it started raining there were all sorts of ill-words from Ferrari fans around….. Everybody knows this year Ferrari was as poor as Force India in wet conditions…. They were just unable to keep their vehicle on track in wet conditions….. Almost all drivers went for tyre change just moments before start of the race choosing Intermediate tyres….

Within few loops bright sunshine was all over the park and there was a kind of sigh of relief over all faces….. But for Massa to win Hamilton was required to end race below 5th position and he was driving pretty comfortably at 4th position….

It was first pit-stop that excited all the people present in the bar….. Hamilton who was driving 4th moved down to 5th position…Ferrari contingent in the bar was glad to c this…. There onwards It was normal race… It was clear that Felipe is gonna win the race….he was driving amazing…. Hamilton was not at all able to take back 4th spot and after second pit stop even Force India was challenging him… He was further down and facing all sorts of problems with Force India putting up challenge….. But Fisi’s challenge lasted for very small time and within a lap Hamilton was back to CHAMPIONSHIP….

But the real drama was reserved for the end….. On Team radios, pit-crews were calling drivers back in pits for tyre change as rain was expected in few minutes...

It was last 7-8 laps and the greatest find of this season Sebastian Vettel was driving like anything…. He was almost on Hamilton’ s tail wings ….. And that was the time every Ferrari fan around started yelling, hurling abuses at Hamilton…. Praying for some mechanical problem to his machine…..

It was second last lap of the last race of the season and Vettel had an amazing overtaking manuovre, he gained 5th position with Hamilton down at 6th. We were on cloud nine…… British faces and Mclaren supporters were almost in tears…. Vettel defended Hamilton attack till end…. I was dancing, clapping….. We could see Massa family overjoyed…All the Ferrari fans could not believe their eyes as it looked as if it was again similar story to last year and Hamilton lost the final bout…..But this joy was very short-lived as suddenly one british fan in the bar stood up…..Looking at all of us said “No…….Hamilton won the championship…He finished 5th”… and then came the big blow…. Useless Timo Glock could not hold his place and he was overtaken by Hamilton as well as Vettel on the last turn….

I didnt stay in the bar for one more minute… Left for the home with tears in my eyes….
Thanks Vettel for that one moment…I just want to see u in Ferrari paddock in coming years….... And good luck to Massa for next year….

भारतीय खेल दिन !!!!

20th August 2008 will go as one of the greatest days in India's sporting history. Never before India has secured two Olympic medals on same day in its 112 years Olympic history.

First of all Congratulations to Sushil Kumar. For a wrestler winning 3 bouts within a span of one hour were heroic efforts. Sushil Kumar who was one of the medal hopes at Athens came out strongly even after loosing second round against eventual silver medalist and winning bronze medal for India . Freestyle Wrestling (कुश्ती) used to be played and followed passionately across India. I hope this medal will rejuvenate India's favourite game and will bring more glory in coming Olympics.

Vijender's quarterfinal victory has assured India at least Bronze medal. Till now he has won very comfortably against all of his opponents. It is giving assurance that he wont be satisfied on Bronze. He will fight for Gold only. I wish him all the best and pray that he will win another gold for India.

Finally, Thanks to both the players for making it one of the most memorable days. 20th August should be celebrated as भारतीय खेल दिन here onwards.

On a lighter note, as today being Rajiv Gandhi's birthday and India already awards Khel-Ratna award by his name, I would like to call it राजीव गाँधी खेल दिवस :-)

I cried for Sutil!!!!!

Force India are really minnows compared to all other great F1 teams. I believe while competing their(minnow teams) focus remains on max 5 constructor points at the end of the season. (Funding to such teams is still mystery to me. Every billionaire tries his hand and fulfills his fancies by owning F1 team..this is what I believe). On Sunday they were very close to their debut on scorecard. They were hardly 4 laps away from full 5 points. The great German Andrian Sutil would have gone in history books with broad smile and also the great Indian Vijay Mallya, ever-enthusiastic Rich-Man.

