Sachin Tendulkar-Indian cricketer with widest range of strokes. Any Doubt?

The biggest name in the world of cricket

Sachin is the only batsman capable of playing four or five shots at any bowling variation he faces. Till the very end only he knows which one is going to be played. No one can ever sum up number of shots he can play with high efficiency and I am only trying to recall most famous of his shots and thus probably ignite a discussion on this page about the great master blaster.

Sachin Tendulkar is one of the best batsmen cricket has ever seen. He can play in any conditions and against any opposition. His fans admire the way he executes every single shot. This master can play any stroke that is there in cricket books. There are certain shots that have been invented by him.

 I thought it would be interesting to find out his best shots list. Yes he plays them all with equal authority but I just wanted to enlist some of his most liked and enjoyed shots. Hence here is the list of those shots and as we all know these shots are beyond words.

Sachin plays it straight

Straight Drive- Sachin Tendulkar makes it look so simple. His balance during the shot execution is like his trademark on this shot. We can recall numerous incidents where an umpire would struggle to get out of the way of his sweetly timed straight drive. I Just can't forget those days when David Shepherd would be jumping on a nelson (111) score and Sachin times one straight into his hat. Almost all current players can play this shot with a lot of horse power but not with Sachin's class.

Upper cut- Sachin Tendulkar is best when it comes to using the bowler's pace to maximum advantage. He is credited for inventing this shot and refining it. The shot he played against Shoab Akhtar during 2003 World cup match was one example. The shot became famous as shot of the millennium. Later he started playing it more and more straight, exactly over the wicket keeper's head (to be precise).

Leg glance- We all know where the ball ends if a bowler bowls at his middle or leg stump. He would simply tap it towards fine-leg for four. He played it so finely that it at times ends up behind the wicket keeper. Getting a fine-leg fielder frustrated by playing this shot towards both his sides seems to be Sachin's favorite hobby.

Cover Drive- The cover drive is a shot that Sachin would usually get going with. More often than not he puts his first runs on the board by timing one sweetly through the cover or extra cover region. What makes his cover drive so special is that he could play it of both his feet; be it when he is on front foot or when he stands tall at the back foot and plays the ball with ease and grace. His high elbow while playing this shot is unmatched and his trademark on this shot.

Square Drive/Cut- This is the business area for any Indian batsman and Sachin as usual is excellent here too. He knows how to play it early or delay it so as to pierce the point and gully region. More refined version of same shot is the late cut that he makes look so simple. Also the shot upper cut was a result of square drive or late cut played in the air.

Paddle Sweep- All the above shots are usually played against fast bowlers and help him creating new "Sachin Tendulkar records". But Sachin is same batsman who has given nightmares to the likes of Abdul Qadir and Shane Warne with his step-out sixes and the paddle sweeps. He looked nimble footed when steps out of his crease and equally effective when he plays that late paddle sweep behind the square. Again Sachin is the one who is credited for the invention of the shot pedal sweep.

The list of such strokes could become very long but I want to know yours favorite ones. Is it one of the above or shots like pull-shot, reverse sweep or on-drive. You can leave your favorite shot in the form of a comment below and we will take the discussion even further.

For more on sports:- Indian Cricket's lone Star-Virat Kohli.

Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle - The cricketers with unique style.

Virat and Gayle unique celebration style

Virat, Gayle dancing during live cricket

Virat Kohli and the dangerous left handed West Indian batsman Chris Gayle are playing for Royal Challenger Bangalore this year. Their on and off ground friendship has been fascinating cricket viewers all over the cricketing World. Specially the way the cricketers celebrate their victory after the match, has become the duo’s signature. We know Chris is most destructive batsman playing IPL 2013. His previous and current performances also suggest the same. Chris Gayle has already stunned everyone with a mammoth innings of 170+ runs against Pune Warriors. In a single innings he broke about 10 cricket records at once. And the giant has already warned of targeting a double hundred in this same edition of IPL 2013. The poor bowlers might have already started praying and pleading to God to somehow stop the hungry  Yeti.
Chris Gayle’s effortless hitting has been Highlight of the IPL 2013. On the other hand Virat  is also making life difficult for every bowler this year. Kohli is one of the leading run getter for first half of the IPL 2013. Virat is classic type of batsman and plays the bottom handed cricket shots as well. His aggressive leadership certainly helps in getting the best out of a team that he is currently captaining. Royal Challengers Bangalore are the side that is giving  nightmares even to Dhoni’s Chennai Duper Kings.  Looking at the initial half, one feels these two sides are main contenders for this edition of IPL 2013.

