Friday, June 3, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Road to Start ........
6.41 - Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina declares the World Cup 2011 open. Fireworks, music ensue.
6.26 - A bevy of ministers make long, impassioned speeches. This is a big moment for the country. Next up is Sharad Pawar, president of the ICC.
6.14 - Sonu Niigam is done singing ‘Let’s go for glory’. Let’s also go for a haircut?
6.05 - The loudest cheers were reserved for MS Dhoni and Shakib Al Hasan.
6.02 pm - Stumpy the elephant has done a round of the stadium. Now it’s the captains who are riding around the ground in rickshaws.
5.45 pm IST – The opening ceremony of the 2011 cricket World Cup is underway at the Bangabandhu Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
There’s been a rendition of the Bangladeshi national anthem to kick off proceedings.
There’s a packed audience at the ground. Bryan Adams, Sonu Niigam, Shankar Ehsaan Loy are slated to perform today.
Get Ready for ........
'Helicopter' shot, 'Marillier' scoop, 'Switch-Hitting', 'Dilscoop'.....the list of unorthodox One-day strokes is likely to grow by the time the World Cup ends in Mumbai on April 2. Batsmen have become more audacious and innovative since 1971 when the first One-day international was played in Melbourne between England and Australia, just like a "normal game of cricket".
"In those days it was ordinary white clothing with two or three slips and a gully," said Australian off-spinner Ashley Mallett, who bagged three wickets in the game. "There were no fielding circles. It was just played like a normal game of cricket."
England batsman Kevin Pietersen was not just playing a "normal game of cricket" when he switch-hit (right-hander batting like a left-hander) Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan for a six in the 2006 Edgbaston Test.
Pietersen sparked a debate over the legality of the shot, which was cleared by the ICC. The shot wrongfoots the opposition because the field has already been set for a right-hander before he turns into a southpaw.
"Unbelievable as it may seem, the first time I played the switch-hit was in an international game, when Muralitharan was bowling at me at Edgbaston," Pietersen recently wrote in his column in an Indian newspaper.
"I was batting with Freddy Flintoff and there were not many on-side scoring opportunities what with Murali bowling a tight, uncompromising line. I decided to give the switch-hit a go and it paid off. Thankfully, I caught it sweet and I hit a six. Freddy came down and said 'What was that?' and laughed."
Pietersen, who said he had always been attracted to innovation, has also confounded the opposition with his 'flamingo' shot - pulled from wide of off-stump through mid-on while standing on one leg.
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has found his own way of playing a yorker-length delivery over mid-on, leading the shot to be named as 'helicopter' because of rotation of the arms.
Zimbabwean Doug Marillier repeatedly scooped the ball over wicket-keeper's head for fours to sink India in a One-dayer in Faridabad in 2002. He came in to bat at number 10 when his side were facing defeat at 210-8 chasing a 275-run target, but turned the match upside-down with a 24-ball 56 not out to script an unlikely Zimbabwean victory.
The emergence of the Twenty20 cricket in 2005 has added new strokes to the vocabulary as batsmen do not hesitate playing high-risk shots. Sri Lankan Tillakaratne Dilshan plays the scoop over wicket-keeper's head with amazing consistency in both One-day and T20 cricket after being promoted as an opener. The shot was eventually named 'Dilscoop'.
He won the Twenty20 International Performance of the Year award in 2009 for his unbeaten 96 off 57 balls against the West Indies in the semi-final at the World Twenty20.
"It was a thrill for me to do well in England and do well for my team. I'm really proud of myself for having a new shot named after me (the Dilscoop)," Dilshan said after receiving the award.
A sweep now has many variations - paddle, reverse and slog - as batsmen try to become more unpredictable. Indian batting superstar Sachin Tendulkar has virtually mastered the paddle sweep to fine-leg, while many have started playing a slog-sweep, an aggressive leg-side shot.
Many captains have often found it difficult to set the field for a reverse-sweep, played on the off-side by a right-hander rather than to the leg like a conventional sweep.
But if not executed properly, the unorthodox shots can lead to disaster, like England captain Mike Gatting's reverse-sweep against Australia in the 1987 World Cup final in Calcutta (now Kolkata).
England were 135-2 chasing a 254-run target when Gatting attempted a reverse sweep off part-time spinner Allan Border, only to top-edge it for wicket-keeper Greg Dyer to take a catch. They eventually lost the match by seven runs.
"In those days it was ordinary white clothing with two or three slips and a gully," said Australian off-spinner Ashley Mallett, who bagged three wickets in the game. "There were no fielding circles. It was just played like a normal game of cricket."
England batsman Kevin Pietersen was not just playing a "normal game of cricket" when he switch-hit (right-hander batting like a left-hander) Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan for a six in the 2006 Edgbaston Test.
Pietersen sparked a debate over the legality of the shot, which was cleared by the ICC. The shot wrongfoots the opposition because the field has already been set for a right-hander before he turns into a southpaw.
"Unbelievable as it may seem, the first time I played the switch-hit was in an international game, when Muralitharan was bowling at me at Edgbaston," Pietersen recently wrote in his column in an Indian newspaper.
"I was batting with Freddy Flintoff and there were not many on-side scoring opportunities what with Murali bowling a tight, uncompromising line. I decided to give the switch-hit a go and it paid off. Thankfully, I caught it sweet and I hit a six. Freddy came down and said 'What was that?' and laughed."
Pietersen, who said he had always been attracted to innovation, has also confounded the opposition with his 'flamingo' shot - pulled from wide of off-stump through mid-on while standing on one leg.
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has found his own way of playing a yorker-length delivery over mid-on, leading the shot to be named as 'helicopter' because of rotation of the arms.
Zimbabwean Doug Marillier repeatedly scooped the ball over wicket-keeper's head for fours to sink India in a One-dayer in Faridabad in 2002. He came in to bat at number 10 when his side were facing defeat at 210-8 chasing a 275-run target, but turned the match upside-down with a 24-ball 56 not out to script an unlikely Zimbabwean victory.
The emergence of the Twenty20 cricket in 2005 has added new strokes to the vocabulary as batsmen do not hesitate playing high-risk shots. Sri Lankan Tillakaratne Dilshan plays the scoop over wicket-keeper's head with amazing consistency in both One-day and T20 cricket after being promoted as an opener. The shot was eventually named 'Dilscoop'.
He won the Twenty20 International Performance of the Year award in 2009 for his unbeaten 96 off 57 balls against the West Indies in the semi-final at the World Twenty20.
"It was a thrill for me to do well in England and do well for my team. I'm really proud of myself for having a new shot named after me (the Dilscoop)," Dilshan said after receiving the award.
A sweep now has many variations - paddle, reverse and slog - as batsmen try to become more unpredictable. Indian batting superstar Sachin Tendulkar has virtually mastered the paddle sweep to fine-leg, while many have started playing a slog-sweep, an aggressive leg-side shot.
Many captains have often found it difficult to set the field for a reverse-sweep, played on the off-side by a right-hander rather than to the leg like a conventional sweep.
But if not executed properly, the unorthodox shots can lead to disaster, like England captain Mike Gatting's reverse-sweep against Australia in the 1987 World Cup final in Calcutta (now Kolkata).
England were 135-2 chasing a 254-run target when Gatting attempted a reverse sweep off part-time spinner Allan Border, only to top-edge it for wicket-keeper Greg Dyer to take a catch. They eventually lost the match by seven runs.
INDIA is about to be Hit by A Work Productivity Loss of 768 Million Man Hours!
India is about to be hit by a work productivity loss of 768 million man hours. The reason? Cricket.
At least 10-12 million peoples' attention is going to shift to the ICC Cricket World Cup co-hosted by India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka from February 19 to April 2, according to a survey from the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India.
Here's how to be a part of this heady two-month South Asian sports party.
The big ticket
If you haven’t got your World Cup tickets yet, you need to pick up the pace.
Book fast-disappearing tickets on Kyazoonga.com, the official ticket hub online and be weary of fakers on the web.
Prepare to pay about 12 percent of the ticket fare in service, bank charges and taxes.
Kyazoonga writes a big “Woo hoo!” when your booking is confirmed. Nice touch.
There have however, been some complaints about overseas fans not having received their tickets yet. The reassuring bit is that the website has constant updates and email support for different crisis situations (but no way to track couriers) and getting in touch with the constantly congested helpline is a pain.
If you don’t find good seats online, which is a possibility at this point, officially appointed travel agents (see travel deals below) are your best bet.
These guys aren’t allowed to sell tickets minus a package, so a way around that for Mumbaikars is to get the transfer package that comes with a match pass, and stadium transfer. This will cost you more than face value, but that’s the price you pay for being a slow coach.
If all else fails, every Mumbaikar knows someone who knows someone who can score tickets. Hint: find a member of the Garware Club -- they get one to two tickets based on a computerized lottery system -- and start sucking up now.
Travel deals
If your World Cup watching involves travel, Cutting Edge Events (+91 9820027663/ +91 9819549724, www.cuttingedgeevents.info) is your best bet. Why? Most importantly, they have a ton of ticket packages available NOW, and tie ups with hotels that may appear to be out of rooms when you try booking online.
Also offering similar packages is Tui (+91 (0) 22 33005555, www.tui.in) which is pricier than the former. The base package for the final match at Cutting Edge Events starts at Rs 27,800, while the one at Tui is Rs 42,000.
If you’re travelling within India, book a domestic flight on Cleartrip.com and get the base fare free off your next domestic ticket (redeemable only on SpiceJet). Book before March 20 and use before April 11.
Online travel booking engine Yatra.com is running a similar deal with a free ticket redeemable on highly recommended budget airline IndiGo. Book before March 25 and use before April 15.
Travel agents say accommodation in smaller cities like Mohali and Nagpur is filling up fast, so if you have a ticket, figure out hotel arrangements quickly.
Note: India is issuing six-month multiple-entry visas, but a new rule means once you leave the country, you have to wait two months before returning, so no hopping in and out on a whim.
Best matches to attend
The most fun games to attend are the ones involving the hosts because that's when the stadiums will be brimming with fans.
1. Bangladesh vs. India in Mirpur (the opening game), February 19. Bangladesh knocked India out of the World Cup in 2007, and the Indians have still not gotten over it.
2. Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka in Colombo, February 26. Pakistan was supposed to hold 14 matches, including one semi-final but were stripped of their World Cup hosting rights in the wake of the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan national cricket team in Lahore.
3. India vs. England in Bangalore (the game was moved from Eden Gardens
to Bangalore because the legendary Kolkata stadium was not prepared in time for this match. #FAIL), February 27. Pakistan might be India’s most hated rival, but it never hurts to stick it to India's former colonial overlords.
4. Australia vs. Sri Lanka in Colombo, March 5. Sri Lanka beat Australia in the 1996 final. Australia trumped them in the 2007 final. And so it goes ...
5. Australia vs. Pakistan in Colombo, March 19. It's a weekend match between two of the most aggressively offensive sides in world cricket today.
6. India vs. West Indies in Chennai, March 20. This is the last game in Group B and there is a chance one of the two sides will need to win it to guarantee a place in the quarterfinals.
