Not really a fan of most of the stuff dished out in Tamil Film Music but this new album "Vaayai Moodi Pesanum" by the amazingly talented Sean Roldan is such a welcome change.
Have been hooked on ever since i lent my ears to it.
The Beediya Kelappu Jazz theme is so wacky and those sax movements are such a delight to hear and it gels so well with the funky rhythm and is instantly likeable. Kadhal Ara Onnu is a fantastic rock based composition and reminds a bit of his very own Mayakkara Poo Vaasam.Maatra Paravaiyo shows the class of the Chennai Orchestra and so does Mr Fixit theme which also comprises of some stupendous chromatic passages.
Podhum Nee Ini Varundhadhe is an absolute stunner rendered wonderfully by Haricharan , the harmony is amazing and the way the chorus is employed enhances the song to an all together different level.The out of the box interlude and the usage of fillers add a fine freeflowing touch to the composition.
Shut Up Vaaya Moodu Pesadhe is such a fun song having some crazy lyrics giving a real kick and also leaving a smile on your face. The sound of silence is another theme piece showcasing the repertoire and skill of the young composer.
And to top it , Udaigiren Udaigiren is a nice breezy melody accompanied by some lovely guitar strumming.
Vaayai Moodi Pesanum (VMP) is refreshing , different and uber-cool. Its overall a fabulous package interweaving different genres and producing the desired concoction thus giving the listener a great musical experience. Raghavendra Raja (RR) also known as Sean Roldan makes a rollicking debut as a Tamil film Music Director making a statement with his brand of music. Here's hoping for a new revolution in TFM.
Online Link for listening
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmdhZNZcQZ4&list=PLnO8uDr9uT6FZZjavkO87Oe3bA2YSFiSl
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Revisiting Nostalgia - A Blast from the Past!
Rewinding the clock back 10 years to this day 13th March 2004.
Reviving Memoirs of an epic cricketing encounter between India and Pakistan.
The Indian Cricket team had been given the go ahead by the Government to tour Pakistan after almost 15 years. Sachin was going back to the place where he made his debut as a diminutive young precocious 16 year old. No Indian or Pakistani cricketer barring Tendulkar had been part of the earlier 1989 tour. The entire country was waiting with bated breath for the series to get underway.
It was a blockbuster in the making and we were all privy to the fact that we were going to witness an historic epoch-making series between the 2 arch rivals.
On the other side of the fence, we were facing our 12th CBSE Board exams which criss-crossed right in between the epicness of epochness which was unfolding at the other end.I wrote my Mathematics Board exam a couple of days ago and was extremely agitated and gutted at myself that I wasn't able to perform as well as I had hoped for. :( It was the subject I was banking on the most but alas it didn't go exactly as I thought , the reactions in the house were para va illa do try to make up by doing better in the other subjects.Surely doing well in the Board exams were in the back of the mind but definitely not at the expense of missing out Indo Pak cricket knowing especially well that the whole world would be glued to their television sets.Decided on a cheap confluencing deal with myself as to how I will watch the cricket and also study parallelly by taking even breaks between both and not getting distracted by either. Of course there was no doubt about the former. :)
And then the real action unfolded on a Saturday morning with the 1st of 5 One Day Internationals played at Karachi. Inzy won the toss and inserted India in. Viru and Sachin got India off to a great start with especially the former in a bull dozing mood flaying the hapless Paki bowlers to all corners of the ground. Especially remember the burly Rana Naved Ul Hasan getting royally murdered by the assassin from Delhi.It was one of the first instances where we go to witness the Nawab of Najafgarh in such a ruthless pile driving mode and in years to come he made Pakistan eat humble pie many a time through his unflinching onslaughts.By the time Sehwag went after belting a whirlwind 79 , Ind had reached close to 150 and were going at almost 10 runs an over. Thoughts of a monumental score crossed the mind.
However the initial momentum sunk and the pace of scoring deteriorated. Rahul Dravid was playing the rearguard anchor innings slowly but steadily taking India to a score of great proportion.It was agonising to see him get castled by a Shoaib Akhtar slow ball for a perilous 99 , (only a single bail had fallen down :() but he had done his job and took India to a commanding total of 349 from their 50 overs.A very high score in those days and perhaps even now. Also the fact that no team had chased 350 before in the history of the game. (Ironically exactly almost 2 yrs hence on 12th March 2006 , South Africa chased down an improbable score of 434 to gun down the Aussies).
Pakistan then began faultily losing 2 quick wickets but then it was the stiching together of a great partnership between the 2 veterans - Mohd. Yousuf (the erstwhile Yousuf Youhana) and Inzamam Ul Haq.Yousuf fell after a well made half century but Inzy continued on his merry way tormenting the Indian bowlers. He was belligerent yet so effortless in the way he made his century.It looked like curtains for India if they didn't get Inzy out soon. And then it happened - Dravid the keeper snapped up a catch off Karthik to end a remarkable innings.
Now the match was neck to neck and it was totally game on. The match was swinging fortunes from one end to another and it was unbearable to watch. Just when you thought India was on top , out came Abdur Razzaq who smashed a few lusty blows to again put Pakis on the ascendancy. And when Razzaq was dismissed, you still had the dangerous Moin Khan and Shoaib Malik who generally take pride in these kind of situations. However when the match was reaching a crescendo , Mohd Kaif leaped across almost air borne avoiding collision with another fielder to pull off a superlative catch to dismiss Shoaib Malik.It was the catch of the match and coming at such a crucial pressure situation , it did really sap up not only the cricketers spirits but also the fans in believing that India could still pull this off. And then the equation narrowed down to 9 runs off the final over , there were discussions on who was to bowl the final over and out came Ashish Nehra. He kept his cool and delivered a series of accurate yorker length deliveries not giving enough room to clear for the Pakistani batsman. It finally boiled down to 6 runs off the final ball.
The intensity was electrifying and the tension of an unyielding proposition. Celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan , Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were at the ground. Javed Miandad the man who hit that infamous six off the last ball off Chetan Sharma all those years ago was voicing out his opinion as coach from the dressing room.I had read and heard about that ill fated acrimonious day in Indian cricket and the last thing I wanted was to see a similar experience getting re-captured all over again.
And then landed that final delivery , it was a low full toss not a great ball by any stretch of imagination but thankfully Moin played the shot too early not getting enough power thus scooping the ball to Zaheer to take a simple catch. There were celebrations all around and also a great sense of relief. India came out of a great escape.
It was a great game of cricket and justified all the initial hype and euphoria surrounding the series.
India went on to win the ODI series 3-2 and also the test series thereafter 2-1.
Its unthinkable and unbelievable to recall that a decade has passed since this game of cricket.
Certain imprints of the game remain truly etched and impregnated in the mind even now. Some days are truly unforgettable and the 13th of March 2004 bears a true testimony to this fact. 10 years is a long time but even now looking back at all the backdrop events surrounding the game, the high octane on and off field events and savouring all those goosebumpy moments makes this date 13th March 2004 and cricket match between India and Pakistan all the more special and nostalgic.
Scorecard : http://www.espncricinfo.com/.../current/match/64880.html
Report : http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/139999.html
Reviving Memoirs of an epic cricketing encounter between India and Pakistan.
The Indian Cricket team had been given the go ahead by the Government to tour Pakistan after almost 15 years. Sachin was going back to the place where he made his debut as a diminutive young precocious 16 year old. No Indian or Pakistani cricketer barring Tendulkar had been part of the earlier 1989 tour. The entire country was waiting with bated breath for the series to get underway.
It was a blockbuster in the making and we were all privy to the fact that we were going to witness an historic epoch-making series between the 2 arch rivals.
On the other side of the fence, we were facing our 12th CBSE Board exams which criss-crossed right in between the epicness of epochness which was unfolding at the other end.I wrote my Mathematics Board exam a couple of days ago and was extremely agitated and gutted at myself that I wasn't able to perform as well as I had hoped for. :( It was the subject I was banking on the most but alas it didn't go exactly as I thought , the reactions in the house were para va illa do try to make up by doing better in the other subjects.Surely doing well in the Board exams were in the back of the mind but definitely not at the expense of missing out Indo Pak cricket knowing especially well that the whole world would be glued to their television sets.Decided on a cheap confluencing deal with myself as to how I will watch the cricket and also study parallelly by taking even breaks between both and not getting distracted by either. Of course there was no doubt about the former. :)
And then the real action unfolded on a Saturday morning with the 1st of 5 One Day Internationals played at Karachi. Inzy won the toss and inserted India in. Viru and Sachin got India off to a great start with especially the former in a bull dozing mood flaying the hapless Paki bowlers to all corners of the ground. Especially remember the burly Rana Naved Ul Hasan getting royally murdered by the assassin from Delhi.It was one of the first instances where we go to witness the Nawab of Najafgarh in such a ruthless pile driving mode and in years to come he made Pakistan eat humble pie many a time through his unflinching onslaughts.By the time Sehwag went after belting a whirlwind 79 , Ind had reached close to 150 and were going at almost 10 runs an over. Thoughts of a monumental score crossed the mind.
