India set to usher in a new phase

August 22, 2012

india

Hyderabad, August 22: Since they came together in November 1996, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman have been two of India’s stronger batting pillars in Test cricket.

Dravid made his debut at the historic Lord’s in June 1996 while Laxman earned his India cap four months later against South Africa in Ahmedabad. The runs they have stacked up together is staggering, the number of matches they have won with or without each other is impressive. More importantly, though, the legacy they have left behind will be hard to match.

A cursory glance at their batting stats reflects the void they have left behind with their departure within the space of five months and the enormous task the youngsters have of stepping into their giant shoes. The two stylish right-handers amassed 22,069 runs between them in 298 Tests combined with 53 centuries in total.

In their first 16 partnerships together, they didn’t have a single century alliance but once Kolkata 2001 happened, they became an irresistible force. Of the 11 century stands between them, they have two triple-ton associations, the only Indian pair to do so. And only on one occasion, the 2008 Sydney Test during which India were at the receiving end of umpiring errors, did India lose when the two produced a partnership of 100 or more.

The duo’s contributions, however, transcend mere numbers. Along with Sachin Tendulkar, and on some occasions Sourav Ganguly, they changed how the rest of the cricketing world perceived India. During their time, India successfully shed their image of flat-track bullies, flattening bowlers of great repute in different venues and varying conditions.

While it’s unfortunate that they had to see the reputation they had built for India suffer a mighty blow in their last two away series, it shouldn’t take any gloss off their careers.

The epochal 376-run stand against Australia at the Eden Gardens in 2001 ought to be the high point of their batting partnership, but this was just the beginning of several more such significant collaborations which heralded India’s ascendancy. Proud cricketers that the two were, they bowed out as gracefully as they batted, setting a perfect example for Gen Next to follow both on and off the field.

On Thursday, when Mahendra Singh Dhoni leads his team against New Zealand in the first Test, it will be the first time when neither batsman will be part of this Indian side in more than 16 years. While Virat Kohli has shown Test credentials with a sparkling century against Australia at Perth, the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, who is returning after an injury lay-off, and Suresh Raina, back in the fold for the longer version, have the golden opportunity to firm up their claims against a Kiwi attack in familiar conditions.

As it’s unwise to build a temple on the basis of mere promise, it’s equally harsh to run down these youngsters on the basis of a few failures.

If anything, they should be judged over a longer period for neither Dravid nor Laxman became legends overnight. It’s just the beginning of what’s going to be a testing, hectic season for India but the New Zealand series may well offer clues to what the future holds.

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News Network
April 27,2020

Lahore, Apr 27: Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal has been banned from all forms of cricket for three years for failing to report spot-fixing offers, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced Monday.

Umar, who turns 30 next month, pleaded guilty to not reporting the fixing offers which led to his provisional suspension on February 20 this year.

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News Network
April 21,2020

New Delhi, Apr 21: India skipper Virat Kohli on Tuesday said people seem to have become more compassionate while coping with the COVID-19 pandemic and hoped the sense of gratitude towards frontline workers like doctors and police personnel remains even after the crisis is over.

Speaking in an online class organised by "Unacademy", Kohli and his actor wife Anushka Sharma spoke at length about the challenges they faced before tasting success.

"The one positive out of this crisis that we as a society have become more compassionate. We are showing more gratitude to the frontline workers in this war, be it police personnel, doctors or nurses.

"I hope it stays this way even after we overcome this crisis," said Kohli with Sharma seated next to her.

Kohli said the pandemic has taught the world a very important lesson.

"Life is unpredictable. So, do what makes you happy and not get into comparisons all the time. People have a choice now how to come out of this phase. Life is going to be different after this," said the skipper.

For Sharma, the pandemic has forced people to care about the basics in life.

"There is a learning in all of this. Nothing happens without a reason. If the frontline workers were not there, we would not have access to basics," she said..

"This has taught us that no one is special than the other. Health is everything. We are more connected as a society now," she added.

During the session, Kohli was asked about the moment when he felt most helpless.

"I felt nothing was working for me when I was not picked for the state team initially. I cried the whole night and asked my coach 'why did I not get selected'?" he responded.

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News Network
April 8,2020

New Delhi, Apr 8: Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar on Wednesday proposed a three-match ODI series against arch-rivals India to raise funds for the fight against the Covid19 pandemic in both the countries.

The two nations have not played a full-series since 2007 due to the terrorist attacks on India by Pakistan-based outfits and the resultant diplomatic tension. They only play each other in ICC events and Asia Cup.

"In this time of crisis, I want to propose a three-match series in which for the first time, the people of neither country would be upset at the outcome of the games," Akhtar told PTI from Islamabad.

"If Virat (Kohli) scores a hundred, we will be happy, if Babar Azam scores a hundred, you will be happy. Both teams will be winners irrespective of whatever happens on the field," he said.

"You are bound to get massive viewership for the games. For the first time, both countries will play for each other. And whatever funds are generated through this can be donated equally to the government of India and Pakistan to fight this pandemic," added the 44-year-old.

No idea of logistics

With both countries in a lockdown amid the fast-spreading pandemic, the games can only be organised when things improve. However, Akhtar feels the sooner they are held, the better it would be but could not tell how the logistics of such an initiative would be worked out.

"Everyone is sitting at home at the moment, so there will be a massive following for the games. May be not now, when things start improving, the games could be organised at a neutral location like Dubai. Chartered flights could be arranged and the matches could he held.

"The whole world will tune into it, so much money can be raised to deal with this crisis. In difficult times, the character of the nation comes forward."

Start of a new era?

"It could even lead to resumption of bilateral cricketing ties and relations of both countries improve diplomatically. You never know," said the 'Rawalpindi Express'.

In these extraordinary times, Akhtar feels both countries should help each other. "We can only propose the matches. The rest is up to the authorities (to decide)."

India cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh were recently trolled for asking their social media followers to donate to Shahid Afridi's charity foundation which is doing its bit in Pakistan's fight against the deadly virus.

"It was inhuman to criticise them. It is not about countries or religion at the moment, it is about humanity," he opined.

India memories

Akhtar has spent a lot of time in India as a commentator. He fondly recalled his days in Mumbai during the World T20 in 2016, the last time he came to India for work.

"I am forever grateful about the love I have received from the people of India. For the first time I am revealing this, whatever I used to earn from India, I made a significant amount there, thirty percent of it, I used to distribute among the low income staff who used to work with me in the TV," he remembered.

Akhtar used to visit the city's slum areas with his face covered to hand out financial help to elder women there.

"From drivers, runners to my security guys. I took care of a lot of people. I was like if am earning from this country, I have to help my colleagues also.

"I also remember visiting slums of Dharavi and Sion in the wee hours to meet people I worked with," added Akhtar.

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