7. Final in Mumbai, April 2. A World Cup final in Mumbai, the cradle of Indian cricket. And if India is playing Pakistan (the only opportunity for the two teams to meet), it will be madness. And Bal Thackeray’s head might explode. You won't want to miss it for the world.
Bar hopping in the best host cities
Here’s where to fill your soul with beer at the best host cities this World Cup.
New Delhi: What could be more perfect than Howzzat, a cricket-themed bar that brews its own beer and has ginormous TV screens? Alternatively, cozy Red Monkey Bar has all-day happy hours on Mondays and Tuesdays, discounts on beer and sangria and stadium-like, true live sound system.
You should know: Locals say you should watch the match with 500 plus fans on giant screens at the DLF promenade. For free!
Howzzat, Galaxy Hotel, NH-8, Sector 15, Part II, Gurgaon; +91 (0) 24 4565000; Red Monkey, 47 Defence Colony Market; +91 9910808653.
Chennai: Start drinking at noon considering all bars shut at 11 p.m. at 10 Downing Street (a 15-minute drive from the Chepauk stadium), where an afternoon deal of Rs 250 will get you beer, the chef’s special and dessert.
You should know: Respected cricketed website Cricinfo.com calls Chennai spectators “the most knowledgeable cricket fans in the country” so don’t go challenging them to a game of World Cup trivia at the pub.
No.50, Kences Inn Boutique Hotel, North Boag Road, T.Nagar; +91 (0) 44 28152152, 28113004
Bangalore: A 10-minute walk from M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Guzzlers Inn is a convenient pre and post match watering hole.
You should know: A 2010 DNA story reveals that the tech hub of India and a big student town is increasingly resorting to hypnosis to deal with stress. Don’t look directly into those crazy fan eyes.
48, Rest House Road, Brigade Road; +91 (0) 80 25587336, +91 9844096185
Kolkata: Hookah, flavored shots, and a long, long bar at new club Nocturne that stays open later than most, until 3 a.m.
You should know: Kolkata is home to the largest Indian cricket stadium, Eden Gardens, and some notoriously fervid Indian cricket fans. Should you get into a pub brawl with a Bengali bloke, respectfully call him dada for instant calming effect.
Nocturne, 31, Shakespeare Sarani, HSBC Building, Elgin; +91 9831252442, +91 (0) 33 22903648
Mumbai: Special world cup offers and big TV screens at Sports Bar Express and Geoffrey’s.
You should know: Stroll through Shivaji Park for a glimpse into the birthplace of future pro Indian cricketers. Many greats including Sachin Tendulkar have been nurtured on this ground.
Sports Bar Express, ground floor, Regal Cinema Building, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Colaba, +91 (0) 22 66396682; Geoffrey’s, Marine Plaza, 29 Marine Drive; +91 (0) 22 22851212
Colombo: Sir Donald Bradman's memorabilia and lots of beer at Cricket Club Cafe, a bar housed in a pretty bungalow.
You should know: Hit one of the many casinos in Colombo, especially if you’re heading to India next, where gambling is illegal.
Cricket Club Cafe, 34, Queens Road; +94 (0) 11 2501384, thecricketclubcafeceylon.com
City to avoid: Ahmedabad. Two things: An alcohol-free, vegetarian Indian state. Enough said.
Trivia source: A new book on the history of world cup cricket
CNNGo scored some excerpts prior to the release of "The History of World Cup Cricket" by James Alter, just so you can show off. Silly points? Not.
1979: Viv Richards is the only person to have played World Cup football and World Cup cricket, having represented Antigua in qualifying matches for the 1974 finals.
1983: In 1983, a fielding circle was introduced, 30 yards away from the stumps. Four fieldsmen needed to be inside it.
1987: Courtney Walsh’s decision not to run out the last Pakistani batsman Salim Jaffer, who had completely backed out of his crease at the non-strikers end, potentially cost West Indies the World Cup that year.
1992: White balls and colored kits were not used until 1992. Prior to this, teams had dressed in white and used red balls.
1996: Ricky Ponting became the youngest World Cup centurion (21 years and 76 days) against West Indies at Jaipur.
CrickeTech: Podcasts, online gaming and live mobile streaming
Listen to cool World Cup podcasts featuring quick bites from players; play the new Fantasy Cricket League online by Zapak; Vodafone subscribers can watch live streaming of the match coverage; Google users are invited to mark all important points around match venues using Google Map Maker.
Jersey shore: Personalized Team India jersey
How about a blue Team India jersey with your name and favorite number on it?
Myntra and Nike team up to bring you customized jerseys that you can order online, preview your personalized details and have delivered to your doorstep, for Rs 895.
Place your bets: Bookies say India
International Cricket Council chief Haroon Lorgat has suggested legalizing sports betting in India in order to curb corruption in the game of cricket. FYI: Bookmakers hold India clear favorites to win this World Cup as they believe this is the best Indian side ever, and are too difficult a team to beat at home.
At least 10-12 million peoples' attention is going to shift to the ICC Cricket World Cup co-hosted by India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka from February 19 to April 2, according to a survey from the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India.
Here's how to be a part of this heady two-month South Asian sports party.
The big ticket
If you haven’t got your World Cup tickets yet, you need to pick up the pace.
Book fast-disappearing tickets on Kyazoonga.com, the official ticket hub online and be weary of fakers on the web.
Prepare to pay about 12 percent of the ticket fare in service, bank charges and taxes.
Kyazoonga writes a big “Woo hoo!” when your booking is confirmed. Nice touch.
There have however, been some complaints about overseas fans not having received their tickets yet. The reassuring bit is that the website has constant updates and email support for different crisis situations (but no way to track couriers) and getting in touch with the constantly congested helpline is a pain.
If you don’t find good seats online, which is a possibility at this point, officially appointed travel agents (see travel deals below) are your best bet.
These guys aren’t allowed to sell tickets minus a package, so a way around that for Mumbaikars is to get the transfer package that comes with a match pass, and stadium transfer. This will cost you more than face value, but that’s the price you pay for being a slow coach.
If all else fails, every Mumbaikar knows someone who knows someone who can score tickets. Hint: find a member of the Garware Club -- they get one to two tickets based on a computerized lottery system -- and start sucking up now.
Travel deals
If your World Cup watching involves travel, Cutting Edge Events (+91 9820027663/ +91 9819549724, www.cuttingedgeevents.info) is your best bet. Why? Most importantly, they have a ton of ticket packages available NOW, and tie ups with hotels that may appear to be out of rooms when you try booking online.
Also offering similar packages is Tui (+91 (0) 22 33005555, www.tui.in) which is pricier than the former. The base package for the final match at Cutting Edge Events starts at Rs 27,800, while the one at Tui is Rs 42,000.
If you’re travelling within India, book a domestic flight on Cleartrip.com and get the base fare free off your next domestic ticket (redeemable only on SpiceJet). Book before March 20 and use before April 11.
Online travel booking engine Yatra.com is running a similar deal with a free ticket redeemable on highly recommended budget airline IndiGo. Book before March 25 and use before April 15.
Travel agents say accommodation in smaller cities like Mohali and Nagpur is filling up fast, so if you have a ticket, figure out hotel arrangements quickly.
Note: India is issuing six-month multiple-entry visas, but a new rule means once you leave the country, you have to wait two months before returning, so no hopping in and out on a whim.
Best matches to attend
The most fun games to attend are the ones involving the hosts because that's when the stadiums will be brimming with fans.
1. Bangladesh vs. India in Mirpur (the opening game), February 19. Bangladesh knocked India out of the World Cup in 2007, and the Indians have still not gotten over it.
2. Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka in Colombo, February 26. Pakistan was supposed to hold 14 matches, including one semi-final but were stripped of their World Cup hosting rights in the wake of the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan national cricket team in Lahore.
3. India vs. England in Bangalore (the game was moved from Eden Gardens
to Bangalore because the legendary Kolkata stadium was not prepared in time for this match. #FAIL), February 27. Pakistan might be India’s most hated rival, but it never hurts to stick it to India's former colonial overlords.
4. Australia vs. Sri Lanka in Colombo, March 5. Sri Lanka beat Australia in the 1996 final. Australia trumped them in the 2007 final. And so it goes ...
5. Australia vs. Pakistan in Colombo, March 19. It's a weekend match between two of the most aggressively offensive sides in world cricket today.
6. India vs. West Indies in Chennai, March 20. This is the last game in Group B and there is a chance one of the two sides will need to win it to guarantee a place in the quarterfinals.
7. Final in Mumbai, April 2. A World Cup final in Mumbai, the cradle of Indian cricket. And if India is playing Pakistan (the only opportunity for the two teams to meet), it will be madness. And Bal Thackeray’s head might explode. You won't want to miss it for the world.
Bar hopping in the best host cities
Here’s where to fill your soul with beer at the best host cities this World Cup.
New Delhi: What could be more perfect than Howzzat, a cricket-themed bar that brews its own beer and has ginormous TV screens? Alternatively, cozy Red Monkey Bar has all-day happy hours on Mondays and Tuesdays, discounts on beer and sangria and stadium-like, true live sound system.
You should know: Locals say you should watch the match with 500 plus fans on giant screens at the DLF promenade. For free!
Howzzat, Galaxy Hotel, NH-8, Sector 15, Part II, Gurgaon; +91 (0) 24 4565000; Red Monkey, 47 Defence Colony Market; +91 9910808653.
Chennai: Start drinking at noon considering all bars shut at 11 p.m. at 10 Downing Street (a 15-minute drive from the Chepauk stadium), where an afternoon deal of Rs 250 will get you beer, the chef’s special and dessert.
You should know: Respected cricketed website Cricinfo.com calls Chennai spectators “the most knowledgeable cricket fans in the country” so don’t go challenging them to a game of World Cup trivia at the pub.
No.50, Kences Inn Boutique Hotel, North Boag Road, T.Nagar; +91 (0) 44 28152152, 28113004
Bangalore: A 10-minute walk from M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Guzzlers Inn is a convenient pre and post match watering hole.
You should know: A 2010 DNA story reveals that the tech hub of India and a big student town is increasingly resorting to hypnosis to deal with stress. Don’t look directly into those crazy fan eyes.
48, Rest House Road, Brigade Road; +91 (0) 80 25587336, +91 9844096185
Kolkata: Hookah, flavored shots, and a long, long bar at new club Nocturne that stays open later than most, until 3 a.m.
You should know: Kolkata is home to the largest Indian cricket stadium, Eden Gardens, and some notoriously fervid Indian cricket fans. Should you get into a pub brawl with a Bengali bloke, respectfully call him dada for instant calming effect.
Nocturne, 31, Shakespeare Sarani, HSBC Building, Elgin; +91 9831252442, +91 (0) 33 22903648
Mumbai: Special world cup offers and big TV screens at Sports Bar Express and Geoffrey’s.
You should know: Stroll through Shivaji Park for a glimpse into the birthplace of future pro Indian cricketers. Many greats including Sachin Tendulkar have been nurtured on this ground.
Sports Bar Express, ground floor, Regal Cinema Building, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Colaba, +91 (0) 22 66396682; Geoffrey’s, Marine Plaza, 29 Marine Drive; +91 (0) 22 22851212
Colombo: Sir Donald Bradman's memorabilia and lots of beer at Cricket Club Cafe, a bar housed in a pretty bungalow.
