Upcoming/Lost Indian bowlers squad.

Hello people,

As the England series is here, most of the talk is about England having superior bowling along with a lot of bench strength. Yes they have an enviable line up. Tall fast bowlers are always an asset. But one thing that they should keep in mind is to stay put with feet on the ground. If they consider guaranteed about greatness, they will fall off the way swiftly. 

I feel that’s what happened or is happening with India’s bowling arsenal. India is really looking for a back for Zaheer Khan after he retires. May be Ishant Sharma is the answer with his impressive comeback against the West Indies. But we can’t be sure as he too has been among the ‘self-proclaimed’ superstars who have lost direction.

Here I give a list of bowlers who are international quality or have the potential to be successful at the top level.
Most of them have played for India in some form, but could not cement their place. Reasons could be anything. Arrogance to lack of good coaching to injuries. Even selection sometimes has been a reason as someone like Pankaj Singh went on the Australia tour of 2007-08 and didn’t play a single test. 

1. IrfanPathan : he was heralded as india’s answer to Wasim Akram. But stardom and pressure to be next Kapil Dev + Akram rolled as one has let him drift away. His strength was swing and he could bowl at low 140s which is dangerous with swing. But too much coaching led to remodeling of action, reduced speed and he lost all his zing. Any one remember the 90Mph in swinger that led to comparisons with Akram? I have no videos, but I dont need them as its so fresh in my mind.

2.  MunafPatel : He came in as the fastest Indian bowler with speeds over 150Kph. But then again, some dumb said he looked like Mcgrath and therefor he had his pace reduced and now as Andy Roberts called it, he is spinning it. [Cant say upcoming about him, he is 28].

3. RP Singh: RP Singh has in my view similarities with Pathan. An extremely talented swing bowler, who can bowl in the high 130s to 140s, has his name on the Lord’s honours board. But again lack of hunger and lack of discipline together with lack of form has somewhat thrown him out. His regress has been relatively mysterious. But he still can be Indias future if given proper care. He has got talent.

 4. P Kumar: He has grabbed every opportunity by both hands and as of now is not among the ‘failed’. But his lack of pace even at this age of 23 is not doing any good to his career. He can swing it anywhere anytime, but his pace has to be increased if he has to consistently play and trouble batsmen.

5.  A Mithun: Mithun is still young and it would be harsh to count him among the failures. He also has somewhat been shabbily treated by the selectors as he is not getting continuous opportunities. He also need to raise the pace a bit to be successful, but sure has some potential.

6. VRV Singh: He, when he came in first showed promise. Tall muscular bowler, who could regularly bowl 90Mph. But he had technical faults and bowled no-balls consistently. Lack of coaching led to his ousting. He may never come back and it is a loss.

7.  S Tyagi: Another tall bowler who was hyped up big time. But he has now drifted away with all the stardom getting to his head. Lack of temperament has led to another promising bowler’s downfall here. His arrogance is evident when he takes a wicket and you can fill a bucket full of profanity.

8. PankajSingh: Another 6 foot plus bowler who bowled in the mid-140s. I think the selectors either thought he would be like Ambrose straight away because of his height. But for whatever reason after for whatever reason they picked him, they didn’t play him a single test in Australia. He is slugging it out in the Ranjis now.

9. L Balaji: Here is one bowler who lost out not because of his own reason or any other persons, but an injury at the right time has virtually ended his international career. Anyone remember the Pakistan tour 04? He was brilliant and it seemed with Zaheer + Nehra + Balaji + Pathan, India had a decent attack [but not fearsome]. 

10. A Mishra: Lastly a couple of spinners. Amit Mishra has toiled for almost 10 years in domestic cricket to get his place in the squad. He immediately grabbed it as he took a 5 for on debut against Australia. His experience was supposed to make him feel at home. But surprisingly he turned very predictable after that and was using his googlies unimaginatively without flighting it enough. The spin stronghold of India is not able to help him yet. He has made a comeback of sorts against West Indies, but cannot in anyway be believed to have settled in.

11. P Chawla: Another leggie who bowls more googlies than his leggies. Fact that artists like Bishan Bedi can’t help Chawla is really a sad truth. They even come from the same state! He is still young and given direction can shoulder spinner’s responsibilities. Now no one can forget this delivery can they?