However the initial momentum sunk and the pace of scoring deteriorated. Rahul Dravid was playing the rearguard anchor innings slowly but steadily taking India to a score of great proportion.It was agonising to see him get castled by a Shoaib Akhtar slow ball for a perilous 99 , (only a single bail had fallen down :() but he had done his job and took India to a commanding total of 349 from their 50 overs.A very high score in those days and perhaps even now. Also the fact that no team had chased 350 before in the history of the game. (Ironically exactly almost 2 yrs hence on 12th March 2006 , South Africa chased down an improbable score of 434 to gun down the Aussies).
Pakistan then began faultily losing 2 quick wickets but then it was the stiching together of a great partnership between the 2 veterans - Mohd. Yousuf (the erstwhile Yousuf Youhana) and Inzamam Ul Haq.Yousuf fell after a well made half century but Inzy continued on his merry way tormenting the Indian bowlers. He was belligerent yet so effortless in the way he made his century.It looked like curtains for India if they didn't get Inzy out soon. And then it happened - Dravid the keeper snapped up a catch off Karthik to end a remarkable innings.
Now the match was neck to neck and it was totally game on. The match was swinging fortunes from one end to another and it was unbearable to watch. Just when you thought India was on top , out came Abdur Razzaq who smashed a few lusty blows to again put Pakis on the ascendancy. And when Razzaq was dismissed, you still had the dangerous Moin Khan and Shoaib Malik who generally take pride in these kind of situations. However when the match was reaching a crescendo , Mohd Kaif leaped across almost air borne avoiding collision with another fielder to pull off a superlative catch to dismiss Shoaib Malik.It was the catch of the match and coming at such a crucial pressure situation , it did really sap up not only the cricketers spirits but also the fans in believing that India could still pull this off. And then the equation narrowed down to 9 runs off the final over , there were discussions on who was to bowl the final over and out came Ashish Nehra. He kept his cool and delivered a series of accurate yorker length deliveries not giving enough room to clear for the Pakistani batsman. It finally boiled down to 6 runs off the final ball.
The intensity was electrifying and the tension of an unyielding proposition. Celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan , Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were at the ground. Javed Miandad the man who hit that infamous six off the last ball off Chetan Sharma all those years ago was voicing out his opinion as coach from the dressing room.I had read and heard about that ill fated acrimonious day in Indian cricket and the last thing I wanted was to see a similar experience getting re-captured all over again.
And then landed that final delivery , it was a low full toss not a great ball by any stretch of imagination but thankfully Moin played the shot too early not getting enough power thus scooping the ball to Zaheer to take a simple catch. There were celebrations all around and also a great sense of relief. India came out of a great escape.
It was a great game of cricket and justified all the initial hype and euphoria surrounding the series.
India went on to win the ODI series 3-2 and also the test series thereafter 2-1.
Its unthinkable and unbelievable to recall that a decade has passed since this game of cricket.
Certain imprints of the game remain truly etched and impregnated in the mind even now. Some days are truly unforgettable and the 13th of March 2004 bears a true testimony to this fact. 10 years is a long time but even now looking back at all the backdrop events surrounding the game, the high octane on and off field events and savouring all those goosebumpy moments makes this date 13th March 2004 and cricket match between India and Pakistan all the more special and nostalgic.
Scorecard : http://www.espncricinfo.com/.../current/match/64880.html
Report : http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/139999.html
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Rain (மழை) Connection !!
I recently happened to listen to this gem of a song rendered by Asha Bhosle and put to tune by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja viz "Mazhai Megam" from "Sakkarai Pandhal" and my mind immediately correlated to the popular "Mazhai Varudhu Mazhai Varudhu" from Raja Kaiya Vacha.
I just couldn't help but understanding the analogy of the 2 songs
Mazhai Megam somehow looks like a pre-runner to the immensely successful Mazhai Varudhu Mazhai Varudhu.
Some interesting analogies between both these songs :
1) They both are based on the theme of Rain (மழை).
2) Both the songs begin with a lovely Aalaap.
3) Both have an underlying Hindustani undertone.
4) Both are based on the same Raga "Bhageshri".
5) Infact in both the songs , the first 4 swaras are Sa Ri Ga Ma.
But despite the imminent similarities , somehow the song Mazhai Megam happens to be rare and not often listened as compared to its illustrious counterpart Mazhai Varudhu Mazhai Varudhu.
But hey when you think of it, aren't there enough brilliant Raaja songs which haven't got its due because of some or other reason. Perhaps this is just one more to the list. Am thankful however for discovering this serenely delightful beauty of a composition.
Mazhai Megham - Sakkarai Panthaal (The rare beauty)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpKvVrwPGmc
Mazhai Varudhu - Raja Kaiya Vacha (The evergreen beauty)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiMy6ZYYBDQ
I just couldn't help but understanding the analogy of the 2 songs
Mazhai Megam somehow looks like a pre-runner to the immensely successful Mazhai Varudhu Mazhai Varudhu.
Some interesting analogies between both these songs :
1) They both are based on the theme of Rain (மழை).
2) Both the songs begin with a lovely Aalaap.
3) Both have an underlying Hindustani undertone.
4) Both are based on the same Raga "Bhageshri".
5) Infact in both the songs , the first 4 swaras are Sa Ri Ga Ma.
But despite the imminent similarities , somehow the song Mazhai Megam happens to be rare and not often listened as compared to its illustrious counterpart Mazhai Varudhu Mazhai Varudhu.
But hey when you think of it, aren't there enough brilliant Raaja songs which haven't got its due because of some or other reason. Perhaps this is just one more to the list. Am thankful however for discovering this serenely delightful beauty of a composition.
Mazhai Megham - Sakkarai Panthaal (The rare beauty)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpKvVrwPGmc
Mazhai Varudhu - Raja Kaiya Vacha (The evergreen beauty)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiMy6ZYYBDQ
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Yellow Chilli Restaurant - A first hand experience !!
Was pretty excited to check out this new venture of Sanjeev Kapoor in Chennai. Checked out the reviews on Zomato and they were kind of mixed ranging from great to bad. What's better than checking out yourself by directly indulging in the food and so here i was today afternoon. They have both Ala-carte and Buffet , I had the veg buffet option , I believe they have scaled up the price since i read that it was Rs.750 for veg and 950 for non veg, but today I got to believe that its the same rate for both costing Rs.1000 all inclusive.
Coming to the place , its located in Nungambakkam opposite the Income Tax office and is on the top floor of the same building which houses Papa Jones and Croma. You wouldn't think the place is so big but when you enter its spacious and pretty grandesque and has a nice ambience going for it. It has comfortable seats and a nice outside view and on the inside there is a window to the kitchen from where you can just about view the Kababs being cooked from a fair distance.
Coming to the food , its not the traditional buffet types and here you get all the food served directly to the table. The buffet comprised of a clear soup which felt good on the mouth containing ingredients such as crushed bell pepper , capsicum etc. It was pretty nicely flavored and then arrived the starters which had Paneer , Mushroom and Raw Banana Tikki. The Paneer was tender and layered with a tomato puree paste (Harippa Paneer Tikka), the mushroom was quite zingy and topped with a mild yellow gravy and grated cheese (Shabnam Ke Moti), the Banana tikki was like a cutlet tasted pretty nice was kind of different to the usual tandoori starters and had Jawarasi as an addon which went well (Motiya Tikki). Also a small word on the round onions accompanying the starters which were soaked with Malai spread acting as an interesting condiment.
Then arrived the main course which had Indian Bread , Biriyani , Papad , Salad - (Baby Potato with Bell Peppers and Boondi Raita) , 3 Main course items and 2 dals. The Roti was the usual fare nothing exceptional about it , the Biriyani tasted decent and the main courses comprised of Veg Paneer gravy which was nicely cooked esp a word about the cottage cheese which was soft and succulent (Mulayam Methi Chaman) , Corn Palak gravy which was thick with the corn finely interspersed in between the Palak (Corn Chatkara Palak) and an Aloo dish which had a mild sweet tangy taste to it (Kashmiri Dum Aloo). The 2 varieties of Dal comprised one yellow (Dal Mizaz) which tasted a touch different from the usual Dal Tadka and a black Dal (Lalla Mussa Dal). The simmering Makhni Dal left a lingering taste wanting you to crave for more. And for desert we were served small pieces of Gulab Jamun floating over a Malai kind of Milk which was delectable. (Gulab-e-Gulkhand).