You should know: Hit one of the many casinos in Colombo, especially if you’re heading to India next, where gambling is illegal.
Cricket Club Cafe, 34, Queens Road; +94 (0) 11 2501384, thecricketclubcafeceylon.com
City to avoid: Ahmedabad. Two things: An alcohol-free, vegetarian Indian state. Enough said.
Trivia source: A new book on the history of world cup cricket
CNNGo scored some excerpts prior to the release of "The History of World Cup Cricket" by James Alter, just so you can show off. Silly points? Not.
1979: Viv Richards is the only person to have played World Cup football and World Cup cricket, having represented Antigua in qualifying matches for the 1974 finals.
1983: In 1983, a fielding circle was introduced, 30 yards away from the stumps. Four fieldsmen needed to be inside it.
1987: Courtney Walsh’s decision not to run out the last Pakistani batsman Salim Jaffer, who had completely backed out of his crease at the non-strikers end, potentially cost West Indies the World Cup that year.
1992: White balls and colored kits were not used until 1992. Prior to this, teams had dressed in white and used red balls.
1996: Ricky Ponting became the youngest World Cup centurion (21 years and 76 days) against West Indies at Jaipur.
CrickeTech: Podcasts, online gaming and live mobile streaming
Listen to cool World Cup podcasts featuring quick bites from players; play the new Fantasy Cricket League online by Zapak; Vodafone subscribers can watch live streaming of the match coverage; Google users are invited to mark all important points around match venues using Google Map Maker.
Jersey shore: Personalized Team India jersey
How about a blue Team India jersey with your name and favorite number on it?
Myntra and Nike team up to bring you customized jerseys that you can order online, preview your personalized details and have delivered to your doorstep, for Rs 895.
Place your bets: Bookies say India
International Cricket Council chief Haroon Lorgat has suggested legalizing sports betting in India in order to curb corruption in the game of cricket. FYI: Bookmakers hold India clear favorites to win this World Cup as they believe this is the best Indian side ever, and are too difficult a team to beat at home.
Monday, February 14, 2011
INDIA's Hope!
Despite performing well below their reputation now and then India's record in the World Cup is not one to be scoffed at. Champions once, runners up on another occasion and twice semi-finalists India are behind only Australia, West Indies and Pakistan when it comes to overall standings. They have maintained their reputation as one of the leading teams in the game and currently enjoy the No.2 spot in the ICC ODI rankings.
Based on this impressive record and enjoying home advantage is there any surprise that India are being installed as favourites even in what should be a hotly contested World Cup? Actually playing in your own backyard could be both an advantage and a disadvantage as the Indian team has discovered. Twice before in 1987 and 1996 playing before frenzied fan following and in familiar surroundings has not exactly helped as they were knocked out at the semi-final stage. Can the Indians go two better and lift the trophy this time? They also have a jinx to beat as only once in 1996 have the hosts (or in this case co-hosts Sri Lanka) won the trophy.
On paper the Indians have the same chance as almost half a dozen contenders in what is widely being perceived as a pretty open World Cup. A glance at the teams and it must be said that the Indians have an impressive line-up. But to be candid equally impressive are the line-ups from Australia, England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and South Africa. Each team has their own strengths and weaknesses and the dispassionate observer and keen and knowledgeable cricket follower will really find it tough to stick his neck out and predict the winner. Even some of the experts have expressed varying views while others have just said that it is an open World Cup.
The format for the tournament is another reason why half a dozen teams would appear to have equal chances. On form, reputation and rankings Australia, Pakistan, New Zealand and Sri Lanka (from group A) and India, South Africa, England and West Indies (from group B) should make it from the two pools and qualify for the quarter-finals. But with the knockout format taking over from here it is clearly a case of which team performs better and holds their nerves on a particular day. Whatever the pairings from here on no team can really be classified as no hopers.
It must be said though that the Indian team has some positive things going for them. The batting is arguably the strongest among all the participants and in sub-continental conditions this is a considerable advantage. Frequently this has helped cover up for the weaker aspect – the bowling. However it must be said in the same breath that now and then the much maligned and less glamorous bowlers have exceeded expectations and the Indian fan will no doubt hope that they will do so again on the biggest cricketing stage.
While the Indians are not exactly the best fielding side in the game today, the inclusion of youth has helped improve standards in this very important but sadly neglected aspect particularly in limited overs cricket. Ultimately in a close match more than the batting and bowling it is the fielding that can play a decisive role in the outcome and it is here that the Indians must perform above their level.
The leadership too will count in a big way and here the captain and the coach have a major role to play. Even a cursory glance at the champion teams over the years will underscore the inspirational role played by the captain in particular. So far Dhoni and Kirsten who obviously have a good working relationship have done an admirable job but for the World Cup they have a much bigger responsibility to shoulder. It was this lack of leadership with the coach taking over the dictatorial role and the captain looking on passively that was the main reason for the debacle in the Caribbean four years ago.
The team's think tank has the task of coming up with counter strategies and surprise tactics so very important in limited overs cricket. They will have to think out of the box, change the batting order depending upon the circumstances and adopt the horses for courses policy even if it means dropping an established player or a crowd favourite.
Ultimately how far the team progresses could well hinge on how the players perform under pressure. The unreasonable expectations of millions of cricket fans and the intense and sometimes unfair scrutiny by the media and the sponsors are unfortunately part of the package in Indian cricket.
Dhoni is aware of how important it is to overcome the pressure factor. In a recent interview he said that the Indian team was well equipped to handle the pressures of playing in a World Cup before home supporters. "Pressure is an added responsibility" said the 29-year-old Indian captain. "Whenever you play for India there is always pressure. But the good thing is we have a very experienced team. Most of the guys have been around for a long time and know how to handle pressure."
It is worth recalling however that the only time the Indian team has won the World Cup it was in a pressure–free ambiance with no high expectations and the result was that Kapil's Devils were able to perform in a relaxed manner being in a situation where they had nothing to lose but everything to gain.
Friday, February 11, 2011
ICC World Cup 2011 Ad Rates can Touch Rs 24 Lakh/10 Sec!
NEW DELHI: It could be a windfall for cricket World Cup broadcaster ESPN Star Sports if India reaches the knockout stages, as the spot rate for advertisements could then touch up to Rs 24 lakh per ten seconds.
The broadcaster, which has reserved ad inventory of nearly 5-6 per cent for the last few matches, is keeping its fingers crossed and hoping India plays in the title round.
"If India does well and reaches the knockout stages, ad spot rates could jump up significantly, as high as five to six times of the existing rate," ESPN Software India Pvt Ltd Executive Vice President - Ad Sales & New Media Sanjay Kailash told media.
While he declined to comment on the existing ad spot rate, as per industry sources, the broadcaster is charging around Rs 3.5 lakh to Rs 4 lakh per ten seconds spot.
If India, counted as one of the favourites to win the title this time by many cricket experts, features in the quarter finals and beyond, then the ad rates could be as high as Rs 24 lakh per ten seconds.
"If India makes it to the semis then increased demand will be seen from new advertisers who have not bought already. Rates will be more driven by the demand and ESPN will want to maximise given that they are already the last two or three matches," ZenithOptimedia, senior vice-president Naveen Khemka said. Cost efficiency can be overlooked if brand objectives are met, he added.
The company is also responsible for selling the ad spots for Doordarshan which will broadcast all the matches to be played by India plus the two semi finals and the final. "The inventory for DD is sold out. We have got a very good response," Kailash said, adding ad rates on DD is much lower compared to its ESPN Software India's channels (ESPN, Star Sports and Star Cricket) but did not specify details.
Companies like Hero Honda, Parle Products, ITC , Jaypee Cement, Reliance Mobile, Pepsi, Tata Motors and Pidilite Industries have signed up as sponsors on DD. Industry sources said ESPN is estimated to have garnered about Rs 75 crore from ad spots on DD, while it is targetting Rs 750 crore from the World Cup on its own.
The broadcaster, which has reserved ad inventory of nearly 5-6 per cent for the last few matches, is keeping its fingers crossed and hoping India plays in the title round.
"If India does well and reaches the knockout stages, ad spot rates could jump up significantly, as high as five to six times of the existing rate," ESPN Software India Pvt Ltd Executive Vice President - Ad Sales & New Media Sanjay Kailash told media.
While he declined to comment on the existing ad spot rate, as per industry sources, the broadcaster is charging around Rs 3.5 lakh to Rs 4 lakh per ten seconds spot.
If India, counted as one of the favourites to win the title this time by many cricket experts, features in the quarter finals and beyond, then the ad rates could be as high as Rs 24 lakh per ten seconds.
"If India makes it to the semis then increased demand will be seen from new advertisers who have not bought already. Rates will be more driven by the demand and ESPN will want to maximise given that they are already the last two or three matches," ZenithOptimedia, senior vice-president Naveen Khemka said. Cost efficiency can be overlooked if brand objectives are met, he added.
The company is also responsible for selling the ad spots for Doordarshan which will broadcast all the matches to be played by India plus the two semi finals and the final. "The inventory for DD is sold out. We have got a very good response," Kailash said, adding ad rates on DD is much lower compared to its ESPN Software India's channels (ESPN, Star Sports and Star Cricket) but did not specify details.
Companies like Hero Honda, Parle Products, ITC , Jaypee Cement, Reliance Mobile, Pepsi, Tata Motors and Pidilite Industries have signed up as sponsors on DD. Industry sources said ESPN is estimated to have garnered about Rs 75 crore from ad spots on DD, while it is targetting Rs 750 crore from the World Cup on its own.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Captain's Talk: Ashish Bagai, Canada
Canada captain Ashish Bagai saidtoday his team was aiming for an upset win to boost theirhopes of qualifying for the World Cup quarter-finals.
Buzz up!
"We discussed our expectations and goals as a team," theIndia-born Bagai told reporters in the Bangladeshi capital.
"We talked about getting into the second round. Winsagainst Zimbabwe and Kenya and an upset against any of theother four teams is our goal.
"We''re prepared. We have just come from a training campin Dubai and we''re looking forward to two warm-up games beforemeeting Sri Lanka in our first match."
Canada open their campaign at Hambantota in Sri Lanka onFebruary 20. The other teams in group A are Australia,Pakistan, New Zealand, Zimbabwe and Kenya, with the top fouradvancing to the quarter-finals.
Bagai said the first game against Sri Lanka was crucial.
"It''s a new venue, even they (Sri Lanka) won''t know whatto expect, so it''s going to be tough," he said. "If we can getthrough a couple of their bowlers we have a good chance."
The Canadian captain said his side had a decent bowlingattack with Henry Osinde and Khurram Chohan leading the pack.
The North American cricket minnows first played at theWorld Cup in 1979 and their only win in the showpiece eventhas been against Bangladesh in 2003.
"I think that was a little older Bangladesh team," saidBagai. "Now Bangladesh have a very young side and they can bevery solid in home conditions."
The Canadian team play two warm up matches, againstBangladesh on Saturday and England on February 16, beforeheading to Sri Lanka for the main tournament.
Buzz up!
