ChinmayC Blog

World Cup Cricket Hassles: City of Sorrow?

Kolkata, the city of joy (or was it?), is fast turning into probably a city of sorrow. First, the Dada of joy Saurav Ganguly was unceremoniously unbought by Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL-4. No other team considered him either. An icon abandoned.

Now, Eden Gardens Stadium, the Mecca of Cricket in India, is on the verge of being rejected by the ICC for the Ind-Eng World Cup match on Feb 27. In fact, the ICC rejected it outright for non-completion of repair work by the set deadline. But Kolkata being what it is, the panic button was pressed in all possible high and highest centers of power. The ICC President Sharad Pawar had to give an assurance for reconsideration. But, things are in the balance.

The reasons are really beyond understanding. How is it possible? When did you first come to know that World Cup is being organized in the Indian subcontinent? Must be long long back. Then how come possibly the best stadium of the country with the capacity of more than 80 thousand ardent fans ignored like this? No explanations can explain such colossal nonchalance.

Or for the Indian cricket board what could be more important—World Cup or IPL-4? You can make the calculations and arrive at a conclusion as to which could have been expendable. For IPL-4 encounters the Eden Gardens has to be ready. Maybe there is catch in that too! Dada omitted?

Anyway after Commonwealth ShameGames this is another shame for a country priding in the wonderful game of cricket. And with all the money jingling at the cricket board coffers!

Cricket: Disappointing End To Ind-SA ODI Series.

Team India without Sehwag, Tendulkar and Gambhir nearly won the first ever ODI series in South Africa. First match was one sided with SA winning hands down. Then came the two suspense thrillers with nail biting wins for India. Team India leading the series 2-1.

But then, disappointment. Not because India lost the next two, but because rains marred both with D/L method coming into play. Without the rains well, you never knew!

The fifth and last one dayer today was again on the verge of being an incredible one. From a doomed position o eight wicket down Yusuf Pathan hit a breathtaking century and a few more lusty hits from him would have shaped the most mind boggling victory for Team India. This man Pathan has already become a terror for all the teams in World Cup starting next month. And, Indian bowlers did a tremendous job giving Team India a chance to win at least four matches. Good signals!

On the minus, India batsmen could not rise up to the challenge. Okay without key three players, but if all top order batsmen fail you have no business to win. A lone Pathan or Virat or Harbhajan cannot win you matches all the time. Also, Dhoni should win a little more tosses though it's all up to the coin to decide.

Team India lost the ODI Series 2-3, but they scored high on many counts which will count well for the World Cup.

Now, put everything in place for the World Cup! As Chief Selector Srikkanth has already announced the best team to win it!