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The IPL is about the big shots!

Season 2 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) commences in far off South Africa over the weekend, and for the next few weeks we shall all undoubtedly be treated to some unfiltered and undiluted big hits on TV. In the ultimate analysis, cricket remains a batsman's game, and in the 20-20 format, even more so. A bowler who can emerge from the frenzied action over 180 minutes of an IPL match, with figures of 4 overs, no maidens (this statistic needs to be removed from here!), 28 runs and 1 wicket, can count himself lucky to have done so!

Players like Virender Sehwag, Sanath Jayasuriya and Yusuf Pathan, who could have made a living as fearsome warriors some centuries back, start belting the ball from the very first delivery, and do not stop till they hole out or are castled. Sheer mayhem could result in the meantime and the field would probably resemble a battlefield where a dreaded destroyer had scathed down everything in sight. When Sehwag hit the first three balls that he faced on the Kiwi tour for sixes, he was only raising the bar a notch higher. The time shall surely come when 36 runs shall be scored off the first over of a 20-20 game!

Players like VVS Laxman, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid would be more likely to use fewer big shots and more invention to score rapidly. The fact that their strike rate would still only be about half that of the afore-mentioned destructive trio is more than likely. The 20-20 game is for the big hitters, make no mistake! Sixes shall always out-do fours and a lightning 39 may be of more value than a merely quick 56.

The other kinds of big-shots on display at the IPL would be the owners and the organizers! The glamour quotient of the IPL is surely what causes casual observers of the game to glue themselves to the TV along with the avid cricket fans.
Pure cricket-ainment is what we are in for, and I for one am glad that I shall be a TV spectator and not a bowler at IPL 2!

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March 2009

“Tendulkar is batting better than ever! “

Sachin Tendulkar is batting better than ever before...and that takes some doing! He has been the pre-eminent batsman of his generation, without a doubt. He has conquered, blasted, mauled and even devastated the best of bowlers in the world for the past 20 years, and he is still at it! For a batsman so dominant and breathtakingly strokeful, it is a wonder, even a miracle, that he has not only endured for so long, but has even grown better with age.
There was certainly a period in the last few years when his batting, especially in Test matches, was definitely on the wane. He seemed tentative at times, though flashes of brilliance were always on view. Injuries did not help and there were long periods when he had to keep out of cricket, thereby making a comeback of sorts many a time, not an easy task in cricket, even for the very best.
For the past two years though, and certainly as of now, Tendulkar has been delighting us again with the panache of old. His sublime centuries on tour in Australia, both in the Tests and in the ODI finals, followed by a brilliant match-winning knock in the historic Chennai Test last year against England proved that he was on song once more. The collective down turn of India's batting in Sri Lanka notwithstanding, 2008 proved to be the year when Tendulkar looked to be near his best.
In New Zealand, and one has been watching very closely, he seems so much at ease at the crease, and also with himself, that he has unraveled one magical stroke after another, with consummate ease. He has caressed the ball and he has seduced it to the boundary with such sheerness of class that Kiwi commentators (all former Test players) have often been left awestruck, dumbstruck and speechless, all at once.
In a career that has given us many a moment to relish and cherish, Sachin Tendulkar seems to be on top of his considerably spectacular game, and seems more at peace with his batting and his unending talent than he has ever been before.
Those who were chanting END-ulkar had better think again...here is a man who is likely to become the first to score a hundred international centuries...truly TON-dulkar! Bat on, Sir...we are watching with bated breath.


“Vote we must!"

India's democracy is the most successful experiment of organised human political endeavour in the history of the world. Just look at the numbers! The largest ever number of voters in the history of the world shall cast their vote in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls. The fact that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are now used in the entire country makes India's electoral system the most transparent and efficient for such a large country, in the whole world. While our politicians do not normally deliver what they promise during the elections as we are all aware, at least we are able to elect them through a process that is quite free and fair. Gone are the days when booth capturing was a norm and violence was widespread. People of weaker sections were too terrified to vote, whereas now there is greater awakening and more confidence in each citizen of the country that he can vote as per his own volition and can make a difference.

