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Oldie who has turned IPL on its head
Daredevils rise to the challenge
SRK can cheer from dug-out
IPL salary cap should stay: Ponting
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Dwayne Bravo
Shoaib injury adds to Kolkata’s woes
Hockey coming back on track: Kalmadi
Team fought very well: M.S. Gill
French Open
I have no regrets, says coach
Arjun Atwal tied 8th
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Oldie who has turned IPL on its head
Melbourne, May 19 He is playing a game suited to kids, not old men, a game where anything less than the best spin bowling is chopped up like dog meat. Yet he has turned the Indian Premier League on its head. Warne's mentor Ian Chappell was quoted as saying in Herald Sun that Warne's IPL success proved that he could have been a great Australian captain. "Larrikins make good captains because they are risk-takers," Chappell said. "If he had been appointed captain following Mark Taylor's retirement, I doubt he would have got into so much hot water that it ensured he would never captain Australia again." Australia did not appoint him Test captain not because it did not think he could captain. It felt he could not be trusted to behave. Not making Warne Australian captain was the right move, but you can't help admire the feats of an old star who is shining in the furnace of India's new league when he could be sitting contentedly beside the fire in Melbourne. Warne is the only non-Indian captain in the IPL and the challenges confronting Warne were huge because most of the players are homegrown Indians, many of them raw youngsters with limited communication skills. Warne has submerged himself in Indian culture in a way he never did when he made three Test tours as a player. He used to hate Indian food. During a team meeting in a famous Mumbai restaurant, he sent out for a pizza. Now he tolerates it and even organises the team menu. He used to find the Hindi language incomprehensible. Now he is trying to learn it. Almost embarrassingly, Warne failed to attract a bid over his reserve price at the player auction and was bought by the cheapest franchise, the Rajasthan Royals. At a time when he could have been excused for taking the cash and letting others get their hands dirty, Warne not only went there as captain but signed on as coach. Twenty20 captaincy is made for Warne because he is a "C'mon, boys, let's go and get them" sort of coach. — IANS
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Daredevils rise to the challenge Bangalore, May 19 Chasing 155 for a crucial victory, the Daredevils rode on Sehwag and Gambhir’s rollicking start to reach 158 for 5 with 10 balls to spare to notch up their sixth win from 12 matches and kept them in the reckoning for a semifinal berth. Earlier, after being put in to bat, Bangalore Royal Challengers continued their characteristic wobbly start to post a modest 154 for 7, raised mainly on Sreevats Goswami’s half century on debut (52) and Misbah-ul-Haq’s (47) late charge. Sehwag and Gambhir, who faced only 41 balls for their 90-run stand, were cautious for the first two overs but got into their groove after that with Gambhir, IPL’s top run-getter, punishing Dale Steyn and Sehwag doing the same to Zaheer. After the second over, the IPL’s top two run-getters got at least two fours in an over before Sehwag was out courtesy a brilliant catch by Bharat Chipli in the seventh over after hitting Praveen Kumar for three fours and a six in that over. Gambhir did not last long and was run out two overs later for a well-made 39 (31 balls, 6X4) trying to steal a second run Needing just five runs an over from the 10th over onwards, the visitors were cruising along nicely before the home team plotted a middle order collapse. From 121 for 2 in the 14th over, the Delhi side lost three quick wickets in a space of 11 balls, scoring just 11 runs in the process with Dilshan (4), de Villiers (21) and Karthik (6) making a procession to the hut. However, Shikhar Dhawan (16 not out) and Farveez Maharoof (13 not out) held on to their nerves to romp home. — PTI Scoreboard Bangalore Royal Challengers: Kallis c Karthik b Maharoof 25 B Chipli c Bhatia b McGrath 2 Goswami c Dilshan b Maharoof 52 R Dravid b Dilshan 9 Misbah-ul-Haq not out 47 CL White run out 1 B Akhil run out 3 P Kumar b McGrath 2 Z Khan not out 4 Extras: (w 9) 9 Total: (7 wickets; 20 overs) 154 Fall of wickets: 1-31, 2-41, 3-73, 4-102, 5-105, 6-122, 7-126 Bowling: McGrath 4-0-15-2, Sangwan 3-0-51-0, Y Mahesh 4-0-25-0, Maharoof 4-0-13-2, Bhatia 4-0-47-0, Dilshan 1-0-3-1 Delhi Daredevils: Gambhir run out 39 Sehwag c Chipli b Kumar 47 de Villiers c Goswami b Steyn 21 Dilshan st Goswami b Kumble 4 S Dhawan not out 16 KD Karthik c White b Kumble 6 MF Maharoof not out 13 Extras: (b 1, lb 6, w 5) 12 Total: (5 wickets; 18.2 overs) 158 Fall of wickets: 1-90, 2-100, 3-121, 4-123, 5-132 Bowling: Steyn 4-0-26-1, Z Khan 3-0-37-0, P Kumar 2- 0-33-1, Kallis 2-0-16-0, B Akhil 3-2-0-21-0, Kumble 4-0- 18-2