Overall it was a good first time experience at the Yellow Chilli. The best part was there were quite a few items which truly had a signature taste associated. On the flip side - I would say its quite heavy on the pocket and a price of Rs 750-800 would have been ideal. Assuming they do want to maintain price skimming they should have considered adding an extra starter or two and atleast one more dessert.
Nungambakkam has well and truly become the go to place for Restaurants in Chennai and "The Yellow Chilli" serves another welcome addition to this area's already bustling food circle.
Coming to the place , its located in Nungambakkam opposite the Income Tax office and is on the top floor of the same building which houses Papa Jones and Croma. You wouldn't think the place is so big but when you enter its spacious and pretty grandesque and has a nice ambience going for it. It has comfortable seats and a nice outside view and on the inside there is a window to the kitchen from where you can just about view the Kababs being cooked from a fair distance.
Coming to the food , its not the traditional buffet types and here you get all the food served directly to the table. The buffet comprised of a clear soup which felt good on the mouth containing ingredients such as crushed bell pepper , capsicum etc. It was pretty nicely flavored and then arrived the starters which had Paneer , Mushroom and Raw Banana Tikki. The Paneer was tender and layered with a tomato puree paste (Harippa Paneer Tikka), the mushroom was quite zingy and topped with a mild yellow gravy and grated cheese (Shabnam Ke Moti), the Banana tikki was like a cutlet tasted pretty nice was kind of different to the usual tandoori starters and had Jawarasi as an addon which went well (Motiya Tikki). Also a small word on the round onions accompanying the starters which were soaked with Malai spread acting as an interesting condiment.
Then arrived the main course which had Indian Bread , Biriyani , Papad , Salad - (Baby Potato with Bell Peppers and Boondi Raita) , 3 Main course items and 2 dals. The Roti was the usual fare nothing exceptional about it , the Biriyani tasted decent and the main courses comprised of Veg Paneer gravy which was nicely cooked esp a word about the cottage cheese which was soft and succulent (Mulayam Methi Chaman) , Corn Palak gravy which was thick with the corn finely interspersed in between the Palak (Corn Chatkara Palak) and an Aloo dish which had a mild sweet tangy taste to it (Kashmiri Dum Aloo). The 2 varieties of Dal comprised one yellow (Dal Mizaz) which tasted a touch different from the usual Dal Tadka and a black Dal (Lalla Mussa Dal). The simmering Makhni Dal left a lingering taste wanting you to crave for more. And for desert we were served small pieces of Gulab Jamun floating over a Malai kind of Milk which was delectable. (Gulab-e-Gulkhand).
Overall it was a good first time experience at the Yellow Chilli. The best part was there were quite a few items which truly had a signature taste associated. On the flip side - I would say its quite heavy on the pocket and a price of Rs 750-800 would have been ideal. Assuming they do want to maintain price skimming they should have considered adding an extra starter or two and atleast one more dessert.
Nungambakkam has well and truly become the go to place for Restaurants in Chennai and "The Yellow Chilli" serves another welcome addition to this area's already bustling food circle.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Redux of Aatama Therottama song in A Totally New Different Avatar !!
One is lengthier in duration , other is short
One is fast paced , other is slow
One is zestful and energetic , other is soulful and sweet
One is in Chatushra Nadai , Other in Tisra Nadai
One is a song , other is a BGM bit
Despite the diversities they happen to be one and the same
They both happen to be the song Äatama Therotama" from the movie "Captain Prabhakaran".
The former is the actual popular song which can be listened from the below link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlBVLXaslHU
The latter is a small re-recording bit which appears as part of the movie.
Link to listen to the BGM portion
https://soundcloud.com/skrajiv/aatama-therottama-bgm-bit
One is fast paced , other is slow
One is zestful and energetic , other is soulful and sweet
One is in Chatushra Nadai , Other in Tisra Nadai
One is a song , other is a BGM bit
Despite the diversities they happen to be one and the same
They both happen to be the song Äatama Therotama" from the movie "Captain Prabhakaran".
The former is the actual popular song which can be listened from the below link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlBVLXaslHU
The latter is a small re-recording bit which appears as part of the movie.
Link to listen to the BGM portion
https://soundcloud.com/skrajiv/aatama-therottama-bgm-bit
Monday, December 30, 2013
Jai Ho Test Cricket - Never ceases to Amaze!
Test Cricket continues to churn out surprises time and again. Despite being in existence for over 135 years, something or the other happens in the form of new records being achieved or rare events taking place which have never occurred before.
Sharing below a list of memorable never seen before Test cricket moments of 2013.
1) Graeme Smith becoming the first cricketer ever to Captain 100 Tests during the test vs Pak at Johannesburg.
2) Shikhar Dhawan smashing the fastest ever test century by a debutante off a mere 85 balls in the Mohali Test vs Australia. (Incidentally it is also the highest score made by a debutante Indian)
3) Ashton Agar in his debut test batting at No.11 scoring a record breaking 98 vs Eng at Trent Bridge. (No No.11 Batsman has yet made a century in the illustrious history of Test Cricket)
4) MS Dhoni & AB Devilliers bowling in the Jo'burg test - the first and only occasion where 2 wicketkeepers have bowled in the same match.
5) Alastair Cook & Michael Clarke both appearing in their 100th test at Perth. The only time 2 players/Captains have simultaneously appeared in their respective 100th test.
6) Alastair Cook becoming the fastest cricketer to play 100 tests in a span of just 7 and 3 quarter years. (Unbelievable to think he made his debut vs India only in Mar 2006)
2012 had its own slice of history having witnessed many significant landmarks. Just to reprise the significant test cricketing moments of 2012.
1) Tino Best of WI scoring 95 vs Eng, the highest score recorded by a No.11 Batsman. (Ironically this record was subsequently broken by Ashton Agar in 2013)
2) Abul Hasan of Bangladesh scoring a hundred on Debut against the West Indies batting at No.10, only 2nd player ever to have done it on Debut. (Only 4 players in the annals of Test Cricket have even managed to score a hundred batting at No.10)
3) Chris Gayle becoming the first player to hit a Six off the very first ball of a Test Match vs Bangladesh at Mirpur
4) Michael Clarke becoming the only player to crack 4 Double Centuries in a single Calendar year. (Bradman and Ponting have scored 3 in a year)
5) Alastair Cook garnering 4 successive hundreds in the first 4 test matches that he has captained. (No Captain has even scored 3 hundreds before in their first 3 tests as skipper)
If one thought 2012 was unique, 2013 has gone a step further.
Test Cricket truly never ceases to amaze. Jai Ho Test Cricket!
Sharing below a list of memorable never seen before Test cricket moments of 2013.
1) Graeme Smith becoming the first cricketer ever to Captain 100 Tests during the test vs Pak at Johannesburg.
2) Shikhar Dhawan smashing the fastest ever test century by a debutante off a mere 85 balls in the Mohali Test vs Australia. (Incidentally it is also the highest score made by a debutante Indian)
3) Ashton Agar in his debut test batting at No.11 scoring a record breaking 98 vs Eng at Trent Bridge. (No No.11 Batsman has yet made a century in the illustrious history of Test Cricket)
4) MS Dhoni & AB Devilliers bowling in the Jo'burg test - the first and only occasion where 2 wicketkeepers have bowled in the same match.
5) Alastair Cook & Michael Clarke both appearing in their 100th test at Perth. The only time 2 players/Captains have simultaneously appeared in their respective 100th test.
6) Alastair Cook becoming the fastest cricketer to play 100 tests in a span of just 7 and 3 quarter years. (Unbelievable to think he made his debut vs India only in Mar 2006)
2012 had its own slice of history having witnessed many significant landmarks. Just to reprise the significant test cricketing moments of 2012.
1) Tino Best of WI scoring 95 vs Eng, the highest score recorded by a No.11 Batsman. (Ironically this record was subsequently broken by Ashton Agar in 2013)
2) Abul Hasan of Bangladesh scoring a hundred on Debut against the West Indies batting at No.10, only 2nd player ever to have done it on Debut. (Only 4 players in the annals of Test Cricket have even managed to score a hundred batting at No.10)
3) Chris Gayle becoming the first player to hit a Six off the very first ball of a Test Match vs Bangladesh at Mirpur
4) Michael Clarke becoming the only player to crack 4 Double Centuries in a single Calendar year. (Bradman and Ponting have scored 3 in a year)
5) Alastair Cook garnering 4 successive hundreds in the first 4 test matches that he has captained. (No Captain has even scored 3 hundreds before in their first 3 tests as skipper)
If one thought 2012 was unique, 2013 has gone a step further.
Test Cricket truly never ceases to amaze. Jai Ho Test Cricket!
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
South Africa lacking the killer instinct of a Champion Cricket Side
South Africa in one word - "Disappointing"
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Tendulkar Toughie Quiz
There was a quiz I Created in Facebook years ago on Sachin Tendulkar - Some unusually Difficult questions on the Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar!!
