Dhoni said whether Aswhin will get to play in the World Cup will depend on the condition and pitches.
"I think Ashwin is a positive character and has tremendous belief in himself. Whatever variations he has got, he backs himself to bowl in those areas. What we have seen lately is that he can contribute with the bat also. That is a big positive. On making him play or leave him out, we will decide after seeing the wicket. We have to know whether the wicket will spin or not and then go with two pace and two spinners or two pacers and three spinners," he said.
Stating that he wants to back each and every player, Dhoni said, "We want to back each and every individual irrespective of the fact whether he has played ten years, eight years or just made his debut. What we try to do is not to let any player dropped from the side."
"The core team needs to be tight together. As far as Yuvraj is concerned he is among the senior-most players with the amount of experience he has got from 230-240 odd international games. He has got plenty of experience batting at four and he has come up ranks from batting at number five or 6-7.
"It is a tough slot to perform because more often than not you don't get a chance to perform because the top order contributes if you are playing in the sub-continent. It's a plus to have him in your side. Big positive, big match player. The tournament is happening in India and he will push himself to perform."
Source: rediff.com
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Results achieved from practice games
On the positives gained ahead of the World Cup, Dhoni said, "We have achieved whatever positives we can from practice games. From here on we have to start from scratch. We are playing on February 19 and hope we will perform to our potential."
On his own batting approach in the game, Dhoni, who scored an explosive unbeaten 108, said, "I wanted to spend more time in the wicket. In the last two three games, I tried to score off every delivery but one has to see the wicket whether the ball will come or not. I was pushing myself too much that was one of the reasons that I was getting out. I wanted to make the most out of this warm-up game.
"So, I said to myself that irrespective of whatever happens in the first 15-20 deliveries, I will be careful and after that I will look to score. My strength has always been like that. Even if my strike rate is initially 60 or 70, I can always accelerate. My main aim was to rotate with my partners," he added.
Source: rediff.com
On his own batting approach in the game, Dhoni, who scored an explosive unbeaten 108, said, "I wanted to spend more time in the wicket. In the last two three games, I tried to score off every delivery but one has to see the wicket whether the ball will come or not. I was pushing myself too much that was one of the reasons that I was getting out. I wanted to make the most out of this warm-up game.
"So, I said to myself that irrespective of whatever happens in the first 15-20 deliveries, I will be careful and after that I will look to score. My strength has always been like that. Even if my strike rate is initially 60 or 70, I can always accelerate. My main aim was to rotate with my partners," he added.
Source: rediff.com
Dhoni warns Sreesanth
Dhoni also talked about S Sreesanth's theatrics during matches and said he has no problem till the pacer does not cross "boundaries".
"I am very specific to him and told him that he should not cross a few boundaries. It is better that you do not cross those boundaries. If you want to irritate someone that should be the opposition and not your side. Till he does both these things, I am really happy to let him do whatever he wants to do. As for his behaviour today, I do not think there was much. I must say that bit of chit chat is always fine. It does not mean that whenever we play cricket such things does not happen.
"As I said, there are certain boundaries that you should not get too personal with a player. If these guidelines are followed I am quite happy with it. More often than not it is the batsman and Sreesanth who knows exactly what is going on," he added.
Source: rediff.com
"I am very specific to him and told him that he should not cross a few boundaries. It is better that you do not cross those boundaries. If you want to irritate someone that should be the opposition and not your side. Till he does both these things, I am really happy to let him do whatever he wants to do. As for his behaviour today, I do not think there was much. I must say that bit of chit chat is always fine. It does not mean that whenever we play cricket such things does not happen.
"As I said, there are certain boundaries that you should not get too personal with a player. If these guidelines are followed I am quite happy with it. More often than not it is the batsman and Sreesanth who knows exactly what is going on," he added.
Source: rediff.com
Yuvraj can contribute with ball as wellYuvraj can contribute with ball as well
Talking about importance of having Yuvraj in the team, Dhoni said, "What is important is we are playing with four bowlers. A part-time spinner is really important especially if it is left-arm away going spinner. That really adds on to the bowling strength, that's the one big advantage he has got over others. Once he gets going, it is difficult to stop him (Yuvraj) from scoring runs."
Asked whether he is worried that Yuvraj has not been scoring big in recent times, Dhoni explained, "Today, he did not get an opportunity. It would have been nice for him if he had batted. It is important to have runs under your belt. You may be talented but at the end of the day you need those 30 or 40 runs and then you start thinking positively. Then you look to dominate the bowlers."
"Positive thing about Yuvraj is once he scores, he scores through the series. Being a left-arm bowler, he has been contributing right from South Africa, he has been a big strength to the team. If we play with three seamers and one spinner or two seamers or two spinners, Yuvraj role becomes important.
"He gives us the odd breakthroughs required in the middle overs. That is a big asset he has got where he edges over the others. If all the batsmen are in good form, I do not mind one batsman out of form. But the amount of talent he has got I will back him fully. We are not playing with seven bowlers," said Dhoni.
Source: rediff.com
Asked whether he is worried that Yuvraj has not been scoring big in recent times, Dhoni explained, "Today, he did not get an opportunity. It would have been nice for him if he had batted. It is important to have runs under your belt. You may be talented but at the end of the day you need those 30 or 40 runs and then you start thinking positively. Then you look to dominate the bowlers."
"Positive thing about Yuvraj is once he scores, he scores through the series. Being a left-arm bowler, he has been contributing right from South Africa, he has been a big strength to the team. If we play with three seamers and one spinner or two seamers or two spinners, Yuvraj role becomes important.
"He gives us the odd breakthroughs required in the middle overs. That is a big asset he has got where he edges over the others. If all the batsmen are in good form, I do not mind one batsman out of form. But the amount of talent he has got I will back him fully. We are not playing with seven bowlers," said Dhoni.
Source: rediff.com
Kohli is in great form
Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said that Virat Kohli has the edge over Suresh Raina to bat at number four going by the current form of the two players while also saying that he would want Yuvraj Singh in the playing eleven for the World Cup.
