Sachin Tendulkar

As the clock stuck 9 days away from the ICC Cricket World Cup, 2011, I would like to dedicate a couple of articles on some of the players who I think will create a storm in the upcoming series with some of their statistics.

SACHIN TENDULKAR :

Full name : Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar

If ones tries to google his name, the result will show about 8,710,000 results (0.09 seconds). He was born on April 24, 1973, Bombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra, India, a place where cricket is next to a religion and he is considered as none other than a God of the game.  Currently standing tall at 37 years 291 days of age with the experience of 5 world cups and 21+ years of dominating teams from all around the world with his swashbuckling style of batting par elegance. He has just about written his name on every batting records that one could think off. Let me show you some of his statistics :

Batting and fielding averages

(courtesy: http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/35320.html )

	Mat	Inns	NO	Runs	HS	Ave	BF	SR	100	50	4s	6s	Ct	St
Tests	177	290	32	14692	248*	56.94			51	59		64	106	0
ODIs	444	433	41	17629	200*	44.97	20456	86.18	46	93	1929	185	134	0
T20Is	1	1	0	10	10	10.00	12	83.33	0	0	2	0	1	0
First-class	280	442	48	23585	248*	59.86			78	105			174	0
List A	531	518	55	21181	200*	45.74			57	111			169	0
Twenty20	44	44	5	1516	89*	38.87	1171	129.46	0	11	201	21	19	0

Bowling averages

(courtesy: http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/35320.html )

	Mat	Inns	Balls	Runs	Wkts	BBI	BBM	Ave	Econ	SR	4w	5w	10
Tests	177	135	4096	2388	45	3/10	3/14	53.06	3.49	91.0	0	0	0
ODIs	444	267	8020	6817	154	5/32	5/32	44.26	5.10	52.0	4	2	0
T20Is	1	1	15	12	1	1/12	1/12	12.00	4.80	15.0	0	0	0
First-class	280		7461	4280	70	3/10		61.14	3.44	106.5		0	0
List A	531		10196	8445	201	5/32	5/32	42.01	4.96	50.7	4	2	0
Twenty20	44	8	93	123	2	1/12	1/12	61.50	7.93	46.5	0	0	0

Currently Tendulkar holds the record of being the most capped player in tests as well as one day internationals. His tally of 97 international centuries is by far the most by any player who has ever played the game. While talking about his stats, one cannot dare to mention that Tendulkar became the first man to reach the milestone to score 200* in an ODI ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7HVsU6LzL0&feature=related )

Sachin at the world cups :

World Cup	Matches	Innings	Not Out	Runs	Average	Best	Strike Rate	50′s	100′s
1992	8	7	1	283	47.17	84	84.73	3	0
1996	7	7	1	523	87.17	137	85.88	3	2
1999	7	7	1	253	42.17	140	90.04	0	1
2003	11	11	0	673	61.18	152	89.26	6	1
2007	3	3	1	64	32.00	57	110.34	1	0

 Some quotes on the master blaster :

Andrew Symonds: wrote on an aussie t-shirt he autographed specially for Sachin. ” To Sachin, the man we all want to be “

Virendra Sehwag: Both of us have come a long away and it is a great honour that Tendulkar thinks I come close to resembling him as a batsman. It is a great honour, like a dream come true. If I die tomorrow I’ll be the happiest man because I played this game because of Tendulkar, and Tendulkar himself saying that I resemble him – there is no bigger compliment than that.

Mathew Hayden: I have seen GOD , he bats at no.4 for india in Tests.

Mark Taylor: We did not lose to a team called india…we lost to a man called Sachin.

Brain Lara: Sachin is a genius , i am a mere mortal!

Paul Strang: What we [zimbabwe] need is 10 tendulkars.

Sir Don Bradman: I saw him playing on television and was struck by his technique, so I asked my wife to come look at him. Now I never saw myself play, but I feel that this player is playing much the same as I used to play, and she looked at him on Television and said yes, there is a similarity between the two…hi compactness, technique, stroke production… it all seemed to gel! in reference to Sachin Tendulkar.