Some of the Questions and answers have been modified a bit and posting below the revised updated list of Q&A.
Question 1
Sachin made his 1st ever ODI Century against Aus in 1994.Which was the tournament? (Clue It was a 4 Nation event involving Ind,Aus,Pak and SL)
1. Sansui Trophy
2. Singer Cup
3. Bank Alfalah Cup
4. Janashakthi Life Insurance Cup
Question 2
Sachin's 1st ever Test as Captain resulted in a resounding victory over Aus at Delhi in 1996.Who was the Man of the Match in that Test(Clue:He scored 152)
1. Devang Gandhi
2. Sachin Tendulkar Himself
3. Nayan Mongia
4. Mohd. Azharuddin
Question 3
Opening the batting for the first time in ODI'S,Sachin made a swashbuckling 82 off 49 Balls vs NZ in 1994.Which was the venue ?
1. Auckland
2. Christchurch
3. Dunedin
4. Wellington
Question 4
In which of these venues in England has Sachin not scored a test century ?
1. Edgbaston
2. Old Trafford
3. Leeds
4. Lords
Question 5
Sachin's solitary century in the 99 WC came against this opposition ?
1. Sri Lanka
2. Kenya
3. Namibia
4. Zimbabwe
Question 6
Sachin Tendulkar has scored maximum number of centuries against Australia.How many has he scored ?
1. 8-ODI'S,9-TESTS
2. 9-ODI'S,9-TESTS
3. 9-ODI'S,11-TESTS
4. 9-ODI'S,10-TESTS
Question 7
Who was the player at the other end when Sachin miscued his shot to be out for a memorable 136 in the evergreen Chennai Test vs Pak in 1999 ?
1. Anil Kumble
2. Nayan Mongia
3. Sunil Joshi
4. Javagal Srinath
Question 8
When Sachin bowled that brilliant last over vs S.Africa in the 1993 Hero Honda Cup S/F,who were the players facing him ?
1. Dave Richardson and Richard Snell
2. Richard Snell and Allan Donald
3. Brian McMillan and Dave Richardson
4. Brian McMillan and Allan Donald
Question 9
India achieved their first ever score of 300 or more in an ODI vs Pak @ Sharjah in 1996.Sachin scored a century.Who else apart from Sachin also made a century?
1. Sourav Ganguly
2. Navjot Sidhu
3. Mohd. Azharuddin
4. Ajay Jadeja
Question 10
India has defeated Pakistan in 4 WC Matches so far (92,96,99 & 03 WC),out of which Sachin has been Man of the Match in 2 of the World Cup Matches.Which 2 World Cups are being referred here?
1. 92 WC , 03 WC and 11 WC
2. 99 WC , 03 WC and 11 WC
3. 96 WC , 03 WC and 07 WC
4. 92 WC , 96 WC and 99 WC
Answers
Question 1
2. Singer Cup
Question 2
3. Nayan Mongia
Question 3
1. Auckland
Question 4
4. Lords
Question 5
2. Kenya
Question 6
3. 9-ODI'S,11-TESTS
Question 7
1. Anil Kumble
Question 8
3. Brian McMillan and Dave Richardson
Question 9
2. Navjot Sidhu
Question 10
1. 92 WC , 03 WC and 11 WC
Note :
Link for the quiz created initially :
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/quiz/tendulkar-toughie/
Some of the Questions and answers have been modified a bit and posting below the revised updated list of Q&A.
Question 1
Sachin made his 1st ever ODI Century against Aus in 1994.Which was the tournament? (Clue It was a 4 Nation event involving Ind,Aus,Pak and SL)
1. Sansui Trophy
2. Singer Cup
3. Bank Alfalah Cup
4. Janashakthi Life Insurance Cup
Question 2
Sachin's 1st ever Test as Captain resulted in a resounding victory over Aus at Delhi in 1996.Who was the Man of the Match in that Test(Clue:He scored 152)
1. Devang Gandhi
2. Sachin Tendulkar Himself
3. Nayan Mongia
4. Mohd. Azharuddin
Question 3
Opening the batting for the first time in ODI'S,Sachin made a swashbuckling 82 off 49 Balls vs NZ in 1994.Which was the venue ?
1. Auckland
2. Christchurch
3. Dunedin
4. Wellington
Question 4
In which of these venues in England has Sachin not scored a test century ?
1. Edgbaston
2. Old Trafford
3. Leeds
4. Lords
Question 5
Sachin's solitary century in the 99 WC came against this opposition ?
1. Sri Lanka
2. Kenya
3. Namibia
4. Zimbabwe
Question 6
Sachin Tendulkar has scored maximum number of centuries against Australia.How many has he scored ?
1. 8-ODI'S,9-TESTS
2. 9-ODI'S,9-TESTS
3. 9-ODI'S,11-TESTS
4. 9-ODI'S,10-TESTS
Question 7
Who was the player at the other end when Sachin miscued his shot to be out for a memorable 136 in the evergreen Chennai Test vs Pak in 1999 ?
1. Anil Kumble
2. Nayan Mongia
3. Sunil Joshi
4. Javagal Srinath
Question 8
When Sachin bowled that brilliant last over vs S.Africa in the 1993 Hero Honda Cup S/F,who were the players facing him ?
1. Dave Richardson and Richard Snell
2. Richard Snell and Allan Donald
3. Brian McMillan and Dave Richardson
4. Brian McMillan and Allan Donald
Question 9
India achieved their first ever score of 300 or more in an ODI vs Pak @ Sharjah in 1996.Sachin scored a century.Who else apart from Sachin also made a century?
1. Sourav Ganguly
2. Navjot Sidhu
3. Mohd. Azharuddin
4. Ajay Jadeja
Question 10
India has defeated Pakistan in 4 WC Matches so far (92,96,99 & 03 WC),out of which Sachin has been Man of the Match in 2 of the World Cup Matches.Which 2 World Cups are being referred here?
1. 92 WC , 03 WC and 11 WC
2. 99 WC , 03 WC and 11 WC
3. 96 WC , 03 WC and 07 WC
4. 92 WC , 96 WC and 99 WC
Answers
Question 1
2. Singer Cup
Question 2
3. Nayan Mongia
Question 3
1. Auckland
Question 4
4. Lords
Question 5
2. Kenya
Question 6
3. 9-ODI'S,11-TESTS
Question 7
1. Anil Kumble
Question 8
3. Brian McMillan and Dave Richardson
Question 9
2. Navjot Sidhu
Question 10
1. 92 WC , 03 WC and 11 WC
Note :
Link for the quiz created initially :
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/quiz/tendulkar-toughie/
Saturday, November 16, 2013
A Trip Down Memory Lane with Sachin Tendulkar !!
As the curtain comes rolling down on an illustrious career spanning a generation, I was just reflecting on the sort of impact he made to the common man and how he touched upon many of our lives. Just chronicling some of the moments and memories which had a lasting impact on me.
My earliest memory of him was during the Hero cup semi in Nov 1993 when he came on to bowl the last over with 6 needed to win for South Africa. Family and friends had got together and I vaguely remember my mom asking me to Kann Moodify with the tension building and it was a euphoric moment when he pulled it off and on the background was an ecstatic Henry Blofeld commentating (I've never heard him comment barring the hero cup) and scenes of an Eden Gardens crowd going into absolute raptures. Those days Eden was a fortress and the number would have touched 100,000. Then came the final and though it was a match dominated by the wily old fox Kumble who got magical figures of 6/12, it was Sachin's cameo at the end which took India to a respectable target of 225.
From 1994 there was more seriousness in myself as a cricket lover and Oh my Gawd how i can forget that eventful day getting up early in the morning watching this curly haired assassin open the batting and smashing a spectacular 82 of 49 balls, of course was a tad disappointed that he still didn't get his 1st ODI hundred as he had quite a few scores in the 80s till that time. However the wait ended in the Singer Cup, a quadrennial event which was held in Sri Lanka comprising of the hosts along with India , Pakistan and Australia. I fondly remember that was the first time i had bought the Sportstar dated 3rd Sep 1994 with the front cover having the pictures of the 4 skippers Ranatunga , Azhar, Malik and Taylor and then the moment arrived when i got to witness that elusive 1st ODI hundred which he so badly wanted (and so was I) when he took apart the Aussie attack to score a fine 110.
Then there was his much talked about wedding in 95 to Doctor Anjali Mehta. It was a very heavily discussed topic primarily because Anjali happened to be 4 yrs senior to him. In those days this was definitely uncommon and a big thing. Also he was just 22 at that time. And there was this magazine Sports World which splashed some lovely big photographs of his wedding. I remember buying it in a magazine shop opposite Mylapore Sangeetha (next to Ambika Appalam). Both the magazine and the shop have since became extinct.
