Court orders panel on Delhi’s mobile phone towers

May 31, 2010 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, May 31 (IANS) The Delhi High Court Monday ordered the central government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to form a panel and submit a report by Sep 15 on issues related to regulation of mobile phone towers.

Justice Kailash Gambhir said that the department of telecommunication and the MCD commissioner will constitute a committee consisting medical and technical experts and NGO representatives to look into health risk caused by illegal towers and the regulation policy for towers adopted in developed countries.

‘The secretary, telecommunication, and Commissioner, MCD, shall constitute a broad-based committee of technical and medical experts who can examine all these various studies and the technology and policy adopted by the developed countries in regulating the

installation of cellular towers and antennas,’ the court said.

Justice Gambhir said that till the time the court does not come up with a final decision on the matter, the telecom operators will deposit Rs.2 lakh per each illegal tower in the high court.

‘And if two mobile companies are sharing a tower, then an additional Rs.50,000 should be deposited,’ said Justice Gambhir, hearing a petition filed by cellphone operators against a sealing drive launched by the MCD against illegal towers.

The MCD sealing drive against illegal towers is on hold for now.

There are 5,364 mobile phone towers within the MCD’s jurisdiction in the city. Of these, as many as 2,952 have been declared illegal for having come up without the civic agency’s authorisation.

Under the revised MCD guidelines unveiled Feb 9, the licence fee to be paid by a telecom operator to the civic agency for installing a tower has been increased from Rs.1 lakh to Rs.5 lakh.

Cellular operators have, in their petition, termed the hike totally arbitrary and said: ‘The licence fee earlier was Rs.1 lakh for 20 years, which has now been increased to Rs.5 lakh for a period of five years. When the MCD increased the fees, did it make any arrangement to increase the facilities attached to the tower?’

The MCD has sealed about 300 towers in the past few months. But 41 were again made operational after the phone companies completed the formalities.

According to the civic agency, mobile operators who have set up towers illegally were given one month’s time to get these regularised. The deadline expired in the first week of May.

On the last date of hearing, the MCD informed the court that it is not ready to lower the licence fee.

The court May 13 restrained the MCD from sealing illegal mobile towers till May 24, while asking the civic agency to explain the grounds for hiking the licence fee.

The MCD had filed a detailed reply explaining the rationale behind the increase in the licence fee and said: ‘Our main concern is to regularise the towers as they are a great health hazard and public at large will suffer.’

But the court was not impressed with the MCD’s reply and said: ‘Your reply is not satisfactory and you failed to establish the correlation between the fee hike and the benefits linked to it.’

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Anshul’s last-ball six helps Chandigarh taste win

May 27, 2010 By Leave a Comment

……….while his team mate, the in-form opening batsman Manan Vohra, slams his second century of the tournament

ENJOYING a rich form with the bat, Manan Vohra once again rose to the occasion and struck his second century of the tournament to help Chandigarh record an exciting three wicket win over Mohali on the last ball of the last league match of the Punjab State Under 22 Cricket Tournament played at the Sector 16 Cricket stadium on Wednesday.

Resuming from their overnight score of 6 for no loss, Chandigarh lost opener Amit Prashar (9) and skipper Simrat Bawa (3) in quick succession early in the morning. Then, in the company of Anil Sihag, Manan stitched a third wicket partnership of 75-runs before Sihag perished while going for a shot and was caught in the slips by Yuvraj off the bowling of Arshdeep for 28 runs. Another fruitful stand of 52 runs for the fourth wicket between Manan and Ankit Kaushik helped the team make a good recovery before Navneet was caught by Navneet off Gunjot’s bowling for 21. Manan, who had earlier scored a century against Kapurthala, completed his century (108) off 183 balls with the help of eight boundaries. His 220 minute vigil came to an end when he was snapped by Yuvraj off Arshdeep’s bowling with the team’s total score reading 198 for 5.

Still left with plenty of work to do, Anupam Gambhir and Gurinder Singh got together and were involved in a match-winning stand of 135 runs for the seventh wicket as the team reached 351 in 93 overs. Gambhir was unlucky to miss out on a century when he was run-out for 88 off 128 balls. Gurinder continued in similar fashion while Anshul Tripathy gave him good company at the other end. In fact, it was Anshul who hit a last-ball six to help the team win. Gurinder remained unbeaten on 92 off 94 balls. With the win Chandigarh topped Pool A with six points.

