Curtains down: VVCL Season 1

 

VVCL TShirt



On 9th June 2012, the final day of VVCL Season 1, three matches amongst equally divided teams exemplified the rationale behind the inception of the league itself besides the lure of each player to perform as a team and put forward a rich galore of Cricketing excellence. The teams, Captained by Vijay & Kunal, which boast par players to perform with the bat & ball, ensured that the ultimate day proved to be a “topping cherry” over the exceptional season.

Vijay and his team consisting of players namely; Guru, Vinay, Nilesh, Kundan, Dilip, Jignesh and Abhishek narrowly won the challenge against Kunal’s team which had Swapnil, Anish, Nandu, Ajay, Pratik & Kalpak. The strokes & the tactics employed by both teams were a cricketing delight and have stamped next level entry of the VVCL team as a whole. Although fielding remains a concern (the dropped catches were abundant alongside the missed fields and weak throws) the improvement was visible in the batting department.

On a batsmen day that was assisted by a flat pitch which had turned hard & solid post first showers, the bowlers had a forgetful outing. Not one bowler could hold his head high throughout the three matches. Add to it the poor fielding, especially the drop chances, further enhanced the bowlers nightmare. On the flipside the batters did ‘The Full Monty’ by accumulating tons & tons of runs, some coming of the huge sixes. The balls kept crossing over boundary time & again, sometimes even thrice an over, equally to the best bowlers and lesser ones, appending the Captain’s woes.

Most of the sixes came with spectacular shots that were sweetly middled but one particular that Dilip whacked to Kunal with his head down and eyes closed, the top edge flown high & long over midwicket spiced up the entire day. Similarly, the one bounce throw by Abhishek from the deep square leg fence, which ran out Swapnil, who until then has ripped off attack and was threathing to chase down a mammoth score of 72 in six overs of the final match, was a fielding spectacle of the day.

Bigger than the match results of entire season; the wins, losses and ties; the thing that was heartening was the contribution of each player (apart from money) which helped VVCL into becoming a ‘Next Big Thing’ collectively in the lives of everyone. The opportunity to enter fields again after a long gap for enjoying this mesmerising game of Cricket that has encapsulated the entire nation on one stage was grabbed by players living in the vicinity of Vasai-Virar and equally by few coming from faraway places like Lower Parel, Lalbaug, Dombivili and even Mazgaon. Although few living nearby have missed the bus.



Virat Nagar Cricket Ground, Virar West



The idea which came out accidently from the tender thoughts of Nandu & Nilesh was uphold by Vijay & Kunal marking the beginning of VVCL on Saturday the 28th January 2012 at Vasant Nagari ground, Vasai East. Nine players gathered on the occasion to kick-start the VVCL engine. Since then three grounds namely Sant Nagar Virar East, Virat Nagar Virar West and Helipad ground Virar West have witnessed the VVCL matches. A resounding number of 50 players (if not more) have become part of the initial season. A Cricket tour than has just eluded in Season 1 would be the highlight of the next season beginning in October 2012.



The season proved to be a reflection on one’s health as it brought forward the physical challenges faced by each one. The ill effect on one’s body due to a corporate seat underneath a freezing air conditioner was reversed to some extent and the importance of healthy body has left a lasting impression on everyone. Come Season 2 and be rest assured that the players would return fitter, slimmer and sharper.

Cricket do provides funny episodes and VVCL did encounter a few of them. Be it Nandu’s running between the wickets or Ameet’s run out or the fall of Santosh & Reuben did allowed for some laughter. Amongst them all was Kalpak’s dive into drainage when Nilesh threw stones across to fetch the dipped ball proved to be the peak of hilarity.

Snacks post match

The curtain down over Season 1 has allowed a reflection over the supporters those have stayed away from field. Vijay’s Mother & Wife for the breakfast on the initial day, Kunal’s wife for the delicious snacks for the couple of playing days, Shreesh whose bat (MRF) was used throughout the entire season and finally to the family members of each player for sacrificing their time, allowing them to take fields on Saturday mornings. Their contribution to the VVCL was quintessential. Thank you all!

Season 1 Players:

O&M

1. Kunal

2. Vijay

3. Nilesh

4. Nandu

5. Mahendra

6. Ajay

7. Kundan

8. Reuben

9. Guru

10. Ankit

11. Rushikesh

12. Harmeet

13. Ameet

14. Dilip

15. Sanjay More

16. Jitendra

17. Santosh

18. Jignesh

19. Anish

20. Pawar

21. Vipul

22. Shravan

O&M Securities

1. Sanjay

2. Santosh

3. Vasant

4. Chavan

5. Mohan

6. Bhosale

Others

1. Amogh

2. Aniket

3. Sagar

4. Amey

5. Nilesh

6. Yash

7. Anil

8. Manish

9. Rahul

10. Pratik

11. Swapnil

12. Abhishek

13. Kalpak Mule’s friend 1

14. Kalpak Mule’s friend 2

15. Amit Vartak

16. Nivit

17. Harish

18. Shravan’s friend 1

19. Shravan’s friend 1

20. Selva (Chris Gayle – remember his one handed catch)

21. Sandeep

22. Hardik

23. Jogger

24. Swapnil (second one)

VVCL Kids

1. Mohan’s son

2. Vijay’s nephew

3. Sashwat – Guru’s son

4. Shubham – Jignesh’s son

VVCL Epic Encounter - 19.5.2012

VVCL, on Saturday, the 19th day of May 2012, has encountered an epic exhibition of fierceful Cricket between the two teams divided equally amongst each other.

Two matches, and to the wildest guesses of anyone, that went on till the final ball (alike the IPL matches), of course not fixed, and which surfaced the indomitable attitude of players, barring results, has made the game itself look better.

The class, the style, and stamina, the zeal and the flavour, alongside the tactics were all served on table and those of you who have missed (for reasons good or bad), has missed a day in ones cricketing career (if not life).

As we anticipate the skies to open up and take away the humidity from the ambience, and with that as we count towards the end of season, this day will be remembered as the day which brought smiles to the victorious and also to the fighters, where bruised skins and the aching bodies add up to the pleasure and that the wings of VVCL have gather muscle and awaits its next leap.

