The Season of Cricket Experts

India is a land where every cricket fan is an expert analyst and most wouldn't like to hear otherwise. Twitter, at the moment, is the congregation of cricket fans with minute-by-minute, ball-by-ball updates and witty, funny, critical comments. Watching the match live at the stadium is an experience, so is watching the match on TV with family and friends offering commentary with the official commentary on mute. Match preview shows with 'expert panelists', in a nation of cricket experts,  are another experience, usually bound to be looked at with great interest (and scorn).

Competing with the sports channels and the official broadcast channel of the World Cup for expert preview panels and in-depth post mortem analysts, are our news channels. Times NOW is ever-ready to remind us of their expert panel hosted by Mandira Bedi and Anand Narasimhan featuring Barry Richards, Shane Bond, Graeme Hick, Sanath Jaysuriya, Arun Lal among others. Times Now, of course, took it upon themselves to cheer for Team India with their 'Good Luck India' campaign. 

Almost every Indian cricket fan is an expert analyst himself

CNN IBN boasts of having the likes of World Cup winning Pakistani captain Imran Khan, one of the greatest legends of cricket Sir Vivian Richards - 'Kings of Cricket' on their channel to analyze and predict the matches as they unfold. Headlines Today had Sourav Ganguly and Nasser Hussain share their expertise to preview the India-England encounter at Bengaluru. And then there are the usual suspects who offer their take on the World Cup - Harsha Bhogle, Charu Sharma, Navjot Singh Sidhu and the like.

All this, without counting the constant commentary from Rameez Raja, Sanjay Manjrekar, Tony Greig, and the ever-predictable Ravi Shastri etc. This, of course, is just the TV media and its cricket obsession. Online, things are more varied, with general bloggers, dedicated cricket bloggers, retired cricketers on Twitter, almost everyone with a Twitter account and a Facebook account, famous cricket websites like Cricinfo, offering their views on the game. 

Expert views abound, fan commentary is rampant and I, for one, cannot imagine cricket without its analysts. I may not appreciate many of their opinions, I might find some retired cricketers-experts annoying, but cricket without its fans and experts who are ever-ready to offer their commentary, is unimaginable. One month of expert analysis of matches, however, might take me to the end of my tether. But here's to every fan enjoying the matches and sharing their views. Cricket is pointless if you cannot have an hour-long discussion of The Curious Case of Overrated Ajit Agarkar or share Yuvraj Singh jokes. Enjoy and may the best team win!

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Expert Cricket Columns

The People's World Cup

A Dutch Delight!

I confess I hadn't heard of Ryan ten Doeschate till this week. Of course, I remember reading a fleeting mention of him when Kolkata Knight Riders picked him for their IPL team during the auctions. I remember wondering if he was worth choosing. Ryan ten Doeschate has proven in the best way possible, with a sparkling century against England in the World Cup, that KKR's choice was an excellent one. 

Ryan ten Doeschate is a South African-born cricketer who plays for the Netherlands due to his Dutch ancestry. He has, apparently, been the stand-out player for the Netherlands for a long time now. Watching him play against England was a delight to every cricket fan. The saga of the underdog performing well, is one that can be overwhelming and amazing. The Netherlands team, their blazing orange jerseys and distinctly tough-to-pronounce names, played with heart and soul in a match that most people predicted England would win comprehensively. 

Ryan ten Doeschate is a talent to watch out for

While the Netherlands' excellent performance in a match they didn't win could be attributed to horrid bowling and even more embarrassingly bad fielding by England, there is no denying the fact that the 'minnows' played with a lot of passion. It was ten Doeschate who lead the way for his team, while other batsman contributed their share to the team's challenging total. But there was no doubt who the most inspiring player was, not just with the bat, but also with the ball. Ten Doeschate picked two valuable wickets to put England on the backfoot.