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Mumbai, May 19 IPL Chairman and Commissioner Lalit Modi announced that the organisers would issue an all-area accreditation badge to one member of each of the eight team franchisees, following the ejection of Shah Rukh from the dug-out by the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit officials of the International Cricket Council. While defending the decision of the ACSU officials to ask the film star to vacate the dug-out during the IPL tie against Chennai Super Kings at the Eden Gardens, Modi said suitable measures would be taken to avoid a repeat of this incident. "There have been reports in the media about denial of a team owner access to the dug-out and dressing room. The IPL is conducted as per the rules and regulations of the ICC whose ACSU officials were just doing the job entrusted," Modi said. "They go strictly by the colour code. A red badge issued by the ACSU, on approval of the team manager, will help the person holding it access to all areas," he said. "This is what we intend to do by giving each of the team owners one such badge each. They do have the right to sit with the players in the dug outs and dressing rooms," Modi told a media conference here. Modi said since this was the first year of the IPL they were still learning the ropes. "If we make mistakes we are willing to set them right. This is the first year of IPL." "We had already provided such badges to Preity Zinta (owner of Punjab King's XI) and Vijay Mallya (owner of Bangalore's Royal Challengers) as we had received such a request from them in advance," Modi explained. "The team owners have the right to be with the team at all times. They are very much part of the team's strategies," he added. — PTI
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IPL salary cap should stay: Ponting
Melbourne, May 19 There is a proposal that the salary cap will be removed allowing the top players to get whopping $ 14-15 million worth contracts. Currently, the salary cap for each team is $ 5 million and Ponting believes it should stay if the organisers want not to ruin the league. Super-contracts will create a free market, like the English Premier League in football, where cash-rich franchisees will have endless purchasing power. Ponting said no salary cap would squeeze out the keen competition from the IPL, making it a drab affair. "I have certainly heard there may be no salary cap next year but I'm not sure if that will be good for the IPL," Ponting was quoted as saying in 'The Australian.' "The more I have thought about it, it might be detrimental to the whole set-up. We want good, competitive cricket with lots of international players playing good, close games against one another. If they go ahead with no salary cap, a lot of that might go out the window," he said. Ponting said the IPL would be beneficial for the game and should be given a window in the international calendar. "I really do think they can manage it well and have the IPL as something that is going to help the game, and not just be extra money coming in for the international players," he said. "What it has done already is attracted new audiences to the game and more audiences to the game. With more audiences, you are going to get more participation. With more participation you are going to get a stronger and better game with better players and better athletes. "Overall, it should make cricket a better thing," he said. — PTI |
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It was an honour to play with Sachin: Bravo
Mumbai, May 19 Speaking to newspersons before leaving, Bravo, who played his last match for the Mumbai Indians in Hyderabad where he led them to a 25 run win against Deccan Chargers, said, “I have gained a lot of experience so far. I got a lot of help from other internationals in the dressing room, especially Shaun Pollock. Basically, when you have to play a particular bowler, they made me aware of how to face him. The batsmanship was discussed in detail by Sachin Tendulkar. Shaun is someone I look up to. He is an all-rounder, I am also an all-rounder. I really appreciated being next to him. He is a fantastic guy”. The highlight for him however remains the honour of playing in the same team as Sachin. “To be