Time-Up :: 2018 - Sports
Action.. Pause..Regroup.PLAY.
December it is. Wind. Chill. Time for introspection.
Most sports-persons are wrapping up the year. In style. Only to come back strongly in 2019!! In style again!
Indian badminton star Pusarla Venkata Sindhu has finished the year in style by breaking the finals jinx with a historic triumph at the BWF World Tour Finals in China. The lanky 23-year-old Indian gained sweet revenge on Sunday for her reverse in the final of the 2017 World Championships at the hands of Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara (ranked 7th), with a marvelously crafted 21-19, 21-17 victory.
India's table tennis star, Manika Batra received the "Breakthrough Star" award from International Table Tennis Federation.
Congratulations!!
Cricket - Will the "Ball" dominate?
By the looks of it, appears that this will be a bowlers' season!! All eyes will be on three boxing day test matches (all in bouncy / pacy wickets!) - this year 6 cricketing nations will be pitted against each other - IndiaVAustralia, PakistanVSouth Africa, and SrilankaVNew Zealand.
Three Asian batting powerhouses will have to prove their worth in chilly weather on pacy, bouncy pitches !
They can put good show provided they adopt Simple yet effective (read more) approach.
"Boxing Day"it is!
The Boxing Day Test match is a cricket Test match held in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia involving the Australian cricket team and an opposing national team which is touring Australia during the southern summer. It begins annually on Boxing Day (26 December) and is played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Because there were six Tests in the 1974–75 Ashes series, in order to fit them all in to the overall schedule, the Third Test at Melbourne was scheduled to start on Boxing Day. That was the origin of the modern tradition, although it was not until 1980 that the Melbourne Cricket Club and the Australian cricket team secured the rights to begin a test match annually on Boxing Day at the MCG.
Historically, the MCG (particularly boxing day test match) has been a happy hunting ground for the Aussies. The above info-graphics (2012) is a testament.
In the last 10 boxing day test matches Australia has won 6, lost 2. Last year's Ashes series test was washed out though. Hopefully this year the weather gods will give us a full game.
Time to "RISE" for the Indian batters in Australia
"We play the pitch" that is a famous quote by Indian coach Ravi Shastri.
It appears that the touring Indian batsmen are caught up dilemma of playing on the rise. Feet movement is key for playing on the up, and that seems to be missing. Standing tall and playing (remembering own's off-stump well) on the up with a straight bat could be the key to success.
It will surely be a cracker of a game, as Australia will be playing to consolidate their lead (if they manage to defeat India at Perth) or fight for pride to save the series. Maybe "Hardik" factor could play a role.
Kane Stuart Williamson appears to be in the "form of life" He has prolific scorer in 2018 (10 innings 601 runs) and continuing "hitting the ball unbelievably". Along with Latham and "evergreen" Ross Taylor, it is sure the Blackcaps will prove too "formidable"for the touring Sri Lankans. But here still, it will advantage bowlers - Southee, Boult and Wagner can use the conditions, like they always.
In South Africa "They Hunt in pairs"
Albeit, Vernon Philander will miss the boxing day test against Pakistan due to injury, however,Kagiso Rabada, Olivier, Dale Steyn and Ngidi (if comes as replacement for Philander) are quite a formidable attack and can rip through the opposition, especially, this young Pakistan side, which had been enjoying good a run in their backyard in the UAE.
Eventually sporting actions will end the year in Australia.
Wait. The New year is coming!
Cricket
Will young Arjun Sachin Tendulkar get a "look up" by the selectors of Indian national (senior) team?
Will Rahul Dravid get coaching job for the senior team?
ICC World Cup
The 2015 Cricket World Cup (officially known as ICC Cricket World Cup 2015) was the 11th Cricket World Cup, jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand from 14 February to 29 March 2015. Australia defeated New Zealand by 7 wickets to win their fifth ICC Cricket World Cup. ICC World Cup takes place in England in June 2019.
Indian team will be banking on their "batting heavy" side with Bhuvaneshwar and Bumrah as key bowlers.
IPL
The already dilemmatic BCCI is also facing "wind of unsurity" over IPL. The 12th edition of IPL is expected to played between April - May next year. However, given the general elections around that time, and then followed by the world cup in England, the BCCI is fishing in troubled waters. Add to that, if it goes ahead with that in India, then it is likely to face a possible eviction from Maharashtra from a likely "draught" situation (as happened in 2016).
A likely solution could be, to have a curtailed edition, say, each team plays 7 matches and then straight knock-outs for top 4 teams following by the grand finale.
This could offer some significant reduction in fatigue of players who are likely to play the world cup. While it would mean a "sharp haircut" for broadcasters and advertisers, but it could still be a salvage situation. IPL is not successful because it a strong brand, but it is successful because it has strong local proposition which inculcates "deep fan connect".
Should the BCCI decides to shift IPL out of India, it could still serve a big blow to the brand, forget cost overruns for franchise owners.
The franchise owners are already reeling under strong headwinds of performance, selecting best players yet delivering profitability. Young Players (if available) like Hetemyer, Pooran, Zazai and Shahidi could see "hot bids" on 18th December though.