"We discussed our expectations and goals as a team," theIndia-born Bagai told reporters in the Bangladeshi capital.
"We talked about getting into the second round. Winsagainst Zimbabwe and Kenya and an upset against any of theother four teams is our goal.
"We''re prepared. We have just come from a training campin Dubai and we''re looking forward to two warm-up games beforemeeting Sri Lanka in our first match."
Canada open their campaign at Hambantota in Sri Lanka onFebruary 20. The other teams in group A are Australia,Pakistan, New Zealand, Zimbabwe and Kenya, with the top fouradvancing to the quarter-finals.
Bagai said the first game against Sri Lanka was crucial.
"It''s a new venue, even they (Sri Lanka) won''t know whatto expect, so it''s going to be tough," he said. "If we can getthrough a couple of their bowlers we have a good chance."
The Canadian captain said his side had a decent bowlingattack with Henry Osinde and Khurram Chohan leading the pack.
The North American cricket minnows first played at theWorld Cup in 1979 and their only win in the showpiece eventhas been against Bangladesh in 2003.
"I think that was a little older Bangladesh team," saidBagai. "Now Bangladesh have a very young side and they can bevery solid in home conditions."
The Canadian team play two warm up matches, againstBangladesh on Saturday and England on February 16, beforeheading to Sri Lanka for the main tournament.
Captain's Talk: Jimmy Kamande, Kenya
Surprising winner over New Zeland in the opening match of the world cup 1996 and semi finalist of world cup 2003, Kenya had held a good position. For the world cup 2011, according to Jimmy Kamande, the captain of the team, the ambitions are less important. In a declaration made to Yahoo Cricket. He said his team does not want to do as in the past and the goal is not only to achieve a good performance as in 2011: The current team is built for the long term. It has five or six years to reach the top. However, good results of the 2011 edition will allow Kenyan cricket retains his position at the national level. We can bring back those who left and win new audiences and new practitioners”. As a reminder, Kenya is ranked 13th by the world ranking Reliance ODI Championship.
Captain's Talk: Elton Chigumbura, Zimbabwe
Elton Chigumbura is only 24 years old and he is the captain of Zimbabwe team for the 2011 World Cup.
Athletic and well built, Chigumbura is confident that his team can produce a spectacular show in the World Cup though they start their campaign against the mighty Australians.
Chigumbura made his international debut when he was only 18 and has now played in 122 One-dayers.
"It is always good to make debut early because you get to play more games. I have played in over 100 One-dayers and this is my second World Cup. It is being played in totally different conditions from the last World Cup. For me, it is a big opportunity to use my experience" Chigumbura told Gulf News.
Zimbabwe will be training hard at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Global Cricket Academy for the next few days to make themselves stronger for the World Cup.
No pressure
Chigumbura, who bowls at 140kmph looks all set to lead from the front.
"I have maintained my fitness through sheer hard work. I've always work hard while preparing for an event. The end result will take care of itself," he said.
Does being a captain at 24 put a lot of pressure on him? "Not really. Since I have played long enough it does not put any pressure. I will take this opportunity and try and move the team to a better level," he said.
Athletic and well built, Chigumbura is confident that his team can produce a spectacular show in the World Cup though they start their campaign against the mighty Australians.
Chigumbura made his international debut when he was only 18 and has now played in 122 One-dayers.
"It is always good to make debut early because you get to play more games. I have played in over 100 One-dayers and this is my second World Cup. It is being played in totally different conditions from the last World Cup. For me, it is a big opportunity to use my experience" Chigumbura told Gulf News.
Zimbabwe will be training hard at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Global Cricket Academy for the next few days to make themselves stronger for the World Cup.
No pressure
Chigumbura, who bowls at 140kmph looks all set to lead from the front.
"I have maintained my fitness through sheer hard work. I've always work hard while preparing for an event. The end result will take care of itself," he said.
Does being a captain at 24 put a lot of pressure on him? "Not really. Since I have played long enough it does not put any pressure. I will take this opportunity and try and move the team to a better level," he said.
Captain's Talk: Shahid Afridi, Pakistan
Positive starts, teamwork crucial in WC matches: Shahid Afridi
Pakistan’s limited-overs skipper Shahid Afridi has said that his team needs to take robust starts both in bowling and batting in order to excel in the all-important World Cup, now just days away.
“We need strong, positive beginning in every game — both in bowling and batting — so that we can build on those to produce wins on consistent basis in the mega event,” Afridi said while talking to Dawn on Wednesday.
Afridi was retained as national captain for the all-important World Cup just a few days ago after the belligerent all-rounder led his brigade to triumph in the New Zealand one-day series.
Since last year, he had been under severe criticism from various quarters over captaincy as well as his individual performance. However, he ultimately managed to pull his charges together against the Kiwis besides improving his individual show in the six-match series.
Asked to pinpoint the areas where his side required to improve, Afridi stressed that exploitation of power-play could prove crucial in the Feb 19-April 2 spectacle where Pakistan will meet Australia, Sri Lanka and New Zealand in the first round.
“Proper utilisation of power-play is vital, both by the batsmen and the bowlers. Our batsmen must score quick runs in those power-plays while bowlers are naturally expected to contain the opposition at crucial stages when field restrictions are on,” said Afridi, a veteran of 312 ODIs.
Describing his relationship with his deputy Misbah-ul-Haq as perfect and brotherly, Afridi earnestly requested the media to avoid creating needless controversies that may damage his team’s campaign in the forthcoming World Cup.
On being asked to pick any specific match-winning batsman or bowler for the mega event, the captain candidly said the performance of the entire squad was crucial.
“Every player has to come out and deliver and all my team members are equally important for me and for the result we seek. Depending entirely on one or two players in the World Cup would be detrimental,” he emphasised.
Commenting on his team’s likely opening pair in the quadrennial event, Afridi asserted that Mohammad Hafeez and Ahmed Shahzad, who opened the proceedings in the New Zealand ODIs, would continue in the same role with Kamran Akmal to come at number three.
Responding on whether seasoned all-rounder Abdul Razzaq should come up the order to increase the tempo of the innings, he reckoned it was better if players like Razzaq and himself came to the crease after 40-over mark with a decent total already achieved. “In this way our team can attack more productively in death overs.”
Afridi, who made his first World Cup appearance in the 1999 event in England, only expressed a brief reaction on the recent spot-fixing bans the ICC imposed on Salman Butt, Mohammad Aamir and Mohammad Asif, by terming them as “very regrettable”.
The upcoming World Cup will be Afridi’s fourth.
Pakistan’s limited-overs skipper Shahid Afridi has said that his team needs to take robust starts both in bowling and batting in order to excel in the all-important World Cup, now just days away.
“We need strong, positive beginning in every game — both in bowling and batting — so that we can build on those to produce wins on consistent basis in the mega event,” Afridi said while talking to Dawn on Wednesday.
Afridi was retained as national captain for the all-important World Cup just a few days ago after the belligerent all-rounder led his brigade to triumph in the New Zealand one-day series.
Since last year, he had been under severe criticism from various quarters over captaincy as well as his individual performance. However, he ultimately managed to pull his charges together against the Kiwis besides improving his individual show in the six-match series.
Asked to pinpoint the areas where his side required to improve, Afridi stressed that exploitation of power-play could prove crucial in the Feb 19-April 2 spectacle where Pakistan will meet Australia, Sri Lanka and New Zealand in the first round.
“Proper utilisation of power-play is vital, both by the batsmen and the bowlers. Our batsmen must score quick runs in those power-plays while bowlers are naturally expected to contain the opposition at crucial stages when field restrictions are on,” said Afridi, a veteran of 312 ODIs.
Describing his relationship with his deputy Misbah-ul-Haq as perfect and brotherly, Afridi earnestly requested the media to avoid creating needless controversies that may damage his team’s campaign in the forthcoming World Cup.
On being asked to pick any specific match-winning batsman or bowler for the mega event, the captain candidly said the performance of the entire squad was crucial.
“Every player has to come out and deliver and all my team members are equally important for me and for the result we seek. Depending entirely on one or two players in the World Cup would be detrimental,” he emphasised.
Commenting on his team’s likely opening pair in the quadrennial event, Afridi asserted that Mohammad Hafeez and Ahmed Shahzad, who opened the proceedings in the New Zealand ODIs, would continue in the same role with Kamran Akmal to come at number three.
Responding on whether seasoned all-rounder Abdul Razzaq should come up the order to increase the tempo of the innings, he reckoned it was better if players like Razzaq and himself came to the crease after 40-over mark with a decent total already achieved. “In this way our team can attack more productively in death overs.”
Afridi, who made his first World Cup appearance in the 1999 event in England, only expressed a brief reaction on the recent spot-fixing bans the ICC imposed on Salman Butt, Mohammad Aamir and Mohammad Asif, by terming them as “very regrettable”.
The upcoming World Cup will be Afridi’s fourth.
Captain's Talk: Graeme Smith, South Africa
Graeme Smith will end his eight-year tenure as captain of the South African one-day international team at his third World Cup. In the second part of an interview with chief sports writer Kevin McCallum, Smith looks ahead to the tournament, and gives an insight to the mental, physical and tactical preparation of his side for this World Cup on the sub-continent.
Kevin McCallum: Do you get the sense that the expectations of the public and the media are a little bit less than they have been for past World Cups?
Graeme Smith: Walking around the streets (this week) you get a sense that there is a buzz and people are excited about the World Cup. People walk up to you and tell you things like “bring the trophy home”. I think the energy is there.
The way we are thinking as a team ahead of this tournament is quite different. In 2007 we went there with the expectation of winning the tournament, and put ourselves under so much pressure. Yes, you have to want to win the World Cup and that has to be your mindset, otherwise what’s the point of going there, but we’re much more relaxed in terms of the way we want to do things, and we want to take it step by step. I don’t know if that makes sense to you without sounding too clichéd, but we’re not going there putting ourselves under pressure from the start to be in the final. That’s the goal, obviously, but we won’t be approaching every game and every day looking too far ahead. If you do that then you lose sight of the next immediate task. We’re taking each game as a new challenge, another step, day by day. We want to be solid every day, try our best every day, build up the confidence and then hopefully get on a good run. We’re certainly more relaxed about it than we’ve been in the past.
KM: The fact that you had a hard ride against India in the MTN ODI Series at home was probably, in retrospect, a good thing. You learnt a lot more about the character of the players in coming back to win 3-2, and also pushed home the point that “decision making” by some needed to be sharper.
GS: That was great. I think the guys learned some great lessons and I think some guys grew up also in terms of knowing what is required of them. Not only the young guys, but guys who have been in the squad for 50 or 60 games, who have suddenly now have a different level of thinking.
In Dubai and Abu Dhabi against Pakistan we were 2-2 and won the last game. We came from 2-1 down against India and without Jakes (Jacques Kallis) our balance in South African conditions was tough to work out. In Indian conditions, with the squad we have picked for the tournament, it means we have a few more options. There were a lot of factors to consider in the India series, and I’m glad the guys came through. It showed strength of character, and that’s what you like to see as a captain and teammate.
Look, we have an important two weeks before the World Cup. It’s not so much about the warm-up games and winning them, but how we prepare and how we get ourselves ready for the 24th (first World Cup match against the West Indies).