I was following game on net. I was disappointed initially to see none of the Ferrari's leading the race even though qualified on front row. But Adrian's heroics caught my eyes. He must have drove wonderfully as Steve Slater picked him up as Driver of the race. I really cried when I read KR banged his car and he retired from the race. For a driver like Sutil and Constructor like Force India, it was once in year opportunity and it really slipped out of their hands due to somebody Else's mistake.

Consolation for Sutil as well as Force India came from KR as well as every F1 follower. I believe Force India looks at this lost opportunity as a step stone towards competitive future and races hard here onwards.

Hail Sutil for his heroics.

Radio City!!!

I am really thankful to e-sakal for letting me know this great news. It will be a great entertainment to Nanded Janata to listen to RC.

On business front I believe this might turn out to be game-changer for radio broadcasters. Almost every district place in India has got Radio-Transmission station, these private players would be utilising available facilities only and reaching broader audience. They would be establishing stations on rental basis and saving complete installation costs.

Also, It was very important for them to reach newer audience in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities as their business was almost saturated in metros and big cities. This way they would be generating revenues out of typical middle-class India. At these places they might not be able to sell advertisements at the same rate to metros and big cities but they would surely be able to tap local market. Their profit margins would not be very great but compared to investments, it must be significant.

This kind of business module of providing available facilities to private radio broadcasters, government will also be earning good chunk of money and profits which were literally drained through these mass communication resources. On the similar lines, now they need to either rejuvenate DoorDarshan and give it back its old glory or hand it over to some private operator with time-sharing module so that it can regain its spot in audience's mind.

नम्मा बेन्गालूरू !!!!

Last 8 months of Bangalore stay was great. Weather, food, people in Bangalore were really awesome. I will surely cherish my professional experience also for all the good and bad reasons.

For me food has always been very important...go anywhere what matters most to me is food I get. I came to bangalore expecting some problems in that regard but to my surprise I got and njoyed very tasty - delicious food here.

My roommates Subhas, Vinit, Bhavesh and for sometime Vippu were great guys/cooks who like to prepare at home...Me too started with washing utensils and promoted to prepare at least Poha. We prepared some dishes which I bet are very rare to get at Bachelor accomodation like Handava,Dhokala, Khichadi-Kadhi . भरल्या-भेंडीची भाजी at bachelor stay was really unexpected. Poha/Maggy और अदरक-वाली चाय was very much regular breakfast. In fact Adrak-Pudhina waali chaay was the best learning in Blore stay :-) It really refreshes you a lot. Such delicious food must be the only reason for good belly I am having.

Professionally also this stay was quite good. Got new friends in office. Alay was always there to solve any problem at work. Koustubh was there to cool down my temper. Even in bad days at stockmarket, discussions with Shreyas were really helpful. His forwards were very much informative. Forward messages received from my friends Nikhil and Nandu were really good one. Chit-Chat and all the PJs with my friend and cubicle-mate Elzi was very cool and relaxing time of rotation.

My dear friend Sachin Dharmapurikar was also here for almost 6 months so it was like back to good old Hyderabad days.

Best part of Bangalore stay was IISc. Thanks to Saurya for calling me there, otherwise its really impossible for a muggle like me to get into that magic land.

Weather at Bangalore is undoubtedly very uncharacteristic of Southern India. It rains at least once in every month; be it March or November. It cools down very fast just like Pune (Couldn't help it)...

Lastly couple of snaps from Bangalore, I am sure very rare to see somewhere else in India...Its the beauty of Bangalore ...Thanks again...

Shame....Shame....

It is shameful feeling that we could not qualify for Olympics. Its time to seriously think about our National Game. Its time to bring some new administrators and players into Indian Hockey.

I am not a big hockey fan but do follow it. I never thought that Indian Hockey will go to such poor levels. I did watch India vs. England in league and felt pity about our defence. It was pathetic by any standards. They conceded goal in the last minutes. Simple defence strategy of Man-marking (at least for forwards) could not be seen. I think its time to show "Chak De India" to Indian Men Hockey.

