Did BCCI chief Srinivasan save MS Dhoni's job?- Sports

NEW DELHI: MS Dhoni might be on Cloud Nine now, but he came close to losing his captaincy in January 2012, had BCCI presidentN Srinivasan not stepped in.

Following the 0-4 loss in the Test series to Australia, the selectors were all set to remove him from captaincy for the tri-series that was to follow, when Srinivasan intervened. "It is not proper to discuss selection matters.

But the constitution of the BCCI does say that the president has to approve the national team," Srinivasan said in a television interview on Monday.

In a meeting in Chennai, the selectors had finalised Virat Kohli's name for captaincy for the tri-series involving India, Australia and Sri Lanka, when Srinivasan stepped in.

It's understood that there was a heated debate between Mohinder Amarnath, the then North Zone selector, and Srinivasan, following which the decision was overturned. Amarnath, later, paid the price, losing his post in the selection committee after which he went public on the issue.

Reacting to murmurs that Dhoni should be relieved of captaincy in the shorter formats now, Srinivasan said: "The selectors are there to take a call. We have an experienced group of selectors. It is for them to decide.

But personally I feel that Dhoni is discharging the duties (captaining in all three formats) well."

Dhoni's batting, too, came in for a special mention when Srinivasan said that "the innings he played in the Chennai ODI against Pakistan in a losing cause was brilliant."

"During this season, his innings against England (99 at Nagpur) and the double hundred against Australia were game-changers. He has always been an outstanding player. He gave us two World Cups. He is a very experienced captain.

Everybody will agree that given the glorious uncertainties of cricket, Dhoni has sailed well," he said. He also said that the Board was behind the captain when the team was going through a rough phase.

"All the Indian players are aware that the board is behind them. The BCCI has given confidence to the players that they should play their game. We will watch their back."

KEEPING THE FAITH
When the world around him was falling apart and some selectors wanted to sack him as skipper, BCCI president N Srinivasan put his foot down and gave Dhoni his vote of confidence. While the 4-0 win over Australia has undoubtedly revived his leadership, life was far from being a bed of roses for the man till very recently.

TOI lists the trials and tribulations of the Indian captain

April 2, 2011
A storeyed and emotional World Cup campaign comes to the most dramatic end when the skipper hits the winning runs in the final against Sri Lanka to end a 28-year wait. He's proclaimed as the 'Miracle Worker' and the master of his own destiny.

June 2011
Captains India to a 1-0 Test series win against West Indies, but earns flak for pulling out of a chase in Dominica when the team could have made it 2-0.

July 2011
Embarks on a disastrous tour of England where the players are under prepared and unfit and loses key players like Zaheer Khan to injury. The fabled Indian batting, barring Rahul Dravid, flops and the bowlers resemble a club-class outfit as India lose 0-4. 

October-December 2011
Stars with the bat in a comprehensive whitewash over England in the ODIs and registers a thumping 2-0 win over West Indies at home in Tests.

January-February 2012
Leads India to another 0-4 humiliation in Australia and the team fails to make the finals in the Tri-series there. Reports of rifts between him and some senior players emerge after his rotation policy fails miserably.

March 2012
Leads team to Bangladesh to defend the Asia Cup, but defeat to the hosts means team doesn't even make the finals.

Resource:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/top-stories/Did-BCCI-chief-Srinivasan-save-MS-Dhonis-job/articleshow/19202187.cms

Transformation of MS Dhoni from Captain Cool to Captain Committed-Sport

NEW DELHI: The old order is giving way, andMS Dhoni doesn't want to be on the side of the fallen. The Captain Cool image seems to have run its course. Enter Captain Committed, a visibly pro-active, attacking and more involved Test skipper who seems to be reinventing himself at every turn.

The ultra-defensive leader who hid behind the shades and let things drift, or dismayed at his lack of resources, has suddenly done a vanishing act. With only Sachin Tendulkar remaining from the old guard and a host of names having retired or lost form, circumstances have forced Dhoni to discover a more urgent, inspiring manner in which to lead this young and vulnerable Indian cricket team.

Having been extremely lucky to survive eight consecutive away Test defeats and a home series loss to England, Dhoni seems to have finally taken Michael Jordan's adage to heart: "Earn your leadership every day." The results appear to be going his way too, as the first two Tests against Australia have shown. The awe-inspiring, game-changing double century in Chennai was another indication.

