It was like a WWF punch: Sreesanth
The die seems loaded against firebrand spinner Harbhajan Singh following the ugly episode of a slap turned slugfest with pacer Sreesanth after the IPL tie in Mohali on Friday.
Harbhajan's fate will be decided on Monday when match referee Farrokh Engineer takes a call - Harbhajan faces a ban for a significant number of matches, and, at best, may get to play a couple of matches in the last phase of the Twenty20 league.
"Whether it's going to be a 10-match ban for Harbhajan or a ban for fewer matches is something we cannot say at this point, but whatever IPL will decide will be in the best interests of the game. Even BCCI is going to take appropriate action against the cricketer," BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah said on Sunday.
Sreesanth, meanwhile, is also expected to be asked to keep his emotions under check. The paceman, who took what he said was "like a WWF punch" from his team-mate, has made it to headlines for his undue aggressive behaviour.
Harbhajan, under suspension till the verdict of the hearing, was a worried man on Sunday, almost resigned to his fate. "Now, it's up to IPL."
'Harbhajan should have controlled his anger'
If Harbhajan Singh and Sreesanth are around, can controversies be far behind? If they are on the same team, one can imagine the plight of the opposition. Friday night offered an ugly glimpse of what could happen when the two are in opposite camps. The skeptics have dubbed T20 cricket as a big tamasha (farce). Some have called it bikini cricket while others have refused to take it seriously. But the tamacha (slap) episode proves that despite its slam-bang format with cheerleaders in tow, it is played in all seriousness with millions of rupees and pride at stake for the teams.
What exactly led to Friday night's slapping incident? Frustrated at Mumbai Indians' third defeat in as many matches in the IPL, Harbhajan, leading the team in place of an unfit Sachin Tendulkar, allegedly slapped the Kerala paceman and also used harsh words when the latter approached him to shake hands at the end of the match. Shaken by Harbhajan's behaviour, Sreesanth was in tears in full view of the packed house and was also caught on TV for all to see.
A Mumbai player, on conditions of anonymity, narrated the chain of events which led to the ugly face-off. He said: ‘‘Everybody knows Sreesanth is no saint. His on-field antics are well known. When the Mumbai Indians were fighting a losing battle, Sree did not desist from riling the tailenders. He also taunted Harbhajan when he had come out to bat and did not last long. And when Sree approached Bhajji at the end of the game, the off-spinner could not control his frustration and swung out at Sree. It was just a spur of the moment reaction and should not be blown out of proportion.''
A Mohali player who played a lead part with the ball in the team's win, defended Sreesanth, saying that Harbhajan ought to have controlled his anger. ‘‘We all know how hot-headed Bhajji is. It's one thing to take on the likes of Andrew Symonds and Ricky Pointing but it's totally unacceptable to use one's hand on a fellow-player. Sree is an emotional and demonstrative person. It's not the blow, but Bhajji's behaviour which brought tears to Sree's eyes.''
Different teams, different views. But this incident has not gone down well with the top-brass of the BCCI and they have been prompt in issuing a show cause notice to Harbhajan even before Team Mohali decided to lodge an official complaint, which was only on Saturday afternoon. It is also learnt that Tendulkar played a key role in reconciliation between the two and helped sort out things at their own level. But Sachin's effort has not brought the curtains down on the incident.
Just a few months back the BCCI had strongly supported Harbhajan in the racial-slur case against Symonds. Whether Bhajji can manage to wriggle out of this new problem he has created for himself will be followed with great interest when the BCCI disciplinary committee meets after Harbhajan sends his reply on Monday to the show-cause notice.
Monday, April 28, 2008
LATEST NEWS
Harbhajan Singh faces ban
In the dock for his behaviour, temperamental off-spinner Harbhajan Singh was on Saturday suspended pending his explanation for slapping his Indian team-mate S Sreesanth at the end of an IPL match at Mohali last night and appears headed for a severe punishment which can be a minimum of a ban for five Test matches or 10 One-Day Internationals.
Watch: Will Bhajji face a life ban?
Harbhajan was earlier slapped with a show-cause notice by the BCCI which gave him time till Monday to explain his conduct but bowing to media and public outrage, he was temporarily suspended till the disciplinary hearing before Farookh Engineer, who was the Match Referee in the tie between Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai Indians late last night.
Watch: Bhajji's tainted past
The suspension means Harbhajan Singh, who is the stand-in captain for the Mumbai Indians, will not be able to play for the team against Deccan Chargers on Sunday in Mumbai.
Announcing the suspension, IPL Chairman and Commissioner Lalit Modi said that based on prima facie video evidence as seen and reviewed by the match adjudicator and referee Farookh Engineer from the tapes provided by official channel partner, a decision has been reached to suspend with immediate effect Harbhajan Singh of the Mumbai Indians pending the inquiry into the incident on Monday, April 28, 2008.
"The inquiry into the incident at Mohali in the game between Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai Indians will now take place at the Maurya Sheraton, New Delhi on April 28th 2008. A final verdict would be announced by the adjudicator Farookh Engineer post hearing at New Delhi", he said in a statement.
Speaking exclusively to TIMES NOW , Modi said, "I am very particular about maintaining the code of conduct guidelines that the players have signed, that is why Harbhajan has been temporarily suspended, pending inquiry."
As per the ICC Code of Conduct, slapping a fellow player constitutes a level 4 offence and could lead to a life ban or a minimum ban of five Tests to 10 ODIs.
Rajiv Shukla, the vice president of BCCI said that 'there is no room for indiscipline'. Speaking exclusively to TIMES NOW , Rajiv Shukla said, "This is the right step. The incident is unfortunate but that it has taken place, action has to be taken."
The immediate provocation for Harbhajan's action last night appears to be Sreesanth saying "hard luck" to the off spinner who was in a bad mood following the Mumbai team's third successive loss.
Though Harbhajan, who had only recently escaped unscathed from a searing racial abuse row with Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds, and his victim Sreesanth who cried bitterly on the field last night, tried to downplay the incident, the BCCI sought his explanation by Monday.
The IPL also asked the Match Referee and Adjudicator Engineer to hold an inquiry in Delhi on Monday when Singh would appear before him.
Both Harbhajan and Sreesanth tried to downplay the incident. The off-spinner said the issue has been "sorted out" and the pacer remarked that Harbhajan is like his "elder brother".
BCCI's Chief Administrative Officer Ratnakar Shetty asserted that the BCCI "meant business" in this matter. "We want to tell our players that discipline is equally important and not only their cricketing talent," he said.
Shetty said the Board had issued a letter to Harbhajan asking for his explanation with Monday evening is the deadline.
He mentioned a decision on the off-spinner's participation in the IPL and further disciplinary actions for the alleged misconduct were two separate angles of the issue.
"This has never happened in Indian cricket when somebody physically assaulted another player. It is an extremely serious matter and we are dealing with it very seriously," he added.
Sreesanth's Turnaround
Sreesanth when, he first spoke to TIMES NOW , told us that Bhajji had the right to beat him up. But when Sreesanth spoke to a Malayalee Channel, what actually happened between him and Bhajji after the match at Mohali.
Revealing the facts, Sreesanth's language, his tone was very different and he said that it was more than a slap, it was a slugfest.
Sreesanth said, "I never expected this behaviour, I was very surprised."
"It was said to be a slap, but it was more than that, it was like a slugfest", he said adding that he has forgiven Harbhajan for what he did to him and that he wanted to continue playing for the country.
In the dock for his behaviour, temperamental off-spinner Harbhajan Singh was on Saturday suspended pending his explanation for slapping his Indian team-mate S Sreesanth at the end of an IPL match at Mohali last night and appears headed for a severe punishment which can be a minimum of a ban for five Test matches or 10 One-Day Internationals.
Watch: Will Bhajji face a life ban?
Harbhajan was earlier slapped with a show-cause notice by the BCCI which gave him time till Monday to explain his conduct but bowing to media and public outrage, he was temporarily suspended till the disciplinary hearing before Farookh Engineer, who was the Match Referee in the tie between Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai Indians late last night.
Watch: Bhajji's tainted past
The suspension means Harbhajan Singh, who is the stand-in captain for the Mumbai Indians, will not be able to play for the team against Deccan Chargers on Sunday in Mumbai.
Announcing the suspension, IPL Chairman and Commissioner Lalit Modi said that based on prima facie video evidence as seen and reviewed by the match adjudicator and referee Farookh Engineer from the tapes provided by official channel partner, a decision has been reached to suspend with immediate effect Harbhajan Singh of the Mumbai Indians pending the inquiry into the incident on Monday, April 28, 2008.
"The inquiry into the incident at Mohali in the game between Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai Indians will now take place at the Maurya Sheraton, New Delhi on April 28th 2008. A final verdict would be announced by the adjudicator Farookh Engineer post hearing at New Delhi", he said in a statement.
Speaking exclusively to TIMES NOW , Modi said, "I am very particular about maintaining the code of conduct guidelines that the players have signed, that is why Harbhajan has been temporarily suspended, pending inquiry."
As per the ICC Code of Conduct, slapping a fellow player constitutes a level 4 offence and could lead to a life ban or a minimum ban of five Tests to 10 ODIs.