An all-rounder of his talent is a prized possession and I hope he continues to inspire his team to perform even better and cause an upset or two in the World Cup. After all, to quote a Ravi Shastri cliche, 'Cricket is the real winner' when the underdogs perform exceedingly well. Ten Doeschate's brilliant century has already helped turn more eyes towards the Netherlands team. Not only will matches played by the team watched with more interest and expectations, sponsors have already come their way. 

All of this is a tremendous boost for the Netherlands team and one hopes that it will reflect in the team's performance and the sport's popularity in the country. 

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ten Doeschate sets inspiring example

Bats, shoes, commercial ties: Dutch bask in newfound glory

Let the Cricket (Craze) Begin!

Of the many things that happened in 2003, I can remember only one significant detail: I fell in love with the Cricket World Cup. No, it wasn't just about cheering for Team India or about staying up late at night to watch an excellent match.

It was about the entire experience: the tense final overs, learning the difference between a short leg and a silly point, breaking into tears when India was thrashed in the finals, guessing the Man of the Match, arguing with Mum about who will win the match, not watching a particular player fearing that I will jinx him, putting the volume on mute and giving my own commentary. Those were the days that made another cricket-obsessed Indian.

The 2003 World Cup, therefore, was my definitive cricketing experience. The T20 World Cup that we won didn't even come close. It was too snappy and short and while the result was delightful, it just didn't equal the amazing passion and emotion of the ODI World Cup in South Africa. The 2007 World Cup in the West Indies was probably one of the most boring, tedious tournaments in cricketing history and most people were just glad to see it get over without further mishap. But this year promises to be special, for cricket's biggest tournament is back to its biggest fan base. 

When the Indian team plays, a nation unites

Jokes abound on Twitter about all scamsters being the happiest people with regards the upcoming World Cup, for it means that the attention of both the people and the media will squarely be on cricket. That is certainly not far from the truth. As February 19th nears, India gets ready to drown in the ocean of its favourite game. 'Breaking News' will soon mean results of matches and in the case of some channels, every wicket. Score updates will be received with frenzy via SMS, Twitter, Facebook while on the move. 

It is a lost cause to try and ignore cricket in India. Unless one plans to live in a rock for the next few weeks, cricket is inescapable and omnipresent. Prayers for India's victory, homa or rituals for Sachin Tendulkar's century and offerings to Cricket Ganesha will get underway. Chale Chalo from Lagaan will be played by many news channels in their feature videos wishing good luck to the Indian team. Politicians will comment on the team's performance - good, bad or ugly. Betting rackets might be busted. Teachers will make mandatory statements about the timing of the World Cup and how it distracts students from their final exams. 

I'd recommend that we all take the plunge and enjoy every moment of this wondrous sport, for few things unite India the way cricket does.

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Of Fickle Fans And Burden of Expectations

A Pressure Test!

One can safely assume that Indian cricketers are quite used to playing under pressure. After all, as TV channels remind us regularly, they are always carrying the 'expectations of a billion people'. If that's not pressure enough, we are constantly reminded of the fact that 28 years after the epic triumph of David over Goliath in the 1983 Cricket World Cup, India has another chance at ultimate glory. 

We have 'Good Luck' campaigns underway, Mandira Bedi is back, reminding us of the seriousness of the event, and what's best this time (or worst, depending on how you look at it) is that India is playing at home. So that means, playing before a packed stadium that will cheer every ball, every shot. That means playing when you know a billion people are constantly monitoring every over. That means playing at a time when it's possible the Lok Sabha will discuss the performance of the team. If the Lok Sabha is functioning this session, that is.

India go into the World Cup as clear favourites and history shows that Team India play well when they go in as 'underdogs' in a tournament. Why? Because that means less pressure is foisted on them. Nobody really expects them to do well, so they can just go out and play their game without the perilous load of expectations hanging to them. 

The upcoming World Cup is likely to be Sachin Tendulkar's final World Cup

There's an extra element of pressure this time around: ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 is, in all probability, Sachin Tendulkar's last World Cup. M.S Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir have both spoken about winning the World Cup for the legendary cricketer as a farewell gift of sorts. While the thought is no doubt noble, I asked myself why on earth the Indian team would pile up more pressure on itself! 

