Beyond the Blues
How David got the best of Goliath
It was a classic David v Goliath battle
Aakash Chopra
25-Feb-2013
It was a classic David v Goliath battle. After all we, Rajasthan, had finished at the bottom of the table in the Plate division last year and Mumbai had won the coveted Ranji Trophy more times than anyone else. Yes, we did turn things around a bit this season but how far do these teams from Plate division go in the men's world? Not too far
That's exactly what Mumbai thought while taking us on in what was deemed to be an easy quarter-final en route to their eventual destination - a place in the finals and perhaps the trophy in their hands one more time. They certainly had enough ammunition to ensure a safe and easy passage. All their batsmen were in top form coming into the knock-outs and their bowlers were doing enough to keep them on track. We, on the other hand, had done everything right so far to earn that all important promotion to the Elite division. For most teams who make the cut, the journey beyond promotion is considered a bonus. What makes their progress even tougher is that they invariably play one of the finalists from last season, which in reality means the toughest match of the season.
We found ourselves in a similar situation and managed to keep the temptation of providing an under-prepared wicket for the match against the defending champions at bay. If you're up against much stronger opposition, it's advisable to leave a lot in the track to bridge the gap as the better team will rout lesser opposition on an even surface nine out of 10 times. Another reason for not going for an under-prepared track was that our strength lies in our batting and we wanted to back it to score whatever Mumbai would score. The second hurdle was the decision to bat or bowl first. While the track was dry and a good one to bat on day one, we would have opted to bowl first in order to extract anything the track had to offer. It goes without saying that we needed all the help we could get to stall such an experienced and talented batting line-up. But Mumbai captain Wasim Jaffer won the toss and made the decision for us by electing to bat first.
Full postRules and their abuse
Any rule that leads to cheating needs to be looked at closely
Aakash Chopra
25-Feb-2013
I knew I was in trouble. I'd called for a run, got a negative response from my partner, but it was a bit too late. I scrambled back to the crease and made a desperate dive. I wasn't sure if I'd made it back and neither was the umpire. Till the last season, it was that split-second decision from the on-field umpire that would have sealed my fate, but this time it was different: he had the option of referring it to the third umpire. After waiting a few agonising minutes, I got the green signal of safety and heaved a sigh a relief. I did survive to live another day.
This is one of the new innovations the BCCI has made in the current first-class season. While they had installed six cameras to cover every first-class match a few years ago, the referral system for run-outs and stumping decision is introduced this year. It required an upgraded software and better-trained analysts to make it work smoothly (recording, rewinding and replaying it in real-time needs expertise) but the BCCI must be given due credit for both spending the money and the making the effort. It takes a few minutes (approximately three minutes for a decision) at the moment, but any batsman worth his salt would tell you that it's better to wait for a few minutes than to take the long walk back.
The BCCI has also introduced a couple of new rules in the last few seasons, which unfortunately aren't half as helpful as the referral system. One such rule is about the "comfort break". In the past, players could go off the field for up to eight minutes without getting penalised but it's not the case any more. These comfort breaks are now a no-no. Even "nature's call" isn't a valid excuse to get a substitute.
Full postIs it fair to have semi-finals in the Plate League?
The two semi-finals in the Ranji Trophy Plate League are going to be crucial, with the big promotion to the elite group at stake
Aakash Chopra
25-Feb-2013
The two semi-finals in the Ranji Trophy Plate League are going to be crucial, with the big promotion to the elite group at stake. Four teams from the Plate League - Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra and Maharashtra - after having played some tough cricket for over a month and a half, and finishing in the top two in their respective groups, are now set to lock horns in their most important fixtures of the year. Will they continue to be the poor cousins of the elite teams? or get upgraded and play the quarter-finals of the Ranji Trophy? It all depends on these two Plate League knockout matches.