Stating that Yuvraj did not get a chance to bat on Wednesday since Raina was sent up the order to have left-right combination, Dhoni said, "Major difficulty will come when Yuvraj gets going and scores one or two 50s, that will be the time we will be in a dilemma. Number four slot is very important for us. Right now it is a slot war. It is number
four slot where Kohli needs to bat with Gautam Gambhir at number three."
"To perform to his potential, Virat needs to bat up the order. That is where Raina can score batting down the order as well and he has done very well batting at number five and six. So, it will be a slot war more than for a place in the playing eleven.
"Kohli is sort of a player who likes to spend little bit of time early and then go after the bowlers. Still, there is a bit of chance where Virat may get an edge over Raina seeing the current form he is in," he said after India crushed New Zealand by 117 runs in their second and final World Cup game.
Source: rediff.com
Stating that Yuvraj did not get a chance to bat on Wednesday since Raina was sent up the order to have left-right combination, Dhoni said, "Major difficulty will come when Yuvraj gets going and scores one or two 50s, that will be the time we will be in a dilemma. Number four slot is very important for us. Right now it is a slot war. It is number
four slot where Kohli needs to bat with Gautam Gambhir at number three."
"To perform to his potential, Virat needs to bat up the order. That is where Raina can score batting down the order as well and he has done very well batting at number five and six. So, it will be a slot war more than for a place in the playing eleven.
"Kohli is sort of a player who likes to spend little bit of time early and then go after the bowlers. Still, there is a bit of chance where Virat may get an edge over Raina seeing the current form he is in," he said after India crushed New Zealand by 117 runs in their second and final World Cup game.
Source: rediff.com
Monday, February 14, 2011
'I have always believed that leg-spinners are essential in ODIs'
Leg spinner Piyush Chawla has played just one ODI over the past two years but following his match-winning performance against Australia in a World Cup warm-up, he appears to have bagged a place in the Indian team.
The variety and control in Chawla's leg spin not only brought him four wickets on Sunday but also made him the frontrunner to clinch the second spinner's slot in India's World Cup line-up.
The 22-year-old was a surprise inclusion in India's 15-man squad for the Feb 19-April 2 showpiece as he had last played in the 50-over format in July 2008 -- in the Asia Cup against Pakistan -- before playing one match against South Africa last month.
Chawla was drafted into the side ahead of the more regular left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha to provide variety to an attack already boasting of two off-spinners in Harbhajan Singh and Ravichandran Ashwin.
"They have wisely included a leg spinner, Piyush Chawla, to partner Harbhajan Singh in the World Cup," Pakistan's World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan said.
"I have always believed that leg-spinners are essential in ODIs as they are attacking options and take wickets."
Source: rediff.com
The variety and control in Chawla's leg spin not only brought him four wickets on Sunday but also made him the frontrunner to clinch the second spinner's slot in India's World Cup line-up.
The 22-year-old was a surprise inclusion in India's 15-man squad for the Feb 19-April 2 showpiece as he had last played in the 50-over format in July 2008 -- in the Asia Cup against Pakistan -- before playing one match against South Africa last month.
Chawla was drafted into the side ahead of the more regular left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha to provide variety to an attack already boasting of two off-spinners in Harbhajan Singh and Ravichandran Ashwin.
"They have wisely included a leg spinner, Piyush Chawla, to partner Harbhajan Singh in the World Cup," Pakistan's World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan said.
"I have always believed that leg-spinners are essential in ODIs as they are attacking options and take wickets."
Source: rediff.com
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Sreesanth replaces Praveen in World Cup squad
Praveen Kumar, the India fast bowler, has been ruled out of the World Cup due to an injured elbow and will be replaced by Sreesanth. The decision comes a day after Praveen underwent a fitness test at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore to gauge whether he had recovered from the injury sustained before the start of the one-day series in South Africa last month.
Praveen, 24 had been sent back immediately from South Africa as a precautionary measure to recuperate at the NCA. The recovery did not go as planned, however, and he consulted Dr Andrew Wallace, a London-based surgeon who has treated many Indian players including Sachin Tendulkar. Praveen has been a regular with the Indian one-day side for the past couple of years and was set to be a certain starter in the World Cup, but his injury healed too slowly to allow him to participate in the global tournament.
Sreesanth has established himself in the Test side but has been on the fringes of the one-day outfit. He has played only 51 one-dayers in more than five years since his debut in 2005, and has a bloated career economy rate of 6.01. But he proved effective in the two ODIs he's played over the past 12 months, bagging seven wickets for 77 runs.
The other fast bowlers in the Indian squad are Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra and Munaf Patel.
Read more at: http://cricket.ndtv.com
Praveen, 24 had been sent back immediately from South Africa as a precautionary measure to recuperate at the NCA. The recovery did not go as planned, however, and he consulted Dr Andrew Wallace, a London-based surgeon who has treated many Indian players including Sachin Tendulkar. Praveen has been a regular with the Indian one-day side for the past couple of years and was set to be a certain starter in the World Cup, but his injury healed too slowly to allow him to participate in the global tournament.
Sreesanth has established himself in the Test side but has been on the fringes of the one-day outfit. He has played only 51 one-dayers in more than five years since his debut in 2005, and has a bloated career economy rate of 6.01. But he proved effective in the two ODIs he's played over the past 12 months, bagging seven wickets for 77 runs.
The other fast bowlers in the Indian squad are Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra and Munaf Patel.
Read more at: http://cricket.ndtv.com
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Thought of quitting last year, says Yuvraj
India middle-order batman Yuvraj Singh on Friday revealed that he almost thought of quitting international cricket when he was dropped from both the Test and ODI teams last year.
Yuvraj said it was the toughest phase in his 10-year-long career and his parents helped him overcome that lean period. "It was tough time for me. I think that was the toughest period for me in last 10 years. There was time when I asked myself do I want to continue. Seriously I thought do I want to play anymore or not. There was lot of negativity around me," he said.
"Everytime I hit the field, I was getting injured. That time was really bad for me. I just came out of it with the help of few good friends, my strong father and mother. Some amount of self motivation and hard training," said Yuvraj.
The 29-year-old left-hander was dropped from the squad that was picked for the Test series against Australia in October at home and from the ODI squad for the Asian Cup in Sri Lanka in June last year.