Rajiv Shukla, the vice president of BCCI said that 'there is no room for indiscipline'. Speaking exclusively to TIMES NOW , Rajiv Shukla said, "This is the right step. The incident is unfortunate but that it has taken place, action has to be taken."
The immediate provocation for Harbhajan's action last night appears to be Sreesanth saying "hard luck" to the off spinner who was in a bad mood following the Mumbai team's third successive loss.
Though Harbhajan, who had only recently escaped unscathed from a searing racial abuse row with Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds, and his victim Sreesanth who cried bitterly on the field last night, tried to downplay the incident, the BCCI sought his explanation by Monday.
The IPL also asked the Match Referee and Adjudicator Engineer to hold an inquiry in Delhi on Monday when Singh would appear before him.
Both Harbhajan and Sreesanth tried to downplay the incident. The off-spinner said the issue has been "sorted out" and the pacer remarked that Harbhajan is like his "elder brother".
BCCI's Chief Administrative Officer Ratnakar Shetty asserted that the BCCI "meant business" in this matter. "We want to tell our players that discipline is equally important and not only their cricketing talent," he said.
Shetty said the Board had issued a letter to Harbhajan asking for his explanation with Monday evening is the deadline.
He mentioned a decision on the off-spinner's participation in the IPL and further disciplinary actions for the alleged misconduct were two separate angles of the issue.
"This has never happened in Indian cricket when somebody physically assaulted another player. It is an extremely serious matter and we are dealing with it very seriously," he added.
Sreesanth's Turnaround
Sreesanth when, he first spoke to TIMES NOW , told us that Bhajji had the right to beat him up. But when Sreesanth spoke to a Malayalee Channel, what actually happened between him and Bhajji after the match at Mohali.
Revealing the facts, Sreesanth's language, his tone was very different and he said that it was more than a slap, it was a slugfest.
Sreesanth said, "I never expected this behaviour, I was very surprised."
"It was said to be a slap, but it was more than that, it was like a slugfest", he said adding that he has forgiven Harbhajan for what he did to him and that he wanted to continue playing for the country.
LATEST NEWS
Harbhajan slapped with suspension
Combative Harbhajan Singh has been suspended for slapping his Indian team-mate and IPL rival S Sree Santh just after their league match at Mohali on Friday night.
Watch: Bhajji suspended for slapping Sreesanth
In pics: Public protest against Harbhajan
The Indian Premier League’s chairman and commissioner, Lalit Modi, announced this late on Saturday night even as the slapstick episode was threatening to overrun the league itself. ‘‘There is enough prima facie video evidence to temporarily suspend Harbhajan with immediate effect,’’ he said in a statement.
‘‘The match adjudicator and referee, Farokh Engineer, has seen and reviewed the evidence and has arrived at this decision,’’ he said in the press release. Harbhajan cannot play in the crucial IPL match against Team Hyderabad on Sunday now, pending the inquiry into the incident.
Before the evidence emerged, Harbhajan had been slapped with a show-cause notice and was given till Monday to present his case. The feisty off-spinner had barely escaped a similar ban during the recent tour to Australia when the host broadcaster couldn’t provide evidence to prove he had made racist remarks against Andrew Symonds.
This time, however, he couldn’t beat the cameras. The ugly incident took place shortly after the encounter between Mumbai Indians and Team Mohali. According to involved parties, the stormy petrels of Indian cricket exchanged cold vibes, if not angry words, during the entire match. They are also known to not get along too well.
During the post-match formalities, Harbhajan (who as acting skipper has presided over three defeats for the costliest team in the IPL) lost his cool and slapped Sree Santh. The Kerala pacer was captured by cameras sobbing like a child. ‘‘I simply said ‘hard luck. Better luck next time’,’’ Sree Santh told TOI .
‘‘I don’t want to say anything about it,’’ said Harbhajan. ‘‘All I can tell you is that whatever happened on the field was not right,’’ he conceded to TOI . ‘‘We are like a family and I am like an elder brother to Sree Santh. We have sorted it out and there is nothing beyond that,’’ he tried to explain.
It is, however, not so simple. As the IPL is governed by ICC laws, its code of conduct automatically applies. For any physical abuse of players, officials or spectators, a player can be suspended for 10 One-dayers or five Test matches, up to a life ban. Worse, Harbhajan might end up being penalised by both IPL and BCCI.
‘‘It’s an unfortunate incident. He could face punishment from both BCCI and IPL. As per the contract between BCCI and its contracted players, we have certain guidelines for the players and if they violate them, they have to face the music,’’ BCCI president Sharad Pawar told TOI.
Mumbai Indians regret Bhajji behaviour, hope for solution
The Mumbai Indians on Sunday regretted the controversy surrounding their suspended stand-in captain Harbhajan Singh and said they are optimistic that the row would be resolved amicably after Monday's hearing in the case.
Reacting to Harbhajan's temporary suspension after he had allegedly slapped Kings XI Punjab player S Sreesanth, an unnamed official of the Mumbai Indians, while terming the incident at Mohali two nights ago as unfortunate, said they were confident that the issue would be sorted out soon.
"The incident involving Harbhajan Singh and S Sreesanth of the Punjab King's XI was most unfortunate. The Governing Council has set up an adjudication panel to inquire into the incident. The Mumbai Indians are confident that the decision taken by the panel will be in the best interests of cricket and the DLF Indian Premier League," he said in a statement.
"The Mumbai Indians are hopeful that the Harbhajan Singh issue will be resolved amicably," he added.
The IPL swung into action late on Saturday and suspended Harbhajan, who allegedly slapped Sreesanth after the Mumbai Indians had crashed to their third successive defeat in the Twenty20 league at Mohali.
The Cricket Board, under whose overall jurisdiction the IPL functions as a sub-committee, had already slapped a show-cause notice on the off-spinner asking him to explain his conduct at Mohali.
IPL commissioner and chairman Lalit Modi later suspended the bowler and also decided that a panel, headed by match referee Farokh Engineer, would meet both parties at a formal hearing in Delhi before deciding on future course of action.
If found guilty, Harbhajan faces a suspension of five Tests or 10 ODIs, as per the Code of Conduct of the International Cricket Council that is being followed by the IPL Governing Council, or even a life ban.
Harbhajan led the Mumbai Indians team in the first three ties in the absence of regular captain Sachin Tendulkar who is struggling to get fit following a groin injury sustained in Australia which got aggravated during the first home Test against South Africa at the end of last month.
Combative Harbhajan Singh has been suspended for slapping his Indian team-mate and IPL rival S Sree Santh just after their league match at Mohali on Friday night.
Watch: Bhajji suspended for slapping Sreesanth
In pics: Public protest against Harbhajan
The Indian Premier League’s chairman and commissioner, Lalit Modi, announced this late on Saturday night even as the slapstick episode was threatening to overrun the league itself. ‘‘There is enough prima facie video evidence to temporarily suspend Harbhajan with immediate effect,’’ he said in a statement.
‘‘The match adjudicator and referee, Farokh Engineer, has seen and reviewed the evidence and has arrived at this decision,’’ he said in the press release. Harbhajan cannot play in the crucial IPL match against Team Hyderabad on Sunday now, pending the inquiry into the incident.
Before the evidence emerged, Harbhajan had been slapped with a show-cause notice and was given till Monday to present his case. The feisty off-spinner had barely escaped a similar ban during the recent tour to Australia when the host broadcaster couldn’t provide evidence to prove he had made racist remarks against Andrew Symonds.
This time, however, he couldn’t beat the cameras. The ugly incident took place shortly after the encounter between Mumbai Indians and Team Mohali. According to involved parties, the stormy petrels of Indian cricket exchanged cold vibes, if not angry words, during the entire match. They are also known to not get along too well.
During the post-match formalities, Harbhajan (who as acting skipper has presided over three defeats for the costliest team in the IPL) lost his cool and slapped Sree Santh. The Kerala pacer was captured by cameras sobbing like a child. ‘‘I simply said ‘hard luck. Better luck next time’,’’ Sree Santh told TOI .
‘‘I don’t want to say anything about it,’’ said Harbhajan. ‘‘All I can tell you is that whatever happened on the field was not right,’’ he conceded to TOI . ‘‘We are like a family and I am like an elder brother to Sree Santh. We have sorted it out and there is nothing beyond that,’’ he tried to explain.
It is, however, not so simple. As the IPL is governed by ICC laws, its code of conduct automatically applies. For any physical abuse of players, officials or spectators, a player can be suspended for 10 One-dayers or five Test matches, up to a life ban. Worse, Harbhajan might end up being penalised by both IPL and BCCI.
‘‘It’s an unfortunate incident. He could face punishment from both BCCI and IPL. As per the contract between BCCI and its contracted players, we have certain guidelines for the players and if they violate them, they have to face the music,’’ BCCI president Sharad Pawar told TOI.
Mumbai Indians regret Bhajji behaviour, hope for solution
The Mumbai Indians on Sunday regretted the controversy surrounding their suspended stand-in captain Harbhajan Singh and said they are optimistic that the row would be resolved amicably after Monday's hearing in the case.
Reacting to Harbhajan's temporary suspension after he had allegedly slapped Kings XI Punjab player S Sreesanth, an unnamed official of the Mumbai Indians, while terming the incident at Mohali two nights ago as unfortunate, said they were confident that the issue would be sorted out soon.
