S. Sampath Kumar's blog

Yuvraj Singh  returned home  after receiving treatment for a cancerous tumour in the United States.  He was seen in high spirits as he waved to well-wishers who had gathered at New Delhi airport to welcome him back. He was earlier  diagnosed with a rare condition, mediastinal seminoma - a malignant tumour between his lungs  and underwent  three sessions of chemotherapy in Boston.  Wishing him speedy recovery and wish to see him action on the Cricket field soon.

Hearing so many catcalls – add a few more.  A few days into the game – IPL has had some close matches, some upsets, big sixer hits, a 5 wicket haul and some surprises.   There was glamour and glitz at Pune the venue for Pune Warriors, Kings XI Punjab match – as a new infrastructure had been created for the franchisee owned by Sahara India.  A prominent British architectural firm - Hopkins Architects Partnership LLP  is credited with the construction.

After all that hype, it was not to be though a 2-2 draw is a fitting result – a result still WI can feel happy about.    Batting first Australians were powered to 281 for 9 with half-tons from Warner, Watson and Forrest – Windies could make only 251 in reply losing by 30 runs.  

Perhaps the simplest of the tests – do you rejoice or are you a cynic ?

India won their first match at Asia Cup beating Sri Lanka comfortably.  On hearing the news, what was your reaction ?

“Mirpur is not Perth or Lords ! – Lanka is no opposition – Asian grounds ball does not bounce much – Sachin got out another time and may never make that 100th ton – I do not follow such games” – any of these or ‘we take them match by match’ – India bowled well – Gambhir and Kohli made centuries – India made their 68th score of 300+

The equation is rather simple.  It has happened before – the entire Nation supporting and wanting a Team which they would otherwise hate to win – in a piquant situation, Indians would want Australia to win – for that only would provide India the chance to be in the Finals.  Sri lanka has their tail-up with 3 wins and a tie in their last 5 matches.  They would be rearing to go at Melbourne where they had once beaten Australia for entering the finals in 1996.