KM: Is it possible to compare this team to the 2007 side? I know that’s not something players, coaches and captains like doing, but this team does have more variety than four years ago.
GS: When I look back on the ’07 team, I think we were a little bit too rigid in terms of players and the squad. We are a lot more open-minded now, we have a lot more options. We had a lot of the same “type” of players in ’07. We had a lot of experience back then. We don’t have a lot of World Cup experience in this team, but we have a lot of variety, a lot of energy, we’ve got pace, we’ve got spin and we have a lot of options, which is what I think we maybe lacked in 2007.
We stuck to a similar style of play in ’07, and now we can change the way we play. We can be more innovative and more off the cuff, and be a lot more unpredictable, while still having that solid base.
KM: Playing in India is very different, obviously. What sort of approach will you take?
GS: Conditions are going to be quite batter friendly so scores might be quite high. I think we have a solid top five and top six batting line-up. Finishing, with bat and ball, is something we need to be really strong on. I think that’s going to be crucial throughout the World Cup. Powerplay three, when that’s taken and how that’s used and how’s its managed with both bat and ball is also going to be important.
I really am excited by the energy in the squad now. The guys are backing each other and give their best. There’s no real baggage or apprehension from the guys, and that’s the difference for me from my three World Cups.
KM: You mentioned powerplay three and how important it is to use it properly. Is there a set plan for it, or will you move it around?
GS: For me, powerplay three is not so much about when you take it, but how you play it, the execution of it. We’ve spoken a lot about it and when to take it. I personally would like to take it when guys are in and there’s a good partnership going, rather than when guys are just starting out at the crease. The easiest way to do it would be to just leave it to the end so you don’t have to think about it. We’ve tried a few things through some of the games and we’ve decided to make a gut decision on the day, see how things are going and then go for it. What the guys in the middle need to discuss it their execution; what they need to do to get eight or nine runs an over. That way of thinking has made powerplay three a lot more simple for us.
From a bowling point of view, an aggressive mindset is always crucial. So often when you’re bowling in the powerplay you back off because you think the team is going to be attacking you. So we want to be aggressive and look to pick up wickets, which is one way of using it to your advantage. That’s something Australia did very well in 2007, they attacked that Powerplay whereas everyone else kinda stood back.
KM: It’s the most open World Cup I can remember. India were good here, Australia have just beaten England, England look decent and South Africa are hitting form. Can you pick a winner?
GS: It is a very open World Cup. England have some good players who will be fit for the World Cup. Australia are always very solid performers in this form of the game. Fatigue for the two of them might be an issue – I think England are home for three days before they travel to India for the World Cup. The sub-continent teams are always wily and street smart in their own conditions. They will always be a factor. Bangladesh will pull off a few surprises in front of all their fans.
KM: So what would the 30-year old Graeme Smith tell the 22-year old Graeme Smith?
GS: I’d tell him not to take the job at 22 (laughs). I look back sometimes and I wonder how I made it through, to be honest with you. Up until 2007 I wonder how I lasted in the job, and still managed to perform at times. The pressures and the tension and the responsibilities of the captaincy, and then still trying to figure out who I was and my place in the world was crazy. I was trying to grow up and figure out who I was as a person. I still don’t know how I made it through those first four years of my career, and am still in the job eight years later.
I’ve really enjoyed the last few years. Maybe I’m more conservative in the way I look at things, and having more experience and being able to deal with it is more important.
KM: You have, at most, nine games left as captain of the South African ODI team. Have Cricket South Africa spoke to you about the new captain? Do you think about these being your last games as captain, or does that not come into your thinking at all?
GS: Kev, I’m not nostalgic about it in any way. I’m very comfortable with the decision I have made. I want to give my best at this World Cup and walk away knowing that as a leader and as a player, I’ve given everything possible I could give. Being able to walk away knowing I did everything I could do – and hopefully that means success.
I haven’t had discussions about the captaincy. I don’t even know about the new coach. I have some knowledge I think could be valuable from the eight years I’ve had as captain.
When I look back, I think some of the things I have done with the team and for South Africa will be appreciated after the fact that I’m finished. I’ve been through an interesting phase for South African cricket. I’ve helped lay some large building blocks for the team behind the scenes and in the team. I’m proud of what I’ve been a part of. I want to end on a high.
Kevin McCallum: Do you get the sense that the expectations of the public and the media are a little bit less than they have been for past World Cups?
Graeme Smith: Walking around the streets (this week) you get a sense that there is a buzz and people are excited about the World Cup. People walk up to you and tell you things like “bring the trophy home”. I think the energy is there.
The way we are thinking as a team ahead of this tournament is quite different. In 2007 we went there with the expectation of winning the tournament, and put ourselves under so much pressure. Yes, you have to want to win the World Cup and that has to be your mindset, otherwise what’s the point of going there, but we’re much more relaxed in terms of the way we want to do things, and we want to take it step by step. I don’t know if that makes sense to you without sounding too clichéd, but we’re not going there putting ourselves under pressure from the start to be in the final. That’s the goal, obviously, but we won’t be approaching every game and every day looking too far ahead. If you do that then you lose sight of the next immediate task. We’re taking each game as a new challenge, another step, day by day. We want to be solid every day, try our best every day, build up the confidence and then hopefully get on a good run. We’re certainly more relaxed about it than we’ve been in the past.
KM: The fact that you had a hard ride against India in the MTN ODI Series at home was probably, in retrospect, a good thing. You learnt a lot more about the character of the players in coming back to win 3-2, and also pushed home the point that “decision making” by some needed to be sharper.
GS: That was great. I think the guys learned some great lessons and I think some guys grew up also in terms of knowing what is required of them. Not only the young guys, but guys who have been in the squad for 50 or 60 games, who have suddenly now have a different level of thinking.
In Dubai and Abu Dhabi against Pakistan we were 2-2 and won the last game. We came from 2-1 down against India and without Jakes (Jacques Kallis) our balance in South African conditions was tough to work out. In Indian conditions, with the squad we have picked for the tournament, it means we have a few more options. There were a lot of factors to consider in the India series, and I’m glad the guys came through. It showed strength of character, and that’s what you like to see as a captain and teammate.
Look, we have an important two weeks before the World Cup. It’s not so much about the warm-up games and winning them, but how we prepare and how we get ourselves ready for the 24th (first World Cup match against the West Indies).
KM: Is it possible to compare this team to the 2007 side? I know that’s not something players, coaches and captains like doing, but this team does have more variety than four years ago.
GS: When I look back on the ’07 team, I think we were a little bit too rigid in terms of players and the squad. We are a lot more open-minded now, we have a lot more options. We had a lot of the same “type” of players in ’07. We had a lot of experience back then. We don’t have a lot of World Cup experience in this team, but we have a lot of variety, a lot of energy, we’ve got pace, we’ve got spin and we have a lot of options, which is what I think we maybe lacked in 2007.
We stuck to a similar style of play in ’07, and now we can change the way we play. We can be more innovative and more off the cuff, and be a lot more unpredictable, while still having that solid base.
KM: Playing in India is very different, obviously. What sort of approach will you take?
GS: Conditions are going to be quite batter friendly so scores might be quite high. I think we have a solid top five and top six batting line-up. Finishing, with bat and ball, is something we need to be really strong on. I think that’s going to be crucial throughout the World Cup. Powerplay three, when that’s taken and how that’s used and how’s its managed with both bat and ball is also going to be important.
I really am excited by the energy in the squad now. The guys are backing each other and give their best. There’s no real baggage or apprehension from the guys, and that’s the difference for me from my three World Cups.
KM: You mentioned powerplay three and how important it is to use it properly. Is there a set plan for it, or will you move it around?
GS: For me, powerplay three is not so much about when you take it, but how you play it, the execution of it. We’ve spoken a lot about it and when to take it. I personally would like to take it when guys are in and there’s a good partnership going, rather than when guys are just starting out at the crease. The easiest way to do it would be to just leave it to the end so you don’t have to think about it. We’ve tried a few things through some of the games and we’ve decided to make a gut decision on the day, see how things are going and then go for it. What the guys in the middle need to discuss it their execution; what they need to do to get eight or nine runs an over. That way of thinking has made powerplay three a lot more simple for us.
From a bowling point of view, an aggressive mindset is always crucial. So often when you’re bowling in the powerplay you back off because you think the team is going to be attacking you. So we want to be aggressive and look to pick up wickets, which is one way of using it to your advantage. That’s something Australia did very well in 2007, they attacked that Powerplay whereas everyone else kinda stood back.
KM: It’s the most open World Cup I can remember. India were good here, Australia have just beaten England, England look decent and South Africa are hitting form. Can you pick a winner?
GS: It is a very open World Cup. England have some good players who will be fit for the World Cup. Australia are always very solid performers in this form of the game. Fatigue for the two of them might be an issue – I think England are home for three days before they travel to India for the World Cup. The sub-continent teams are always wily and street smart in their own conditions. They will always be a factor. Bangladesh will pull off a few surprises in front of all their fans.
KM: So what would the 30-year old Graeme Smith tell the 22-year old Graeme Smith?
GS: I’d tell him not to take the job at 22 (laughs). I look back sometimes and I wonder how I made it through, to be honest with you. Up until 2007 I wonder how I lasted in the job, and still managed to perform at times. The pressures and the tension and the responsibilities of the captaincy, and then still trying to figure out who I was and my place in the world was crazy. I was trying to grow up and figure out who I was as a person. I still don’t know how I made it through those first four years of my career, and am still in the job eight years later.
I’ve really enjoyed the last few years. Maybe I’m more conservative in the way I look at things, and having more experience and being able to deal with it is more important.
KM: You have, at most, nine games left as captain of the South African ODI team. Have Cricket South Africa spoke to you about the new captain? Do you think about these being your last games as captain, or does that not come into your thinking at all?
GS: Kev, I’m not nostalgic about it in any way. I’m very comfortable with the decision I have made. I want to give my best at this World Cup and walk away knowing that as a leader and as a player, I’ve given everything possible I could give. Being able to walk away knowing I did everything I could do – and hopefully that means success.
I haven’t had discussions about the captaincy. I don’t even know about the new coach. I have some knowledge I think could be valuable from the eight years I’ve had as captain.
When I look back, I think some of the things I have done with the team and for South Africa will be appreciated after the fact that I’m finished. I’ve been through an interesting phase for South African cricket. I’ve helped lay some large building blocks for the team behind the scenes and in the team. I’m proud of what I’ve been a part of. I want to end on a high.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Captain's Talk: We are confident ahead of 2011 WC, Peter Borren, Netherlands
Netherlands caused one of the biggest shocks in cricket's history defeating England in the 2009 ICC World Twenty20, and more recently, beat Bangladesh in an ODI in July 2010. Dutch captain Peter Borren is confident his team can also cause some upsets in the World Cup despite being in a difficult group. Borren also says there is a positive environment in the squad where everyone will try to get results and express themselves. Borren picks out Alexei Kervezee as the player to watch in the Netherlands squad. Excerpts from an interview with Yahoo! Cricket:
This is the Netherlands' fourth appearance in the ICC World Cup. What are the expectations for the Dutch team from the 2011 World Cup?
