Fight To Reclaim The Lost Honour

India Vs Sri Lanka, Match 5

Yet another terrific match in the ongoing tri-series at Adelaide came to an end. India almost won another thriller. In the end Sri Lanka didn’t win nor did India lose it. The match ended in a tie with teams ending at identical score in allotted 50 over, 236/9. Kudos to brilliant batting by Gambhir (91 runs off 106 balls) and captain cool – Dhoni (58 runs off 69 balls)!

A Win, A Loss and A Win !

The Latest on Indian Tour of Australia

That’s what Indian Cricket team’s scorecard reads after the last 3 matches played in Australia. Consistency is what seems to be missing not just with the team performance but also with the team selection. The latest thing to make news is Indian team’s rotation policy. Resting key players when they are most demanded! Now that sure is a great way to gain solid and good consistent performance.

Format Changes But Not The Result

India Vs Australia 1^st T20

It was a different venue, different version of the game, a much younger and fresh Indian team. Dhoni a day prior to this game told the media persons “From Kishore Kumar we have gone to Sean Paul.” He was emphasising on the team composition which he believed was a lot younger and better than the test team he captained. The result at the end of days play – India lost its 1^st T20 game by 31 runs against Australia.

Adelaide Is Where The Nightmare Will Finally Come To An End For Indian Fans!

Asian teams playing cricket overseas have always struggled to win matches. If they ever win a series then it’s like creating history.

Here’s a small comparison between two credible Asian teams performances both playing overseas. Both have lost the series. One was playing a 5 match ODI series against mighty South Africa and the other is playing a 4 match test series against Australia.

The significant difference is although the team playing against South Africa lost the series; they fought back and fought hard. They won hearts and for sure least salvaged some pride.

A New Diamond Emerges From Cricket Stadium At Kimberly – Perera!

South Africa Vs Sri Lanka 4^th ODI

Perera who? That would have been my reaction if I had not watched the match between Sri Lanka and South Africa last night. However I did watch it and it was all worthy of my lost sleep.  As I saw spectacular batting by little know Sri Lankan called Thisara Perera who seemed to be on a rampage against South Africa. He ensured Sri Lanka had something to rejoice about the tour despite having already lost the series. This victory in the 4^th ODI restored some of the lost pride.

Adelaide - Will It Be The Burial Ground!

Indian Cricket Teams - Thunder Down Under!

Come 24th January and you will be witnessing already battered and for certain lost Indian team against Australia at Adelaide. It would be the 4th and final test match of the series. India has already lost the series, so now its pride they play for. Australia has taken an unassailable lead of 3-0 in the series. A whitewash looks certain. So will Adelaide be the burial grounds or will India rise from ashes and sour high into the sky like phoenix.

India Win The Series As The 3rd Test Ends In A Draw

Series Victory For India

When players from both teams shook hands on day 5, the score card read India: 94/3 of 32 over’s in their second innings. It was sign that both captains had agreed for a draw. There were still 90 balls to be bowled. India needed 86 runs runs of the remaining 15 over’s, but captain Dhoni said he didn’t wish to risk losing the series.

The 3rd test match between India and West Indies ended in a draw. And India had won the test series 1-0, after having the ODI series 3-2. With victory in the one-off T20 game in the beginning of the tour India had emerged successful in all forms of cricket played in the Caribbean during the current tour.

Although India had won the test series, it was clear that current Indian team lacked the killer instincts. I personally felt disappointed as I had expected Indians to play like true champions and dominate the entire series.

 

Brilliant cricket by West Indies

Two batsmen who played brilliant cricket in the 3rd test match were Kirk Edwards and Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Edwards made 110 runs of 195 balls and Chanderpaul played a brilliant knock of 116(343 balls). For the record Chanderpaul hit his 23rd test hundred in this match and remained not out at the end of 2nd Innings of West Indies. Fidel Edwards and Chanderpaul added 65 runs for the 9th wicket. This was a key partnership and frustrated the Indian bowlers for sure.

Harbhajan Singh and Ishant Sharma picked 6 wickets each in the 3rd test match for India. Ishant Sharma picked 5/77 in 1st innings and Bhaji picked 4/75 runs in 2nd Innings for India. 

