Sonia has opposition on the backfoot!

In a master stroke Sonia Gandhi quit her post as MP. I think it a very smart move. On the one hand her supporters are bound to go berserk over this. On the other she continues to have power and influence over the ruling coalition. Most importantly, the BJP and the rest of the opposition will have a hard time dealing with this crisis. Her political brilliance is continuing to shine, no doubt.

India-England Third Test: Leading with the Tail?

When I saw the score card this morning with India at 18 for 1 and Kumble batting while Irfan was back in the pavilion, I thought this was part of new strategy to lead with the tail! After all Kumble and Pathan have batted better than most in this series. It was when I read the details that I realized that Viru was down with an injury.

Don’t be surprised if you see Dhoni walk in next. It might not be a bad bet to send in the in form stroke players first and then pull down the shutters if the ploy fails! 🙂

Sachin Needs a Rest

With repeated failures, Sachin Tendulkar has once again sparked of speculation over the end of his cricketing days. The booing from his home crowd was easily the lowest point in his illustrious career. His glory days are clearly behind him. But the truth is that when he does come good he is still a world beater. The biggest and most valuable accomplishment he can and should focus on is the next World Cup. I think Sachin should stop playing Test cricket until after the next World Cup. Meanwhile, he should play only ODIs. His natural stroke play style is more suited to ODIs than Tests. Besides, he is struggling in Tests while performing quite creditable in ODIs. In ODIs his bowling has also come in very handy.

In short, I think Sachin should pass on Test cricket until the next World Cup and focus entirely on ODIs. This will give VVS, Kaif, Raina, Venugopal Rao, or Badani a good shot at Test cricket.

Movie Review: In Her Shoes

Title: In Her Shoes
Language: English
Starring: Cameron Diaz, Shirley McClaine

Its a story of two sisters, one of whom is a lawyer, career oriented type while the other (played by Cameron Diaz) is quite “vela”. Weaved around this backdrop is a story revolving around these two and their grandmom (played by Shirley McCaline) who lives in Florida in old age home. The Mom is is dead while the Dad and mother-in-law (grandma) don’t get along. The daughters eventually find their way to the grandma and then the family is brought together with a marriage of the elder daughter. The relationship between the sisters is well portrayed and both actresses do a fine job of their respective roles. Overall, its a nice film with a different theme that has been handled well. If you are looking for an action film, this is certainly not it. On the other hand if you are open to a “light” movie with ample humor and “sento”, with the pace and storyline similar to malayalam films, this one is a safe bet. By default, I think this movie is likely to appeal naturally to women more than men.

Book Review: Tuesdays with Morrie

Title: Tuesdays with Morrie
Author: Mitch Albom

This a moving true story of the last days of a terminally ill Professor. The Author is a sports writer and a former student of the Professor. Its an easy read that I strongly recommend. The contrast between the author who is leading a fast paced life while constantly interacting with his Professor whose time is limited makes the book that much more interesting and engaging. The writing style is simple yet very effectively captures deeper issues such as relationships, importance of health, friendships, values etc.

Its a must read for anyone who is on a desperate fast-track, professionally focused life. Looking for an easy read that is not very long with deep fundas of life? Certainly, go for this one.

DP World bids US goodbye!

The infamous Dubai ports deal has ended with the company, DP World planning to dump all its US ports. Its a sad end to needless political drama. What is the US going to do next –Stop all Arab Airlines from flying into the US? I agree with President Bush’s concern that we have sent the wrong message by needlessly antogonizing the UAE.

Run fest at the Wandereres: Time to rethink ODI pitches?

The final ODI between SA and Aus was no doubt an exciting one. It was the same pitch on which India succumbed without even a fight at the last World Cup final. It just shows that with proper planning and execution the 368 on the same ground that the Aussies set for India was not an impossible task.

Hats off the Graeme Smith the “outspoken, bragging, get under the opposition’s skin” captain of SA. Gotta hand it to him. He showed some real spunk. He lead from the front with a fine knock when it most mattered and ensured SA’s greatest ever ODI victory. It just shows that Aus can’t expect the next World Cup to be easy. SA, England, Pak and India are all capable of beating Australia. Will be interesting to see if Warne is brought back into the Aus ODI team.

I think its time cricketing countries made a conscious attempt to balance the matches so bowlers have an equal role to play in the ODIs as the batsmen. Why not prepare tracks on which batting is very difficult? Turning tracks, bouncy wickets etc. Why does it always have to be run fest? Why not a low scoring ODI where runs are extremely difficult to score? This might add some challenges to team compositions. Specialist batsmen might actually have more of a role to play as will specialist bowlers. If the current trend continues in a few years time ODIs will be phased out in favor of 20-20s.

India-England Mohali Test: Comfortable victory for India

India wrapped up the second Test quite comfortably. The most encouraging fact of the match for India was the success of Munaf Patel. Finally, India has a bowler who can bowl over 145 km/hr, send in the toe-crushers and even shake up the batsman, something India batsman have been used to for years. As Dravid rightly pointed out, India can return the favor. One can only hope that his pace doesn’t deteriorate with time as in the case of most Indian fast bowlers (Pathan being a prime example).

One can’t help feeling for Piyush Chawla, he was hopelessly under bowled on his debut Test. With Dravid’s, “I won’t swap Anil [Kumble] for anyone in any conditions.” mindset, Chawla can reset his Test hopes for now. His best bet is to break into the ODI team. I was a little surprised that he was sent in after Bhajji despite being a batsman (he top scored in the India U-19 final against Pak).

It was a little disappointing to see England succumb without a fight. I thought India will lose 4-5 wickets before reaching the target. England will be under severe pressure going into the last Test on pitch that has known to aide spinners. But I suspect India will bring back VVS in place of Chawla and go in with four bowlers.

The pressure to retain ones place in the Indian team is evident and a healthy trend. Viru played an uncharacteristic knock to show that he is not completely out of form and can still justify his presence! The pressure is now on Sachin to deliver on his home ground after a string of Test failures.