BBC Sports: Beneath the helmet, under that unruly curly hair, inside the cranium, there is something we don’t know, something beyond scientific measure. Something that allows him to soar, to roam a territory of sport that, forget us, even those who are gifted enough to play alongside him cannot even fathom. When he goes out to bat, people switch on their television sets and switch off their lives.

Wasim Akram: “I dont know what to bowl at him. i bowled an inswinger and he drove me through covers of the front foot. then i bowled an outswinger and he again punched through covers of the backfoot. he is the toughest batsmen i ‘ve bowled to. he shold live long and score lots of runs, but not against pakistan(smiling) “–LEGENDARY WASIM AKRAM  SACHIN on 24th april 2004 on espn Sachin’s 30th B day program.(i think) on his knock in 2003 worldcup.

( courtesy : http://www.sachinandcritics.com/quotes_on_sachin.php )

First take at the world cup in 1992.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x01ieCwhu88 (Sachin Tendulkar 84 vs New Zealand)

The war of the sub-continent in 1996. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WeZf9fFPMA (Sachin Tendulkar 137* vs Sri Lanka)

The heart-broken innings, 3 days after his fathers demise in 1999. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HA_6utZU3MQ (Sachin Tendulkar 140* vs Kenya)

The explosion of mastery of the game by the god in 2003.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSmArxGgNss (1) / http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zc2vgeyay9I&feature=related (2) / http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gd2hsBvNMA8&feature=related (3) / http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCxYaHkFL7A&feature=related ( highlights of the masters innings on the 2003 outing)

The biggest upset, 2007.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqd8ARQW4hE&feature=related

Individual honours and appreciations

• Tendulkar was the only player of his generation, and the cricketer to have played for India, to be included in Bradman’s Eleven.
• ICC Award-Sir Garfield Sobers trophy for cricketer of the year 2010
• Padma Bhushan, India’s second highest civilian award, 2008.
• ICC World ODI XI, 2004, 2007
• Rajiv Gandhi Awards – Sports, 2005
• Player of the tournament in the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup
• Maharashtra Bhushan Award, Maharashtra State’s highest Civilian Award in 2001
• Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award, 1999
• Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, India’s highest honour given for achievement in sports, 1997–98.
• Wisden Cricketer of the Year, 1997
• Arjuna Award, by the Government of India in recognition of his outstanding achievement in Cricket, 1994.
• In October 2010 he was awarded for Outstanding Achievement in Sport and the Peoples Choice Award at The Asian Awards in London
• On January 28, 2011, he won the ‘Castrol Indian Cricketer of the Year’ awar

ICC Cricket World Cup 2011

ICC Cricket World Cup 2011

And finally after a 4 year long wait, the cricket world cup 2011 is just 11 days away to kick start off in Dhaka, super contenders India vs upset wonders Bangladesh on 19th Feb, 2011. The subcontinental grounds are more batsmen friendly and boasts of run feasts where talents from all around the world die to play on. The environment is not felt anywhere else in the world. Thousands of  fans screaming at the top of their lungs, mexican waves and the battles fought. This is the arena where cricket is considered next to religion if not more, with some cricketers worshiped as gods. If i am not wrong, I think when New Zealand was once touring India, Stephen Fleming hung microphones at the nets to get accustomed to the crowd excitement, which was unlike what they were used to in their homeland.

PAKISTAN :

The tournament did start off with some controversies with the bans imposed on Pakistani players ex-captain Salman Butt, magnificent Mohammed Asif and teennage sensation Mohammed Aamer who were all proven guilty of spot fixing during the Pakistan Vs England series. Flamboyant Sahid Afridi is all set to lead the team.

http://www.sportsbun.com/icc-cricket-world-cup-2011-pakistan-team-squad/

(http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/other_international/pakistan/9388893.stm) Afridi is a destructive force and can spring a surprise to the opponents. With stable Misbah as a wall that keeps pushing with immense power. Shoaib Akhtar probably will be considering this as his last world cup and will be playing it with all his life. We all know how destructive he can be.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3FxTVb5HBs (Pakistan moments)

AUSTRALIA :