-
Accolades to each member!
Live Long Cricket!!
VVCL for Life!!!

World Cup Struggle

Everyone's struggling.

The spectators struggle to get tickets. On a contrary the Police sticks make the wounds soar.

The one sided games give pale look to the world event.

The lack to keen followers make the worst bargain for the 50 over game.

Indian are struggling to take 10 wickets.

English are struggling to fill in the injured faces.

Aussies are struggling to get a tough opponent.

All in all the World cup followers are those who have monetary benefits involved while the real cricket followers has lost his way long back. IPL to be blamed.

Maybe an Indo-Pak game could spice it up a little. (Alas! you have the bookies running high everywhere)

One team would win, but the cricket has lost. SAD :(

A Cup and the World chase

The time has ticked which has begun the 10^th edition of the Cricket World cup. The teams’ representing each continent has gathered together in the Indian subcontinent to mark their superiority. And to add spice to recipe, none of the team is said ‘favorites’ to win title. The at par teams will compete each other for the 41 day long event and one amongst them would be crowned the title of “World Champions” for the next four years.

Let’s run through each probable favorites.

Australia

Since they have won it for 4 times including a hattrick, no one can discard them from being favorites even after a recent dip. They have a staggering pace attack with Bret Lee at his extreme best, Tait and Bolinger with an able support and Johnson as a perfect allrounder. Shane Watson has proved his abilities and needs no separate mention in the list of quality players. Only if their batters get together and put up a decent show, I believe the Aussies have a fair enough chance.

India

Everything is at stake for the Indian players during this edition. Add to it the home conditions and the pressure from media and crowds, the expectations of every Indian and the Farewell to Sachin Tendulkar. The talk of Sachin getting hundred in the Finals at Wankhede has been talk with audacity. In the recent past and since the failure in the previous occasion in Caribbean, the Indian has shun its tag from chockers to winners, thanks to the flamboyant Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his techniques to lead a bunch of exceptional cricketers. Only if Zaheer and his mates in fast bowling come together to put an outstanding show, the Indian fairytale can come close to the most important of all the titles.

South Africa

The Africa’s have a carried the tag of favourites since their entry into the event back in 1992, but have always failed to jump over and across at the important juncture and have eluded the glory. With two good spinners in side and a prolific batting lineup, this team would go long into the tournament.

Srilanka

The home conditions and the huge fan support have been the positives for Srilanka in whatever type of cricket they play. Add to it the most versatile team consisting of gutsy batsmen, aggressive bowlers and some electric quick fielders, the combination would make an upset for sure.

England

The recent peak in form and the Ashes triumph have made the Bristishers appear respectful their ancestral teams. The performance is deep routed in the camaraderie between the players and deep desire to come out of trouble times. They are most likely a team to go distance, if their batters fare well on the viciously turning sub-continental pitches.

West Indies, Bangladesh, New Zealand

They form an important group of teams as they are more than capable of haunting the cup chasers with an upset. The results against these teams would make or break a championship seeker. If at all they conquer each of the probable then the World cup would spice it up during the closing hours.

The Cup comes home

Another 3 weeks past the engines will be set on, while the aspirants of glory will mark the beginning of the 10th World Cup of the most exciting game called Cricket. The game itself has grown leaps and bounds from the yester years. The pace nowadays is electrifying while the skills of players on exhibit have crossed all know human capabilities. The fitness is more important than form and commitment more important than ability.

The Indians when crowned Champions in 1983 under Kapil Dev, the team had a perfect balance with ‘n’ number of utility players who stood up at the crucial junctures when the opportunity arose. The current team of Dhoni has a bit more of all than in past champions. With no doubt the expectations of the billion people will stand behind and grant support to the most beloved team.

And if the glory-seekers of team India crosses over on the final day at Wankhede, it will prove to be an icing on the extravagant career of the games favorite son, Sachin Tendulkar!

African Safari

When the Indian Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his colleagues went on-board the airplane that would cross the Arabian Sea and reach the continent of Africa, the Indian contingent of the cricketing fans were into a huge turmoil of emotional outburst. One; for that it brought the nightmares of the previous tours, and secondly with a hope that as this team has weathered the most adverse conditions in the recent past this tour too may become an exceptional success.

Back there in the Republic of South Africa the bunch lead by Grahame Smith was busy preparing to dethrone Indians from the top spot and gather the prestigious crown. They made sure the tallest of the ballers were in team with their prime weapons blazing all over the huge Indian batting line up. The pitch for this epic encounter was set with the greenish top, favourable swing and the lethal bounce. Dale Steyn, alongside Morne Morkel looked fit to the extreme and was in prime form throughout.

The battle at Centurion began with the home team gathering Indian wickets almost at will. The heavy-steady batting collapsed before the pace, swing, bounce combination of the African pace battery. The Lions tamed the Tigers and made them look as awful as a cat. First, Shewag fell into the trap which began the downfall and the rest followed soon. Gambhir, Dravid, Laxman and Raina with exception of Tendulkar & Dhoni made a long walk towards and away from the action within no time. The nightmares of the 1996 tour flashed when Donald-Pollock duo finished the Indian batting in no time. Unlike the previous occasion’s it was the over pitched deliveries and late swing that caught the Indian batter’s gasping.

Kallis, and the big unit he is, made sure that the Indian remain fielding for long hours.

He gathered his initial double hundred and the sign of relief on him and the South African fans was worth watching. De’Villers celebration of Kallis’s feat spoke heavily of the glue between this team. Another landmark was the Sachin’s 50th century in the second innings which prolonged the Indian defeat. The fight and character of Indian batters in the second inning proved evidence to their steep rise at the number one spot.

Came Durban the next venue and the butterflies in the stomachs of the Indian fans grew wilder. The Gambhir injury, the lost toss, a green top and the fresh looking African attack made matter worst against the Indians. Another collapse brought smiles to the African’s, but only briefly as the Indian seamers and Harbhajan bundled out the African’s soon with a handsome lead. Another collapse of Indian batting till Laxman stood stable and alongside the tail gathered good score to provide the Indian bowlers with an opportunity to tame Lion in his own den. As the saying goes “the wonded Tiger is even more dangerous” so was the outcome of the test match with the Indian crowned victorious and their one number position intact.

