India announced their provisional 30-man squad for the 2015 Cricket World Cup earlier today. The headlines were generated by the exclusion of Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan, Gautam Gambhir and Harbhajan Singh. Plaudits have to be given to the selection committee for making their decisions on form rather than being held hostage to sentiment and emotion. Starting with the Champions Trophy success in 2013, the core of this team has delivered for India in the ODI arena. Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane have played numerous match winning innings in the past year and a half. To not reward such consistency with a place in the World Cup in the hope that the veterans get one last chance on the big stage would defy cricket logic.
The announcement did make me think of the 2011 World Cup, and I thought it fair to acknowledge the role that the excluded quintet had in India's triumph on home soil.
Virender Sehwag
380 runs, Average 47.5, Strike Rate 122.58
In the first match of the World Cup, Sehwag hit a barnstorming 175 from 140 balls against Bangladesh. Sehwag didn't quite hit those heights again for the rest of the tournament, but his blistering starts often put the opposition on the back foot. In the tense semi final against arch-rivals Pakistan, Sehwag's crucial 25-ball 38 ensured India landed the first mental blow in a match where nerves were going to play a big part.
Harbhajan Singh
9 wickets, Average 43.33, Economy 4.48
Compared to other bowlers, Harbhajan didn't have a standout tournament, averaging just a wicket a match. Still, the off spinner's economy rate of 4.48 on flat pitches in a batsman-friendly tournament brought India an element of control in the middle overs. His most decisive performance was in the semis against Pakistan, where his dismissals of Umar Akmal and Shahid Afridi effectively sealed the match in India's favour.
Gautam Gambhir
393 runs, Average 43.66, Strike Rate 85.06
Gambhir was the 6th highest run-getter in the tournament. The southpaw's performance was marked by consistent excellence at number three after the explosive starts provided by Sehwag. Batting alongside Sachin in the middle overs Gambhir kept India ticking at a flair clip, mixing singles with trademark big hits against spinners. Saving his best for last, his brilliant 97 in the final against Sri Lanka was the foundation for India's successful chase to win the cup.
Zaheer Khan
21 wickets, Average 16.66, Economy 4.45
If it wasn't the age of the batsman, Zaheer would probably have been awarded the man of the tournament. In a bowling attack that was being torn apart by opposition batsmen, Zaheer's tournament-leading haul of 21 was essential in India's victory. Zaheer swung the new ball at will, while keeping a tight lid on explosive opening batsmen. His canny mixing of pace and intelligent yorkers made Zaheer difficult to get away in the slog overs, affording India the leeway of chasing smaller targets. He also avenged the demons of his 2003 World Cup final, by starting the final with three consecutive maidens to steady Team India's nerves.
Yuvraj Singh
362 runs, Average 90.50, Strike Rate 86.19
15 wickets, Average 19.40, Economy 4.09
The ultimate all-round performance that is unlikely to be topped in a World Cup. Yuvraj was India's hero and his impact in the tournament is the stuff of legend. Most cricketers would be happy to be amongst the top ten run-getters or wicket-takers at the end of a tournament. The Yuvraj of 2011 was a different beast. He ended up as the tournament's 8th highest run getter while also finishing 6th in the charts for most wickets. Breaking partnerships with his crafty left arm spin and accelerating India's innings towards the end, Yuvraj was always in the thick of things for India. As such, it was deserving that he was at the other end when Dhoni hit the six that won India the cup.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Premier League regressing to the mean
It’s taken 14 rounds this season, but it finally seems like the big teams have found some semblance of form in the Premier League. Chelsea have been leagues ahead of the competition, while Arsenal, City, United and Liverpool have stuttered. Yet, combining the results of the weekend and midweek fixtures makes satisfactory reading for the traditional powers. Other than the quartet, West Ham were the only other team to gain maximum points from the two rounds. The David’s Gold and Sullivan might talk about their Hammers fighting for a Champions League place. It would be no surprise though, if like Southampton, they soon hit a bumpy patch to derail their impressive start.
Ronald Koeman’s Saints were beginning to look like serious contenders for a top four spot before the weekend. After a rather sobering defeat at home to City, Southampton suffered another - albeit unlucky - defeat to Arsenal. As impressive as Southampton’s form has been, its hard to base a genuine challenge for a Champions League spot without managing to beat any of the top seven.
Meanwhile, the Champions who were in crisis only a week ago, have turned around things since their fortuitious win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League. City gained only one point on their travels to the south coast and Wearside last season. In getting maximum points while scoring seven goals this time around, they have made a strong declaration of intent.
United won two consecutive games at home - the first a routine 3-0 over an atrocious Hull side, followed by a nerve-wracking 2-1 against Stoke. One may still think the Red Devil’s defence is there for the taking. Yet, it’s undeniable that despite several limitations Louis Van Gaal has got his team pulling in the same direction. They are far from title challengers, but the winning mentality sprinkled with a bit of stardust should ensure United remain a cut above the rest for the remainder of the season.
The same analysis applies to Arsenal after successive 1-0 wins against West Bromwich Albion and Southampton. The Gunners were inept for all intents and purposes, but you can always sneak a positive result when you have the creative talents of Alexis Sanchez. If it wasn’t for the Chilean’s efforts, Arsenal’s season could well have been in tatters. In stead, Arsenal remain on course to continue their successful stagnancy by winning the ‘Wenger Trophy’ by finishing fourth.
Liverpool, who have made the art of defending an allergy under Brendan Rodgers, somehow managed two consecutive wins. There were a succession of defensive blunders against Stoke and Leicester with Simon Mignolet and Martin Skrtel doing their best Laurel and Hardy act. Thanks to the defensive nous of Lucas Leiva, they at least managed to grind out wins without swashbuckling football.
City’s commanding performances give faint hope of a possible title race. The success of the other big three clubs this past week, without playing anywhere close to their best level, suggests the Premier League is regressing to the mean.
Ronald Koeman’s Saints were beginning to look like serious contenders for a top four spot before the weekend. After a rather sobering defeat at home to City, Southampton suffered another - albeit unlucky - defeat to Arsenal. As impressive as Southampton’s form has been, its hard to base a genuine challenge for a Champions League spot without managing to beat any of the top seven.
Meanwhile, the Champions who were in crisis only a week ago, have turned around things since their fortuitious win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League. City gained only one point on their travels to the south coast and Wearside last season. In getting maximum points while scoring seven goals this time around, they have made a strong declaration of intent.
United won two consecutive games at home - the first a routine 3-0 over an atrocious Hull side, followed by a nerve-wracking 2-1 against Stoke. One may still think the Red Devil’s defence is there for the taking. Yet, it’s undeniable that despite several limitations Louis Van Gaal has got his team pulling in the same direction. They are far from title challengers, but the winning mentality sprinkled with a bit of stardust should ensure United remain a cut above the rest for the remainder of the season.
The same analysis applies to Arsenal after successive 1-0 wins against West Bromwich Albion and Southampton. The Gunners were inept for all intents and purposes, but you can always sneak a positive result when you have the creative talents of Alexis Sanchez. If it wasn’t for the Chilean’s efforts, Arsenal’s season could well have been in tatters. In stead, Arsenal remain on course to continue their successful stagnancy by winning the ‘Wenger Trophy’ by finishing fourth.
Liverpool, who have made the art of defending an allergy under Brendan Rodgers, somehow managed two consecutive wins. There were a succession of defensive blunders against Stoke and Leicester with Simon Mignolet and Martin Skrtel doing their best Laurel and Hardy act. Thanks to the defensive nous of Lucas Leiva, they at least managed to grind out wins without swashbuckling football.
City’s commanding performances give faint hope of a possible title race. The success of the other big three clubs this past week, without playing anywhere close to their best level, suggests the Premier League is regressing to the mean.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
RIP Phillip Hughes
Just finished watching live coverage of Phillip Hughes funeral on the BBC. Some great speeches and a touching tribute from the Australian Cricket Board. Never has a sporting loss felt so keenly by so many around the world. The mass outpouring in Macksville speaks volumes about the character and person that Phillip Hughes was. Rest in Peace Phillip Hughes.
Monday, December 1, 2014
Serie A's race for Europe continues to be compelling
Critics of the Italian domestic game may lament the fact that Juventus and Roma are just too good for everyone else in the league. There is reason in this line of thinking, considering the fact that the top two have had difficult European campaigns. It's clear for most observers of Serie A, that for a variety of reasons the rest of the league can't challenge the pace-setters.
Even so, the beauty of following football in Europe is that excitement and intrigue isn't limited to title races. This season's Serie A campaign is developing into a veritable free-for-all when it comes to the European places. Most seasoned observers would have bet on Rafa Benitez's Napoli to occupy third place before the league kicked off. After Monday night's entertaining 1-1 draw at Sampdoria, the Azzurri occupy that Champions League only on goal difference. On the same points as them are the entertaining Genoa. Genoa themselves are only ahead of their local rivals Sampdoria by a point. AC Milan are another point behind, with Lazio in seventh only three points off Napoli. It promises to be an exciting fight for the last Champions League spot. Every weekend now throws up a decisive fixture.
Throw into the mix an improving Fiorentina along with an Inter Milan that should improve under the returning stewardship of Roberto Mancini. It's conceivable that the teams in Italy's top ten could rotate positions after round of fixtures. It may well be that this greater democracy in the upper echelons of the league is due to the reduced quality of the historic teams. but one can't deny the extra sense of excitement that this has brought to the league.
Even so, the beauty of following football in Europe is that excitement and intrigue isn't limited to title races. This season's Serie A campaign is developing into a veritable free-for-all when it comes to the European places. Most seasoned observers would have bet on Rafa Benitez's Napoli to occupy third place before the league kicked off. After Monday night's entertaining 1-1 draw at Sampdoria, the Azzurri occupy that Champions League only on goal difference. On the same points as them are the entertaining Genoa. Genoa themselves are only ahead of their local rivals Sampdoria by a point. AC Milan are another point behind, with Lazio in seventh only three points off Napoli. It promises to be an exciting fight for the last Champions League spot. Every weekend now throws up a decisive fixture.
Throw into the mix an improving Fiorentina along with an Inter Milan that should improve under the returning stewardship of Roberto Mancini. It's conceivable that the teams in Italy's top ten could rotate positions after round of fixtures. It may well be that this greater democracy in the upper echelons of the league is due to the reduced quality of the historic teams. but one can't deny the extra sense of excitement that this has brought to the league.
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Bayern start Bundesliga campaign with fortuitous win
Bayern Munich got their bid to win a third consecutive domestic title underway with an exciting victory over Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga season opener. Here are some reflections on the match.
Gaudino has an impressive debut
For fans who don’t pay much heed to pre-season fixtures (including this observer) the inclusion of Gianluca Gaudino’s name in the team sheet came as a major surprise. A quick Wikipedia search before kick-off revealed the 17-year old made it to the first team squad after impressing Pep Guardiola in pre-season. It took less than five minutes to realize why.
Playing at the base of midfield ahead of a back three, the youngster displayed remarkable composure on the ball and kept the team moving forward with sensible passes. As the first half wore on, his movement and range of passing made him more prominent in Bayern’s play. Gaudino could have had the first assist of the match but for a miss by Robert Lewandowski. Like the rest of the team, Gaudino faded in the last 20 minutes as Wolfsburg began to dominate. That phase of play wasn’t to detract from a fantastic performance. The standing ovation he got in the 90th minute was a fitting tribute to an excellent debut.
It is still too early to make any major pronouncements on someone so young and sterner tests await. One has to consider the fact that when Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thiago Alcantara return to full fitness, it’s going to be difficult for Gaudino to get a starting spot. Such a scenario would benefit the youngster anyway, but in Guardiola he has a manager that won’t shy away from starting him on the biggest stage. The senior players will be aware that they can’t afford to suffer a drop in form. Guardiola has stated that he is going to add midfielders to the squad and it would be wise to do so. Failing that, Bayern can draw comfort in Gaudino, as we may witness the burgeoning of a new midfield orchestrator at the Allianz Arena this season.
Guardiola shows his tactical flexibility
Gaudino wasn’t the only novelty on display, as Guardiola implemented a hitherto unseen 3–4–3 formation for Bayern. While the formation itself caught Wolfsburg off guard, seeing Phillip Lahm play as a centre-back and David Alaba on the left side of midfield added to the surprise element. Most managers would struggle with tactics in light of the current injury situation at Bayern. One also has to consider the fact that many of the World Cup winning stars are not yet at peak fitness. Guardiola took it in his stride and implemented a system that best suits the players currently at his disposal.
It wouldn’t surprise anyone if Guardiola continues to experiment with a variety of formations and tweak systems as the rest of the first team gets up to speed. Critics may consider it unnecessary experimentation, but it augurs well for Bayern that Guardiola can make his team so versatile. If Bayern want to conquer all fronts, Guardiola’s tactical flexibility and problem-solving abilities will put them in good stead.
Wolfsburg’s strength on the wings
After missing out on Champions League qualification to Bayer Leverkusen last season, the Wolves will be looking to go one step further this time around. Dieter Hecking’s team look like they are going to entertain the neutrals again this campaign. Wolfsburg deserved a point from the match after giving Bayern’s defence a torrid time in the second half.
That the Wolves managed to make life so difficult on Bayern’s home patch was down to their play on both wings. Kevin De Bruyne has played well at the Volkswagen Arena since joining from Chelsea during the winter transfer window. The Belgian international had a good game, although the final ball at times was lacking. Besides De Bruyne, Wolfsburg threatened on the wings through their full-backs Ricardo Rodriguez and Sebastian Jung. The Swiss international left-back is certain to move to a bigger club sooner rather than later if he maintains his form. It was the introduction of Daniel Caliguiri ahead of Rodriguez on the left that rattled Bayern in the last quarter of the game. After getting some joy past Lahm a few times, Caliguiri delivered the cross of the game that should have earned the visitors a point. Denied by Manuel Neuer’s superb reflexes at first, Junior Malanda followed up with an early contender for miss of the season as he blasted his rebound wide.