Australia with the series victory of 6-1 over England in the recently played ODI series, will have to play their best to defend their championship status. Captain Ricky Ponting might also play it as his last world cup will use all his wits to be the captain with the most world cup wins. With a fast bowling battery consisting of  Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Doug Bollinger and gift of the gods in Shane Watson, a captain who is considered as one of the greats of the batting masters has its spinal cord made of Michael Clark and the Husseys. Andrew Symmonds will be missed, as a matter of fact any team would, team Australia will be all set to dominate their way through the series.

http://www.sportsbun.com/australia-cricket-team-icc-cricket-world-cup-2011/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iKoAgPOjqQ&feature=related (The Defenders)

NEW ZEALAND :

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori has announced his retirement as the National team captain after the mega event. High on Jesse Ryders century, the team would be the one of the underdogs but with players of the caliber of Brandon McCullum and Jacob Oram, led by the captain of action could scale heights.

http://www.sportsbun.com/icc-cricket-world-cup-2011-new-zealand-team-squad/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMVxd8aiuRk (The Under-dogs)

WEST INDIES :

The 2 time world champion where the gentle giants ruled decades back are contending with potential match winners who are threats to any opposition on their given day. Left out in the IPL 2011  auctions, captain Chris Gayle on his favorite hunting grounds will make serious attempts to make his mark. With explosive all rounders in Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo the nations will see a lot of fireworks. Having ex-captain Ramnaresh Sarwan back in the squad, who combines force with all time veteran Shivnaraine Chanderpaul to pour the experience with rage.

http://www.sportsbun.com/icc-cricket-world-cup-2011-west-indies-team-squad/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdhSEmQZOsE (Once ruled the game)

SRI LANKA :

The team with spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan playing his last world cup and supported by mystery magician Ajantha Mendis, toe crushing Lasith Malinga, destructive Tillakaratne Dilshan who can turn around a match in a matter of a few overs, evolving Mahela Jayawardene and captain Kumar Sangakara won the championship in such ground conditions in the 1996 edition. They are also a leading contenders for the cup.

http://www.sportsbun.com/sri-lanka-2011-icc-cricket-world-cup-squad-srilanka-cricket/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rAuUbtUDmY

ENGLAND :

The originators of the game but other than the 2010 T20 world cup, it didn’t win any ICC events. High on the Ashes victory, the humiliating 6-1 by the kangaroos served the English side a balancing jolt to make sure they forget the Ashes not and get back on the road to the mother of all trophies. Captain Andrew Strauss will need to hold his nerve while leading the pack in the quest for the jewelled prize.

http://www.sportsbun.com/icc-cricket-world-cup-2011-england-team-squad/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzqCei3-NpY&feature=related

SOUTH AFRICA :

Like England, this is another strong side which has never won the world cup. History has witnessed how hard luck changes destinies and who else can best describe it other than South Africa. Another star studded line-up and proven match winners who have been there and done almost everything, raising the bar of performance not only for themselves but also for world cricket.

http://www.sportsbun.com/icc-cricket-world-cup-2011-south-africa-team-squad/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwqBoVhOwas&feature=related

INDIA :

Now just before the signal if flared to start the tournament, the Indian camp suffered a jolt as its medium pace bowler Praveen Kumar failed the fitness test. Rightful replacement would be Sreesanth, says the Indian cricketing greats. The squad look solid but I will miss the games of Rohit Kumar, Ishant Sharma and Robin Uthappa. Maybe this is a blessing in disguise for the guy who has yet a lot to learn about the delivery of expectations. The stage lights will definitely be on the God of cricket, as they talk of Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. A lot is being said about his last world cup and that the team should win it for him. Captain cool MSD has a formidable squad line up with the top 6 in Sehwag, Tendulkar, Gambhir, Kohli, Yuvraj, Raina and Yusuf, cannot ignore the tons Harbhajan recently played. Home conditions though would be in favour for the team but the pressure will be immense. Team India is also a favourite for the trophy of 2011.

http://www.sportsbun.com/indian-team-in-2011-cricket-world-cup/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh-PGkz9ru4&feature=relate
d

As I see it

Wishes, wild and fond wishes
Catch me and take me home
Confusion, a thunder brought thoughts
Protect me to bear the walk
Moments, filled a lifetime
I live them once in a while.