Now it's not enough that they play exceedingly well since they are 'carrying the hopes of a billion people' and repeat the feat of Kapil's Devils, they also have to present the ultimate gift to a man who has come to define Indian cricket. If pressure on a sporting team could be measured, this one would make it to the Guinness Book of World Records. 

I sincerely hope that the Indian team is able to just go out and play their game, temporarily forgetting the pressure they're under though that is definitely easier said than done. I would also recommend that they not read this post, which serves as a compilation of the overwhelming expectations on this team. Anyway, here's hoping for a wonderful world cup for all cricket fans, especially the ones in India!

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Sachin Tendulkar can inspire India to victory

When God Bats, My World Stops

Aussie Kim!

When Kim Clijsters announced her retirement in 2007, I was one of her many fans who was shocked and saddened. Clijsters was always an excellent role-model for girls who played tennis. She was elegant yet powerful, stylish yet strong, well-mannered and not prone to temper tantrums, and most importantly, played her best tennis against an impeccable opponent that lead to a famed Belgian rivalry.

Cheering for Kim while lauding Henin's wonderful serves and volleys was a favourite pastime. Her retirement, therefore, left a huge void in women's tennis. In 2008, Clijsters gave birth to a daughter Jada Ellie. And in 2009, she was back playing the game she loved, a game that missed her presence. Players on a comeback often tend to take some time to get rid of the rustiness in their game. But not Kim Clijsters, who won the US Open title in only her third tournament back, becoming the first mother since Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1980 to win a major. 

And since that win, there has been no looking back for the 27-year-old. Pictures of Kim holding the U.S Open trophy while hugging daughter Jada tell the tale of a remarkable fairytale comeback. Kim Clijsters, it seems clear, is now the poster girl for the working mother. 

While her arch-rival Justine Henin made a comeback in 2010, it was clearly Kim who was still on top of her game. She successfully defended her U.S Open title, to make it her second Grand Slam victory after her comeback and ended 2010 with a ranking of World Number 3. This new year has gotten off to a great start for the Belgian.

When I wrote my preview post to the Australian Open two weeks back, I was hesitant about picking the favourites for the year's first slam. But of Clijsters, I was sure. It wasn't about the fan in me who wanted Clijsters to win, but going just by form and performance, Kim Clijsters was the sure favourite. And she proved all those predictions right by winning the Australian Open, coming back from a set down against Li Na  3-6, 6-3, 6-3.

When Clijsters was engaged to Australian tennis star Lleyton Hewitt in 2003, she was affectionately nicknamed 'Aussie Kim' by her many Australian fans. After winning the Australian Open title now, an emotional Clijsters thanked her fans amidst tears saying "I finally feel like you guys can call me 'Aussie Kim' because I won the title."

Call her Aussie Kim or Belgian Kim or Mother Kim, tennis fans around the world are delighted to see Clijsters back, with the same legendary grace and power. And possibly as more of an inspiration for mothers around the world. Welcome back, Kim. Tennis is a better place with your comeback.

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'Aussie Kim' claims her crown

Never-say-die Clijsters wins Aussie Open

Dial C for Cricket Commentary

Cricket is a funny old game. And that is a clichéd line that almost every cricket commentator has used. When it's a test match we're watching, punctuated with long periods of snail-paced action, it's the commentary that can hold our interest. Witty, incisive commentary, the likes of Ian Chappel, Richie Benaud, Harsha Bhogle and Barry Richards can hold the viewer's interest and even, provide an enjoyable experience. The likes of Ravi Shastri, Laxman Shivaramakrishnan however, tend to be unintentionally hilarious. 

Richie Benaud is considered to be one of the best cricket commentators

Cricket commentators tend to be of two types : the first type is of sports analysts and writers like Harsha Bhogle, Charu Sharma, the tribe that is fast becoming extinct. The second type is the more dominant one - cricket commentators who can be summed up in two words: Retired Cricketers. The problem with cricketers sharing their thoughts about the game, ball-by-ball, is that while they may have played the game well, not many can talk about it well. 

