[Archive Blog (15/10/15)] Virender Sehwag : Only Sultan of Test Cricket from India

India has produce many great batsman in the history of Indian test cricket. From Vinu Mankad to Lala Amarnath, from Sunil Gavaskar to Mohd. Azharuddin but last 1 decade was quite remarkable for Indian cricket because many player joined the great one Sachin Tendulkar in the test side to represent India, Dravid, Laxman, Ganguly and 1 man who was really special among others was Sehwag. 5 big faces who changed the entire course of Test Cricket for India tats a reason whenever India lost the test match they faced the criticism most.

Sehwag’s partners always have the best seat in the house. If you want the best shot of Sehwag then give him a strike and remain not out. Technically not a sound cricketer have a problem to move his feet but everyone knows that if Sehwag start hitting then it will be bad very bad for the ball and the bowlers because he will knock you hard everywhere in the park. Sehwag is a ruthless personality when he bats but never had any fight in his decade long career even when he hit Triple Century then also. No one can provoke him during his innings because he keeps on concentrating on the lyrics of a song he nattering rather then listening foul words from opponents. When other players become frustrate you will find him smiling and if he’s fielding in Square Leg and Point then talking with Umpires will be his time pass.

Sehwag is quite a straight forward personality too and never hesitate to take stands for his former Team Mates. Like he took a stand for Ganguly’s captaincy during Ganguly Chappell’s rift also in various occasions when Team requires he come forward, although he liked to play under Kumble more then any other captain even Ganguly and himself admitted that without Kumble’s support he won’t be back in the Team. 14 Test under Kumble he scored 1353 with a average of 58.82. Highlights of those period Shewag hit the magnificent 319 and a blistering 201* in Galle Test to neutralize Mendis – Murali, Sehwag admitted that test innings is his personal best.

Its not like that Virender Sehwag got everything as a gift in his Cricketing career, he achieved his spot on his own all the time rather then got the spot as per his previous records. He dropped many times through out his career and lost his precious years for his said “poor performance”. His actual career started when “Nawab of Najafgrh” sent to open the innings and then it becomes history for all and later distinguished as “Multan ka Sultan”. Sehwag’s technique always come under the scanner, no feet moment, physically bulky, plays careless shot to get out and lot many we listen from his critics through out his career. But no one can deny that whenever Sehwag stand in the crease it used to be a total entertainment.

Sehwag is a best example of fearless cricketer he may having very few not outs in his career but he had capability to play big innings too, suddenly many can’t match his abilities and record and in recent past only Chris Gayle having better record then him. Sehwag created many shots and Sachin Tendulkar is his idol as per him his interest towards cricket increased while watching him to play and learned to play many shots from him. Whatever Sehwag accomplished today is because of his opening spot and technique he liked most. He’s funda is very much clear he will hit the loose ball hard whether that ball gone towards the boundary or took his wicket.

Sehwag’s entire cricket career teach us one thing don’t think too much about result whatever the circumstances will be just believes on your capabilities and on which you’re best, you will face difficulties and criticism from everyone but rather then making it personal you should answer them in the professional field with your finest work. Without hard work nothing can be achieved and Sehwag proved it many times, he dropped he returned and score the big one, he dropped he returned again and score the big one, he dropped score the big one but didn’t returned because peoples behind the room had other plans.

Virender Sehwag not only was a class player but also carries a class act, not only he didn’t have controversial career off and on the field but even honest to admit many things, after retirement he gave many interviews in almost all Media houses and opened enough with his view point, but also make sure he gonna attend his former team mate – friend’s marriage. During he’s interview he also made a point of his retirement, class player like him deserves a piece of a match to retire which he didn’t we agree that Team is bigger then a Player but if a Board can organize a entire Test Series for 1 player then why not 1 match for Sehwag ?

I hope if BCCI can’t honor Sehwag then atleast DDCA can during 4th Test between India vs South Africa as he’s a idol player of the association over the years, he may missed to make a mark in his Home Ground but he’s maiden 5 Wicket Haul in Kumble’s last test against Australia is still remarkable achievement in Delhi, we fans already missed the victory smile of Sehwag while playing for India for the last time but will be happy if Board and Association thanks the Sultan of Indian Cricket for his decades long domination against World’s finest bowlers.