Hold me, will you please break my fall ?
You've been good in this journey.
And I hope you will be there till the destination.
We have to reach the end to be proud of the dare.

Changes, I don't remember the pain
Many wounds over the years
It drank my tears as if it were wine.
Voices, thousand, thousand voices
Each had a tale to tell
Everyone ran away
I had all the time.

As I move on to the other side
See them say goodbye.
Every time you pull me from here
But eventually get me back inside

A lightning struck
And took me till the end of life
Saw a man trying to scale back for years
Another bolt of thunder
And I wake among strangers
Concerned for me
Toast on their success
Star of the moment
Did God give me a chance ?
Or a species performed miracle?
I had reasons to rejoice.

As I reflect the times I've seen
Leaves me with a smile
Some promises were never broken
I only ran out of time.
I've joined some lovely rhymes
Some now sing as anthems.
The friend I made till here
Doesn't give up on me
No matter which side the coin shines.

That will do

The stars and man has lit the sky
What she gets is always less than what she wants
He said he's lived through changes.
Sometimes love gets too heavy,
Now or later.
Confusing is judgement,
When you have to choose from head or heart.
The blind man walks gracefully.
Who can see has always caused pain, generally.
Valued reasons lie rusted,
Till they are buried in the dust.
A new day,
a new start,
Trying to fill his bag with hope,
Treasured her memories in heart.
Life has gone on since was born.
The good are left only for the best.
Everyone will have a story
That would be rejoiced someday.
The good will light the world as stars,
The best will smile as the moon.
Plates will be full by the time life calls it the day.
Hand in hand, together,
The walk alone has started.
Attached by a string of fondness,
Separated by repelling needs.
The distance will be travelled.
The queen without a king
Awaits as life is lived.

Misunderstood

Sitting under the moonlight,
Spelling her name on the stars.
Each passing comet reminds him of the good times that they had.
A thousand sweet memories and a pinch of aching heart.
Took him from home to paradise
And left him deeper than where he was.
The devil you know is better than the angel you don't.
A rainbow at the horizon,
Misdirected the lost lover.
But she sang a song for days
And he reached home chasing her rhyme.
When he saw her, it healed the many wounds.
His voice was a shelter in the thunder.
The sky lit up.
The moon so huge.
She asked him to follow her to what she called a castle of dreams.
They were greeted by many,
Cheered by more.
Merry, feast and a night to celebrate.
The kingdom has found the man,
Who can bless its dry womb.
He quoted it as "the story of his life", that's to be told.
His lady, the most beautiful ever for his eyes,
Kissed his ears and whispered -
"This isn't the end of the story"
And that he was not a weak lover but the wicker man
N though her heart would bleed forever
She'd be proud sacrificing her man
To break the curse of infertile land,
Where she is the princess,
Princess Angel, the saviour of kingdom Dazzling.
The crowd began to chant their prayer,
Carried him to cliff where the earth kissed the sky.
He knew this is his end but when she touched him to tie his hands,
He lived a hundred lives.
She kissed him and said if she had a son, she would name him after her dying love.
Led him to the edge
And she walked with him till the very end.
She kissed him again
And helped him fly
Fly away from the land
Till he can't be seen.
He wanted it to be a story to be told.
And it lay buried under the valley of worship.
Where the wicker men always came
But none that ever left.

Food for thought

"The devil you know is better than the angel you don't".

The Last Fight

When the mind is a crossroad
And the path is dark,
Your securities aren't where you thought there were
Thoughts start to crawl in,
The horizon seems so narrow,
The air is getting colder
And there's no help to be seen.
But my song for today
Is for the one who wants to make that last fight,
For the one who doesn't know to give up.

He gets up picking his heavy shield,
Ignoring the many wounds.
He rose to fight.
The last but most pure fight.
He fought like a dancer,
Slaying many doubts he saw on his quest.
The quest of reason.
The war to find himself.

For the one who lost everything,
He thinks he lost the good to get the best.
He's been fighting alone through ages,
To find answers to un asked questions.
He had to be sure what he was asking for.

Fly over the rainbow,
Wave from the horizon,
On a tryst with destiny.
The last fight goes on.