We are going with some preparation. We have a talented team and we can cause some upsets during the tournament. As cliche goes we will take it game by game. Obviously at this stage our main target is to reach the second round. If we get to the quarter-finals it will be fantastic.
Netherlands caused one of the biggest shocks in cricket's history defeating England in the 2009 ICC World Twenty20, and more recently, beat Bangladesh in an ODI in July 2010. Have these results infused confidence among the players that they can compete with the stronger teams?
Absolutely. There is no doubt that we don't get opportunities against top teams always. Whenever we get a couple of opportunities, we need to make most of it. The real plus now is the confidence in the team. We have caused a few upsets, there is no doubt we can do it again. At the end of the day it will be a challenge because we don't play opposition of this quality that often. But we have got the confidence that we have a capable batting line-up which can take on the quality attacks from around the world.
The squad includes six players who will be playing in their first World Cup and an uncapped player in Berend Westdijk. Will this inexperience be a disadvantage for Netherlands in the 2011 CWC?
I don't think six players is an awful lot. Lots of teams have players who will be playing in a World Cup for the first time. We also have nine guys who have played in a World Cup. We have a reasonable mix of youth and experience. It is not a serious problem.
Tom Cooper and Ryan Ten Doeschate have already established themselves as players of repute in their respective domestic stints in Australia and England respectively. How important is it for Netherlands that these two are in form heading into and during the World Cup?
There is no doubt that they are big players for us. We are hoping that they will contribute a lot. They have been playing domestic cricket in Australia, which is at a very good level. I hope they will fit in right away and will come after scoring some good runs. We also have plenty of other guys who can step up. We have had a very decent preparation. The team is here in Dubai three weeks in advance. Then we have atleast four warm up games plus nets before the tournament. The key is that this is a 11-man game, we are not relying on two or three guys. Ryan ten Doeschate and Tom Cooper are very good players. But we have got plenty of good players in the side.
Who are the other key players in Netherlands' squad who can be expected to make an impact on the 2011 World Cup?
Everyone will hear a lot about Alexei Kervezee. He plays for Worcestershire in English county cricket. This will be his second World Cup. He played the last at the age of 16. He has developed into a very classy player. I have no doubt one day he will become a world class player. He is the player to watch out.
Are you happy with the balance of the squad?
Absolutely happy. We have got experienced player and a few youngsters. At the end of the day, we have to do what we can. The side is keen to do a good job. We have 15 guys who work together. There is a positive environment in the squad where everyone will try to get results, express ourselves and hopefully create some upsets.
How well has the squad been able to train for the World Cup considering that several of the players are not full-time professional cricketers?
That's not easy. But what we have is the commitment in the squad. Even if the guys who are not full time cannot make it, they inspire with their work ethic. We have 9-10 players who work or study. They try hard to find time to train for five sessions a week. Whether it is early in the morning or late at night, they train. That says a lot about their commitment, which helps our team. The guys work bloody hard to get to this level and also make a lot of sacrifices. I know it is not ideal, but it works for us as we have fantastic camaraderie in the squad.
What is the support and infrastructure for Cricket like in Netherlands, considering football and hockey are two of the more popular sports in your country?
There is absolutely no doubt that football and hockey are massive sports in Netherlands, cricket is a minor sport. We have a committed bunch of hardcore supporters. It is a developing sport. It would be great if more people become aware of cricket. We are all really trying hard. Our performances as a national team is really important to gain some exposure for the sport in Netherlands.
This is the Netherlands' fourth appearance in the ICC World Cup. What are the expectations for the Dutch team from the 2011 World Cup?
We are going with some preparation. We have a talented team and we can cause some upsets during the tournament. As cliche goes we will take it game by game. Obviously at this stage our main target is to reach the second round. If we get to the quarter-finals it will be fantastic.
Netherlands caused one of the biggest shocks in cricket's history defeating England in the 2009 ICC World Twenty20, and more recently, beat Bangladesh in an ODI in July 2010. Have these results infused confidence among the players that they can compete with the stronger teams?
Absolutely. There is no doubt that we don't get opportunities against top teams always. Whenever we get a couple of opportunities, we need to make most of it. The real plus now is the confidence in the team. We have caused a few upsets, there is no doubt we can do it again. At the end of the day it will be a challenge because we don't play opposition of this quality that often. But we have got the confidence that we have a capable batting line-up which can take on the quality attacks from around the world.
The squad includes six players who will be playing in their first World Cup and an uncapped player in Berend Westdijk. Will this inexperience be a disadvantage for Netherlands in the 2011 CWC?
I don't think six players is an awful lot. Lots of teams have players who will be playing in a World Cup for the first time. We also have nine guys who have played in a World Cup. We have a reasonable mix of youth and experience. It is not a serious problem.
Tom Cooper and Ryan Ten Doeschate have already established themselves as players of repute in their respective domestic stints in Australia and England respectively. How important is it for Netherlands that these two are in form heading into and during the World Cup?
There is no doubt that they are big players for us. We are hoping that they will contribute a lot. They have been playing domestic cricket in Australia, which is at a very good level. I hope they will fit in right away and will come after scoring some good runs. We also have plenty of other guys who can step up. We have had a very decent preparation. The team is here in Dubai three weeks in advance. Then we have atleast four warm up games plus nets before the tournament. The key is that this is a 11-man game, we are not relying on two or three guys. Ryan ten Doeschate and Tom Cooper are very good players. But we have got plenty of good players in the side.
Who are the other key players in Netherlands' squad who can be expected to make an impact on the 2011 World Cup?
Everyone will hear a lot about Alexei Kervezee. He plays for Worcestershire in English county cricket. This will be his second World Cup. He played the last at the age of 16. He has developed into a very classy player. I have no doubt one day he will become a world class player. He is the player to watch out.
Are you happy with the balance of the squad?
Absolutely happy. We have got experienced player and a few youngsters. At the end of the day, we have to do what we can. The side is keen to do a good job. We have 15 guys who work together. There is a positive environment in the squad where everyone will try to get results, express ourselves and hopefully create some upsets.
How well has the squad been able to train for the World Cup considering that several of the players are not full-time professional cricketers?
That's not easy. But what we have is the commitment in the squad. Even if the guys who are not full time cannot make it, they inspire with their work ethic. We have 9-10 players who work or study. They try hard to find time to train for five sessions a week. Whether it is early in the morning or late at night, they train. That says a lot about their commitment, which helps our team. The guys work bloody hard to get to this level and also make a lot of sacrifices. I know it is not ideal, but it works for us as we have fantastic camaraderie in the squad.
What is the support and infrastructure for Cricket like in Netherlands, considering football and hockey are two of the more popular sports in your country?
There is absolutely no doubt that football and hockey are massive sports in Netherlands, cricket is a minor sport. We have a committed bunch of hardcore supporters. It is a developing sport. It would be great if more people become aware of cricket. We are all really trying hard. Our performances as a national team is really important to gain some exposure for the sport in Netherlands.
Virat Kohli: Would Like to Win WC for Sachin and Country
New Delhi, Feb 3 (PTI) Talented batsman Virat Kohli feels that it would be the best gift to Sachin Tendulkar if the Indian team can win the cricket World Cup which will start in another two weeks time.
"What he (Sachin) has achieved in his entire career, I don't think anyone else will be able to achieve that. So it will be a great thing if we can win the World Cup not only for our fans but also for Sachin who is a special person," the youngster commented during an interaction with the media at a promotional event here today.
The U-19 World Cup winning captain feels that the biggest challenge during the cricketing extravaganza will be to keep the external pressures not affect their game.
"Playing World Cup in itself is a huge pressure. There will be people who would expect us to do well.
"What he (Sachin) has achieved in his entire career, I don't think anyone else will be able to achieve that. So it will be a great thing if we can win the World Cup not only for our fans but also for Sachin who is a special person," the youngster commented during an interaction with the media at a promotional event here today.
The U-19 World Cup winning captain feels that the biggest challenge during the cricketing extravaganza will be to keep the external pressures not affect their game.
"Playing World Cup in itself is a huge pressure. There will be people who would expect us to do well.
INDIA's Hope: Will 1983 Finally be Repeated?
From also-rans to a cricketing powerhouse. That's the path India has taken in the World Cup. As one who has been witness to one day cricket’s earliest days when the Indian team were plainly uncomfortable in the sport's new format I sometimes marvel at how they have progressed over the last three decades. Not only have the Indians won the World Cup and added the World Championship of Cricket title in Australia a couple of years later they are recognized as one of the leading combinations in the limited overs game with a record to match and their present ICC ranking of No 2 is well deserved.
And yet as I said it wasn't always like this. India were slow to embrace the one day game and in the 70s the team was one of the whipping boys in international cricket. The fact that in the first two World Cup competitions they won just one game - and that against lowly East Africa - best illustrates this. Test cricket was still very much the name of the game and was well patronized in this country and the players too found it difficult to get out of the five day game into the one day mode.
Things started to change for the better in the early 80s. A notable series triumph at home over England in 1981-82 and a famous win over the West India at Berbice in March 1983 made cricket fans sit up and take notice of the team's performances in the shorter version of the game. But it was the unexpectedly glorious World Cup triumph that saw one day cricket really gain a following in this country. The victory 'Down Under' in 1985 strengthened the fan base and very soon even as Test matches were played before dwindling crowds spectators thronged to see ODIs.
With greater experience the Indian players kept improving and soon took their place among the leading combinations in the game. From the 80s through the 90s and into the new millennium Indian cricketers notched up a number of records but there was no repeat of the feat notched up by Kapil's Devils. I well remember how India and Pakistan were the co-favourites for the 1987 World Cup held in the sub continent. But even as the stage (Eden Gardens) was decorated and ready 'the groom and bride' as it was said were missing with the co-hosts beaten in the semifinals. In 1992 the Indians having been mauled 4-0 by Australia in the Test series followed by defeat in the one day competition were never really in contention. But hope returned when India were again co-hosts four years later. Again the team flattered only to deceive being knocked out in the semifinals. The media hype around the team's chances in 1999 was clearly over the top and this time the challenge ground to a halt at the Super Six stage.
Having been outclassed in New Zealand just before their World Cup campaign commenced in 2003 the Indians were given little chance of progressing beyond the Super Six. But after a limp start they raised the level of their game and made it as far as the title round where they were outplayed by Australia. And as every Indian cricket fan knows all too painfully the campaign in 2007 was a disastrous one with the team being eliminated at the preliminary stage following losses to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. There was much ill feeling amidst which the coach Greg Chappell was sacked and the shock waves were felt loud and long.
So what's it going to be this time round? Will 1983 finally be repeated? Despite what happened four years ago in the Caribbean it can safely be predicted that Dhoni's men should make it to the last eight after coming smoothly through their group. With the knock out format taking over after that it is a question of which team is more adept at holding their nerves and playing better on that day. From then on it is almost a lottery and from what happened in 1996 - the last time such a format was followed - it is clear that little things could mean a lot in the final analysis. Remember South Africa hot favourites as the knock out stage commenced following their all win record in the group matches coming a cropper against West Indies in the quarterfinal and the West Indies then themselves going down to Australia in the penultimate round after having the match well in their grasp? One wouldn't be surprised if a similar scenario is seen this time around too.