Chanderpaul deservingly won the man of the match award and Ishant Sharma won the man of the series title for his 22 wickets haul in the series. This is record in itself for Ishant, as his 22 wickets are the most by an Indian fast bowler in a three-Test series.

Coming up next for team India is their tour to England. India’s focus is now shifted on to their first Test against England at Lord’s on July 21.

A Thrilling Test Ends In A Draw - India Vs West Indies

India Vs West Indies 2nd Test

It was definitely one of the best test matches in the recent past.  It was a story of - 'so close yet so far' scenario. If there was a winner it was 'weather'. First the rains and then the bad light, hard luck Dhoni, you almost created history. Had India won this match it would have been India's first test victory in Barbados.

India declared its 2nd Innings at 269/6 on day 5. They lost 3 wickets in the first session of play. Laxman yet again missed out on a 3 digit score, yet played brilliantly to score 87(188 Balls). End of Indian session West Indies needed 281 runs to win the test and India needed 10 wickets.

West Indies Manage to draw test

Indian bowlers seemed to be all charged up on the 5th day. West Indies were 27/2 in the 7th over. At this rate Indians seemed hopeful of victory. In the 18th over Ishant Sharma striked again and got the wicket of Adrian Barath, W.I were reduced to 55/3. Chanderpaul and Bravo (73 runs of 174 balls) batted well to add 64 runs for the 4the wicket. Ishant Sharma was at his best, however rain yet again played the spoil sport. Carlton Baugh scored a gritty 46 off 61 balls and remained not out. West Indies were 202/7 in 73rd Over when play was stopped due to bad light. The match ended in a draw, much to India's disappointment.

India couldn't win the match however performances from Indian players were the highlight of the match. VVS Laxman shined with his bat by scoring two brilliant 80's. Ishant sharma sizzled with ball and took 10 wickets in the match. The man of the match award was  given to Ishant Sharma for his exceptional ten wicket haul, his first in Test matches.

Dravid and Laxman On A Song on Day 4 of India vs West Indies

India gains healthy lead

Well the headline says it all.Dravid and Laxman batted brilliantly on Day 4. Two masters of world cricket known for impeachable skills, style and patience. At the End of Day 4 India where 229/4 in 89 overs. India now lead by 240 runs. It now needs to be seen how soon on Day 5 Dhoni declares the innings. Today being the Last day India will need to grab all 10 wickets to win this match.

On day 4 Dravid yet again proved why he is such a lovely batsmen to watch. And why he is called the WALL. Dravid made 55 crucial rund of 171 balls. He finally got out on Fidel Edwards ball in the 61st over when he was caught by Ramnaresh Sarwan at first slip. Laxman stayed not out, end of of day at 72(171 Balls). He is being accompanied by Virat Kohli. Virat was still bating at 26(98 Balls).

Poor Batting by West Indies

The West Indies team seem to be struggling with ball now, having failed with the bat. West Indies where bowled out for 190 in their first innings. Marlon Samuels played well in first Innings scoring 78 (172 Balls) and was not out. However the rest of the West Indies team couldn't do much.Ishant Sharma was the pick of the bowlers for India. He bowled brilliantly and returned with figures of 6/55 in first Innings.

Now on 5th and the final day it needs to be seen if the maverick captain Dhoni is able to work his magic. Its going to be tough day for both the teams. West Indies will try hard to draw the game, whereas India would desire nothing but victory.

The game changing factor for the 2nd test was actually the rain. Had it not rained in the last few days, things might have been different and India might have had higher chances of wining the game.

Day 2 India vs West Indies - 2nd TEST

Latest News Day 2 India vs West Indies

When I last saw the scorecard on Ten Sports the score was WI-96/5 in 37 overs. West Indies batsmen at the crease were Marlon Samuels 21(56 balls) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul 18 (60 balls). Ishant Sharma has bowled brilliantly today and taken 2 more wickets, this takes his tally to 3 wickets in this match. West Indies where at 30/3 at end of days play on Day 1. All three Indian pacers Ishant, Praveen Kumar and Abhimanyu Mithun picked 1 wicket each on Day 1.