a part of Sachin’s team was what I always wanted. When I left home to join the Mumbai team, this is what I always wanted to do, to be a part of the team captained by Sachin. And it was like a dream come true,” Bravo expressed. Speaking about leaving the team mid-way, Bravo said “It’s always difficult leaving any team, especially when the momentum is going their way. The guys now realise how to go about winning. We have enjoyed each other’s company. It’s difficult to leave but playing for the nation has been my first priority and I always knew I had to leave mid-way through. I’d like the team to win and progress to the semifinals and I will closely follow these last few matches”. About T20 Bravo said, “It’s not an easy game. It’s a fast-paced game and we have got to keep the momentum going all the time. One over or one run can make a difference in the game, which is not the case in a Test match, where we have a lot of time to come back. A lot of people are going to see this game and it’s nice to have exposure for everyone”. Bravo said gelling together was an important aspect of the IPL. “Getting to know players from other countries better, playing together has been fantastic. We have a better relationship now. And that’s what this tournament has done. I am sure this is going to be successful and people will continue enjoying it”. About the shift to Test mode, Bravo said, “For me to be honest, it’s never going to be difficult because I have been in such a situation earlier and I know how to go about it. Adapting to different situations, different conditions, the only problem is I get home a bit late. And trying to get my sleeping pattern back on track. I guess I should be fine”. The local talent in Mumbai also had Bravo excited. He said, “You’ve got to forgive me for names. But there’s a lot of talent. And for the guys who are coming up, this has opened a new door to showcase their talent”.— UNI
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Shoaib injury adds to Kolkata’s woes
Kolkata, May 19 The Royals, the most inexpensive side in the tournament bought by their franchisee owners for $ 67 millions, have emerged as the surprise package of the meet and are now sitting pretty at the top after sealing a last four slot. Having triumphed in eight of their 10 outings, the Royals have so far collected a whopping 16 points, to leave behind close challengers Punjab Kings XI (14 from 10) and Chennai (14 from 11). Knight Riders now occupy the sixth position, with 10 points from 11 games, and need to win each of their three remaining league matches to make a strong bid for the semi-final cut-off. The Sourav Ganguly-led side has played inconsistently in the tournament and the defeat in the last two games has greatly dimmed their chances. Besides, speedster Shoaib's knee injury also seems to be giving sleepless nights to the team management ahead of the Eden Gardens tie. “He came to the tournament underprepared. Here, he has given his 100 per cent. But his keen is a problem now. We will monitor him for the next couple of days to see when he can play,” said Knight Riders coach John Buchanan. To a pointed query whether Shoaib is ruled out for the match opposite Rajasthan Royals, Buchanan gave an evasive reply "As I said we will monitor his condition for the next couple of days." If Shoaib is unable to take the field, the Knight Riders pace bowling arsenal would be severely depleted. The Knight Riders need to take a hard, closer look on their brittle batting top-order, where save Aussie David Hussey others, including Ganguly have been inconsistent. Apart from the astute leadership provided by leg spin legend Shane Warne, the Royals have been served well by their Aussie recruit Shane Watson, who has shone both with the bat and the ball. While Watson is the highest run getter (333 runs at a strike rate of 158.57) for the visitors, South African skipper Graeme Smith (301 runs at 113.15 SR) has also served the team well. Indian players like Yusuf Pathan and Swapnil Asnodkar have also come up with good scores in times of need. Warne has led from the front, picking up 14 scalps, while Watson and Pakistan pacer Sohail Tanvir have bagged 12 and 11 wickets, respectively. — PTI
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Hockey coming back on track: Kalmadi
