Tour Preview- India's New Zealand Outing

The New Zealand side has been as unpredictable as the roads of Mumbai. On a given day, they will be thrashed by Bangladesh 4-0; but on a certain day, they will beat South Africa in a World Cup quarter final! Quite unpredictable! Aren’t they? It’s this high level of inconsistency, which has always disappointed their fans. However, the Kiwis can never be written off with ease, and likewise, stating that India will have the upper hand in the series for sure, is a little premature.

New Zealand will begin this tour with a boost of confidence. Less than a week ago, they thrashed the T20 World Champions, with utmost ease. The recently concluded West Indies series was a major success for the Kiwis. They outplayed them in all possible departments. Whats more? In an ODI altered by rain, Corey Anderson, broke Shahid Afridi’s record for the quickest ton in an ODI. That was one hell of an achievement.

However, the Indian and the West Indian teams are poles apart. New Zealand will be hosting the world champions for the first time since mid 2009. In between, they toured India a couple of times, only to be left humiliated. They would surely want to return the favour back to India. In that 2009 campaign, Jesse Ryder, was the sparkling star for the men in black. He scored a ‘daddy-hundred’, a double in one of the tests, and Indian bowlers always found it difficult to contain the southpaw. This campaign against India too will be really special for Jesse. This will be his first full fledged series in more than two years. He surely would be itching to reiterate his heroics against India.

The tourists on the other hand will begin this tour, with hopes of positivity. The Indian team last won a test series away from home soil in 2011, against the West Indies. What followed ahead of them in overseas tests was nothing short of torture. This Indian team though looks determined and well settled. They gave South Africa a run for their money in the tests. The first test at Wanderers is branded as “epic” by several greats. The way fortunes fluctuated from one side to another was simply jaw-dropping. The second test at Durban, which India lost, could be blamed by India upon their luck. On the first day, they were well placed at 180-1 in 60 overs, when bad light ceased the play. The next day, the Indian batsmen were massacred by the ‘Steyn-Gun’. Had the bad light not occurred, then who knows! After the end of the first day, the score could have easily been 300 odd for 2 or 3 at most. The outcome would have been completely different then.

For India, the only issue could be the experience issue. Barring MS Dhoni, no one in the top seven has played even a single test in the country. The conditions too will be a little different than South Africa. The bounce may not trouble the Indian batters to a great extent. But the swing and seam movement may surely do. The windy conditions that prevail in New Zealand are a delight for every seamer. The ball sharply nips on and the late swing witnessed may adversely affect batting. With the red ball in question, the swing offered for the pacers will be much more. To counter this swing, the Indian batsmen would have to apply themselves really well, and make full use of the appropriate technique. Leaving a few balls outside the off stump, wouldn’t be a bad option. To jeopardize things for the Indians, a few of their batters are quite tentative around the off stump. The one positive that would be present for the Indians would be the ground dimensions. Most of the grounds, like the Mclean Park in Napier and the Westpac Stadium have the square boundary at a mere distance of 60 meters. So, please don’t be startled if even the nicks and the edges carry all the way to the boundary for a maximum! That’s pretty common here in New Zealand.

The men in blue will be starting their tour with 5 ODI’s. The last time they played an ODI series in New Zealand, they won 3-1. The ODI’s are likely to be highly entertaining, with the short boundaries coming in the fray. A score in excess of 400 will not be a unique thing in the ODI series. On their previous tour, the Indian batters posted a colossal total of 393 in the third ODI. So, this time 400 or even more, seems well on the cards. The battle that is about to take place would be between the batsmen of both the sides. Neither of the teams have bowling attacks worth bragging. The Kiwi batting line up too is burly, like their counter-parts. And the effectiveness of the Indian bowling attack is well known. A pessimist will say that the ODI series will determine which team has a worse bowling attack. But an optimist will counter that by saying the battle is to determine which batting attack is more ferocious.

However, New Zealand’s test bowling attack is much better, with the likes of Trent Boult and Neil Wagner getting in. Boult has been a sensation for them in the months gone by. Doug Bracewell hasn't disappointed either. Their control over the red ball is exceptional. But the Indian team has that X-factor, to match fire with fire. The test batting line up of the Indians too is highly rated, and it’ll be fun watching the Indian batters take on the Kiwi pacers in the tests.

PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN THE TOUR:

SHIKHAR DHAWAN

After going through a horrendous tour of South Africa, Dhawan would want to make amends as soon as possible. To get back into his groove, Dhawan has been rigorously training in Mumbai. With short square and third man boundaries, Dhawan may well score most of his runs in fours and sixes. His ability to cut venomously and his brawny bottom hand to go with the petite dimensions of the grounds will make Dhawan a man to watch out for in the upcoming tour. He needs to be careful around the off stump though. To be fair to Dhawan, a lot of batsmen are tentative around the off stump mark and he is no exception. After a mediocre tour of South Africa, one can expect Dhawan to come out all guns blazing.

CHETESHWAR PUJARA

Termed as India’s next Wall, the onus will be on Pujara to counter the new Kookaburra ball in the tests. Pujara did exceedingly well in South Africa and as always, scored a ‘daddy-hundred’. Cheteshwar would want to make a mark in the tests, to once again make his presence felt. In an interview recently, Pujara admitted that his dream was to be a part of the 2015 World Cup. With the World Cup to be played in Australia and New Zealand, this tour will be highly significant for Pujara to leave an impression.

VIRAT KOHLI

Having achieved success in almost all aspects of his career, Virat would want once again want to do well. Its his first tour in this part of the world. Like Pujara, he too did exceedingly well against the likes of Steyn and Company. Kohli would want to carry off from where he left in Durban, and boy, when he gets going; there is no stopping what so ever. He is likely to do well and along with Pujara, Kohli forms the spine of the Indian batting.

MOHAMMAD SHAMI

Shami has been a sensation for India with the new ball. He made a dream debut at his home ground, Eden Gardens against the men from the Caribbean.  The reverse swing which Shami got reminded many of Waqar Younis. Having the ability to bowl in excess of 140km/hr, Shami will be a priceless asset for India. The conditions too will assist his style of bowling. In South Africa, Shami was successful in both, tests and the ODI’s. In 3 ODI’s, Shami picked up 9 scalps and had a productive outing in the tests too. With the windy conditions favouring him, India’s ability to take 20 wickets in the tests, will rely greatly on the Bengal seamer.

As said earlier, it will be really premature to predict the precise results. However, the Indian team will be the favourites and they should do well in both the formats. Nothing like a test whitewash win for the Indians! As of this moment, the Indian team is poised to do well, but New Zealand too may spring up a surprise or two.

 Photo Courtesy: www.espncricinfo.com

Photo Courtesy: Google Images

Movie Review - Dedh Ishqiya

DELIGHTFUL DEDH ISHQIYA

DIRECTOR: ABHISHEK CHAUBEY

GENRE:  COMEDY, THRILLER

STARRING: NASEERUDDIN SHAH, MADHURI DIXIT, ARSHAD WARSI, HUMA QURESHI, VIJAY RAAZ

FINAL VERDICT: ****

“So sir, you will spare these rascals?” “What will the Batman do if the Jokers are dead?” comes the reply. The jokers in this case are the lovable rascals, Babban (Warsi) and Khalu (Naseer); who reprise their roles from the first installment of the series. The self acknowledged Batman in this case is the danger but the funny man, Mushtaq (Salman Shahid). Dedh Ishqiya is a movie filled with witty one -liners like, the quote mentioned earlier. Ishqiya was a well crafted film with the two male leads along with Vidya Balan entertaining the audience. To everyone’s delight, Dedh Ishqiya is a notch ahead than its predecessor, in terms of the entertainment and the glamour factor.

The plot of the film is about the Begum trying to find a suitable and a charming poet husband, as per the last wish of the late Nawab. To do so, she keeps an annual function or a “mushaira”, and then chooses the best poet, the poet who charms her and wins her heart. To catch up with some fond memories of past, Khalu, posing as another Nawab enters the mushaira, only to allure the Begum. In Khalu’s stay at the palace, Babban posing as Khalu’s butler tries his luck in fascinating Muniya (Huma Qureshi), a close aid to the Begum. But a lot of positives eventually attract negativity! To second this statement, Jaan Mohammad Khan (Vijay Raaz), a local MLA too tries to win the Begum over, but with dire methods and ways. What follows ahead in the mushaira and Khalu’s stay in the palace forms the major crux of the first half. The second half though is a tale about deception and lies, and how people unknowingly become involved in a web of deceit. The climax is simply jaw-dropping and blinking an eye even for a second may seem as a crime. The climax scene is superbly executed, with the photography work being terrific.

