Sania Mirza - With all the HUFF & PUFF

Sania Mirza is the Indian tennis revolution and does have the potential to be bigger than Leander Paes & Mahesh Bhupathi who weren't really great singles players. They were a marvelous doubles team but at last India do have someone who could be their singles tennis superstar.

Sania's career hasn't really got off to the start she would have dreamed but she has won some matches and does hold as respectable spot in the rankings, only improving.

Recently she was involved in a bit of controversy with disrespecting the Indian Flag. She could have been a little more careful but the way this issue was just blasted in proportions was something that didn't do much for her image. Also being a Muslim and wearing unacceptable clothes as per the religion had a few Islamic criticism following her as well.

She really needed a boost and with her recent exit from the Dubai Open Championships 2008, its going back to the drawing board for her. She lost to the No.4 seed, Jelena Jankovic, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. It wasn't exactly a roll-over and die scenario but she didn't look at her best.

She has such a big fan following in Dubai considering its not only the Indians but other Asians who look at her as the Asian revolution in a lot of ways. She did disappointed a lot of fans who will not watch any further as the spice is out of the tournament.

Saying all that, many tennis players still believe she has potential to get into the top 10. Maybe less controversy and more quality tennis is the call for the day. Otherwise, Anna Kournikova and Martina Hingis are some good examples of what could happen to a potential good career amidst controversies.

Ponting worth $400,000

In an auction where Symonds went easily above a million and Brett Less near a million, Ricky Ponting could only fetch $400,000. Yes, I am talking about the recent IPL auctions. I was wondering why the top captain in the world and definitely one of the best batsmen on the current cricket scene didn't fetch a bargain.

I believe a big reason of this might be his recent form. He hasn't been in the best of form in the last few games. It might also be because he may not bring the Indian crowds to the game as much a Symonds would. People would love to see some HUGE hitting and Ponting somehow doesn't sell that big-hitter image.

Plus he is not really an all-rounder which is an asset in 20-20. Those might be few of the reasons of his low big. A similar figure was there for Mike Hussey. I guess again, missing all-rounder characteristic might have done them there.

Saying all that, if somebody asks me my view on IPL or ICL or anything of the sort....I would say no from the start till the end. I am a true traditionalist who would enjoy a 5-day game more than any of the shorter versions. The game of cricket that was, will only loose its charm and quality with each step into commercialization.

We are already seeing the repercussions of this big money coming in. Early retirements and people just deserting home teams for more money. No patriotic spirit. Honestly, the players who are playing are only doing because of their home contracts and board regulations. Otherwise, everybody will just jump into it. Its too big an offer to leave.

Anyway, thinking positively, lets hope these new leagues help the game money-wise without losing its charm and traditions.

Modern Day Cricket Coaching

The role of a coach in the modern game of cricket has changed in so many ways, I think they should think about renaming that position. Today's coach is a strategist to the core and someone who runs the trainings, practices, injuries and in some countries even team selection.

From the past, this person was someone who would just be in the background and help out on the basics. The coach's role today is much better than many white-collar jobs in the market. In fact, considering the pay-check most international coaches take home today, they should mark it as a white-collar job.

A lot of it has to do with the change in the modern game itself. With so much commercialization and money getting in the game, having an expensive coach other than him being a good coach is important as well. With the introduction of former players taking up coaching roles, it has become an even more respectable and involved role.

The coach is directly involved in player nurturing, skill development, strategy and also the events off the field. So, controversies and differences are no longer restricted to the players only. Coaches have enough ways to get into news as well.

In fact its not even one coach now. There is the bowling coach, the fielding coach, the trainer and a whole team of coaching staff. An idea coming from Amercian sports I presume, NBA, NFL etc. Every role appreciated and specialized in their own way. I guess there is no harm in specialized roles only that it comes with a cost. In the old days, all those roles were associated with a single person.

Another interesting part of modern day coaching is the cultural differences that most international coaches need to adjust to when they come into a new country. This is usually a trend in the Asian teams where money is not an issue hence take examples of Greg Chappell, the late Bob Woolmer, Dav Whatmore, Tom Moody etc, all have had difficult times adjusting to a varying culture as compared to their origins and people would have mixed opinions about their success.

I wont go into details on individuals but commercialization has revolutionized the role of the modern day coach as well. I am not exactly sure if thats good or bad for the game overall, but its definitely brought in a lot more quality & professionalism into the game which is good for the future of cricket.

Tribute to Stephen Fleming - One of the Greatest captains of All-Time

I am a person who appreciates the great minds of the game of cricket. These are the people who have maintained the charm of this great game even amongst the commercialization of it. These people have in the past and will keep making great captains in the future as well.

When I see a captain, I want to see someone who is a leader. Not just someone who wins matches or plays well. That category is for the stars. When I want to see a captain, I want to see someone who can lead from the front, be the last man standing. Take the boos in a loss and be modest in a win. A thinker, innovation being the middle name, and fight till the last ball or wicket attitude. Make everybody play to their best. Now that is a true skipper.

Bottom-line, I want to see someone who is a complete personality and some one to look up to.

