Planet "M"

“With Dhoni’s maiden Test Double in the 1st Test, on February 24, 2013, which eventually turned the table for the Indians, here wishing the return of good days in Indian cricket.” Writes Monika Arora

Indian Test team Captain - Mahendra Singh Dhoni

“In my opinion, they are nothing but a bunch of demons that are qualified with plenty of talent in their persona. When it comes to accountability and dominance – they hold a notorious degree of perfection.” Writes Monika Arora

Australian men's and women's cricketers posing for a group photo

“For the world, South African cricketers may be better known as ‘chokers’ rather ‘Springboks’ before ‘the Proteas’; but on ethics and modularity, they are cricket’s most competitive troops who have gone through anything and everything which could deprive a lot of international cricket territory.” Writes Monika Arora

South Africa Cricket Team Captain - Graeme Smith with his team-mates

In a glance:

The past (who shined and, still, dominating):

The present (who are too hot to handle):

The bearers (who just stepped up and left unbiased):

The survivors (who played during the apartheid era):

The forgotten ones:

And the prestigious one:

Enclosure:

“On January 19, 2013, being his worshipper, I could not explain the emotions that had driven me crazy; watching him on TV, again, I could not resist myself from shouting – Hey! It’s my boy playing on his home turf. Jharkhand has a national stadium, you know. Ha!!” Writes Monika Arora

Indian Captain MS Dhoni playing in his home town, Ranchi against England in 2013.

“It’s an emotional moment for me. Playing an International match at Ranchi for the very first time where I’ve grown up hitting tennis-ball earlier, it is a big moment. Of course, I could go up the order to bat in front of the home crowd but then Yuvraj was the right man to go to bat. I won’t say I was happy with Yuvraj dismissal but glad to bat here and win the match.”

“Here, I’m not speaking in favour of MS Dhoni neither I want to escape him for wrong decisions. Rather, I want him to bring back this Indian team on the right track. And to regain the winning mantra once again. Criticism must be there for the sake of betterment. In between the line of a win or defeat, I don’t know how much it affect a player, a captain, a coach or any other individual…but as a fan, it really hurts the way India performing in the current scenario. Those down shoulders, tired mind-sets, pathetic run-outs, unfortunate catches and crucial innings, indeed, shattered heart of an Indian fan.” Writes Monika Arora

Virat Kohli, clean bowled.

“Though, year 2012 said to be an end-of-the-world by the Mayan calculation. However, the ‘classic cricket’ has ended for sure. Before the year ends, let’s rewind the time and count their efforts…” Writes Monika Arora

A tale of Sachin Tendulkar and his due cricket retirement.

Cricket, more often, widely acknowledged to replicate a common man’s life. Be it a mere run save or hitting that crucial six off the ground; either a match saving 99* or barely dominated 50 OUT – what fetches one’s attention is, its consequences over the verdict of a match.

On the contrary, when something like obsession comes-in with – for anything which is close to the heart – the pain associated with its exit literally strike hiatus. The state-of-mind, then, is nothing but a numb nostalgia feeling – beyond your control, full of voids which lack sympathy.

Though, year 2012 said to be an end-of-the-world by the Mayan calculation. However, the “classic cricket” has ended for sure.

Before the year ends, let’s rewind the time and count their efforts…

Andrew Symonds, Australia (Nov 10, 1988 – Feb 16, 2012):

A mighty Aussie, an all-rounder, very aggressive in his approach, well-known for his fearless high sixes, Symonds, in his entire cricket career, either highlighted for his jaw-dropped out-of-the-ground shots or criticized for the disciplinary actions given his due talent.

Achievements:

Two-times world cup winning team’ member – 2003 and 2007. Holds the world record of most sixes in a first-class inning (16) and in a first-class match (20) while playing for Gloucestershire against Glamorgan in 1995

Setbacks:

The Monkey-gate saga with the Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh in 2008. Off-field dominated activities including drinking and insulting fellow colleagues in public. Lack of discipline led to his downfall.

Mention:

Irrespective of Symonds’ approach towards professionalism, Australia indeed lucky to have a Caribbean DNA in the side. Appeared on a reality show Big Boss – Season 5 (Indian version) and have worked in a Bollywood movie – Patiala House.

