Yuvi's 'The test of my life' strikes a chord

Just finished reading Yuvi's book, 'The test of my life' and my immediate compulsion to write about it should be attributed to the fact that I had received the copy this afternoon only and I have finished it almost on the trot. Its really compelling, may be love for cricket has role to play in it, but it is definitely more than that.

'Test of my life' is Yuvraj Singh's first book and its his personal account of his journey through cancer. It also reflects upon his personal life apart from cancer in a very succint and subtle way.

It is certainly not a bio graphy and also not one of those dark and despondent stories talking about the protagonist's plight and depression. It is a serious story but the Yuvraj way.

Yuvraj Singh is my favorite limited overs cricketer and for me he is one of those sportsmen who gives his best for the country everytime and after reading this tale of his, my faith in power of sports, humanity and God has accrued immensly. It is indeed an exceptional comeback and no matter what a few morons might have to say, YUVI deserves all the praise and so does each and every individual who stood by him.

Many so called 'Thinkers' suggested that it was no big deal for Yuvraj to fight cancer as he was a celebrity and the BCCI paid for the treatment. It was easy for Yuvraj Singh. Just wonder what kind of people are these freaks? To suggest that it would have been easy for a person to fight a disease which would have killed him in a few months had he not started with the treatment is absolutely devastating. Agreed that many needy people don't have access to good medical facilities, but that doesn't mean Yuvraj should have been left alone. He deserved everything that he got. Yuvi is a national hero, he has been man of the tournament in two world cups that India has won (U-19 WC and WC 2011) and was the best player according to many in the third one that India won. (T20 2007)

His battle and experience can turn out be an inspiration to many and maybe this awakening of his through his charity might make a difference in life of many common people who need access to better facilities. Wish the foundation success in its every endeavor.

Many pundits thought that Yuvi's comeback was emotional and too early but Yuvi came back with a bang.

I will never forget the six that he hit in Chennai of Daniel Vettori in his come back game. What a hit, many international players (And great pandits) can't do it even at full fitness forget about beating cancer and then doing it (And all that in a year's time).............YUVI rocks.....

 The sequences involving Zaheer Khan, Anil Kumble, Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh are eye openers and makes you realize that these people are not mere cricketers. and they have a life beyond cricket......

A season defining(crushing) Red Card

This is from a Manchester United fan but certainly not from a Liverpool or a Chelsea hater. I love football and its ManU I love watching the most.

The start of the season in 2012 was incredible. The signing of RVP kick started a season full of expectations and also a season full of goals. Goals is what football is all about, in fact, Goals is what Life is all about. Riding on RVPs red hot scoring form, MU stormed their way in various competitions and by the end of Jan 2013 looked set for a double if not treble.


But the night of March 5, 2013 @ OLD TRAFFORD saw the BPL leaders crash out in a bizzare fashion. NANI was red carded in a flash when the Red Devils were on the top and a top team like Real Madrid pounced on the opportunity and sent MANU packing. To be honest, I was left dumbstruck after the red card and just can't imagine what the players might have gone through.

That  Red Card absolutely shattered the confidence of the team and since then MU haven't played with same intensity or drive. They couldn't close out a game against Chelsea after they were 2-0 up and also their PL outings have been quite banal.

Today they have been knocked out of the FA cup after another lacklusture performance and now they will have only a single trophy to show at the end of the season. What a sombre end to a season that started so delightfully. What an impactful send off was that.......

Still, kudos to Sir Alex and his team.

IPL 2013

The IPL juggernaut is about to begin and since the Indian cricket team has performed exceptionally well in the last series, there is a lot of expectation from the upcoming crickeTainment. There are many things to watch over the next couple of months but below are my Top 5 picks for this year's IPL:


1. Ricky Ponting leading Mumbai Indians: Before the IPL auction, no would have thought this in wildest of their dreams. Ricky Ponting leading a side which has Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh. The MonkeyGate might have been burried with Andrew Symonds inclusion in MI side for previous IPLs but the grudge against Ponting is much more than that. From 2003 world cup Final slaying of Indian bowling to 'Claiming of grounded catches' in Sydney, Ricky Ponting  has always been there and it will be interesting to see how Mumbai crowd and the team react to the gamble taken  by the Ambanis.

2. The curious case of Virender Sehwag: Viru is one of the most audacious batsmen that the game has witnessed but he is equally nonchalant and carefree. Having being dropped from both, the ODI and the test team, this edition of IPL could be the make or break for Viru as it is hard to imagine Viru having the patience and the willingness to play the whole Indian domestic season with commitment and interest and then fight his way back into the Indian team. I think even might be betting on the IPL for his return to the Indian colours. Specs or no specs, Viru has to perform this time round.

3. The Politics: The Indian politics has no boundaries and logics. It is kind of universal and its usually the non culprit or lets the non involved party that pays the price. The exclusion of Sri Lankan cricketers from Chennai matches and the new demands of Mahastra to provide fund for the drought because the pitches and ground maitainenace uses water vidicates the point that sports is one of the favorite scapegoats of Indian Politics. These are certainly going to play a major role in influencing the results of certain IPL matches.

4.  New team(s) should make it to the knock outs: For the sake of competition and for the sake of geniune cricket fans, this IPL should not be about CSK, RCB, MI and DD. Some other team, maybe a PWI or Sunrisers Hyderabad should compete for the honors in the end.

5. Unearthing of a new cricket talent: IPL has always unearthed a hidden talent time and again. Be it a Shaun Marsh or a Shane Watson, the platform works in its cpacity to bring the fringe players into the fray. Lets see if this year we find someone....maybe...Unmukt Chand...


Your comments and views are welcome......