These days, Dhoni will berate a Murali Vijay for taking extra time to turn around and throw a ball from the outfield, instead of flicking it to the fielder behind him and saving an extra run.

He will tell Ravindra Jadeja which line to bowl, and jump high in the air with uncharacteristic excitement if his plan comes off. He will openly express his displeasure at Harbhajan Singh for playing an indiscreet shot or being hesitant while taking a run. With the bat, he seems to have taken a leaf out of the Michael Clarke book.

It's all a far cry from the Dhoni who copped criticism just months back from experts and the public. Dhoni appeared jaded and uninterested as Team India crumbled around him. His body language came across as too nonchalant, as Shane Warne said.

Dhoni's tactics were derided for being stale. His batting technique was dismissed as inadequate. His lack of ideas seemed to be hurting the team. It didn't help that the other big names in the team were in decline, injured or retired.

Always a defensive Test skipper, in April 2010 Dhoni had suggested he made a conscious effort to appear calm. "It doesn't help if I go and yell at the players," he had said, "So I try and keep my emotions under check."

Is he now making a conscious effort to appear animated, to project a more positive body language?

Social scientist and cricket buff Shiv Visvanathan says, "Dhoni appears systematic only in hindsight. It's a fascinating study in leadership image. The only way Dhoni could survive in these changing times was by changing himself, or he would become a part of the old order. He appears a different man from the laidback skipper who led a team of stalwarts. 'Captain Cool' ended with India's World Cup triumph. Now he is projecting a more committed self. He is a more pro-active batsman and leader. The likes of Ashwin and Pujara are performing well for him too. It has helped that Australia aren't a good side in these conditions."

As Sunil Gavaskar recently pointed out, "Dhoni has changed positively as captain. Now, if a player is not attentive or up to the mark, he is letting him know. Dhoni has recharged and is in great batting form."

Former India opener Aakash Chopra says, "No Indian captain has survived the kind of failures Dhoni has. He now realizes that perception is more powerful than truth. 'Captain Cool' doesn't work anymore. His laidback attitude attracted a lot of criticism. People would think he is being casual. We have seen the change since the Nagpur Test against England.

"Dhoni realized his job was on the line. Having a young team necessitates more involvement. That said, his real test will come abroad and one shouldn't over-hype the wins against this Australian team. But it's a good start for Dhoni."

Of course, a change in attitude alone cannot win Test matches. Dhoni has to keep rallying his troops through tough sessions in a game and keep performing with the bat. More of an instinctive leader than a shrewd or tactical one, Dhoni must play to his strengths. Bigger tests lie in wait.

Resource:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournament/australia-in-india-2013/top-stories/Transformation-of-MS-Dhoni-from-Captain-Cool-to-Captain-Committed/articleshow/18872289.cms

Ind vs Aus: Spinners put India on top against Australia on Day 4- Sports

NEW DELHI: Australia lost their seventh wicket when R Ashwin trapped Glenn Maxwell plumb in front of the wicket on the fourth day of the second Test at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Tuesday. 

Scorecard 

Ashwin bowled a carrom ball on middle and leg that spun away a bit. Maxwell stayed in his crease and looked to clip but missed and got rapped on the back pad. 

Aussies lost their sixth wicket when Matthew Wade pushed a R Ashwin delivery to the covers and set off for a risky single, Jadeja ran in from cover, fumbled a bit but recovered well and speared in a rocket like throw which knocked down the stumps at the striker's end to run out Henriques. 

Jadeja took his second wicket when he pushed a delivery a bit quicker outside off that spun back in a little. Cowan went back and looked to cut but was late on to it and got an outside edge as the ball hit Dhoni's pads and lobbed to first slip where Sehwag accepted a dolly. 

Jadeja bowled Clarke with a brilliant delivery that was pitched on the full on middle, Clarke lunged forward for a defensive shot but the ball spun away viciously beating the Aussie captain by the turn and uprooted the off-stump. 

Ishant Sharma struck in the third over of the fourth day as he had Shane Watson caught behind by MS Dhoni. 

Ishant bowled a swinging delivery down the leg side, Watson flicked it and Dhoni dived to his left to pouch it. This is Ishant's first wicket in this series. 

The day's play started with Ed Cowan and Watson resuming Australia's second innings. 

Australia tried their level best to hang in there on Day 3, but the Indian spinners kept coming at them with probing flight and turn. When some loose deliveries came by, they went after them and perished. 

