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Showing posts with label Border Gavaskar Trophy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Border Gavaskar Trophy. Show all posts
CheMystery.
The pull of Pujara, the cricketer, his batsmanship was beyond explanation. The chemistry that followed even more so
On October, 9, 2010, Cheteshwar Pujara did it. He really did. Test f***ing debut. That was quite a day. Oh, how we had waited. We? Who’s we? A handful of cricket bums, who believed in Pujara before he became Test cap No. 266.
On March 30, 2009, Pujara became Che Pujara. A graphic with designs on an alternative cricketer. It’s another thing, he already was an alternative cricketer. How else does a one format batter extend his career to 100 Test matches.
This was not supposed to happen. Pujara’s Test career was on borrowed time – within less than a year of making his One-Day International debut, he played his last ODI. That was 2014. During this time, he played 5 ODIs. He did not play any T20 internationals. That he played in the IPL was often a source of amusement.
Amusement that Pujara had not intended. Amusement that his demeanour, his approach to the game, his being a down and out one-format player brought on.
During these 100 Tests, Pujara has been dropped, discarded, demeaned. Unlike the more prolific names, he was never rested. Rarely has he been injured. That is the preserve of the greats, those that have the comfort of three formats, the backing of airwaves, the smokescreen of the IPL.
Pujara stands naked to all scrutiny. It’s almost always been that. In the past, he has been raised to the heavens by a head coach, only to be flattened later.
By now, anyone who has watched Indian cricket will be aware that commentators follow a code of conduct. One that makes them steer clear of criticism of certain players. Pujara is far from certain players. He is often the butt of all jokes. His fielding. Approach to batting. Running between the wickets.
In spite of all this, Pujara propelled India to its first Test series win in Australia. And second. Yet, the joy in nitpicking. Something that Pujara lends himself to often. Probably just the way he is, that kind of character,
And what a character. What a belief. Watch Pujara in any interview, more so during a Test match, in an adverse situation, the deadpan confidence is downright ridiculous.
But then Pujara is ridiculous. He has extended his career to 100 Test matches. Across more than 12 years.
***
The attraction to this cricketer came from his batting numbers, his triple hundreds, his backstory, his state of origin, Saurashtra, the cricketing backwaters in those days. All from articles without watching him bat.
Everything that added to the conviction, that we must do something to market him. And just like that Cheteshwar Pujara morphed into Che Guevara and became Che Pujara.
That is how it began. And then only recently, I saw a man wearing a t-shirt that said ‘CheMystery – I don’t know what’s happening.’ If I didn’t back then, I do now. It’s about choosing someone, and sticking with them, through it all, for what they are, in spite of what they are. Where their flaws make them unique.
I’ve been drawn into Pujara’s career by the conviction in his batting, his methods, his approach, his ecosystem; as also that of his father’s Arvind Pujara’s. This in spite of never having met or spoken to either. We did have a brief Twitter exchange once. That’s it.
Through these 12 years, often, I can sense when he will be dismissed. When he gets going with a flick off middle through square leg, I sense he’s pumped. But then, he surprises me with the dismissal at Nagpur.
I did not expect him to make it to 100 Tests. That isn’t part of the Indian playbook.
There was a time when Pujara and Rahane were neck and neck for the axe. That the white ball distractions had dimmed in Pujara’s case, probably helped him extend his Test career.
Pujara, though he may appear to be a loner, or even a lone-ranger, has his mates within the team – none more outspoken than Ravichandran Ashwin, whose smashing tribute, gave us a peek into the stubbornest of them all.
That Pujara’s greatest batting ally in recent times, Rishabh Pant, will not be by his side, will be a miss. Pujara-Pant made the Test series’ wins Down Under a reality. They achieved what generations had not before them. This cannot be said enough. They are both once-in-a- generation Test batsmen that forged a mystical cricket bond in the middle. Every preconceived notion about Pujara was thrown out of the window through their partnerships.
Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid at the helm, their combined belief in Pujara, have made this 100th Test match a reality. It’s been a rocky road but would Pujara have had it any other way? Had it been easier, would he have been the man he is today?
Cheteshwar Pujara is a lesson in resolve. He is the action that is often dished out as rhetorical bullshit.
He is a superhero. It’s just that you never knew it. Because he was never packaged as one. Even if we packaged him as one, he had to turn up in all-whites sans a cigar.
15797 deliveries later, let’s surprise ourselves. In addition to Kohli, Rohit, SKY, let’s root for the man in the shadows. For he has also been the sun that made the shadows possible. We just chose to ignore it. For it was never blinding.
First published here on cricket.com
The Border Gavaskar Trophy - T1 D1
First things first - David Warner is finally living upto his billing of being the natural heir to Sehwag's legacy.
On the day after Sehwag tonked a double hundred in ODI cricket, 3 years ago, David Warner's boundary laced, emotional 145 set the foundation for what should have been a formidable Australian first innings total - that the day ended up with honors shared has plenty to do with India's bowling. And luck.