Much hyped as Madhuri Dixit’s comeback film; Dedh Ishqiya doesn’t disappoint a bit and the comeback girl is as charming as ever. Playing the Begum of Mahmudabad, Begum Para (Dixit) wins every heart. Her heart warming shayaris and her delightful touch to Urdu are more than enough to get a smile on one’s face. Why just the shayaris? Her tadka to the classical dance numbers too is worth appreciating. The way she dances like a Goddess, with complete grace and with effortless ease puts all the viewers in a state of exultation. After seeing her dances and the corresponding expressions, only one question hovers around in my mind, how can someone dance with such ease and grace? Throughout the film, Dixit as the Begum is mesmerizing and intimidating to say the least.

The two male leads, Warsi and Shah are flawless as ever. Shah almost succeeds in achieving his ambition, only to be left heartbroken. Shah as the elderly but witty Khalu is sensational, and along with Warsi, forms a formidable duo of friends, thieves, or whatever you call it. Warsi’s comic timing is impeccable and most of his jokes succeed in tickling the funny bone. It’s not just comedy, the serious scenes of frustration and jealousy too have been portrayed perfectly by Warsi.To add authenticity, Warsi’s accent of a true Bhopali is a task well done.  Huma Qureshi on the other hand wonderfully plays her part of deceptive seductress. Her accent of Urdu along with her dialogue delivery is precise and she accomplishes her role with utter ease.

It was reported that before the role went to Huma, Asin was offered the part, but she turned it down. With all due respect to everyone, in my view it would have never been Asin’s cup of tea. Speaking fluent Urdu requires a certain set of armory, which in the modern crop of heroines, only Huma seems to have. The role of Muniya was tailor-made for her. Similarly, the role of the Begum too was written exclusively for Dixit. No other actress could have done the role of the Begum with sheer ease and elegance.

The costumes and the real life locations too add authenticity to the plot. Well, you definitely wouldn’t want to see a mushaira taking place in a Karan Johar movie like set. Some things are best kept as they are. Dixit’s attire leaves no stone unturned, in making her look like a true Begum. From the jewelry to the Pathanis worn by the men, everything is perfect. The flurry of shayaris takes one in a completely different world, a world of opulence and flamboyance. The lyrics penned by Gulzar sahab are beautiful and Gulzar sahab once again succeeds in making the current set of lyricists realise that lyrics can be felt beautiful, even without vulgarity.

As a whole the film is a must watch for everyone. And if blokes still don’t like, then they may better watch some masala flick to entertain themselves. On a personal note, I am eagerly awaiting ADHAI ISHQIYA.

The RoHIT Man

As a school student, I had the company of a peer, who according to the teachers had scope and the potential to excel. But sadly, when the results were out, he always underperformed, to the misery of the teachers. Post the results, the process used to be the same. The teachers used to remind him of his ability; and motivated by that, he gave his best shot at studies, but couldn’t get the score he desired. This process carried on for a few years until one day; he stood out, with brilliant results, stunning everyone by utter surprise. And the secret behind the success was the self belief he attained in himself after doing well in a certain exam. One good prelim changed his outlook at the academics. Then there wasn’t any looking back.

This inspiring anecdote can be related to the cricketing world as well. In the Indian cricket circle, this student is known as ROHIT SHARMA. The case of the TALENTED Rohit Sharma is very similar to the student. Well, the term talent has become synonymous with Sharma now for quite sometime.