But is it fair to have so much riding on one game of cricket? Isn't beating the fellow teams and topping the league good enough for a promotion? The twelve teams that make up the Plate division get split into two groups of six, and play five matches each over the season. Topping their group, therefore, cannot be a case of good luck, but consistent performance. Unfortunately, that is not considered an achievement enough, and the teams are asked to go an extra step to claim a spot. The team standing first in a given group is asked to play the runners-up of the other group, which means a second-placed team has as much chance of reaching the Ranji Trophy quarter-finals as a first-placed team. Is this justified?
In some cases, the second-placed team even ends up getting the home advantage. This year, Rajasthan, after topping their group, will play a game against Maharashtra in Nasik, their home turf. Clearly, the latter will have an upper-hand, which may not be the right thing in ideal circumstances. Are we rewarding mediocrity?
Full postThe forgotten drop-outs
What do the words "World Cup 2003" bring to mind?
Aakash Chopra
25-Feb-2013
What do the words "World Cup 2003" bring to mind? Perhaps Sachin Tendulkar's inimitable knock against Pakistan, Ashish Nehra's superb six-for against England, and may be the unfortunate loss in the finals too. Not many of us, unless we are die-hard VVS Laxman fans, will remember that he so unjustifiably missed the bus to South Africa. Just like Gautam Gambhir for the 2007 World Cup. Of course, there would never be a mention of Laxman and Gambhir when talking these mega events, but for odd posts like these, that are in a mood to pay homage to the "drop-outs", who in all sincerity, deserved a place.
Seeing someone getting dumped by the team is an ugly sight, however justified the exclusion may be. If he happens to be a key player and, more importantly, a popular player amongst his peers, the emotions are almost certain to run high. There will always be a few in the team who would either be not in the position to show their emotions, or simply not care much. Then there'll be few who would voice their opinion, hurt and perhaps anger in muffled voices. They don't have the clout or reputation in the team to be too loud, or run the danger of getting singled out. And finally, there'll be a handful, may be not more than a couple of guys who will be in a position to influence and may also try to exercise that sway, albeit to no avail. The evening would be soiled by the discussions revolving around the merits of the decision and its repercussions.
But what happens the morning after is in complete contrast and shows how trivial a person's presence is in the bigger picture. The day would start with the same nervousness that engulfs the atmosphere on the morning of a match. The only conversation would be the exchange of pleasantries and greetings. It will be business as usual with the focus completely on the match. Nobody, at least that's how it appears, seems to be missing the guy dropped, for whom everyone felt so dearly. And once the match starts, rest assured that he would be a thing of the past, if he wasn't already. The only time he would be remembered again is if the guy who replaced him did poorly or the team missed him in the middle. It's indeed a selfish world and sport is not beyond it. You may be playing a team sport, spending time as a family, but you would rarely be missed when you're gone.
Full postPoints system for domestic games needs overhaul
What happens when at least the first two crucial days of a four-day game are completely rained off?
Aakash Chopra
25-Feb-2013
What happens when at least the first two crucial days of a four-day game are completely rained off? For one, an outcome becomes predictable, and so the line of attack is fine-tuned to get the maximum number of points.
Delhi and Saurashtra found themselves in a similar situation in Rajkot, with the gameplan becoming pretty straightforward-- win the toss, bat first (for the Rajkot wicket is pretty flat) and then pile on enough runs, while consuming so much time that only a draw is possible with two outcomes. One -- the side batting first takes the first-innings lead, or two -- both teams do not finish their first innings. Saurashtra went in with this strategy after their captain called correctly. They declared at lunch on the last day leaving Delhi to score at an unrealistic six runs an over to overhaul their total. Since getting the lead was a foregone conclusion, Delhi played for a draw and the batsmen enjoyed a good practice in the middle. Both teams got one point each for their efforts.
Clearly, 'safety first' is the top-most priority here, with the emphasis more on stacking up points. Are the teams really playing to win? And more importantly, is a good game being compromised?