Thus it becomes incumbent upon those of us who do not normally vote, to do so! We tend to feel at times that our ballot is not going to make a difference in the overall scheme of things. We feel disillusioned with the system and often mock at the results of elections. The fact remains however that very few of our brethren who are armchair critics and drawing-room debate winners, actually have the gumption to take up the cudgels for any social cause in public life. The least we can thus do is to make the effort to visit the polling booth on the day ordained, so that we can exercise our democratic right. Today we can even choose to vote against a particular candidate who we feel does not deserve to ever contest an election.

Let us hope that the forthcoming elections do not slow down the momentum that India's democracy has attained, and that we the people make the democratic process even more robust by exercising our fundamental right without fail!

“Sport must be out of bounds for terror”

Some activities that mankind undertakes are, or should be, above petty machinations and intrigue. Sport is one of the only areas of human endeavour that cuts across all sections of society and transcends geographical boundaries. Various sports bring joy unparalleled to young and old, rich and poor, powerful and powerless. Sports help player and spectator, connoisseur and layman, athlete and couch-potato, to overcome ennui, banish troubles, and partake in the sheer joy of sport!
Then why does the terrorist seek to put to peril sportsmen who, by their sheer skill and energy, provide such inspiration and entertainment to millions? There is nothing or no one that is safe from terrorism today, but why target sportsmen? Has the terrorist not ever enjoyed a game in his life? Any game?
The common man and his family is a sitting duck for terrorists across the world. On the other hand, the international sportsman is, in a way, privileged to be shielded, more often than not, by "tight" security. Yet, international sportsmen may become favourite targets for perpetrators of terror a cause their celebrity status.
Who wins if terrorists enter the sporting arena? No one, except the terrorist. But does he really? He may have succeeded in drawing international attention to his nefarious activities, and in scaring off players, teams and spectators, but has he crushed the spirit of the sportsman and the sports-lover? He has not!
Sportsmen and fans all over the world must defeat the designs of these destructive forces, by refusing to cower! Only then will sports be spared by these gun-totters. Even they would perhaps then be forced to marvel at the resilience and grit of the sportsman and sportswoman who plays on, despite all odds.

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February 2009

"Jai Ho...Dil Se!"

The unprecedented success of Slumdog Millionaire, not so much at the Box Office, but verily on the Awards circuit has evoked mixed reactions from people in India. While all of us have reason to celebrate the fact that a film based on an Indian setting with mainly Indian actors has been so enthusiastically received by western audiences, there are those who feel that India's image has gone down in the world, as a result of the content of the film.
The Oscar awards have been the icing on the cake for fans of the film but not even the greatest admirers of SDM would have hoped that it would bag as many as 8 of the most coveted statuettes in the world. The fact that the film has become such a globally acclaimed commodity, and that it's stars have become household names across the world, is amazing considering the low key profile it had maintained prior to its release, and the shoestring budget it depended upon.
The real meaning of Slumdog's astonishing success would be clear only with the passage of time. What is clear at this stage is that our biggest victory in the process has been the recognition of AR Rahman's brilliance as the most innovative musician of our time. With the help of Gulzar, Sukhwinder and Resul, ARR created a song which though simple in its outcome for us Indians, hit the right chord with the Oscars jury. The fact that ARR has created much more beautiful songs in Hindi films, is another story.
All in all...SDM is a landmark in the history of entertainment in the country, and there is not enough reason for us to hold back our celebrations!


"Niceties are necessary!"

At no place do one's true colours become more evident than on the road! A person who is prone to road rage or to flinging curses left and right while navigating through traffic on city roads, is more than likely to be offensive as a rule, in life too. The manner in which an individual conducts himself when not in the midst of family or friends is a true reflection of his character. It is at times when he is not compulsarily bound to behave in a decent manner due to social or family circumstances, that his inner values are truly tested.