The Centuryman

Cricket world reckons Sachin as the Centuryman. He is the highest century makers in either form of the cricket. But there was always an allegation that he plays for himself and centuries rather than for team's cause. When many people say how many of Sachin's hundreds have come for a winning cause,Here is analysis of each of those centuries he scored when INDIA lost and reason why it went in vain. Out of the 42 hundreds, 11 hundreds have gone in vain.

1. 137 off 137 (Strike rate 100) balls Vs SriLanka at Delhi in 1996 World Cup. India scored 271/3 in 50 overs. The only other 50 score was from Azhar. SL made 272 in 48.4 overs. Manoj Prabhakar had 4-0-47-0. He also opened in the innings and scored 7 of 36 balls.

2. 100 of 111 Balls Vs Pak in Singapore- Apr 96.India 226 all out in 47.1 overs, When Sachin was out score was 186/4 (We cant blame because next 3 are match fixtures) . Pak had a reduced target of 187 from 33 overs.

3. 110 of 138 Balls (Slower but...) vs Sri Lanka In Colombo - Aug 96. Again India 226 for 5 in 50 overs, Only other 50 score from Azhar (58 of 99 balls !!!) .Sachin has also bowled 6-0-29-1 , the second most economical bowler and the only wicket taker (SL were 230/1 in 44.2 ) of the match next to Srinath. 7 bowlers were used by Azhar.

4. 143 of 131 Balls (!!!) Vs Aus at Sharjah, Apr 1998. This was chasing under lights. The qualifying match before the final. The whole world knows about this match. Still one interesting point, when Sachin was out India were 242 at 5 at 43 overs. Target was 276 in 46. Still India finished at 250/5 scoring just 8 of the next 3 overs. Great performance by Laxman and Kanithkar indeed.

5. 101 of 140 Balls against SL at Sharjah in Oct 2000.Indian score was 224/8 in 50 overs. (No other 50 score). SL got 225/5 in 43.5; Sachin also bowled 5-0-22-0, better economy rate than everyone except Srinath.

6. 146 of 153 Balls against Zimbabwe at Jodhpur - December 2000 (Game of Dougla Mariliar) India made 283 / 8 in 50 overs. Sachin was the last man to be dismissed , score was 235/8 at 46.3 overs when he was out. Agarkar and Zaheer Khan propelled India to 283 in the last 3.3 overs. When Sachin has scored 146 of 235 in 46.3 overs, you can guess what the other 8 great batsmen were doing against the World class Zimbabwe attack. Second Highest scorer was Zaheer Khan with 32. Zim got 284/9 in 49.5 overs. Kumble bowled the last over. Sachin also got 6-0-35-1

7. 101 of 129 Balls Vs SA at Johannesburg - Oct 2001India got 279/5 in 50, Ganguly made 127 of 126 balls. When Ganguly got out, the score was 193-1 in 35.2 overs. Sachin was the last man to get out at 263. SA got 280 in 48.4 overs. Sachin bowled 9-0-51-0, second best in economy rate next only to Agarkar (10-0-45-1)

8. 141 of 135 balls Vs Pak at Rawalpindi, March 2004 India was chasing 329 and was 317 all out in 48.4 overs, 8 balls to spare. No other batsman made even a 50 (when chasing 300 ) and when Sachin was out, India were 245-4 in 38.4 overs. They needed 85 from 68 balls with 6 wickets in hand.

9. 123 of 130 Balls vs Pak at Ahmedabad, April 2005. India made 315/6 in 48 overs (48 over match), again no other 50 score. Second highest was Dhoni 47 of 64 balls, (third highest was extras - 39). Pak made 319 in 48 overs. The three quicks (Balaji, Nehra and Khan went for 188 runs from 26 overs between them taking only 2 wickets). Sachin bowled 6-0-36-1. No Harbhajan and no Kumble.