David Warner was bowled round his legs while playing the sweep off R Ashwin who struck again when Phil Hughes' intended sweep came off the glove and disturbed the furniture. 

With footmarks on the pitch becoming more prominent, Ashwin's double strike complemented Cheteshwar Pujara's fabulous double century. His record second-wicket partnership with opener Murali Vijay (167) fetched India a lead of 266 runs. 

Vijay and Pujara made merry against the Australian attack that lacked sting and bite. In realising 370 runs for the second wicket, an Indian record, they put in the shade Gavaskar and Dilip Vengsarkar's unbroken stand of 344 against the West Indies in Kolkata in 1978-79. 

The second session was a glaring contrast with India losing seven wickets in 31.1 overs for a further 103 runs. Sachin Tendulkar feathered a touch down the leg side off Pattinson and umpire Marias Erasmus went upstairs to confirm if the catch was cleanly taken by Matthew Wade. 

MS Dhoni's dash was cut short when Doherty took the catch on second attempt at mid-off off his spin twin Maxwell, who profited from the Indian batsmen's quest for quick runs.

Resource:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournament/australia-in-india-2013/top-stories/Ind-vs-Aus-Spinners-put-India-on-top-against-Australia-on-Day-4/articleshow/18806790.cms

Skipper Dhoni happy with team combination as hosts go 1-0 up in series- Sports

CHENNAI: "Zara AC badhaa do (Turn up the AC)," MS Dhoni said right after walking in for the press conference following India's win in the first Test. He had felt the heat not just in this Test match but over the last few months, as things appeared to go from bad to worse in Indian cricket.

Scorecard | In Pics

But on Tuesday at the Chepauk, as Sachin Tendulkar and Cheteshwar Pujara crossed over for a single to reach the required target to notch up the eight-wicket win in the first Test, Dhoni was a relieved man.

"I don't watch TV or read the sports pages of newspapers, so the pressure doesn't affect me too much. But yes, this was a crucial win," Dhoni said, clearly indicating how important the victory was for him.

That India would win was a foregone conclusion by stumps on Day 4 and after Jadeja knocked over Nathan Lyon half-an-hour into the fifth morning, all they needed was 50 runs.

The openers Virender Sehwag (19) and M Vijay (6) failed once again, but Tendulkar hit a couple of sixes off the first two balls he faced from Lyon and India walked away to a comfortable victory.

This win was built on three factors: A tailor-made pitch, some steady spin bowling and a superb performance by the Indian middle-order, led by Dhoni.

Many feel that his 224 was one of the best played on a difficult track, but the skipper said that he didn't believe in ratings. "I had a 70-odd in Lord's in 2007 that helped us save the Test.

I rate that innings highly as well. But yes, I have enjoyed scoring the runs here." Since the last Test against England at Nagpur, Dhoni has been batting at No. 6 and it's working well for him.

And he indicated that this will go on "as long as Jadeja is playing". He said: "Jadeja needs some time to find his feet as a batsman. Till then I will bat at No. 6."

Dhoni's treatment of Harbhajan Singh in the first innings had come in for some criticism, with VVS Laxman saying the skipper lacked faith in the experienced bowler.

MSD chose to extremely candid in his assessment: "Harbhajan was a bit tentative in the first innings. I think he bowled much better in the second innings."

On Ashwin, who ended with match-figures of 12-198, Dhoni said, "When two spinners of the same category play, one can be intimidated by thinking that the other is coming to push him out.

It's important to shut such ideas out and concentrate on the job at hand, and Ashwin did that very well." India are off to Hyderabad now for the second Test that starts on Saturday.

It is the same venue where India beat New Zealand a few months back, with the spinners taking 18 wickets. Pragyan Ojha played a significant part in that Test and the obvious query was whether the left-arm spinner would make a comeback into the playing XI.

"There are a lot of left-handers in the Aussie lineup and it's more difficult for them to face the off-spinners who take the ball away from them. If I play four spinners, I face too many questions on why one was being underbowled," Dhoni said.

His smile indicated that a change in combination for the second Test in Hyderabad Test is unlikely.

Resource:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournament/australia-in-india-2013/top-stories/Skipper-Dhoni-happy-with-team-combination-as-hosts-go-1-0-up-in-series/articleshow/18700533.cms

India crash out of Women's World Cup- Sports

MUMBAI: Even as the near-full north stand at the Brabourne stadium cheered lustily, the crowd failed to rouse the spirits of an uninspired Indian outfit as the hosts succumbed to Sri Lanka by 138 runs on Tuesday.