Brilliant Batting By VVS Laxman

Earlier to that Indian team was skittled out at meager 201 runs in just 68 overs on Day 1. Thanks to ever special Laxman’s batting, India was saved of further embarrassment. (Very Very Special) VVS Laxman batted fiercely and scored 85 runs and displayed excellent classic cricket shots in his innings of 146 balls. The only other batsmen who contributed significantly to the Indian score was young gun Suresh Raina 53(105 Balls). The Wall was breached very early in the match and India where struggling at 38/4 in the 26th over of the match. Laxman and Raina stitched together a brilliant partnership of 117 runs for the 5th wicked. However the rest of the team’s performance was highly disappointing.

West Indies bowlers did a good job on day 1 and Ravi Rampaul was pick of the bowlers with figures of 3/38. Fidel Edwards and Devendra Bishoo also picked 3 wickets each and skipper Sammy got the prized wicket of Rahul Dravid.

The wicket seems to be aiding the fast bowlers and it needs to be seen if the Indian bowlers will be able to extract the best out of it. If they can get the West Indies team all out under 150-160 then it would be fantastic. All said and done one thing is for certain; this match will not be a draw. The team which bowls well and bats better is sure to win the game.

India vs West Indies 2nd Test… The Battle Continues…

India vs West Indies 2nd test at Bridgetown in Barbados

Dhoni and his boys are all set to walk into Kensington Oval today to face a downhearted West Indies.  India is already one-up in the three test series after winning the first match and will be hoping to win this one as well and wrap up the series. However it may not be all that easy, after all India have a dubious record of 58-year winless streak since 1953 at this ground. 

The final squad for the match and the choices Dhoni will make are still unclear. With Munaf back in the team having recovered chances are Dhoni might opt for three fast bowlers for this match P. Kumar and Ishant Sharma being the other two pacers. In all probability leg-spinner Amit Mishra will be rested for the 2nd test being played today.

Experts say that the Barbados track is likely to have plenty of bounce and has generally been a result-oriented venue over the past decade. Hope the weather doesn’t play a spoil sport, if everything goes right with rain staying away this match could turn out to be an interesting one.

All eyes will be on Harbhajan Singh, he is just four wickets away from becoming the 3rd Indian bowler to pick 400 wickets.

West Indies Fight Back

On the other hand West Indies will be hoping that  Fidel Edwards and Ravi Rampaul will deliver their best on a wicket that is hard and bouncy. West Indies have decided to play Kirk Edwards in place of form vice-captain and batsman Brendan Nash. Captain Darren Sammy might also have few other surprise changes in mind which he might action before the match begins.

West Indies having lost the 1st test will be looking do well in 2nd Test and win the 2nd Test against India and level the Test Series. But the big question remains will West Indies be able to breach the WALL (Read - Rahul Dravid) and be able to beat India ranked currently World No.1 in Test ranking.

Return Of The Wall. India beat West Indies by 63 runs, Lead Test Series 1-0

Dravid Sizzles In Indian Victory Against West Indies

He has done it again... The maestro, Rahul Dravid delivered again when it most mattered. I fall short of words to describe the genius he is. Sachin may be adored as the god of cricket by billions of Indians. But sadly in his shadow a great legend is always forgotten. Nevertheless he has always delivered when it matters the most. Dravid hit his 32nd century and boy it will stay memorable forever, the man has class, need I say more. Dravid scored 112 runs of 274 balls in the 2nd innings which included 10 4’s and a six.


India secured a 63-run victory over West Indies on day four of the first cricket test at Sabina Park. Indian pace bowling was spearheaded by Praveen Kumar (3-42 in the 2nd innings), he made his debut in test cricket with this match. He claimed the key wickets of Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Darren Bravo in the second innings. West Indies, 131-3 overnight, were bowled out for 262. India scored 246 and 252, while West Indies had managed mere 173 in its first innings.