"The incident involving Harbhajan Singh and S Sreesanth of the Punjab King's XI was most unfortunate. The Governing Council has set up an adjudication panel to inquire into the incident. The Mumbai Indians are confident that the decision taken by the panel will be in the best interests of cricket and the DLF Indian Premier League," he said in a statement.
"The Mumbai Indians are hopeful that the Harbhajan Singh issue will be resolved amicably," he added.
The IPL swung into action late on Saturday and suspended Harbhajan, who allegedly slapped Sreesanth after the Mumbai Indians had crashed to their third successive defeat in the Twenty20 league at Mohali.
The Cricket Board, under whose overall jurisdiction the IPL functions as a sub-committee, had already slapped a show-cause notice on the off-spinner asking him to explain his conduct at Mohali.
IPL commissioner and chairman Lalit Modi later suspended the bowler and also decided that a panel, headed by match referee Farokh Engineer, would meet both parties at a formal hearing in Delhi before deciding on future course of action.
If found guilty, Harbhajan faces a suspension of five Tests or 10 ODIs, as per the Code of Conduct of the International Cricket Council that is being followed by the IPL Governing Council, or even a life ban.
Harbhajan led the Mumbai Indians team in the first three ties in the absence of regular captain Sachin Tendulkar who is struggling to get fit following a groin injury sustained in Australia which got aggravated during the first home Test against South Africa at the end of last month.
INTERVIEWS
Sourav one of the best captains: McCullum
When Brendon McCullum left the New Zealand shores a couple of weeks back, he wasn't a household name in India. By the time, he is getting ready to leave India, he has managed to achieve a big fan following in this cricket-crazy nation.
It is this passion of Indian cricket that has struck the Kiwi wicketkeeper, who shot into fame in India with a breathtaking 158 in the IPL opener. "I could not believe so many people shouting for a Franchisee team! The crowd, the passion, the following... India has been an eye-opener for me," McCullum, who will play his last IPL match of the season against Mumbai Indians on Tuesday, told TOI on Saturday.
The Kiwi opener went ga ga over Shah Rukh Khan, the owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders, and the skipper of his team Sourav Ganguly. "I had only heard about SRK. Coming here, I could understand what fame actually means...But then, he is such a modest man, you'll never feel overawed by his presence," the Kiwi 'keeper added.
Sourav's ability to inspire the team was also appreciated by McCullum. "Sourav is surely one of the best captains I've played under. Right from the time I came here, I knew my responsibility. The skipper assigned me a job and I tried to do it to the best of my ability," he said.
That's a bit of an understatement as McCullum was the one who single-handedly won the Knight Riders the first game against the Bangalore Royal Challengers. He was on song on Saturday as well against Team Chennai before compatriot Jacob Oram dismissed him to start the Knight Riders' slide.
"It wasn't our day on Saturday...But we learnt our lessons and look to go all guns blazing against Mumbai. I would also like to finish this year's stint with a bang," he said sounding a warning bell for Sachin Tendulkar and Co. But how does he look back at that innings in Bangalore?
"It's kind of surreal. It was a day when everything fell into place. All the shots that I tried came off the middle of the bat," he said, adding that "it would be difficult to replicate that kind of an effort in the future".
Does he know that he has raised the bar for all wicketkeeper-batsmen in the tournament? McCullum, sporting a tatoo on his right forearm, smiles.
"There are quite a few quality 'keepers playing this tournament. So, don't be surprised if somebody else comes up with another knock like that," he said, obviously referring to the likes of Team Hyderabad's Adam Gilchrist and Kumar Sangakkara of Mohali.
McCullum would have loved to carry on his duel for supremacy with these two players, but then, it's time for him to go. And the Kiwi feels the young Wriddhiman Saha, who will do the job in his absence, has it in him to rise to the occasion. "Young Saha is a fine talent. I think he wouldn't let the Knight Riders feel my absence in the tournament," McCullum said, before taking the elevator to his hotel room.
When Brendon McCullum left the New Zealand shores a couple of weeks back, he wasn't a household name in India. By the time, he is getting ready to leave India, he has managed to achieve a big fan following in this cricket-crazy nation.
It is this passion of Indian cricket that has struck the Kiwi wicketkeeper, who shot into fame in India with a breathtaking 158 in the IPL opener. "I could not believe so many people shouting for a Franchisee team! The crowd, the passion, the following... India has been an eye-opener for me," McCullum, who will play his last IPL match of the season against Mumbai Indians on Tuesday, told TOI on Saturday.
The Kiwi opener went ga ga over Shah Rukh Khan, the owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders, and the skipper of his team Sourav Ganguly. "I had only heard about SRK. Coming here, I could understand what fame actually means...But then, he is such a modest man, you'll never feel overawed by his presence," the Kiwi 'keeper added.
Sourav's ability to inspire the team was also appreciated by McCullum. "Sourav is surely one of the best captains I've played under. Right from the time I came here, I knew my responsibility. The skipper assigned me a job and I tried to do it to the best of my ability," he said.
That's a bit of an understatement as McCullum was the one who single-handedly won the Knight Riders the first game against the Bangalore Royal Challengers. He was on song on Saturday as well against Team Chennai before compatriot Jacob Oram dismissed him to start the Knight Riders' slide.
"It wasn't our day on Saturday...But we learnt our lessons and look to go all guns blazing against Mumbai. I would also like to finish this year's stint with a bang," he said sounding a warning bell for Sachin Tendulkar and Co. But how does he look back at that innings in Bangalore?
"It's kind of surreal. It was a day when everything fell into place. All the shots that I tried came off the middle of the bat," he said, adding that "it would be difficult to replicate that kind of an effort in the future".
Does he know that he has raised the bar for all wicketkeeper-batsmen in the tournament? McCullum, sporting a tatoo on his right forearm, smiles.
"There are quite a few quality 'keepers playing this tournament. So, don't be surprised if somebody else comes up with another knock like that," he said, obviously referring to the likes of Team Hyderabad's Adam Gilchrist and Kumar Sangakkara of Mohali.
McCullum would have loved to carry on his duel for supremacy with these two players, but then, it's time for him to go. And the Kiwi feels the young Wriddhiman Saha, who will do the job in his absence, has it in him to rise to the occasion. "Young Saha is a fine talent. I think he wouldn't let the Knight Riders feel my absence in the tournament," McCullum said, before taking the elevator to his hotel room.
INTERVIEWS
Have you set any personal targets for the IPL?
My target is to make sure that I win the match for my team. It was a tremendous feeling when I scored some runs in the T20 World Cup last year. But now, that is in the past. As an opener, my job is to give some good starts to my team. For me, it's important that my runs come handy for the team and that I stand up and be counted when it matters the most. Individual records really do not make much impact if your team does not win.
Batsmen get less time to settle down in the T20 format. Is this a problem?
If you are playing a Twenty20 match, it gives you that extra liberty to play your shots. But when you are an opener, the perfect way to bat is to get used to the pace and bounce of the wicket and then shift gears according to the situation. For me, this format works because it gives me freedom to play my shots. At the same time, you can get enough time to settle down.
After six matches, which team looks the best?
It's too early to comment. This is an unpredictable format and that is why you cannot single out any one team and say that they will win the IPL championship. If you have five bad overs in a game, you can end up on the losing side. From the last couple of matches, one thing is quite clear: any team is capable of winning and so you cannot really take it easy. It's exciting and I am sure that the spectators are going to love every moment of it.
What is your impression of the foreign recruits?
It's a completely different experience. This is the perfect platform to know each other. During international matches, we don't have this kind of interaction. A tournament like IPL will help us make friends with all cricketers from South Africa, Australia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, West Indies or Pakistan.
How effective is Virender Sehwag as a captain?
Viru is a thinking captain and can rotate his bowlers very intelligently. Even when I am batting with him, I have a great understanding. As a cricketer, he is top class, and even as a teammate off the field, he is very helpful. Under his leadership, Delhi Daredevils are looking good.
Is money a distraction?
Not at all. We are professional cricketers and we know one thing: as long as we are playing well for our city, state or country, money is something which will take care of itself. If tomorrow, we stop performing, money will stop flowing. So, money is not an issue with a cricketer. It's only the outside world which talks about it.
Is it quality cricket or the Bollywood stars which is attracting fans to the stadium?
If you ask this question to a cricketer, he will obviously say it is the cricket. But the presence of Bollywood stars is certainly adding to the excitement. With time, I am sure more and more cricket fans will get involved.
Is it exciting for cricketers to have Bollywood stars around?
Once you are on the field, nothing really matters. It's only how we can win the match that counts.
Hayden wary of Ishant
How Ishant Sharma fares against Matthew Hayden will go a long way in deciding the fate of the match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Team Chennai on Saturday. Hayden, of course, is aware of the Ishant threat and he has started making his preparations.
"Ishant has just carried on from where he left off in Australia. He is a fine bowler and I've to be careful against him," Hayden told TOI.
He is also well-aware that the Knight Riders, who have Ricky Ponting in their ranks, will make special preparations against him.
"Yes, Ricky knows about my game. But then, the Indians always make their preparations against me," he added. He also added that it's the youngsters in the team who push him. "I know I have to survive playing cricket. The more the competition, the more I enjoy the game," he said.