4 Day Test Match: What we will loose and can win from it ?

Its almost a half of decade talk now by the think tank of cricket to reduce 1 day from International 5 Days Test Matches. Ever since T20 came and made a big pop via IPL, voices start raising whether we actually need 5 Days Test Matches anymore or not. Some claiming its a exercise to protect the soul of Test Cricket as the viewership and response is quite less towards the Test Cricket in Modern Era. There is always a 2 flips of a coin but I sees more negativity instead of positives in 4 days test match may be people having best of interest in the game have different prospect on it, but this will ever remain controversial since as of now its remains on cold bag of MCC, the law makers of Cricket. There are certain steps already being taken to protect the game of Test Cricket and that is Day - Night Test. Australia is so far is the better team to promote the Pink Ball Day - Night Test Cricket with full wings. They played 2 test matches so far, one is last year against New Zealand, last year I also wrote New Era Begins Australia vs. New Zealand on the eve of first ever Pink Ball Cricket in the International Arena, success of that test match in Adelaide led another Test match against South Africa last month and third is against Pakistan and they're so far doing good in the dedicated record book of the Day - Night show. In Australia it is highly appreciated and got a great support from the fans point of view since whatever number Cricket Australia wanted to achieve they're quite near of it, unless people are really a cricket freaks of the city which gonna fill each and every capacity of the ground at which ever day you want.

Suddenly IPL impacted the World Cricket a lot and after the success of the league not only Test Cricket but even One Day matches saws the Heat. Sachin Tendulkar even came up with the idea of 25 Overs per Innings match as a savior of Test Cricket and ODI but that idea didn't got enough support and remains as a well wish of The Great Little Master, though black clouds are over now from ODI but still in some occasions concern on future of Test Cricket are always high. Its not like that bid in T20s too got much success despite of invented in England, England still struggling to launch a T20 league which can give them a super success, recently concluded South Africa T20 Challenge missed RAM for the title sponsorship, another promising league in Bangladesh, BPL T20 made headlines for fixing when a player claim to meet bookie rather then for a number of enthusiastic crowd to support Cricket. Many countries who started T20 Leagues never reached into the melting point, Countries like Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe started the T20 Leagues of their own but called off due to "no" from sponsors. Infact Media Mogul Rupert Murdoch pull himself from what was claimed to be a kind of a Club Worldcup for Cricket in the sense of CLT20 called off from the equation due to poor viewership in India. STAR INDIA wanted to have Mini IPL got something else which never excited the viewers because people in India never supported the T20 game but supported their favorite players and the franchisee. Currently except India and Australia no other Country are able to have a stable T20 Leagues of which Pundits considered to be a threat for Cricket.

At the current scenario Countries like Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, South Africa, England are in the favor of 4 days test matches. Pakistan has a revenue loss due to hosting the Cricket matches in UAE and their political attire is not that friendly with India which led the Boss of Cricket to help them. Countries like Zimbabwe and South Africa are expecting to put their financial cycle back on track and putting a effort from very long time and after the imbalanced social structure it is obvious to affect Cricket as well. Country like Sri Lanka not able to put on the infrastructure which can create a next aura of Mahela Jayawardane, Sanath Jayasuria, Kumar Sangakara or Muttiah Muralitharan, missing such greats from the pitch and stumbling performance in all 3 formats led the fans less interested towards the every match featuring Sri Lanka. In recent scenarios ICC planned to have two-tier format, means team will be divided into 2, 1st Division will have top 7 teams and in 2nd Division you got bottom teams with the inclusion of Ireland and Afghanistan could have increase the number of Test Playing Nation but it used to have more flaws then any plus. Surely big teams will love to compete against big team and would have reduce the number of games in FTP but it also could have kill the interest of Teams like Bangladesh who're posting the challenge infront of big Teams as they already hunted England in 2 match Test Series. Might be two-tier would have been good for some team but bad for others in many aspect. Any new rule implemented to help the game improve and grow further but thinking shouldn't to curb down the game but to develop the infrastructure. ICC also looks to reduce the number of test matches in the year citing a financial issue in small boards.