Thus it is apparent to any keen observer of society that some people are more than gracious in all kinds of situations because they are at peace with themselves from within. Whereas others who are unhappy or tormented in their own lives, often take out their angst at unsuspecting others. While being a human-being means that at difficult times we cannot control our worse instincts, it is evident that some people have made it a regular habit to target those weaker than themselves. On the contrary, there are those who would always go out of their way to help those who are less advantaged in life.

A recent television advertisement portrayed the worst side of a young suitor as he addressed waiters at a restaurant, while he dined with a potential life-partner. His sweet-as-sugar attitude with the pretty lass was to no avail as she discovered his true nature when he shouted at the poor attendants.

A smile here and a hello there go a long way in spreading cheer around us. A small helping gesture and basic courtesies especially towards those whom we know to be less- than-our-equals, go a long way in adding sunshine to our own lives and to theirs. Niceties such as helping an old person cross the road, or apologising when stepping on someone's shoes in a cinema hall, are not passe' yet, and never will be. Let's make our own days glow and also those of people who cross our paths, by our sunny dispositions, in this wondrous journey that is called life!



“Captain Cool”


India's 4-1 triumph over the hapless Lankans underlines the tour-de-force that Indian cricket has achieved in recent years. MS Dhoni is the perfect skipper for this talented bunch of cricketers. He displays an unflappable temperament, flair, tenacity and poise as per the demands of the situation. Both on and off the field, he ensures that there is no let up in the winnability quotient of the team. Dhoni is a cool cat. Whether its Test cricket or the ODI format or even the 20-20 dash, the dashing Indian skipper just refuses to show any emotion, and seems to treat each adversity like a challenge. Under his leadership senior players like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag seem just as much at ease as do newcomers like Rohit Sharma and Pragyan Ojha.
Dhoni's own performances have indicated that he is safe if not spectacular behind the stumps, and quite swashbuckling in front of them. Yet, he has been able to add another dimension to his batting by being able to play the waiting game whenever the chips are down. The only stage where he is still to prove himself a little more is as a batsman in Tests. His scores have not exactly been able to match his potential in that arena. There are times when he has held his own, but many other occasions when he has played an airy-fairy shot to begin his walk back to the pavillion much before he should have.
The coming months are bound to confirm his stature as India's most charismatic and effective captain yet. With the title-defence of his first major triumph, the ICC World 20-20 Cup coming up in June, we shall soon know whether he is ready to don the mantle of greatness this early in his career.


"Pause and think!"

Two dates of significance which are etched in every Indian's mind, and which follow each other closely, should give us reason enough to pause and think deeply about our country. Indeed, Republic Day and Mahatma Gandhi's martyrdom anniversary are not just dates in a calendar. They mean so much to us as Indians that we really need no other reminder every year that we are citizens of a great country which has produced some of the most capable and outstanding people in the world. A proud nation witnessed the might and the progress that the India of today has achieved, through the Republic Day parade. That Gandhi ji's ideals and ideas have a significant place even in today's rapidly-changing world is a well accepted fact. Gandhi ji was an iconic world leader who showed humanity what could be accomplished by honesty, non-violence, truth and sincerity. The very fact that we Indians have such a towering global personality as the Father of our nation, is an inspiration to us to follow in his ideals, or should be! Today, people who like to cut corners and take the crooked path to their destinations, better think twice. In the ultimate analysis, and on the day of reckoning, those who have put in an honest, sincere, effort in life would be the ones who laugh last!

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January 2009


"We need more real-life heroes!"