Newlands, with its beautiful location of Table Mountains on one side and the green belt on other, was set to make this evenly contest more exciting. The flat and clear pitch with warm conditions favoured the touring side and when the ever bumbling Sreesanth bowled his heart out to send the African’s packing the tense look in the eyes of home side fans was evident. Their savour Kallis once again stood strong and fought hard till the last blood even after sustaining an external injury. And when the Indian batters were blazing all over it was Dale Styen show that made sure the match was evenly poised. He showed the world what fast bowling is all about and the combination of line, length and swing at a high pace makes a number one fast bowler. No wonder he is better to any another fast bowler ever at the current stage.

The Indians got better over the African’s in the second innings as well till the Kallis nailed the last coffin when he marched his team towards safety with the lower order. Draw was the only result possible and the Indian batters manage a fluent batting outing on the crumbled fifth day pitch, thus ending this historic tour with a point each.

This battle between the first and second side of the world was the requirement of an hour when the test cricket is fading away its popularity to the glamorised T20’s. Indians would feel better as they managed to save series loss on African ground for the first time. Kallis and Tendulkar batting show in adverse conditions have once again proved the importance of style and technique. All bowlers enjoyed good run with Steyn and Harbhajan being the best for their sides. Although the likes of Shewag-Dravid for India and Smith-Prince for Africa failed miserably the contest was better than the media hyped Ashes show that ran alongside.

Possibly it was the last test match show on African soil for the veteran Indian trio viz; Tendulkar, Laxman and Dravid, the scores are levelled until Kallis comes to India to play his final test series here. And we the true Indian fans eagerly wait for that day.

Slow Down Culture

This has come to me as an email forward, which i beleive is worth reading.
Special thanks to the original author. Cheers!
Regards,
Kunal

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
An interesting reflection : Slow Down Culture
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It's been 18 years since I joined Volvo, a Swedish company. Working for them has proven to be an interesting experience. Any project here takes 2 years to be finalized, even if the idea is simple and brilliant. It's a rule.
Globalize processes have caused in us (all over the world) a general sense of searching for immediate results. Therefore, we have come to posses a need to see immediate results. This contrasts greatly with the slow movements of the Swedish. They, on the other hand, debate, debate, debate, hold x quantity of meetings and work with a slowdown scheme. At the end, this always yields better results.

Said in another words: 1. Sweden is about the size of San Pablo, a state in Brazil. 2. Sweden has 2 million inhabitants. 3. Stockholm, has 500,000 people. 4. Volvo, Escania, Ericsson, Electrolux, Nokia are some of its renowned companies. Volvo supplies the NASA.

The first time I was in Sweden, one of my colleagues picked me up at the hotel every morning. It was September, bit cold and snowy. We would arrive early at the company and he would park far away from the entrance (2000 employees drive their car to work). The first day, I didn't say anything, either the second or third. One morning I asked, "Do you have a fixed parking space? I've noticed we park far from the entrance even when there are no other cars in the lot." To which he replied, "Since we're here early we'll have time to walk, and whoever gets in late will be late and need a place closer to the door. Don't you think? Imagine my face.

Nowadays, there's a movement in Europe name Slow Food. This movement establishes that people should eat and drink slowly, with enough time to taste their food, spend time with the family, friends, without rushing. Slow Food is against its counterpart: the spirit of Fast Food and what it stands for as a lifestyle. Slow Food is the basis for a bigger movement called Slow Europe, as mentioned by Business Week.

Basically, the movement questions the sense of "hurry" and "craziness" generated by globalization, fueled by the desire of "having in quantity" (life status) versus "having with quality", "life quality" or the "quality of being". French people, even though they work 35 hours per week, are more productive than Americans or British. Germans have established 28.8 hour workweeks and have seen their productivity been driven up by 20%. This slow attitude has brought forth the US's attention, pupils of the fast and the "do it now!".
This no-rush attitude doesn't represent doing less or having a lower productivity. It means working and doing things with greater quality, productivity, perfection, with attention to detail and less stress. It means reestablishing family values, friends, free and leisure time. Taking the "now", present and concrete, versus the "global", undefined and anonymous. It means taking humans' essential values, the simplicity of living.
It stands for a less coercive work environment, more happy, lighter and more productive where humans enjoy doing what they know best how to do. It's time to stop and think on how companies need to develop serious quality with no-rush that will increase productivity and the quality of products and services, without losing the essence of spirit.

In the movie, Scent of a Woman, there's a scene where Al Pacino asks a girl to dance and she replies, "I can't, my boyfriend will be here any minute now". To which Al responds, "A life is lived in an instant". Then they dance to a tango.
Many of us live our lives running behind time, but we only reach it when we die of a heart attack or in a car accident rushing to be on time. Others are so anxious of living the future that they forget to live the present, which is the only time that truly exists. We all have equal time throughout the world. No one has more or less. The difference lies in how each one of us does with our time. We need to live each moment. As John Lennon said, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans".

Congratulations for reading till the end of this message. There are many who will have stopped in the middle so as not to waste time in this globalized world.

God bless!

What can a Sardar do?

Apart from allowing us enjoy deep laughs those arising out of a silly remark and funny gesture here are few noteworthy things that a Sardar can do.

A young Sardar can chew his nails, looking upwards with the bent neck and wrinkles all over the forehead. He may appear tense but is cucumber cool inside.

Sardar can spin the cricket ball both ways with same action.

He can roll over again and again repeatedly in circular motion after getting Ricky Ponting out. He can get Ricky any time, any ball even if waked from a deep sleep.

A Sardar can whack a tight slap straight on face in a full stadium.

He can walk the ramp with open hairs and win the young hearts.

Well a Sardar can set a dance floor on fire too.

Only a Sardar can lift the richest women of the nation in air before the clicking cameras and be humbled about the entire episode.