Yuvraj said he is confident to hit form in the forthcoming World Cup.
"My form is all great at the moment as compared to last couple of years. Last year it was tough because of injury. I am ready for the World Cup," he said.
The Chandigarh-born player's role has increased as a part-time bowler in the side and Yuvraj said it was because of the absence of a left-arm spinner.
"I have been bowling quite frequently and I try to bowl full 10 overs because you don't have main left-arm spinner in the side. I know that my role has increased as a bowler," he said.
With youngsters like Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina around, does it make Yuvraj feel insecure or push him to do better? "I am not insecure. I have played for 10 years. When I was young kid I always thought of playing ODIs and now I have played more than 250 ODIs. So no insecurity," Yuvraj told NDTV.
He said like all other Indian teammates, he would like to win the World Cup for veteran batsman Sachin Tendulkar, who will be making his sixth and likely his last appearance in the quadrennial event.
"I would give anything for the World Cup and would like to win it for him (Sachin). For India it will be dream come true," he said
Read more at: http://cricket.ndtv.com/
Yuvraj said it was the toughest phase in his 10-year-long career and his parents helped him overcome that lean period. "It was tough time for me. I think that was the toughest period for me in last 10 years. There was time when I asked myself do I want to continue. Seriously I thought do I want to play anymore or not. There was lot of negativity around me," he said.
"Everytime I hit the field, I was getting injured. That time was really bad for me. I just came out of it with the help of few good friends, my strong father and mother. Some amount of self motivation and hard training," said Yuvraj.
The 29-year-old left-hander was dropped from the squad that was picked for the Test series against Australia in October at home and from the ODI squad for the Asian Cup in Sri Lanka in June last year.
Yuvraj said he is confident to hit form in the forthcoming World Cup.
"My form is all great at the moment as compared to last couple of years. Last year it was tough because of injury. I am ready for the World Cup," he said.
The Chandigarh-born player's role has increased as a part-time bowler in the side and Yuvraj said it was because of the absence of a left-arm spinner.
"I have been bowling quite frequently and I try to bowl full 10 overs because you don't have main left-arm spinner in the side. I know that my role has increased as a bowler," he said.
With youngsters like Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina around, does it make Yuvraj feel insecure or push him to do better? "I am not insecure. I have played for 10 years. When I was young kid I always thought of playing ODIs and now I have played more than 250 ODIs. So no insecurity," Yuvraj told NDTV.
He said like all other Indian teammates, he would like to win the World Cup for veteran batsman Sachin Tendulkar, who will be making his sixth and likely his last appearance in the quadrennial event.
"I would give anything for the World Cup and would like to win it for him (Sachin). For India it will be dream come true," he said
Read more at: http://cricket.ndtv.com/
Thursday, February 3, 2011
World Cup is not about Sachin alone: Kapil Dev
There's this thing about Kapil Dev. Just when you start thinking he's clueless about the conversation going around him, he comes up with a comment so forthright that he leaves you thinking about what he just said.
On Wednesday afternoon, when six former World Cup-winning captains gathered at a promotional event in south Mumbai to speak about the upcoming quadrennial event, a similar thing happened.
"Why Sachin?" he thundered, when asked how important this World Cup was for Sachin Tendulkar. "It's an insult to everybody else if you keep asking about Sachin all the time. Winning the World Cup is as important to the rest of the team as it is to Sachin, to you and me and the billions who want India to do well. It's not about Sachin alone."
Until then, it had seemed like Kapil was busy soaking in what his contemporaries - Clive Lloyd, Allan Border, Imran Khan, Arjuna Ranatunga and Steve Waugh - had just said. At that moment though, he did many things by not allowing the thought of this being 'Tendulkar's World Cup' to seep into the mind. He not only addressed the fact that too much pressure was being put on Tendulkar's dream of winning the trophy, but also reminded how passionate India is about this game.
The six former skippers kept aside enough time to take questions from the eras gone by to the 10th edition of the World Cup which begins later this month. Imran and Ranatunga spoke of controversies and corruptions, Waugh and Border spoke of Australia's fighting spirit and Lloyd reminisced the glory days of West Indies.
Of course, they all made it an afternoon to remember.
Imran remembered how much the 1992 World Cup victory mattered when it came to materialising his dream of building a cancer hospital and spoke of the current woes of Pakistan cricket.
Ranatunga saw humour in assessing how the 1996 World Cup victory had changed Sri Lankan cricket. "Among many things, the World Cup success brought more politics and corruption into Sri Lankan cricket," was how he summarised the impact of the victory.
Steve Waugh was asked what he thought of sledging in cricket and once again displaying the no-nonsense attitude that he's so famous for, he just said: "I don't want to comment."
Border remembered the 1987 World Cup victory that was the beginning of a turnaround in Australian cricket. When asked what it takes for teams from outside the sub-continent to win here, he said: "Discipline. That's what Bob Simpson (Australia's World Cup-winning coach) taught the team and that's what gave us the edge."
Lloyd put his hope on West Indies opener Chris Gayle, labelling him a player with the ability to change the course of a match single-handedly. "If West Indies make it to the quarterfinal and Gayle is in form, the team's chances will be very good. He's a player who can alone make a difference in a game," the two-time World Cup-winning skipper said.
Source:- timesofindia.indiatimes
On Wednesday afternoon, when six former World Cup-winning captains gathered at a promotional event in south Mumbai to speak about the upcoming quadrennial event, a similar thing happened.
"Why Sachin?" he thundered, when asked how important this World Cup was for Sachin Tendulkar. "It's an insult to everybody else if you keep asking about Sachin all the time. Winning the World Cup is as important to the rest of the team as it is to Sachin, to you and me and the billions who want India to do well. It's not about Sachin alone."
Until then, it had seemed like Kapil was busy soaking in what his contemporaries - Clive Lloyd, Allan Border, Imran Khan, Arjuna Ranatunga and Steve Waugh - had just said. At that moment though, he did many things by not allowing the thought of this being 'Tendulkar's World Cup' to seep into the mind. He not only addressed the fact that too much pressure was being put on Tendulkar's dream of winning the trophy, but also reminded how passionate India is about this game.
