Super Sunday

 

It’s a Super Sunday and hopefully by the end of today it should be an Indian Sunday. Australia has always looked beatable whenever they have played India this summer after the first test at MCG. As for the youngsters at Kualalampur the glory is there for the taking, they have looked invincible and I hope would come back with the Cup.

While I think beating Australia at Sydney is going to be a cakewalk if India can win the toss and bat first, the Aussies might have a slight edge if they win the toss. Sri Lanka choked them in a small chase in the last game to expose their frail batting and the law of averages suggests Dhoni should win the toss today.

I am of the opinion that India should play Sehwag and Praveen Kumar both and make Bhajji sit out of this final. Bhajji has been delivering more from his mouth rather than with the ball all through this summer and a Match winner like Sehwag should always be played in big matches. The attitude he showed after taking the last wicket in the match against Sri Lanka makes me believe that India should start looking for another full time spinning option as Bhajji has some serious problems.

Dhoni has impressed with his on field captainship, but I seriously think he is getting too much involved when comes to off field comments such as “sledging is an art, which youngsters will have to learn”. Though he is successfully leading a team of young winners, he should not forget that with similar attitude Australia for years has won matches but not hearts. With India, the story has been reverse so far. The challenge for Dhoni is to create a winning habit in the team along with maintaining the clean image of the Indian cricketers. I also hope

Ishant Sharma and Gautam Gambhir have been the revelations for India on this tour as they have both come a long way. Ishant is quick, accurate and smart, and I pray he remains fit. India luckily has quite a few fast bowlers at this time and I am sure future teams will be picked keeping in mind the rotation of these fast bowlers who are a rare resource.

A special mention for the other Indian team which will play in the world cup final for under 19’s as they have shown the trailer of things to come in the cricketing world. India is surely the new home of cricket. Although South Africa will pose a tough challenge but I have a gut feeling that this is going to be an Indian Sunday.

The end of an era, Thanks Gilly.

Image: www.cricinfo.com

With just one day of play left in the current Australia – India test series, all I can say is that this is the beginning of the end of an Australian era in cricket. Adam Gilchrist, I guess did sense the same thing and hence has wisely separated himself from this bunch of cricketers who place winning above playing. The difference between a professional organization and sports team is that in sports the race is more important than the result. The present Australian team undoubtedly is trying to be a professional organization.

In the last 10 years Australian Cricket has separated itself from the rest of the community, created a niche level where professionalism is paramount. However, I am sorry to say that despite all their success during this time and in the urge to be better professionals they have rapidly replaced sportsmen by professionals. Adam Gilchrist to me is the last substitution.

Gilly has been a great cricketer, not only in terms being successful in all forms of the game, but more importantly playing the game with the true spirit of sports. The ovation he got today, when he walked into bat possibly for the last time in white gear, said it all. He is one cricketer who everyone who knows him would like and respect, and in his absence cricket matches involving Australia would never be the same. He changed the way players approached batting in test cricket, and the whole world is still playing catch up to his style of batting. This has led to more test matches ending with a result. He has walked every time he has nicked the ball and has set an example for all modern cricketers.

Thanks Gilly, for giving us numerous cricketing moments which will be cherished, whenever someone talks about wicketkeepers. I would also like to wish you the best for whatever you plan to do next.