This Sardar has a Hummer.

Only our Sardar can call an animal, an Animal, that to inside the animal kingdom.

Sardar is the only Indian to grab Hattrick in test and that too against the mighty Australian’s at the Eden Gardens.

Watch video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNBBfubigtg

Sardar can ball a huge wide down leg stump at crucial encounter and can be torn apart by Afridi in a test match all in one over. Yet, h’ll make the best of the batsmen appear fool with his exceptional guile.

Sardar can date a bollywood hottie.

Sardar can win test matches for India. Who’s the last bowler to do that? Kumble may be?

A Sardar can make crowd dance on his tunes during the match.

Moreover our Sardar can smash two back-to-back test hundreds (a feat unaccomplished by the best in business) and stamp his authority over the allrounder’s badge for India.

Above all our Sardar, Sardar Harbhajan Singh, from Jalandar, Punjab sprinkles life into whatever and wherever he does.

Congratulations and well done “Bhaaji”. Your test centuries have become an epitome of Indian cricket. We love you all. Go fetch the sky!!!

…and then it goes back!

About a year ago on a bright Sunday morning I suddenly realised that my body is in immense pain all over. The mood had turned nervous as the entire body shivered and the heart trembled. The feeling was shattering as the day progressed and my condition deteriorated from bad to worst. The sunken, perhaps defeated feeling had taken over. I did begin the little fight against the condition by chanting self talk and peeping myself up. But, all in vain. As my desperation roused so did my heartbeat. The rising sun and the ticking clock brought tremor and tear on a day which is supposed to be for relaxing, rewinding, and re-gathering strewn thoughts post a hectic weekday schedule.

Such occasion allow us to apply brake and look around our world. I immediately was engrossed with thoughts about present and the future. If at all there is something terribly wrong and if I happen to be affected, what happens to my professional career? How can I afford a monthly EMI? How will my family react? What happens to my marriage? Would my dreams be ever fulfilled? Will my world turn upside down? Is there a way out? And so on... The more I thought the more deadly they puke. As I lay on my bed, I tried to focus on reasons behind such an adverse condition which perchance was looking life threatening. The excessive fats in belly, the non-exercised body, the untimely and unhealthy food consumption, the lack of sound sleep, the immense and unwarranted pressure on brain as well as mind and the most importantly the sheep-herd mentality had come to haunt me all at one time. The worst thing was that I can hardly manage to change things and turn the tide around.

When the present was unbearable and the future looked bleak and as I was about to break up in tears, I could hear a song played somewhere outside my house. I slowly moved closer to the window and realised that the rhythm played was Knaan’s ‘Wavin flag’. The wording ‘I rode the darkness, I came the farthest, among the hardest, survival...” unknowingly took me back to my roots and the upbringing. Those were the days of real life and enthusiasm. The lively beats of the glorious past bring goosebumps even after a long gap of a decade.

As I settled over a pillow, the past days of my childhood began rewinding before my eyes. We were a bunch of friends all bounded by an unknown glue of emotions. After attending the college we would immediately pull up our socks and run towards the playground. Dividing ourselves into two teams we would begin our most beloved game; Cricket and would give our heart out on winning. On holidays we would contest against the rivals from other locations. I happened to captain the cricket team that include a terrific aggressive opening batsman who could whack a sixer on any ball, a champion left hander who could bat throughout and still be available to ball the death overs, an agile fielder who perhaps could fly in air on windy days, a leg spinner who had mesmerised the best in his spinning web, a stylish middle order batsmen who you can depend on to take you across. My team also included a bulky hunk who would keep everyone on toes with his funny pranks. We were a bunch of serious cricketers who had challenged the best teams of our town. The bodies were fit and the hearts were pumping. The Souls were filled with energy and the zeal, is beyond explanation.

During vacations we would climb atop the surrounding hills and would paddle long into the beautiful wilderness. In rains we would assemble to enjoy the game of soccer. Here too the spirits were high to conquer the opposition. We even enjoyed the games like Carrom, Chess and the various board games. Also, an annual gathering of the colony during summers brought smiles as our managerial skills were put to test.

As they say “One of the most important things for a child is to have a happy childhood”, I was fortunate to have lived so. It is what I was banking on during the tough times. The difference was immediately highlighted. That our team has lost touch with each other in chase of climbing the corporate ladder, and that we are deprived of our beloved game. My condition was alike the person who struggles to gasp when he tries to get rid of the cigarette.

Today, due to changing times and due to the multinational culture, we are struggling to fill in the aspect of sports in our life. Even the rising population has immensely put pressure on our playgrounds. They happen to squeeze at a rapid pace. Alias the teens of today are attracted towards the iPods and PS2’s and I seriously think they wouldn’t have any options left to bank on during the tough times.

If you have read this far, my urge and a humble request to the team mates is that to allow the coin to flip again. Perhaps we can enjoy fields on weekends and holidays or we can squeeze our game as the T20’s. The rationale behind the same is to set the ship sailing. May be not with the intensity that once was our hallmark, but with how ever and what ever possible way. We need to rise for our children’s, for our generation and for our nation. Let’s ignite the flame and keep it alive. To quote knaan “We patiently wait, for that fateful day, it’s not far away, but for now we say... When I get older, I will be stronger; they call me freedom, just like a waving flag.....AND THEN IT GOES BACK! …AND THEN IT GOES BACK!! ……AND THEN IT GOES BACK!!!”

The Mumbai Indian tragedy

Sachin & Saurabh went up the hill,
to drop the easiest sitters,
Zak fell down and Bravo let down,
as Indians came tumbling after.

धवल चा गजर हरी नामाचा झंडा रोवला !

धवल चा गजर हरी नामाचा झंडा रोवला !

नमस्कार,
पुढील सदरात आपण प्रिय मित्र धवल, ज्यास आपण अनेक नामआने पुकारतो, त्या बद्दल वाचणार आहोत. कल्पना व् बालकृष्ण सवेंचा तो थोरला मुलगा. विरार पूर्व हे त्याचे जन्म (व् कर्म) गांव. उत्कर्ष ही शाळा तर मोरयानगर हे माहेरघर. त्याच्या असतित्वने ही नगरी पावन जहाली असेच म्हणावे लागेल.