It will be a dilemma situation for the BCCI whether to hold a "truncated" IPL - in India or abroad. Moreover, there are chances that many boards may not release their key players for the full duration.
ODIs
England are the top ranked team in ODIs. In coming months, India stands good chance to make good progress towards their stake for the number 1 rank.
Here is a quick look at the major ODI series during first half of the year.
Test Schedule
Hopefully, India will be able to retain the top slot in 2019!
Barring Zimbabwe, almost all test playing nations would have played a test series in the first half of 2019.
Test is "King" Still
No matter if we see full occupied stadias, or high decibel campaigns, "test cricket" will thrive still and continue to remain "key barometer" for measuring success in cricket.
Of course, ICC could consider implementing some measure in order to address three-day finishes or dull game.
The thee "Dreaded "Ds" of cricket are -
"DRS" - Not full-proof still , as umpires still "manage to play spoilsport" in key decisions. The ball tracker is not a / AND I "dare say "will never be"" a sound system to track the ball - for there are too many variables (beyond human or machine comprehension) - lile wind, soil conditions, moisture, ball conditions (no two balls will ever be similar after 10 overs) angles etc.
DLS - The DLS (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern) method appearing to be "doctor gone wild" and has been used too vaguely by the ICC. Consider this,India manages to loose a T20 against Australia even though they had surpassed the total of Australia!
Credit goes to M/S Duckworth-Lewis-Stern.
The weather predictions in the UK, Australia or New Zealand are said to be quite accurate. If the administration knows that on a given day, the chances of rains are above 60% and they sure know a dry window within which they could operate a match then, Why wait till the rains arrive? If they know its going to be a 6 hour window, why to let the first team bat for full 20 overs (in a T20 game)? Why not have a 15 over game straightaway?
Draw Games - Test cricket became dull due to draw games - which happen due to benign pitches - often "ordered" by administration to muster up some records.
All these "D's" will eventually turn off broadcasters, viewers and also will adversely affect interests from upcoming geographies like the Europe.
ICC Fixtures till 2021
ICC has recently announced fixtures for the next 2 years.In the next 24 months (until Feb 2021) India will play 18 test matches in 6 series - much lesser than traditional 10/12 test matches a year. England will play 22 test matches in the same period. That sure gives some indications!
Go.Stay Played.Stay Engaged.
Action.. Pause..Regroup.PLAY.
December it is. Wind. Chill. Time for introspection.
Most sports-persons are wrapping up the year. In style. Only to come back strongly in 2019!! In style again!
Indian badminton star Pusarla Venkata Sindhu has finished the year in style by breaking the finals jinx with a historic triumph at the BWF World Tour Finals in China. The lanky 23-year-old Indian gained sweet revenge on Sunday for her reverse in the final of the 2017 World Championships at the hands of Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara (ranked 7th), with a marvelously crafted 21-19, 21-17 victory.
India's table tennis star, Manika Batra received the "Breakthrough Star" award from International Table Tennis Federation.
Manika Batra had won four medals, including two gold, at Commonwealth Games and bagged a bronze medal in mixed doubles at Asian Games to mark a superb 2018.
"खेलोगे कुदोगे तो बनोगे नवाब"
Cho-Le. Cho. (It's an expression some TT Players use after they gain a point. Cho-means "good ball", Le-means "again/onemore".)
Cricket - Will the "Ball" dominate?
Three Asian batting powerhouses will have to prove their worth in chilly weather on pacy, bouncy pitches !
They can put good show provided they adopt Simple yet effective (read more) approach.
"Boxing Day"it is!
The Boxing Day Test match is a cricket Test match held in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia involving the Australian cricket team and an opposing national team which is touring Australia during the southern summer. It begins annually on Boxing Day (26 December) and is played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Because there were six Tests in the 1974–75 Ashes series, in order to fit them all in to the overall schedule, the Third Test at Melbourne was scheduled to start on Boxing Day. That was the origin of the modern tradition, although it was not until 1980 that the Melbourne Cricket Club and the Australian cricket team secured the rights to begin a test match annually on Boxing Day at the MCG.
In the last 10 boxing day test matches Australia has won 6, lost 2. Last year's Ashes series test was washed out though. Hopefully this year the weather gods will give us a full game.
Time to "RISE" for the Indian batters in Australia
"We play the pitch" that is a famous quote by Indian coach Ravi Shastri.
It appears that the touring Indian batsmen are caught up dilemma of playing on the rise. Feet movement is key for playing on the up, and that seems to be missing. Standing tall and playing (remembering own's off-stump well) on the up with a straight bat could be the key to success.
It will surely be a cracker of a game, as Australia will be playing to consolidate their lead (if they manage to defeat India at Perth) or fight for pride to save the series. Maybe "Hardik" factor could play a role.
BlackCaps - It's the "Williamson" era
Kane Stuart Williamson appears to be in the "form of life" He has prolific scorer in 2018 (10 innings 601 runs) and continuing "hitting the ball unbelievably". Along with Latham and "evergreen" Ross Taylor, it is sure the Blackcaps will prove too "formidable"for the touring Sri Lankans. But here still, it will advantage bowlers - Southee, Boult and Wagner can use the conditions, like they always.