Brief scores :

Mohali (1st innings): 377 all out; Chandigarh (1st innings): 380 for 7 in 95 overs (Manan Vohra 108, Gurinder Singh 92 no, Anupam Gambhir 88, Anil Sihag 28, Ankit Kaushik 21, Arshdeep Brar 3 for 118, Gunjot 2 for 71)

Taruwar bats Jalandhar to win

A GOOD batting performance by Taruwar Kohli coupled with some useful partnerships helped Jalandhar beat Patiala on the basis of first innings lead in the match played at Jalandhar.

Continuing from their overnight score of 40 for 1, Jalandhar mustered 322 for 4 in 95 overs. Skipper Kohli once again came out with guns blazing and struck a majestic unbeaten century to see the team through. Earlier, Robin Singh and Kohli put on 77 runs for the third wicket before Robin was castled by Jeevanjot Singh for 69. Then Abhishek Gupta and Kohli stitched a fruitful 86-run partnership for the fourth wicket, and later an unbeaten stand of 67 runs between Kohli and Love Kumar for the fifth wicket saw the team win. Kohli remained unbeaten on 116 off 180 balls which included ten boundaries and two huge sixes. Love Kumar made 28 runs off 63 balls. Jalandhar has now seven points after winning all the three matches and entered the semi-finals.

Brief scores :

Patiala (1st innings): 308 all out in 82 overs; Jalandhar (1st innings): 322 for 4 in 95 overs (Taruwar Kohli 116 no, Robin Singh 69, Abhishek Gupta 48, Pargat Singh 32, Love Kumar 28 no, Kunwar Raina 2 for 75)

Amritsar thrash minnows Mansa

AFTER skittling minnows Mansa for 131 in their first innings and then piling up a big score, a win was always round the corner for Amritsar. On the second day, Amritsar completed the formalities by thrashing Mansa by innings and 11 runs.

Amtisar made 331 in 76 overs after they resumed from their overnight score of 176 for 3. Sharad Loomba scored 95 runs, while Aman Bharti completed a five-wicket haul.

In their second innings, Mansa batsmen once again failed to get going and were bundled out for 189. Gurpreet Singh top scored with 53 runs. Charanjit Singh took three wickets.

Brief scores :

Mansa (1st innings):131 for all out in 50.2 overs; Amritsar (1st innings): 331 all out in 76.1 over (Sharad Loomba 95, Mohit Handa 55, Charanjit Singh 55, Aman Bharti 5 for 80, Manpreet Singh 3 for 80); Mansa (2nd Innings): 189 all out in 47 overs (Ashish Rana 58, Gurpreet Singh 53, Lakshay Seth 4 for 59, Charanjit Singh 3 for 42).

Baltej, Deepak set up win

SUPERB bowling performances by their bowlers handed Ludhiana a win on the basis of first innings lead during their match against Kapurthala. In the first innings, Baltej Singh took eight wickets, while Deepak Bansal claimed five wicket in the second to set up an easy win.

Resuming from their overnight score of 57 for 5, Kapurthala were bowled out for 106 in 25.2 overs. Following on, Kapurthala scored 378 for 9 in 65 overs. After losing three wickets for just 31 runs, Kapurthala were bolstered by a 99-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Rohit Jassal and Krishan. Thereafter, Krishan and Mandeep Singh put on 97 runs for the sixth wicket. Later on, Krishan and Suraj were engaged in 91-run partnership for the ninth wicket. Krishan was the fulcrum around which their batting revolved as he finally perished after an outstanding knock of 197 off 172 balls.

Ludhiana got 2 points on 1st innings lead and qualified for the semi finals.

Brief scores :

Ludhiana 399 for 8 in 95 overs; Kapurthala (1st innings): 106 all out in 25.2 overs (Mandeep Singh 42, Baltej Singh 8 for 47, Deepak Bansal 2 for 48); Kapurthala 2nd innings 378 for 9 in 65 overs (Krishan 197, Rohit Jassal 41, Mandeep singh 42, Suraj no, Deepak Bansal 5 for 95).

Chandigarh will clash with Patiala at Dhruv Pandove Stadium, Patiala while Jalandhar will take on Ludhiana at Burlton Park, Jalandhar. The 4-day semi finals will be played from May 28 to 31.

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Air India register easy win in GG Dutt, enter quarters

May 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Air India beat South Delhi Colts by four wickets to enter the quarter-finals of the ongoing All-India Goswami Ganesh Dutt memorial cricket tournament on Tuesday. Set a target of 230, Air India completed the formalities with five balls to spare at the St Stephen’s ground.

At one point, Air India were in danger of losing the grip on the match, when they were three down with only 51 on the board. But the timely 125-run partnership for the fourth wicket between skipper Shafiq Khan and Reetinder Singh Sodhi got them closer to the target, before both the set batsmen were dismissed.