West Indies Bowled Out on day 4 by India

On day 3 West Indies began their 2nd Innings needing 326 runs to win the game. End of day 3 WI had lost just 3 wickets. WI needed 195 runs when they began their innings on day 4 and still had 7 wickets in hand. I would say they were still comfortably placed; they still had Bravo and Chanderpaul at the wicket when day 4 began. But hats off to Indian bowlers they left no stone unturned to ensure victory in the very first match of the series.


The turning point was when West Indies' Shivnarine Chanderpaul drived a ball off India's Praveen Kumar that was caught by Suresh Raina in the second innings for 30 runs. In the end WI side was bowled out for 262 in their 2nd innings.


With this victory the touring Indian side achieved a unique milestone. This is the first instance of an Indian win in the first Test of a series against West Indies in the Caribbean.


The outstanding performance for the Indian team was that of Rahuld dravid who scored 40 & 112 in the 1st and 2nd innings respectively. Suresh Raina’s 82 and Harbhajan Singh’s 70 runs in 1st innings was commendable. Pravin Kumar and Ishant Sharma picked 6 wickets each in the match (3 each in each of the innings).


For the West Indies Adrian Barath scored a 64 and 38 in the 1st and 2nd innings respectively. That was the best by any WI batsman in the match. Davendra Bishood was pick of the bowlers for West Indies as he took 7 wickets in all during the match.


In the end it was a disastrous start for the West Indies to the 3 test series. Rahul Dravid was honored with the man of the match title for his second-innings century that was instrumental in India’s victory at Kingston.

Ind vs WI: Brilliant Batting by Bravo steers WI to 7-wkt win, India bag the series 3-2

West Indies Win The 5th ODI

After a good show in the first 3 matches it was expected that Indians will have a smooth series and might even have whitewash victory of 5-0 against West Indies. But alas it was not to be, as WI not only won the 4th ODI but also ensured they win the 5th and final game at Kingston.


Darren Bravo also being hailed as Brian Lara Clone was at his best in this match and hit a career-best 86. West Indies contentedly defeated India by seven wickets in the fifth and final ODI. West Indies were chasing a target of 252, brilliant batting by Bravo and Ram Naresh Sarwan ensured they reach the target in 48.4 overs. In the end it was morale boosting victory for WI as they were able to reduce the series score to 3-2.


Ram Naresh Sarwan (75) and Darren Bravo (86) added 103 runs for the third wicket. Marlon Samuels (28) and Kieron Pollard (24) both not out till the end of game ensured that the good work of Sarwan and Bravo did not go in wane.


Earlier in the day Indian team put up a fighting score of 251 runs on board. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli both batted stupendously. Kohli looked confident enough to hit his first century of the series was unfortunately run-out at 94 (104 balls, 10x4). He along with Rohit Sharma (57, 72 balls, 2x4, 1x6) stitched together a partnership of 110 runs for fourth wicket.


Indian team however lost the momentum and the infamous fall of wickets like a pack of cards was at display again. India lost seven wickets for only 62 runs in 11.3 overs, middle and lower-order batsmen failed to make a mark.

India Win The ODI Series 3-2 In WI

Although having lost the final match of the ODI series India still won the 5 match ODI series 3-2.


The man of the match for the fifth ODI was WI pacer Andre Russell for picking up four wickets in 8.3 overs.


Indian middle order batsman Rohit Sharma was awarded with the man of the series award. He scored 257 runs with a stunning average of 128.50 in the five one day games against WI.


Now all the action shifts to the test series. Test series is the real cricket as every cricket fan rightly says. We will see the return of Dhoni and senior players like Dravid. Hope Indians are able to end the tour on a good note with series victory in Test’s as well.

Final Encounter.... India Vs West Indies 5th ODI

India hope to win the final game against West Indies

Date and Time: Thu, 16 Jun 07:30 PM IST.... Venue: Sabina Park, Kingston - Jamaica and the Match: West Indies vs India.


India and West Indies fight it out for pride in the last match of the ODI series. India already having won the ODI series is currently leading the five match series 3-1. After having played brilliantly so far India lost the last game on Mon, 13 June. Guess the unlucky 13 had to do something with it. Else how else to you explain the loss of India at the hands of miserable West Indies. For the record West Indies won by 103 runs.