In the process, India lost not only the final Group 'A' match of the 10th ICC Women's World Cup but also failed to make the cut for the Super Six. While for the hosts it was their worst-ever World Cup show, for the Lankans, who had never beaten India, it was a fabulous first. India will now play Pakistan for the seventh place at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack, on Thursday.

Chasing 283 to win or 251 to reach the Super Six, the opening duo of T Murugesan and Poonam Raut tried to emulate their performance against the Windies. However, just after her first boundary, Raut fell lbw to Kaushalya Lokusooriya. Coming in at 6 for 1, skipper Mithali Raj (20) played a cameo before she too was trapped leg before by left-arm-seamer Udeshika Prabodhani. And when vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur too departed, getting caught at point by Chamari Atapattu off Chamani Seneviratna, the fight went out of the Indians.
With the Sri Lankans striking at regular intervals and the Indian batters struggling to lift the run-rate, it was a point of no return for the hosts as they were bundled out for 144.

Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and batted. Having won off the last ball against England at the same venue, one would have expected the Islanders to chase. But as opener Atapattu drove the first delivery of the match by Jhulan to the extra cover fence, she seemed to vindicate the team management's choice. She couldn't do much after that, though, as she fell to a smart catch by Mithali at first slip. Thereafter, Deepika Rasangika (84) and Yasoda Mendis (55) stitched together a breezy partnership of 117 runs that contained crisp drives to the fence.

Mithali tried to change the field and swap the bowlers around, but nothing worked for her. By the time Gauhar Sultana had Mendis caught at mid-on, the damage had been done. CaptainSashikala Siriwardene (59) kept the momentum going, but it was the explosive hitting of all-rounder Lokusooriya (56, 6x4, 3x6) that punctured India's hopes of staying alive.

The only highlight for India on Tuesday was former skipper Goswami becoming only the second women's bowler to get to 150 ODI wickets.

Resource:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/women-cricket/icc-womens-world-cup-2013/news/India-crash-out-of-Womens-World-Cup/articleshow/18357359.cms

Yes, we are under pressure: Dhoni- Sports

KOLKATA: "Yes, we are a bit under pressure because it's a must-win situation. In a short series, you can't let the opponents go too far," Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni spelt it out before the crucial second ODI against Pakistan, and then he made it clear where he expects the push from his players to stay in the series.

"Of course, our batting has been bit of a problem. That's one area where we should have been really good. It's the right time for our batsmen to come back into form and score some runs," Dhoni said, even as he watered things down with "such things happen in cricket".

The skipper himself scored one of his best centuries in the opening ODI, bringing the team out of rut from a precarious 29/5 but it didn't prove enough in Chennai.

Pointing out that "We are going through a transition period in Tests and ODIs", he was more protective about the bowling. "Even in ODIs, our main bowlers who have been an integral part of the team are injured, which means we are lacking a bit of experience there. They are fresh bowlers, but with the new rules (fielding restrictions) in place, it's tough.

The more they play, the better they'll get," he said. "I am not worried too much about it. They just need the exposure."

He is happy with the 12 noon start. "With all the dew, the toss does become vital otherwise. We have seen 70-75 per cent of the time the team batting second wins, unless they have got off to a really bad start," he reminded.

On the new rules, which among other things, compels fielding sides to have five men in the 30-yard circle in addition to the wicketkeeper right through the innings, Dhoni is trying to grasp quickly and pass on the message.

"We've played just one game, it's important to play a few and settle down," he began, and then pointed to the threats: "With five fielders inside the circle, there's a tendency on the part of batsmen to look for big shots, which will often lead to loss wickets. It's important to treat each delivery on merit without looking for a very big score at the outset. The last game showed us that if you had wickets in hand and if your main batsmen are still around then you can still get a lot of runs (in the slog over)."

The new rules that came into effect from October 1, pose a peculiar problem to India in the bowling department. "We use part-timers a lot. Under the new rules, it's difficult for them to contain batsmen with five players inside the circle. If there's dew, it's that much more difficult. We'll have to play smart."

Asked to comment on India's dismal record in ODIs against Pakistan at the Eden, Dhoni smiled. "We can only go up from here."