The six former skippers kept aside enough time to take questions from the eras gone by to the 10th edition of the World Cup which begins later this month. Imran and Ranatunga spoke of controversies and corruptions, Waugh and Border spoke of Australia's fighting spirit and Lloyd reminisced the glory days of West Indies.
Of course, they all made it an afternoon to remember.
Imran remembered how much the 1992 World Cup victory mattered when it came to materialising his dream of building a cancer hospital and spoke of the current woes of Pakistan cricket.
Ranatunga saw humour in assessing how the 1996 World Cup victory had changed Sri Lankan cricket. "Among many things, the World Cup success brought more politics and corruption into Sri Lankan cricket," was how he summarised the impact of the victory.
Steve Waugh was asked what he thought of sledging in cricket and once again displaying the no-nonsense attitude that he's so famous for, he just said: "I don't want to comment."
Border remembered the 1987 World Cup victory that was the beginning of a turnaround in Australian cricket. When asked what it takes for teams from outside the sub-continent to win here, he said: "Discipline. That's what Bob Simpson (Australia's World Cup-winning coach) taught the team and that's what gave us the edge."
Lloyd put his hope on West Indies opener Chris Gayle, labelling him a player with the ability to change the course of a match single-handedly. "If West Indies make it to the quarterfinal and Gayle is in form, the team's chances will be very good. He's a player who can alone make a difference in a game," the two-time World Cup-winning skipper said.
Source:- timesofindia.indiatimes
World Cup is not about Sachin alone: Kapil Dev
There's this thing about Kapil Dev. Just when you start thinking he's clueless about the conversation going around him, he comes up with a comment so forthright that he leaves you thinking about what he just said.
On Wednesday afternoon, when six former World Cup-winning captains gathered at a promotional event in south Mumbai to speak about the upcoming quadrennial event, a similar thing happened.
"Why Sachin?" he thundered, when asked how important this World Cup was for Sachin Tendulkar. "It's an insult to everybody else if you keep asking about Sachin all the time. Winning the World Cup is as important to the rest of the team as it is to Sachin, to you and me and the billions who want India to do well. It's not about Sachin alone."
Until then, it had seemed like Kapil was busy soaking in what his contemporaries - Clive Lloyd, Allan Border, Imran Khan, Arjuna Ranatunga and Steve Waugh - had just said. At that moment though, he did many things by not allowing the thought of this being 'Tendulkar's World Cup' to seep into the mind. He not only addressed the fact that too much pressure was being put on Tendulkar's dream of winning the trophy, but also reminded how passionate India is about this game.
The six former skippers kept aside enough time to take questions from the eras gone by to the 10th edition of the World Cup which begins later this month. Imran and Ranatunga spoke of controversies and corruptions, Waugh and Border spoke of Australia's fighting spirit and Lloyd reminisced the glory days of West Indies.
Of course, they all made it an afternoon to remember.
Imran remembered how much the 1992 World Cup victory mattered when it came to materialising his dream of building a cancer hospital and spoke of the current woes of Pakistan cricket.
Ranatunga saw humour in assessing how the 1996 World Cup victory had changed Sri Lankan cricket. "Among many things, the World Cup success brought more politics and corruption into Sri Lankan cricket," was how he summarised the impact of the victory.
Steve Waugh was asked what he thought of sledging in cricket and once again displaying the no-nonsense attitude that he's so famous for, he just said: "I don't want to comment."
Border remembered the 1987 World Cup victory that was the beginning of a turnaround in Australian cricket. When asked what it takes for teams from outside the sub-continent to win here, he said: "Discipline. That's what Bob Simpson (Australia's World Cup-winning coach) taught the team and that's what gave us the edge."
Lloyd put his hope on West Indies opener Chris Gayle, labelling him a player with the ability to change the course of a match single-handedly. "If West Indies make it to the quarterfinal and Gayle is in form, the team's chances will be very good. He's a player who can alone make a difference in a game," the two-time World Cup-winning skipper said.
Source:- timesofindia.indiatimes
On Wednesday afternoon, when six former World Cup-winning captains gathered at a promotional event in south Mumbai to speak about the upcoming quadrennial event, a similar thing happened.
"Why Sachin?" he thundered, when asked how important this World Cup was for Sachin Tendulkar. "It's an insult to everybody else if you keep asking about Sachin all the time. Winning the World Cup is as important to the rest of the team as it is to Sachin, to you and me and the billions who want India to do well. It's not about Sachin alone."
Until then, it had seemed like Kapil was busy soaking in what his contemporaries - Clive Lloyd, Allan Border, Imran Khan, Arjuna Ranatunga and Steve Waugh - had just said. At that moment though, he did many things by not allowing the thought of this being 'Tendulkar's World Cup' to seep into the mind. He not only addressed the fact that too much pressure was being put on Tendulkar's dream of winning the trophy, but also reminded how passionate India is about this game.
The six former skippers kept aside enough time to take questions from the eras gone by to the 10th edition of the World Cup which begins later this month. Imran and Ranatunga spoke of controversies and corruptions, Waugh and Border spoke of Australia's fighting spirit and Lloyd reminisced the glory days of West Indies.
Of course, they all made it an afternoon to remember.
Imran remembered how much the 1992 World Cup victory mattered when it came to materialising his dream of building a cancer hospital and spoke of the current woes of Pakistan cricket.
Ranatunga saw humour in assessing how the 1996 World Cup victory had changed Sri Lankan cricket. "Among many things, the World Cup success brought more politics and corruption into Sri Lankan cricket," was how he summarised the impact of the victory.
Steve Waugh was asked what he thought of sledging in cricket and once again displaying the no-nonsense attitude that he's so famous for, he just said: "I don't want to comment."
Border remembered the 1987 World Cup victory that was the beginning of a turnaround in Australian cricket. When asked what it takes for teams from outside the sub-continent to win here, he said: "Discipline. That's what Bob Simpson (Australia's World Cup-winning coach) taught the team and that's what gave us the edge."
Lloyd put his hope on West Indies opener Chris Gayle, labelling him a player with the ability to change the course of a match single-handedly. "If West Indies make it to the quarterfinal and Gayle is in form, the team's chances will be very good. He's a player who can alone make a difference in a game," the two-time World Cup-winning skipper said.