Since childhood Dhawal was known for his exceptional intelligence. The Masters degree in Engineering provides testimony towards his dedication and work ethic. His crystal clear vision towards professional career and towards life justifies the true values inherited from his parents. The language he speaks has authority and is to the point, which has enhanced his image with the elderly as well as amongst the youths.

Another latent aspect of Dhawal is that he is a marvelous team player. On several occasions we all have witnessed him keeping the group’s interest ahead of his personal gain. Over the years he has evolved as a sportsperson. From no where he suddenly became the anchor of the middle order and has played various significant innings. The badminton player in him has roused leaps and bounds. Once upon a time he was a stagnant player and moved very seldom. But during partnering him in a high class match at the Pune University I was astonished to see his agile movements. Also he has deep interests in lawn tennis, table tennis, and hockey to go along with chess and football.

To unveil him further, one can find his easy go lucky character. He always keeps the spark alive besides him. This potent quality of his has lead towards acquiring a large number of friendship chains. And this same quality will glide him success in his future endeavors.

On the day i.e. 1st August 2010, when he is to be engaged with a sweet little girl (as my wife describes), Krutika, we all wish him grand success in this relationship too. Let the almighty part his blessings over the two and let the world witness another beautiful facet of Dhawal’s life.

All the best!!!
Kunal & Sampada

All the Best!

The day is the most important one in the life of a dear friend. Sagar as we all know carries an uncanny knack of being friendly to all. His gestures (with unique style), although offending to some, emits self confidence and flair like no one else can. He is to be engaged with Prajakta (a girl from Vasai) and we all greet them with best wishes for the rest of their lives.

On this auspicious day, we pray to the almighty and thank him for his grace over both of them. We pray to impart strength in their tough times and wish they sow seeds of wisdom all over.

We are and always will be a great team.

Once again best wishes from me & Sampada to Sags & Prajs!!!

What to expect from an India-Pakistan cricket match?

Even if it may be the initial stages of football world cup and the world is busy watching it and even if the best footballs are made in Pakistan, the Asia Cup encounter between the two traditional rivals’ viz. India and Pakistan, will make the adrenaline flow upwards in both countries. The simple reason behind it is, A - the teams are meeting after a long gap and B - some of the best players (Sehwag, Shoaib) are back in team. The Cricket itself is played with at most intensity as the atmosphere is heated pre and post match. No doubt this game is a religion followed by the divine fans of both countries.

For some it may seem to be just another cricket match played on a neutral venue, but for others like us it is an event of extreme importance and we make sure that our team doesn’t lack the moral support.

Historically it has been found that the players who have risen against each other have made it to the top of the International cricket. They borrow their confidence and belief from such encounters. Below are few worthy reckonings between the battles of the Titans.

When Javed Miandad whacked a six of Chetan Sharma full toss, there began a new era of Pakistan dominance. The Pakistanis drew belief about their own abilities and have emerged as a team of high standards.

The emergence of Sachin Tendulkar was witness and acclaimed by Abdul Qadir as he fall prey to the mesmerising stroke play of this tender kid.

During the finals of an initial Asia cup the Sachin-Ganguly-Kanitkar trio brought honours back to India by encompassing the mammoth target of 300+.

Saeed Anwar, perhaps the most exceptional left handed batsmen of world cricket, made merry in a Chennai one dayer by individually collecting a world record score of 194.

Saqlain bowled a superb spell of off-spin bowling and snatch away the victory from the jaws of Indians during a Chennai test match.

The verbal exchange between Aamir Sohail and Ventakesh Prasad spiced up the evening during the 1996 world cup. Sohail’s arrogance was dented by a Prasad leg cutter which tumbled his off stump.

Shoaibh Akhtar came to limelight when he bowled Sachin out first ball with a reverse swinging yorker during an Eden Garden test match that was seen by a capacity crowd of over a lakh. The audacity of noise when Sachin walked at crease to take guard was suddenly transferred into a pin drop silence with his exodus. The then tender age like us felt the pinch watching it live on our television sets. The silence was ‘deafening’ and the missed heart beat brought tears.

Sachin returned the onus on Shoaib during the spectacular display of batting at the Wanderers during the 2003 world cup. He cut, pulled, glanced, drove and steered Shoaib all in a single over which made the captian Wasim Akram to pull away Shoaib from bowling. Wasim uttered his famous words “तुम्हे पता है तुमने किसका कात्च छोड़ा है ?” during the same match when Sachin was dropped by Abdul Razzak.

The triple century of Virender Sehwag during the Multan test match is another feather on India’s cap. The emergence of Dhoni, Yuvraj, Nehra, Harbhajan and Raina on the International cricket scenario too has its roots to the performances against Pakistan. On the other side Shahid Afridi, Shoiab Malik, Umar Gul, Misbah-ul-haq has inflated their career path by their achievement against India.

Few of the players have sadly fallen back too. Irfan Pathan after his hatrick in the first over of a test match, Rushikesh Kanitkar after smashing a boundry of an ultimate ball, Lakshmipathy Balaji after his bowling exhibithion during the 2004 Pakistan tour are few Indians who didn’t make big. While from Pakistan the list is huge. Imran Farhat, Salim Malik, Ijaz Ahmed, Basit Ali to name few.

The most latest and exciting contest between the two teams was during the 2007 T20 world cup. Both the matches endow with an epitome of cricketing battle and the Indian crown as World Champions shined even better as the team they defeated in finals was Pakistan. Joginder Sharma became a hero while Misbah-ul-haq disbelieved his fate when he was caught scooping at fine leg by Sreesanth.

Hence the last thing one would expect from an India-Pakistan clash is the last ball finish and if you bet on it, you’ll come victorious on most occasions.