Forgettable 4th ODI for India

In the 4th ODI West Indies made 249 runs of allotted 50 Over’s loosing 8 wickets. Right hand batsman Kieron Pollard made 70 (72 Balls) and Kieron Pollard made 67 (78 balls) that included 3 huge sixes. Praveen Kumar bowled commendable spell. He picked 3 wickets giving away just 37 runs (10 Over’s) with an impressive Economy rate of 3.7


Indian batting was quiet forgettable. The entire team could manage just 146 runs in all. Rohit Sharma was the top scorer 39 off 47 runs. India kept loosing wickets at regular interval. No big partnership to talk about and where bowled out under 40 over’s. Anthony Martin won the man of the match award for his impressive 4/36, well deserved.


All eyes are now set on the final match being played today. It will be an exciting game with West Indies playing for pride and India will be trying to finish the series on a high note.

Yet Another victory for world champions India. Lead 2-0 against West Indies

West Indies Falter Again

Suresh Raina and his boys have done it again. The team registered second consecutive victory against the West Indies in the 2nd ODI. Having won the toss Indian skipper chose to bowl. He seemed to have read the pitch right, as West Indies managed only 240 run. Indian bowlers displayed excellent cricketing skills. Amit Mishra was the pick of the bowlers 4/31 with 2 maiden overs. Munaf Patel (3/35) and Yusuf Pathan (2/51) were the other two wicket takers for India. 

West Indian batting was a lot better compared to the first match. Edwards (25 off 28) and Simmons (53 of 84)  added 57 runs for the first wicket. Ramnaresh Sarwan (56 off 90) then added 67 runs along with Simmons for the second wicket. However the loss of Simmons wicket triggered the collapse. Simmons was stumped by P Patel in the 27th over in Y Pathan’s over. West Indies at the end of 50 over’s set a target of 241 runs for India, having lost 9 wickets in all.

India emerge victorious yet again against West Indies

Indian innings was reduced to 37 over’s due to rain and had to make 183 runs. In the end India won by 7 wickets (D/L method). The winning runs came off  Raina’s bat, as he drove the wide pitched up delivery of Rampaul square towards deep backward and picked a couple of runs on the 4th ball of the 34th over. Parthiv Patel made 56 off 64 balls which included 2 fours and 2 sixes. It was Virat Kohli 81 off 103 balls; he batted brilliantly and was the most impressive batsmen for India. This was Virat’s 14th ODI fifty.

All in all it was god game of cricket despite the rains threatening to stall the game. India now leads 2-0 in the 5 match ODI series. The 3rd ODI – India v West Indies will be now played on Sat 11 Jun at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua. India is now Just one win away from winning the series.

Brilliant Victory For India Against West Indies In Ongoing ODI series!

First ODI : India Vs West Indies

India had won 39 ODI’s against West Indies when they walked into the Queen's Park Oval ground on 6th June 2011 and when they walked out they had registered their 40th Victory against the Caribbean’s. For the record India has now played a total of 97 One day Internationals against West Indies of which W.I has Won-54, Tied - 01 & No Result - 02.


Having won the Toss West Indies chose to bat on a pitch which was slow and difficult to bat on. They could manage only 214 in their quota of 50 over’s loosing 9 wickets. Sarwan (56) and Samuels (55) were the pick of West Indies batsmen. Harbhajan Singh (3/32) and P Kumar (2/37) bowled extremely well and were well supported by the rest of the bowling attack.


Excellent Cricket By India
The Indians successfully chased down the target set by West Indies in 44.5 over’s. Rohit Sharma (68) was the top scorer for India and was named the player of the match. His innings had few excellent cricketing shots which included three 4’s and one 6. Rohit’s 50 came off 59 balls. S Dhawan(51) and Skipper Raina (43) batted responsibly to guide India to a easy victory in their 1st game in the 5 match ODI series. The highlight of Indian innings was 5th Wicket partnership of 50 runs in 58 balls (RG Sharma 22, SK Raina 28). In the end India won by 4 wickets with 31 balls remaining.