It was left to Naman Sharma, who struck 23 in quick time, to see the 11-time champions home. Khan made a run-a-ball 79, including nine hits to the fence, while Sodhi contributed 47 to the total. For South Delhi Colts, Manish Bhatia struck thrice and Gaurav Gambhir took two wickets, in a losing cause.

Earlier, put into bat, the Colts were reeling at 89 for 6 in only 22.2 overs. And only a late-order burst by Nischal Gaur and Gaurav Gambhir, ensured that they put on a fighting total of 228 after the end of their innings. They put on 140-run partnership for the seventh wicket.

Gaur struck six boundaries and four sixes in his 57-ball 81, while Gambhir made 54. Mohammad Arif, who made 32 and Amarjeet Singh (23), also contributed to the South Delhi Colts total.

For Air India, Sachin Rana was pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/57), while Amit Bakshi, Iresh Saxena and Ajit Chandela shared a wicket apiece.

Brief scores: South Delhi Colts 229 for 8 in 40 overs (Nishchal Gaur 81, Gaurav Gambhir 54, Mohammad Arif 32, Sachin Rana 2/57, Amit Bakshi 1/22, Iresh Saxena 1/44, Ajit Chandela 1/41); Air India 233 for 6 in 39.1 overs (Shafiq Khan 79, Chandan Madan 27, Reetinder Singh Sodhi 47, Naman Sharma 23 not out, Manish Bhatia 3/50, Gaurav Gambhir 2/39, Parveen Thapar 1/40)

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Uday ton assures Chandigarh win

May 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Being Punjab’s highest run-getter in the Ranji Trophy (582 runs in eight matches), the attention was solely focussed on southpaw Uday Kaul. The 22-year-old had failed to come up with decent scores in the on-going Punjab Inter District Senior Cricket Tournament for the Katoch Shield. But on Saturday he cracked a polished century that not only put Chandigarh in a strong position but also signalled his return to form in the final match going on at the PCA stadium. His ton ensured Chandigarh a strong first innings lead of 91 runs.

Resuming from their overnight score of 135 for 2, Chandigarh suffered their first setback when their skipper Vishwas Bhalla perished after adding just five runs to his overnight score of 39 runs to return to the pavillion for 44 runs. At 144 for 3, Uday joined Gurkirat Walia and the duo stitched a healthy 78-run partnership to take the team’s total to 218 before Walia was dismissed by medium pacer Mohit Mohindra for 37. Instead of holding back their attacking instincts, Uday and new batsman Gaurav Gupta went after Patiala bowlers and raised a century partnership of 114 runs for the fifth wicket in 37.1 overs. Gupta stayed at the crease for 144 minutes and consumed 97 deliveries for his 31 runs. At that moment when Chandigarh were threatening to take the match away from them, Patiala’s Mohindra struck to give the team much needed breakthrough by dismissing Gupta. Still trailing by six runs at the moment, Chandigarh then took lead when Simrat Bawa and Uday took the team to a 48-run first innings lead. Then Gaurav Gambhir and Uday took the team’s total score to 410 when Uday’s scintillating knock of 177 run came to an end. His innings included 27 boundaries. At the end of the third day’s play, Chandigarh were strongly placed at 429 for 7 in 148 overs with Gaurav Gambhir and Amit Uniyal batting on 11 and 17 runs, respectively.

Brief scores:Patiala:1st innings: 338 for all out in 136.1 overs (Reetinder Sodhi 108, Amitoze 79, Kunwar Raina 53, Pankaj Dharmani 40, Amit Uniyal 6 for 71, Karanveer Singh 3 for 81); Chandigarh: 1st innings: 429 for 7 in 148 overs (Uday Kaul 177, Sarul Kanwar 75, Vishwas Bhalla 44, Gurkirat Walia 37, Gaurav Gupta 31, Amrinder Singh 2 for 101, Mohit Mohindra 2 for 119).

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Reasons why India crashed out from T-20 WC

May 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

It is time for post-mortems and analyses after India lost all three matches in the Super-8 stage of the ICC World T-20 2010, to be sent packing from the prestigious event for the second time in succession.The 2007 champions did not look like, or play like, the world-beaters they can definitely be when they are on song, and lost badly to Australia and the West Indies at Barbados, before losing to the Lankans off the last ball in a do-or-die match at St. Lucia.What then are the reasons for this premature end to their campaign? Here are nine of the most apparent ones.

The IPL effect:M.S. Dhoni had the guts and the plain-speaking-ability to state the facts as they stood at the post match conference after the loss to Sri Lanka. He blamed the IPL, not for the amount of cricket played, but for the post-match parties and the excessive travelling involved in the 45 day extravaganza, that left the players jaded and stale. All other teams played practice matches, while India rushed into their campaign with none.

