Dravid -The Master craftsman

Coaches win matches ? Sounds true to an extent in contemporary arena in sports .

The background boys make an immense contribution in building the onfield skills , temperament and off the field characters.

The biggest quality of any coach is selflessness , approach and content in the coaching and that's what came to a full circle when the man known for his integrity helmed the under -19 bunch of kids to glory, the world title .

Dravid is a story of self made stalwart . He has been a true idol for any youngster who wants to learn how to manage own career and passion. As a cricketer or any sportsman ,  one has to be prepared for peers with flamboyance, zeal , the extra attitude or few going over the board .That's where the coach develops a young career and makes one realise his true potential and play according to own style and strength and not to get bogged down with trends , TRPs and quick money.

Dravid was truly phenomenal in the Under -19 World Cup this time. Backing his own boys , grooming and allowing the captain to lead from front and forget his own greatness and mastery when the fact is that none of these youngsters were even born when the coach made his debut as a middle order bat way back in 1996.

A selfless cricketer, a true team man, a great leader and an immensely obedient servant of the game , Dravid deserved a top glorified trophy against his name especially after missing it in 2003 and obviously in 2011.

Circa 2018 !! The legend as usual took a backseat even though he was instrumental in India's one sided dominance in the entire tournament and registering one of the most effective clinical wins . Most importantly he handed over a great future in form of younger lot to the nation who would soon make it to the senior dressing rooms .

Some greats perform at all levels and still remain elusive when it comes to grabbing the headlines .. not anymore !!

Hope to see this Arjuna Awardee making it to 'Dronacharya' list soon !

-Jayawant



https://jay1tmasterdravid.blogspot.in/2018/02/dravid-master-craftsman.html?m=1

MSD - An Unassuming Leader

Republic Day awakens on a happy note as one of my once upon a time least favourite MSD is bestowed by PadmaBhushan.

As a typical fan of the BIG 5 , MS was always an outsider for many amongst the cricket followers like us.

MSD is an amazing journey of rags to riches , ordinary to extraordinary , one of them to being The ONE & Only One , superlative transformation from TC to TC (Ticket Collector to Trophies Collector) and so many such glories. The journey has been mesmerising and it has outclassed one and sundry.

When Indian Cricket faced a situation that it did not have any leader ,it was the insightful of Master Blaster whose suggestion made a simple Ranchi boy a new skipper and many expected a scapegoat to be dismissed post a World Cup defeat of 2007. But the dare devils don’t think much beyond and always come up with out of box results .Thats when we saw Misbah walking his heads down and India erupting  in history as Joginder Sharma and Kerala Maverick Sreesanth made the impossible a reality to lift the 20-20 World Cup.

The trophies came aplenty , World Cups or Champions Trophy became a backyard name , the normal losers made it to the pinnacle of real Test of the game .The long haired transformed into sombre Captain .The same  BIG 5 saw in MSD , one of the most potent captains  they have ever played with or under  and ‘The Dhoni’ became synonymous to the real life wonders of small towns.

Those who haven’t seen Dhoni in real action on 22 yards have missed a life time opportunity. He is a perfect cynosure of a leader , how a leader needs to utilise his resources , handle pressures and as any captain at the helm should act , bask in the glory of his team and move away for the next challenge that beckons.

It’s a been a true story of a common man , who made a difference to the lives of millions of Cricket fans across the globe .And as he receives the top honour at the fag end of the career , let’s enjoy , appreciate and learn as much as we can from this true inspiring leader of all times.

Only the genius wizards of the game can turnaround the fortunes and make you change your opinion about them with tangible miracles and that has made MS a true inspiration for many and we are fortunate enough to see one of the most cherished players of our times.

Take a bow 🙇‍♀️ 🙇‍♀️ Master !! You are true legend of the game and one of the best to have blessed the Indian Cricket .

-Jayawant


https://jay1tmsdglory.blogspot.in/?m=1

Brother Glories in International Cricket

As a big Geoff Marsh fan , I was wishing both his sons score centuries in the same test match someday and when Shaun and Mitchel were not out post their half centuries yesterday, it gave me a realistic hope. Last test match of the Ashes and both of them reached the magical number with ease. To play the same sport ,be in the same team and clicking at the same time need a special talent and what an amazing moment for a true fan of the game .

As both these brothers make history , I look at back at few of the brother duos who made it to the national teams and made a mark on the game stamping their authority as one of the greats gracing the lovely game of Cricket.

1) Stephen (Steve) and Mark Waugh :

While Steve retired as one of the finest captains , most Khadoos middle order bat and  a classic example how one builds his own career on the other hand it was the mercurial Mark who unlike his twin brother was poles apart scoring his first century on debut , had a cool attitude towards the game and was extremely stylish cricketer. Both retired as Aussie greats . Steve’s son Austin could soon make it big for Kangaroos.