INTERVIEWS
We are the winners: Shah Rukh Khan
Shah Rukh Khan's Kolkata Knight Riders play their second match on Sunday and the superstar says “his team are the declared winners".
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan said, "Being an actor I have always thought everything in larger-than-life perspective. Knight Riders' matches will also be no exception. Being a little tongue-in-cheek, at Eden Gardens, we will exhibit two helmets - an 18-carat gold-plated and a diamond studded one respectively to show the other teams that we are the declared winners. The matches are just child's play for us."
"I believe it's my duty to entertain people whether it's in films or in the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches. Though I am not going to dance at the gallery, I will be present at Edens."
According to him, the match will surely be a star-studded affair.
"Rani (Mukerji), Bipasha (Basu) and Kareena (Kapoor) have verbally confirmed their presence. With Kareena nowadays we get a Saif Ali Khan for free. So Saif can also be expected. I personally will try to convince John (Abraham) and Karan (Johar) to fly down as well. I have personally invited Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi to come and cheer for us at the Edens," Shah Rukh said.
King Khan is surely doing his bit, while the people Kolkata have already made their plans for the matches.
"We have arranged for a procession from Hatibagan in central Kolkata to the Eden Gardens. Twenty belly dancers will dance their way to the ground on a 16-wheeled container trailer," said Arnab Roy, joint secretary of the Shah Rukh Khan Fans Club.
Roy said this is the first time in the history of Edens that supporters will enter the grounds with drums and play them at the gallery.
"We will also decorate the gallery with Knight Riders flags, banners and festoons. Shah Rukh has promised to help us deck up the gallery," he added.
Fans and fan clubs of Sourav Ganguly, captain of the Knight Riders, and Shah Rukh have arranged mass screening of all the matches at select places across the city.
Golden-black billboards and posters of the 'Knights' - with their faces painted in gold - are evoking much excitement in all Kolkatans irrespective of age.
Ticket sales for the IPL matches began here Monday. And since then, there have been long queues outside the Cricket Association Of Bengal (CAB) ticket counters every day.
"All the tickets for the first two Knight Riders matches at Edens - on April 20 against Deccan Chargers, and April 29 against Mumbai Indians - are sold out. I am sure tickets for the other five matches will also sell like hot cake once Kolkatans get the taste of the first match at Edens," said CAB joint secretary Amitabha Bandopadhyay.
Out of the 14 matches of the Kolkata Knight Riders, seven will be played at the Eden Gardens ground here.
The first match of the IPL kicked off Friday with the Knight Riders emerging victorious over the Bangalore Royal Challengers at the Chinnasawmy Stadium in Bangalore.
As the team's slogan goes, its all about "Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo" (Do, Fight, Win) for the "King's Men".
ICC will have to adjust IPL in its calendar: Dhoni
International Cricket Council will have to adjust IPL in its cricket calendar otherwise it may force cricketers from many countries to opt for retirement, India's ODI captain MS Dhoni said on Sunday.
"They will need to take this decision otherwise we may have a situation where cricketers will prefer retirement," Dhoni said.
He was of the view that BCCI-backed IPL, which is currently holding its inaugural T20 tournament, will become an annual feature.
Dhoni, who is captaining the IPL team Chennai Super Kings and led them to convincing victory over Kings Punjab XI in Mohali on Saturday, felt that with so much money involved in the lucrative league, it would become difficult to stop players (from participating).
Outgoing CEO of ICC, Malcom Speed, said in Mumbai on Wednesday that there was no immediate need to carve out a slot for the IPL in the Future Tours Programme at the moment.
Speed had said the biggest challenge facing the game's administrators right now was how to integrate the T20 format with Tests and ODIs to ensure that none had to face the disinterest of the fans.
Dhoni saw nothing wrong in players making money by playing in the IPL, saying in some countries the players do not earn that big.
"A player has to think about his future too. They need money to maintain a decent lifestyle later in their lives," Dhoni said.
Asked if young cricketers were in the danger of losing their focus with so much money flowing into the game, Dhoni said, "Players know it very well that money will flow only if they do well in the game."
About his comments on how IPL had rolled out, 26 year old Dhoni said, "it's going to be a huge success".
Asked if crowds have started associating themselves with the teams, which have been named after different Indian cities, he said that it would take time before they strongly relate to them.
He, however, said it was great to have players from different nations sharing the same dressing room and felt it would only go a long way in strengthening the relationship.
With IPL offering a mix of Bollywood and cricket, Dhoni said, "In India they both go hand-in-hand."
When asked about a mammoth total of 240 posted by his team against Kings XI Punjab on Saturday and 222 being scored by Knight Riders a day prior to that, will the present tournament see 300 being scored in 20 overs?, Dhoni said "I think that will be difficult", though he went on to add that, "In cricket, you never know."
Dhoni may have cut his long locks that once attracted praise from Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf, but that has not stopped Bollywood making a beeline and wanting him to sign a film.
"There are lots of offers, but I have declined all of them. There is no time for that right now," he said.
Dhoni despite enjoying success in his field which gave him instant popularity at young age is a down-to-earth person. He feels that the downside of being a celebrity in this country is that one constantly remains under the media spotlight.
"There is no privacy in life and media is constantly after you," says Dhoni, but despite that he manages to maintain a level head.
Shah Rukh Khan's Kolkata Knight Riders play their second match on Sunday and the superstar says “his team are the declared winners".
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan said, "Being an actor I have always thought everything in larger-than-life perspective. Knight Riders' matches will also be no exception. Being a little tongue-in-cheek, at Eden Gardens, we will exhibit two helmets - an 18-carat gold-plated and a diamond studded one respectively to show the other teams that we are the declared winners. The matches are just child's play for us."
"I believe it's my duty to entertain people whether it's in films or in the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches. Though I am not going to dance at the gallery, I will be present at Edens."
According to him, the match will surely be a star-studded affair.
"Rani (Mukerji), Bipasha (Basu) and Kareena (Kapoor) have verbally confirmed their presence. With Kareena nowadays we get a Saif Ali Khan for free. So Saif can also be expected. I personally will try to convince John (Abraham) and Karan (Johar) to fly down as well. I have personally invited Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi to come and cheer for us at the Edens," Shah Rukh said.
King Khan is surely doing his bit, while the people Kolkata have already made their plans for the matches.
"We have arranged for a procession from Hatibagan in central Kolkata to the Eden Gardens. Twenty belly dancers will dance their way to the ground on a 16-wheeled container trailer," said Arnab Roy, joint secretary of the Shah Rukh Khan Fans Club.
Roy said this is the first time in the history of Edens that supporters will enter the grounds with drums and play them at the gallery.
"We will also decorate the gallery with Knight Riders flags, banners and festoons. Shah Rukh has promised to help us deck up the gallery," he added.
Fans and fan clubs of Sourav Ganguly, captain of the Knight Riders, and Shah Rukh have arranged mass screening of all the matches at select places across the city.
Golden-black billboards and posters of the 'Knights' - with their faces painted in gold - are evoking much excitement in all Kolkatans irrespective of age.
Ticket sales for the IPL matches began here Monday. And since then, there have been long queues outside the Cricket Association Of Bengal (CAB) ticket counters every day.
"All the tickets for the first two Knight Riders matches at Edens - on April 20 against Deccan Chargers, and April 29 against Mumbai Indians - are sold out. I am sure tickets for the other five matches will also sell like hot cake once Kolkatans get the taste of the first match at Edens," said CAB joint secretary Amitabha Bandopadhyay.
Out of the 14 matches of the Kolkata Knight Riders, seven will be played at the Eden Gardens ground here.
The first match of the IPL kicked off Friday with the Knight Riders emerging victorious over the Bangalore Royal Challengers at the Chinnasawmy Stadium in Bangalore.
As the team's slogan goes, its all about "Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo" (Do, Fight, Win) for the "King's Men".
ICC will have to adjust IPL in its calendar: Dhoni
International Cricket Council will have to adjust IPL in its cricket calendar otherwise it may force cricketers from many countries to opt for retirement, India's ODI captain MS Dhoni said on Sunday.
"They will need to take this decision otherwise we may have a situation where cricketers will prefer retirement," Dhoni said.
He was of the view that BCCI-backed IPL, which is currently holding its inaugural T20 tournament, will become an annual feature.
Dhoni, who is captaining the IPL team Chennai Super Kings and led them to convincing victory over Kings Punjab XI in Mohali on Saturday, felt that with so much money involved in the lucrative league, it would become difficult to stop players (from participating).
Outgoing CEO of ICC, Malcom Speed, said in Mumbai on Wednesday that there was no immediate need to carve out a slot for the IPL in the Future Tours Programme at the moment.
Speed had said the biggest challenge facing the game's administrators right now was how to integrate the T20 format with Tests and ODIs to ensure that none had to face the disinterest of the fans.
Dhoni saw nothing wrong in players making money by playing in the IPL, saying in some countries the players do not earn that big.
"A player has to think about his future too. They need money to maintain a decent lifestyle later in their lives," Dhoni said.
Asked if young cricketers were in the danger of losing their focus with so much money flowing into the game, Dhoni said, "Players know it very well that money will flow only if they do well in the game."