Selection errors:Those who saw Robin Uthappa, Virat Kohli and S. Badrinath bat during the IPL, would wonder why they were not picked for Team India. Uthappa in particular has the ability to take on pacy short pitched bowling and score at a rapid pace while doing so. With Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag not in the team, India needed Uthappa to bat up the order in the West Indies. Pragyan Ojha was the highest wicket taker in the IPL but was not on the flight with Team India either.

Waning form:Unfortunately for the team, two of its main batsmen, Gautam Gambhir and Yuvraj Singh were woefully out of form. Yuvraj was unlucky to see one or two good hits go straight to the fielders on the boundary, but Gambhir looked totally out-of-sorts. Coupled with the disastrous performances of Murali Vijay and Yusuf Pathan, this meant that India’s batting firepower was greatly diminished.

Strategic issues:By not practising together as a team between matches since ‘the players were tired’ and by not sending an advance party of the coach and players who were free from the last stage of the IPL they had little time to acclimatise.

The J factor:Ravinder Jadeja may be one of the most talented all-rounders in the country but he has been found wanting in the last two World Cups. Sent in at number three at Lords last year, he lost his team precious time by scoring at less than a run a ball. In the Caribbean he was woefully short on confidence and was hit for several sixes. He dropped crucial catches and once again scratched around with the bat.

Zaheer below par:India’s pace spearhead Zaheer Khan bowled well below his penetrative best and cost India extra runs. He went for over 40 runs in most matches. Ashish Nehra was more effective in the death overs but ploughed a lone furrow.

Praveen’s injury:Praveen Kumar bowled impressively in the only two matches that India won. His injury left the team without a genuine swing bowler who could make crucial early breakthroughs.

Pitch related problems:The Indians played a predominantly spin oriented attack even at Barbados whereas the West Indian pitches seem to have regained their pace and bounce. Other teams like Australia and England banked heavily on their pace attacks and succeeded.

Short-pitch ball:The Indian team were unable to handle shot-pitch stuff from the quickies. India capitulated against fast bouncy deliveries and lost key wickets. They did not realise that with only two bouncers per over permitted they should have waited for length balls to hit.

(Vivek Atray is a freelance cricket writer)

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BCCI announces squad for ICC T-20 World Cup

March 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Mumbai, Mar 26 (ANI): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) led by its chief selector K Srikanth on Friday picked a squad for the ICC T-20 World Cup to be played in the West Indies.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni will leade the side in the World Cup that has Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Yusuf Pathan, Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, R Vinay Kumar, Piyush Chawla, Zaheer Khan, Praveen Kumar and Ashish Nehra.

Pacers Ishant Sharma and Irfan Pathan have been left out of the squad and Dinesh Karthik has been selected as back-up wicketkeeper-batsman.

Karnataka”s pacer R Vinay Kumar and Uttar Pradesh”s leg-spinner Piyush Chawla are the new entrants to the team. (ANI)

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Kohli to replace injured Gambhir in Lanka tri nation series

September 10, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Colombo, Sep 10 (ANI): Ace Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has been asked to return home after suffering groin injury.

Delhi batsman Virat Kohli will replace Gambhir, who has been advised ten days rest.

Gambhir, has been asked to report at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore for assessment and rehabilitation.

The Indian team is already without the services of two of its star players, Virender Sehwag and Zaheer Khan, both of whom are injured.

Tamil Nadu wicket keeper Dinesh Karthik is expected to lay in the first match today.(ANI)

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Seven Indian cricketers dominate ICC 2009 awards list

September 2, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Dubai/Mumbai, Sep.2 (ANI): Seven Indian cricketers dominate this year’s various LG ICC Annual Awards for 2009 to be announced in Mumbai later on Wednesday.

Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, openers Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag, off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, middle-order bats V V S Laxman and Yuvraj Singh and fast bowler Zaheer Khan feature in the list.

Dhoni, Gambhir and Harbhajan Singh have made the cut for the Cricketer of the Year award.

The trio has also been nominated, in the initial list, for the Test player of the year award along with stylish V V S Laxman.

For the coveted One-day International player of the year, skipper Dhoni, prolific batsman Yuvraj Singh and opener Virender Sehwag have made it to the initial list of nominees.

Indian pacer Zaheer Khan is a strong contender for the T20 Performer of the Year award.

Indian opener Virender Sehwag and former cricketer Ravi Shastri announced the names of the nominees along with the Chief Executive of the International Cricket Council, Haroon Lorgat.