Rahul Dravid, India (Apr 3, 1996 – Mar 9, 2012):

The name is enough, though, a steady and rock solid wall; the heart of the Indian middle order – preferably for Tests, beloved Jammy of Ladies and a shy person. Rahul Dravid – world’s best No. 3 player, a less-successful captain and a sensible over-neglected hero of the Indian side – widely known for his defense in order to shape long inning.

Achievements:

10k-plus runs in both Tests and ODIs. Wisden Cricketer of the year 2000. ICC player of the year and ICC Test player of the year in 2004. Most successful fielder of Tests – 210 catches. Named at Lord’s honour board for scoring ton vs England in 2011.

Setbacks:

A man known to be ‘The Wall’ for his astute defence, lost his focus during the tour down under last winter and was getting bowled time and again – the wall had started to crack.  Again, ball tampering issue in 2004 where he was caught putting a lozenge on the ball.

Mention:

A responsible and committed team-man who, unlike others, prefers to be off the spot light; hardly self-praised and never demand of it – was often noted misbehaved for an ODI place. However, he wholeheartedly accepted a sudden call to ODI team, in 2011, after 2-years omission – shows his dedication and commitment. First non-Australian cricketer to address at the Bradman Oration, 2012.

Brett Lee, Australia (Dec 26, 1999 – July 13, 2012):

As much famous Binga is for the lethal pace, was as more famous for his frequent injuries. They say, the faster you bowl the harder it toils your body. Had he been able to keep-up his fitness checks, he would have been named along with fiery McGrath and Gillespie. However, he is a handy lower-down the order batsman who hits pretty long sixes.

Achievements:

First player to have a T20I hat-trick. Got 5-wickets in his debut Test match where the 4th ball of his career brought him a wicket (vs India at Melbourne in 1999). Wisden player of the year 2006.

Setback:

During 2008 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Lee picked up a stomach virus; later he said in a statement to have lost close to 15 kg weight during his trip due to spicy Indian food culture. His busy schedule with the national team, somehow, affected his personal life. For which, later CA amend its policy for players’ family on away tours.

Mention:

A sensible person off the field, Lee is often seen twisting with his guitar – may be his best leisure time activity after cricket. Though, an aggressive on-field character who first scare with his speed later mellow down with a flashy smile – such a competitor.

Mark Boucher, South Africa (Oct 7, 1997 – July 10, 2012):

Arguably the finest wicket-keeper in the history of cricket, having 15-year illustrious career which anyway ends in a pathetic manner: after being hit in the eye by a bail in a warm-up match during the tour to England in 2012.

Achievements:

Most test dismissal by a wicket-keeper – 555. Second fastest ODI century ever – 147 off 68 vs Zimbabwe (took 44 deliveries to finish his ton). Featured in a club of elusive eleven Africans who have played over 100 consecutive ODI.

Setback:

Having 999 international dismissals over all, Boucher ended his cricket in an unusual manner.

Mention:

Despite being a regular feature in SA since 1998, Boucher holds the distinction in wicket keeping. His biggest moment was hitting the victory run in reply to a target of 438/9 vs Australia at Johannesburg in March 2006.

VVS Laxman, India (Nov 20, 1996 – Aug 18, 2012):

A magician of his shots and the second best Indian after Tendulkar to score 2000 runs against Australia – Laxman, said to have buttered wrists, who can hit the same ball to either sides – is the unsung hero of Indian Test side.

Achievements:

6 out of 17 Test hundreds and 4 out of 6 ODI hundreds, two double centuries in Test: personal best of 281 (at Kolkata in 2000-01) and 200* (at Kotla in 2008-09) – all against Australia. As a remark, the Australian reverted with “don’t know where to bowl to him” after India’s 2003-04 tour down under – shows his uniqueness in famous Fab-4 of Indian Tests: Sachin, Dravid, Laxman and Ganguly.

Setback:

Hailing from Hyderabad, sadly, Laxman never played an International match in his home city. And once, in 2012, when he got the chance, just a week before the India-England series, he announced retirement from cricket. During India’s last tour to England and Australia, Laxman had a torrid time with the bat.