Next was the 96 World Cup. There was so much excitement personally as this was the first WC I was ever going to witness and it was in the subcontinent. I bought that red color book by Gulu Ezekiel "Story of the World Cup" which covered the history of the World cup along with snippets and scores of the past 5 events. I just couldn't wait for the first ball to get underway between NZ and Eng on Feb 14th 1996. India's hopes was fully pinned on one man Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. Imagine he had not yet turned 23 and that time itself he had to shoulder the burden of a billion people. And boy what a fantastic World cup he had. His 90 vs the Aussies and his trailblazing 137 vs Lanka (though both in losing causes) are still etched in memory. Though he was not able to take India all the way through , you knew this kid had well and truly arrived and there was entertainment guaranteed for years to come. Personally, yes i am biased I feel his 96 WC show was his best ever even eclipsing the stellar 2003 WC show in South Africa.
His hundred making continued from the WC and in April 96 witnessed him make his first hundred against Pakistan at Sharjah. He had put on a stand of about 200 odd with Sidhu who also scored a ton. This match again I have fond memories because it was the first time India ever crossed 300 in a One Day International. Azhar smoked the hell out of Ata-Ur-Rehman in the last over to enable India cross that coveted figure. (Yeah nowadays 300 is a joke, but it definitely wasn't back then).
His one day from rubbed into test cricket and in 96 he had a great tour of the Old Blighty scoring 2 hundreds in 3 test matches. Many of us tend to forget this and it was spoken more of being a tour marking the arrival and exploits of 2 up and coming young future stars Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid.
The same yr 1996 also saw his first foray as Captain of India. He started off pretty well with a win over Australia in the first ever Border-Gavaskar one off test match. Also he captained India to victory in the triangular Titan Cup involving Australia and South Africa. SA showed their choking skills in the final after dominating with commanding wins in each of their games before. India also defeated South Africa in a home 3 test series 2-1, of which the first test in Bangalore saw the debut of another very special cricketer VVS Laxman.
India then went on to tour the Proteas and were pulverized black and blue. Despite the thunderous battering, if ever that tour is still remembered it is that breathtaking partnership between Azhar and Sachin with the latter going on to make a belligerent 169 and it needed a special effort from the high flying Adam Bacher to prevent him from continuing the onslaught further. It was vintage Sachin at his very best. India as a team continued to disappoint in the ODI's with losses even against minnows Zimbabwe and it again needed an extra special 100 by Sachin to take India to the final where they had to gun down about 240 in 40 overs to get India through.
Of course his captaincy encountered a rocky surface and it wasn't long before he stepped down. It reached an all time low when India set a target of 120 to win the Trinidad test vs Windies were bundled out for just 81 against Brian Lara's men.
Captaincy was gone and the batsman Sachin Tendulkar took centerstage. 1998 was a truly landmark year for Sachin, the batsman. He set the tone with a sparkling 95 vs Pakistan in the first final of the Silver Jubilee Cup. It was an innings that set the platform for very many great things to follow in the rest of the year. India eventually went on to win the cup with a last over heroic performance in the 3rd final by Hrishikesh Kanitkar in a final over hurrah.
And how can over forget the Sharjah blitzkrieg in April 98 where he decimated the Australian attack with 2 back to back hundreds in the desert storm. Sachin tormenting the Aussie bowlers with an over exuberant Tony Greig going absolute gaga will forever be etched in the minds of a gazillion cricket lovers. He was just invincible at this point of time and mind you he was just turning 25. The year continued with more glory and a truckload of centuries. Another of his special tons was the one at Chepauk where he bulldozed and trampled Shane Warne and the new spinner Gavin Robertson on his way to a majestic 155. If you have to define one year where a batsman left an impregnable impression with his strokeplay, consistency and domination it was 1998, truly a year imbibed in cricketing folklore for the exploits produced by the Bombay Bomber.
Year 99 and it was a historic occasion as the Pakistanis were touring India after a dozen years. The first test in Chennai witnessed an epic awe inspiring knock by Sachin when all others around him wilted under the pressure and were spun around a web by Saqlain. It was an innings withstanding immense pressure and the execution and character showed was impeccable. India however was not able to pull off a victory and the last 3-4 wickets fell like a pack of cards immediately after Sachin's dismissal. His most painful innings for sure. The Chennai crowd showed its sporting nature clapping and applauding the Pakistanis on their victory lap. For me personally it was a defeat hard to swallow and I felt after doing all the hard work he should have stayed on till the end and finished off the matter. Alas, it didnt happen. He did so much, still we take additional liberty and advantage of him. Selfish cricket fans (myself especially).
The 99 WC was a disappointment both for India and Sachin as a player who was quite below par barring a solitary hundred. However it was a time where he underwent a personal tragedy of losing his father.
Sachin again took the captaincy and after a fairly decent series vs the kiwis where he managed to rake in his then highest score of 186, it was time for down under in end 99. India fared miserably being whitewashed 3 zip by the Kangaroos. Of course, one will not easily forget that amazing 116 by him at Melbourne. It was more woes for the Indians in the tri-nation tournament not having gotten to the final. It was an ill fated second stint for Sachin as captain and you soon knew the writing was on the wall.
Things got worse with the match fixing saga and compounding further to the problems prevailing, India managed to lose a home test series vs the South Africans. Alas, it was surely time over for Sachin as captain.
Ganguly took over as captain and the first real test was against the mighty Australians who had come to India with an unbeaten 15 match win streak. It was dubbed as the final frontier for the Aussies to conquer and the win streak continued with a resounding win at Mumbai to stretch it to 16-0. Sachin waged a lone battle for India making 50's in both innings. The second test was known for the miraculous batting partnership between Laxman and Dravid and the hattrick by Bhajji to catapult India to an unlikely victory and snap the win streak of the Aussies. The see saw battle culminated in Chennai and what an amazing test match it was. Sachin's remarkable 126 along with fine performances by the others helped India pull off a brilliant win and made the Aussies wait a few more years before they could get a chance to conquer India again.
Year end 2001 and it was time to tour South Africa again. A young dashing and dynamic batsman from Delhi, Virender Sehwag who had modeled his game from Sachin was making his debut in the first test and it was a treat to watch both of them score centuries and it was attacking stroke play at its real best. That was however the only positive for India as they ended up being pounded yet again by the Saffers.
In 2002 , India finally managed to beat the Windies at home after 31 years and the one test match in which India was victorious, Sachin came to the fore with a pugnacious 100. It was next the tour of England and India performed admirably well by drawing the series. The test which India won at Leeds saw Sachin scoring a resounding 193. Dravid and Ganguly also managed to score tons in the same game to take India to a magnificent win. And it happens to be the only time the big 3 scored a hundred in the same test innings. India also managed to pull off an unthinkable chase in the Natwest one day series final with 2 young turks Yuvraj and Kaif producing an emphatic performance. Sachin however failed in the big final but managed to score an ODI ton in England in an earlier game. India's form was on the upsurge in the ODI format where they were joint winners with Sri Lanka in the Champions Trophy. All eyes were on the WC 2003 to be scheduled in South Africa.
The WC 2003 saw Sachin asserting his supremacy yet again with the bat. He was in tremendous form throughout the tournament and ended up being the leading run scorer by a country mile. He however managed only one century vs Namibia but his greatest knock was that utterly disdainful 98 he made at Cape Town against Pakistan. If ever an innings deserved a century it was this one. He was again unfortunate to miss out on a century by 3 runs vs SL. In the all important final however, Australia's target was too steep an order to climb and it was all over once Sachin was dismissed early.
Year end it was time to tour Aussies. It was Steve Waugh's farewell series and India as a team had put up an excellent show drawing the series 1-1. Sachin was in a bad patch of form having failed in 3 of the tests and he was under pressure to deliver in the final new year test at Sydney. And deliver he did in emphatic fashion scoring a career defining 241. An innings Lara rates as his best for the sheer will of trying to control not playing his favourite cover drive till he reached the magical figure of 200. Truly an innings of high competency and dedication.
It was then India's turn to tour Pakistan after 15 long years and also a homecoming for Sachin who made his debut there in 1989. India ended up winning both the ODI and Test series. Sachin scored a crucial 194 at Multab , however was largely overshadowed by Virender Sehwag's triple hundred and the puzzling move by Dravid to declare with Sachin just 6 short of a double ton.
From about 2005 onwards , I beleive he changed his game a bit. He was more sedate in his approach and looked to build an innings and you could perhaps sense a deliberate move on his part to curb his attacking strokeplay. The result was mixed as for me I always knew of him as an aggressive player and it was difficult to envisage him as being anything different. The way he used to steamroll attacks in the days of yore , this changed approach seemed somewhat unacceptable. Whatever said and done , some of his innings in the latter part of his career may not have been the most entertaining but made many realise that they were certainly crucial and helped the team's cause.