The sixth ICC annual awards ceremony is to be held at Johannesburg during the ICC Champions Trophy.

There are eight individual prizes, including the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC Cricketer of the Year. The winners of seven individual awards would be chosen on the basis of voting done by a 25-person panel from around the world made up of former players, media personnel and an elite umpire and match referee.

Another 16-person group featuring former players and other experts on the women’s game would vote the nominations for the Women’s Cricketer of the Year award.

The other three awards are reserved for the Test Team of the Year, the ODI Team of the Year and the Spirit of Cricket award.

Performances of players in the period between August 2008 and August 2009 would be taken into account for deciding the awards, according to the ICC website. (ANI)

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‘I just stick to my game plan’, says Proteas star De Villiers

May 20, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Cape Town, May 20 (ANI): Proteas and Delhi Daredevils batsman A B de Villiers might look like a possessed sage in full flight, but he pins his success on sticking to his game plan.

De Villiers, speaking after yet another brilliant knock against the Rajastan Royals on Sunday night, said that it was about giving himself a chance to settle at the crease before he attempted to dominate a bowling attack.

“I think I have been following the same game plan for the last two years now.

Whether I play tests, ODIs or Twenty20 cricket I give myself a chance to get my eye in and get used to the conditions and always try to get through the first 20 balls, and from there on, I try to express myself,” said De Villiers at the press conference in Johannesburg.

According to Sports 24, De Villiers has scored 405 runs at an average of 67.50 and a strike rate of 135.45 per hundred balls in the IPL thus far, and trails only the currently indomitable Matthew Hayden (546 runs) in the runs table.

Together with Tillakaratne Dilshan, who is seventh on the list with 329 runs, De Villiers has been crucial to the Daredevil cause, especially with Gautum Gambhir and Virender Sehwag experiencing indifferent form.

Darren Berry, director of coaching with the Rajastan Royals, had only praise for De Villiers.

“Not only is he a great talent, but also he is a great thinking cricketer as well. In the heat of a Twenty20 battle that is exactly what you need. I think we were given an exhibition innings,” said Berry. (ANI)

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No surprises as India names T20 World Cup squad

May 4, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Mumbai, May 04 (ANI): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the Twenty20 World Cup team on Monday.

The selection committee, headed by Chairman Krishnamachari Srikkanth, named Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the captain of the 15-man squad.

The other players included in the squad are Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Yusuf Pathan, Rohit Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Praveen Kumar, Rudra Pratap Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Pragyan Ojha and Irfan Pathan.

A preliminary meeting was held in Cape Town on April 24.

The selection committee said they had considered the players’ performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League as well before naming the squad.

However, despite his astounding performance in the IPL so far, Mumbai Indians’ Abhishek Nayar could not make it to the final list.

Other players who were expected to be included were L. Balaji, Dhawal Kulkarni, Ajit Agarkar, Robin Uthappa, Joginder Sharma, S. Sreesanth and Piyush Chawla.

The T20 World Cup will start in London on June 5. (ANI)

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Delhi Daredevils beat Royal Challengers by six wickets

April 26, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Cape Town, Apr 26 (ANI): Delhi Daredevils beat Royal Challengers by six wickets in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match here on Sunday.

Bangalore got off to a poor start after captain Kevin Pietersen won the toss and chose to bat in overcast conditions, as Jacques Kallis was dismissed on the first ball of the match.

Kallis’ opening partner Robin Uthappa also could not place him well and went to pavilion after scoring only three runs.

Royal Challengers were struggling after losing two key wickets at a score of 10, but skipper Pietersen and Ross Taylor controlled the inning and added 62 runs for the third wicket.

Pietersen scored 37 runs off 25 balls with two fours and two huge sixes, while Taylor made 31 runs off 35 deliveries with three fours.

Royal Challengers lost wickets at regular intervals, but some late hit by Mark Boucher and Virat Kohli helped Royal Challengers to score a respectable total of 149 for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs.

For Delhi Daredevils, Ashish Nehra was the most successful bowler with two wickets.

Chasing a victory target of 150, Delhi Daredevils also got a poor start after skipper Virender Sehwag returned to pavilion at a total of 11.

After Sehwag’s departure, Gambhir and Tillakaratne Dilshan added 31 runs for the second wicket.

Delhi Daredevils also lost wickets at regular intervals, but Dilshan continued to play his natural shots. Dilshan scored an unbeaten 67 runs off 47 balls with five fours and two sixes.

For Royal Challengers, Pankaj Singh took two wickets.