Resource:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournament/pakistan-in-india-2012/top-stories/Yes-we-are-under-pressure-Dhoni/articleshow/17863614.cms

Yuvraj is the best judge of his fitness: Dhoni- Sports

NEW DELHI: Yuvraj Singh's brilliant form in domestic matches has made him a serious contender for a slot in the Test team but Indian captain MS Dhoni is still not sure whether the talented left-hander is ready to face the vigours of five-day cricket. 

"It is very difficult for me to comment on his fitness sitting over here. We have to understand that five-day format has its own uncertainties unlike ODIs or T20s. In ODIs, you know that you have to field for 50 overs only, while in Test cricket there may be a situation that a team might bat for one-and-a-half to two days. 

"We have to assess whether Yuvraj is ready to field for two days," Dhoni replied to a query on whether Yuvraj is fit enough to be selected for the Test series against England. 

"Having said that it is Yuvraj who is the best judge about how he is feeling. He has played quite a few domestic games now and it is up to him to reflect on his game," the Indian skipper told the media persons during a promotional event on Wednesday. 

Dhoni also spoke on the same lines as his colleagues Harbhajan Singh and Virat Kohli, with his vote going in favour of the turning tracks. 

"I still believe that the groundsmen know what really is good for us. Sporting track always doesn't mean that it will only have grass on it. In the sub-continent it has always been turning tracks, which is for the spinners. 

"I haven't seen an off break bowler for a long time who is able to hit the rib cage of a batsman with a delivery that has turn and bounce. It's really painful but you enjoy the challenge," said Dhoni. 

England Test series is being sought as a revenge series but Dhoni didn't want to predict the outcome. 

"I don't believe in predicting results. I know that we need to train hard and also look into specific areas." 

Asked about the new look Indian team, which wouldn't have the likes of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman against quality opposition, Dhoni quipped, "It might look new on paper but this side will reflect the confidence in all three formats in the days to come."
Resource:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournament/england-in-india-2012/top-stories/Yuvraj-is-the-best-judge-of-his-fitness-Dhoni/articleshow/17035049.cms?

If and when captaincy comes, I'll be ready for it, says Virat Kohli- Sports

Virat Kohli has been batting in a different zone in recent months. On Thursday during an exclusive interview with K Shriniwas Rao, he gave a rare peek into his world as he spoke about his game and life beyond cricket. Excerpts...

India lost only one match but still couldn't make it to the semis of WT20...

Yes, it was very unfortunate. Other than that one defeat to Australia, we played reasonably well. This tournament once again showed how crucial net run-rates can be in such a format.

Your batting was again the highlight...

I had good fun and was really enjoying myself out there until our game against South Africa. It wasn't a good feeling that in spite of winning the game, we could not make it to semis.

You are batting in a different zone...

I am doing the same things that I've always done. Yes, this phase has turned out to be really good and I hope to keep it going. You can't just go out there and keep scoring in every match. So I believe that as long as I keep working hard and maintain that focus, it's fine.

Any change in your training schedule?

I still do the same things - fitness training, batting, gym sessions, spending time with teammates and so on. The only difference is I perceive things differently these days. I'd like to believe that I'm far more disciplined today than what I used to be and I work a lot harder on all aspects of my game. The idea is to strive for consistency and stretch it farthest. It can happen only when my mind and body are totally into it.

Discipline - is it something that you've inculcated over time?

I always had a sense of discipline in me. However, there was a time when I couldn't divide my time properly between off-field things and on-field assignments. The focus would be missing at times and that would affect my preparation for matches. I managed to change that. Now I neglect everything else and focus only on the game.

Some players are just naturally talented while others have to work hard to achieve success. In your case, talent and hard work seem to go hand-in-hand...

Irrespective of whether you have talent or not, one has to work hard. Just being talented doesn't mean anything; you can end up wasting it before you realize. I work very hard, there is an urge to keep striving. I enjoy it.

You seem to enjoy responsibilities too...

I love playing under pressure. In fact, if there's no pressure then I'm not in the perfect zone. Frankly, I love taking responsibility. It brings out the best in me.

What do you think of captaincy? There's talk you may lead the Twenty20 side...

I too have heard the chatter about captaincy, but I am not thinking about it right now. If and when it comes, I'll be ready for it. As of now, I'd rather concentrate on my game.

What do you prepare for a match?

I just try to stay as calm and confident as possible. Good Punjabi music before a match pumps me up. It gives me a kick.

And how do you relax?