In this regard, my all-time favorite captain has been Stephen Fleming. The guy may not get credit with his modest records as others might but this guy has been there in a best possible way a guy could be for his team. With not the best players in the world around him, Fleming made sure that each player plays to his top potential. If they are able to do that then he would go home content. Winning or losing is part of the game but playing it well is what the true cricket lover wants to see. Fleming ensured that cricket watchers got their money's worth.

Its a game, one of the sides will lose. But in order to watch good cricket you would like to see someone like Fleming on the field ordering his troops around. All his career, he has been known for his creativity. Call it strange fielding positions, strange bowling changes, new ball bowling with spinners and what not. Stephen Fleming is your captain for a team that isn't filled with superstars.

When required, leading from the front, opening the innings. Top standards of fielding and then nurturing young players. Look what Vettori has become under him. He is the next captain and those are some big shoes to fill. Talent needs to be nurtured and used correctly. Fleming has made it happen for the Kiwis.

Just read that he retires after the England Series. He will be missed for his innovations and creativity in the game. Thats how I will remember him.

Nathan Bracken - Brains over Brawn

Nathen Bracken showed today what a little bit of extra thought in evaluating the weather, the pitch could do. He read the pitch picture-perfect today and executed the plan to perfection. Slower balls was the call for the day and he had every Sri Lankan who took guard trying to pick up the pace of the wicket.

Overcast conditions and the pitch under covers led to a slow pace on the wicket. Where Jayasuriya failed, Gilchrist came out well. Adjusting and showing patience. But it was Bracken who played with his brains today. He made it count and worked on the batsmen, led them to mistakes and went on to his career best 5 for 47.

It was a day to celebrate the brains of cricket rather than sheer power. A day to celebrate Steve Waugh, Javed Miandad, Stephen Fleming, ...

Dravid, Ganguly - No place in Indian ODI Team

It's really strange how decisions like these made without a second thought about it. Rahul Dravid and Saurav Ganguly were recently excluded from the the ODI series for the Indian team. There is a way to bring in your youngsters not at the cost of 2 greats who are at the twilight of the career.

Indians with already a demoralizing defeat in the test series really need to pull up their socks in the ODI against the recent World Cup Finalists Australia and Sri Lankan. How do they prepare for it? Remove 2 greats from the team, make way for youngsters. I think this was the most foolish move by the Indian selectors in the recent past. Just their presence makes all the different. You do not need to move them out this way. Batting is India's strength any day. There is a process of bringing in youngsters. This would have been their last tour down under. I think deserved a little more respect.

Now you look a weaker side, hope floats as they say. It can only be the 3rd team in the ODI series. There has not been a competitive ODI series in the recent past and it would have been much more interesting getting all teams at full strength.

Saying all that, I do wish the youngsters well also. I am not being unfair to them. They have a chance to prove so they should take it with both hands but I would loved to see Dravid and Ganguly for one more time in the ODI series.

NBA Slam Dunk Contest '08

Ok its time to look into this year's Slam Dunk contest at the NBA All Star Weekend '08. The participants - Gerald Green (last year's champion), Rudy Gay, Dwight Howard & Jamario Moon. We saw a lot of Gerald Green last year and it would only be the 3rd time in history that someone wins the contest back-to-back. Jason Richardson in 2002 & 2003 and Michael Jordan in 1987 and 1988.

Honestly I don't see a repeat coming this year. With two new entrants in Gay and Moon, I think there will be enough new stuff to see amongst those 2 only. I think it would be one of them taking it away this year.

Its amazing how these guys can come up each year and raise the bar one more level. It is tough to beat previous years best but every next year we see a new dimension added. Its really unbelievable what these guys can do.

Anyway, 16th Feb is the date to note for this event. Enjoy!!!

Shoaib Akhtar - Valuable Excess Baggage

Since the day he broke open onto the scene, there have been less performances than the so called "expected potential". When he has played, he has been the most terrorizing bowler in the world but these numbers are too few to even talk about.

From day 1, the PCB has just taken up to his tantrums. Call it injuries, disciplinary actions and the big time foreign expenses for fixing his bowling action and God knows how many medical problems. I guess even the PCB has had enough and they have clearly indicated the same by not offering a central contract. They are not letting him go, they have offered him a retainer. What they mean by this is, we are not bearing your expenses any more. Be fit, you can play.

What Shoaib says to that is close to hilarious. He is in complete denial. Quoting, "Central contracts are not an issue because I play for my country and not for money. I will not accept retainership..."

He is deaf to the clear voice of PCB to say the least. Everybody has had enough of waiting for this volcano to erupt and cause destruction. He is well past his prime and where one had hoped he would take the reigns from Wasim and Waqar he has actually taken up a spot in the team long enough and many other Paki bowlers have missed their chance to prove.

Very happy with PCB's decision and hopefully the Paki team can find a few more of the infinite talent of fast bowlers that they seem to have. Its a good lineup even now if they are fit. Asif, Umar Gul and the list of newcomers, I think the future is more brighter than it was with Shoaib on contract.

Bye-bye Shoaib, have a nice day.