New Delhi, May 19 ''It was really heartening for me and my colleagues in the IOA and ad hoc committee to note the performance of the Indian Hockey team, which won a silver medal in the Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament in Malaysia,'' Kalmadi said in a statement today. Kalmadi pointed out that the juniors, who comprised the core of the team which won the silver medal after two successive defeats in the opening two matches, justified the decision of the selectors. ''Like every Indian following the game back home, I too was keenly following the progress of our team at Ipoh. It was, indeed, remarkable for the team, mostly comprising juniors, to make a comeback after losing the first two games to stage a recovery and reach the final. ''In the progress to the finals, our young team defeated Pakistan, Canada and Belgium, which have already qualified for the Beijing Olympic Games 2008,'' Kalmadi said. He singled out the performance of drag flicker Sandeep Singh who emerged the leading goal scorer for India and added that the support staff, including the coach AK Bansal and technical advisor Ric Charlesworth helped the team with their contributions. ''I congratulate the entire team, including Sandeep Singh for scoring maximum goals in the tournament and coach Shri AK Bansal, for turning a bunch of youngsters into a well-knit unit that can beat the best in the business. ''I also congratulate Mr Ric Charlseworth, technical advisor and Mr Pragat Singh, manager for their immense contribution towards India's excellent performance in the Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament,'' Kalmadi added. Indian hockey was almost drowned in controversies after the IHF secretary general K Jothikumaran was caught in camera taking bribe to include a player for the same tournament. However, the IOA president said the performance in Malyasia is a clear signal that the national game is moving in the right direction and added that the success will take bigger strides from here on. ''The progress that the young team members have shown in Ipoh tournament has sent the right vibes, indicating that the Indian hockey is right on track and, with proper coaching and advice in the coming months, the game can only go places from here. ''Now that the junior team has set a benchmark, it is time for everyone connected with the game, more so the seniors, to take bigger strides in the game. I wish more success to our hockey team in the future,'' Kalmadi concluded. — UNI
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Team fought very well: M.S. Gill
New Delhi, May 19 “I am impressed by the fight they put up in the final. They kept it levelled 1-1 before finally losing in the extra time,” Gill told mediapersons here yesterday. “I congratulate them for putting up a spirited show”. Gill added that the fighting spirit displayed by the present squad was missing in the past. “They lost a couple of matches early in the tournament and still went on to reach the finals after 12 years. It speaks volumes of their fighting spirit,” he said.
—UNI |
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French Open
Hamburg, Germany, May 19 ''Of course I'll feel nervous,'' Nadal told Reuters in an interview at the Hamburg Masters. ''I feel nerves with every game but especially in a match at Roland Garros. It's a very special and important tournament in a spectacular city.'' To call Nadal the favourite for a fourth straight men's title would be an understatement. Born in Manacor, Mallorca, a nephew of former Barcelona defender Miguel Angel Nadal, he made his big breakthrough when as a freakishly powerful 16-year-old in 2003 he beat Albert Costa, then the French Open champion, in Monte Carlo. Injuries kept him away from Roland Garros for two years but by 2005 he was already untouchable on clay and he has scarcely been troubled on his way to those three French Open titles. Last season, his 81-match winning streak on clay finally came to an end with a defeat by Roger Federer in Hamburg but Nadal gained revenge with an epic 7-5 6-7 6-3 win over the Swiss in this year's final. If there is any hope for his rivals it is that this year he has faced more distractions that ever before. The 21-year-old has led criticism of the decision to squeeze a week out of the clay-court season and he has been caught up in a row with Spain's Tennis Federation over the Davis Cup. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic is challenging him ever more seriously for the number two spot but Nadal rejects any suggestion that he won't have the same focus as usual on Paris. ''How am I not going to have strength and desire to play Roland Garros?'' he said between mouthfuls of French bread and chocolate spread. ''It's the climax of the season on clay. ''Yes, it's been made more difficult by those who make the calendar, but fine, even though I couldn't be at a hundred percent in Rome I'm here and I'm playing well and I aim to get to Roland Garros in as good shape as possible.'' Nadal can look so dominant against weaker players on the red stuff that it's easy to lose sight of the fact that his great strength -- the thing that sets him apart from the other top players -- is his ability to chase down the most hopeless of lost causes and turn desperate saves into winners. — Reuters