That all important 100 which he dedicated to the victims of 26/11 after the initial tone set up by Sehwag to overhaul Englands massive target of 387 in the 4th innings at Chennai stands true testimony to his courage and character.It was also a pleasure to see him score his 3rd consecutive hundred at the Sydney Cricket Ground (one of his favourites) in an ill fated and controversial tour. He followed it up with one more at Adelaide which was his last test century in Australia. In his final tour in 2011-12 , despite crossing 50 on quite a few occassions he didnt manage to get to the 3 figure mark even once which is a personal disappointment considering how well he always used to perform there.The crowning of India's achievements however was winning the VB series defeating a strong host side Australia in the finals. And again as Ravi Shastri often says cometh the hour cometh the man , Sachin was at the helm yet again steering the side by scoring a century and a 90 in the 2 finals.
And when India defeated the Kiwis in their own den , he was there again amongst the runs with a ton at Hamilton enabling India to take an early lead in the series. Also his 163 in one of the ODIs where he completely bullied the Kiwi bowlers was a treat to watch.Recently in 2010 , that commanding double century in Bangalore against the Aussies helping India retain the Border - Gavaskar trophy after falling 2 short of his 100 in the previous game was precious. Also those 2 centuries in his last trip of South Africa truly undermined his callousness and resilience.
And what a history beckoning moment it was when he became the first cricketer on the planet to reach the all encompassing mount number of 200 in a One Day International. I was on an audit and nobody was really interested to work , all that was happening was constant refreshment of the Cricinfo site . It was a signal that he was back in business as he showcased his ebullient strokeplay against a formidable South African attack. Just months before he scored a career defining 175 vs the Aussies in an ODI at Hyderabad almost taking India to the threshold of victory chasing 350. In some ways one could say this 175 was the prerunner to the bigger and larger 200.
It was World Cup time again in 2011 and there were few things to mend. First thing was avenging revenge for the disastrous showing in the previous edition in 2007 and secondly one got the feeling that Sachin was playing his 6th and last World cup. Even God was under pressure as it would have been a cardinal sin if Sachin for all his silver lining career didn't end up being a world cup winner. The script was perfectly written and Sachin's dream finally came true with India being crowned World champion. He left an everlasting impression in this edition too with 2 masterclass centuries against England and South Africa. More than even India winning, I wanted Sachin to be a world cup winner for all he had done and thank goodness it happened.
And then there were some disappointments. Many expected him to retire at least from the One day game considering he had achieved it all and capped off his career with a world cup win, but it didnt happen. His retirement decision only he knows best but what was disappointing was the struggle to get to his 100th hundred. I so sincerely hoped he would get there in that WC semi game itself where the Paki fielders too helped his cause by contributing with numerous missed catches.But he ultimately fell for a shaky 85. And then followed that 90 in the Oval test vs Eng (sadly you need to go as back as 2002 when he last hit a test hundred at Pommie land failing to score one in the following 2 tours). After that it was so painful to see him fall again in the nervous 90's after scoring a 93 vs WI in his home Mumbai test and then the stumble at Sydney when he again reached close to the monumental figure. (It also meant his final tour of Aus will not have a century by his side despite him scoring at least one in 4 tours previously). And then the moment finally arrived in Dhaka when he carved his way to a laborious and grinding 100 against the Bangladeshis. The 100th hundred should have been a more grandesque affair but it was muted and in a way more of a relief than a celebration. Yes, it was all sans style and grace but whatever, you have to give it to the man for again setting the benchmark by becoming the first player to score 100 INTERNATIONAL HUNDREDS.
I for one have always been a Sachin fan but can never classify myself as a "Fanboy". I have got irritated and disappointed with him on many occasions, a criticism I still hold is that he should have won more games chasing. Also being someone who was always numbers crazy and conscious, its a tad disappointing that he did not make a hundred in his last 23 tests and this includes 8 tests each against the English and the Australians - 2 oppositions he always thrives to do well. Was hoping silently that he would finally get that one biggie in his final test but it didn't happen. Also it was heartbreaking to see him fall repeatedly in the 90's especially in ODI's. If only he had converted a 3 quarter of them he should have had a minimum of 60 hundreds in both version - Tests and ODI'S. But the minor quibbles aside, the joy and happiness he provided far outweigh the disappointments.
Many who follow the sport of cricket would never have known you personally but through your willow you have influenced , entertained and impacted a generation of cricket lovers in the last 24 years. Its hard to digest that the razor sharp straight drive, the glorious Cover Drive, the upper cut six, shouts of Sachiiinnnnn Sachin will all soon be history of the past.
For me personally it has been a roller coaster ride in the last 20 years. So many highs, lows, ecstasies and also some disappointments. You have left such an indelible impression on me and am sure a billion other cricket fans. You've contributed so much in making my childhood all the more memorable. So many memories have been kindled and I'm sure if I rack up my brain further, more and more will flow. Its truly been a journey of a lifetime.
There will be a few trickling of tears when the moment sinks in to realize that this cricketing journey has reached its final ultimate destination and not going to proceed any further. With a heavy lump in my heart, I would just like to say Thank you for everything you have done. #ThankYouSachin.
My earliest memory of him was during the Hero cup semi in Nov 1993 when he came on to bowl the last over with 6 needed to win for South Africa. Family and friends had got together and I vaguely remember my mom asking me to Kann Moodify with the tension building and it was a euphoric moment when he pulled it off and on the background was an ecstatic Henry Blofeld commentating (I've never heard him comment barring the hero cup) and scenes of an Eden Gardens crowd going into absolute raptures. Those days Eden was a fortress and the number would have touched 100,000. Then came the final and though it was a match dominated by the wily old fox Kumble who got magical figures of 6/12, it was Sachin's cameo at the end which took India to a respectable target of 225.
From 1994 there was more seriousness in myself as a cricket lover and Oh my Gawd how i can forget that eventful day getting up early in the morning watching this curly haired assassin open the batting and smashing a spectacular 82 of 49 balls, of course was a tad disappointed that he still didn't get his 1st ODI hundred as he had quite a few scores in the 80s till that time. However the wait ended in the Singer Cup, a quadrennial event which was held in Sri Lanka comprising of the hosts along with India , Pakistan and Australia. I fondly remember that was the first time i had bought the Sportstar dated 3rd Sep 1994 with the front cover having the pictures of the 4 skippers Ranatunga , Azhar, Malik and Taylor and then the moment arrived when i got to witness that elusive 1st ODI hundred which he so badly wanted (and so was I) when he took apart the Aussie attack to score a fine 110.
Then there was his much talked about wedding in 95 to Doctor Anjali Mehta. It was a very heavily discussed topic primarily because Anjali happened to be 4 yrs senior to him. In those days this was definitely uncommon and a big thing. Also he was just 22 at that time. And there was this magazine Sports World which splashed some lovely big photographs of his wedding. I remember buying it in a magazine shop opposite Mylapore Sangeetha (next to Ambika Appalam). Both the magazine and the shop have since became extinct.
Next was the 96 World Cup. There was so much excitement personally as this was the first WC I was ever going to witness and it was in the subcontinent. I bought that red color book by Gulu Ezekiel "Story of the World Cup" which covered the history of the World cup along with snippets and scores of the past 5 events. I just couldn't wait for the first ball to get underway between NZ and Eng on Feb 14th 1996. India's hopes was fully pinned on one man Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. Imagine he had not yet turned 23 and that time itself he had to shoulder the burden of a billion people. And boy what a fantastic World cup he had. His 90 vs the Aussies and his trailblazing 137 vs Lanka (though both in losing causes) are still etched in memory. Though he was not able to take India all the way through , you knew this kid had well and truly arrived and there was entertainment guaranteed for years to come. Personally, yes i am biased I feel his 96 WC show was his best ever even eclipsing the stellar 2003 WC show in South Africa.
His hundred making continued from the WC and in April 96 witnessed him make his first hundred against Pakistan at Sharjah. He had put on a stand of about 200 odd with Sidhu who also scored a ton. This match again I have fond memories because it was the first time India ever crossed 300 in a One Day International. Azhar smoked the hell out of Ata-Ur-Rehman in the last over to enable India cross that coveted figure. (Yeah nowadays 300 is a joke, but it definitely wasn't back then).
His one day from rubbed into test cricket and in 96 he had a great tour of the Old Blighty scoring 2 hundreds in 3 test matches. Many of us tend to forget this and it was spoken more of being a tour marking the arrival and exploits of 2 up and coming young future stars Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid.
The same yr 1996 also saw his first foray as Captain of India. He started off pretty well with a win over Australia in the first ever Border-Gavaskar one off test match. Also he captained India to victory in the triangular Titan Cup involving Australia and South Africa. SA showed their choking skills in the final after dominating with commanding wins in each of their games before. India also defeated South Africa in a home 3 test series 2-1, of which the first test in Bangalore saw the debut of another very special cricketer VVS Laxman.
