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Anyone notice the long faces in the commentary team when West Indies were dismantled with such efficiency by a rampant Sri Lanka last week? Tony Cozier, Ian Bishop and Michael Holding all looked like they were at a funeral. And you could argue that this might be a funeral for West Indian cricket – but that would be taking it too far.

It’s a game, for crying out loud. One that should be enjoyed first and analyzed later. Which is why the depressed attitude of the commentators was disappointing to watch.

Continue reading ‘Who Took All The Fun Out Of Cricket?’

Black Friday changes its meaning with every passing day. Last Friday could be a subject of a another movie though of yet another tragedy.

Movie is a distant thing though, right now the hours of Cricket meant to be unleashed on TV have become irrelevant. I mean being Cricket Lovers doesn’t mean that we as Indians can overcome such a big tragedy so soon.

The night match finished everyone was quite heavy with emotions. Some stupidity on Television followed. Mandira Bedi was so emotional as it she was about to breakdown any moment. It’s ok to be Indian and feel for the game, but as a presenter I feel you should be professional enough to run through the show. Somehow Charu Sharma carried the show well.

Continue reading ‘Cricket Without India: naahhhhhh’

So what if India doesn’t make through to the next round of Super-8’s in this World Cup. The audience get a hell lot to shout and cry about, and coach get sacked, maybe the Captain and a few players. But the biggest looser can be the broadcasters. As ad agencies are pointing out, it can be in the range of 150 Crores. Although compared to 150 Crores Indian fan’s disappointment is priceless.

Given that India-Pakistan match is already out of question we are going to miss one helluva battle. If India rolls out too then we all know what a bore it will become. Most of the sponsors you come across are primarily Indian brands and the money they pay to broadcasters will be slashed down considerably to adjust for the loss. People loose interest and so do the advertisers.

Continue reading ‘Men In Blue Bring Indian Broadcaters Down’

When Tendulkar came on to bowl his curious mix of seamers and leg spin against Bangladesh recently, John Wright was at the mike. In that wry and warm way of his he said: “Sometimes when you are great at something, you can convince people you are great at other things too”. It was a terrific comment to make. It not only encompassed Tendulkar’s aura but was a larger statement about life itself. Given the miles of print already generated about Tendulkar, it’s not easy to come up with something new and insightful to say about him. But Wright did precisely that and I’ve been thoroughly enjoying his work at the mike in this World Cup.

Continue reading ‘John Wright: Master of Small Insights’

Gibbs’ six sixes to savour

Herschelle Gibbs smashed his way into World Cup history when he hit six sixes in one over in a Group A match against the Netherlands on Friday.

The South African batsman became only the third man ever to achieve the feat in first class cricket and the first in the World Cup. India’s Ravi Shastri and West Indian Garfield Sobers are the only other players to have hit six sixes in an over in first class cricket.

source- cricclips.com