Music, for me, is vital. Punjabi, Bollywood, Sufi, RnB... I listen to it all. When I'm not listening to music, you will find me chatting with friends. Off the field, I just let my instincts take over. I certainly don't think about batting, or which bowlers I'm going to face.

Are you a spiritual person?

I am. I do believe in God. But you won't find me visiting temples every now and then. I believe in self-realization. Peace of mind matters a lot to me. What's the point in doing something just for the sake of it? I'd rather do something I like doing as long as I'm being true to myself.

In 2008, you led the U-19 team to World Cup triumph, got picked for IPL and were on the verge of making your debut for Team India. But something went wrong...

Probably, I was a little lost with what was happening around me. I took time to adjust. When you don't have someone to guide you through such situations, things can get very difficult. I was confused, my priorities had suddenly changed and things didn't go as I had expected. That was a mistake.

Your exposure to big league was sudden...

Yes, it all happened very quickly. I was confused about which direction to head. I used to feel stupid at times. As a result, I didn't enjoy the best of seasons. I needed to learn it and I realized that what you do out there on the cricket field is all that matters. Everything else is secondary. I'm glad it happened at the beginning of my career.

Today, there's certain calmness in the way you talk...

I don't know about that but I certainly give a lot of importance to conversation and communication. I'm pretty clear in my head about what I want to say and where to say it. It helps me and probably keeps me calm too.

Five hundreds in you last 10 ODIs - you seem to be mastering the art of converting 50s into 100s...

I bat at number three, so more often than not, the target is to bat at least till the 35th or 40th over. The whole idea is to ensure that the team gets into a good position. That's why I make it a point not to throw away my wicket. In doing so, runs begin to flow and it all falls in place.

Can you tell us an instance when you may not have been in the perfect frame of mind, and yet you walked out to bat, put in that extra effort and did well...

Yes, in the Adelaide Test. They (Australia) scored 600-odd (604) in the first innings and we were 100-odd (111) for four when I walked in. I didn't have a good feeling at all... Maybe it was all the effect of what had been happening overall and the defeats. I was feeling low but managed to stick around and get a hundred (116). That kind of experience always stays with you.

Do you remember your dismissals?

I do. There was a span of six or seven games in Sri Lanka, when I kept getting out, fishing outside the off-stump. It made me conscious and I actually gave it a serious thought.

Do you watch videos of your batting?

I am not completely into it. Technology is good but I don't feel the need to depend on it too much. If I am doing something wrong again and again, I think about it and watch replays of a few innings at times. It helps when you're in need of some inspiration. It's more of a mental thing.

Is money also an inspiration for you?

Sport is the first priority. And if you earn from the game as well then there's nothing wrong. As long as you are honest to the sport and making an effort, everything else is fine.

List your five favourite innings...

The World Cup final was special. We were in a very tricky situation and got out of it. It will always be very special to me. One big favourite is Adelaide, the low that we were in. Hobart has to be next. Also, the recent one against Pakistan (in WT20).

How was Kirsten to work with? What about Fletcher?

Both are very different persons. Gary was more of a guy who would have regular conversations with every cricketer. He kept talking to us all the time and he could make the players talk too. On the other hand, Duncan is someone who will come to you if he thinks you're making a mistake. Duncan has great knowledge and he can talk about the game at a totally different level. Some of the things he told me have helped a lot and I'd say, the improvement has shown. I have great relationship with both of them.

And your relationship with MS Dhoni?

We share a good friendship. It wasn't like that when I came in first. It took time but now he allows me to take certain responsibilities and I enjoy it.

Resource:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/interviews/If-and-when-captaincy-comes-Ill-be-ready-for-it-says-Virat-Kohli/articleshow/16775396.cms

Current selection panel better than previous one, says Sourav Ganguly- Sports

KOLKATA: Former India captain Sourav Ganguly on Friday backed the newly-appointed selection committee, saying the Sandip Patel-led panel is "definitely better" than the one headed by Kris Srikkanth.

"It's definitely a better selection committee than the previous one," Ganguly said a day after being replaced by Anil Kumble as BCCI's technical committee chairman.

Referring to the current panel, he said: "It's not an easy job and there would be criticism, but these guys understand cricket. They have the heart in the right place and they're trustworthy.

"I can't say much about (Rajinder Singh) Hans but I've played alongside (Vikram) Rathore and Saba (Karim) and I know Patil and (Roger) Binny... It's a very good selection committee."

Ganguly appeared disappointed but chose not to express in as many words his ouster as technical committee chief.