The Royal friends of IPL 2013

The outcome of the tournament is not something that we can predict accurately but one thing is for sure that the duo of Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle is having great time playing together. Although IPL is also blamed for creating problems in-between the cricketers of same international cricket team but this example of unique friendship is worth it. Their celebration style is unique. Gayle has that Gangnam dance going on whenever he gets the chance to. Virat and Gayle's off field dancing and dressing-room pranks are also always on.

Virat and Gayle in IPL 2013

The IPL is said to be all about entertainment and such players and their unique styles provide just that. The other teams won’t mind them enjoying outside the ground but if the duo gets going on the pitch, it would certainly spell trouble for any team. Royal Challengers Bangalore has its best chance of winning the title this year provided they also perform with the ball. The fans of Virat and Chris will be hoping for more destructive innings from them.


for more Virat Kohli images click  here

Virat Kohli - Cricketer with Hundred Percent Commitment.

Virat In Yellow funky outfit

Virat rare break down

Virat all-alone in Indian cricket

This is why Cricket is our life

Indian cricketers are every now and then criticized for their lack of commitment on the ground but recent incident where Virat could not hold on to his emotions shows the extent of commitment that this youngster brings to the ground. Indian cricket team was up against South African team and despite winning the match Indian team could not make it through to the semifinals as they needed to win it by at least 32 runs and Pakistan got through on the basis of net run rate. Even before the match ended every one knew the sad news and Virat could not take the jolt and broke into tears. The live telecast showed images of Virat with tears almost ready to run down his sad face. This behavior of our young energetic star was unexpected as we know him for his fighting (never say die) cricketer's attitude.One felt that there is another Sachin Tendulkar fighting it out all by himself while others were just riding on his shoulders.Though Virat was not very successful in this match but throughout the T20 World cup 2012 only name that looked like playing for victory was Virat Kohli. He was our best batsman on display during the tournament while others were finding out new ways of getting out or keeping themselves in playing eleven. Once again Dhoni and Viru seemed to be far too much interested in internal friction which has been the major story throughout cricket 2012. 

 We the people of India are proud of our emotional fighter and Salute him from cores of 120 crore hearts.

 Free-India Sports News Politics-Blogging Secrets-Android Market: Indian Cricket's lone Star-Virat Kohli-Nominated in 2 ICC Award Categories

Indian U-19 Cricket Team Defeated Oz to Win U-19 World Cup 2012

A Better Future In The Making

Indian U-19 cricket team defeated Australian cricket team in U-19 world cup final and became world champion. This was third time that Indian juniors have won this title and Indian cricket team has become second team after Australia to win the world cup in both categories at same time.

The final match proved to be real test of Indian team's bating order as it had already been below its level throughout the world cup.The Indian captain and undoubtedly best batsman in the junior level team, Unmukt played on of his best innings to get the team out of a precarious situation. Indian cricket team was once at 97 runs for loss of four wicket when the captain and the wicket keeping batsman Sumit formed a match winning partnership and won the match by six wickets. 

This victory is also important in the sense that Indian U-19 team has won the cup in away from home conditions and defeated Australians at their home.Because of the way these youngsters have performed in the tournament, some cricket experts have already started discussions about their possible inclusion in the senior team. Especially the captain Unmukt has shown a lot of promise and could soon be following footsteps of cricketers like M. Kaif, Yuvraj Singh and Virat Kohli.The left handed young spinner has also won himself a few followers because of his flight and trajectory and he is already being referred to as next Bishan Singh Bedi by a few experts.

Indian Under-19 Cricket Team Reaches World Cup Final against OZ.

 Indian under-19 cricket team today defeated New Zealand  team in the semifinals of world cup 2012 being held in Australia to fix a clash with host Australia for the world cup. India while batting first set target of 210 runs with the help of Prashant Chopra's 52 runs innings in fifty overs.New Zealand in reply fell short by 9 runs on completion of 50 overs.

 This is fourth time that Indian team has reached the finals and they have already won it two times.The team has so far not been up to its levels and batsmen including the captain of team have shown average performances. This could be a drawback as team will take on hosts Australia on Sunday. The bowlers have so far been getting team through tough situations. We wish Best of luck to our young heroes for the last battle.