About his comments on how IPL had rolled out, 26 year old Dhoni said, "it's going to be a huge success".
Asked if crowds have started associating themselves with the teams, which have been named after different Indian cities, he said that it would take time before they strongly relate to them.
He, however, said it was great to have players from different nations sharing the same dressing room and felt it would only go a long way in strengthening the relationship.
With IPL offering a mix of Bollywood and cricket, Dhoni said, "In India they both go hand-in-hand."
When asked about a mammoth total of 240 posted by his team against Kings XI Punjab on Saturday and 222 being scored by Knight Riders a day prior to that, will the present tournament see 300 being scored in 20 overs?, Dhoni said "I think that will be difficult", though he went on to add that, "In cricket, you never know."
Dhoni may have cut his long locks that once attracted praise from Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf, but that has not stopped Bollywood making a beeline and wanting him to sign a film.
"There are lots of offers, but I have declined all of them. There is no time for that right now," he said.
Dhoni despite enjoying success in his field which gave him instant popularity at young age is a down-to-earth person. He feels that the downside of being a celebrity in this country is that one constantly remains under the media spotlight.
"There is no privacy in life and media is constantly after you," says Dhoni, but despite that he manages to maintain a level head.
INTERVIEWS
I have time to get in shape for IPL: Sachin
Sachin Tendulkar on Thursday brushed aside reports saying he was doubtful for the opening Mumbai Indians IPL tie against Bangalore Royal Challengers on Sunday.
He said there were two more days left for him to get into shape to lead his team at the Wankhede Stadium.
"I am following the fitness regime given to me by the physio. There are two more days for the match. No decision has been taken as yet (whether he will play or not). It will be decided before the 20th," said the champion batsman at the team launch.
Tendulkar has not played any competitive cricket since being ruled out of the last two Test matches against South Africa after aggravating an old groin injury. He could not take part in the Olympic Torch relay event in New Delhi for the same reason.
Team coach Lalchand Rajput announced that off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has been appointed vice-captain of the team.
Also present at the official launch of the squad was guest of honour Sunil Gavaskar and Nita Ambani, wife of industrialist Mukesh Ambani, the franchise owner of the team.
Tendulkar said surprise was the key element in Twenty20 matches. "The key factor in Twenty20 (matches) is introduction of surprise element and we will have quite a few of these planned (for our rivals)," he said.
The 27 players, barring the absent Lasith Malinga and Loots Bosman, and support staff, were applied tilak mixed with mud from Tendulkar's nursery Shivaji Park ground in Dadar.
Tendulkar turned nostalgic and said he could never forget Shivaji Park and the way he had been taken around the ground and other places on a scooter by boyhood mentor Ramakant Achrekar.
Achrekar was especially present on the occasion to apply tilak on the forehead of all Mumbai Indians players. "I have grown up in that area and can never forget those days. I used to be taken around by Sir (Achrekar) on his scooter for playing matches. I would not have reached where I am without those happenings," he said.
Tendulkar, who skipped last year's World Twenty20 Championship won by India, said he had limited experience of playing the shortest form of the game when representing Mumbai last year in domestic cricket.
"I have played a few Twenty20 games for Mumbai last year and I enjoyed it. It's a great challenge and I am looking forward to it," he said.
"Shaun (Pollock) has already started giving tips to the young fast bowlers of our team. I am not sure how the wickets and conditions will be as the matches would start at 8 pm. I don't know how much dew will be there. We will have a few practice sessions to see how the conditions are," he added.
I'll talk it out with Bhajji: Hayden
Matthew Hayden will be in the spotlight when his team Chennai Super Kings begins its IPL campaign on Saturday. But going into his opening match in India since the tour down under, Hayden has decided to leave the past behind and is hoping to sort any differences even with Harbhajan Singh. Times Now's Nidhi Tuli speaks exclusively to the man himself who says that he will try and talk to Bhajji.
Watch: I'm looking forward to playing with Bhajji, says Hayden
On Bhajji on playing in his team
Laughing out the point of view, Matthew Hayden said, "There is a lot of facade around the competition between me and Bhajji. We really respect each other and I think because we have had that competitive tension, and the fact is that we both love winning. That perhaps brings the best or the worst out of us. But, I am really looking forward to playing Bhajji in this series and also when I come back here to India. He has always been successful against Australia and I guess I have to put a stop to that. That is my job."
On whether he has spoken to Bhajji
Hayden said, "I think we are playing his side in the second round, so I will be definitely taking the opportunity to make sure that there is nothing hidden beneath the surface that needs to come out. You can never do that when you are under pressure or competing against each other because you are always looking for that edge all the time. I always say never know someone until you play with him and in this case I will definitely take the opportunity to have a chat with Bhajji."
Matthew-Bhajji battle
Bhajji and Matthew Hayden found themselves caught in a war of words during the Commonwealth Bank Series that took place Down Under in December 2007 - February 2008. Here's why Australian Matthew Hayden is hoping to sort it all out by talking to Harbhajan Singh. The duo have been involved in a long battle.
On February 26, 2008, Australian opener Hayden called the Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh an 'obnoxious little weed' on a local radio station in Australia, which sparked a huge controversy off the cricketing field.
Earlier, it all began in Sydney, the incident between Andrew Symonds and Harbhajan Singh that marred India's tour Down Under also saw Hayden having a verbal go at the Indian spinner during second Test. Hayden were seen intervening and backing his skipper Ricky Ponting by stating that I have seen it and it's time you paid for your action.
Sachin Tendulkar on Thursday brushed aside reports saying he was doubtful for the opening Mumbai Indians IPL tie against Bangalore Royal Challengers on Sunday.
He said there were two more days left for him to get into shape to lead his team at the Wankhede Stadium.
"I am following the fitness regime given to me by the physio. There are two more days for the match. No decision has been taken as yet (whether he will play or not). It will be decided before the 20th," said the champion batsman at the team launch.
Tendulkar has not played any competitive cricket since being ruled out of the last two Test matches against South Africa after aggravating an old groin injury. He could not take part in the Olympic Torch relay event in New Delhi for the same reason.
Team coach Lalchand Rajput announced that off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has been appointed vice-captain of the team.
Also present at the official launch of the squad was guest of honour Sunil Gavaskar and Nita Ambani, wife of industrialist Mukesh Ambani, the franchise owner of the team.
Tendulkar said surprise was the key element in Twenty20 matches. "The key factor in Twenty20 (matches) is introduction of surprise element and we will have quite a few of these planned (for our rivals)," he said.
The 27 players, barring the absent Lasith Malinga and Loots Bosman, and support staff, were applied tilak mixed with mud from Tendulkar's nursery Shivaji Park ground in Dadar.
Tendulkar turned nostalgic and said he could never forget Shivaji Park and the way he had been taken around the ground and other places on a scooter by boyhood mentor Ramakant Achrekar.
Achrekar was especially present on the occasion to apply tilak on the forehead of all Mumbai Indians players. "I have grown up in that area and can never forget those days. I used to be taken around by Sir (Achrekar) on his scooter for playing matches. I would not have reached where I am without those happenings," he said.
Tendulkar, who skipped last year's World Twenty20 Championship won by India, said he had limited experience of playing the shortest form of the game when representing Mumbai last year in domestic cricket.
"I have played a few Twenty20 games for Mumbai last year and I enjoyed it. It's a great challenge and I am looking forward to it," he said.
"Shaun (Pollock) has already started giving tips to the young fast bowlers of our team. I am not sure how the wickets and conditions will be as the matches would start at 8 pm. I don't know how much dew will be there. We will have a few practice sessions to see how the conditions are," he added.
I'll talk it out with Bhajji: Hayden
Matthew Hayden will be in the spotlight when his team Chennai Super Kings begins its IPL campaign on Saturday. But going into his opening match in India since the tour down under, Hayden has decided to leave the past behind and is hoping to sort any differences even with Harbhajan Singh. Times Now's Nidhi Tuli speaks exclusively to the man himself who says that he will try and talk to Bhajji.
Watch: I'm looking forward to playing with Bhajji, says Hayden
On Bhajji on playing in his team
Laughing out the point of view, Matthew Hayden said, "There is a lot of facade around the competition between me and Bhajji. We really respect each other and I think because we have had that competitive tension, and the fact is that we both love winning. That perhaps brings the best or the worst out of us. But, I am really looking forward to playing Bhajji in this series and also when I come back here to India. He has always been successful against Australia and I guess I have to put a stop to that. That is my job."
On whether he has spoken to Bhajji
Hayden said, "I think we are playing his side in the second round, so I will be definitely taking the opportunity to make sure that there is nothing hidden beneath the surface that needs to come out. You can never do that when you are under pressure or competing against each other because you are always looking for that edge all the time. I always say never know someone until you play with him and in this case I will definitely take the opportunity to have a chat with Bhajji."
Matthew-Bhajji battle
Bhajji and Matthew Hayden found themselves caught in a war of words during the Commonwealth Bank Series that took place Down Under in December 2007 - February 2008. Here's why Australian Matthew Hayden is hoping to sort it all out by talking to Harbhajan Singh. The duo have been involved in a long battle.
On February 26, 2008, Australian opener Hayden called the Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh an 'obnoxious little weed' on a local radio station in Australia, which sparked a huge controversy off the cricketing field.