India then went on to tour the Proteas and were pulverized black and blue. Despite the thunderous battering, if ever that tour is still remembered it is that breathtaking partnership between Azhar and Sachin with the latter going on to make a belligerent 169 and it needed a special effort from the high flying Adam Bacher to prevent him from continuing the onslaught further. It was vintage Sachin at his very best. India as a team continued to disappoint in the ODI's with losses even against minnows Zimbabwe and it again needed an extra special 100 by Sachin to take India to the final where they had to gun down about 240 in 40 overs to get India through.
Of course his captaincy encountered a rocky surface and it wasn't long before he stepped down. It reached an all time low when India set a target of 120 to win the Trinidad test vs Windies were bundled out for just 81 against Brian Lara's men.
Captaincy was gone and the batsman Sachin Tendulkar took centerstage. 1998 was a truly landmark year for Sachin, the batsman. He set the tone with a sparkling 95 vs Pakistan in the first final of the Silver Jubilee Cup. It was an innings that set the platform for very many great things to follow in the rest of the year. India eventually went on to win the cup with a last over heroic performance in the 3rd final by Hrishikesh Kanitkar in a final over hurrah.
And how can over forget the Sharjah blitzkrieg in April 98 where he decimated the Australian attack with 2 back to back hundreds in the desert storm. Sachin tormenting the Aussie bowlers with an over exuberant Tony Greig going absolute gaga will forever be etched in the minds of a gazillion cricket lovers. He was just invincible at this point of time and mind you he was just turning 25. The year continued with more glory and a truckload of centuries. Another of his special tons was the one at Chepauk where he bulldozed and trampled Shane Warne and the new spinner Gavin Robertson on his way to a majestic 155. If you have to define one year where a batsman left an impregnable impression with his strokeplay, consistency and domination it was 1998, truly a year imbibed in cricketing folklore for the exploits produced by the Bombay Bomber.
Year 99 and it was a historic occasion as the Pakistanis were touring India after a dozen years. The first test in Chennai witnessed an epic awe inspiring knock by Sachin when all others around him wilted under the pressure and were spun around a web by Saqlain. It was an innings withstanding immense pressure and the execution and character showed was impeccable. India however was not able to pull off a victory and the last 3-4 wickets fell like a pack of cards immediately after Sachin's dismissal. His most painful innings for sure. The Chennai crowd showed its sporting nature clapping and applauding the Pakistanis on their victory lap. For me personally it was a defeat hard to swallow and I felt after doing all the hard work he should have stayed on till the end and finished off the matter. Alas, it didnt happen. He did so much, still we take additional liberty and advantage of him. Selfish cricket fans (myself especially).
The 99 WC was a disappointment both for India and Sachin as a player who was quite below par barring a solitary hundred. However it was a time where he underwent a personal tragedy of losing his father.
Sachin again took the captaincy and after a fairly decent series vs the kiwis where he managed to rake in his then highest score of 186, it was time for down under in end 99. India fared miserably being whitewashed 3 zip by the Kangaroos. Of course, one will not easily forget that amazing 116 by him at Melbourne. It was more woes for the Indians in the tri-nation tournament not having gotten to the final. It was an ill fated second stint for Sachin as captain and you soon knew the writing was on the wall.
Things got worse with the match fixing saga and compounding further to the problems prevailing, India managed to lose a home test series vs the South Africans. Alas, it was surely time over for Sachin as captain.
Ganguly took over as captain and the first real test was against the mighty Australians who had come to India with an unbeaten 15 match win streak. It was dubbed as the final frontier for the Aussies to conquer and the win streak continued with a resounding win at Mumbai to stretch it to 16-0. Sachin waged a lone battle for India making 50's in both innings. The second test was known for the miraculous batting partnership between Laxman and Dravid and the hattrick by Bhajji to catapult India to an unlikely victory and snap the win streak of the Aussies. The see saw battle culminated in Chennai and what an amazing test match it was. Sachin's remarkable 126 along with fine performances by the others helped India pull off a brilliant win and made the Aussies wait a few more years before they could get a chance to conquer India again.
Year end 2001 and it was time to tour South Africa again. A young dashing and dynamic batsman from Delhi, Virender Sehwag who had modeled his game from Sachin was making his debut in the first test and it was a treat to watch both of them score centuries and it was attacking stroke play at its real best. That was however the only positive for India as they ended up being pounded yet again by the Saffers.
In 2002 , India finally managed to beat the Windies at home after 31 years and the one test match in which India was victorious, Sachin came to the fore with a pugnacious 100. It was next the tour of England and India performed admirably well by drawing the series. The test which India won at Leeds saw Sachin scoring a resounding 193. Dravid and Ganguly also managed to score tons in the same game to take India to a magnificent win. And it happens to be the only time the big 3 scored a hundred in the same test innings. India also managed to pull off an unthinkable chase in the Natwest one day series final with 2 young turks Yuvraj and Kaif producing an emphatic performance. Sachin however failed in the big final but managed to score an ODI ton in England in an earlier game. India's form was on the upsurge in the ODI format where they were joint winners with Sri Lanka in the Champions Trophy. All eyes were on the WC 2003 to be scheduled in South Africa.
The WC 2003 saw Sachin asserting his supremacy yet again with the bat. He was in tremendous form throughout the tournament and ended up being the leading run scorer by a country mile. He however managed only one century vs Namibia but his greatest knock was that utterly disdainful 98 he made at Cape Town against Pakistan. If ever an innings deserved a century it was this one. He was again unfortunate to miss out on a century by 3 runs vs SL. In the all important final however, Australia's target was too steep an order to climb and it was all over once Sachin was dismissed early.
Year end it was time to tour Aussies. It was Steve Waugh's farewell series and India as a team had put up an excellent show drawing the series 1-1. Sachin was in a bad patch of form having failed in 3 of the tests and he was under pressure to deliver in the final new year test at Sydney. And deliver he did in emphatic fashion scoring a career defining 241. An innings Lara rates as his best for the sheer will of trying to control not playing his favourite cover drive till he reached the magical figure of 200. Truly an innings of high competency and dedication.
It was then India's turn to tour Pakistan after 15 long years and also a homecoming for Sachin who made his debut there in 1989. India ended up winning both the ODI and Test series. Sachin scored a crucial 194 at Multab , however was largely overshadowed by Virender Sehwag's triple hundred and the puzzling move by Dravid to declare with Sachin just 6 short of a double ton.
From about 2005 onwards , I beleive he changed his game a bit. He was more sedate in his approach and looked to build an innings and you could perhaps sense a deliberate move on his part to curb his attacking strokeplay. The result was mixed as for me I always knew of him as an aggressive player and it was difficult to envisage him as being anything different. The way he used to steamroll attacks in the days of yore , this changed approach seemed somewhat unacceptable. Whatever said and done , some of his innings in the latter part of his career may not have been the most entertaining but made many realise that they were certainly crucial and helped the team's cause.
That all important 100 which he dedicated to the victims of 26/11 after the initial tone set up by Sehwag to overhaul Englands massive target of 387 in the 4th innings at Chennai stands true testimony to his courage and character.It was also a pleasure to see him score his 3rd consecutive hundred at the Sydney Cricket Ground (one of his favourites) in an ill fated and controversial tour. He followed it up with one more at Adelaide which was his last test century in Australia. In his final tour in 2011-12 , despite crossing 50 on quite a few occassions he didnt manage to get to the 3 figure mark even once which is a personal disappointment considering how well he always used to perform there.The crowning of India's achievements however was winning the VB series defeating a strong host side Australia in the finals. And again as Ravi Shastri often says cometh the hour cometh the man , Sachin was at the helm yet again steering the side by scoring a century and a 90 in the 2 finals.
And when India defeated the Kiwis in their own den , he was there again amongst the runs with a ton at Hamilton enabling India to take an early lead in the series. Also his 163 in one of the ODIs where he completely bullied the Kiwi bowlers was a treat to watch.Recently in 2010 , that commanding double century in Bangalore against the Aussies helping India retain the Border - Gavaskar trophy after falling 2 short of his 100 in the previous game was precious. Also those 2 centuries in his last trip of South Africa truly undermined his callousness and resilience.
And what a history beckoning moment it was when he became the first cricketer on the planet to reach the all encompassing mount number of 200 in a One Day International. I was on an audit and nobody was really interested to work , all that was happening was constant refreshment of the Cricinfo site . It was a signal that he was back in business as he showcased his ebullient strokeplay against a formidable South African attack. Just months before he scored a career defining 175 vs the Aussies in an ODI at Hyderabad almost taking India to the threshold of victory chasing 350. In some ways one could say this 175 was the prerunner to the bigger and larger 200.