Dilshan was later declared ‘Man of the Match’ for his match-winning inning. (ANI)

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Sehwag likes to bat in middle order

April 12, 2009 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, Apr 12 (ANI): Indian opener Virender Sehwag on Sunday said if given a chance, he would prefer to step in as a middle order batsman.

“I was a middle order batsman. I like to bat in middle order. But currently, team demands me to open batting and I am doing so,” Sehwag told reporters on the sidelines of a friendly five-over cricket match between his team and co-opener Gautam Gambhir’s teams here.

Sehwag also revealed that his request to bat in lower down was turned down by the team management.

However, if records are reckoned, Sehwag’s average as an opener is 51.21, as compared to 41.55 when he batted in the middle and lower order.

Sehwag also pointed out that his opening partner Gautam Gambhir was a regular opening batsman.

“Gautam is a regular opener and someone forced me to do the opening. I was a middle order batsman and the team asked me to open the inning. I am not considered as a regular opener. I never opened in first class cricket before opening in Test cricket,” Sehwag added.

Meanwhile, Gambhir said that the bowling of his Delhi Daredevils team is pivotal for his team’s chances of winning this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL).

“I think in Twenty20 format having a good bowling is very important. We have good bowlers like Daniel Vettori, Glenn McGrath, Ashish Nehra, Amit Mishra and Mahroof. The conditions in South Africa are going to suit these bowlers. If we set a good target, we have very good chance of winning the IPL this time,” Gambhir said. (ANI)

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Tendulkar credits coach Kirsten for India’s success

April 10, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Indian batting stalwart Sachin Tendulkar credits coach Gary Kirsten with helping the team become a force in world cricket again.

India won their first test series on New Zealand soil in four decades this week, their third successive test series victory since defeating top-ranked Australia in November.

“The secret to this success is the players are playing their natural game,” Tendulkar told Mumbai tabloid Mid Day on Friday.

“That can only happen if the atmosphere is good and the mind is free of any kind of pressure.

“… it’s the case of natural instincts taking over and that can be credited to Gary (Kirsten). The team environment is allowing players to play their natural game. That’s probably the secret,” Tendulkar added.

Tendulkar, the world’s highest run-getter in test and one-day cricket, was second behind Gautam Gambhir in the runs tally for the team in the test series with 344 runs.

Former South African opener Kirsten took over from Greg Chappell last year and has helped the Indian team improve their performances, earning the respect of the players for his quiet approach following a turbulent period under the Australian.

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Giant-killer of 2004 is confident in 2009

April 5, 2009 By Leave a Comment

: His favourite sports are wrestling and kabaddi, which is why he may have learnt to floor his opponents with surprise even in politics. Meet
69-year-old sitting Congress MP Eknath Gaikwad, who surprised everyone in the 2004 Lok Sabha polls by defeating Shiv Sena veteran and former LS speaker Manohar Joshi.

“I do not see a tough fight in my constituency this time as Joshi has decided not to contest and I am confident of defeating Suresh Gambhir of the Sena,” says a confident Gaikwad who has also been a three-time MLA and served as minister of state for portfolios like housing, labour, social welfare, women and child welfare, public health and medical education.

“I have done a lot of work in my constituency and this will help me retain the seat,” he says, pointing to the Dharavi redevelopment scheme, which has been one of his key projects. “I am changing the face of Dharavi and creating an entire township with good stormwater drains, sewerage, roads, gardens, schools and hospitals. In fact, when I campaign in Trombay and Deonar, I am asked by slumdwellers there to implement the Dharavi model in their areas,” he claims.

Gaikwad, who loves watching Marathi theatre, is busy meeting voters these days. “My office is open from 7 am and I look into every problem till late in the night,” says Gaikwad, who has earned the reputation of being a grassroots worker.

He is proud to be the only Marathi candidate of the Congress party in Mumbai. “Being a Dalit, I will get votes from the community en masse. And it will not be the Sena or MNS, but myself who will eat into the Marathi vote,” he says.

Gaikwad has a long list of plans for the newly carved out Mumbai South-Central constituency. “I am initiating the process of renovating stations on the Harbour Line and even making the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus hi-tech and world class. I will introduce 12-coach suburban trains on the Harbour Line and work for a super-speciality hospital,” he says.

Gaikwad adds that he is satisfied with the steps taken by the Congress-led governments in Delhi and Mumbai to ensure security in Mumbai post 26/11.

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The quiet Sainik’s first LS attempt

April 5, 2009 By Leave a Comment

MUMBAI: He is the most unlikely Shiv Sainik. He is liked by Muslims, does not discriminate on the basis of religion, is soft spoken and, what is
more, firmly refuses to criticise his opponent. Sixty-three-year-old Suresh Gambhir is the Sena nominee for the Mumbai South-Central Lok Sabha seat.