"I should not be discussing these things when India are playing Australia in a crucial Super Eight match. I don't know why (I was removed), but I'm not too worried," he said.

Asked if he had lost the post for being vocal in criticising the selection policy, Ganguly said: "I don't know. I don't know whether it's for two years or what... But it's not a contractual agreement."

Ganguly had, in the aftermath of India's eight successive Test defeats, openly criticised the previous selection committee.

Ganguly termed the ouster of Mohinder Amarnath from the previous panel as unfortunate.

"A lot of things happen. You just got to deal with it. It's unfortunate," the most successful Test captain said.

Having replaced the great Sunil Gavaskar at the helm of BCCI's technical committee last year, the former India opener had been multitasking -- playing for Bengal and IPL franchise Pune Warriors, doing commentary besides handling the Board's job.

The Ganguly-led technical committee had made some bold decisions in the domestic structure that included doing away with the Elite and Plate divisions, which were ultimately replaced by three groups of nine teams each.

Even the Ranji Trophy points system had gone through a change, while the Challengers tournament was restructured with it being a competition among the winners of Vijay Hazare Trophy and two teams picked by the selectors.

It was a decision, taken in the aftermath of India's 0-8 drubbing overseas, to bring emphasis on away performance, Ganguly had said.

"The basic emphasis is to see that Indian cricket does well overseas. That is going to be the biggest emphasis for whoever is concerned with Indian cricket.

"The loss of eight Tests in a row has not been very good. So whatever amendments we make is to make sure we start playing well overseas. India will always play well at home," Ganguly had said as technical committee chairman earlier.

Resource:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/top-stories/Current-selection-panel-better-than-previous-one-says-Sourav-Ganguly/articleshow/16590569.cms

Yuvraj Singh shows he has lost nothing- Sports

CHENNAI: Yuvraj Singh lived a dream on Tuesday night but it just stopped short of becoming a stuff of legends. He batted beautifully, brought out a couple sixes at the crunch but unfortunately got out just when he shouldn't have. Yet, that doesn't take anything away from the most-anticipated and documented comebacks in Indian sporting history.

The national selection committee had gambled on his fitness by picking him for the Twenty20 World Cup in Sri Lanka that begins next week and the two T20 Internationals against New Zealand in the build-up, without testing his form and fitness in match situations.

With the opening T20 International in Vizag washed out, the Chennai match assumed further significance in the saga that is the Return of Yuvraj. "Getting very restless! Just few more hours to go hope it doesn't rain in the evening!" Yuvraj tweeted ahead of the match after threat of rain had loomed on Monday night. Was he rusty? Yes, a little bit. Was he a bit tentative? May be. But Yuvraj did not disappoint. The man, as always, loves a challenge.

The left-hander, one of the hardest strikers of the cricket ball, was in the middle of action right through. He bowled two overs, gave glimpses of supreme stroke play, but that was not enough on the day.

Yuvi manned mid-wicket and backward point where he is razor-sharp and tried a difficult one-handed return catch off Brendon McCullum that required medical attention, and on returning to the field held the catch to send back James Franklin.

Several former players over the past few days expressed concern whether Yuvraj's return had been hurried and an emotional decision by the national selection committee. However, chief selector Kris Srikkanth stood by the committee's call. "I'm tremendously happy for Yuvi. The boy has shown that if you have the spirit you can overcome anything," he told the TOI during the innings break.

Resource:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournaments/new-zealand-in-india/top-stories/Yuvraj-Singh-shows-he-has-lost-nothing/articleshow/16357800.cms

Sourav Ganguly wants to coach Team India if given a chance- Sports

NEW DELHI: Former India captain Sourav Ganguly is open to coaching the senior national team if the Indian cricket board feels that he is a suitable candidate for the hot seat.

"Obviously, I have interest in coaching but only time will tell what can happen in future. If theBCCI feels that I can be a good coach, I will be ready. I feel I can create a difference in terms of the ability of the players, their form and their development. That will be one way of my repaying the game," Ganguly said.

One of the most successful among Indian captains, the stylish left-hander of yesteryears maintained that captain is always the main man and coach can only be a back-up support.

"I have always maintained that the captain is the most important link in the team and he has to take certain on-field decisions. When I was captain for 5-6 years, there were many occasions when I had to reverse whatever we had decided in the team meetings according to situations. The coach is just there to help the captain," he observed.

Ganguly is a firm believer that once the match starts, the coach takes "back seat" as ultimately the players will go out and perform.