There was a time when people 'watched' cricket matches by listening to legendary cricket commentators on the radio. Now is the time when most people prefer to watch the match on TV with the volume on mute. The predictable phrases and idioms of our commentators and sometimes their bias, irks many a viewer. It would be wrong to trivialise the importance of good commentary and it is also important to acknowledge that excellent commentary on cricket is not as easy a task as it may seem. Dean Jones created a major controversy when he was heard on air calling bearded South African player Hashim Amla a 'terrorist'. As Harsha Bhogle points out:

"You have to assume that the microphone is always on. There will be some network somewhere who will be on live even when there is a break. We have directorial microphones too, so we have to be very careful. Sometimes producers do tell us that it is leaking, be careful. I have made up my mind not to swear even when not on air."

While not controversial, many commentators are a source of parody for their predictable one-liners. The twitter handle Shastribot whose bio reads 'I'm a cool customer and just what the doctor ordered. Twitter, are you ready?' is an amazing, brutally honest parody commentator who replies to any situation, any question with the same, inimitable Shastri dialogues. If overusing a phrase is sufficient to ban it, all tracer bullet references would have been long banned. 

It is very tough to be an excellent cricket commentator just as it is supremely easy to be a bad one. Commentators have that rare opportunity of lending their voice to a historic moment, or echoing the sentiments of a million cricket fans. It's a job that is more than the sum of its clichés.

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Aussie cricket commentators have been a breath of fresh air on air 

About Those Cricket Commentators

Australia Calling

The Australian Open is the first big challenge of a new year for any tennis player. Not only is engrossing, it also tends to set the tone for the year. Or not. Roger Federer tamed Andy Murray to be crowned Champion of the first Grand Slam of 2010. Incidentally, that was the only slam he won in 2010 which has come to be known in many tennis circles as the 'Year of  Nadal'

Nadal will be hoping to make the Australian Open his own

World Number 1 Rafael Nadal had an amazing 2010, winning the Wimbledon, French Open and U.S Open titles. The pressure is definitely on the Spaniard to prove his dominance and to capture the title that eluded him last year. Federer and his fans, on the other hand, will be hoping that he will manage to defend his title, and if possible, win it convincingly. Regardless of how it plays out, the Australian Open promises to be an exciting clash of the titans.

The usual suspects such as Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray are also expected to rise to the occasion and provide some close matches. Australian fans will be cheering for homeboy Lleyton Hewitt, but the feisty tennis star hasn't been on top of his game. Hewitt's chances of winning the title aren't high, but here's hoping that he will play to his true potential.

As far as the women's draw is concerned, Belgian Kim Clijsters is seen as a clear favourite. Serena Williams, the defending champion who won the last two Australian Open crowns, is missing out due to foot surgery. Her absence takes out the sting in the competition, but this might be her sister Venus Williams' big chance to add the Australian Open trophy to her kitty.

Indian fans will be hoping that the 'Indian Express' can recreate its magic..

For Indian fans, the great news is that the legendary duo of  Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes, fresh from winning the Chennai Open, are at Melbourne to play for glory. Somdev Dev Varman received a wildcard for the Australian Open and will hope to do much better than his disappointing performance in the recently-concluded Chennai Open. But it won't be an easy task as he faces former World No 5 Tommy Robredo.

If Somdev's was a tough draw, Sania Mirza's was even tougher. The only woman representing India in the Australian Open is pitted against former World No 1 Justine Henin. As I write, Sania has fought hard to win the first set against Henin 7 - 5 and seeks to keep up the momentum.

Predictions, analysis and expectations aside, what makes tennis special is the surprises it offers. To a country ravaged by recent floods, one hopes that the Australian Open will bring a lot of joy.

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Australian Open: The Burning Questions
Cljsters taking it one match at a time