A simple measure of his popularity lies in the fact that he has not lost a single election he has contested since 1978. In that year, he stood for the BMC’s Mahim seat and when he was re-elected to it in 1985 it was by the highest margin in Mumbai. He was elected from Mahim to the legislative assembly four times from 1990 onwards. This is Gambhir’s first attempt at entering Parliament.

What is the secret of his consistent success? Says Gambhir: “There is no secret. I have been in touch with my voters 24×7. I do not believe in giving letters, but personally accompany my voters, whether it be for getting a bed in a hospital or a seat in a school. Also, I have never discriminated against anyone on the basis of religion or caste. Mahim has a large number of Muslims and I share a very good equation with them.”

When the communal riots ravaged Mahim in 1992-93, Gambhir was busy getting the injured, both Hindus and Muslims, admitted to hospital. Never the one to mouth Hindutva slogans, he appears to have mastered the art of making friends. “I may not have solved all the problems. But no one can say that I did not try to help them,” he says with innate modesty. He refuses to criticise his main opponent.

Asked for his agenda, Gambhir says that he will work for the security of the metropolis. “I was among the first to rush to Mahim station when it was hit in the 11/7 blasts. I have seen death at close quarters. 26/11 should serve as a wake up call for all Mumbaikars.

“My other priority will be to provide affordable housing for the poor and lower-middle class. The redevelopment of Dharavi is another major item on my agenda. I have demanded that each hutment dweller be given flats measuring 400 square feet and those owning commercial establishments be given extra space,” Gambhir says.He also promises to take up the problem of pollution in Chembur, which is now a part of Mumbai South-Central. He said the burning of garbage needs to be tackled on a priority basis.

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Zaheer’s fiery five wicket haul puts India on top in Basin Reserve Test

April 5, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Wellington, Apr.4 (ANI): An inspired performance by Zaheer Khan on the second day helped India tighten its grip on the third and final Test here.

Khan produced a stupendous spell of fast bowling claiming five wickets for just 65 runs, which handed over India an important lead of 182 runs, as New Zealand was bowled out for a paltry 197 in their first innings.

Khan along with Harbhajan Singh, who grabbed three wickets for 43 runs, made sure that the Kiwis would not close in on the Indian total of 379.

None of the New Zealand batsman had answers to Khan’s seaming and bouncing deliveries, barring Ross Taylor, who showed some resistance during his knock of 42. Opener Tim McIntosh also looked uncomfortable in the middle, but was the second top scorer for the Kiwis in making 32 runs.

India’s second innings, however, started off disastrously as Sehwag lofted a Chris Martin’s delivery into Ross Taylor’s hand.

Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir ensured no further damage, and at the end of day two India was 233 runs ahead.

Dravid was on nine while Gambhir was on 24 with four boundaries.

With India in commanding position, captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni may well become the first Indian captain to lead the team to a series win in New Zealand after 35 years. (ANI)

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‘Will seek votes on basis of UPA govt performance’

April 2, 2009 By Leave a Comment

After piquing his adversaries within the party for the nomination from the South Central Mumbai constituency, Congress MP from North Central Mumbai Eknath Gaikwad is now gearing up for a contest against Mahim MLA Suresh Gambhir of the Shiv Sena.

Gaikwad, 69, had won a surprise victory in 2004 against Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi of the Shiv Sena.

The former three-term MLA from Dharavi is planning to contest for his second innings in a constituency that has seen its name and boundaries being changed in the delimitation. The following are excerpts from an interview:

What will be your poll plank? My main plank will be the performance of the Congress-led UPA Government at the Centre in the last five years and the manifesto of the Congress Party. My work as an MP, public contacts, relations with people and my work aimed at redressal of public grievances will also be important.

Mumbai East MP Gurudas Kamat was also in the race for your constituency. Do you see any threat from your rivals within the party? I do not feel that such an atmosphere exists. I have been moving around in Chembur and Anushakti Nagar (earlier part of Kamat’s constituency) for the past two days and meeting MLAs and corporators. I cannot sense any discrimination. Gurudas (Kamat) also belongs to the Congress. In a democracy, all feel that they must get a nomination and nothing will happen once my nomination has been declared by Sonia Gandhi and the high command. I am also organising a conclave of workers at Sion where Gurudas will also be present.