In South Africa "They Hunt in pairs"
Albeit, Vernon Philander will miss the boxing day test against Pakistan due to injury, however,Kagiso Rabada, Olivier, Dale Steyn and Ngidi (if comes as replacement for Philander) are quite a formidable attack and can rip through the opposition, especially, this young Pakistan side, which had been enjoying good a run in their backyard in the UAE.
Eventually sporting actions will end the year in Australia.
Wait. The New year is coming!
The honors will be with Australia again. Here is a quick look at some of the major international sporting events in the first half of 2019.
The new year sets the ball rolling with WTA Australian Open! It will be interesting to see whether last year’s finalists Roger
Federer, Marin Čilić, Caroline Wozniacki, and Simona Halep are able to maintain
their form and game.
As we progress through the year, Table Tennis (read Cho-Le), Boxing, Rugby and Women's Football too will have their marquee events - world championships.
In any sports, contribution of coaches and support staff is always immeasurable. I will be happy to see further progress of these Impact-ful Indian coaches.
Cricket
Will young Arjun Sachin Tendulkar get a "look up" by the selectors of Indian national (senior) team?
Will Rahul Dravid get coaching job for the senior team?
ICC World Cup
The 2015 Cricket World Cup (officially known as ICC Cricket World Cup 2015) was the 11th Cricket World Cup, jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand from 14 February to 29 March 2015. Australia defeated New Zealand by 7 wickets to win their fifth ICC Cricket World Cup. ICC World Cup takes place in England in June 2019.
IPL
The already dilemmatic BCCI is also facing "wind of unsurity" over IPL. The 12th edition of IPL is expected to played between April - May next year. However, given the general elections around that time, and then followed by the world cup in England, the BCCI is fishing in troubled waters. Add to that, if it goes ahead with that in India, then it is likely to face a possible eviction from Maharashtra from a likely "draught" situation (as happened in 2016).
A likely solution could be, to have a curtailed edition, say, each team plays 7 matches and then straight knock-outs for top 4 teams following by the grand finale.
This could offer some significant reduction in fatigue of players who are likely to play the world cup. While it would mean a "sharp haircut" for broadcasters and advertisers, but it could still be a salvage situation. IPL is not successful because it a strong brand, but it is successful because it has strong local proposition which inculcates "deep fan connect".
Should the BCCI decides to shift IPL out of India, it could still serve a big blow to the brand, forget cost overruns for franchise owners.
The franchise owners are already reeling under strong headwinds of performance, selecting best players yet delivering profitability. Young Players (if available) like Hetemyer, Pooran, Zazai and Shahidi could see "hot bids" on 18th December though.
It will be a dilemma situation for the BCCI whether to hold a "truncated" IPL - in India or abroad. Moreover, there are chances that many boards may not release their key players for the full duration.
ODIs
England are the top ranked team in ODIs. In coming months, India stands good chance to make good progress towards their stake for the number 1 rank.
Here is a quick look at the major ODI series during first half of the year.
Test Schedule
Hopefully, India will be able to retain the top slot in 2019!
Barring Zimbabwe, almost all test playing nations would have played a test series in the first half of 2019.
Test is "King" Still
No matter if we see full occupied stadias, or high decibel campaigns, "test cricket" will thrive still and continue to remain "key barometer" for measuring success in cricket.
Of course, ICC could consider implementing some measure in order to address three-day finishes or dull game.
The thee "Dreaded "Ds" of cricket are -
"DRS" - Not full-proof still , as umpires still "manage to play spoilsport" in key decisions. The ball tracker is not a / AND I "dare say "will never be"" a sound system to track the ball - for there are too many variables (beyond human or machine comprehension) - lile wind, soil conditions, moisture, ball conditions (no two balls will ever be similar after 10 overs) angles etc.
DLS - The DLS (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern) method appearing to be "doctor gone wild" and has been used too vaguely by the ICC. Consider this,India manages to loose a T20 against Australia even though they had surpassed the total of Australia!
Credit goes to M/S Duckworth-Lewis-Stern.
The weather predictions in the UK, Australia or New Zealand are said to be quite accurate. If the administration knows that on a given day, the chances of rains are above 60% and they sure know a dry window within which they could operate a match then, Why wait till the rains arrive? If they know its going to be a 6 hour window, why to let the first team bat for full 20 overs (in a T20 game)? Why not have a 15 over game straightaway?
Draw Games - Test cricket became dull due to draw games - which happen due to benign pitches - often "ordered" by administration to muster up some records.
All these "D's" will eventually turn off broadcasters, viewers and also will adversely affect interests from upcoming geographies like the Europe.
ICC Fixtures till 2021
ICC has recently announced fixtures for the next 2 years.In the next 24 months (until Feb 2021) India will play 18 test matches in 6 series - much lesser than traditional 10/12 test matches a year. England will play 22 test matches in the same period. That sure gives some indications!
Go.Stay Played.Stay Engaged.
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