One unique story I remember about Mark’s debut . He replaced Steve in national team after selectors chose him as replacement of his brother. Steve obviously was elated.

The third Waugh , Roger , we could never see him play at top level though 😞 .

Steve also has huge social contribution towards Udayan , an organisation for children with leprosy or whose parents are affected by it.

2) Ian and Greg Chappell: The game could never decide who was a better player, better captain or who beats each other in shrewdness.

Greg has a rare record of scoring century in his first and last test of the distinguished career , cruising at will on 22 yards all through his playing days. He was superlative fielder and had the brightest of cricketing mind as a sportsman and as an administrator.

Personally I  am of the opinion he should have avoided controversies for an unblemished record when 1) While asking his younger brother Trevor to bowl underarm last ball of the ODI match against New Zealand to win the match which was surely an unethical display and approach of the game and 2) coaching India team and messing up careers of few greats as well as taking Indian Cricket to a backseat if not ages but few years for sure.

Ian was always the most complete batsman and captain of the dominating Aussies. A brilliant fielder with safest pair of hands in the the game and he still rules the commentary box with his witty but sometime biased Australian approach .

He was equally controversial like Greg when he joined hands with Kerry Packer for World Series and acted as coordinator for this unauthorised sporting event.

3)  Graeme And Peter Pollock
Both were   stalwarts with one being the greatest South African batsman and other being a genuine all rounder of all times.

Had apartheid not stopped South Africa’s march as a supreme cricketing nation , we might have seen Graeme attaining a Bradmansque glory , nonetheless he still remains one of finest or probably the best lefthander to grace the game.

Peter was a genuine all rounder and the one who led bowling attack with an ease.

As a chief selector, he ensured he stayed away from any controversy while pushing for a place for his son and other panel members echoing the inclusion of one of the finest all rounders Shaun in the team.


4) Peter and Garry Kirsten
These half brothers were pioneers of Post apartheid South African Team and both were genuine opening batsman though completely contrasting in styles.

Peter was on verge of retirement when he made his international debut but whatever  limited opportunities he had , he stamped his authority over the game. I recollect his 86* against India in ODI playing at will against likes of Kapildev .

Garry was epitome of composure and one of the coolest brains of the game. He brought stability to SA team. His biggest contribution to Indian Cricket was World Cup 2011 as its coach . The win will always make him India’s favourite adopted son.

5) Surinder and Mohinder Amarnath
Both being sons of legendary Lala Amarnath , made a mark on the game.

Surinder being  one of India’s best left hander scoring century on debut and a special talent whereas Mohinder was one of the best Indians to play against fast bowling. Mohinder was key contributor to 1983 World Cup victory for India.
They had a unique superstition of keeping a red coloured handkerchief in their pocket which probably helped them achieve their goals as well .

Mohinder had a habit of speaking too much too soon to an extent of calling selectors ‘The Bunch Of Jokers’ over his omission and asking for MSD’s removal as Captain when he himself became selector and was tipped to be the  Chief Selector. These words however showed his attitude and commitment of what he felt was right instead of being politically correct keeping  his own gains or goals aside.

Youngest one Rajinder could not make much of impact though he played in Ranji Trophy for a short stint for Vidarbha .

I always feel India has produced more soul brothers than real brothers to take India to glory and legendary examples being young Sachin/Manjrekar , Tendulkar/Ganguly , Dravid/Laxman , Viru/Gambhir , so on so forth.

Hope we can see more soul brothers in future and may be Pandyas move a step forward in achieving glory beyond Pathan brothers.

-Jayawant



http://jay1greatcricketbrothers.blogspot.in/2018/01/as-big-geoff-marsh-fan-i-was-wishing.html?m=1

Vidharbha : True Ranji Champions

Finally , after a long wait of almost 60 years from its debut and more than 80 years of inception of Ranji Trophy 2017 , Vidarbha has made it to the title for the first time in the coveted premier championship of Domestic Cricket and have been crowned as Ranji Champions.

Though I am a diehard fan of Shivaji Park Cricket and Mumbai Cricket Team which has won the championship for 41 times, I have always felt that Maharashtra should play as one Ranji Team .There would always be a viewpoint that by having 3 teams within Maharashtra , each franchisee Mumbai, Maharashtra and Vidarbha localities’ get multifold opportunities and representation to showcase their talents in this 3 way competition within one state.

Mumbai dominated the domestic cricket scene , Maharashtra pitched in twice and Vidarbha were never ever in the contention of the title. Having said that , it was very obvious that India greats belonged to Mumbai , Maharashtra could produce few Test caps whereas Vidarbha had almost none in a long history of the game.