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Dhanraj confident of game’s revival
Bangalore, May 19 Pillay said it was sad India could not qualify for the Beijing Olympics. “We have to look forward and act quickly. Preparation for 2010 Commonwealth Games being held for the first time in India should be used tot he fullest. We should start preparing immediately for the Commonwealth Games as well as 2012 Olympics,” he said. He said ignoring many senior players, who still had lot of game left in them, was one of the reasons for the team not qualifying for Olympics. “Veteran players including Arjun Hallappa, Vikram, Hari Prasad, Dilip Turkey and many others, who are brilliant in their respective positions, were ignored,” he pointed out. About his return to the national team, he said, “I still want to play. I have the skill and age should not be taken as the criteria to judge one’s fitness. Tennis star Martina Navarotlova proved her supremacy even at the age of 40”. — UNI
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Ipoh, Malaysia, May 19 ''We had juniors who did not have much match practice. Add to it the players who joined from Australia. They were understandably exhausted. But the way they performed, I am sure they can walk with their heads held high,'' Bansal told mediapersons here. The coach's face lit up when he was asked about India's performance against Argentina in the final. ''This team has played far above its strength. Argentina was a much stronger and experienced team,'' he stated. ''We lost the final but I have no regrets, because of the way my boys fought throughout the match.'' ''I was given the job as a challenge. I am happy I could give a reasonable result,'' he added. Praising drag flicker Sandeep Singh who superbly marshalled the Indian defence throughout the tournament, Bansal denied rubbished allegations that the sturdy defender has an attitude problem. ''If someone, having played the Olympics, is willing to camp with juniors ahead of a major tournament and then give his best on field throughout the event, I don't see him having an attitude problem,'' he asserted. ''In fact, I played him as a fullback all through because he did well and I feel he has improved a lot as a defender.'' — UNI
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Arjun Atwal tied 8th
Greensville, May 19 The Orlando-based golfer finished with a four-day total of 11-under 275 and his exploit also helped him move up to the 14th place in the Nationwide Tour money leaders’ list. At the end of the season, top 25 in this list would get their PGA Tour card for the next season. Atwal overcame the third hole bogey to go three-under as he approached the 17th hole but the next two holes cost him as many shots to mar his round. Meanwhile, David Mathis kept the promise he had made to his wife and brought home a final round card of 68 to complete a wire-to-wire triumph at 20-under 266. Jeev finishes tied 40th in Irish Open
ADARE MANOR: Jeev Milkha Singh’s hopes of a top 20 finish went up in smoke after an error-strewn front nine and the Indian came tied 40th after signing off with a two-over 74 at the Irish Open here. Jeev began the tournament with a bang and his opening round of six-under 66 had him tied first before things went haywire. He carded 76 and 75 in the next two rounds and needed a sub-par card on the final day for a decent finish but ended up going over-par again and finishing with a four-day total of three-over 291. Jeev, however, still became richer by Euro 15,250. By the time he birdied the eighth hole, Jeev’s card had already been marred by three bogeys. Dropping another shot on the 13th hole saw him go three-over again before he managed a final hole birdie to restrict the damage.
— PTI |
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Shane Warne is four months shy of his 39th birthday. He is playing a game suited to kids, not old men, a game where anything less than the best spin bowling is chopped up like dog meat.
Yet he has turned the Indian Premier League on its head.
A typical Virender Sehwag blistering knock (47) and his 90-run first wicket stand with Gautam Gambhir (39), helped Delhi Daredevils survive a middle order collapse to coast to a 5-wicket win over Bangalore Royal Challengers in an absorbing Indian Premier League tie here today.
Kolkata, May 19