4 Days Test Matches has their own con and pros. Mostly people in weekend are out to enjoy with the family and having games in weekend will increase the number of spectators. From Thursday to Sunday the game will be live and maximum people will gather to witness the proceedings of last 2 days, it will also shorten the days of tour with 3 days time another Test Match may starts but it will led more draw games, doctored pitches to win the test match, excitement will be over since might be game will end even in 3 and the half days which will never favor the cricket but led negativism towards the game. In domestic circuit we having 4 days games because teams are actually a part of some tournament in International Circuit possibility of Test Championship are quite weak hence rather then having a 4 Days Test Matches, Boards of Test Nation needs to work out on a Infrastructure to push Day - Night Cricket Matches more. In India, BCCI organises maximum ODI games in Day - Night but still yet to debut in Day - Night Test. Also Boards needs to organises a game like this which will fall into Weekend more. Either game starts from Thursday or ended in Sunday in between Test Matches Teams could play a ODI and T20s as well. Matches should played in Small Stadiums and places where maximum peoples are having Off in Saturday and Sunday and also sports enthusiasts. No doubt many Countries at this moment are having financial crunch, income from Live Audience and Broadcasters are also reducing. Boards are not able to sign deals with Broadcasters due to less viewership which directly impacting the revenues anyways.

In recent past if take a example of India's Cricket only, you will found that people in weekdays gives a maximum support to Test Cricket, in Winter Season peoples were out to support their team from Morning session itself. Stadiums like Wankhede Mumbai and Indore was jammed pack and not a single place was kept in a Test Match during Weekends. Even places where maximum companies offers Rotational Offs during Weekend too got a maximum crowd plus students who got holidays in Sundays gets a chance to hangout with their best buddy enjoys the game. Test Matches can attract crowds due to its schedule in Day time which suits many micro families too which can end the day outing in the city after the end of Play. In summer time we can have games Day - Night due to extreme hot in Afternoon which won't suits many. Problem is not crowd attraction, problem is representation too. In India almost 80%-90% games remains houseful because fans has reason to watch cricket and reason to cheer. 20K fans definitely has a power to attract atleast 5K fans, crowd always support good cricket and good cricketers they don't need Dhoni or Kohli all the time. Currently many bottom team players of ICC Rankings are either believes to play County Cricket or do something else to fulfill the day to day need as the money and interest both are quite less. Purpose to running things is the most important part, why people should watch a game why even hang around for 4 days too and 90 overs in a day ? If 4 days test matches are the savior of Test cricket then does the domestic matches are getting good crowd ? As already I tried to conclude that Domestic Cricket since playing in a Tournament wise hence maximum draw games won't affect much due to points system but matches which are being played between Host and Away teams need results as thats what Teams are getting motivated to represent the Nation. Interesting fact is that ever since the T20 specialist players took over the National side to represent Test Cricket the win percentage of every International Series has been increased compare to what it used to be till last decade. No doubt as of now decision of 4 Days Test matches is hanging due to some personal interest of the respective Boards but if at all Organisers realises to work on the future of Test Cricket then should consider by keeping its spirit alive.

#ViratKohli is Virat "The Virat Run Scorer" Kohli

Virat Kohli has been declared "Man of the Match" for the 4th Test against England in Wankhede and why not ? Ashwin's Duck in the test match ease the work for peoples whosoever finalize the name for awards otherwise his 12 wickets and magic with his bat would have seal the trophy. But man at the moment is Virat Kohli who is keeps on cementing his legacy to be a great leader and batsman, who has worked on his flaws and set up the pace with his run machine. I always believes that a good leader is always lead with example. He don't need motivational words to proof himself but his performance, his fighting spirit on the field is enough to proof. In cricketing field we always discuss about partnerships and we have even praised many great partners who had given many memorable moments also setting up a plot for many victories but you won't found players to be comfortable batting with every player in the team now either you will say that they're not from same domestic team or not sound with each other but I feel that if one player who is capable to bat with no. 2 batsman to no. 11 is Virat Kohli only, no matter from which region they came, whichever team they represented. I think whenever Virat will be retire you will get to know about him from many players around the World and wouldn't need any Movie and Book to describe about his personality from dressing room to team's hotel and his spirit for the game. There was a incident happened when  Wankhede crowd even booed Virat 3 years ago in the eve of IPL, ofcourse IPL would made you crazy when Mumbai fans become Mumbai fans, Chennai fans become Chennai fans, Kolkata's become Kolkata and our heart beat dedicates to the team we supports and rest becomes enemies in that moment Virat may got disbelief and expressed his views even in Post Match Presentation to get more boos but this what Virat Kohli for you, he's not a fake masked person and blunt whether representing India Cricket or RCB he will be the same, with his batting and leadership skill he will win your heart and not by some kind words thats why even the same Wankhede fans cheered Virat during his double century innings. 