Source:- timesofindia.indiatimes
Sunday, January 30, 2011
World Cup 2011 Date Match Venue Time
19 Feb
India vs Bangladesh, Match 1
Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
14:00 (IST)
20 Feb
New Zealand vs Kenya, Match 2
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
09:30 (IST)
20 Feb
Sri Lanka vs Canada, Match 3
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota
14:30 (IST)
21 Feb
Australia vs Zimbabwe, Match 4
Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium, Motera
14:30 (IST)
22 Feb
England vs Netherlands, Match 5
Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground, Nagpur
14:30 (IST)
23 Feb
Pakistan vs Kenya, Match 6
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota
14:30 (IST)
24 Feb
South Africa vs West Indies, Match 7
Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi
14:30 (IST)
25 Feb
Australia vs New Zealand, Match 8
Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground, Nagpur
09:30 (IST)
25 Feb
Bangladesh vs Ireland, Match 9
Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
14:00 (IST)
26 Feb
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Match 10
R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
14:30 (IST)
27 Feb
India vs England, Match 11
To Be Confirmed
14:30 (IST)
28 Feb
Zimbabwe vs Canada, Match 12
Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground, Nagpur
09:30 (IST)
28 Feb
West Indies vs Netherlands, Match 13
Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi
14:30 (IST)
01 Mar
Sri Lanka vs Kenya, Match 14
R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
14:30 (IST)
02 Mar
England vs Ireland, Match 15
M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (Bangalore)
14:30 (IST)
03 Mar
South Africa vs Netherlands, Match 16
Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali
09:30 (IST)
03 Mar
Pakistan vs Canada, Match 17
R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
14:30 (IST)
04 Mar
New Zealand vs Zimbabwe, Match 18
Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium, Motera
09:30 (IST)
04 Mar
Bangladesh vs West Indies, Match 19
Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
14:00 (IST)
05 Mar
Australia vs Sri Lanka, Match 20
R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
14:30 (IST)
06 Mar
South Africa vs England, Match 21
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
09:30 (IST)
06 Mar
India vs Ireland, Match 22
M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (Bangalore)
14:30 (IST)
07 Mar
Canada vs Kenya, Match 23
Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi
14:30 (IST)
08 Mar
Pakistan vs New Zealand, Match 24
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
14:30 (IST)
09 Mar
India vs Netherlands, Match 25
Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi
14:30 (IST)
10 Mar
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, Match 26
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
14:30 (IST)
11 Mar
West Indies vs Ireland, Match 27
Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali
09:30 (IST)
11 Mar
Bangladesh vs England, Match 28
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong
14:00 (IST)
12 Mar
India vs South Africa, Match 29
Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground, Nagpur
14:30 (IST)
13 Mar
New Zealand vs Canada, Match 30
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
09:30 (IST)
13 Mar
Australia vs Kenya, Match 31
M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (Bangalore)
14:30 (IST)
14 Mar
Bangladesh vs Netherlands, Match 32
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong
09:00 (IST)
14 Mar
Pakistan vs Zimbabwe, Match 33
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
14:30 (IST)
15 Mar
South Africa vs Ireland, Match 34
Eden Gardens, Kolkata
14:30 (IST)
16 Mar
Australia vs Canada, Match 35
M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (Bangalore)
14:30 (IST)
17 Mar
England vs West Indies, Match 36
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
14:30 (IST)
18 Mar
Netherlands vs Ireland, Match 37
Eden Gardens, Kolkata
09:30 (IST)
18 Mar
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, Match 38
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
14:30 (IST)
19 Mar
Bangladesh vs South Africa, Match 39
Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
09:00 (IST)
19 Mar
Australia vs Pakistan, Match 40
R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
14:30 (IST)
20 Mar
Zimbabwe vs Kenya, Match 41
Eden Gardens, Kolkata
09:30 (IST)
20 Mar
India vs West Indies, Match 42
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
14:30 (IST)
23 Mar
A1 vs B4, 1st Quarter Final, C
Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
14:00 (IST)
24 Mar
A2 vs B3, 2nd Quarter Final, D
Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium, Motera
14:30 (IST)
25 Mar
A3 vs B2, 3rd Quarter Final, E
Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
14:00 (IST)
26 Mar
A4 vs B1, 4th Quarter Final, F
R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
14:30 (IST)
29 Mar
Winner C vs Winner E, 1st Semi Final
R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
14:30 (IST)
30 Mar
Winner D vs Winner F, 2nd Semi Final
Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali
14:30 (IST)
02 Apr
SF1 vs SF2, Final
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
14:30 (IST)
India vs Bangladesh, Match 1
Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
14:00 (IST)
20 Feb
New Zealand vs Kenya, Match 2
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
09:30 (IST)
20 Feb
Sri Lanka vs Canada, Match 3
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota
14:30 (IST)
21 Feb
Australia vs Zimbabwe, Match 4
Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium, Motera
14:30 (IST)
22 Feb
England vs Netherlands, Match 5
Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground, Nagpur
14:30 (IST)
23 Feb
Pakistan vs Kenya, Match 6
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota
14:30 (IST)
24 Feb
South Africa vs West Indies, Match 7
Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi
14:30 (IST)
25 Feb
Australia vs New Zealand, Match 8
Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground, Nagpur
09:30 (IST)
25 Feb
Bangladesh vs Ireland, Match 9
Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
14:00 (IST)
26 Feb
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Match 10
R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
14:30 (IST)
27 Feb
India vs England, Match 11
To Be Confirmed
14:30 (IST)
28 Feb
Zimbabwe vs Canada, Match 12
Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground, Nagpur
09:30 (IST)
28 Feb
West Indies vs Netherlands, Match 13
Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi
14:30 (IST)
01 Mar
Sri Lanka vs Kenya, Match 14
R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
14:30 (IST)
02 Mar
England vs Ireland, Match 15
M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (Bangalore)
14:30 (IST)
03 Mar
South Africa vs Netherlands, Match 16
Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali
09:30 (IST)
03 Mar
Pakistan vs Canada, Match 17
R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
14:30 (IST)
04 Mar
New Zealand vs Zimbabwe, Match 18
Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium, Motera
09:30 (IST)
04 Mar
Bangladesh vs West Indies, Match 19
Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
14:00 (IST)