Over the horizon – Kshitij Thakur

At the tender age of 26, he became the Member of Legislative Assembly for the state of Maharashtra. The leap, is believed as a fortune obtained through his father who has a noticeable impact over the states affairs. Contrary to all the political qualities required to sustain in the gut, he posses a childish look over an innocence face. The language he speaks lacks authority and often wanders beside the point. Even so, the education qualification as a management graduate portray into his confident behaviour. No wonder this boy who inherits the father’s voice will emerge in future as an idol for new generation. He is Kshitij Thakur, the young MLA from the Nala Sopara constituency of Maharashtra.

Kshitij in Marathi means horizon. One that can be barely measured, one that everyone thrives to go over, one which scales the person’s dreams. No one knows what lies over there but the excitement to unveil has no measures. It was the 100 aniversary of the inception of our caste which staged Kshitij before the community. On the earlier day I was utterly disappointed during session which allowed general public to come up with whatever questions they have. The responses of Kshitij were frail and lack sense of purpose and direction. I was at a total dismay and even repent for casting my vote to him.

It was until the next day that the real colours of Kshitij which were hidden beneath the cover surfaced. The stage was open to Kshitij and he too came out as a batsman who has received free license to slog in a T20 match (I doubt his father was not around and the pressure was completely off). He began with the belief of lending helping hand to anyone coming to him with plans. He advises people to look beyond jobs and get into businesses. He challenged people to chase their dream and better their mediocrity. This is a need of an hour for our community which gathered mere 700 in numbers out of about 20,000 odd in counts to celebrate its centurion year.

Kshitij in his contemporary, yet father like voice, began further by showing his palm as an example. The thumb denotes the luck that we transfer to others for their endeavours. With thumbs-up we genuinely part our good wishes and support for the person’s work. The index finger indicates the target. We often use this finger to point at an objective. The middle finger represents our plans. Alike the finger, the plans need to be bigger than goals. The fourth finger symbolise the execution of these plans. No matter how much we act the plans must be higher. For all the goals, plans and execution the success will always be equivalent to the last finger. This theory when implemented into day to day life will work wonders.

Under the ministry of his own father Kshitij is developing into a leader to recon in near future. He further elaborates about goals that the achievement process or the path has to be worked out in reverse direction. If the target is to get into the National Cricket team, first an individual has to get into the state team. To get states berth one has to figure into the district team. For the chance into district level team, one has to shine for the college or the club team. Whatever may be the size of your dream, it has to be achieved by breaking it into the short term achievable goals.

This surprising outburst from Kshitij was enough for me to get excited about. The spark was visibly present in his eyes and I could gather the glitter even seated into the last chair of the congregation hall. Time only will prove whether this twinkle is of a diamond, one that last’s forever, or that of an eclipse which beautifies for mere few seconds. The time only will testify whether he stands for the promises and the beliefs of people like me. And I wish and think that the former will be accomplished for he has grown under the light of his own father.

Team India 'Bounced' out

The T20 champions of the initial World cup are tottering before the lethal pace attacks. Recently the Windies tormented the best batting line-up and alike the Aussies disintegrated the minds of the Indian Batsmen. Gambhir or Raina, Yuvraj to Yusuf or for that matter Dhoni too fell to the magnificent pace bowling spells from the two opponents. The pace-hunting ground of Guyana would ponder with pride for historically hosting the likes of Garner, Marshall and Holding.

India has dug their own hole by not selecting the right combination of players to take on the world. The absence of Sachin is the deciding factor at the top. Murli Vijay (the blessed son of south) has failed all the expectations while the champs like Gambhir and Raina have surprisingly struggled against the throat line bowling. Yuvraj has lost his touch with growing body weight while Dhoni’s uncanny ability to back his players has back fired in real time. Yusuf Pathan looks deadly with his looks during the national anthem but hasn’t played to his domestic capabilities.

If at all Jadeja wouldn’t have dropped those two catches in the beginning of each innings, the story for India would have been written differently. Harbhajan has found no partner in spin and the pace bowling is better not to discuss about. Almost every team has a new face in pace while the Indians have stepped backwards by selecting the two veterans.

IPL has to be blamed for this disarray. No matter how much Dhoni claims that the league is nothing to do with these results, the tired bodies of players themselves answers the question. Not only India but also the South African have fallen prey to the IPL. Once Kallis boasted about as many as 20 players being involved in the IPL but he too will repent about his this bitter fact.

Anyways being the extreme follower of the Indian cricket team, wish the Aussies bury the West Indies and the Indians tame Sri lankans to enter the semi’s. From there it’s anyone’s cup. I bet England play the opponents to us in the grand finals.

Playing eleven with batting order till the finals:
Gambhir, Pathan, Yuraj, Raina, Dhoni, Sharma, Karthik, Harbhajan, Chawla, Vinay Kumar, Nehra

3 Idiots: MASK mania

हमको तो राहें थी चलाती

वोह खुद अपनी राह बनता

गिरता संभालता मस्ती में चलता था वोह

हम को कल की फिकर सताती

वोह बस आज का जशन मनाता

हर लम्हे को खुल के जीता था वोह

हम सहमे से रहते कुए में

वोह नदिया में गोते लगता

उलटी धारा चीर के तैरता था वोह

बादल आवारा था वोह

यार हमारा था वोह

वापस आ रहा है उससे मिलो ।।

Cheers to Sags on completing his MBA in flying colours.

Doesn't this feet call for a celebration Maskians?

If YES (which most of you'll will be saying) then get rolling boys. We'll rock again!

Time & Venue to be decided on consensus.

So pitch in here...

Mumbai on march

A signature performance from the star-captain allowed the Mumbai Indians (MI) gather the top spot in the league after beating Knight Riders, who as guest were hoping to get better of the two teams for the first time. It was a disciplined team effort from the entire team that appears confident and professional. The tides have turned since yester years. Sachin as captain has impressed and the fielding imputes from the veteran coaches who in their times were the best, viz; Jhonty & Robin, is reaping rewards.

The second generation has rise far beyond expectations. The likes of Tiwary, Rayadu, Sathish, McLaren, Dhawan etc. are climbing steps at such a brisk rate that few of the seniors are struggling to find place in the playing squad.