THE MILLION DOLLAR SMILE

Even before making his international debut against Ireland, Sharma was termed as the “NEXT BIG THING” in Indian cricket. His appetite for runs in the domestic circuit was simply intimidating. After all, he too came from the Bombay School of Batsman ship, which has reputed names under its wings. It all started for Rohit Sharma, in a summer camp, where the head coach, impressed by Sharma’s talent, handpicked him. Then began the vigorous training for the talented Sharma.  From the Giles Shield to the Ranji Trophy, his exploits with the bat were well known. The selectors took no time in noticing this, and he was drafted into the side, for India’s UK tour in the summer of 2007.

However, Sharma hogged the limelight in a must-win ICC World T20 match against South Africa. India were struggling at 33-3, when Sharma walked out in the middle. He stayed there till the end, and along with skipper M.S.Dhoni, ensured that India got to a respectable total. Rohit got his maiden T20 50 in his debut innings. That innings lasting 40 balls, defined maturity and resilience, against the lethal South African bowling attack. India went on to win the match courtesy of Rohit’s maturity. In the much hyped final against Pakistan, Rohit scored a vital 30 off just 16 deliveries. Those 30 runs went on to become a part of history.

All was going well for the elegant batsman, and he once again proved his ability with the bat in the first final of the CB series in Australia. That night in Sydney is much remembered for Sachin Tendulkar’s century in a tough chase. But little do people remember about Rohit’s crucial knock of 66. Those 66 runs were no less than a century. India won that game with ease in the end, and once again, went on to script history.

The next few months were moderate for Rohit as he remained in and out of the team. He was often given chances in dead rubbers, when the seniors were rested. But forlornly, he couldn’t make a mark in the given chances. In Feb 2010, he was all set for a test debut, as a replacement for the injured VVS Laxman, but that was when tragedy struck. Thirty minutes before the toss, Rohit was ruled out with an ankle injury, which he inflicted upon himself in a practice session. Who knew that Rohit would have to wait for more than 40 months, to play in the most unadulterated form of the game!

In the upcoming months, Rohit did very little of notice and could never justify his talent. The classy Mumbai batsman, wasn’t even considered for the 2011 World Cup. That simply left him crestfallen. During that phase, there came a point when Rohit began doubting his own ability. People often compared Rohit to a football sensation, Wayne Rooney. The reason though was quite infamous. One newspaper headline drew a similarity between the two in the following way.

“GREAT FOR THE CLUB, POOR FOR THE COUNTRY.”

The club in this case was his IPL side, Mumbai Indians. Rohit did profusely well in the IPL, and was often in the list of the leading run getters. But to everyone’s misery, he couldn’t do so in the national attire. Shortly after the victorious World Cup campaign, India toured the Caribbean. Rohit flourished there scoring 257 runs in 5 games, at a mesmerizing average of 128.5. In the return series in India as well after 6 months, Rohit did profusely well, and once again was awarded the Man of the Series.

Just when things were getting back on track, Rohit possibly had to go through the worst part of his career. In a bilateral series against Sri Lanka, Rohit scored a mere 12 runs in 5 matches. The sad part was that, the bowling wasn’t that great and the pitches too were to the liking of the batsmen. Post that series, several jokes mocking Sharma went viral like a rage. One infamous joke arose, stating Sharma to be a “MAGGI MAN”. It meant that by the time the maggi noodles were cooked, Rohit was all, but on his way back to the dressing room.

Inspite of going through a horrendous run, it was skipper MS Dhoni who persisted with Rohit and had complete faith in him. It was one fine evening in the picturesque PCA stadium in Mohali, which radiated vibes of optimism back in the dashing Sharma. Chasing a modest total of 258, Sharma, to the surprise of everyone, was promoted to open the innings. What followed in the due course of the next 90 minutes was no less than a fairy tale. Rohit went on to score 83. 83 runs of sheer class and elegance. Just when he was looking set for a ton, he was wrongly adjudged LBW, much to the disappointment of all the spectators.

However, a new Rohit Sharma had taken birth. A Rohit with more maturity and responsibility. Amidst his purple patch, he was promoted to the captaincy of the lucrative IPL franchise, the Mumbai Indians. He stood out with the bat, and led the team efficiently to their maiden IPL title. 