10. 100 of 113 Balls Vs Pak at Peshawar, Feb-2006. India were 328 all out in 49.4 overs. Pathan and Dhoni got 60 each. When Sachin was out when India were 305-5 in 45 overs. Managed only 23 in the last 5 overs.Pak scored 311/7 in 47 overs and won by D/L method. Could have been anybody's game. Sachin did not bowl.

11. 141* of 148 balls vs WI at Malaysia. India made 309 /5 in 50 overs. Sachin was not out. Pathan was the only other 50 scorer. WI made 141/2 in 20 overs and won by D/L method. Again could have been anybody's game. In the other 31 instances India has won 30 times and once there was no result. Now, please think again when you say sachin's 100s were in the losing cause and that he is not a team player. It is a fact that for the entire 90's India played International cricket with 1 PLAYER and 10 JOKERS.

P.S: Forward this to all those people who still doubt in great man's commitment, think his centuries are in losing cause and ENLIGHTEN them!!!

"Monkey & The Obnoxious Weed"
India's tour of Australia was kind of Jungle Safari for all the viewers. We, Indians are Tigers playing against Kangaroos with players named as "Monkey", "Weed" etc. At least for this series, I felt like organisers should have created award "Creature of the tournament" and believe me there would have been tough competition for the winner.
Even though both the teams played some unbelievable cricket, non-cricketing issues have stolen the limelight and many of the great on-field performances didn't get its due credit.
"Summer Australia" was very difficult period for Indians. They were facing verbal volleys on-field as well as off-field thru' ut the summer. Many a occasions they kept their cool but it seems like their patience, their temper was not enough which resulted in the "Monkey & The Obnoxious Weed". In this forgettable episode for all non-cricketing issues, there were two creatures Bhajji and Symmo who played key characters.
Bhajji has a mixed profile for on-field activities. He has earned a good name for his bowling, he is amongst the most prominent Off-spinners of this era but he has earned very bad name for his on-field behavior. He was reprimanded for his excessive appealing, his fight with police and his questionable on-field behavior had made him sit out of the team. But the racist allegation against him was not acceptable at all. There were obvious reasons behind BCCI not accepting that Bhajji has said "Monkey" or racist slur to Symmo because they know normal Indians don't feel like swearing if they say somebody "Monkey". Its something like "गाली देनी है तो सामनेवाले को लगे ऐसी गाली देना"....जैसे की " तेरे माँ की.....तेरे ....... की " and In India "Monkey" is a word used by parents, elderly persons towards brats।
The other culprits in the whole episode, Haydos and Symmo are the real obnoxious weeds in the world of cricket. On- field behavior of Symmonds or Haydon is also not very good either. It could be seen through their swearing at opposition bowlers after getting out and at batsman while fielding almost every time.
Optimistic person believes that whatever happens it happens for good only. Here also this "Monkey" issue had made a big difference, a big good to Indian cricket. It helped in making Indians play harder than ever with more passion and more dedication. It showed to the world that Indians are super economy and upcoming cricketing powerhouse. Thanks to "Monkey" and that "Little obnoxious weed" also as because of them only I have got to see some wonderful cricket.