12. R Aswin: The guy has talent. But the problem is he has a mystery ball as well. He has to be careful not to overuse it. Mystery bowlers are sure to be sorted out as Mendis found out against India. So he should just concentrate on his off spin and control and such stuff.       

13. S Sreesanth: Sreesanth has been an enigma. Arrogant and caught by stardom I would say. He has the best seam position for an outswinger, at least from India. He can reverse the ball both ways. But the thing he lacks is temperament and control. Recently, Indian bowling coach has said, if he can control himself and not try to bowl 6 different deliveries, he will be really good. But he is 28 and what beckons for him, only God knows.

14. P Ojha: Pragyan is rated by none other than Kumble. He has got a few opportunities as well. But he will struggle to get opportunities outside the subcontinent as only one spinner plays and his fielding capabilities are well, no capabilities there. The problem he faces is his fitness and if he doesn’t reduce his waistline, he can end up being a Romesh Powar.  

15. Ishant Sharma :  Lastly, the man most likely to take the baton from Zaheer. Ishant has reemerged of sorts during the West Indies tour. When he came on to the scene, he was a tall erratic bowler who bowled 8 ball overs regularly, and looked like young Srinath. After which he had a dream spell in Australia and he troubled Ponting in India as well. But because of too much T20 and ODI cricket perhaps, he lost his rhythm. I just hope he has come back for good and carries the baton from Zaheer. He could be best ever fast bowler from India with time on his side.[ He is only 22!]

I have not counted  any bowler who is over 29 as this list is one which includes either up coming or 'could have been' upcoming bowlers. 

Some notable commissions

1.  Jayadev Unadkat

2. R Vinay Kumar

3. D Kulkarni [ another case of ridiculous selection. Didnt play a single game in NZ in 09]

 IPL every year means, every year some bowler or the other is hyped up as the next best. Those include Umesh yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Rahul Sharma, Sidhart Trivedi, Varun Aron, Kamran Khan, Ashoke Dinda, MS Gony etc etc. But I have not seen enough of those guys to rate them. There are also others who were promising once, like these guys above, but lost out on a decent career like Ashish nehra, Ajit Agarkar, Tinu Yohannan, Abey Kuruvilla etc. Then there are others like Avishkar Salvi[2004, was dubbed as McGrath!] who were ridiculously hyped up when they took a couple of wickets against Bangladesh. 

Reasons can be anything. Injuries, lack of temperament, arrogance, stardom, even fans. We pace starved Indians, rate a bowler pretty highly when ever we see him bowling at 140+. This adds the pressure on the bowler to straight away burst through a batsman with his pace. But when he cannot do that, he tries to change stuff. Then his coach tries to change stuff. Finally he loses the trick somewhere. I cant decide on one particular thing as I feel its different for every player.

Finally, so is it lack of talent in India in the bowling department being a country of batting superstars or is it some other combination of things? 

Thanks!

England vs India 2011 - The Best X1

Hello people, 

India will play England in the first test of the Pataudi trophy at the historic venue of Lord’s on July 21, 2011. India is the top ranked team in tests right now and England are ranked 3^rd. But when I say, that this is the 2000^th test ever and 100^th between the two teams the interest really creeps in. Add to that, one Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar is on 99 test hundreds [!]. Now, anyone would really be making sure that the date is set!   

No wonder why the media is hyping the issue already. Even before India played the West Indies or when England was playing Sri Lanka, who are number 4 in the world, the talk was about this upcoming series. 

Ian Botham

Darren Gough

Some say it’s the most anticipated series in England after 2005. Others say the best touring side since 2005. 5 batsmen and 5 bowlers from either teams figure in the top10. India is looking on to continue their reign at the top. England is looking to topple them with all their planning and vision for the future. Many former English players including Botham and Gough have said that England is unofficially the best team currently. No wonder it’s highly anticipated.

Sachin Tendulkar

Graeme Swann

I am getting goose bumps as early as now thinking about the battle between Anderson and Tremlett vs Tendulkar. Dravid has already said Swann will be the key factor. I thought of selecting a Best XI among the players from both the teams. It is really straight forward when you see that there are 5 batsmen and 5 bowlers who are in the top 10 from both the teams! But a small analysis would be good.