AFTER LEADING MUMBAI INDIANS TO IPL GLORY

The Champions Trophy in England, was another high for Rohit. Sharma along with Shikhar Dhawan laid solid foundations for India in all the Champions Trophy games. The first match against South Africa in the Champions Trophy set the tone for Sharma, who scored yet another classy 50. Sharma did exceedingly well in seaming conditions, and was at ease against all the bowlers. He along with Dhawan, provided solid starts for India, and these starts eventually led India to glory.

Rohit Sharma celebrates with some bhangra, England v India, 

Champions Trophy final, Edgbaston, June 23, 2013

In the tri series in West Indies, featuring India and Sri Lanka along with the hosts too was like a dream for Sharma. In yet another victorious campaign for India, Rohit stood out, and was adjudged the “MOST RELIABLE BATSMAN”. He led Mumbai Indians to another title glory. This time the Champions League T20. The Mumbai Indians  were down and almost out of the tournament, but Rohit’s heroics once again stood out. Along with MS Dhoni, Rohit became the only captain to lead an IPL side to a ‘twin’ victory.

By now, Rohit had established himself as an opener and along with Shikhar Dhawan, formed a formidable opening pair. His next outing was against the staunch Aussies. In the second match of the seven match series, India needed 360 to win. A task that seemed literally impossible at the half way mark, was accomplished with utter ease . Rohit along with Dhawan got India off to a scintillating start. Once Dhawan got out, Rohit along with Virat Kohli, chased the target with 40 balls to spare. Hard to imagine isn’t it?

In that chase, Rohit scored a breath taking 146* off just 123 balls. This was his first three digit score in more than 3 years. Rohit was simply blossoming in the ODI series, but as always, the best was saved for the end. In the decider at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, India were put in to bat by George Bailey. Little did Bailey know that he would be on the receiving end of the RoHITMAN. The Mumbai dasher went on to rewrite historic records and scored only the third double century in ODI’s. As many as 16 maximums were hit, which are a record in itself. Rohit was out in the last over for an unbelievable score of 209. Rohit associated another unique record to himself; of scoring the most number of runs in a bilateral series.

Rohit Sharma is elated after scoring his first century in three years, 

India v Australia, 2nd ODI, Jaipur, October 16, 2013

 Rohit Sharma celebrates his double-century off 156 balls, 

India v Australia, 7th ODI, Bangalore, November 2, 2013

His next brilliance was in the ultimate form of the game. Rohit finally made his test debut against West Indies, which was also Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell series. In his debut test, on a treacherous Eden Gardens pitch against a menacing Shane Shillingford, Rohit scored a knock worth remembering. 177 runs of sheer excellence and dominance were scored from the blade of Rohit Sharma. And it was a shame that once again, as he neared a milestone, he was wrongly adjudged LBW. But that didn’t stop him from scoring yet another ton in the epic Wankhede Test. Rohit along with the number eleven Mohammad Shami shared a partnership of 80 runs.

Rohit has finally proved his critics wrong and is all set for a bright future. He has cemented his place in the limited overs team as an opener, and his status as a test batsman too justifies his talent. With numerous overseas tours lined up, and the 2015 ICC World Cup, Rohit’s contribution to the Indian team will be extremely crucial. He along with Pujara, Kohli and Dhawan is a part of the modern fab four. India’s success in the near future will depend greatly upon Rohit’s performance. "Rohit Sharma performing well in the not so distant future", is just an understatement at the moment.

Photo courtesy: www.espncricinfo.com

 Photo courtesy: www.indian-cricket-team-updates.blogspot.com
Article by: www.krishnachopra.blogspot.com

The Inspiration

INSPIRATION FOR BILLIONS

LOVE OF EVERY CRICKET MANIAC

SUMMARISED IN ONE PICTURE

Movie Review- Dhoom 3

DISAPPOINTING DHOOM

DIRECTOR: Vijay Krishna Acharya

GENRE: ACTION, THRILLER, IRRITATING

STARRING: AAMIR KHAN, ABHISHEK BACHCHAN, KATRINA KAIF, UDAY CHOPRA, JACKIE SHROFF

FINAL VERDICT: **

People often say that commencing the New Year by watching a film is an ideal start for the year. But very rarely do they attach the term SPECIAL before the film. 2014 began for me on a bittersweet note. Bittersweet since, my expectations regarding Dhoom 3 came crashing down, after spending three odd hours in the cinema house.