 When we compare India U-19 team's this performance with the senior team's recent world cup victory; the U-19 team has done some great in reaching finals as they are playing on tough Australian pitches and lacked the crowd support.The performance of the bowling unit has been instrumental throughout and could come out with someone needed at the senior levels. 

 Indian cricket got a few big names from this format in the past. In current team names like Yuvraj Singh and Virat Kohli have come through U-19 level and we must hope the current world cup will also produce some useful cricketers for the future.

 

V.V.S. Laxman Retires From International Cricket-A Sudden Exit.

V.V.S. Laxman retired? Or Retired hurt?-His sudden exit surprised us all

Indian Cricket team's stylish middle order batsman V.V.S. Laxman has announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket. This came as a surprise for all his fans and team mates as he had already been practicing hard for upcoming at home test series against Black-caps. 

VVS Laxman announces retirement

Laxman said that he did this so as to facilitate youngsters fair chance of proving themselves and thus serving the nation.The sober and subtle batsman for once almost broke into tears and was evidently emotional about the decision.Laxman has not been playing up-to his levels during last two series in England and Down-Under.

The veteran of Indian cricket team, who used to bat at number 5 in test matches batting order has thus put an end to a long carior of over 16 year test cricket in which he had scored well over eight thousand(8,781) runs in 134 matches.Laxman scored 17 test hundreds and 56 half centuries in his illustrious successful carrier.

Laxman celebrates his test century

Since making his debut in international cricket back in 1996 against S. Africa he has played some of the most memorable innings of all times. His most famous one was that of 281 runs against the mighty Aussies at Kolkata that changed complexion of the whole Indian cricket team. Laxman for some mysterious causes used to be at his best against them and in all his hundreds he scored 6 while playing Australia with two double hundreds.

So now two of our greatest ever middle order batsman retiring in short time span Indian cricket might go into some kind of transition phase. Whether youngster like S. Badrinath can fill up his shoes ably will be proven in future; but one thing is sure that Indian cricket might not get a second VERY VERY SPECIAL Laxman. 

• Do you think that V.V.S. Laxman has been forced to exit midway without his will to do so?

Indian Cricket's lone Star-Virat Kohli-Nominated in 2 ICC Award Categories

 The Future Of Indian Cricket

 Indian cricket team has been struggling for last one year both in the one days and the test cricket and we have lost almost everything we had. Our big names faded away and even had to retire while struggling with the form.

Virat Kohli celebrates his hundred

However during all this chaos and difficulty there is a name that stood out and performed above expectations and he is Virat Kohli. This Delhi lad scored back to back hundreds, played in tough situations and held one end up when it was really needed.During cricket 2012, For once he did score four hundreds out off five consecutive outings.

Virat finally got his good work recognized as he has been nominated for 2 ICC player award categories for the current year. He is only Indian cricketer this year to have been nominated for any awards  categories. He has been nominated as best one-day player of the year and best batsman of the year. Whether he gets the awards will depend on the kind of competition he will face from the likes of Hashim  Alma and A.B. Devilliars.

Indian cricket team had been going through tough time for last one year since we won the cricket world cup. With all big names of Indian cricket approaching their respective retirements and there being no real proven replacements ready; this young batsman has provided India with some hope for the future of Indian cricket.

• Indian Cricket Team will host Pakistan counter-part for a series

Welcome Back Yuvraj-After Almost 9 Months He Is back.

Yuvraj Singh in action after defeating cancer

Yuvraj in all-black

Yuvraj In Test Match

Yuvraj Singh Indian Cricket team's left handed stylish batsman is all set to stage a come-back in upcoming T20 world cup to be held in Shrilanka next month.The National Selectors decided to include him in the 15 member squad for the upcoming T 20s in recently held meeting of the selection committee. Whether he is fit or not? this is the concern that most of his fans and Indian cricket team supporters are still wondering about as Yuvraj Singh has not played any professional matches yet.Earlier Yuvraj has communicated about his fitness to the board and said that he is fit. The Indian cricket team needs him badly because in his absence, in last year or so team has not been successful in fulfilling the expectations. With Yuvi back in the scheme of things the team might once again find that right balance and the attitude that was found missing for over a year. Also his return will give the team a chance to improve its records in T20 world cup.

Yuvi Celebration Style

1. Should Yuvraj start playing for the team even if he is not hundred percent match fit?
2. Has all that he has been through, changed him and his attitude towards the game?
3. How do you feel about his return into the team, is it too soon for him to readjust.

