Is the BCCIs “catch ‘em when they are young” policy working?

Oh no! I would not want to believe so in such a meaningless system. I was deeply disappointed to know about the selection of Kohli and Ojha into the national team for the Sri Lankan series. It is not that I have something against them. These two are fine players who should in some time given their talent hopefully make it into the team. However where in this world today are their places being earned. A U19 player with a few fine performances under his belt automatically means a direct fast-track...

PCB Chief, Nasim “flip-flop” Ashraf resigns

In yet another bizarre twist to Pakistani cricket, the PCB chief steps down from his position on a day when their political president also steps down and the strange part is Gen. Musharaf's resignation had everything to do with this. Are we looking at some sworn loyalty syndrome? Or is there a lot that meets the eye in terms of his relationship and personal fortunes with the patron-in-chief? Whatever may be, it could well be the light at the end of the tunnel for Pakistan with respect to cric...

India goes through a Sri Lankan nightmare

It's been a long time since India truly went through a Sri Lankan nightmare. The last time around was when the likes of Jayasuriya in his peak form was carting the Indian bowlers into retirement and the crafty Aravinda milked them dry out of anything that flowed through their nipples. Surely Venkatesh Prasad would fully endorse this view. This time around, Sri Lankan quite easily beat India leaving them with a rather unique trauma of succumbing to spin. Well played Sri Lanka... Mendis or not,...

Wanted: An off-spinner for India

For umpteen years India persisted with the lone off-spinner of Harbhajan Singh and for umpteen more years it looks to stay the same. To be fair, Harbhajan is a great spinner who has entertained us with his skill and won many matches for us. But as years have gone by, it looks to me that he has become a victim of his own reputation and often bowls to save his face from getting pummeled by the batsmen, rather than aggressively bowl to architect victories like in the past. That reputation to protec...