And yet as I said it wasn't always like this. India were slow to embrace the one day game and in the 70s the team was one of the whipping boys in international cricket. The fact that in the first two World Cup competitions they won just one game - and that against lowly East Africa - best illustrates this. Test cricket was still very much the name of the game and was well patronized in this country and the players too found it difficult to get out of the five day game into the one day mode.
Things started to change for the better in the early 80s. A notable series triumph at home over England in 1981-82 and a famous win over the West India at Berbice in March 1983 made cricket fans sit up and take notice of the team's performances in the shorter version of the game. But it was the unexpectedly glorious World Cup triumph that saw one day cricket really gain a following in this country. The victory 'Down Under' in 1985 strengthened the fan base and very soon even as Test matches were played before dwindling crowds spectators thronged to see ODIs.
With greater experience the Indian players kept improving and soon took their place among the leading combinations in the game. From the 80s through the 90s and into the new millennium Indian cricketers notched up a number of records but there was no repeat of the feat notched up by Kapil's Devils. I well remember how India and Pakistan were the co-favourites for the 1987 World Cup held in the sub continent. But even as the stage (Eden Gardens) was decorated and ready 'the groom and bride' as it was said were missing with the co-hosts beaten in the semifinals. In 1992 the Indians having been mauled 4-0 by Australia in the Test series followed by defeat in the one day competition were never really in contention. But hope returned when India were again co-hosts four years later. Again the team flattered only to deceive being knocked out in the semifinals. The media hype around the team's chances in 1999 was clearly over the top and this time the challenge ground to a halt at the Super Six stage.
Having been outclassed in New Zealand just before their World Cup campaign commenced in 2003 the Indians were given little chance of progressing beyond the Super Six. But after a limp start they raised the level of their game and made it as far as the title round where they were outplayed by Australia. And as every Indian cricket fan knows all too painfully the campaign in 2007 was a disastrous one with the team being eliminated at the preliminary stage following losses to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. There was much ill feeling amidst which the coach Greg Chappell was sacked and the shock waves were felt loud and long.
So what's it going to be this time round? Will 1983 finally be repeated? Despite what happened four years ago in the Caribbean it can safely be predicted that Dhoni's men should make it to the last eight after coming smoothly through their group. With the knock out format taking over after that it is a question of which team is more adept at holding their nerves and playing better on that day. From then on it is almost a lottery and from what happened in 1996 - the last time such a format was followed - it is clear that little things could mean a lot in the final analysis. Remember South Africa hot favourites as the knock out stage commenced following their all win record in the group matches coming a cropper against West Indies in the quarterfinal and the West Indies then themselves going down to Australia in the penultimate round after having the match well in their grasp? One wouldn't be surprised if a similar scenario is seen this time around too.
Firms Rush in to Promote Brands with Cricketers ahead of WC
New Delhi, Feb 2 (PTI) As the Indian subcontinent gears up for the Cricket World Cup, many companies are rushing in to leverage on top cricketers, including Sachin Tendulkar and M S Dhoni, for promotions as they look to cash in on the sporting extravaganza.
Companies like Sony India, Reebok, Adidas, Karbonn Mobiles, Royal Challenge, PepsiCo and Castrol are a few names that are pushing their partnerships with leading cricketers such as Tendulkar, Dhoni, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Gautam Gambhir and Harbhajan Singh to get maximum mileage possible before and during the World Cup.
While some have already special World Cup campaigns, few are in the process of doing so.
For instance, sportswear maker Adidas is also set to launch a new campaign featuring Tendulkar and Sehwag before the mega cricket event begins on February 19.
"Sehwag currently represents 10 brands and one is likely to be signed up within 3-4 days. Many of these brands such as Adidas, Karbonn Mobile and Royal Challenge will very soon launch new campaigns to grab consumer eyeballs during the cup," Madison World''s PMG Chief Operating Officer Melroy D''souza told PTI.
Similarly, rival Reebok will be launching its marketing campaign on Februray 20. It will include two separate television commercials featuring Dhoni and Yuvraj along with a host of activities on digital platforms such as mobiles, internet and retail outlets.
"We are spending 60 per cent of our total annual marketing budget in the three months spread across the World Cup and IPL. And are expecting the sales of our cricket equipment to double as a result of the campaigns," Reebok India Managing Director Subhinder Singh Prem said.
Leading consumer electronics maker Sony India that plans to spend Rs 100 crore on a multi-media campaign for the World Cup has roped in Dhoni has the new brand ambassador.
Already beverage and food giant PepsiCo has launched its campaigns for Pepsi and Lays that also feature a number of cricketers. As part of Flavour World Cup 2011, Lay''s has introduced six new international flavours and launched a TVC that features M S Dhoni along with Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan.
For Pepsi, Dhoni, Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina and Virat Kohli are sporting painted bodies for a campaign that is currently on TV, outdoor and other media.
Even Castrol India, that had announced Tendulkar as the brand ambassador in December for a period of two years, is also running a campaign -- ''The Castrol ''World Cup ka Hero'' -- a concept which gives cricket fans a chance to be at the event.
According to industry experts, the companies which have signed new contracts or renewed their contracts with the cricketers recently have paid at least 50 per cent more price per endorsement becuase of the World Cup.
Companies like Sony India, Reebok, Adidas, Karbonn Mobiles, Royal Challenge, PepsiCo and Castrol are a few names that are pushing their partnerships with leading cricketers such as Tendulkar, Dhoni, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Gautam Gambhir and Harbhajan Singh to get maximum mileage possible before and during the World Cup.
While some have already special World Cup campaigns, few are in the process of doing so.
For instance, sportswear maker Adidas is also set to launch a new campaign featuring Tendulkar and Sehwag before the mega cricket event begins on February 19.
"Sehwag currently represents 10 brands and one is likely to be signed up within 3-4 days. Many of these brands such as Adidas, Karbonn Mobile and Royal Challenge will very soon launch new campaigns to grab consumer eyeballs during the cup," Madison World''s PMG Chief Operating Officer Melroy D''souza told PTI.
Similarly, rival Reebok will be launching its marketing campaign on Februray 20. It will include two separate television commercials featuring Dhoni and Yuvraj along with a host of activities on digital platforms such as mobiles, internet and retail outlets.
"We are spending 60 per cent of our total annual marketing budget in the three months spread across the World Cup and IPL. And are expecting the sales of our cricket equipment to double as a result of the campaigns," Reebok India Managing Director Subhinder Singh Prem said.
Leading consumer electronics maker Sony India that plans to spend Rs 100 crore on a multi-media campaign for the World Cup has roped in Dhoni has the new brand ambassador.
Already beverage and food giant PepsiCo has launched its campaigns for Pepsi and Lays that also feature a number of cricketers. As part of Flavour World Cup 2011, Lay''s has introduced six new international flavours and launched a TVC that features M S Dhoni along with Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan.
For Pepsi, Dhoni, Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina and Virat Kohli are sporting painted bodies for a campaign that is currently on TV, outdoor and other media.
Even Castrol India, that had announced Tendulkar as the brand ambassador in December for a period of two years, is also running a campaign -- ''The Castrol ''World Cup ka Hero'' -- a concept which gives cricket fans a chance to be at the event.
According to industry experts, the companies which have signed new contracts or renewed their contracts with the cricketers recently have paid at least 50 per cent more price per endorsement becuase of the World Cup.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Captain's Talk: MS Dhoni, INDIA
India would handle pressure well in WC: MS Dhoni
Mumbai: Weighed down by the pressure of expectations four years ago, the Indian squad crashed out of the World Cup at the preliminary stage itself but current captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is confident his team would handle the burden better in the upcoming mega-event.
"We take pressure as an added responsibility. We will stick to the basics and prepare well. We have the potential to do well in the tournament. For a change we will not be the underdogs," said Dhoni.
The Ranchi-born wicket-keeper batsman, however, refused to predict whether India will go on and regain the coveted crown after a gap of 28 years.
"I never predict what will happen in cricket. We believe in each other and we believe in the process. We will take each game in the right frame of mind," said Dhoni ahead of India's campaign in the Febrary 19-April 2 showpiece event.
Dhoni brushed aside concerns about India's opening match against co-hosts Bangladesh in Dhaka after what had happened in the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies when the Rahul Dravid-led side got knocked out following a shock defeat at the hands of their eastern neighbours.
"The past is past. I am more optimistic than you," he said referring to the lung-opener against Bangladesh on February 19.
Dhoni refused to agree with England batsman Kevin Pietersen, who criticised the schedule for long gaps between matches and preferred to look at it as an opportunity to recover from niggles and relax.
"I don't know about other sports but we criticise a lot in cricket. When we have tight schedule we say there's too much cricket and when there are gaps we say there's too little. It's difficult to prepare a perfect schedule," Dhoni said.
"We would utilise these breaks to relax and get over whatever niggles we have," he added.
India play their second match in Group B, against England at Bangalore, eight days after they kick off the mega-event in Dhaka against Bangladesh.
Later on, Dhoni and his men play three matches in close succession - against Ireland, the Netherlands and South Africa - between March 6 and 12 and in different centres, all at home.
Dhoni also did not agree to the view reportedly expressed by 1983 World Cup-winning team member Mohinder Amarnath that the Indian squad should have had a frontline left-arm spin bowler.
"Its difficult to accommodate everyone. One can say there is no second wicket-keeper too. For me the 15 players selected would have an impact on the World Cup," the Indian captain retorted.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Players Who Playing Their Last World Cup ....
Steve Tikolo
Steve Tikolo, 39: He’s been the rock of Kenyan cricket ever since they started playing ODI cricket in 1996. A fluent middle-order batsman and an off-spinner, Tikolo astonishingly lead the minnows to the semi-final of the 2003 World Cup. 2011 is his fifth World Cup, and he’ll be plotting some upsets.
Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting, 36: The Australia captain has been a middle-order force since the late 90s. But his poor form with the bat has coincided with Australia's worst slump in many years. Ponting has tasted World Cup success in 1999, 2003 and 2007 but this could be his final shot at the title.
Brett Lee
Brett Lee, 35: Once the fastest bowler in the world alongside Shoaib Akhtar, Lee's career has been curtailed by recurring injuries. He's fought back into the team, but it will be a struggle for him to remain there for long. He's won the World Cup in 2003 and 2007.
Paul Collingwood
Scott Styris
Shoaib Akhtar
Shoaib Akhtar, 35: Once the fastest bowler in the world, his career has always been on the brink of an abrupt end due to injuries and misdemeanours. But he has surprisingly hung on. Shoaib was runners-up in the 1999 World cup and bowled a delivery at 161 KMPH in the 2003 event. He's now one of the fading stars of a once brilliant team.
Jacques Kallis
Jacques Kallis, 35: The finest all-rounder this side of the 1990s, Kallis has seen many World Cup heart-breaks: the quarterfinal in 1996, semi-finals in 1999 and 2007, and the rain-rule blunder of 2003. His team has a point to prove in 2011.
Muttiah Muralitharan
Muttiah Muralitharan, 38: Murali is the most successful bowler ever in international cricket. He retired from Tests last year with a mind-boggling 800 wickets and will retire from ODIs after the World Cup. Sri Lanka won the 1996 World Cup with him, reached the 2003 semis and the 2007 final. Playing at home again, can they do an encore for Murali?
Tillakaratne Dilshan
Tillakaratne Dilshan, 34: He started his international career at 23, but blossomed late. He is one of the most destructive openers on sub-continental flatbeds and has also invented the ‘Dilscoop’. Sri Lanka is an aging side with lots of senior batsmen in their mid-30s. Dilshan might not be around in 2015.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul
Shivnarine Chanderpaul, 36: Chanders will be playing his fifth World Cup. In 1996, he almost took West Indies in to the final but his wicket triggered a collapse leading to an Australian win. Since then, the two-time champs have performed poorly at the World cup. Will this time be different?
Zaheer Khan
Zaheer Khan, 32: Fast bowlers tend to have a shorter shelf-life than other cricketers. Given Zaheer's work-load and injury record, he would do well to stay fit for the 2015 World Cup. It's a difficult task, but let's hope India’s best pacer is still around taking loads of wickets.
Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar, 37: He owns nearly every batting record there is but World Cup glory has eluded him. He single-handedly took India to the semis in 1996 and the final in 2003. This is his sixth World Cup and he will be 42 by the time the next World Cup comes around. In all probability, this is his last chance to wear the winner's medal.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
ICC World Cup 2011 Venues: Sher-E-Bangla Cricket Stadium, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Sher-E-Bangla Cricket Stadium (Dhaka, Bangladesh) | Capacity: 25,000 | The venue will host six World Cup matches, including two quarterfinals. The floodlights here had to be changed as they had the ones used for football matches. However, an ODI between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe was changed to a day game from a day-night one in December last year because the lights were not fully functional.
ICC World Cup 2011 Venues: Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong, Bangladesh
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium (Chittagong, Bangladesh) | Capacity: 25,000 | The stadium was one of the five purpose-built cricket grounds established in the run-up to the Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2004. The last ODI in December last year saw the hosts beat Zimbabwe comfortably by six wickets while chasing a modest target of 189 runs.
ICC World Cup 2011 Venues: Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota, Sri Lanka
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium (Hambantota, Sri Lanka) | Capacity: 35,000 | Another new stadium on Sri Lanka's southern tip. An unofficial Test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan A teams saw only 505 runs being scored before the match finished in a little over two days with the home team winning by 39 runs.
ICC World Cup 2011 Venues: Pallekele Cricket Stadium, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Pallekele Cricket Stadium (Kandy, Sri Lanka) | Capacity: 35,000 | Although it is a new facility put in place especially for the World Cup, the pitches at Pallekele have had matches involving Under-19 and A teams since November 2009. There haven't been any complaints over the pitch during these matches, leaving the organisers supremely confident about the venue.
ICC World Cup 2011 Venues: Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Premadasa Stadium (Colombo, Sri Lanka) | Capacity: 35,000 | The Premadasa is the only ground in Colombo with floodlights, and Sri Lanka Cricket has spent nearly eight million dollars to renovate the stadium and relay the pitch. It is set to host seven World Cup matches, including the first semi-final.ICC World Cup 2011 Venues: Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore, India
Chinnaswamy Stadium (Bangalore, India) | Capacity: 50,000 | The venue has also hosted World Cup matches in 1987 and 1996 including the fiercely-fought quarterfinal between India and Pakistan in March, 1996. It has proved to be a lucky venue for visiting teams with South Africa, Australia and Pakistan winning crucial games here.
ICC World Cup 2011 Venues: Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad, India
Sardar Patel Stadium (Ahmedabad, India) | Capacity: 54,000 | It was renovated ahead of the Champions Trophy in 2006, when three new pitches and a new outfield were laid, and state of the art floodlights and covered stands were added. The pitch here used to aid bowlers but recent matches have seen a benign, batting beauty being rolled out for teams.
ICC World Cup 2011 Venues: Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur, India
Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium (Nagpur, India) | Capacity: 45,000 | The last one-dayer here saw India lose to Sri Lanka by three wickets despite having scored a competitive 301. Tillakaratne Dilshan stole the show with a 113-ball 123 studded with 12 fours and two sixes. The highest score on this ground was 354 by India against Australia in 2009, the hosts winning by a whopping 99-run margin.
ICC World Cup 2011 Venues: Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali, India
Punjab Cricket Association Stadium (Mohali, India) | Capacity: 30,000 | It was the venue for the thrilling 1996 World Cup semi-final in 1996 when Australia beat the West Indies by five runs. The pitch initially assisted pace bowlers, especially in Test matches, but it has subsequently settled down to become a batsman's paradise.
ICC World Cup 2011 Venues: M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, India
M. A. Chidambaram Stadium (Chennai, India) | Capacity: 50,000 | The historic ground, better known as the Chepauk, has been rebuilt for the World Cup. Pakistan's Saeed Anwar scored 194 against India in an Independence Cup match in 1997 at this venue.
ICC World Cup 2011 Venues: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India
Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai, India) | Capacity: 45,000 | Host of the final on April 2, the entire stadium was torn down and rebuilt from scratch. Proximity of the ground to the sea allows swing bowlers a fair amount of assistance early on.
ICC World Cup 2011 Venues: Feroz Shah Kotla, New Delhi, India
Feroz Shah Kotla (New Delhi, India) | Capacity: 48,000 | India leg-spinner Anil Kumble famously took his 10 Test wickets in an innings on this ground in 1999 against Pakistan. Kotla's future as an international venue was thrown in jeopardy in December 2009 when an ODI between India and Sri Lanka was abandoned due to a 'dangerous' pitch.
ICC World Cup 2011 Venues: Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India
Eden Gardens (Kolkata, India) | Capacity: 80,000 | Biggest ground in India and enjoys a status akin to the Lord's. Famous for its passionate and vocal crowd and has previously hosted World Cup matches in 1987 and 1996. Of late, spinners like Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble inspired famous victories against Australia and Pakistan.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
ICC World Cup INDIA 2011 Team Squads: Group 'B'
TENTH EDITION of ICC Cricket World Cup India 2011 will be hosted by three Asian cricket playing nations India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. During the 43 days long event, a total of 49 matches will be played at 13 venues.
The inaugural match of the ICC World Cup Cricket tournament 2011 will be played between India and Bangladesh on February 19th at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka.
All fourteen participating nations are divided into two groups. Here is the list of ICC World Cup India 2011 Final Squads of Group 'B' Teams. The Group 'B' teams include India, South Africa, England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Ireland and Netherlands.
India Team Squad:
MS Dhoni (capt/wk), Virender Sehwag (vice capt), Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, R. Ashwin, Piyush Chawla, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, Munaf Patel and Praveen Kumar.
Coach: Gary Kirsten
South Africa Team Squad:
Graeme Smith (capt), Hashim Amla, Johan Botha, AB de Villiers (wk), JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Colin Ingram, Jacques Kallis, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Morne van Wyk (wk).
Coach: Corrie van Zyl
England Team Squad:
Andrew Strauss (capt), James Anderson, Ian Bell,Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Paul Collingwood, Eoin Morgan, Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior (wk), Ajmal Shahzad, Graeme Swann, James Tredwell, Jonathan Trott, Luke Wright, Michael Yardy.
Coach: Andy Flower
West Indies Team Squad:
Darren Sammy (Capt), Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Darren Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Devon Smith, Sulieman Benn, Nikita Miller, Carlton Baugh (wk), Andre Rusell, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Adrian Barath.
Coach: Ottis Gibson
Bangladesh Team Squad:
Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Tamim Iqbal (vice capt), Imrul Kayes, Zunaed Siddique, Shahriar Nafees, Roqibul Hassan, Mohammad Ashraful, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Naeem Islam, Mahmudullah, Abdur Razzak, Rubel Hossain, Shafiul Islam, Nazmul Hossain, Md Sohrawordi.
Coach: Jamie Siddons
Ireland Team Squad:
William Porterfield (capt), Trent Johnston, Alex Cusack, Andre Botha, Kevin O'Brien, Niall O'Brien (wk), Nigel Jones, Ed Joyce, John Mooney, Paul Stirling, Gary Wilson (wk), George Dockrell, Boyd Rankin, Albert van der Merwe, Andrew White.
Coach: Phil Simmons
Netherlands Team Squad:
Peter Borren (Capt), Wesley Baressi (wk), Mudassar Bukhari, Atse Buurman Tom Cooper, Tom de Grooth, Alexei Kervezee, Bradley Kruger, Bernard Loots, Adeel Raja, Pieter Seelaar, Eric Swarczynski, Ryan Ten Doeschate, Berend Westdijk, Bas Zuiderent.
Coach: Peter Drinnen
The inaugural match of the ICC World Cup Cricket tournament 2011 will be played between India and Bangladesh on February 19th at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka.
All fourteen participating nations are divided into two groups. Here is the list of ICC World Cup India 2011 Final Squads of Group 'B' Teams. The Group 'B' teams include India, South Africa, England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Ireland and Netherlands.
India Team Squad:
MS Dhoni (capt/wk), Virender Sehwag (vice capt), Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, R. Ashwin, Piyush Chawla, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, Munaf Patel and Praveen Kumar.
Coach: Gary Kirsten
South Africa Team Squad:
Graeme Smith (capt), Hashim Amla, Johan Botha, AB de Villiers (wk), JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Colin Ingram, Jacques Kallis, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Morne van Wyk (wk).
Coach: Corrie van Zyl
England Team Squad:
Andrew Strauss (capt), James Anderson, Ian Bell,Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Paul Collingwood, Eoin Morgan, Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior (wk), Ajmal Shahzad, Graeme Swann, James Tredwell, Jonathan Trott, Luke Wright, Michael Yardy.
Coach: Andy Flower
West Indies Team Squad:
Darren Sammy (Capt), Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Darren Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Devon Smith, Sulieman Benn, Nikita Miller, Carlton Baugh (wk), Andre Rusell, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Adrian Barath.
Coach: Ottis Gibson
Bangladesh Team Squad:
Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Tamim Iqbal (vice capt), Imrul Kayes, Zunaed Siddique, Shahriar Nafees, Roqibul Hassan, Mohammad Ashraful, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Naeem Islam, Mahmudullah, Abdur Razzak, Rubel Hossain, Shafiul Islam, Nazmul Hossain, Md Sohrawordi.
Coach: Jamie Siddons
Ireland Team Squad:
William Porterfield (capt), Trent Johnston, Alex Cusack, Andre Botha, Kevin O'Brien, Niall O'Brien (wk), Nigel Jones, Ed Joyce, John Mooney, Paul Stirling, Gary Wilson (wk), George Dockrell, Boyd Rankin, Albert van der Merwe, Andrew White.
Coach: Phil Simmons
Netherlands Team Squad:
Peter Borren (Capt), Wesley Baressi (wk), Mudassar Bukhari, Atse Buurman Tom Cooper, Tom de Grooth, Alexei Kervezee, Bradley Kruger, Bernard Loots, Adeel Raja, Pieter Seelaar, Eric Swarczynski, Ryan Ten Doeschate, Berend Westdijk, Bas Zuiderent.
Coach: Peter Drinnen
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