India Wins The First Medal at London Olynpics 2012 on Day Three

Gagan Narang

 Finally India got on its way out with Gagan Narang winning first medal for India in London Olympics 2012 in 10 m. Air Rifle Shooting event. Gagan Narang who was competing in his third Olympics successfully aimed at bronze medal with a score of 701.1 points. The Gold medal in this very event was taken by the Romanian Shooter with 702.3 points and the event favorite Campriani had to settle for a well fought Silver medal scoring 701.6. Gagan had scored 598 out of 600 possible points in the qualification round before the finals and was placed in third place with two shooters leading him with a score of 599 each. This qualification score difference proved vital difference in deciding the color of the medal as there was very little difference in the final scores and Gagan was joint highest scorer of final round.

Abhinav Bindra Shooting

 However the biggest disappointment(surprise or upset) of the day for India was Abhinav Bindra's below-power performance; as the former Olympics Gold medalist from Beijing failed in making it into the top eight shooters in 10 m. Air Rifle shooting event. Bindra could only score 596 points out of possible 600 points and thus was out of final round where only top 8 got chance. 

 Indian contingent of 83 participants had so far for first three days given some mixed performances. Indian women re-curve archery team had already lost to Denmark's team and male re-curve also lost their place to Japanese team.

 We also lost our Hockey opener against Dutch team in keenly contested match with Indian forwards committing far-too many mistakes and letting clear chances go begging.


 The much discussed boxer Sangwan lost out to Brazilian Boxer in a controversial and closely fought bought with score line reading 15-14 against Sangwan. The IOA even decided to appeal against the judges for their improper scoring tactics that hampered Indian boxer's result pretty badly.   

Sayna as expected made it through to the knock-out round with a straight set win over world number 55 ranked Tan.

 One can hope that the Bronze medal on day third will encourage Indian participants and the overall performance improve in upcoming days.

Indian Cricket Team to Host Pakistan for 3 ODIs and 2 T20s.

Indian Cricket Team to Host Pakistan for 3 ODIs and 2 T20s.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India today announced in a major break through decision that it (BCCI) will host Pakistan Cricket team in upcoming December for a series of Three One day Internationals(ODIs) and couple of T 20 Matches Bilateral series. The decision was announced after the diplomatic discussions between both countries

Sports And Politics.

                                                Sports & Politics
 There is this news out there about Sachin Tandulkar going towards politics, Don't worry he is not going to be contesting in any elections, but he has been nominated by our President of India for Rajya Sabha membership.
There is this tradition in place in which President is supposed to nominate or suggest names of citizens/public figures with great achievements or services for the nation. 
 let us discuss  something about the connection of politics to the big sporting celebs. This week we have come to know about possibilities of Sachin Tandulkar beginning his new and unexpected innings in the Rajya Sabha. Thinking about it makes me sad when I realize that the time has come for our beloved and believed hero to decide his future plans.Along with that he will decide future of Indian cricket too. But I guess no one was expecting him to take on the challenge of running our democracy through politics. And that is what Sachin is made up off, you think he is over and he begins new innings, isn't it? I think I am being unfair in discussing his retirement too prematurely, especially when he himself has indicated to be around for a bit longer. Let me just get back to his and other sports person's connection to politics.
 Over the years we have seen quite a few of them sitting around in our Parliament or its lower houses and serving the Nation, and some of them had even been successful in retaining or getting re-elected after their first term. May be there are people from other sports fields too but let me just focus on cricket.These days Navjoot Singh Sidhu and Md. Ajaheruddin are doing their bit in the field of politics.
 I just want to know one thing if it for their mass appeal are their own interests in politics that get these cricketers into politics. Definitely being cricketers helps a lot in gaining followers but are cricketers being used by these political parties as masks or advertising material. I think each one of us knows how difficult it is getting for these parties to keep themselves alive. With the advent of new regional parties the huge vote banks have been divided and bigger fishes are getting slimmer and thinner. One can just hope that this combination of sports and politics does some good to the democracy and in return for the country. We all will keep following our heroes wherever they go and whatever new challenges they take on.Let us Wish Sachin best of luck in his political life.
 As far as writing about this issue is concerned I have that habit of raising question marks everywhere, letting people think
and then Speak up. So SPEAK UP BECAUSE YOU CAN.