Barack Obama's Inauguration speech last week was music to the ears! The manner in which the new US President displayed poise, panache, verbosity and passion, while letting the world know that he meant business, was a joy to behold. The man is already a hero to many of us and may he succeed in all his noble ventures!
We surely need more heroes in today's world. There needs to be an idol or two in the life of every child who's growing up. One whom the youngster can try to emulate. There are many things that happen in the real world these days which can adversely affect the values and character of an impressionable young person. Thus it is heartening to note that some outstanding individuals like Obama still inspire all the right feelings in us.
Too often we find people denigrating each other and mocking at those who dare to be different. Finding faults with others is very easy, and even some truly magnificent personalities have not been spared by society. One read an article long back wherein even Mother Teresa was not spared from criticism. All great leaders like Gandhi, Nehru and Mandela had to face opposition and even ridicule at times...but that did not deter them from their historic successes in life...
May the tribe of heroes increase, people! And may we be able to give our young ones enough reasons to follow the right path towards a golden future...

"The price of greed!"

People who live only to make money can surely never sleep easy. How much money does a man need? There is no limit to greed. But why traverse that course? How many cars, how many jeans, how many shoes does one really need? Probably many less than we aspire for.
Why do some people try and garner more benefits from their postion than they need? Why do some men extort, steal, embezzle or demand wealth which is not their's by any stretch of imagination? The answer probably lies in the declining values of society, and in the undending race to become richer and richer, which modern man seems to have embarked upon. There were always thugs, rogues, thieves, dacoits in every state or country through the ages, but the presence of white collared, seemingly respectable, smiling and suave men with dishonest intentions, has perhaps made our age unique in the extent to which greed can corrupt and invade a society. In today's world, more so in some countries than in others, the dishonest man is currently plotting his next move and is hell-bent upon destroying every norm of integrity that exists. The result? People lose jobs, companies lose reputations, and nations lose credibility! What's the answer? How do we tackle such men? How do we ensure that they do not even attempt such acts in future? Not much can be done, actually, except to strengthen checks and balances, and improve systems. What else? Can we embark upon a campaign to educate our youth before they attain positions of authoirity in their careers? In addition, can we get our outstanding heroes like Lata Mangeshkar, Sachin Tendulkar, Amir Khan, Jeev Milkha Singh and Vijay Amritraj, whose integrity has never been a matter of debate, to address corporate India as well as India's bureaucracy? Can we as a nation recognise and honour exceptional honesty and integrity in public life, in a more befitting manner and thus set the tone for young people to aspire to such ideals? Can such honours be bestowed at every level of society, every village, every town or city and every State? If so, we can surely turn the tide, stem the flow and nip in the bud the nefarious designs of the greedy man. Else we shall end up paying the price of his greed!


"2009, here we come, with Positive Energy!"

A new year has dawned and brings with it prospects which are exciting and positive in their intent, as also in their promise. In a way though, it is mankind which has rushed hurtling along into the year 2009 and not the other way around! We have traversed a journey which has not been short of action, both painful and joyful, along the way. It is my firm belief that essentially we as humans are good people and that, by and large, people have a positive and friendly outlook towards life and society. Those who feel that everyone is ganging up against them and that each person on the road is in some way out to gun for them, is sadly mistaken. I have heard many a friend deriding his fellow humans constantly and consistently. Friends, people...let us believe in the goodness of our fellow beings. Arrogance, suspicion and anger are not going to take us very far in life. In the ultimate analysis and on the day of reckoning, it is our patience, our resolve and our team-spirit coupled with basic values of honesty, sincerity and dedication which will carry the day! Am I sounding like a preacher? Maybe so... but then life has taught me that it is always a good idea to share our positive energy with our friends and well wishers. Will 2009 bring us all that it promises to? Will we, at the end of the year be able to retain our faith in humanity, and will we be able to look ahead towards our collective future with hopeful joy? God willing, we will indeed! So people, let the motto for 2009 be "Positive Energy"...there is every reason to believe that we shall succeed in all our endeavors!