05 Mar
Australia vs Sri Lanka, Match 20
R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
14:30 (IST)
06 Mar
South Africa vs England, Match 21
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
09:30 (IST)
06 Mar
India vs Ireland, Match 22
M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (Bangalore)
14:30 (IST)
07 Mar
Canada vs Kenya, Match 23
Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi
14:30 (IST)
08 Mar
Pakistan vs New Zealand, Match 24
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
14:30 (IST)
09 Mar
India vs Netherlands, Match 25
Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi
14:30 (IST)
10 Mar
Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, Match 26
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
14:30 (IST)
11 Mar
West Indies vs Ireland, Match 27
Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali
09:30 (IST)
11 Mar
Bangladesh vs England, Match 28
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong
14:00 (IST)
12 Mar
India vs South Africa, Match 29
Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground, Nagpur
14:30 (IST)
13 Mar
New Zealand vs Canada, Match 30
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
09:30 (IST)
13 Mar
Australia vs Kenya, Match 31
M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (Bangalore)
14:30 (IST)
14 Mar
Bangladesh vs Netherlands, Match 32
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong
09:00 (IST)
14 Mar
Pakistan vs Zimbabwe, Match 33
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
14:30 (IST)
15 Mar
South Africa vs Ireland, Match 34
Eden Gardens, Kolkata
14:30 (IST)
16 Mar
Australia vs Canada, Match 35
M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (Bangalore)
14:30 (IST)
17 Mar
England vs West Indies, Match 36
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
14:30 (IST)
18 Mar
Netherlands vs Ireland, Match 37
Eden Gardens, Kolkata
09:30 (IST)
18 Mar
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, Match 38
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
14:30 (IST)
19 Mar
Bangladesh vs South Africa, Match 39
Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
09:00 (IST)
19 Mar
Australia vs Pakistan, Match 40
R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
14:30 (IST)
20 Mar
Zimbabwe vs Kenya, Match 41
Eden Gardens, Kolkata
09:30 (IST)
20 Mar
India vs West Indies, Match 42
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
14:30 (IST)
23 Mar
A1 vs B4, 1st Quarter Final, C
Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
14:00 (IST)
24 Mar
A2 vs B3, 2nd Quarter Final, D
Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium, Motera
14:30 (IST)
25 Mar
A3 vs B2, 3rd Quarter Final, E
Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
14:00 (IST)
26 Mar
A4 vs B1, 4th Quarter Final, F
R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
14:30 (IST)
29 Mar
Winner C vs Winner E, 1st Semi Final
R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
14:30 (IST)
30 Mar
Winner D vs Winner F, 2nd Semi Final
Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali
14:30 (IST)
02 Apr
SF1 vs SF2, Final
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
14:30 (IST)
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Sehwag, Gambhir key to India's World Cup glory’
Senior batsman VVS Laxman today said that openers Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir will be key to India's campaign at the Cricket World Cup starting next month and the duo will have to fire if the co-host wants to lift the coveted trophy.
Laxman tipped India the hot favourites to win the World Cup given the favourable home conditions and the crowd support.
"Gambhir and Sehwag have been very important players for India. They have been doing well and they will have a huge role to play in the World Cup after coming back from the injury," said Laxman, who is not in India's World Cup squad as he is now considered a Test specialist.
"India have the best chance to win the World Cup. I don't want to put undue pressure to the players by predicting the favourites. But I think the team can touch the glory of 1983.
They have the potential and talent to lift the trophy. The team has been performing consistently over the last year and a half.
"The event is happening in India so we will have favourable conditions. With all the encouragement and crowd support, it will boost India's confidence," said the classy right-hand batsman. There will be pressure but they are professional players and they know how to handle pressure.
There is positive energy in the team," he said at the sidelines of the annual day function of Sumermal Jain Public School here.
While Sehwag is nursing a shoulder injury, Gambhir is recovering from an elbow injury.
Asked about the historic Eden Gardens being stripped of India-England World Cup tie on February 27 due to incomplete infrastructure-related work, the stylish Hyderabadi batsman said, "Eden is a very important venue but I am sure that the remaining matches would be held there and people will enjoy them."
Laxman said fitness issues of some Indian players will be sorted out before the World Cup and they will train at the National Cricket Academy.
"The fitness issues will be sorted out before the World Cup. They will go to Bangalore for training," he said.
Asked about being honoured the Padma Shri recently, Laxman said, "It is a great honour. Whatever contribution I have made to the country in the 10-15 years has been rewarded.
It's a very good feeling that I have been bestowed the Padma Shri."
Laxman said India will miss the services of South African coach Gary Kirsten when he quits after the World Cup.
"India will miss Gary. He has a huge influence on the Indian team and the last three years he has done a wonderful job. There is no doubt that it will be tough to fill in his shoes. The environment he has created during his stay will remain forever with the team but he will be missed," said the 36-year-old cricketer.
Kirsten took over as India coach in March 2008 and during his tenure, the team recorded Test and ODI series whitewash of Australia (2-0 and 1-0) and New Zealand (1-0 and 5-0) last year, both at home.
Source: Expressbuzz.com
Laxman tipped India the hot favourites to win the World Cup given the favourable home conditions and the crowd support.
"Gambhir and Sehwag have been very important players for India. They have been doing well and they will have a huge role to play in the World Cup after coming back from the injury," said Laxman, who is not in India's World Cup squad as he is now considered a Test specialist.
"India have the best chance to win the World Cup. I don't want to put undue pressure to the players by predicting the favourites. But I think the team can touch the glory of 1983.
They have the potential and talent to lift the trophy. The team has been performing consistently over the last year and a half.
"The event is happening in India so we will have favourable conditions. With all the encouragement and crowd support, it will boost India's confidence," said the classy right-hand batsman. There will be pressure but they are professional players and they know how to handle pressure.
There is positive energy in the team," he said at the sidelines of the annual day function of Sumermal Jain Public School here.
While Sehwag is nursing a shoulder injury, Gambhir is recovering from an elbow injury.