Plenty has been written about the bowling lengths - sure they could have been fuller, and straighter, but equally, the rewards might not have materialized. Australia could just as easily have ended the day at 250/2, and if the toss up is between 250/2 and 354/6, I know what I would go with.
Also, cognizance has to be taken of the fact that 3 of the four bowlers India played were playing their first test in Australia, on what is a belter of a wicket. If similar lines and lengths are persisted with on Day 2 of the Third test, then Houston, we have a problem. But on Day 1 of the first test, I would not sweat the short stuff.
And now, luck. Between David Warner's mistimed swipe off Karn Sharma, and Michael Clarke's back giving way, India should have played the lottery, thats how much luck they had.
Both are significant - another session of Warner, in form and riding on his 100, and the game, as a contest, was over, right there and then. And another session of Clarke, continuing on with from his 60, and onto three figures, and the Australian dressing room would have gotten the emotional and adrenaline boost that the past few weeks must have sapped out of them.
And Clarke's injury has a greater bearing on the test, and the series.
For tomorrow, India's best chance would be to take the remaining four wickets quickly, but I dont see how Australia can be restricted to below 400 - Harris, Johnson and Siddle can all bat, and a few aada-patta shots should see them cross 400 easily. What is important from an Indian POV is that number should not grow greater than that.
And while the pitch remains a belter, my Indian game plan would be to play for time, not runs. Here's why -
On the day after Sehwag tonked a double hundred in ODI cricket, 3 years ago, David Warner's boundary laced, emotional 145 set the foundation for what should have been a formidable Australian first innings total - that the day ended up with honors shared has plenty to do with India's bowling. And luck.
Plenty has been written about the bowling lengths - sure they could have been fuller, and straighter, but equally, the rewards might not have materialized. Australia could just as easily have ended the day at 250/2, and if the toss up is between 250/2 and 354/6, I know what I would go with.
Also, cognizance has to be taken of the fact that 3 of the four bowlers India played were playing their first test in Australia, on what is a belter of a wicket. If similar lines and lengths are persisted with on Day 2 of the Third test, then Houston, we have a problem. But on Day 1 of the first test, I would not sweat the short stuff.
And now, luck. Between David Warner's mistimed swipe off Karn Sharma, and Michael Clarke's back giving way, India should have played the lottery, thats how much luck they had.
Both are significant - another session of Warner, in form and riding on his 100, and the game, as a contest, was over, right there and then. And another session of Clarke, continuing on with from his 60, and onto three figures, and the Australian dressing room would have gotten the emotional and adrenaline boost that the past few weeks must have sapped out of them.
And Clarke's injury has a greater bearing on the test, and the series.
For tomorrow, India's best chance would be to take the remaining four wickets quickly, but I dont see how Australia can be restricted to below 400 - Harris, Johnson and Siddle can all bat, and a few aada-patta shots should see them cross 400 easily. What is important from an Indian POV is that number should not grow greater than that.
And while the pitch remains a belter, my Indian game plan would be to play for time, not runs. Here's why -
- None of the Australian bowlers have bowled a ball in anger for over a month now -
- Harris last played in mid November, coming off of his knee surgery
- Johnson hasnt bowlewd since his toe injury
- Siddle is under pressure to justify his spot after the debacle in the desert
- Keep them on the field for sufficiently long periods of time, and fatigue and fitness will become issues. And with back to back to back tests, it becomes critical.
- Prolonged periods on the field will also test Clarke's fitness.. And a team without its captain is more vulnerable.
- Finally, Brad Haddin. He hasnt played since he jarred his shoulder in the desert. Add to that the very real possibility that he will have to perform the dual role of keeper and captain for some portion of this test, and maybe this series. Add also to the mix that his lead bowlers are both coming off long injury layoffs. The longer India bats, the greater the pressure. And with a bum shoulder, on a hot day, a dropped catch by the captain, and who knows ....
Teri Maa Ki series renamed The Border Gavaskar Trophy.
In lieu of neither Bhajji nor Symonds playing, the Teri Maa Ki! Series will be renamed The Border Gavaskar Trophy. This hasn’t gone down too well with any of the non-players.Bhajji – “First I lost my passport and my credit cards, to now lose the Teri Maa Ki! Series is like…losing my passport and credit cards all over again”. Yet another flat delivery from Bhajji.
Bhajji spoke of his association with Symonds in the Mumbai Indians’ dressing room – and how they had kept the TMK spirit alive by abusing each other in their newly acquired IPL mother tongue – Marathi. Bhajji added – “Thanks to Sachin’s lessons in Marathi, Symonds can now tell when I’m calling him a monkey or his mother a eh…” he tapered off.
Symonds – “Honestly, I have no idea that the series will not be called TMK – I’m in the Big Boss house, mate. I also have no idea that Sunny Leone is what they say she is…in the Big Boss house none of us know that she is a porn star.”