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December, 2008


"2008-A year of upheavals"

2008 has been a year to reckon with. In the annals of modern history, there has never been a year of such varied experiences for mankind, and of roller-coaster like upheavals. Terrorism has reared its ugly head all too often, with heart-breaking severity. We have had to put up with the mother-of-all economic crises. We have watched our countrymen suffer through rampaging floods and a plethora of natural and man-made disasters. We have witnessed tears and fears, hatred and animosity, divisions and despair.
Even so, and incredibly so, 2008 has brought to us many a smile and more than one triumphant moment. We have seen the rise of India as a sporting nation of merit at the international level. India's Vishwanathan Anand is the undisputed Chess champion of the world. India's cricket team has surged to second-best place in the world. Abhinav Bindra and the boxing boys brought to our eyes tears of joy with their unprecedented success at the Beijing Olympics. Sachin Tendulkar stands atop the most lofty of all pedestals in the cricketing world as the highest run-getter in cricket history, both in Test matches and in the ODI variety, and also as the highest century-maker in both forms of the game.
Bollywood has continued to entrall us with its diversity, with its zing, its technical brilliance and its never-say-die attitude. Films like Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na and Rock On have showcased the freshness and innovative skill of our young directors, as also the trends that our society is witnessing. There is a confident spring-in-the-step of young India that is bound to take our country towards greatness once again.
Above all, in the face of adversities of all kinds, the smiling face of the common man in India is a joy to behold in many ways. We Indians are among the toppers in the Global Happiness-Index once again this year. And as 2008 draws to a close, let us hope and pray that we scale the pinnacle of happiness in the coming year, and also inspire the whole world to follow suit.



“Lets all play for India! “

India has succeeded in showing to me this week, both in subtle ways and through a bold statement, that it has the confidence and ability coupled with traditional values to be the very best! An elderly gentleman, probably a retired Army officer, got up from his seat as I watched accompanied by the gathering at a recent ceremony. With hands folded and head bowed he turned and greeted an even older woman seated many rows behind, apparently a former colleague's widow. The look of pride and happiness on her face said it all. Many Indians still possess the most graceful manners and noble thoughts.

Virender Sehwag exemplifies the confident young India that fears none. Sehwag, the Delhi Daredevil, displayed both power and panache to play in a manner hitherto unknown in such a situation, on day 4 of the Chennai Test. When asked by Ravi Shastri later whether he had any negative bone in his body, pat came the reply from Sehwag. "Not at all"! Sachin Tendulkar combined the traditional values of India with our new-found winnability to steer his team to a record breaking win. In a new TV commercial Tendulkar says "I play for India. Now more than ever before!" Let us all be inspired to play for India in our own little way!

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“Thank Him!”

“The recent events that have shaken all of us should serve as a reminder that life is precious but uncertain, and therefore the need to spend as much time as possible with our families and loved ones. We often tend to forget to thank Him for all the happiness that He has given us and the simple yet pure joy that we receive through our friends and dear ones every single day of our lives. Thanking God is a way of being grateful just for being alive and for being fortunate enough to be able to spend one's life the way one would want it to be spent. We always yearn for more and more in life, not realizing that true happiness comes only through Him. Let us pray for our brethren who have not been as fortunate as us and let us resolve as a nation to remain united. And to retain our sense of compassion and goodness at all times, even at such times!"


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November, 2008


"Young India is unafraid, unfettered, uninhibited and able to hold its own against all comers. Vishvanathan Anand is the undisputed World Chess Champion, Arvind Adiga has won the Booker Prize and MS Dhoni has led India to unprecedented victories against the Aussies and the Poms.The Indian of today is sure of himself (herself), knows his goals and is certain about which path to take in order to get there. Traditional Indian values stand him in good stead too as he goes about his business with unbridled zeal ! "


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"Anil Kumble is one of that rare breed of human beings who overcome their limitations and scale unimaginable peaks by sheer dint of determination and hard work. Talent is not enough friends, to shine in life. It is that fire-in-the belly, that refusal to give up, which takes some very special people to the very top. Let us strive to be like Anil Kumble, a gentleman to the core and one of the greatest bowlers the world has ever seen..."


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