Mention:

Laxman, though quite unique, often under-rated among the other greats of his time. His love affair with Eden Gardens is not hidden from anyone – a place where he loves to score heavily.

Andrew Strauss, England (Nov 18, 2003 – Aug 29, 2012):

An aggressive batsman of domestic cricket who managed a cracking Test debut – only the fourth batsman to score a century on debut (112 vs NZ in 2004 at Lord’s) and could have become the first Englishman to score centuries in both innings of his first Test (83 run out) – however, ended his career as an average cricketer but a fine fielder and a better skipper. Debuted at Lord’s (for Tests) and retired in his 100th Test (the 50th as skipper) at Lord’s, once again.

Achievements:

2009 Ashes win at home by 2-1. Much sweeter away Ashes clinch in 2010-11 by 3-1; joined Mike Brearley and Len Hutton to win both home and away Ashes series.

Setback:

England’s lost their number 1 Test position under him after a scintillating series defeat against the Proteas this year and thus resigned from the post and retired from international cricket.

Mention:

His career has seen many ups and down with English team until 2009 where his rapport with Coach Andy Flower led the Poms to new heights – the number 1 Test team for the first time in 31 years: a series with then No.1 test team India in 2011, totally outplayed by 4-0. Received 100 bottles of wine by team-mates as a farewell sign off.

Simon Taufel, Australia (Jan 13, 1999 – Oct 7, 2012):

Fitness worshiper and disciplined; best man to handle match pressure and game rivalry with equal calmness; a professional who has changed philosophies of umpiring – Simon Taufel, aged 41, took retirement though a surprising outcome. Thanks to his home team – Australia’s early exit from 2011 world cup, he got the chance to stand in a world cup finale which was a-dream-left-to-fulfil for Simon.

Achievements:

Umpire of the year for 5-successive years – 2004 to 2008. Bronze bails holder for standing in 100 ODIs.

Setback:

On many occasions, be it the Champions Trophy in 2006 or the 50-overs world cup in 2003 and 2007, he failed to officiate  in the final matches!

Mention:

Though never interested in Umpiring, however today is enchanted Best Umpire among Cricket fraternity – Simon is a rare talent for cricket. In his span of umpiring, he is the youngest but most respected and tagged as second best after the great David Shepherd.

Ricky Ponting, Australia (Feb 15, 1995 – Dec 3, 2012):

Be it the winning spirit or commitment, decisiveness or shrewd moves, the Aussie attitude or the leadership tactics – the agility and willingness which understood nothing but win at any cost makes Ricky a controversial legend whose performance often invokes comparison with Sachin Tendulkar of India.

Achievements:

Two time world winning team’ captain. Led Australia to 34 consecutive undefeated in the world cup games. Only cricketer to be involved in 100 Test victories. 13k-plus runs in both Tests and ODIs.

Setback:

Three Ashes defeats under him – two in England and one in home soil. Early departure from 2011 World Cup which however noted as ‘end of his era’.

Mention:

That on-field aggression and off-field dialogue war; ridiculous winning tactics to highly anticipate sledging; leave alone the spirit and enthusiasm – there is always a ‘never give up’ gene within which describe the DNA of a mighty Australian. Ricky Ponting, the next best thing after Bradman, is one of the purest Australian ever. He is regarded as the toughest competitors by his contemporaries.

Sachin Tendulkar, India (Nov 15, 1989 – a slight pause on Dec 23, 2012):

“There have been numerous stories claiming ‘he still has a lot to deliver, stop drawing his frame’, ‘you would never know the next until he is there’ and the most interesting one ‘just because he is Sachin Tendulkar, you could not ask ‘till when, sir?’ ” Writes Monika Arora

Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar

Simon Taufel calls it a day!

A career full of stupendous achievements and thrilling experiences:

Australia’s sovereign rule:

The man for the big finals:

2009 terrorist attacks in Pakistan:

The dream comes true:

The Ian Bell saga:

A high end:

A gifted talent:

He will always be remembered with respect: