Sachin, Bhajji meet the Heroes of India

MAKING A WAVE

In the end Sachin XI won. The score line: Sachin XI 50 in four overs. Sachin 34 not out, Bhajji XI: 39 in 4 overs. Harbhajan 28.

THE MATCH

The day as expected, ended with a friendly four over match between Sachin XI and Bhajji XI. The teammates were on opposing sides here.

DANCING KINGS

The commandoes who had been eagerly waiting this interactive session managed to get the cricketers to break into a dance too.

AN EMOTIONAL MOMENT

The commandos were keen to know what Sachin thought of the Mumbai operation and their conduct. One of the commandos who stood up to speak V Sathish was full of emotion, as he had seen his colleague and buddy Gajendra fall to the terrorist's bullets at the Nariman operation.

PLAN OF ACTION

The commandoes had a field day with questions ranging from when Bhajji would get married, to what Sachin would want his son to become? In response to the latter Sachin said, %u201CHe had left it to his son to do whatever he wanted, whether it was to become a cricketer or a commando%u201D.

CRICKET TO CONTROVERSIES

An interaction with more than 500 commandos threw up a volley of questions from cricket and commandos to controversy.

IN MEMORIAM

The two cricketers had begun their day by laying a wreath at the memorial for the NSG martyrs.

MEET THE PARENTS

Sachin and Harbhajan also had a chance to spend some moments with the wife and children of Late Havaldar Gajendra Singh and the parents of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, the two NSG commandoes who lost their lives in the Mumbai siege. The two cricketers made their way through the crowd to meet Sandeep%u2019s parents who were also present at the NSG at the same time. Sachin paid his condolences to Sandeep%u2019s father and said, %u201CYou are a brave man, and your sacrifice supreme%u201D.

TALKING TOUGH

Sachin in response to a question on who the real heroes were, said, "Without a doubt it is you guys, we just play cricket, you play with your life so that we are secure, I salute and your families because they have an important role in your sacrifice".

HEROES MEET HEROES

The day had its emotional moments as well in plenty. Sachin and Harbhajan had a chance to interact with the commandoes who participated in the Mumbai operation.

PLAYING WITH FIRE

They witnessed the Anti-Terrorist Conditioning Course, which has commandoes going through artificially simulated, but almost real life terror situations, complete with fire, smoke and live bullets.

TOP GUNS

The crowd was especially thrilled to see their two icons in similar colours. Sachin and Harbhajan had donned the NSG uniform for the day, complete shoes, nametags and beret.

HAND(LING) NEW ROLES

The two cricketers had a chance to witness and try their hand at the tough 26 obstacle course that commandoes train on, which includes jumping high boundaries, and running through large distances among many other tasks.

THE DAY BEGINS

Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh spent not just a day at the NSG HQs in Manesar, but in some sense witnessed almost a lifetime of grit, determination and endurance.

HERE COME THE HOTSTEPPERS

CNN-IBN and IBN7 took the initiative and brought two of the country's most loved cricketers face-to-face with their heroes, the NSG commandos.

Read More

cricketer and Their Secret affair

'Playboys' of cricket

Revelation of Imran Khan's alleged 'affair' with Benazir Bhutto has left the world in a tizzy. But then some cricketers are known to have the charm... It can be remembered that Imran Khan had earlier been linked with actress Zeenat Aman as well. While she sizzled on-screen, Imran was touted to be the playboy 'of' the cricket field. The affair was short-lived... There have been many instances of cricketers showing off their 'soft corners', especially so when it came to Bollywood damsels.

Of late, it's Yuvraj Singh who seems to find himself in Imran Khan's shoes. The man has dated two actresses already. He was involved with the sexy KimSharma for a while, before the two-parted ways, thanks to Yuvi ki maa, who didn't approve of the 'match'. But then he bowled Om Shanti Om actress Deepika Padukone over. Of course, Deepika has now found solace and 'true love' with Ranbir Kapoor. Not only that, there were rumours of Preity Zinta having got too close to Yuvraj Singh, so much so that it upset then-boyfriend Ness Wadia. Of course, Preity rubbished those rumours

South actress Laxmi Rai is heard to be dating Indian skipper MS Dhoni . Of course the two have claimed to be 'just good friends', but the media isn't quite convinced that its actually reading more into this. With him having landed up at her birthday bash, and with her having been present for all his matches, this is one 'match', people believe, that's on a steady wicket. Prior to this, it was also suggested that Dhoni was romantically involved with actress Priyanka Chopra .

Cricketer Sreesanth has proved his mettle not only on the field, but also on the dance stage. Known for his 'deadly' moves, the cricketer is known to have quite a wild side, what with him having been linked to the pretty Shonali Nagrani a few years ago. More recently, there have been talks and confessions from a certain Daisy Bonappa , a South Indian actress, who insists that they are just 'good friends' but that their relationship could develop further.

Actor Isha Sharwani had bowled over Zaheer Khan ... all this during her Kisna days. The couple saw each other for over three years till they were forced to part ways owing to family pressure. Romance between cricketers and actresses isn't a thing of the past; the phenomeneon has prevailed since time immemorial. Anju Mahendru managed to sweep Gary Sobers off his feet, while Ravi Shastri bowled over Amrita Singh . Kapil Dev and Sarika 's alleged 'affair' was brought to light too. Shoaib Akhtar is known to have developed a soft corner for Sonali Bendre in the year 2004; Neena Gupta and Vivian Richards had a short-lived affair, and Neena also decided to bear his child, Sourav Ganguli paid much attention to actress Nagma

While most cricketer-actress relationships haven't crossed 'successful' boundaries, those enjoying the ‘innings’ include Sharmila Tagore and Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi . Manoj Prabhakar married actress Farheen , while Sangeeta Bijlani and Mohammed Azharuddin seem to be crazy in love even today. Mohsin Khan wed Reena Roy , but this couple sadly divorced after a few years. But we're sure as the 'ball' keeps on rolling, the 'love game' will go on. Wickets will fall, runs will be ‘scored’, and as few actresses will cheer from the stands, the media will continue to report about the 'love in the air' that surrounds the cricket stadium.

Read More

ICC unveils 2011Cricket World Cup logo

ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat, Sharad Pawar and former India batsman and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar share a light moment.

ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat, Sharad Pawar and former India batsman and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar share a light moment.

The logo for the 2011 World Cup is unveiled in Mumbai.

ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat, Sharad Pawar and former India batsman and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar share a light moment.

ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat along with BCCI's chief administrative officer Prof Ratnakar Shetty.

Former greats (L-R) Clive Lloyd, Aravinda de Silva, Michael Bevan, Dilip Vengsarkar and Balwinder Sandhu unveil the 2011 World Cup trophy.

Read More

Dhoni and Co. sweat it out in fitness camp

Indian coach Gary Kirsten looks on as captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni leaves after a fitness test session in New Delhi.

Suresh Raina, Rudra Pratap Singh, Harbhajan Singh and Mahendra Singh Dhoni walk off the field after a fitness test session in New Delhi. 

Gary Kirsten runs with Ashish Nehra and Ishant Sharma during a fitness test session in New Delhi. (AP Photo)

A member of the support staff carries Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's shoes as he walks ahead after a fitness test session in New Delhi.

Read More

Dhoni walks the ramp at Kolkata Fashion Week

MS Dhoni acknowledges photographers at the Kolkata Fashion Week.

MS Dhoni is the brand ambassador of the Kolkata Fashion Week. 

Read More

Cricket in the Alps

The world team which comprised former West Indies stars Allwyn Kallicharan and Collis King.

Read More

It's a dream to be No. 1 batsman: Gambhir

Last Year around this time, Gautam Gambhir got his chance to make a comeback in Test cricket in Sri Lanka and he grabbed it with both hands - he has scored an incredible 1500 Test runs since that day. And in just a year's time Gambhir sits on top of the ICC's list of Test batsmen. He spoke exclusively CNN-IBN.

Reporter: Number one Test batsman, how does it sound?

Gautam Gambhir: It feels good to be the number one Test batsman in the world. I never thought that I would be the number one Test batsman ever. It's like a dream come true but I have never played to be number one. I have always wanted to play well for the team and contribute it in a big way and the rest follows. The most important thing for me is to contribute to make my team win

Reporter: Apart from a few hiccups it has been a dream run for you in all forms of the game. But the number one rank must be special because it tells the world that this player has quality and he's here to stay.

Gautam Gambhir: If you ask any cricketer they will tell you the ultimate goal is to play Test cricket and do well. If you see in the past whosoever has done well and has become a great has a good Test record. That is the ultimate cricket. That is where your skill and your temperament, every thing is tested to the core. I have always wanted to do well.

I remember at one point I was branded as a one-day batsman, who is very flashy and stuff. But like any cricketer, my dream was to do well in Test cricket.

Reporter: Last year around this time, you got into the Test team. Did you think within one ear, you will be at the top?

Gautam Gambhir: I never thought that and I will never think so in the future either. I have always said this that the Sri Lanka tour was the turning point of my Test career, because making a comeback after two and a half years and that too touring a place like Sri Lanka and tackle (Ajantha) Mendis and (Muttiah) Muralitharan was a great challenge.

Coming back from Sri Lanka with runs behind my back was a big confidence booster. From there on I realised I can do well in Test cricket and with three big Test series coming up - Australia at home, England at home and tour to New Zealand. I knew that I can set my Test career if I do well through out the year.

Reporter: Tell us about the difficult times when you used to play in the domestic cricket with people branding you just as a good domestic player?

Gautam Gambhir: I have heard a lot of people saying that he has been given lot of opportunities. But he is only good at domestic cricket and he is a domestic king. But deep inside me I knew that if I can do well in domestic cricket, then why not in international cricket.

The only difference between the domestic stage and the international cricket is your mental toughness. But playing a lot of domestic cricket makes you tough. When you have to go through the grind and the facilities are not that great and you have to work hard, it makes you mentally tough. And that is when you realise the value of the India cap.

I think wearing the India cap is the most difficult thing to do. For me I will always be the kid who didn't have it easy. So I respect it very much.

I have heard a lot of criticism at times. Somebody told me the higher you go, you will find more critics. I enjoy every moment of it. And if some one asks me today I will tell them that all the struggle was worth it.

Reporter: You have been really lucky from the point that this team has had a great run. Do you think the Twenty20 was a big disappointment, especially for you because you were really charged up?

Gautam Gambhir: Disappointments and laurels are part and parcel of the game and that is what life is all about. You will never be at the top forever. It was not disappointing just for me but for the entire team.

I can say only one thing we were more disappointed that any other person in the country. Some people said that we did not look disappointed, but it hurt us where it hurts the most. Not being able to qualify for the semi-finals was a big blow but that is what life is all about.

I can only assure you we had given everything we had.

Read More

Zaheer khan interview on comming series

New Delhi: Zaheer Khan is back in India after undergoing a major surgery on his bowling shoulder that has put him out of cricket for at least six months. CNN-IBN caught up with the pace ace for an exclusive chat on Monday.

Reporter: What's your medical update? How are you feeling now

Zaheer Khan: I am feeling good. My arm is out of the sling now, it's been more than three weeks. Things are looking positive. The first part of the rehab is over. I am happy with it. Now I am looking forward to the second part now.

Reporter: How long does it take now for Zaheer Khan to be fit for cricket?

Zaheer Khan: It depends on my recovery. I can't say in numbers in terms of how many weeks (to be fit again) but I have to give the basic time for the muscles to heal. That's the situation now. I have to go back to South Africa for about six to eight weeks to get my rehab and get my muscles strong. I have to wait for the doctor to gime me the go-ahead to bowl.

Reporter: You injured yourself when you fell on your bowling shoulder during the IPL but you got operated only in the second week of July. Why this time gap?

Zaheer Khan: I have been consulting with Mark Fergusson. Surgery was the last option. There is one thing about injury in sports is that it's always tricky and you always have to take the call as a sports person about what to do.

When I consulted with a doctor there during the IPL, it wasn't that bad and the scans weren't showing much. The doctor did tell me that somewhere in your career, you may need to undergo a surgery but it wasn't on the cards then. He was taking a conservative approach. He had put me on to strengthening exercises, which worked really well for me.

But after the Twenty20 World Cup was over the little niggling pain was persistent, which made me rethink and the strengthening program I was following was not really helping because I was restricted in throwing and all.

The big question was that you don't want to let your team down when you come back and you don't want to be restricted because in a way you will be letting your team down in a way. That's when I decided to undergo a surgery.

Reporter: Are you disappointed that you are going to miss a lot of cricket?

Zaheer Khan: That's part and parcel of the game. It's not in my control. I have to deal with this now and the next few months are very crucial for me. I have to do all the right things. I have to do my rehab well and have to be fitter and stronger when I come back in the game.

I really don't like to take breaks. I like to play a lot of matches and keep myself going. That is what has helped me in the past but this is one way for me to take a break from cricket.

Reporter: Who do you think will shoulder the responsibility during your absence?

Zaheer Khan: I am sure representing India is enough motivation to do well. The team is there is win matches for India and some one will surely put his hand up and do the job for the team.

Reporter: Without being critical, do you think that the BCCI needs to have a more professional set-up in terms of physios, medical consultants and fitness trainers?

Zaheer Khan: That's part of the process. We have had fitness tests ever since I have made my debut. We have had fitness assessments and fitness tests throughout; so I think we are spot on there.

Reporter: Zaheer Khan is considered one of the most eligible bachelors. So any plans there?

Zaheer Khan: Right now, I am just paying a lot of attention to my shoulder.

Read More

Yuvraj Singh interview on Come series

Yuvraj Singh My form has been pretty good. When I look back I did miss a few Test matches but other than that the form has been good. I have been consistent and I look forward to a better next season.

Reporter: What are the important areas that you have been working on considering you have a busy season ahead?

Yuvraj Singh Yes, we have a very busy season ahead and it is nice to have this break. At the moment, I am concentrating on my body. I need to make my body stronger for the busy season.

Reporter: What are the important lesson you have learnt from the team's dismal show in the ICC World T20 in England?

Yuvraj Singh There are no lessons to be learnt. The only lesson I have learnt is that you have to be united as a team. I am actually not feeling bad for the team but I am feeling bad for the media and what they have portrayed as after the T20 World Cup.

This team has won everything in the last two years and we lost one tournament and everybody jumped the gun. So I don't feel sad for the team but I feel sad for what we are being portrayed as by the media to the people of India. I hope this gets settled soon.

Reporter:: Rahul Dravid is ready to make a comeback. Do you think he fits in the one-day side?

Yuvraj Singh: Rahul Dravid should be deciding if I fit in the one-day side or not. I can't comment on that because he is a great player and a senior member. If the selectors decide he is the best man then he is the best man.

Reporter:: You have been involved in some charity work as well. Tell us about that.

Yuvraj Singh: My charity is Yuvraj Singh foundation. We started this venture first three to four months ago. The first event was in Durban, my favourite place, and it really went well for us. We did charity for a community near Cape Town for the kids. We are organising a cricket field for them. We are doing another event in October in Johannesburg during the Champions Trophy. And we will be trying to do another event in India in November.

We are just trying to generate as much money for the kids. There is merchandising as well, which is in my name, the six sixes; it has pencil boxes and key chains. It has a lot of cool stuff and it is for elders as well. People can log on to yuvrajsingh.co.in and check it out. In fact, don't just check it out, buy it!

Read More

Sourav Ganguly interView on Sachin

Reporter: You were seen as a mentor at the Kolkata Knight Riders camp, as the team is without a coach. How did you enjoy your new role?

Sourav Ganguly: It's not the question of a new role. I was just helping everyone out with the camp. We have not appointed a coach yet, which we will do shortly. So Adrian Lareau, myself, Andrew Leipus, Joy Bhattacharya, Joydeep, Jeet - they were all there trying to help the boys get together and organise the nets. So we are all trying to work together to get the camp going.

Reporter: Has anybody been decided as the new coach?

Sourav Ganguly: I have no idea. We have had a lot of people applying for the job, everyone at KKR has decided on a policy of selecting a coach, and that will happen in due course. But at the moment there are no such names which are being considered.

Reporter: John Buchanan's stint was cut short. How long will the new coach's tenure last?

Sourav Ganguly: I don't want to go back on what went wrong last year.

Reporter: Buchanan's plans didn't seem to work.

Sourav Ganguly: It happens in sport. It doesn't work at times. But it's past for us and we need to look forward.

Reporter: Team owner Shah Rukh Khan has said you have an important role to play.

Sourav Ganguly: It's not just my plans. Cricket is a team sport, we'll all have to get together and make sure that the team gets together well and gets an atmosphere where they can perform well. Twenty20 is a different kind of sport to Test cricket or ODI cricket where there is time. So you have to create an atmosphere where people enjoy it and still play freely to do well in the tournament.

Reporter: Now that the BCCI has allowed ICL players to play in the IPL, have you got any targets?

Sourav Ganguly: It's only been decided yesterday that the ICL players can be a part of any franchise. So I'm sure just like any other franchise we'll also be trying to get players. It depends on who has already signed up and who hasn't.

Reporter: Don't you think that Rs 20 lakh is too meagre an amount?

Sourav Ganguly: I'm not the decision maker in that. The BCCI and the IPL committee is the decision maker, so I shouldn't be making a statement.

Reporter: On the new WADA rule about the whereabouts of the players...

Sourav Ganguly: Again, it's a decision between the players, the BCCI and the ICC. My job and time of sorting this is over.

On new role as a TV show host.

Sourav Ganguly: It's different, I'm learning a lot of things. Hopefully I can get better every time.

India's chances with Zaheer and Sehwag ruled out of the Sri Lanka tri-series

Sourav Ganguly: India still has the team to beat Sri Lanka and New Zealand in the tri-series. Sachin's back, hopefully Rahul Dravid will be back soon. They still have the strength and the combination to beat the teams.

Recently, Sachin Tendulkar has said he's eyeing 15000 runs in Test cricket.

Sourav Ganguly: As long as he is fit, nobody can stop him from performing. When you have players like Dravid, Kumble was there until recently - you cannot stop such great players from performing at any stage of their careers. They have come here because they have performed consistently over a period of 15-20 years. That's why they are great players and they'll continue to perform.

Tendulkar was your opening partner in one-day cricket. Do you think you could have also achieved as much as he has?

Sourav Ganguly: No. I have taken a decision to quit, I'm sure he will take it at some stage. To be honest, he is a bigger player than I am. He deserves to go whenever he wants to, he's probably the best in the world, along with Brian Lara. He can play on till any time he wants and I'm sure he'll give performances.

He has decided to play the 2011 World Cup

Sourav Ganguly: Why not? If he's fit, looks after his body, he will keep getting runs. He just needs to look after his body and he will be an asset to the team.

How do you see your role after the third edition of the IPL?

Sourav Ganguly: We'll see. Let's get past the third edition and then we'll see for the next one.

Read More

Bucknor being dropped for the Perth Test - 'A dangerous precedent'

	Got to go: Steve Bucknor has been sacked from officiating in next week's Perth Test

"... the ICC's reaction in this particular instance seems to be extreme ... A dangerous precedent may have been set by the ICC."
Julian Hunte, president of West Indies Cricket Board, dashes off a letter to the ICC

"What is there, eight international umpires on the panel? And if a couple of teams aren't happy with umpires then all of a sudden you have got one to choose from?"
Glenn McGrath is clearly not thrilled with the decision

"I feel for Steve ... it's probably the best for him to stand down and relieve the pressure a little bit."
Darrell Hair, an umpire who has faced his share of the music, offers advice

"... it sends the wrong signal to those countries that are awash with cash, power and influence that they can get what they want as a result of their status."
The West Indies Cricket Umpires Association promises unstinting support for Bucknor

"When I see things like this, I think, 'Thank God I've retired'."
David Shepherd isn't regretting having called it a day a decade ago

"By standing Steve down for the third Test, we have successfully defused the situation, at least for the time being, and so what was a sporting issue has not become a political crisis."
ICC President Ray Mali is certain the issue has been well-handled

"You wonder what confidence this gives umpires. What happens now if Billy Bowden makes a few mistakes?"
Clive Lloyd ponders the consequences of the decision

"Through their actions or inactions, they [the ICC] are threatening the future of the game."
John Buchanan fires a salvo at the ICC

"I really feel sorry for him. After all he is a human being and anyone can make mistakes. I wonder if the same [Indian] people who showered praise on him two years ago [when Bucknor was felicitated at the India-Pakistan Test in Kolkata, his 100th] are after his blood now."
Leora Bucknor stands by her husband

--
Sidhartha raja
From:- Patna,Bihar

Read More