Asked about the historic Eden Gardens being stripped of India-England World Cup tie on February 27 due to incomplete infrastructure-related work, the stylish Hyderabadi batsman said, "Eden is a very important venue but I am sure that the remaining matches would be held there and people will enjoy them."
Laxman said fitness issues of some Indian players will be sorted out before the World Cup and they will train at the National Cricket Academy.
"The fitness issues will be sorted out before the World Cup. They will go to Bangalore for training," he said.
Asked about being honoured the Padma Shri recently, Laxman said, "It is a great honour. Whatever contribution I have made to the country in the 10-15 years has been rewarded.
It's a very good feeling that I have been bestowed the Padma Shri."
Laxman said India will miss the services of South African coach Gary Kirsten when he quits after the World Cup.
"India will miss Gary. He has a huge influence on the Indian team and the last three years he has done a wonderful job. There is no doubt that it will be tough to fill in his shoes. The environment he has created during his stay will remain forever with the team but he will be missed," said the 36-year-old cricketer.
Kirsten took over as India coach in March 2008 and during his tenure, the team recorded Test and ODI series whitewash of Australia (2-0 and 1-0) and New Zealand (1-0 and 5-0) last year, both at home.
Source: Expressbuzz.com
Thursday, January 27, 2011
India-England World Cup match moved to Bangalore
The India-England World Cup group stage match on February 27, which was moved out of Eden Gardens in Kolkata , will now be played at the M Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore.
The International Cricket Council (ICC ) made the decision following delay in renovation work at the historic Eden Gardens, which boasts of a capacity of 90,000.
ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of the decision, who selected Bangalore as the replacement venue though Chennai was also considered.
It must come as a huge sigh of relief for Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) as all the match scheduled in Bangalore included minnows.
India and England were both scheduled to play Ireland on March 2 and 6 respectively. World champions Australia also had a couple of easy matches at this venue, as they were drawn to play Kenya on March 13 and Canada three days later.
Lorgat pointed out that Kolkata had missed three deadlines already and as such they had to take the decision.
"All venues had ample time in which to prepare for World Cup matches. We had been understanding and had provided extensions to the deadline dates but unfortunately we are now at a point where we must carefully manage our risks.
"The COC had provided venues with a deadline of 30 November 2010 to complete all construction work and then to be match-ready by 31 December 2010. An extension was granted by the ICC for five venues, which were again inspected over the past week. Sadly, Eden Gardens in Kolkata was unable to meet the final deadline date of 25 January 2011.
"The expert report determined that Eden Gardens would not be ready within an acceptable time frame to host the India-England match on February 27," said the ICC chief in a media release.
The Eden Gardens is also scheduled to host three other matches -- on March 15, March 18 and March 20 and it remains to be seen whether those games would go ahead.
An ICC team, comprising stadium consultant Eugene van Vuuren, ICC's general manager-commercial Campbell Jamieson and ICC events manager Chris Tetley, had inspected the Wankhde stadium in Mumbai on Monday and then visited Eden Gardens the next day to check out its status.
The team also visited the three Sri Lanka venues -- Colombo, Hambantota and Pallekele.
While the Wankhede and Sri Lanka venues, which also underwent renovation work, were cleared, the inspection team had reservations about the preparedness of the Eden Gardens.
Of particular concern was the fact that host venue obligations in relation to cricket operations, media, broadcast and sponsorship facilities were not finalized and/or confirmed by the venue.
Source: rediff.com
The International Cricket Council (ICC ) made the decision following delay in renovation work at the historic Eden Gardens, which boasts of a capacity of 90,000.
ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of the decision, who selected Bangalore as the replacement venue though Chennai was also considered.
It must come as a huge sigh of relief for Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) as all the match scheduled in Bangalore included minnows.
India and England were both scheduled to play Ireland on March 2 and 6 respectively. World champions Australia also had a couple of easy matches at this venue, as they were drawn to play Kenya on March 13 and Canada three days later.
Lorgat pointed out that Kolkata had missed three deadlines already and as such they had to take the decision.
"All venues had ample time in which to prepare for World Cup matches. We had been understanding and had provided extensions to the deadline dates but unfortunately we are now at a point where we must carefully manage our risks.
"The COC had provided venues with a deadline of 30 November 2010 to complete all construction work and then to be match-ready by 31 December 2010. An extension was granted by the ICC for five venues, which were again inspected over the past week. Sadly, Eden Gardens in Kolkata was unable to meet the final deadline date of 25 January 2011.
"The expert report determined that Eden Gardens would not be ready within an acceptable time frame to host the India-England match on February 27," said the ICC chief in a media release.
The Eden Gardens is also scheduled to host three other matches -- on March 15, March 18 and March 20 and it remains to be seen whether those games would go ahead.
An ICC team, comprising stadium consultant Eugene van Vuuren, ICC's general manager-commercial Campbell Jamieson and ICC events manager Chris Tetley, had inspected the Wankhde stadium in Mumbai on Monday and then visited Eden Gardens the next day to check out its status.
The team also visited the three Sri Lanka venues -- Colombo, Hambantota and Pallekele.
While the Wankhede and Sri Lanka venues, which also underwent renovation work, were cleared, the inspection team had reservations about the preparedness of the Eden Gardens.
Of particular concern was the fact that host venue obligations in relation to cricket operations, media, broadcast and sponsorship facilities were not finalized and/or confirmed by the venue.
Source: rediff.com
Kirsten may coach Mumbai Indians: Report
India coach Gary Kirsten is not in the running for a similar job in the South African side but could be involved with Mumbai Indians in the IPL, a report said on Wednesday.
According to the report, Kirsten's good rapport with Sachin Tendulkar could lead to the former South African opener being appointed in a top position in Mumbai Indians which is to appoint a director of coaching before the IPL IV.
"Indian cricket had hoped to persuade Kirsten to change his mind about not renewing his contract, but gave up on it this week. Future options for Kirsten could involve the Indian Premier League," a report in The Times said.
"The close relationship that Kirsten has with Sachin Tendulkar may lead to co-operation between the two at the Mumbai Indians, who are expected to appoint a director of coaching before the next IPL season," it said.