Pic taken from ZEENEWS.com Website

Indeed Virat is getting matured and even more responsible, players like his talent are quite rare hence only man who can dismiss Virat Kohli is Virat Kohli himself. It is always good to accept challenges and live into it. Challenges of new goals like for Virat, challenge was 100 in T20s he conquers that then 200 in Test he conquers that as well with back to back three 200s in three series, 1st came against West Indies in Antigue, 2nd came against New Zealand in Indore and 3rd came against England in Wankhede Mumbai. Next will be obviously 300 in Test and may be one day 200 in ODIs. In 2016 Virat made runs with a average of  50.33 in Test, 52.93 in ODIs and 57.13 in T20s became a first player to have 50+ average in all three format. Its not that Kohli did something magical with his stats though he missed to broke many records the amount of potential he has. He equalize the Tendulkar's 89 innings to score the 15th Test Century, Gavaskar took 77 innings to reach the milestone. Kohli though scored 3 doubles this year but Michael Clarke scored 4 doubles in 2012 named him the only batsman to do so in a calendar year. Virat matched many players and broke many records being a leader of a team who topped in the Test Cricket, he's a gifted player who has potential to score all around the ground as per the strategy of the spinner he found playing sweep shot as well against England. There are players who was not gifted but they achieve glories with their hard work and dedication, there are players who're gifted but with their hard work and dedication they becomes conqueror. Indeed its a era where the entire team is running in the circle of Virat Kohli. Virendar Sehwag in post match show after the conclusion of 4th Test even advocated the ODI and T20 captaincy for Virat, no doubt about it that he even deserves it and if he's hungry and willing to achieve every milestone then there is no better option then Kohli.

For one thing many people criticizes about Kohli and its his aggressive nature on the field which he never hides off the camera and on the camera, I think that is his quality to admit what he is, you can't expect everyone to be a monk. We have saw many players who remains silent but and they used to reply with their ability down the pitch but not being vocal. India got very few challenging players in the entire cricketing era who got the ability to challenge down the pitch, their aggression used to be flash from their eyes to their performance as well, yes sometimes they fails and when they fails they got criticism from their own fans because aggression without performance is too unacceptable then remain silent to hide failure. I remember that our cricketing fans used to complain about aggression in Indian players when India used to tour Australia, South Africa or England where we still failed to create some history and being remember with few stunning victories, one of the famous victory was in Natwest Trophy Finals after winning the Natwest Trophy every one remember our Captain Dada's very famous victory moment when he taken off his shirt and rotated it with full of authority in the Lord's Balcony which become more famous and viral, repeating the same will not be appreciated but surely that legacy needs to be carry forward as if Cricket is known as the religion in the Country after we overlooked to our Desi games then we should have the kingdom of our most loved game in every format with full of swagger. Yes but one thing we can't ignore and that over aggression cause the team as well, there is a time of every happy ending story to get over, in last 16 years which was most important for the modern era cricket in India due to transaction of BCCI to "Brand BCCI" in this timeline we have saw  many different captains and many stories, out of which Ganguly - Chappell era was one of the worst, India cricket was divided into two. Later we saw MS Dhoni to get involved with many such stories but good thing about it nor he said anything nor the opposite side people might be because of their own conflicts of Interest.