It was World Cup time again in 2011 and there were few things to mend. First thing was avenging revenge for the disastrous showing in the previous edition in 2007 and secondly one got the feeling that Sachin was playing his 6th and last World cup. Even God was under pressure as it would have been a cardinal sin if Sachin for all his silver lining career didn't end up being a world cup winner. The script was perfectly written and Sachin's dream finally came true with India being crowned World champion. He left an everlasting impression in this edition too with 2 masterclass centuries against England and South Africa. More than even India winning, I wanted Sachin to be a world cup winner for all he had done and thank goodness it happened.
And then there were some disappointments. Many expected him to retire at least from the One day game considering he had achieved it all and capped off his career with a world cup win, but it didnt happen. His retirement decision only he knows best but what was disappointing was the struggle to get to his 100th hundred. I so sincerely hoped he would get there in that WC semi game itself where the Paki fielders too helped his cause by contributing with numerous missed catches.But he ultimately fell for a shaky 85. And then followed that 90 in the Oval test vs Eng (sadly you need to go as back as 2002 when he last hit a test hundred at Pommie land failing to score one in the following 2 tours). After that it was so painful to see him fall again in the nervous 90's after scoring a 93 vs WI in his home Mumbai test and then the stumble at Sydney when he again reached close to the monumental figure. (It also meant his final tour of Aus will not have a century by his side despite him scoring at least one in 4 tours previously). And then the moment finally arrived in Dhaka when he carved his way to a laborious and grinding 100 against the Bangladeshis. The 100th hundred should have been a more grandesque affair but it was muted and in a way more of a relief than a celebration. Yes, it was all sans style and grace but whatever, you have to give it to the man for again setting the benchmark by becoming the first player to score 100 INTERNATIONAL HUNDREDS.
I for one have always been a Sachin fan but can never classify myself as a "Fanboy". I have got irritated and disappointed with him on many occasions, a criticism I still hold is that he should have won more games chasing. Also being someone who was always numbers crazy and conscious, its a tad disappointing that he did not make a hundred in his last 23 tests and this includes 8 tests each against the English and the Australians - 2 oppositions he always thrives to do well. Was hoping silently that he would finally get that one biggie in his final test but it didn't happen. Also it was heartbreaking to see him fall repeatedly in the 90's especially in ODI's. If only he had converted a 3 quarter of them he should have had a minimum of 60 hundreds in both version - Tests and ODI'S. But the minor quibbles aside, the joy and happiness he provided far outweigh the disappointments.
Many who follow the sport of cricket would never have known you personally but through your willow you have influenced , entertained and impacted a generation of cricket lovers in the last 24 years. Its hard to digest that the razor sharp straight drive, the glorious Cover Drive, the upper cut six, shouts of Sachiiinnnnn Sachin will all soon be history of the past.
For me personally it has been a roller coaster ride in the last 20 years. So many highs, lows, ecstasies and also some disappointments. You have left such an indelible impression on me and am sure a billion other cricket fans. You've contributed so much in making my childhood all the more memorable. So many memories have been kindled and I'm sure if I rack up my brain further, more and more will flow. Its truly been a journey of a lifetime.
There will be a few trickling of tears when the moment sinks in to realize that this cricketing journey has reached its final ultimate destination and not going to proceed any further. With a heavy lump in my heart, I would just like to say Thank you for everything you have done. #ThankYouSachin.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Musical Take on Soundtrack Megha
Mugilo Megamo - Yuvan , Ramya NSK
The first thing that catches your attention is the humming at the background in sync with bass which constantly keeps going back and forth .. And when Yuvan starts off , the string ensemble accompanying the voice takes you to a state of elysium.. The interludes are free flowing giving a nice jazzy touch at places. The octaval upward slide on the piano with the chordal finish and those chromatic passages are just top notch. Also to be noted is the vocal portion starts 2 syllables before the beat (known as Atheetha Eduppu).
Chellam Konjam Poove - Yuvan , Ramya NSK
Possibly the pick of the album .. The opening guitaring is freaking awesome and sets the tone for the song and the portions that follow simply sweep you away. If you realise , when Yuvan repeats the opening lines of the tune twice the tune remains the same but the bass backing is different which goes forward the first time and played backward on the second instance creating a beautiful chiaroscuro. The arrangements are wonderfully harmonised giving such a pleasant experience to the listener. The drumming is excellent and the way it is used as a filler which act as a bridge connecting the Pallavi is superb.
Enna Vendum - Karthik , Priyadarshini
The guitar riffs elevate the song tremendously .. Its more like a typical Indian melody but layered with western style orchestration.. The drumming is a delight and the interludes are mesmerising especially the guitar which creeps in adding such a melliflous touch.
Jeevane Jeevane - Ilaiyaraaja
The stress with which Jeevane is hummed gives such an emotional draining feeling. The prelude resembles Vinnaar Amudhe from the album Baba Pughal Maalai but the song mostly reminds you of Pengal Endral in terms of instrumentation and intensity which suggests a painful situation. Special note on the distortion guitar which dictates terms and the usage of strings which is hypnotising.
Putham Pudhu Kaalai - Anitha
A reprise of the very popular Putham Pudhu Kaalai from Alaigal Oyvathillai. Its unfair to compare the singing but orchestration simply astounds. Its indeed a delicacy to hear all those intricate sounds in this high quality version which was missed in the original.
Kalvane Kalvane - Haricharan , Ramya NSK
Starts off like Niram Pirithu Paathen from Time but the similarity ends there. This one is extremely wacky , unorthodox and out of the box. The scale changes are freaky and the jazzy portions are sure to leave a smile on your face :) As the song says Enna Thaan Maayam Seidhaan , how true is that ?
Mugilo Megamo - Ilaiyaraaja
Follows the same tune as that of the other version but sung more intensely. Needless to mention about the soundscape created which is truly mindboggling.
Conclusion :
#Megha is marvellous , magical , mystical , magnificent , monstrous & masterclass.
If NEPV was revolutionary , Megha is boundary breaking.
An album which deserves to be celebrated for eons and rightfully deserves a place in the pantheon of all time great soundtracks.
The first thing that catches your attention is the humming at the background in sync with bass which constantly keeps going back and forth .. And when Yuvan starts off , the string ensemble accompanying the voice takes you to a state of elysium.. The interludes are free flowing giving a nice jazzy touch at places. The octaval upward slide on the piano with the chordal finish and those chromatic passages are just top notch. Also to be noted is the vocal portion starts 2 syllables before the beat (known as Atheetha Eduppu).
Chellam Konjam Poove - Yuvan , Ramya NSK
Possibly the pick of the album .. The opening guitaring is freaking awesome and sets the tone for the song and the portions that follow simply sweep you away. If you realise , when Yuvan repeats the opening lines of the tune twice the tune remains the same but the bass backing is different which goes forward the first time and played backward on the second instance creating a beautiful chiaroscuro. The arrangements are wonderfully harmonised giving such a pleasant experience to the listener. The drumming is excellent and the way it is used as a filler which act as a bridge connecting the Pallavi is superb.
Enna Vendum - Karthik , Priyadarshini
The guitar riffs elevate the song tremendously .. Its more like a typical Indian melody but layered with western style orchestration.. The drumming is a delight and the interludes are mesmerising especially the guitar which creeps in adding such a melliflous touch.
Jeevane Jeevane - Ilaiyaraaja
The stress with which Jeevane is hummed gives such an emotional draining feeling. The prelude resembles Vinnaar Amudhe from the album Baba Pughal Maalai but the song mostly reminds you of Pengal Endral in terms of instrumentation and intensity which suggests a painful situation. Special note on the distortion guitar which dictates terms and the usage of strings which is hypnotising.
Putham Pudhu Kaalai - Anitha
A reprise of the very popular Putham Pudhu Kaalai from Alaigal Oyvathillai. Its unfair to compare the singing but orchestration simply astounds. Its indeed a delicacy to hear all those intricate sounds in this high quality version which was missed in the original.
Kalvane Kalvane - Haricharan , Ramya NSK
Starts off like Niram Pirithu Paathen from Time but the similarity ends there. This one is extremely wacky , unorthodox and out of the box. The scale changes are freaky and the jazzy portions are sure to leave a smile on your face :) As the song says Enna Thaan Maayam Seidhaan , how true is that ?
Mugilo Megamo - Ilaiyaraaja
Follows the same tune as that of the other version but sung more intensely. Needless to mention about the soundscape created which is truly mindboggling.
Conclusion :
#Megha is marvellous , magical , mystical , magnificent , monstrous & masterclass.
If NEPV was revolutionary , Megha is boundary breaking.
An album which deserves to be celebrated for eons and rightfully deserves a place in the pantheon of all time great soundtracks.
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