Earlier, it all began in Sydney, the incident between Andrew Symonds and Harbhajan Singh that marred India's tour Down Under also saw Hayden having a verbal go at the Indian spinner during second Test. Hayden were seen intervening and backing his skipper Ricky Ponting by stating that I have seen it and it's time you paid for your action.
INTERVIEWS
IPL, national duty have their own place: Lee
Australian pace spearhead Brett Lee on Saturday rubbished suggestions that the Indian Premier League (IPL) will lure players away from national duty, saying both can co-exist without being detrimental to each other.
"I don't think we should compare or match IPL with Australian cricket team as both have their own place," said Lee, who would be playing for Kings XI Punjab, one of the eight IPL teams competing in the Twenty20 tournament beginning next week.
On being quizzed about a recent survey conducted by Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) which says nearly half of the Aussie cricketers were willing to give up their central contracts to play in the cash-awash IPL, Lee said, "I don't think there is any reason why we can't do both (play for Australia and IPL simultaneously)."
"My heart is for Australian team and wearing Baggy Green cap is a great honour," he added.
The express bowler said he would give his "best" while playing for his IPL team "as I do when I play for Australia".
Apart from Lee, Kings XI Punjab will have Yuvraj Singh as "icon player" leading the side and will also feature Irfan Pathan, Sreesanth, Piyush Chawla, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardane, Romesh Powar, James Hopes, VRV Singh, Uday Kaul among other players.
Lee also felt players from different countries playing in one side "will also help strengthen bonds between the nations".
Lee had a word of praise for Indian pacers Irfan Pathan and Sreesanth, saying "they are world class bowlers".
"It would be great to share the new ball with them," he said.
Coach Tom Moody said he does not see motivation as a problem among players just because they come from different nations/regions.
"They are all professionals and have played in different conditions at different times...a lot of pride is at stake," Moody said.
Preity Zinta also expressed hope that her team would do well in the tournament.
Asked about the possibility that a section of the media may boycott the IPL in view of the restrictive clauses put forth by the League, Zinta said she would like to be "positive about the whole thing".
"I hope that a middle path will be followed and let's hope it works out," she said.
Later, Lee and Zinta kick-started ticket sales at the PCA stadium.
'A captain has to be emotionless'
Cool dude is a tag that sits easy on MS Dhoni. In a short stint, the Indian ODI & T20 skipper has shown quite a phlegmatic attitude in stressful situations. In a chat with Ajay Naidu , MSD speaks his heart out on pressure, money & hype.
There is a growing concern suddenly that the new kids on the block are getting too much money from the game. Do you think this is detrimental?
Well, if you see the young guys now they are quite intelligent. They realise quickly that all the money is flowing in because they are doing well in cricket. The moment they start giving more emphasis to money, their cricket will deteriorate. They also realise that if they play good cricket more money will flow in. I think they are all quite intelligent and won't allow money to affect them.
You are the T20 World Cup winning captain, the skipper of India's first-ever Tri-series triumph Down Under too. Now that expectations are bound to multiply, are you under more pressure as captain?
I always go by my own expectations. Of course, it's important to perform well and give your hundred percent. There will be additional responsibility on all guys after our showing in Australia, but we should not get burdened under the weight of huge expectations. We should know what we are capable of and what we should do to get the desired results.
Did you always lead your group of friends too before you suddenly got the reigns of Indian cricket?
I am not really a born leader. In fact, I haven't led any side before I became the Indian captain. But I always back my instincts. When the Indian captaincy was given to me, I took it as a challenge and a privilege.
Since you never led any team before actually becoming the Indian captain, how do you manage to look so comfortable in what is a very taxing job?
It is very taxing and very demanding, no doubt. Cricket is a religion in India. The expectation levels are too high. We play right through the year and people want us to win every game wherever we play. I guess if you have a good side with lots of potential, it eases the pressure on you.
You seem to have nerves of steel. Is that a true reflection of what's going on in your mind or do you simply manage to give that impression?
Well, at the international level, there is pressure on each and every individual. If you happen to be the captain, there's going to be some extra pressure as well. You have to look calm and cool because when you walk up to a bowler to boost him, you can't have a worried look on your face. That certainly won't help his confidence. A captain has to be emotionless, especially when he has to ask his bowlers and fielders to do certain things on the field. Deep down, however, you may be worried about your bowling changes and about your plans coming unstuck too.
You often back certain players to the hilt. What qualities do you look for in a player before deciding to give him a long rope?
It's important to have characters in the team. You want players who have the right attitude, are ready to give their best and are determined to win. Different players have different capabilities, so you've got to pick and choose. At times you may have to back someone. But it's important that he performs.
They say leading India is the toughest job in world cricket. Are you enjoying the job or have you started feeling the strain?
Well, I am enjoying the job. At least till now, things have been cool. The team has been doing well and the atmosphere in the dressing room is great. At the end of the day, you want to enjoy your cricket. That's your life. There will be tough times, there will be times when the team is not doing well enough, but the key is to maintain the same intensity level. We may not win every time but as long as the effort is there, as long as the dressing room atmosphere is good, it makes your job easy and worthwhile.
Some comments have been attributed to you suggesting that you tried to create a divide between seniors and juniors. It also gave the impression that your unprecedented success has gone to your head?
A lot has already been said about it, so I don't really want to get into it. At times, during the course of an interview, you can't elaborate each and every point. So that's when you can be misinterpreted. I think I am a fairly level-headed guy. My team knows it and all the seniors know that I have a lot of respect for them. It was a needless controversy. The team is strongly united. The players love and respect each other. There's great camaraderie within the group. That's what matters to me.
But the fact that BCCI chief Sharad Pawar had to intervene and actually drive home a point by announcing that you got the job only on the recommendation of Sachin Tendulkar...
Sachin Tendulkar is my childhood hero. I watched cricket only because of him and started playing the game too because of him. So I take it as a privilege that he found me worthy enough for the job. I am also grateful to the BCCI chief for making it clear that there's no division within the team. This is like one big family.
When I started playing for India we had great role models in the team like Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman and Virender Sehwag. Each one of them is a legend of the game and brings in a different flavour to the team. I have always respected, and appreciated what every senior in the side has achieved because I know the kind of hard work and sacrifice that is needed to be successful at this level. In my four years of international cricket, I have not only admired these cricketers but I've tried to learn and pick up a few things from everyone.
I have been impressed by Tendulkar's focus and devotion, Dravid's discipline, Kumble's determination, Ganguly's never-say-die attitude and Sehwag's audacity and will to dominate the bowling.
Right from your debut in 2004, you have had a dream run. How do you look back on your fairytale success. Do you ever get up in the middle of the night and pinch yourself to see if all this is for real?
I don't really pinch myself, but yes, God has been kind to me. It has been a steep graph for me. I got a chance to play the One-dayers. I did well and got into the Test side and I'm happy with my progress at this level. It feels good to know that you are doing well for your country and giving hundred percent.
Did you ever dream of such a turnaround in your life and career?
I don't dream much. I live in reality. I plan for the future and I believe in taking one step at a time. But, I give more than hundred per cent not just in matches but also in practice sessions. Luckily, I've been pretty successful in whatever I have touched so far.
You are already a huge celebrity. Talk us through the negatives of being a celebrity in India?
There are lots of them. First of all whatever celebrities do comes under the microscope. You just don't have a private life. And everybody wants a piece of you. They all want your autographs and photographs. Worse still, you are always in danger of getting into a controversy, thanks to the overzealous media. When I started playing for India in December 2004, it wasn't so bad. Since then, there has been a huge increase in the numbers too. And it is still growing.
So there's a lot of pressure on you from the media. On their part, the media promotes the players by highlighting their performances. They make you a star.
Australian pace spearhead Brett Lee on Saturday rubbished suggestions that the Indian Premier League (IPL) will lure players away from national duty, saying both can co-exist without being detrimental to each other.
"I don't think we should compare or match IPL with Australian cricket team as both have their own place," said Lee, who would be playing for Kings XI Punjab, one of the eight IPL teams competing in the Twenty20 tournament beginning next week.
On being quizzed about a recent survey conducted by Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) which says nearly half of the Aussie cricketers were willing to give up their central contracts to play in the cash-awash IPL, Lee said, "I don't think there is any reason why we can't do both (play for Australia and IPL simultaneously)."
"My heart is for Australian team and wearing Baggy Green cap is a great honour," he added.
The express bowler said he would give his "best" while playing for his IPL team "as I do when I play for Australia".
Apart from Lee, Kings XI Punjab will have Yuvraj Singh as "icon player" leading the side and will also feature Irfan Pathan, Sreesanth, Piyush Chawla, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardane, Romesh Powar, James Hopes, VRV Singh, Uday Kaul among other players.
Lee also felt players from different countries playing in one side "will also help strengthen bonds between the nations".
Lee had a word of praise for Indian pacers Irfan Pathan and Sreesanth, saying "they are world class bowlers".
"It would be great to share the new ball with them," he said.
Coach Tom Moody said he does not see motivation as a problem among players just because they come from different nations/regions.
"They are all professionals and have played in different conditions at different times...a lot of pride is at stake," Moody said.
Preity Zinta also expressed hope that her team would do well in the tournament.