 Openers:

Cook

Sehwag

All four are brilliant batsmen and except maybe Strauss, are in form at the moment. Cook is statistically the best pick while Sehwag can be discounted at the oppositions peril! Gambhir hasn’t played a test in England, but his form has been superb for the last couple of years. Strauss had a very good world cup and he has led England very well. But Cook is in better form and Sehwag is a match winner. Given to me I would not pick both Cook and Strauss at the top. After a lot of thought, I am going with Cook and Sehwag for the opening slot. Two contrasting batsmen, but no doubt, mightily effective. I am going for Sehwag since he can change a game within minutes. 

Middle Order:

Trott

Laxman

There are 3 batsmen from either team in the top 10. But 5 out of them can be in top 10 anytime. This is really a tough pick. I think Tendulkar has to be an automatic choice. Now at number 3 and 5 it’s a choice between Laxman, Dravid, Peitersen, Trott and Bell. 

All are equipped to bat at both positions. Considering current form, I would go with Trott at number 3 and Peitersen at number 5. Laxman has not scored a 100 in England. But he does average 44 and if you consider Laxman’s performance in England, Bell against India has been terrible in Tests.  

Kevin Pietersen

 Peitersens form has not been good. But he has the capability to turn a match and will score big in at least 1 test of a 4 match series. His aggressive style just gets him in. For the remaining spot, we have Dravid, Laxman, Bell, Morgan, Raina and Yuvraj. I wouldn’t even consider last 2. For me it’s a choice between Laxman and Bell. Dravid has been very tentative for me, these days. Considering his ability to bat with the tail, I would go with laxman at 6. 

 Wicket Keeper:

Dhoni

It’s a straight choice between Dhoni and Prior. Considering all round capabilities I would make Mahendra Singh Dhoni captain. Prior has been in good form with the bat and Dhoni has not scored enough. But Dhoni has got some runs under his belt in the last test in the West Indies and his captaincy skills take him in. Especially when there is only Cook as contender for the captaincy slot.

Bowlers:

Anderson

Ishant Sharma

Lack of genuine all-rounders in either side is the reason why I have gone for a 6^th batsman. So the last 4 remaining spots will be bowlers and we have a big list for consideration. But I guess based on ability the venue and current form, Zaheer and Anderson go right in. Now Harbhajan vs Swann! Based on current form, Swann is the pick. Harbhajan has been too defensive and monotonous for at least last 2 years. At the same time, Swann has been as attacking as any spinner and also has contained batsmen. 

Zaheer khan

Some dumb rightly said, that best form of stopping runs is to take wickets! But Harbhajan may be saying that team tactics are keeping him from attacking. But I am not buying that. Let this series decide who is better. For now I go with Swann. Last remaining spot goes to Tremlett for the form he showed against Sri Lanka. Many may argue that Ishant is better. But his lack of consistency is what causes concern. Sreesanth can be at times brilliant, but woefully erratic at times. Finn also lacks consistency and I have not seen much of Bresnan in tests except a one off in Australia. 12^th man will be Ian Bell as he would be fielding.

So this is my final team.

       1. Alistair Cook

        2. VirenderSehwag

      3. Jonathan Trott

      4.  Sachin Tendulkar

      5 .Kevin Peitersen

      6.  VVS Laxman

      7. MS. Dhoni

      8. Graeme Swann

      9. Chris Tremlet

          10. Zaheer Khan

      11. James Anderson

     12. Ian Bell      

Your own X1s are welcome.

Thanks!

Sri Padmanabhaswami Temple - The wealthiest in the World!

Hello people,

Temple in 1940

In 1931, at least one vault was opened. An auspicious time was chosen and that was 10 am, December 6^th. This was done in presence of then Maharaja, Sri Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma.

Among the contents found were gold and silver coins stored in a "granary like thing," four brass chests of coins, over 300 gold pots, and a six-chambered wooden chest containing jewels decorated with diamonds, rubies, emeralds and other precious stones. Four coffers were removed and taken to the palace treasury for counting and valuation.

Sri Chithira Thirunal

In 2011, the Supreme Court of India directed the authorities from the fire services and archeology department to open vaults of the temple for inspection of the items kept inside. Assets consisting of gold, jewels, and other treasures were found in the vaults of the temple. Several 18th century Napoleonic era coins were found, as well as a three-and-a-half feet tall gold idol of Mahavishnu studded with rubies and emeralds, and ceremonial attire for adorning the deity in the form of 16-part ‘Thanka’ [gold] ‘Anki’ weighing almost 30 kilograms (66 lb) together with gold coconut shells, one studded with rubies and emeralds.