Until now, as was expected, the things have been according to MI’s plans. Barring the loss against revitalised Bangalore the performance of each and every team player is above par. Bravo although seems like struggling for form, but historically he has rose from ashes to skies and single handedly crossed the lines for whichever team he has played for. Let’s hope his time will come when other fell apart.

The most fathomed player amongst the bunch is Kieron Pollard. Game by game he is raising towards the stature he has self imposed. For me he is better to Yusuf Pathan when compared, simply because of his better batting technique and the electrifying fielding capabilities. The excitement will reach its extreme when he’ll thrash the ball all around and over the stadium.

Semi-finals will be a cake walk from here. It will be worth watching MI turning favours over Bangalore in their own back yard. Till then, just enjoy the Indians.

Come home IPL

An event that captivated the spirits of the entire nation, an event which rewrote the business rules, an event that accumulates the world on one stage, an event of dream that we all love, the Indian Premier League, will begin its 3rd edition in its homeland offering diverse cricketing exposure one for all, may it be the players, the owners, the staff’s or the followers.

The IPL is an incarnation of the English Premier League, which the football world is crazy about, has made a deep inroad into the cricket devotee like us. Thanks to Mr Modi for his flagship effort to begin the tournament, as big as it has been, in the very country that rides cricket in its blood. Cricket itself is so rich and pure that the very purpose of this league, galloping money, is subdued. It offers equal and fair chance to all the players where his ability, and also his capability, will make him the survivor. He has to be extra agile, fit to his prime and able to cope up the pressures. The corporate franchisers only aim is to churn huge bucks, through cricket or through merchandise, whatever persona their player carries. Big name seldom is the criteria for them. A Players brand value will be captialised with their mere existence and the more explosive one is the more weightage will he carry.

The emergence of Gen-Next in cricket must be accredited to the initial edition of IPL. The likes of Jadeja, Pathan, Tyagi, Raina, Sharma, Kohli, Nayyar and many more have wore Indian cap due to the IPL only. Their ‘colours’ during the league have uplifted their chances for the national duty. The likes of Dilshan, Warner and Nannes have emerged on the international stage. The retirees too have a platform to cast their galore.

Mumbai Indians is the team I follow. Although the previous outings are one to forget, the hope and flame thrives. The addition of Pollard, a Trinidadian allrounder, to accompany the likes of Tendulkar, Duminy and Maliga and the excitement that will be produce is beyond the description in words.

Parting notes; it provides ample Amazon of writings to the boozing writers like me. Everyone wins!

Thunder’Dulkar

February 2010, the shortest month of the year, will be remembered for the huge steep climb in the Cricketing world. It was the heroics of Cricket’s favorite son, the child from our motherland, one who has endorsed dream beyond boundaries, who has roused and at all times lived to the expectations, one who has woven the silk-bond between his followers, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, a wonderful husband, father of two and the deity of the entire nation, slammed the first-ever double hundred in the limited over edition. This is the moment of pride, the moment of prestige and dignity, which India can and must brag upon. The shrewdest of shrewd critic of this little master would have been delighted for him accomplishing this Herculean task. Sanjay Manjrekar quoted this prolific moment by saying “The most deserving landmark is achieved.”

Sachin’s roots are deeply rooted into the soil of Marathas, who throughout history has stood up to the cause of India. He is from the great land that has mothered the birth of Shivaji’s, Savarkar’s, Tilak’s, Ambedkar’s and many others who are pillar of today’s India. The land named Maharashtra, which lives to its name; the Big State, is the proud mother again with her most pampered child gathering the so far impossible heap. The two hundredth run scored by Sachin, a single to point, will find its place in history and the land of Gwalior, another historic place in India, will harvest this rich moment till eternity.

The journey of Sachin’s master class began at the tender age of twelve when he alongside Vinod Kambli featured into the biggest partnership amongst school kids by piling up over 600 runs together. Sachin’s first coach, his Highness Mr Ramakant Achrekar invented and polished Sachin what we see today. The Ranji trophy was debuted with a hundred at the age of 14, the Indian cap was postponed for the threat of West Indies fast bowlers; and the international debut in 1989 involve blood when Waqar Younis’s bouncer whacked this nose on its way. His grit to stay on ground was witness for the first time when he continued batting with blood puking nose and scored a magnificent half century. Later in another tour match he conquered Abdul Qadir, a lethal leg spinner, with his mesmerizing stroke play. Qadir announced then and there about the “Star being born”.

The days that followed have seen Sachin and India grown together hands-in hands. Seldom Sachin went out of focus. His first test century in England, the exhibition of class in the ’93 World cup down under, a century at Perth, promotion to opening the ODI innings, an ODI hundred against Aussies (one feet that was prolonged too long), a breath taking last over in Hero cup, and the brutal runs scoring during the times. May it be test cricket or one day, fast bowling or spin, all were at his mercy. The records were attained at the speed of knots. The newspapers across nations were filled with columns on Sachin. He attained the status of national icon at a very young age and was felicitated by big national awards. The ’96 World cup saw Sachin at his peak. He single handedly destroyed attacks and booked India a semi-final’s seat. Pre quarterfinal match, Wasim Akram said “It is Pakistan versus Sachin”. This summarises the stature and respect he commanded at a beginning age of his youth.

On his way Sachin caught the corporate attention too. The record contract signed between him and Worldtel made him the richest cricketer of the universe. He began the new innings of life by marrying Anjali, his childhood friend. The glamorous Bollywood too peeped into his life. The businesses were found with the opening of a Restaurant named ‘Tendulkar’s’ in south Mumbai. Although with such a wide portfolio on offer, Sachin never loosed his grip and love for cricket. He always maintained a childish adore for this wonderful game. He slowly made an in road into the heart of every Indian. He became son of every mother, a brother of every Indian and an icon of every tender heart like ours. His stay still exists in our hearts. It still fills proud with every new record. It still misses a beat with fall of his wicket.