Asked about the possibility that a section of the media may boycott the IPL in view of the restrictive clauses put forth by the League, Zinta said she would like to be "positive about the whole thing".
"I hope that a middle path will be followed and let's hope it works out," she said.
Later, Lee and Zinta kick-started ticket sales at the PCA stadium.
'A captain has to be emotionless'
Cool dude is a tag that sits easy on MS Dhoni. In a short stint, the Indian ODI & T20 skipper has shown quite a phlegmatic attitude in stressful situations. In a chat with Ajay Naidu , MSD speaks his heart out on pressure, money & hype.
There is a growing concern suddenly that the new kids on the block are getting too much money from the game. Do you think this is detrimental?
Well, if you see the young guys now they are quite intelligent. They realise quickly that all the money is flowing in because they are doing well in cricket. The moment they start giving more emphasis to money, their cricket will deteriorate. They also realise that if they play good cricket more money will flow in. I think they are all quite intelligent and won't allow money to affect them.
You are the T20 World Cup winning captain, the skipper of India's first-ever Tri-series triumph Down Under too. Now that expectations are bound to multiply, are you under more pressure as captain?
I always go by my own expectations. Of course, it's important to perform well and give your hundred percent. There will be additional responsibility on all guys after our showing in Australia, but we should not get burdened under the weight of huge expectations. We should know what we are capable of and what we should do to get the desired results.
Did you always lead your group of friends too before you suddenly got the reigns of Indian cricket?
I am not really a born leader. In fact, I haven't led any side before I became the Indian captain. But I always back my instincts. When the Indian captaincy was given to me, I took it as a challenge and a privilege.
Since you never led any team before actually becoming the Indian captain, how do you manage to look so comfortable in what is a very taxing job?
It is very taxing and very demanding, no doubt. Cricket is a religion in India. The expectation levels are too high. We play right through the year and people want us to win every game wherever we play. I guess if you have a good side with lots of potential, it eases the pressure on you.
You seem to have nerves of steel. Is that a true reflection of what's going on in your mind or do you simply manage to give that impression?
Well, at the international level, there is pressure on each and every individual. If you happen to be the captain, there's going to be some extra pressure as well. You have to look calm and cool because when you walk up to a bowler to boost him, you can't have a worried look on your face. That certainly won't help his confidence. A captain has to be emotionless, especially when he has to ask his bowlers and fielders to do certain things on the field. Deep down, however, you may be worried about your bowling changes and about your plans coming unstuck too.
You often back certain players to the hilt. What qualities do you look for in a player before deciding to give him a long rope?
It's important to have characters in the team. You want players who have the right attitude, are ready to give their best and are determined to win. Different players have different capabilities, so you've got to pick and choose. At times you may have to back someone. But it's important that he performs.
They say leading India is the toughest job in world cricket. Are you enjoying the job or have you started feeling the strain?
Well, I am enjoying the job. At least till now, things have been cool. The team has been doing well and the atmosphere in the dressing room is great. At the end of the day, you want to enjoy your cricket. That's your life. There will be tough times, there will be times when the team is not doing well enough, but the key is to maintain the same intensity level. We may not win every time but as long as the effort is there, as long as the dressing room atmosphere is good, it makes your job easy and worthwhile.
Some comments have been attributed to you suggesting that you tried to create a divide between seniors and juniors. It also gave the impression that your unprecedented success has gone to your head?
A lot has already been said about it, so I don't really want to get into it. At times, during the course of an interview, you can't elaborate each and every point. So that's when you can be misinterpreted. I think I am a fairly level-headed guy. My team knows it and all the seniors know that I have a lot of respect for them. It was a needless controversy. The team is strongly united. The players love and respect each other. There's great camaraderie within the group. That's what matters to me.
But the fact that BCCI chief Sharad Pawar had to intervene and actually drive home a point by announcing that you got the job only on the recommendation of Sachin Tendulkar...
Sachin Tendulkar is my childhood hero. I watched cricket only because of him and started playing the game too because of him. So I take it as a privilege that he found me worthy enough for the job. I am also grateful to the BCCI chief for making it clear that there's no division within the team. This is like one big family.
When I started playing for India we had great role models in the team like Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman and Virender Sehwag. Each one of them is a legend of the game and brings in a different flavour to the team. I have always respected, and appreciated what every senior in the side has achieved because I know the kind of hard work and sacrifice that is needed to be successful at this level. In my four years of international cricket, I have not only admired these cricketers but I've tried to learn and pick up a few things from everyone.
I have been impressed by Tendulkar's focus and devotion, Dravid's discipline, Kumble's determination, Ganguly's never-say-die attitude and Sehwag's audacity and will to dominate the bowling.
Right from your debut in 2004, you have had a dream run. How do you look back on your fairytale success. Do you ever get up in the middle of the night and pinch yourself to see if all this is for real?
I don't really pinch myself, but yes, God has been kind to me. It has been a steep graph for me. I got a chance to play the One-dayers. I did well and got into the Test side and I'm happy with my progress at this level. It feels good to know that you are doing well for your country and giving hundred percent.
Did you ever dream of such a turnaround in your life and career?
I don't dream much. I live in reality. I plan for the future and I believe in taking one step at a time. But, I give more than hundred per cent not just in matches but also in practice sessions. Luckily, I've been pretty successful in whatever I have touched so far.
You are already a huge celebrity. Talk us through the negatives of being a celebrity in India?
There are lots of them. First of all whatever celebrities do comes under the microscope. You just don't have a private life. And everybody wants a piece of you. They all want your autographs and photographs. Worse still, you are always in danger of getting into a controversy, thanks to the overzealous media. When I started playing for India in December 2004, it wasn't so bad. Since then, there has been a huge increase in the numbers too. And it is still growing.
So there's a lot of pressure on you from the media. On their part, the media promotes the players by highlighting their performances. They make you a star.
IPL CHEERLEADER CONTROVERSY
Maharashtra unlikely to ban cheerleaders at IPL matches
The Maharashtra government on Friday indicated a ban on cheerleaders at IPL T20 matches may not be enforced saying prima facie "there appears to be no violation of obscenity norms".
"There is a ban on dance bars in the state, not on dance," Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil told mediapersons.
However, Patil, who holds the Home portfolio, made it clear that if any police official feels the performance of cheerleaders at the forthcoming matches as obscene, he can take "necessary action".
"I am awaiting a report on this issue, which is expected by Saturday and then only would be able to comment further," Patil said.
"But prima facie, there appears to be no violation of obscenity norms."
Asked if he had seen the performance of cheerleaders or their reportage in media, Patil replied in the negative.
"The existing law on dance bars stipulates that dancing and serving alcohol cannot be done at the same place," Patil said.
When his attention was drawn to the statements by his deputy Sidhram Mhetre that cheerleaders may be banned, Patil quipped, "It seems he has not read the law properly."
Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh interjected: "The stadium where IPL matches are being held is not a bar."
Asked if the skimpily-clad cheerleaders, flown in from abroad, had proper work permit visas, Patil said "Anyone wanting to perform should have a proper visa... merely a tourist visa will not suffice."
IPL cheerleaders get a cover-up
Cricket fans at the IPL match in Nerul were in for a double treat. Not only were there cheergirls, but also cheerboys to encourage the spectators at the Dr D Y Patil Sports Stadium on Sunday. But restraint was shown in dress as well as dance.
The cheerleaders for the Mumbai Indians appeared in shiny blue lycra suits that covered their entire bodies under matching silvery skirts. What surprised the fans was the presence of male cheerleaders.
"Wow, they have girls and boys too," said one of the fans as they cheered on their favourites, the Mumbai Indians, who were playing the Team Hyderabad.
Following the recent statements of the Navi Mumbai police, that they would strictly monitor cheerleaders on closed circuit television to check if they were doing anything "vulgar", there were restrained dance steps performed at the stadium.
The cheerleaders mostly did aerobics on the ground to be on the safe side of the law.
Navi Mumbai police commissioner Ramrao Wagh was himself present at the stadium to watch the match.
Approximately 30 minutes before the match started, the cheerleaders were brought into the stadium in a minibus under tight security. Wagh said that he found the cheerleaders to be "well behaved". The cheerleading troupe danced to Hindi film tunes.
However, the controversy surrounding the cheerleaders was soon forgotten by the fans as the players made their way out to play.
A cricket official told TOI: "Everything is going smoothly and we are happy the security and other arrangements are perfect. The crowd’s reaction showed that the people are not here to just oogle at the cheerleaders but to watch the match and enjoy it."
The Maharashtra government on Friday indicated a ban on cheerleaders at IPL T20 matches may not be enforced saying prima facie "there appears to be no violation of obscenity norms".
"There is a ban on dance bars in the state, not on dance," Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil told mediapersons.
However, Patil, who holds the Home portfolio, made it clear that if any police official feels the performance of cheerleaders at the forthcoming matches as obscene, he can take "necessary action".
"I am awaiting a report on this issue, which is expected by Saturday and then only would be able to comment further," Patil said.
"But prima facie, there appears to be no violation of obscenity norms."
Asked if he had seen the performance of cheerleaders or their reportage in media, Patil replied in the negative.
"The existing law on dance bars stipulates that dancing and serving alcohol cannot be done at the same place," Patil said.