Super Sunday!!!!
It was a good day in field for Indian sports and a great Sunday for Indian viewers. They wouldn't have asked for more. Win against Australia in finals, Colts winning World Cup and Hockey team routing an opposition.
Great display of batsmanship by Tendulkar and Rohit & true character display (neglecting the gestures) by Bhajji in getting Heydon's and Symonds's wicket uplifted India's hopes of winning CB series. Tendulkar's inning was a remarkable for the shots he has played. He hardly gave any chances to Aussies in his century. Half-century in the match against SriLanka and today's century is a fitting reply to his once upon a time teammate and a baiter now Sanjay Manjarekar who is running Hate Tendulkar campaign for quite sometime now. It was delight to watch 10dulkar's shots today. This inning wasnt as explosive as Sharjah but it is nothing less important than that. Century in the finals was in waiting from Sachin. One could see that he had always played with great consistancy throughout the series/tournament in last couple of years but a big score in finals and that too chasing the target was not there. It was long due from him and did come out at the the most required situation.
The other hero of the day Rohit Sharma played exceptionally well. He was in good control of every shots he has played. He was very much dejected when he got out. I felt like he wanted Tendulkar's century more desperately than Tendulkar himself. He wanted to hug Tendulkar, his idol from childhood, on his 42nd ODI Century(almost after missing 5 or 6 ODI centuries) but unfortunately he missed on that great opportunity. But their was more to his awesome performance as an appreciation of his batting skills came from Sachin himself. Sachin's comments on Rohit were an assurance to all the viewers that another big star for India is in making. This will surely help his confidence further bolstering India's bright future.
There was a feeling like U-19 World Cup is in our kitty right from the start of the tournament itself but very low target set by India displaying poor shot selection and typical harakiri by batsman must have created panic in Indian dressing room. On such crunch situation their bowlers did a good job and helped India win the cup for the second time. Though India won the World Cup, it was not very convincing display of cricketing skills by Indian colts. Their catching was pathetic and wicket-keeping was terribly bad. Moreover, throughout the SouthAfrican chase, I felt like South Africa is loosing the game rather than India winning it.
Last but not the least in our national game hockey, India playing against minnows for the final spot in the Olympics won comfortably (8-0) against Russia today showing that they want to win big and secure their place for Olympics.
It was really a great day as everywhere India won. Hope to see many more Super Sundays,Mondays and every days :-)
Hurrey!!!!

Harsha Unplugged!!!!
I received this fwd of Harsha Bhogale's one-liners...Many of them are really good....

1. This was in a match btw india and sa.. umpire rudi kuertzen caught on camera sporting a rare smile. harsha commented.... "last time rudi kuerzten smiled there was peace in west asia"

2. This is again from the natwest trophy final..When yuvraj got out at a very crucial stage..harsha's one liner.. " Yuvraj singh will realize that this will be his longest walk bak to the pavillion "

3. When Sachin once got out to a lollypop offspinner (I guess it was Michael Vaughn) in '02. He wonderfully said, " Oh what a shame. It was reminiscent of a soldier who survived the war when all the bullets were flying by his nose and then got run over by a bicycle in his native town ."

4. ind vs aus 2000 icc knockout champioship played in kenya. (yuvi's debut) Sachin was smasing all aussie bowlers, and then he his a superb off drive off lee. harsha : " this innings by tendulkar has been a beautiful garden, the last shot being the most beautiful flower in it "

5. ind vs nzl. (in nzl 2002-2003) sehwag had MANY lucky escapes. when he was dropped once again. harsha : " its been that kind of a day. today sehwag can walk blindfolded across a busy highway and not get runover ."

6. Natwest Final: During Naser Hussain's mistimed hits/top edges on his way to his maiden hundred " Naser Hussain is trying desperately hard to find innovative ways of getting himself out"

7. in the same match... " if you are not watching this segment of play, don't ever call yourself a cricket lover anymore. you are watching cricket of a very high order here".

8. Here's n old one...at perth Adam Gilchrist took a blinder and he described Gilly's dive thus, " ... some of the sea-gulls flying here are going to get a complex."

9. when tendulkar got a hundred he said " touch of Class & stamp of Authority "

10. recently in india's tour of south africa...he blurted out suddenly after sreesanth's antiques with the bat and hips..." dis is the funniest thing u'll ever watch on a cricket field"...!!

11. When Smith dropped Sachin in the 2nd Test Graeme Smith would be hoping that the world under his feet opens up & he would find a crevice large enough for him to slip through.... 12. After india lost the recent test series in SA India lost the series because they surprised themselves by winning the 1st test . A win should never be a surprise .