From the very beginning, comparisons of Dhoom 3 were drawn with its predecessors. Dhoom 1 and 2 both have been loved by the audiences; and till date, movie buffs go gaga over them. But dejectedly, the third installment of the Dhoom series fails to recreate the magic of Dhoom and Dhoom 2. Director Vijay Krishna Acharya, best known for a disaster called Tashan, fails to create the excitement, despite shelling out on exotic locations and songs.

Aamir Khan gives his best shot in looking deceptive and cool together, but falls greatly short, of the impact created by Hrithik Roshan in Dhoom 2. His tap dance is one such instance, but as compared to the Dhoom Again act by Hrithik, it is nowhere in the frame.

The story isn’t that complicated until the suspense is unveiled. The movie starts off with Iqbal Khan (Jackie Shroff) committing suicide, as he is unable to save his circus from the bankers. The bankers in this case have been literally portrayed as evil monsters, hell bent on creating nuisance. His son Sahir, driven by revenge, robs the banks and has a psychological pact with himself, of shutting down the Western Bank of Chicago. On parallel lines, he inaugurates the “GREAT INDIAN CIRCUS”, as a tribute to his father. There we have Katrina Kaif or Aaliya adding glamour by dancing around “like liquid electricity” as said in the film. Enter Jai and Ali (Abhishek and Uday respectively) and you begin losing your interest. Both, so called “top cops” try their best in stopping Sahir, but fail. How Jai and Ali, with the help of Victoria (Tabrett Bethell), try to arrest Sahir forms the crux of the plot.

The scene introducing the characters of Chopra and Bachchan crosses all limits of insanity and stupidity. The way the scene is executed, it makes you wonder that is Dhoom 3 a masala South Indian film or a Bollywood film meant to zap the audience. I just don’t have words to describe the imprudence of the scene. We have Ali being caught by a so portrayed gangster, and then there is Jai, who gets an auto rickshaw, breaking a couple of walls; without any damage to the rickshaw. Both then perform some annoying and dumb stunts, and with one hit, they push away ten people at a time. Their push is so powerful, that the ten guys pushed, fly and fall at least half a mile away. To make it worse, Ali and Jay then sit in the rickshaw, and then almost fly above the slums!!!!!!!!!  

A lady seated behind me in the theatre went on to dedicate a loud “YUCK” for the scene. I too had a similar reaction, but wasn’t that loud.

Another point worth noting is that Abhishek , on three different occasions, gets down from a moving vehicle,  and then walks in slow motion towards the cornered Aamir Khan to arrest him. And we see ego dripping off his face, while he walks in slow motion. And guess what? He miserably fails on all three occasions.

 One baffling aspect in the movie is that none of the robberies have been shown; but just the escapes have been shown. The first half of the film is pretty annoying thanks to Jai and Ali. Uday Chopra leaves no stone unturned in bugging the viewers off, with his “mumbaiyaa” dialogue baazi. Better than watching Uday Chopra in the film, would have been getting my phone out, and reading my messages. I regret that I didn’t do that.

Katrina Kaif is there in the film for barely seven minutes (Luckily) but her dancing skills are worth the watch. She is great as Kamli, which is similar to Crazy Kiya Re. From her dance moves, it is evident that she has put in a lot of hard work and effort. Aamir Khan is fantastic as always and barring his dancing, everything is excellent. But the trump card for the movie lies in its “suspense” character. This character is the one which wins your heart, and makes the second half worth watching. However, a few of my peers, say that this suspense character is highly inspired by the Hollywood flick The Prestige.

The chase sequences are outstanding and the stunts done are worth the price. The stunts get your adrenaline rushing. Spare a thought for the breath taking locations. The location used in the climax blows your mind away and is just so stunning. The film is a high budget one, and that is evident by all aspects. The track Malang is said to be the most expensive song shot till date.

Another significant factor is that, the film promotes the circus, and this might boost the already dying circus industry. Before I went for the movie, there was a joke around, that the film should have been titled Aamir and the 2 Idiots. Now I realise, that was true indeed.

As a whole, the film is disappointing, but the second half is a face saver for the film.