Sunny Gavaskar – “I’ve had enough of being confused with Sunny Leone. Though I will say this, she needs only two more films to reach that magical figure of a century of porn films.”
Border – “Ummm just like one of Ricky Ponting or Michael Hussey must go, it’s obvious to me that one of TMK or BG will have to go, finally it’s the performance of the players that should decide who stays – Ricky, Hussey, Bhajji, Symonds, Gavaskar and Border are all has-beens – they should rename the TMK or BG trophy The MSD-MJC trophy.”(after Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Michael John Clarke)
Symonds also spoke of his association with Bhajji in the Mumbai Indians dressing room – and how they had kept the TMK spirit alive by abusing each other in their newly acquired IPL mother tongue – Marathi. Symonds added – “Thanks to Sachin’s lessons in Marathi, I can now tell when Bhajji is calling me a monkey or my mother a eh…”, he tapered off.
India’s preparation has been first-rate – unlike the England series where key-players broke down while playing in a test match (Zaks, Bhajji, Gauti) for the series Down Under, players have broken down weeks before the tour. Praveen Kumar in fact, broke down so well-in-advance, it’s feared, he may actually have enough time to recuperate and stage a premature comeback and breakdown yet again. Even though it’s often said that there’s no such thing as a good time to be injured, Varun Aaron timed his perfectly. No sooner was he selected, he was able to combine his letter of gratitude with his unavailability due to injury in the very same email.
Aaron’s letter – Thank you kind sirs for picking me for this prestigious tour…oh, it’s just come to my notice that I can’t type anymore…I fear bowling will be a tad more difficult.
Another reason to call it Teri Maa Ki!!
Ponting beyond Border, Bhajji beyond it.
Look deep within, you will know it’s no longer the Border Gavaskar Trophy, those days are long gone. And it just doesn’t sound right to call it the Singh Ponting or the Bhajji Ricky Trophy.
What better than Teri Maa ki!! It’s gotta ring to it, it’s a call to arms, and a farewell to sanity: basically everything you want a hard fought test series to be.
Who knows it may even ignite something in this soft as snow Aussie side. These days, their collapses make Pakistan’s appear almost dignified.
Hauritz broke a finger, so did Haddin, Johnson lost his mind, so did Hussey, the Aussies need a little inspiration. Bring on the bad memories.
Where is Symonds when you need him?
What Hindi does Allan Border know?
Border, we know what it must feel like to watch the Indians lift a trophy that bears your name. Seeing as that’s how it will be, why not let go of the name too? Let the trophy echo what every Indian and Australian feel. Here’s to crossover cricket.
And yeah, Happy Bored Day!
And yeah, Happy Bored Day!
They got the Ashes, WTF have we got: Border Gavaskar Trophy?
The Ashes. Soaked in tradition, baked and fried in tradition, and then, a toast to tradition. If you were a doubting Thomas, you’d be canonised by the Ashes. Just because they’re called the Ashes.
You know the two teams. England and Australia. If anything, today, when they play each other, it doesn’t seem right to say they’re playing for the Ashes. Better if you said, they’re playing for crumbs.
Look at England. They have fight in them, when it comes to No. 10 and 11. Look at Australia, they whine. And can’t get No. 10 and 11 out for 11 overs. And then they whine some more.
Then you have India and Australia. It’s a dog fight. That too between two rabid dogs. And what are they playing for: The Border Gavaskar trophy.
That’s right: you ever heard a soldier saying to his Ma, “I’m going to battle, to fight for my country, to win the Border Gavaskar Trophy.”
No way. And now we’re talking about the death of test cricket.
We need a war cry, war paint, war!
A war waged to save test cricket and tell the world what matters – it’s not the Ashes. It’s not Australia South Africa. It’s not India Pakistan either, anyway, that’s not happening.
It’s India Australia, damn it.
It’s in you, it’s in me, and it’s in them.
Feel it. Feel it bad enough that you want to pull their eye balls out.
Feel it so f**king deep that you’ll lose it all to win the series.
What series? What will you call it?
Not the Border Gavaskar Trophy. That’s just etched on the silverware.
What’s tattooed on your heart, brother?
When Before?
By Q
When was the last time that Australia played a test series in which they didn't win a single test?
Funky MSD is on
by Naked Cricket
He’s the man with the golden touch
Too much!
Everything that he touches
Turns to trophy
The only trophy that he don’t have
Is a trophy wife
Funky MSD is on
Funky MSD is on
He’s the man with the golden heart
All heart!
Everyone that he touches
Turns to brave heart!
The only heart that he don’t have
Is a sweetheart
Funky MSD is on
Funky MSD is on
He's the man with the golden start
What a start!
Everything that he starts
Turns to fruition
The only start that he don't have
Is an upstart
Funky MSD is on
Funky MSD is on
Funky MSD is on
The ball.
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