Aggression is good and digestible till we're succeeding in our given job. In the Virat's era we got the most flexible team where no one has a fixed spot, any unperformed player have to proof his presence if not then will be out from the side and next have to start performing with great extend. Normally injuries are the big factor of the side and this side has yet to proof the same form outside Indian Subcontinent. Virat's team yet to prove in South Africa, Australia and England which was never a easy outing at all. Though lots of positive came up with this team after Kumble joined the camp including DRS. One thing for sure battle royale in the dressing room starts when Captain not performs and blames other, team never stood with the blow but remain talked outside. Unless Captain and Coach are not proactive we never expect our Team to be ever in a winning side. When South Africa tour to India last year our Team beat the side in 3 days - 4 days Virat didn't perform through out the series because team never felt in the situation where you need Captain's knock. But when in 1st Rajkot Test of ongoing India vs. England series when India was quite near to get a defeat Captain Kohli from one end took the guard to safe the test match and at the end Alastair Cook initiate the hand shake to end the match in a draw. Even in the 4th Test in Wankhede had England caught Kohli on 68 it would have the different scenario though like a any run machine he didn't left the opportunity to blast the innings and make sure that India remains in top of the test match. Like many Cricketing fan everyone want this India's Cricketing era to remain dominate infront of the World for a long time and Captain Virat to keeps on shining to create new records and conquers the old one.

Virat Kohli Era: New Challenge in Test Cricket from India

Virat Kohli during Press Conference, Pic source: BCCI

"Test Cricket is real cricket and I never thought I would lead the side 1 day in this grandest format", Virat Kohli may looks hothead or play aggressive cricket but tats the series of words he made politely after he gave post match interview. In a 2 decades of modern time cricket, we saw 3 different captains of India - Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. Sourav Ganguly teach us how to lead the side outside India and how to win it. MS Dhoni ensured we won in India by playing some serious cricket and Virat Kohli's era which won all the hearts after India thrashed South Africa out in a 4 match test series by 3-0.

Test Cricket may be the real cricket but need players too who wants to plays it and performs it by considering every goal as a target to achieve. Kohli started his cricket from limited over game later secured his Test Cricket after blistering performance in ODI Cricket. No one can deny the fact that he's a class act at 1 point was holed a record to complete fastest 5000 runs in ODI cricket. Kohli made his name and fame with some magical innings which gave India a famous wins. He may not be a Little Master or Master Baster but he's Kohli 'Name is Enough'. He's will and class let his spot fixed in a side and later named captain of Test side after India's most successful Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni decides to retire from Test Cricket. 

Its not that during Dhoni Era we didn't perform well, we even ended as no. 1 Test Side in the World but we didn't made a significant mark in England, Australia, South Africa and lost a series against England in Home as well. 2014 - 2015 India's Tour of Australia remembered as Dhoni's last ever test series after disappointed performance of India continued. Kohli who led the Adelaide Test of that series showed some resistant, his Century put India inch closer to win that test match although India lost but all eyes was glued on Kohli's intensity and aggression at the 1st Test. 

Kohli's record so far is 100% as full time test captain. Beating Sri Lanka at Sri Lanka was kind of memorable series for him and India. Bunch of youngsters which made their mark in the limited over cricket banged in a Test Arena. Ashwin, Rahane, Jadeja are his main weapons which helped him to pass his biggest exam beating South Africa at home, no. 1 Test Side who travels best never lost a Test Series outside home since last 9 years which itself is enough to proof "Proteas" Supremacy so far in modern era cricket. Although Test Series ended with lots of questions regarding pitch but fact and the matter is South Africa lost the match in the dressing room and not on the pitch, when they realise the havoc it was too late for them.

As of now Kohli and his boys made a great impression but they have to be ready to challenge Team outside home because Pitch and Conditions will not favours them they have to adjust their technique and outperform every difficulties. Captain always needs to step up to sail his team if he won't perform then how he gonna motivate his boys ? Captain's innings is must in a crucial situation, Captain also have to see the right combination for the Team - past record and fame won't work create winning combination, Management have to work hard of it. Currently India is no. 2 side of the world have a potential to become no. 1 side too for very long time but only if Team performs outside and not in a "Poor" pitches.