"Kirsten could easily take up such a position while still developing his international academy that is in the planning
stage at Claremont Cricket Club in Cape Town," it added.
Kirsten, who will quit as India's coach after the World Cup ends in April, is reluctant to take up the Proteas job when caretaker Corrie van Zyl steps down, also in April.
The report also said current India bowling coach Eric Simons could not be ruled out as a possible candidate to replace Kirsten.
"The Indian cricket board has not yet started a process to recruit a successor to Kirsten, but it is not unlikely that it will approach Simons as a candidate. Simons, a former Proteas all-rounder and national coach, was highly regarded by the Indian team when he came aboard this summer," the report said.
Meanwhile, the South African coaching job is likely to go to Duncan Fletcher. The former England coach has been advising the South Africans and it is understood he would be available.
Fletcher's coaching credentials would be hard to resist for Cricket South Africa, whose chief executive Gerald Majola recently promised a 'big name' for the job when Van Zyl's term ends, the report said.
Source: expressbuzz.com
According to the report, Kirsten's good rapport with Sachin Tendulkar could lead to the former South African opener being appointed in a top position in Mumbai Indians which is to appoint a director of coaching before the IPL IV.
"Indian cricket had hoped to persuade Kirsten to change his mind about not renewing his contract, but gave up on it this week. Future options for Kirsten could involve the Indian Premier League," a report in The Times said.
"The close relationship that Kirsten has with Sachin Tendulkar may lead to co-operation between the two at the Mumbai Indians, who are expected to appoint a director of coaching before the next IPL season," it said.
"Kirsten could easily take up such a position while still developing his international academy that is in the planning
stage at Claremont Cricket Club in Cape Town," it added.
Kirsten, who will quit as India's coach after the World Cup ends in April, is reluctant to take up the Proteas job when caretaker Corrie van Zyl steps down, also in April.
The report also said current India bowling coach Eric Simons could not be ruled out as a possible candidate to replace Kirsten.
"The Indian cricket board has not yet started a process to recruit a successor to Kirsten, but it is not unlikely that it will approach Simons as a candidate. Simons, a former Proteas all-rounder and national coach, was highly regarded by the Indian team when he came aboard this summer," the report said.
Meanwhile, the South African coaching job is likely to go to Duncan Fletcher. The former England coach has been advising the South Africans and it is understood he would be available.
Fletcher's coaching credentials would be hard to resist for Cricket South Africa, whose chief executive Gerald Majola recently promised a 'big name' for the job when Van Zyl's term ends, the report said.
Source: expressbuzz.com
Monday, January 24, 2011
Bharat Ratna for Tendulkar?
In the list of numerous accolades 'Master Blaster' Sachin Tendulkar has garnered over the years, one is missing.
However, the batting maestro my soon be honoured with India's highest civilian decoration -- the Bharat Ratna.
A strong case to the effect has already been made, declared Mumbai MP Sanjay Nirupam at an initiative 'Support My School', a movement to build healthy, happy and active schools in Mumbai, which Tendulkar is the campaign ambassador.
"We have strongly recommended your name for the Bharat Ratna, and we should know the result in a few days," said Nirupam, speaking on the occasion.
Sachin TendulkarThe demand for the same had first been made way back in 2003 when the then Human Resource Development Minister, Murli Manohar Joshi [ Images ], had seconded Shiv Sena's claims to bestow the honour on the prolific batsman.
Earlier in March last year, the Maharashtra state government had announced its decision to recommend the Master Blaster's name for the country's highest civilian honour.
The demands from various quarters - including politicians and ex-cricketers -- had intensified after Tendulkar became the first player in the history of cricket to score a double hundred in One-Day Internationals -- achieving the feat against at Gwalior outh Africa in February last year.
The demand attained gargantuan proportion late last year -- after he recorded his 50th ton in Tests - when many renowned names in Indian sports -- Vishy Anand, Kapil Dev [ Images ], Gagan Narang [ Images ], Vijender Singh to name a few, supported claims of Tendulkar receiving the honour.
The Master Blaster had reacted to the demands in an expectedly modest tone. "It is a rare honour but I am focusing on cricket," Tendulkar had been quoted as saying last year. "If it has to happen, it will happen," he had added.
If the 37-year-old eventually receives the honour, it will mark yet another first for him -- for he will become the first sportsman to be awarded the prestigious honour.
And looking at the manner the demand is getting significant, it won't take long before the Master Blaster attains yet another milestone.
Source: rediff.com
However, the batting maestro my soon be honoured with India's highest civilian decoration -- the Bharat Ratna.
A strong case to the effect has already been made, declared Mumbai MP Sanjay Nirupam at an initiative 'Support My School', a movement to build healthy, happy and active schools in Mumbai, which Tendulkar is the campaign ambassador.
"We have strongly recommended your name for the Bharat Ratna, and we should know the result in a few days," said Nirupam, speaking on the occasion.
Sachin TendulkarThe demand for the same had first been made way back in 2003 when the then Human Resource Development Minister, Murli Manohar Joshi [ Images ], had seconded Shiv Sena's claims to bestow the honour on the prolific batsman.
Earlier in March last year, the Maharashtra state government had announced its decision to recommend the Master Blaster's name for the country's highest civilian honour.
The demands from various quarters - including politicians and ex-cricketers -- had intensified after Tendulkar became the first player in the history of cricket to score a double hundred in One-Day Internationals -- achieving the feat against at Gwalior outh Africa in February last year.
The demand attained gargantuan proportion late last year -- after he recorded his 50th ton in Tests - when many renowned names in Indian sports -- Vishy Anand, Kapil Dev [ Images ], Gagan Narang [ Images ], Vijender Singh to name a few, supported claims of Tendulkar receiving the honour.
The Master Blaster had reacted to the demands in an expectedly modest tone. "It is a rare honour but I am focusing on cricket," Tendulkar had been quoted as saying last year. "If it has to happen, it will happen," he had added.
If the 37-year-old eventually receives the honour, it will mark yet another first for him -- for he will become the first sportsman to be awarded the prestigious honour.
And looking at the manner the demand is getting significant, it won't take long before the Master Blaster attains yet another milestone.
Source: rediff.com
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