World Cup 2019 : A story retold !

God said, “Chase your dreams, they come true!” But God never complained that he chased them unsuccessfully for more than 22 years in the hope that he will hold the trophy some day and play a vital role to make his country World Champions in 2011. 

Winning World Cup is neither a fluke nor a cakewalk. It is neither a one man show nor is it the win for the most talented team. It’s all about the belief, consistency and the one who does not buckle under the pressure makes it to the podium.

As 2019 World Cup nears its final phase, many dreams will wind up theirs careers without ever holding the coveted trophy. Gayle, Amla, Matthews won’t be there for 2023 edition and the dreams for them and their fans would  remain an unfulfilled wish.

Each edition of a World Cup has a tradition of bidding a final goodbye to one such great player and we never saw the likes of Gooch/Gatting, Martin Crowe, Lara and Smith/ Kallis or Pollock hold the trophy.

The failure of such stalwarts prove that wining the championship is more about building a core around the mainstay of the team rather than expecting the gifted ones to carry the teams on their shoulders.

It’s normally a story that more than the star of team, it is one of those other players who make difference to the team.The story what was told by the likes of Amarnath, Arvinda D’Silva, Yuvraj, Damien Martin is getting repeated with Flinch, Shami and Morgan coming to the party, atleast till date and who knows one amongst them might produce their best to take the trophies back home.

The story unfolded so far has been quite impressive for India and it remains the only unbeaten team in the tournament. Captain Kohli hasn’t converted his fifties into hundreds but the team is backing him by collective responsibility and it could turn out to be biggest differentiator in the days to come.

Australia seems to be on a song with the exception of India loss whereas the Black Caps and England have started showing chinks in the armour of late. 

It could well be a story of being too late for Pakistan unless miraculous turnaround happen for the top four.

The journey to the top for all the teams will now depend on how the top order performs, middle order sustains and the lower ones roar when they make use of pitch to get at their opponents through their opportunity to bowl.

The World Cup is at its crucial and intensive best and the team who performs on the day will outclass others to be the next World Champions. Till then, it’s time to glue yourselves to your television sets and support your favourite team.

Disclaimer: The blog is written as a cricket fan and does not intent to comment on any individual player or the team.

Image courtesy: iccworldcups 

- Jayawant

The invincibility of Tennis called Steffi Graf !

Not so long ago, if you had asked any youngster who was his/her favorite celebrity female personality? The answer might have differed between various divas of Bollywood or Hollywood but beyond those names, it had to have an identical answer and who else? It was none other than the legendary Tennis player Steffi Graf.

Steffi came, played and conquered the imagination of a generation of youngsters across the globe. Those were the days when Tennis repeatedly presented a clash between Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova and most of the times; it was Martina who took all the honors.

Tennis fans were eagerly looking forward for a new star, a kid of next-gen, a new style and youth icon who could break the monotony of age-old rivalry and breathe fresh air in the game of Tennis and boy! Steffi not only shattered the invincibility of Martina to rule the Tennis court but also made a place in history as one of the greatest ever to grace the game.

Media tried to recreate the Evert-Martina era between Steffi and Gabriela Sabatini but it could never match the aura of the earlier stalwarts. As Steffi ruled and demolished the dreams of her peers, came another lightening kid on the horizon, Yugoslav Monika Seles and the crown started crumbling for Steffi. An uneventful disguise to Tennis saw Monika being taken away from the game by an obsessed Steffi fan, Günter Parche who stabbed Monika during a Tennis match. It almost closed doors of Tennis stadium for Monika Seles for years and who knows we might have lost the greatest of them all due to an insane fan in a rush of blood.

Steffi went to win many hearts (with her game) but lost it to America’s youth icon Andre Agassi, a Casanova himself with many predicting a short fling. Both of them, however, proved the world wrong with their mixed double partnership still going strong as ever.

For the records and hall of fame, Steffi Graf is regarded as an all-time great and with her kitty full of 22 Grand Slam Singles titles, she is still sitting far ahead of her compatriots and next generation of players who follow and wish to imbibe her.

The teenage sensation is turning 50 today and the world is still waiting for a new Steffi Graf to rise. The fans will remain indebted to Steffi, for it was she who taught us professionalism of the game and also gave many memories to cherish with her superlative game of Tennis.

Disclaimer: The blog is an expression of a Steffi Graf fan and does not intend to comment on her peers and their combative Tennis during the same era as that of Steffi Graf.

Image courtesy: abc.net. au

The Yuvraj of Indian Cricket bids adieu !

Some ‘Yuvraj’ are known over the world for their power, arrogance, talent, and ruthlessness against their opponents but are never catapulted to the title of ‘Maharaj’.