Needless to say, after the 1st match its quiet apparent that although Indian team is young, their confidence and self-belief seems to be making up for the lack of experience. On the other hand West Indies need to pull up their socks and get their heads together if they are really serious about challenging this young Indian side.

India Wins T20 Match Against West Indies

India Beats West Indies

Victory kisses Indian cricket team’s feet in their very first match of their tour to West Indies. What began as a fairly disappointing Innings for a nation that hosts the most talked T20 tournament (Read as IPL) was thankfully not disappointing in the end.  India won the T20 game by 16 runs.

The first half of the Indian Innings was quiet unsatisfactory, Indians were struggling and where 56/4 in the 9th over when they lost skipper Suresh Raina. The in-form skipper could manage only 2 runs in 6 balls; he was caught by Barnwell when he tried to play a ambitious shot of West Indies skipper D Sammy’s ball.

Thanks to Subramaniam Badrinath’s 43 of 37 balls which included 5 boundaries and some good cricket by Mumbai lad Rohit Sharma (26 of 23, 2 sixes) and Harbhajan Singh (15 of 7, 1 Six) India managed to post a decent score of 159 runs in allotted 20 over’s at a loss of 6 wickets. Darren Sammy was the pick of West Indies bowlers with an impressive figure of 4/16.

West Indies Unimpressive With Their Chasing Ability

West Indies failed to chase down the target set by Indian team and could manage only 143 runs loosing 5 wickets in their quota of 20 over’s. Darren Bravo was the highest scorer for West Indies (41 of 41). Christopher Barnwell brilliant knock of 34 runs of just 16 balls which included 1 four and 1 six was bit too late to save the West Indies from losing the game.

Indian bowling attack was a great treat to watch with almost all the bowlers being rewarded with wickets. Harbhajan Singh took two wickets while Praveen Kumar, R Ashwin and Munaf Patel contributed in the win with one wicket each. 

Indian batsmen Badrinath got Man of the Match for his match winning 43 runs. Now all eyes are set on India’s 1st ODI of the tour on Monday, 6th June, 2011 which will be played at the same venue, Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Champions India vs Young West Indies - T20 Game

India Vs West Indies T20

World Cup winners 2011 India will be playing their 1st overseas tour match post being crowned the champions today against West Indies. It’s a one-off T20 match which will be tour starter for the visitors.

The touring Indian side has been branded as a depleted side with most of the senior players opting out of the team. In the absence of the legends viz Tendulkar, Dhoni, Zaheer, Shewag and many more Suresh Raina will be the skipper for the T20 and ODI’s and will be ably assisted by Harbhajan Singh, the Vice-Captain.

Queen's Park Oval First Game Of Indian tour of West Indies

The touring Indian side is all set to take on the hosts at the Queen's Park Oval today 4th June 2011 at 10:00 (local time), 19:30 (Indian time). Queen's Park surface has been termed as bland and is said to favour the Indian team. Harbhajan Singh who played for Mumbai Indians and R Ashwin who played for Chennai Super Kings in this year’s IPL, are two very dangerous off-spinners. They may have a great day if they are both included in the team for today’s match.

On the other hand West Indies team is not in great shape. The team currently being coached by Ottis Gibson and captained by Darren Sammy is fairly young and inexperienced too. They have not had great games in recent past and the team has been struggling to give consistent performance. Ravi Rampaul and spinner Devendra Bishoo will be the players to watch out for as they have been in good form of recent. It still doesn’t make sense to not select Gayle who had an excellent stint at IPL this season. Sooner the board and Gayle iron out the difference better it would be for their national team and cricket as a sport. Who doesn’t wish to see a talent like him smashing the ball all over the park?

As for the Indian team skipper Suresh Raina, Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and R Ashwin are my top pick. This tour is sure a great platform for the young players of Indian team.

Indian Cricket team’s tour of West Indies – Fletcher in pursuit of salvation!