Sena candidate Gambhir has pockets of support even among minority voters, apart from the significant number of Maharashtrians. Do you see a strong threat from the Shiv Sena? This will not be of any trouble. Gambhir was elected an MLA with a margin of just over 2,000 votes, and the Congress candidate came number two. Of the seven MLAs in the constituency, five belong to the Congress and two to the Sena. This election is for power at the Centre and is being fought on the policies of the party. My contacts with people will also help. If the constituency was so easy for the Sena, Manohar Joshi would have contested here. However, I am not underestimating Suresh Gambhir.

Your constituency of North Central Mumbai was seen to be jinxed for people who were trying to get re-elected. Barring Sharad Dighe of the Shiv Sena who was elected in 1984 and 1991, the constituency has a record of seeing sitting MPs biting the dust. I have been elected since 1985 from Dharavi. Before I was elected, it was said no one could be elected twice from the constituency. I have won thrice and my daughter (Varsha Gaikwad) has been elected once. We are people who make history.

There is resentment in your stronghold of Dharavi over the arbitrary method in which the Dharavi redevelopment has been initiated. Do you expect a backlash? There is no reason for the people to be cross. Some (Sena) tried to mislead them by asking for 400-sq ft houses, but Dharavi is a difficult slum and giving 400-sq ft houses is not possible owing to the density of population. People have realised the double standards (of the Sena). They (Sena) are also not seeking 400-sq ft houses in the SRA projects that are underway as the work has been undertaken by their builders. We have promised 300-sq ft carpet area houses. If we wanted to cheat them, we could have promised 400 to 450-sq ft super carpet area houses, but we told the truth. I will also get votes from areas like Dadar and Prabhadevi as I have taken up problems of the old buildings. I expect more votes than last time from these areas as earlier Manohar Joshi was in the fray and they had no option. Now they have an option.

What will be the impact of the MNS? The MNS will eat into the Sena votes. I will not be surprised to get a lead in the Dadar Mahim constituency owing to it.

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Kiwi pacer Mills battling his demons and Tendulkar!

March 24, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Napier, Mar. 24 (ANI): India’s batting machine has dented the confidence of New Zealand’s fast bowlers so much, that a majority of them have owned up to not possessing the required counter-attacking skills.

One of them is New Zealand’s most experienced bowler, Kyle Mills.

In the wake of a master class 42nd Test hundred by India’s Sachin Tendulkar (160) at Hamilton, Mills made little effort to mask his inadequacies as he reflected on the least-memorable episode of his 19-test career.

Mills has sustained harsh treatment since India launched their tour, continuing in Hamilton with both bat and ball.

A golden duck and then his dismissal on the last day of day three of the Test as a night watchman was bad enough but it was his swing bowling that proved the major disappointment.

After relatively economical figures in the one-dayers at Hamilton and Auckland, the perils of overstepping emerged at Seddon Park.

Mills would have dismissed Gautam Gambhir on the first ball of the second day had he not noballed-the second of five for the innings.

He took one for 98 from 22 overs-the most expensive analysis from New Zealand’s quartet of fast bowlers-in India’s first innings and then delivered 2.2 overs for 21 as the tourists romped to a 10-wicket victory.

Mills, a stand-out performer during the drawn Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series in Australia last month, acknowledged his indifferent form against the Indians was a concern.

“It was pretty disappointing all round. I’m a big rhythm bowler, I really need my rhythm and it wasn’t there in that last test match. I was bowling two sides of the wicket which in international cricket is not good enough,” the NZPA quoted him, as saying.

“I was thinking about that the whole way in on my run-up. I’m really trying to rectify that because you don’t really want to be worrying about that running into Sachin Tendulkar,” he added. (ANI)

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Cricket fans in Ranchi celebrate India’s historic win

March 21, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Ranchi, Mar 21 (ANI): Cricket fans of Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni gathered here in large numbers on Saturday to celebrate India’s historic win over New Zealand.

Fans burst crackers, distributed sweets and danced to express their happiness.

“We are celebrating because under the leadership of Dhoni India has won a test match in New Zealand after 33 years. All the people here are very happy. We are going to pay a visit to a religious shrine to pray that India win the series as well,” said Gautam, a young cricketer.

These cricket fans also complimented Sachin Tendulkar for playing a great inning of 160.

“It’s a very good thing that Sachin played his part in this victory.e deserved the man of the match award. I think Sachin is the greatest player India has ever produced. I think he has got two more years of cricket left in him. I hope we should see him play in the 2011 world cup as well,” said a young cricketer.

On Saturday, Indian bowlers took an hour to break the Kiwi resistance and bowled them out for 279.

For India, Harbhajan Singh took six wickets and marked his 23rd five-wicket haul in Tests.

With only 39 runs needed for a historic win, Gautam Gambhir and Rahul Dravid wrapped it up in only 5.2 overs. (ANI)

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