The ‘Yuvraj’ then leaves aside a legacy of what could have been one of the best ‘Maharajas’ ever to the throne the kingdom.

One such amazing story called ‘Yuvraj Singh’ comes to an end today albeit in the wilderness when the entire nation is gripped in World Cup fever.

Yuvraj Singh or ‘Yuvi’(You-We) bids adieu to one of the most glittering cricketing careers of all time, coincidentally or thoughtfully at the same time when the World awaits an Indian Juggernaut in 2019.

A journey that started as the son of Yograj Singh, (who was known as an answer to Kapil Dev) was no better than a roller coaster ride till it lasted. Forced by an ambitious father into Cricket, Yuvi made a place for himself at every opportunity presented to him.

A transition from Under-19 champion to a super performer in 20/20 World Cup to player of the tournament in Indian victory in 2011 WorldCup highlighted the fact that Yuvi was made for larger than life situations which he proved beyond doubt as he battled cancer to set one of the most memorable victories of his life.

Yuvraj had many a moment in his coveted career with England being his special bête noire. His Natwest Trophy win with Mohammad Kaif stamped coming of age for Ganguly as skipper and Stuart Broad will never like to discuss those 6 sixes in an over in 2007 World Cup which launched MSD as the captain cool of Indian cricket. And never to forget his contribution of 85 not out against England in a scintillating chase in Chennai Test in 2008.

2011 World Cup was for Sachin and making the country proud after 28 years.

A true champion deserved to make it a success in the longer format of the game, but as they, if and buts of life always make it more interesting.

A terrific performer, Yuvraj went on to score 8701 runs and 111 wickets in ODIs along with 1900 runs in Test Cricket. His contribution can be gauged from the fact that he was always a goto man for all the captains, he played along with.

Such an aura for the sport, he is the one, who chose cricket for his father, won World Cups for his captains and icons, fought his illness with valor and always came out as a real fighter. He deserved a better exit. Nevertheless, every cricketer calls it day at some point of time in his career and ‘Yuvraj’ of the game chose a perfect date when the world is at its frenzy during the ongoing World Cup 2019.

Cricket without talking about Yuvraj will be incomplete. The country and his fans will always be thankful to him for making them, go euphoric over and over again with his superlative performances.

You did awesome Yuvi !! Take a bow master! 🙇‍♀️ 🙇‍♀️

Disclaimer: The blog is a tribute by a fan to Yuvraj Singh.

Jo Burns ! Another victim of modern day cricket.

Australia batsman Joe Burns has been diagnosed with a post-infectious fatigue disorder and another talented cricketer will be away from game for few months to come. He is not alone and has many stalwarts being in company with him.

Not so long ago, we had Marcus Trescothick who was destined for a greater glory with consistent performances across the globe but out of nowhere wound up his international career with depression.

Another Englishman Jonathan Trot was a big English bet in longer version of the game, but just faded away as he could not handle pressures of the game.

Young Australian sensation Will Pucovski is on a long break from the game due to mental health issues and career seems to be  in doldrums even before it has picked up.

All potential greats of all time, in a sudden twist of fate getting into oblivion for non cricketing reasons. Isn’t it shocking and big loss for the game of cricket?

On a positive note, we have not seen any Indian cricketer (or for that matter Asian cricketers) making it to the list of depression impacted players. If one looks at schedule of Indian cricketers, they are on the move due International cricket or IPL and domestic games and the calendar is packed for the entire year. It probably leads to a convenient hidden statement that depression or fatigue syndrome doesn’t come due to excess cricket, it has something to do with the way youngsters are built or groomed for the future.

The rise in Indian cricket comes through competitive struggle within domestic first-class cricket championship consisting of 37 teams, with all 29 states and two of the seven union territories.

So is it sheer luck or fierce surviving conditions that make youngsters, a tough nut in India?

The youngsters in India are mentally prepared for tough days and competition right from their childhood. Indians are also used to paparazzi which can start making any 16 year old, a next Sachin Tendulkar. Once selected for the national eleven, a longer path also awaits for them. Also with money spinning IPL, the opportunities have increased in India even if one doesn’t make it to national cricket team. But isn’t it an assumption that the Indian cricketers can survive pressure in any situation? May be it’s taking them for granted and who knows, stress levels could start impacting Indians too !

It’s high time, the schedules of the game are human. The expectation of the media are realistic. The spectators are supportive in wins and losses. The respective board supports players in failures and last but not the least, the player himself has self goals and keeps assessing self potential and perform to the best of his abilities.