The Indian cricket team

selected for the one off T-20 and 5 ODI’s tour starting from June 4 is a depleted side without many senior players. Some are not playing as they are rested and many others due to injuries. Senior players such as world cup winning captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, master blaster Sachin Tendulkar and ace seamer Zaheer Khan have been rested for the upcoming series. Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Ashish Nehra and Yuvraj Singh are not a part of the touring team due to injuries. 

A three-match -rubber is scheduled post the ODI’s and senior players including Dhoni and Tendulkar are expected to join the team then. The Test Series begins on June 20 and will be played in Jamaica.

In absence of star players the Indian team is being led by young gun Suresh Raina. It’s definitely going to be challenging tour for both Raina and Fletcher. Indian team have a lot at stake, they have to avenge the whipping they received from West Indies in ODI’s during their last tour in 2006. For the record India lost the ODI’s series 1-4 during their last tour to West Indies. Only saving grace was the 1-0 victory in the four match test series under Rahul Dravid’s captaincy. 

Duncan Fletcher the new coach of Indian Cricket Team

Duncan Fletcher has a huge challenge on his shoulders. This tour will be his first assignment after being appointed the coach of India’s cricket team.  He may not have fond memories of having toured West Indies as head coach of England team four years back. England had then failed to progress beyond Super 8 level and this led to unceremonious exit of Fletcher from the top job.

Duncan Fletcher’s report card as Coach of England cricket team;

England played 175 ODIs and won 75 with a winning percentage of 47.47

England played 96 Tests and won 42 with a winning percentage of 43.75

Biggest achievement: England won Ashes in 2005. England won the 5-Test series 2–1 against Australia on home turf. England succeeded in their attempt to win the urn for the first time since 1987.

After 4 years Fletcher again has a chance to change fortunes and avenge the disappointment which he had faced in West Indies. This time around he will be travelling with a young Indian team which lacks the experience. The much criticized Indian Premier League seems to have taken toll on the Indian cricket team. 

All said and done this tour holds lot of importance to Indian team. Considering it’s their maiden tour after being crowned the champions, having won the cricket world cup 2011. 

Indian Premier League (IPL) - 4 - Chennai Super Kings the undisputed Champions

Finally it’s curtains down for IPL-4. Reigning champions Chennai Super Kings crushed Royal challengers Bangalore in what seemed like a one side match on Saturday. The 58 –run stupendous victory ensured CSK maintained the supremacy  in IPL by winning the Indian Premier League title second time in a row.

Opening pair of Murali Vijay and Michael Hussey stitched together one of the best partnership of 159-run for the 1st wicket. It’s now the highest partnership for any wicket for CSK.  Murali Vijay’s 95 runs off just 52 balls was a treat to watch for not just the CSK supporters in the stadium but also to the millions of eye balls glued to the television set across the globe.

Chasing the mammoth total 206 runs was quiet a task for RCB. Hopes if any were burned to ash when Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Chris Gayle for a duck in the very first over of RCB innings. Ashwin finished with an impressive 3-16 in his allotted quota of over’s. Gayle’s dismissal triggered what Dhoni would have expected before the match, the collapse of RCB. Within no time RCB was reduced to 70-6 and Saurabh Tiwary’s efforts to bring RCB back into the game found no support in his own team as there were no partnership worthy of any mention. Within no time Bangalore team succumbed to the pressure and the RCB could only manage 147 runs in all.

This edition of Indian Premier League did have some amazing moments. Chris Gayle finished as the highest run-getter with 608 runs from 12 innings. He picked the Golden Player of the tournament award for this edition of IPL. Lasith Malinga the slinger from Lanka ended up being the highest wicket taker with 28 wickets from 16 matches. The rising star award was given to Iqbal Abdulla of Kolkata Knight Riders. He has been a good find this season and I’m sure he will get his due sometime soon to play for the nation if he does well in the domestic season this year.

At a holistic level this season of IPL has been marred with several controversies. They include Shane Warne episode, Injured Gautam Ghambir’s incident and many more. Also there has been a dip in the TRP’s and cricket as a sport has suffered as per many critics. All said and done IPL is now over. All eyes now set on India’s tour of West Indies where many a greenhorns are set to get a chance to play for the nation in upcoming ODI and Test series.