"Whosoever it can be; a Ganguly or a Rahul Dravid, maybe a Sachin Tendulkar and a Duncan Fletcher, the coach will have to support the captain through his man management skills," he told Hindi news channel Aaj Tak.

When asked if he was eyeing the World Cup 2015 as the timeframe for him to become the coach, Ganguly felt Duncan ought to be a frontrunner for that.

"The World Cup is three years away and if the team does well in this season, obviously Duncan will be given an extended contract till the World Cup. I think we need to back Duncan as he needs good results. He has a young side under him and he would need to work hard for the team to win outside of the sub continent.

"Before him, Gary Kirsten had a very important stint and the team played very well under him so I would really want Duncan to do well."

Ganguly feels that unlike the time in early 2000 when John Wright took over as India coach, the time is perfect for an Indian to don the mantle.

Resource:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/top-stories/Sourav-Ganguly-wants-to-coach-Team-India-if-given-a-chance/articleshow/16281079.cms

India goes gaga over Gagan Narang- Sports

LONDON: Gagan Narang is a tall, portly, fair man with red cheeks. He looks like a successful businessman with a relaxed, nonchalant air about him.

The 29-year-old had serious business to attend to on Monday morning. He came to the Royal Artillery Barracks at 9am near Woolswich Arsenal with his air rifle in tow at the 10m hall, and made it do some serious talking at station No. 15.

Three hours later, he was in the final hall and went through a roller coaster ride before firing his last shot and then turning around to wave in relief as a packed hall roared in thunderous approval.

The man from Hyderabad had got that "huge stone off my chest" on his way to clinching India's first medal at the London Games here, a priceless bronze. Beijing gold medallist and defending champion Abhinav Bindra failed to make the final, slipping in the final series with three 9s, succumbing to time pressure.

Narang had won the Asian gold, the Commonwealth gold and even the World championship gold. This was what he wanted desperately. His eyes had spoken volumes four years ago in Beijing when he tied for the eight spot but missed the final berth on a count-back. "My time will come", they said. Well, there were no countbacks on Monday, no nerves, no misgivings -- just plain, simple fearless shooting. And Narang's eyes were shining in relief when he walked out into the mixed zone, a huge smile on his face.

He started off slowly, with perfect scores (100) in the first two series in qualification. Bindra was already finishing his third round. He was fourth and Bindra 10th. Soon, Bindra moved up to seventh after the fourth series while Gagan stumbled. He missed his seventh and last shots in the third series for a 98 and slipped to the 11th spot.

His coach Stanislas Lapidus said something, and he nodded and was back at his business. He was back at No. 6 after the fourth series of 100. He clung on it as the countdown began. "10 minutes to go," said the referee. That was enough for him to finish his series with another perfect score. 598/600 was a brilliant score and he was third in the qualification. He has done the perfect bit (600/600) before but this was a different stage altogether. Bindra had by then picked up his rifle and walked away.

With qualification scores added in the finals, Narang had given himself a shot at the gold. The first two - Italy's Nicolo Campriani and Romania's Alin George Modoveanu - were just a point ahead.

The final, comprising of 10 shots each, swung like a yo-yo. Narang started with a 10.7 and the crowd roared as he moved up to the second spot. His next shot was a poor 9.7 and he was down to fourth.

He then followed it up with 10.6, a 10.7 and 104 and was third, just 0.1 point behind the Italian. He slipped to fourth again after a 9.9 with his seventh spot. Tension was mounting and Narang shot a shocking 9.5.

"It's over man," said an agonizing journalist sitting in the front row. Well, it was not. The others too succumbed to pressure. Narang followed it with a 10.3 and with China's Tao Wang and Dutchman Peter Hellenbrand breathing down his neck, he finished with a 10.7, kick-starting celebrations in the hall packed with Indian journalists, fans and officials.

Narang, unlike Bindra did not hide his emotions. He waved, blew kisses and smiled on the podium like a young boy who had got a long cherished prize - it was a coveted medal and long due.

Critics, these past few years, made him a medal contender and then hanged him saying he was mentally not tough enough. He went into a shell four months ago, refusing to talk to journalists. He refused to reply to mails from Hanover before coming to London. On Monday, he was willing to talk to anyone who chased him, hugged him, kissed him. As he later said, this medal has made him complete.

Resource:http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/timesinlondon/entry/india-goes-gaga-over-gagan-narang