Full postA rulebook beyond reason
This is the story of a game that was being touted as an exciting encounter, between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh
Aakash Chopra
25-Feb-2013
This is the story of a game that was being touted as an exciting encounter, between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. The two teams fought tooth and nail for over three days and nearly 300 overs. Batting first, Rajasthan had to deal with incessant showers, poor light and moisture in the track. MP had to deal with the pressure created by the mountain of runs, but more importantly time, for there wasn't enough to overhaul the total and gain the first-innings lead. Since both teams were tied on equal number of points after two games, it was imperative to not concede the advantage. The lack of an outright result pinched, yet it made for some intriguing play as both the important Ts - technique and the temperament - were tested in the process.
Shockingly, though, both teams didn't get even a single point from the hard-fought dual. The rulebook says that if more than 90 overs are lost in a match; both teams share one point each in case both teams fail to complete their first innings. Fair enough, but if less than 90 overs are lost and the first innings is not completed, you walk away with no points.
Despite losing almost a full day to rain, which means 90 overs, teams didn't lose 90 overs of play in four days. They made up for the lost time by extending the post-lunch session by half an hour and playing till the light permitted on the remaining days. While it was a good effort to get maximum number of overs in, it boomeranged. Perhaps, losing more than 90 overs was a better deal, thanks to a rather mysterious rule. How perplexing it is to know that one gets a point for even conceding the first-innings lead, while in this case the teams got none.
Full postIs dedication dying?
The scales are heavily tilted in favour of the ones playing in the money-spinning IPL with regard to both money and recognition, and in some cases even selection
Aakash Chopra
25-Feb-2013
"Congratulations Rahul Bhai! D of Dravid stands for determination, dedication and discipline," I tweeted after Rahul completed his 31st Test century and the second against New Zealand in this series.
These attributes may be highly effective, but not attractive anymore, felt a couple of people who commented on the post. And that remark took me back to a conversation I'd had with a 19-year-old kid who is trying to break into the first-class circuit. This player has played for India colts and is indeed a promising youngster. He says he doesn't want to be like Dravid. "What good is a life dedicated to only cricket and nothing but cricket," he'd said. "It's quite obvious that his life has always revolved around the game and despite scoring so many more runs than the others, he isn't as popular with the youngsters.
"It's not just restricted to Dravid bhai but all the players who play just Test cricket (obviously he's unaware of Dravid's 10000-plus ODI runs). Who knows of Samaraweera and his Herculean test average? But everyone knows of Shahid Afridi and Yusuf Pathan. I want to be like them."
Full postThe new rule book for IPL qualification
As you would know by now that I'm both a purist and a huge fan of domestic cricket and it goes without saying that any move which makes the longer format and domestic cricket significant enough, is welcomed by me
Aakash Chopra
25-Feb-2013
As you would know by now that I'm both a purist and a huge fan of domestic cricket and it goes without saying that any move which makes the longer format and domestic cricket significant enough, is welcomed by me.
The Indian board is making serious efforts to ensure the importance of domestic cricket isn't wasted on the players and hence have come out with a rule book with regard to a domestic cricketer's participation in the IPL. While a ceiling for their earnings via the cash-rich IPL has already been fixed, the new ruling states that one must play at least 60% of the domestic matches played by the player's respective state side. In addition to that, he must also obtain an NOC from his state association. Only then can he participate in the IPL. While the intent behind the move seems to be both in the interest of the game and the players, the larger impact is worth pondering over.
The first case I'm looking at is that of the highest run scorer in the domestic Twenty20 competition, Chetan Sharma. His batting is tailor-made for the slam-bang format, but quite obviously lacks the temperament and technique to last in the longer version of the game. In all likelihood, he won't be able to fulfil the 60% representation criteria and would have to ask the Board for special permission which he may or may not get. Assuming that not everyone gets the special permission, what would be the yardstick for such permissions, I wonder. And if everyone would eventually be allowed, then why seek one?