The Australians toured India in 96/97 with a dream to conquer the subcontinent. Their single aim was to get Sachin out by hook or crook. Shane Warne had come with a trap to weave Sachin in his trap by bowling around the stumps wide of his leg stump. Sachin was entrapped into the plan initially but did bounce back with loads of runs and couple of hundreds. Later, he played the two most spectacular back to back Hundreds in an ODI series at Sharjah to dismiss Australia from crown. The innings consisted of wide galore of audacious stroke play that captivated the Cricketing world. By those innings he was officially throned as the best batsman of times and was described as the second best to Sir Don Bradman who have ever batted. Post series Warne collected Sachin’s sign over his shirt and did accept about getting nightmares of him dancing down the track and smashing straight over his head for a sixer. Sir Don saw himself in Sachin and his public gesture about the fact added a feather in Sachin’s cap.

The ’99 World cup in England stamped Sachin’s dedication towards the game and his total commitment of playing for the nation. He stood over the scattered emotions caused by the loss of his beloved father and returned back to squad in England to smash a hundred. This was a true testimony to his mind-strength, his character and his love for the game. He became the diamond of every throat across nations. This feat saw Sachin turning from a lovable boy to a complete man. Although a single game that India lost in his absence cast their way out from the World cup, Sachin emerged as a national phenomenon.

The loads of expectation and immense pressure of international schedule did take its toll on Sachin’s body. His body began to dismantle. The lower back pain, the hair line foot fracture and the tennis elbow pushed Sachin away from his favorite game. Meanwhile he defaulted as a captain. He struggled to manage and build a young Indian side. He was in the eyes of media for all the reasons but cricket. The fierce critics even predicted the end of Sachin’s era. The rise of Ganguly and Dravid did provide cushion for the Indian side. The Indian cricket went through the worst period as the match fixing scandal of Hansie Cronje and Mohammad Azaruddin shook the cricketing fraternity like a forceful earthquake. Even the likes of Kapil Dev were questioned as the dark clouds of the scam devastated the nation and its cricket followers who otherwise stood united for the game. Sachin’s integrity remained unscratched. For Sachin, they followed the game with passion post the disastrous scandal. By the fall of new millennium Sachin was once question for ball tampering in a test match in South Africa, which caused an outrage in India. The cricketing world was on verge of divide between the whites and the darks. With Sachin’s intervention the episode calmed down without further damage.

This experience might have taught Sachin to be more responsible. He curbed his natural instinct as a destroyer and emerged as an accumulator. The combination proves lethal in the 2003 World cup in South Africa. Sachin played long and strong throughout the tournament and ensured a final’s berth for the side. His assault on Shoaibh Akhtar provided the atmost level of excitement to the followers like us. The upper cut which sailed over third man for a maximum brought delight beyond words to Sachin-crazy followers. “तुम्हे पता है तुमने किसका क्याच छोड़ा है?” uttered Wasim Akram to Abdul Razzak when Sachin was dropped at mid off. His early dismissal in the finals made sure the Aussies win the World cup under Steve Waugh. Sachin for his plentiful run gathering was crowned man of the series.

With the rise of Shewag, Yuvraj and Dhoni the responsibility of batting was shared. The era of Indian batting revolving around Sachin slowly faded away. The young brigade won in absence of Sachin. The fact that the game of cricket requires an ongoing change made Sachin change his batting style. To the surprise of everyone Sachin let away his aggressive batting and for some mystical reason was found struggling with the bat. The end of Sachin was seen over the horizon. The worst his fan could expect was to see him sit down on knees to the in-drifters from medium pacers which dislodge the stumps. And to add salt over wound this happened time and again. Even the most dedicated followers begin to believe the end was coming. The in dripper of Dilhara Fernando in the ’07 World cup disturbing the middle stump added to the woe. India’s early exit from the tournament was considered as the reason for inflicting new blood into the veins. Meanwhile Sachin stayed away from the initial T20 World cup which India won.

This break did provide a chance to measure up things. Sachin assembled a lot in and around him. His inner self was still childish, but the ageing body struggled. He changed the game accordingly and his return to the highest level of cricket was more action-packed than ever. His hunger for runs, his strive to play for India perhaps intensified even more. The moment we thought Sachin was finished, much to the surprise he roused again. Its not falling which matters, but rising again does. The centuries in Australia, West Indies, England and Sri Lanka provided a batting delight and submit a strong come back message to the entire world. He grew from strength to strength. The injuries were kept away by choosing the right matches and opposition. Under Dhoni he has regained his master class. This was a blessing in disguise for the followers like us, who were disappointed once seeing the champion struggle. The golden days of glory are back and the time is right to bask in it. Go Sachin Go!

Since past 2 years we have seen Sachin bat like no other. The records were sure to come his way along this enticing journey. Recently he completed 20 years of international cricket which is a very rare phenomenon. The innings of 175 that he played during his 17,000 ODI runs against Australia has no gauge. Although the innings could not help India win the match, but the stroke play was ferocious and loud. The Aussie bowlers looked pitiful and clueless for the assault on them. The destroyer Sachin was back and the zeal to conquer any attack of the world was witnessed. It was tearful watching him bat like him, again. They say God blesses one for his commitment and dedication towards whatever he does. Sachin has every right to reap rewards that he has been blessed with. He to me is the modern day Shivaji who with his foresight has laid a golden path for the baby boomers of our country.

On 24th of February 2010 Sachin achieved the peak of ODI cricket against South Africa by becoming the first batsman to score a double century in an ODI match. The whole of nation felt proud that their most favorite son achieved this landmark. The world was happy for this deserving accomplishment and it was worth hearing loads and loads of accolade on Sachin. The eyes were full of tears and the heart full with contentment. Whatever more he achieves from here would be no prettier than this very moment.

Sachin has always been a person of dreams. In his foremost public appearance, in an interview with Tom Altar, during the post school days, he had a very bold look in those tender eyes. The language he spoke was of authority and the body emitted a confident young bloke, who was ready to take the cricketing world face on. Till date he has kept the inside flame alive. The dismay of missing a triple ton in his test career or the World cup elusion is evident. And who knows like this double century we the followers of this great game will be giving a standing ovation once this feet is accomplished on a fine day. That day will bestow Godly being to this master class human. Salute.

Live long Sachin!