There are vessels to distribute ‘Payasam’ [A sweet dish, of milk] and that too is made of gold. ‘Sarappoli Malas’ and another 16 foot golden ‘mala’ [necklace] was also found. There were 2500 golden pots and 100s of gold coins found. Golden coins were presented by the raja everyday on his visit to the temple. Hundred thousand of them were brought from Surat and are called ‘Surat nanayam’ [Surat coins].

Supreme Court

As of now, the value found is estimated around 22 BillionDollars! When the 6^th vault the ‘Bharatakon Ara’ is opened, it is said to have a vault inside it as well, the total is estimated to cross 27-30 billion $ making Sri Padmanabhaswami temple the richest in the world. But as mentioned previously, its opening has been stalled for now, by the Supreme Court.

Coins used in 16th century Thiruvithancore

Now the question is what to do with the assets. Many suggestions have come from various set of people and experts. Some say government should take over and use it for the development of the state or the country. [Total worth is more that the educational budget of the country]. Museum is another suggestion and the Trivandrum MP; Sri Shashi Tharoor alsostated the same. Museum director has said ‘he is ready to take over’ the assets to the museum. Various banks have come forward to safe guard the assets. Some say that it should be kept in the temple itself and should be kept as symbols of our rich history. But some say that if kept in the temple it would be of no use and even more money should be spent to protect it.  Someone rightly said Opinions are like ‘nose’, everyone has one! Well, not exactly, but something instead of a ‘nose’.

I think there are a 2 general ways that this wealth could be used and its absolutely not dead wealth.

One is of course to sell and convert it to cash.  Second is to keep it as a rich historical symbol and generate wealth from displaying it.

First one is rather ruthless and I am against it for sure. And, to trust our ‘great’ parliamentarians and ministers with all that cash would be like shutting the vaults again with no one guarding it! 

Kohinoor

Really, it is a test for all those who say that Europeans looted all our wealth, Kohinoor and our brains! But at least they are in some museum or the other and making us think about our history. Now, our wealth is in our hands. It’s depending on Indians on its future. The same who support corruption, nepotism, bribery, scams, vandalisms, writing names + love symbol on historical buildings and God knows what all! 

As my humble opinion, if I can have one on this matter, I prefer the second way. We should keep this for display and protect it. Now what should be done with that income? Now, I have missed the big word that is ‘Secularism’ altogether! But I would go with being ‘Fair’ rather than ‘Secular’. I think the wealth should be used for the poorer Temples and the poor ‘Thantri’s who leaves on 50Rs daily by performing the rituals in those temples. We can help the sweepers and other workers in various temples who struggle for their daily wages. We can set up ‘Vedic Pathshalas or Sanskrit Pathshalas’ as a tribute to a great language and culture. There is no harm in donating a fair part of the income to the government as well for the development of the state or the country.

I also think we should not build a separate Museum. But instead it should be built inside the temple premises itself, or buy land near the temple and build it there as a part of the temple. It would be like a museum but part of the temple.

Louvre

Now the museum or whatever we build should be like a ‘Louvre’ and not like any other museum. It should be protected with apt security and not like our other museum from where Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings were stolen like they were being stolen from an abandoned building.

Now the question will be asked who will build the ‘museum’. If the government builds it, naturally the income also should go to the government. I think the Devasom Board which has a lot of money; together with the Palace and contributions from other ‘Bhaktas’ [I won’t say only Hindus, Bhaktas in the sense whoever wants to contribute] can cover the expenses of the same. 

Add caption

Vivekananda Rock - Kanyakumari

It should be a thing which India can be proud of. Marketing can be great as Kovalam is nearby and also Kanyakumari. So both Pilgrims and Tourists will be attracted to the display. That’s why the display should be part of the temple itself.  Lets hope something fair will materialize and India can be proud of the temple and the wealth.

P.S: Opinions, as I said are like ‘bodyparts’, everyone has one! So please spare me of your abuses. But the ‘bodyparts are welcome!

Update on 12th July : The raja of Thiruvithancore, Sri Uthradam Thirunal Marthanda Varma , has made his opinion clear that all the wealth belongs to the God. Heres the link to the interview . He had already told the Supreme Court that none of it belongs to him.



Thanks!