If one looks at the stalwarts of the game from Maharashtra , Bhausaheb Nimbalkar of Maharashtra still holds the national record of highest individual score of 443* which he made against Kathiawar team way back in 1950s and if my memory recollects well, he was on course to break Sir Don’s the then record of highest score of 452* in domestic cricket had the Kathiawar team not conceded the match and the pity is such a stalwart never played Test Cricket from India. Maharashtra produced few more names like Kanitkar father son duo, Kedar Jadhav , etc. However the count of players has always been insignificant.

The Vidarbha team though was always on forgotten side of the game. Poor infrastructure , lack of facilities, coaching and exposure always made Vidarbha a special team which helped others to climb up the points table in any competition. It always had local talents like Pravin Hinganikar, Hemant Wasu , Suhas Phadkar, and the talented spinner Pritam Gandhe who almost made it to India team but never had the opportunity to breach the barrier and make it with the big boys of the game . Some old stalwarts almost at retiring age came to play for Vidarbha , the best name I recollect was Rajinder Amaranth , the least known brother of Mohinder and Surinder Amarnath. This time though non locals Wasim Jaffer , Satish have made a difference to the winning cause. I also reckon ,though it has its own negativities, IPL has changed the whole scenario of the game and has brought the parity in the teams and opportunities galore. Umesh Yadav is such a find from this Vidarbha team who is now an India regular but otherwise is an IPL byproduct.

This Ranji Trophy win , I am sure will make the Indian Selectors have a close look at the Vidarbha Team. With cricket changing its center of popularity to small towns , these very players I am sure are bound to dominate the future of India Cricket. Its time that small centers and associations are looked after well by the BCCI. It’s an ‘Advantage Indian Cricket’ that such small teams are champions  of the domestic arena as this would make the sport popular within small kids as they will have local heroes amongst them who have made it to the TOP. It’s also a time , schools propagate such events and let the kids enjoy such events from a close quarter.

Being a true Maharashtrian , I would hope and wish that the trend continues and Maharashtra ( Inclusive of all the 3 teams) can continue its dominance on domestic cricket but at the same time for the sake of Indian Cricket , would love to see other small towns and states perform to their true potential and keep producing the future stalwarts of the game and the Ranji Trophy after 80 years of inception get the same reckoning what English Counties or Sheffield Shield have brought to England and Australia.

-Jayawant 

Automation : A Simplified Approach

“No Vacancy” used to be a NORMAL long time back on gates of the Industrial units which was wisely depicted by our filmy hero who used to struggle for a job and keep wandering on the streets of Mumbai singing songs looking at the sunset on the beaches of scenic Juhu. The times transformed, country emerged, the Hero became dynamic and India saw a sea change with the IT revolution.

Information Technology (IT) was looked upon as the New IN thing for development, globalization and boost to the economy. Knowledge and the Industry ruled over other professions for a long run. With its own challenges, ups and downs in intervals, whatsoever , there never was an iota of doubt that the IT needs a talent and what IT can do would always need large number of people for execution in order to have satisfied customers. The run had fairy tale grandeur and this ‘All is well!’ All is well!’ Saga continued for a long time. However, anything and everything on the globe has a shelf life and if one doesn’t change in Time, the time can change anyone.

The new buzzword known as ‘AUTOMATION’ arrived and then started the big picture. This terminology has been one of the most talked about path breaking phenomenon in recent times. The buzz is for reduction of new jobs in the IT and how would IT cope up with this new surge? Forecast says IT would face a huge challenge in terms of hiring and the very old hero has again started and perceiving the ‘No Vacancy’ board and this is an alarming sign for the IT hopefuls. This needs to be addressed swiftly but with a structured plan. Automation will have a high utility impact on the customers as well as partners. The situation to an extent is in catch 22 mode as one can neither do automation freely nor live with the existing monotony.

‘AUTOMATION’ per se is not just a technical approach to improve the efficiency and accuracy or to reduce the human intervention but it encompasses few of the basic pillars of any organization such as employees who need a revamp and if the structured approach is followed, automation can withstand the test of time as well as improve the overall performance of an individual and the organization. The key factors for ensuring the smooth transition towards automation are enlisted below:

1. Cultural Change :

The very purpose of brining in automation is to improve accuracy and efficiency and reduce human intervention. It also ensures that the repetitive and monotonous tasks are handled by the robot and humans are left to own the qualitative deliverables.

However, when it comes to inception, the automation could be perceived as having an impact on the job security and could face resistance or halfhearted support and none of it would result in the expected outcome of automation.

Before any of the Automation implementation, the first and foremost activity is to incorporate confidence building measures and to make sure that the cultural change is addressed and accepted through caution and not pushed upon.

Organization needs to –

   i.Come out with a vision transparently highlighting the goals and the purpose of Automation.

 ii.Conduct motivational workshops as part of the buildup for automation activity.

 iii.Identify key leaders within a group who can drive cultural change through self-examples and can act as a bridge for transition towards automation.