13. After Anil Kumble scored his maiden Ton...this is what our great man had to say... " This is the most romantic moment in Indian Cricket....."

14. " The last time Billy gave lbw , Berlin wall was not there , there was peace in Afganistan,..................."

15. In a match between Aus n SL , Harsha said to Ian Chappell , " I am sure you'll never become a lawyer , I understand everything you say " Ian Chappell had no counter for this.

16. Harsha was hosting the ICC Awards before the T20 World Cup and he called on Jonty Rhodes to present an award. So as Jonty began climbing down the stairs, Harsha exclaimed, ''it's pretty unusual to see Jonty walk down the stairs, I thought he might slide down them !"

17. when the wickets were falling in a heap in the T20 match... THIS SERIES IS SPONSERED BY KFC AND THE WICKETS ARE FALLING FASTER THAN THEIR (KFC's) DELIVERIES.... 18. when Gambhir was dropped twice on consecutive deliveries, - " We should conduct a dream job in Australia & the winner will get to stand in the slip region!!!!!!"

19. When Kumble and Ishant were batting, Hussey dropped a catch of Ishant off the bowling of Johnson and Harsha exclaimed," It's autumn in Adelaide. It's the time when leaves change their colour and they start dropping. Here, as well the catches are dropping..".

20. In a match, dravid left a ball alone while batting. To this gavaskar, who was commenting alongside harsha was very impressed by the way he left the ball. He went on appreciating that for a minute or so. After this harsha's comment was, " Sunny, you nearly got an orgasm of happiness, didn't u!" & then both burst out into laughter!

21. dhoni is battin with anil kumble.. dhoni calls for a tight single,n harsha has this to say," dhoni scrambles for a single n causes anil kumble n all of his 37 yrs to rush to the other end.."

22. after shaun tait did not live up to the hype Cricket Australia created around him, ponting took him off the attack. harsha, in his own inimitable style: 'shaun tait should go up to ponting and say " hello mr ponting, my name is shaun tait, and i am supposed to take 45 wickets in this test match "

23. HB was analysing the innings of laxman...laxman made a crucial 79 in the second innings. HB said something like- " aussies must be feeling that wenever we are on the verge of 17th,this man(laxman) comes in between!"

24. RP SIngh walked in but it was Laxman on strike. So the Aussies wanted him to take a single and get RP on strike... so they spread out the field completely, with only the keeper, one slip and one gully inside the 30 yard circle.. That's when Harsha says .. "now suddenly, Don Bradman is batting out there in the middle... "

25. Seeing the flock of seagulls flying across the pitch Harsha tells Wasim Akram : " As you would say in Punjabi... kee gull hai? sea gull hai!!! "

26. when michael clarke was caught at slip off kumble , he was still watin 4 da decision , over this harsha said, " i think he is waitin for tomorrow's newspaper to declare him out"

27. Yuvraj hit the long six off brett lee went outside the stadium in durban 'are there people working late in the office there....... we want the ball back'

28. in t-20 gayle hit a monstrous six but but fell just short of the golf course outside the stadium harsha: " wat a poor shot just misses the golf course "

29. " if i cannot be tendulkar then tendulkar can also not be me "

30. the palyers told their favourite shots while coming on to bat.... Collingwood said "a little nurdle of the pads" and Pietersen said blocking the ball.... Harsha commented " the next thing they'll say is that their favourite shot is to leave the ball alone"

31. what an introduction to India Australia semifinal: " This is a battle between unstoppable force against immovable object ".

One more to the list...I heard in CB series final on 2nd March

32. Thru'out the CB series Dhoni called Heads and lost almost every toss....On loosing toss again in the Final at SCG Harsha commented

"M.S.Dhoni calls heads always & the coin has tails on both the sides"...

This chat between Harsha and Gawaskar ended with comment from Gawaskar that because of Dhoni's habit of calling Heads and quite predictable nature of coin, its not surprising that Dhoni looses a lot of tosses.