India have won the second Test in Chennai, and it is 1-1 going into the pink ball Test at the colossal new stadium in Ahmedabad in ten days’ time. The outcome of the Test must make Indian fans happy (me included), as it sets up the series beautifully and gives Team India a chance to extend their dominance at home, where they have not lost a series since 2012. However, the nature of the wicket on which it was achieved, coupled with the debates about its quality, somewhat take the gloss of it...
The Inconsistent Brilliance of Ajinkya Rahane
As India compile a handy first innings total on day one of the second Test, Srinivas looks at the career of Ajinkya Rahane – a quality player who hasn’t always lived up to expectations. Feel free to comment on today’s play in the comments too. There is a lot to like about Ajinkya Rahane. A watchable batsman and an aggressive captain, he does not feel – which is a relief – that his mouth has a whole lot of work to do on the cricket field. His calm leadership and his tide...
The Mystery Of Leg-Spin
The last time I played a competitive cricket match, I was still in my late teens and could turn a few leg-breaks across right-handed batsmen, particularly those who fancied coming down the wicket to meet my deliveries. Beating a batsman in flight or off the pitch used to delight me no end, but the notion that leg-spin was the ‘real thing’ had still not entered my mind even though Anil Kumble was my favourite bowler growing up. A decade and half later, here I am wondering why, rather than if...
Remembering Anil Kumble’s Test Ton At The Oval
Srinivas is back with his recollections of Anil Kumble’s unexpected century at The Oval in 2007. The tour marked a significant moment for Indian cricket albeit not one of England’s finest moments. It is Day 2 of The Oval Test of 2007 between India and England. Kevin Pietersen bowls the fifth delivery of England’s 165th over in the first innings. Anil Kumble, who is several yards down the pitch, places – if a fortuitously thick inside edge could be called that – the ball between the...
Mr 360 To The Slinger – Some Of Cricket’s Most Memorable Nicknames
Christmas is nearly upon us. It’s going to be a weird one. So here’s a bit of fun, mixed in with a bit of nostalgia, to sustain us through the festive period. Thanks go to Srinivas, this time writing alongside his friend and colleague Siddhartha R. Nicknames are interesting. Often, they reveal personality traits or idiosyncrasies that names do not. They are also usually sources of great fun. Some of them instantly bring a smile to a fan’s face. Some popular nicknames A few...
On The Fundamental Fragility Of Batting
Today new writer Srinivas S discusses a subject close to my heart. I’m sure all batsmen out there agree … There one moment, gone the next Few things in sport symbolise the fragility of life as batting does. There one moment, a batsman may be gone the very next, undone by a superb delivery or, just as often, by an error of judgement on his part or the umpire’s. Little surprise then that some of cricket’s finest batsmen often emphasise on the importance of the next ball. How a batsman...