2. Employee Competence and Trust Building :

Automation would always have an impact on the direct role of an employee whether the automation is done for the customer or for the partner.

This could lead to a situation of self-distrust in the employees and the organization has to make sure the transition is seamless through –

i. Making the employee aware of organizational needs

ii.Ensure the employees are made aware of the change and how it would bring a positive outlook to the organization’s growth plan which ultimately would benefit the employee albeit in different or the same improvised profile

 iii. Come out with roadmap and clarity of future for the impacted party with future role/assignments

iv. Identify the training needs of the impacted employees with a new skillsets which require human skills wherever possible.

3. Execution and Evaluation of Automation:

Execution agenda needs to take place only after the above critical factors are addressed and are in sync within the organization and its own people. It needs to be implemented in a structured manner through -

i. A project/program based approach with clear demarcation of DO’s and DON’T’s.

ii.Identify the key stakeholders from beneficiary as well as benefactor.

iii.The stakeholders need to come out with the right business case with budget justification.

iv. A phase based solution for churning out and putting the right skills in right profiles post implementation.

v. A right infrastructure is built and in place for the implementation activity.

vi. Constant monitoring and evaluation of the Cost versus Benefits ensuring not to grab the low hanging fruits as on the broader scale they would make a minuscule impact but may affect the soft side of the people matrix.

vii. Drop the plan/activity at the initiation phase if the execution is not going to be a game changer.

Overall, Automation is here to stay and all the bricks and walls of the organization have to accept it as a reality. The automation is bound to improvise the accuracy and efficiency of the organization. More quickly we understand the importance of it, earlier is the benefits receival. The skills which were niche yesterday have changed its course to a ‘New Normal’ of today. Penetration of Digitalisation in the daily lifestyle is bound to happen.

IT can adapt ‘Automation’ for its own simplified way of working and also streamline its customers’ way of running the businesses. This is the opportune time for IT goers to understand the impact of Automation, choose right skills for themselves, and make a conscious call to improvise and get aligned to the need of the hour and look beyond the myth of fear of AUTOMATION.

The above article is published on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/automation-simplified-approach-jayawant-gokhale-pmp-itil/

- Jayawant

Shashi Kapoor - End Of The Effervescent Smile

RIP Shashi Kapoor !!

As the youngest of the supremely talented brother trio starts his eternal journey into sunset , the cinema would lose one of the most handsome and natural actors to rule in the golden years of Bollywood.

The effervescent smile , making a mark in title role or playing second fiddle and still walking away with ‘Mere Paas Ma Hai’ with ease was something which only he could do.

Likhe jo khat tujhe , Tum bin jaoon kaha, Ek tha Gul aur ek thi Bulbul , no other actor could have been sweeter than him on the screen . As a supremely gifted natural actor , he carried serious roles and films like Junoon , New Delhi Times to comical villain in Utsav , with elan and made his mark on the silver screen.

Always wished his movies which were ahead of times like Ajooba  or off the beat productions like Utsav did well but the audience had different liking and we lost the opportunity to watch different kind of cinema from a very highly talented director and producer ever.

Being the younger brother of the greatest Showman and the best dancing star and son of larger than life kind of a personality,making a presence felt needs a special attitude and efforts and Shashi did it in style.

Was pleased to see him probably for the last time when he received Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015 .Wish such awards are bestowed to such legends a bit early in the career when they could bask in the glory and are in good health.

The shy Kapoor will be missed for long times to come for sure and the smile and legend of Shashi will remain with us forever !!

-Jayawant

Murali Vijay - The unsung hero

Another century by Virat Kohli and we are awaiting the second avatar of GOD, but  in the meanwhile unsung hero Murali Vijay compiled the supporting hundred as simplistically as he normally does.

India has always been lucky to have such handful of unsung talents or someone would call them orthodox or bookish boys . These are the ones who were always super-shadowed by the contemporary stalwarts and this consistently was the case for the players who were padding against or pitching in the great deliveries.

Gavaskar/Chetan Chauhan  , Tendulkar/Dravid-Laxman (Though they were stars, they would have reached epitope of superstardom had they played in non-Sachin era) , Sehwag /Gambhir , Kapil/Ghavari-Madanlal-Binny, Bedi Chandra, Prasanna /Venkat -Doshi.. so on so forth.

It’s been an age old story and time and again celebrations were for the superheroes and this applies to India and for that matter other countries as well.

However whosoever is in the team, it’s always the second fiddle boys who make a difference in making their teams become invincible. These are heroes or I would say supporting actors who make an impact for a short term , prove themselves and go into history books as also there.

Let’s celebrate the success of Murali Vijay and appreciate all his consistency, commitment and sheer hard work to make it a point and also hope that he can keep his place in the playing eleven for a long time to come . We need more and more also theres to keep touching the glory and make India , a team to beat.

-Jayawant