Full postPay concerns for domestic cricketers
At last, the much deferred and overdue fee hike for India's Test Players has finally happened, that too three times its present amount
Aakash Chopra
25-Feb-2013
At last, the much deferred and overdue fee hike for India's Test Players has finally happened, that too three times its present amount. For one, the move was imperative to make playing Test Cricket as lucrative as possible, so as to ensure that players like Cheteshwar Pujara with solid technique and temperament don't sacrifice these attributes for acquiring skills to suit the more rewarding Twenty20 cricket. While a few players have been lucky enough to get this incentive, along with a pay hike in their central contract with the BCCI, a much bigger pool of fringe players has lost out as now there won't be Grade D to accommodate players like Ajinkya Rahane or Shikhar Dhawan who're waiting in the wings to prove their mettle. The current list has also been pruned from a whopping 41 to a meagre 24 for this season.
The central contracts list, when they were first handed out, made for an elite group of 20 cricketers. But then came the ICL, which organised a player coup of sorts. A lot of domestic cricketers left the BCCI fold and joined the 'rebel league'. The board was swift to act and increased the number of contracted players with the introduction of Grade D to reward the performances in domestic cricket. It was, in a way, both telling the players that they were in the loop and also giving them much needed financial security. In fact, even the fee for domestic games was increased substantially. But a lot has changed since then; the IPL arrived with a bang and forced the ICL into oblivion. Subsequently, the Grade D contracts disappeared too. The BCCI's stance with regards to the abrupt trim is that it is an elite club with a restricted entry which must only be earned by sterling performances. But was it not the case always? Or were the contracts handed out to undeserving players earlier?
But this cutback has an even bigger impact on the earnings of these domestic performers. Being on the list of contracted cricketers would have ensured their eligibility for auction at the IPL, meaning money based on their market value. But just to add to their woes, their maximum salary was already decided earlier based on the year of their first-class debut and not performances. While some players might still cobble something together with the new order, players like Pankaj Singh and Rahane, perceived inept for the T20 format, might suddenly find themselves in a fix. Now, they would be lucky to get a half-decent deal from a franchise.
Full postHanumangarh, India's fast-bowling factory
I'm quite fascinated with the interviews teen sensation Deepak Chahar is busy giving, one after the other
Aakash Chopra
25-Feb-2013
I'm quite fascinated with the interviews teen sensation Deepak Chahar is busy giving, one after the other. People want to know what he eats, or whether he can bowl as fast as Brett Lee, or which IPL team he would like to play for. What no one seems to be asking, though, is where Deepak Chahar comes from. The answer might help us understand the events which have led to the making of the young prodigy.
It's always easy to form an opinion by just looking at the surface. Since he's a frequent sight at the NCA, and been playing age-group tournaments for quite a while, it's convenient to give credit, for once, to the otherwise much criticized system. You have to dig a little deeper to know the real story.
Chahar belongs to a district called Hanumangarh in Rajasthan. What Sansarpur is to hockey, Hanumangarh is to fast bowling. They have been producing fast bowlers by the dozen and the credit must go to one man who has dedicated himself to the craft, Navendu Tyagi. His passion for the skill compensates for the lack of infrastructure in a small district. He is a hard task master and making players physically fit is his top priority. He ensures that his wards go through a rigorous cardio routine, which, at times, includes going for a run at 2 pm in scorching desert heat. He generally accompanies them, either on foot, or on his old bike.
He also takes his pupils to a summer camp in Rishikesh every year. While the kids pay for their travelling expense, Tyagi takes care of everything else including the boarding and lodging. They stay in a basic dharamshala and the day starts at 5am with yoga. Then they run in the hills, followed by some strengthening exercises using their own body weight in the evening. It may be preferable to choose a place with modern facilities, but since that's not financially feasible, a getaway to Rishikesh during the peak summer season is the next best thing.
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