Whatsoever, the time has come to a stage where the player needs to be protected for future. Looking at mental aspect of any individual is the key to uninterrupted career of any individual and if proper care is taken for the players, we won’t see such Burns, Trescothiks and Trotts of the game.

Image : espncricinfo

Disclaimer : The blog does not highlight any individual and issued faced by them in professional careers, rather it intends to highlight the extreme pressures of the game and supports improving conditions for the players worldwide.

- Jayawant

A New India ! A Shining India

Elections come and go. Representatives make a place for themselves or are forgotten but very rarely are the elections which make a footprint to stay long on the people’s minds.

The elections have been part and parcel of our democracy and if 1984 was sympathy election, 2014 was wave for change , for the first time ever, we have witnessed an election in 2019 which was fought for a government of the people, by the people and for the people putting trust in tallest leaders of our times Narendra Modi.

The 2019 elections were more of our leader, our nation and our future overshadowing the normal psyche of my leader, my state and my community’s future. 

If they say it was Modi wave, one must not forget that if the wave has to reach the shore, it must be supported by an able wind, strong high tide and consistent weather conditions. The wave became a reality with people like  Fadnavis in Maharashtra, Shivaraj in MP, Yogi in UP and many BJP and NDA local administrations slogging for people welfare to ensure that Modi can bank on the good governance they offered.

The elections were about young India, aspiring youth and clarity amongst the people what they want for future. It did not hinder between caste, creed or religion. Modi was the first to understand this undercurrent and played his cards well rather than lingering on personal bickering and ignoring the media created tussle.

The undisputed dynasties were comfortably beaten by the ballet whether it was Yadavs, Gowdas, Pawars or eternal Gandhis and they paved the way for common people to enter the central hall of the parliament. Time has come for political parties to run on corporate lines and perform else the family business would perish to crumble in no time.

It’s ironic that even after 70 years of independence, toilets, LPG, homes, bank accounts and Clean India are relevant to people and can win an election in India. It shows the apathy of our political leaders for all these years in taking their own people for granted.

Globalisation and digitalisation has played a huge impact on the people and imprints of social media are here to stay. It became an important tool for the politicians to reach the last electoral voter, make a point and let the people decide what they felt was wiser for them to choose.

The globe is changing, mood is swinging and one who leads the race has an opportunity to make a difference to the society and global population. 

Modi has been bestowed with such a challenge, mandate and opportunity and only time will tell what he has sown in his first term will bear the kind of fruits, the nation is expecting in the second instalment.

The public is impatient for growth and it is bound to be a tough journey for the new government. An undisputed leader was need of the hour and people of the country have rightfully chosen a leader who can match the pace with their aspirations.

Time and Tide wait for no man and so does the electorate. Let’s hope the the next five years bring in peace, prosperity and growth for the country and nevertheless build an opposition which doesn’t entangle in dynasties, money power and hold the country going beyond vested interests to make a New India, a shining India.

Disclaimer: The blog is a mere observation and opinion of an Indian voter and does not comment on the functioning of political parties.

Image : NDTV

- Jayawant 

Modi and Undercurrent of 2019 elections

Undercurrent, Hype and Wave are three primary components which decide the fate of any election and Indians are no exception to this thumb rule.

The most dicey or uncertain factor is undercurrent which no Political Pundit, Established media or common man can predict and usually ends up biting the ballet.

US elections decimated dreams of a potential President when an undercurrent overpowered the hype to bring in a President, whom even his own party had not envisioned to crown the glory in historic Presidential battle for the 45th President.

Recent Ukraine elections handed over the mantle of leading the nation to a comedian whose only political experience was an on-screen role of President to win in an election which could be termed as landslide victory.

We need to look into past few elections (post Indira Gandhi) to understand how we have brought in Governments in last 30 years to make us realize the impact of verdict we prefer and have produced.

Rajeev Gandhi rode a wave of sympathy in 1984 to make opposition parties sit in corner of the parliament. It was a complete one man (rather woman-Indira Gandhi) show for the novice politician making many opponents go into oblivion.

Elections of 1999 made Ataljee, premier of the nation riding on the wave of Kargil war victory and kind of good governance he offered during his 13 month tenure in 1996. The vote was also against antiestablishment of previous miniature governments and the scandals of corruption which had marred the Congress Party.

The miniature governments of VP Singh, Devegowda, IK Gujral were more of mathematical ellipse rather than governance with none of these leaders in sync with sentiments of aam admi and ultimately paved way for Ataljee rule.

1999 to 2004 witnessed corruption free government and NDA was  banking on the good image of the coveted leader and socio-economic initiatives of the Prime Minister. The goodwill generated forced the NDA government to advance Loksabha elections and face the electorate with ‘India Shining’ slogan. The bubble of the hype went haywire against the undercurrent of anti establishment that saw MMS rule the nation for next 10 years.