When his attention was drawn to the statements by his deputy Sidhram Mhetre that cheerleaders may be banned, Patil quipped, "It seems he has not read the law properly."
Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh interjected: "The stadium where IPL matches are being held is not a bar."
Asked if the skimpily-clad cheerleaders, flown in from abroad, had proper work permit visas, Patil said "Anyone wanting to perform should have a proper visa... merely a tourist visa will not suffice."
IPL cheerleaders get a cover-up
Cricket fans at the IPL match in Nerul were in for a double treat. Not only were there cheergirls, but also cheerboys to encourage the spectators at the Dr D Y Patil Sports Stadium on Sunday. But restraint was shown in dress as well as dance.
The cheerleaders for the Mumbai Indians appeared in shiny blue lycra suits that covered their entire bodies under matching silvery skirts. What surprised the fans was the presence of male cheerleaders.
"Wow, they have girls and boys too," said one of the fans as they cheered on their favourites, the Mumbai Indians, who were playing the Team Hyderabad.
Following the recent statements of the Navi Mumbai police, that they would strictly monitor cheerleaders on closed circuit television to check if they were doing anything "vulgar", there were restrained dance steps performed at the stadium.
The cheerleaders mostly did aerobics on the ground to be on the safe side of the law.
Navi Mumbai police commissioner Ramrao Wagh was himself present at the stadium to watch the match.
Approximately 30 minutes before the match started, the cheerleaders were brought into the stadium in a minibus under tight security. Wagh said that he found the cheerleaders to be "well behaved". The cheerleading troupe danced to Hindi film tunes.
However, the controversy surrounding the cheerleaders was soon forgotten by the fans as the players made their way out to play.
A cricket official told TOI: "Everything is going smoothly and we are happy the security and other arrangements are perfect. The crowd’s reaction showed that the people are not here to just oogle at the cheerleaders but to watch the match and enjoy it."
IPL CHEERLEADER CONTROVERSY
Maha govt to examine whether cheerleaders' act can be stopped
The issue of cheerleaders in the ongoing IPL T20 matches figured in the Maharashtra Legislative Council for the second time on Friday with the government saying that it would examine whether such performances could be stopped.
Minister of state for Home Siddharam Mhetre said that the government would examine the issue whether steps can be taken to stop such performances.
However, Deputy Chairman Vasant Davkhare said that such performances should not be allowed.
The issue was raised by Neelam Gorhe (Shiv Sena) who said that cricket matches had nothing to do with the dances of cheerleaders.
"Globalisation does not mean that we have to imbibe western influences," she said.
Gorhe called for restrictions on such performances while allowing smooth conduct of cricket matches.
Davkhare, who was in the chair, also agreed that performances by cheerleaders had nothing to do with cricket matches and called for stopping it.
Gorhe complained that since Friday television channels were carrying reports that the government will ban cheerleaders from performing in Mumbai.
"We would like the government to clarify on this issue," she said.
'Organisers to face action for cheerleaders indecency'
The issue of cheerleaders in the ongoing IPL T20 matches figured in the Maharashtra Legislative Council for the second time on Friday with the government saying that it would examine whether such performances could be stopped.
Minister of state for Home Siddharam Mhetre said that the government would examine the issue whether steps can be taken to stop such performances.
However, Deputy Chairman Vasant Davkhare said that such performances should not be allowed.
The issue was raised by Neelam Gorhe (Shiv Sena) who said that cricket matches had nothing to do with the dances of cheerleaders.
"Globalisation does not mean that we have to imbibe western influences," she said.
Gorhe called for restrictions on such performances while allowing smooth conduct of cricket matches.
Davkhare, who was in the chair, also agreed that performances by cheerleaders had nothing to do with cricket matches and called for stopping it.
Gorhe complained that since Friday television channels were carrying reports that the government will ban cheerleaders from performing in Mumbai.
"We would like the government to clarify on this issue," she said.
'Organisers to face action for cheerleaders indecency'
In the midst of controversy over the presence of cheerleaders at IPL matches, police on Friday said they could perform at the stadium in Navi Mumbai on April 27 but action will be taken against organisers if their act is found to be "vulgar" or "indecent". ( Watch )
"The girls are merely artistes who perform as per the instructions of organisers," Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Ramrao Wagh said, adding that a performance license has been granted to the organisers of the match between Mumbai Indians and Deccan Chargers to be held at Nerul's D Y Patil stadium.
In the event of the cheerleaders indulging in obscenity, Wagh said, the "license holders" (the organisers) will be prosecuted under various provisions of the Bombay Police Act for indecency in a public place and breach of license terms.
Wagh, however said they had not received any directions from the state government on the issue yet.
Maharashtra's Minister of State for Home, Siddhram Mhetre had on Thursday told reporters that the government will not allow the cheerleaders to perform as their acts are "absolutely obscene" and wondered why the organisers required "semi nude" women at cricket matches.
The minister had said strict action will be taken if the cheerleaders violated the norms of decency in their attire.
However, he had not specified if action will be taken against the artistes or the organisers.
IPL CHEERLEADER CONTROVERSY
Shatrughan Sinha irked over presence of IPL cheerleaders
Actor-turned politician Shatrughan Sinha on Thursday lashed out at organisers of IPL matches for bringing cheerleaders to the stadiums and making a "mockery" of cricket. ( Watch )
"If you are so interested in deploying these girls who dance after hits of fours and sixes, it is better to give chance to the bar girls who have been rendered unemployed after Maharashtra government put a ban on dance in bars," Sinha said over phone from Mumbai.
"I am afraid that cricket, which has been shortened from five days to one day and now to the T20 format, might be reduced to 'Toss-Toss' in which the winner will be decided through toss," he said sarcastically.
Strongly criticising the move to bring cheerleaders from abroad for performing what he termed as "indecent dance" during Indian Premier League (IPL) matches, Sinha said it was "difficult to find cricket in these matches".
Sinha, who was also Union minister in Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government, took exception to the auctioning of players for the IPL tournament.
Shotgun Sinha appealed to the cricketing bosses to seriously ponder over the issue to save the glory of the great sport.
'Cheerleaders ok, if properly presented'
As cheerleaders at IPL cricket matches triggered a controversy, the National Commission For Women (NCW) felt there is nothing wrong with the concept but said the stage should be used to promote Indian culture by bringing folk dancers and musicians.
"I find nothing wrong with the concept if it is just for adding entertainment element to the game. It has to be presented in the right manner keeping the Indian values intact," NCW chairperson Girija Vyas said.
"I think we should promote our culture by bringing folk dancers and musicians in these matches. We have so much variety in our culture, dresses that after some point of time foreign countries will start imitating us."
Meanwhile, social activist Swami Agnivesh outrightly rejected the cheerleading concept and said it is degrading Indian culture.
"It is the height of vulgarity and it should be stopped. People in the age group of 10 to 70 years come to see matches with their families. In a country like India, the public representation of obscenity will not be tolerated," he said.
Some of the cheerleaders have been specially flown in from the US. The Vijay Mallya-owned Bangalore team has roped in "Washington Redskins Cheerleaders" to be its official cheerleaders. They will also select a group of cheerleaders in the country through a talent hunt.
Actor-turned politician Shatrughan Sinha on Thursday lashed out at organisers of IPL matches for bringing cheerleaders to the stadiums and making a "mockery" of cricket. ( Watch )
"If you are so interested in deploying these girls who dance after hits of fours and sixes, it is better to give chance to the bar girls who have been rendered unemployed after Maharashtra government put a ban on dance in bars," Sinha said over phone from Mumbai.
"I am afraid that cricket, which has been shortened from five days to one day and now to the T20 format, might be reduced to 'Toss-Toss' in which the winner will be decided through toss," he said sarcastically.
Strongly criticising the move to bring cheerleaders from abroad for performing what he termed as "indecent dance" during Indian Premier League (IPL) matches, Sinha said it was "difficult to find cricket in these matches".
Sinha, who was also Union minister in Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government, took exception to the auctioning of players for the IPL tournament.
Shotgun Sinha appealed to the cricketing bosses to seriously ponder over the issue to save the glory of the great sport.
'Cheerleaders ok, if properly presented'
As cheerleaders at IPL cricket matches triggered a controversy, the National Commission For Women (NCW) felt there is nothing wrong with the concept but said the stage should be used to promote Indian culture by bringing folk dancers and musicians.
"I find nothing wrong with the concept if it is just for adding entertainment element to the game. It has to be presented in the right manner keeping the Indian values intact," NCW chairperson Girija Vyas said.
"I think we should promote our culture by bringing folk dancers and musicians in these matches. We have so much variety in our culture, dresses that after some point of time foreign countries will start imitating us."
Meanwhile, social activist Swami Agnivesh outrightly rejected the cheerleading concept and said it is degrading Indian culture.
"It is the height of vulgarity and it should be stopped. People in the age group of 10 to 70 years come to see matches with their families. In a country like India, the public representation of obscenity will not be tolerated," he said.
Some of the cheerleaders have been specially flown in from the US. The Vijay Mallya-owned Bangalore team has roped in "Washington Redskins Cheerleaders" to be its official cheerleaders. They will also select a group of cheerleaders in the country through a talent hunt.
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