2014 was a real political wave of a leader and strong undercurrent against the MMS Government. The youth found an icon in 60+ Modi and after years of political turbulence, India voted for one party majority. The next five years have seen Modi extending his appeal beyond Hindi belt to establish himself as a Pan-India leader.

Modi’s persona has brought in all single/double digit (number of seats) worth relevant leaders to come mathematically together to pose a battle. With grand old party trying to make inroads after 2014 debacle, the media is neither able to dismiss nor create any hype for them. 

Undercurrent usually tends to be against the establishment to puncture the bubble of invincibility. However for the first time in many years, the government seems to be inching with an undercurrent in favour of them. 

The undercurrent cannot be created or estimated by media on the lines of wave or a hype. The undercurrent doesn’t come from Lutyens Delhi. It doesn’t come when a big Industrial house endorses a particular candidate. It cannot be established in television debates. But it comes from the people on the street. When a common rickshawala is happy with the condition of roads and tells you his income has improved as he covers more distance than before. Your Istriwala (iron) doesn’t like to watch movies of the superheroes on pretext of them not uttering a word when Pulwama happened or when you hear an unknown entity in the crowd talking about improved way of life on account of digitalization.

The common man has already gone past of hardships (if any) of Demonetization, GST and is looking forward for improved India.

The political campaign this time is making a narrative of nationalism on one side and combination of caste, religion, dynasty and mathematics of coalition on other side.

One thing is for sure, the elections of 2019 will not be decided by any hype or wave but it is that underestimated undercurrent in favor of Government or against it, will decide the fate of 21st century New India. 

Disclaimer: The opinion shared on the blog is personal view of the author and does not reflect upon any political ideology in favor or against any political outfit.

All posts on this blog are the works of Jayawant and any unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without the express and written permission of the author is strictly not allowed. You may use excerpts and links or repost of this material provided that complete and clear credit is given to author and with clear directions to the original content.

Image Courtesy: esakal

- Jayawant 

IPL 2019: Why the tournament needs to evolve with the changing times

Chennai Super Kings beat Rajasthan Royals in a nail-biting finish in a match which went down to the wire, giving MS Dhoni his 100th win as CSK captain. The match once again confirmed the dominance of CSK in IPL2019; the Chennai-based franchise are sitting pretty at the top of the points table with six wins out of seven matches.

The IPL is in its 12th year, and the pattern is now set with the players and franchises. In the initial years, all the teams seemed to have an equal chance of getting into the last four. But in recent years, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Daredevils (Capitals) have been loitering around at the bottom, with Punjab showing glimpses of their caliber every now and then.

The IPL is a grueling tournament, stretching for almost two months. The teams travel all around the country to play more than 70 matches. However, the trend suggests that CSK, MI and KKR have a monopoly over the playoff positions, with occasional changes for the fourth spot.

These three teams have split the championship between them a majority of the times, and they look set for similar glory in the 12th edition as well. The winning percentage of CSK is more than 60%, Mumbai are close behind at 57%, and KKR are at 53%, which justifies their reign at the top.

The primary reason for these franchises ruling the IPL is a combination of a strong team which has been consistent and a captain who is firmly in charge.

Having seen huge success for 12 years, it's time the IPL revisits its structure and format to keep the spectators’ interest sustained, which is crucial for success of any tournament. It has gone hugely popular over the years but there is a need for it to grow beyond the eight franchise cities.

The IPL was also graced by Rising Pune Supergiant and Gujarat Lions for two years when CSK and RR faced suspension, and they made quite an impact on the tournament. These teams were young, dynamic and gave their best in the short period they were competing. That might even have been due to their burning desire to win, knowing that their existence was going to be short-lived. 

The impact of Pune and Gujarat could well be a precursor to adopt a format which adds two different teams every year. The board could create a few more additional teams, with the previous year's bottom two teams having to fight for the last two spots in a qualification round against new entrants. A wild card entrant from overseas can also add spice to the tournament.

A fresh look at its structure will help the IPL continue its money spinning mechanism for players as well as franchises and most importantly, will help spectators still remain attracted and attached to the teams.

The IPL has been a boon to domestic players and foreign recruits. But to keep the glory afloat, a change is needed or else the story will start looking repetitive.

• Jayawant

Disclaimer: The blog is primarily written as an ardent cricket fan of IPL and does not intend to take sides of any of the franchises or players. This is personal observation of the blogger of overall IPL being played over the years.

Image courtesy : cricktracker