On the basis of this performance Hecking will know that there won’t be many teams in the Bundesliga who will be able to live with his attack for most of the season. Ivica Olic maintained his excellent scoring record in the Bundesliga with a sensational goal. Alongside the veteran, if Ivan Perisic and Bas Dost can maintain their form from last season, the Wolves won’t be lacking for goals. Even the defensive midfield duo of Luiz Gustavo and Josuha Guilavogui looks solid. Hecking should look to add a creative presence in the centre of the park so that there is greater attacking variety. If that signing happens before the transfer deadline, Wolfsburg can be confident of finishing in the top four and qualifying for the Champions League.
Bayern’s defence vulnerable
Fans of Die Rotten may still have nightmares of Real Madrid’s front three running past their defence at will in last season’s Champions League semifinals. Many will now hope that the opening display against Wolfsburg wasn’t a portent of things to come.
In mitigation it was Holger Badstuber’s first game in the team after injury ruled him out of the whole of last season. To his credit, Badstuber was comfortable until he lost Olic for Wolfsburg’s goal. The goal was also a reminder that for all his glorious sweeping prowess, Neuer can sometimes be a little too cocky with his passes. It was his risky ball that resulted in Wolfsburg having the throw that led to the goal.
Javi Martinez’s injury couldn’t have come at a more inopportune time for Bayern. Guardiola must now hope that Badstuber regains his best form as soon as possible. The tail end of last season and a nightmarish World Cup suggest that Dante’s best days are behind him. The ideal scenario in the second half of the season would see Bayern pair the World Cup winning Boateng alongside a revitalized Badstuber. A returning Martinez would be handy as well. In the meantime Guardiola might get away with playing Dante against most teams in the Bundesliga. In the Champions League he will have to rely on his side’s attacking prowess to navigate the group stages.
Robben and Muller are Bayern’s main men
After helping Borussia Dortmund to so much success, Robert Lewandowski finally became a Bayern Munich player this season. Lewandowski linked up well with his attacking teammates and created some nice chances including the assist for the second goal. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to score for his new team as he missed a few sitters that should have resulted in a debut hat trick.
Lewandowski might well end up playing a crucial part in Bayern having a successful season by scoring lots of goals. Regardless of his results, Bayern know that when it comes to delivering in the final third, it doesn’t get better than Arjen Robben and Thomas Muller. The duo were spectacular at the World Cup and a lethargic start to the season would have been understandable. That isn’t an option for either player as they delivered the goals that got Bayern the victory.
For one shorn of his hair from an early age, Robben hasn’t seemed to age at all on the field. Still able to run and dribble at pace, the Dutch winger was at the heart of Bayern’s attacking moves for most of the match including his delightful cross for Muller’s goal. Muller was his usual self, small sensible passes mixed with excellent positioning and movement in the final third. The Raumdeuter performs in telling moments and this display was no different. Bayern possess one of the most well-rounded squads in Europe, but for all their quality there is no denying the fact, that the talents of Robben and Muller complete the dominance of the team.
Gaudino has an impressive debut
For fans who don’t pay much heed to pre-season fixtures (including this observer) the inclusion of Gianluca Gaudino’s name in the team sheet came as a major surprise. A quick Wikipedia search before kick-off revealed the 17-year old made it to the first team squad after impressing Pep Guardiola in pre-season. It took less than five minutes to realize why.
Playing at the base of midfield ahead of a back three, the youngster displayed remarkable composure on the ball and kept the team moving forward with sensible passes. As the first half wore on, his movement and range of passing made him more prominent in Bayern’s play. Gaudino could have had the first assist of the match but for a miss by Robert Lewandowski. Like the rest of the team, Gaudino faded in the last 20 minutes as Wolfsburg began to dominate. That phase of play wasn’t to detract from a fantastic performance. The standing ovation he got in the 90th minute was a fitting tribute to an excellent debut.
It is still too early to make any major pronouncements on someone so young and sterner tests await. One has to consider the fact that when Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thiago Alcantara return to full fitness, it’s going to be difficult for Gaudino to get a starting spot. Such a scenario would benefit the youngster anyway, but in Guardiola he has a manager that won’t shy away from starting him on the biggest stage. The senior players will be aware that they can’t afford to suffer a drop in form. Guardiola has stated that he is going to add midfielders to the squad and it would be wise to do so. Failing that, Bayern can draw comfort in Gaudino, as we may witness the burgeoning of a new midfield orchestrator at the Allianz Arena this season.
Guardiola shows his tactical flexibility
Gaudino wasn’t the only novelty on display, as Guardiola implemented a hitherto unseen 3–4–3 formation for Bayern. While the formation itself caught Wolfsburg off guard, seeing Phillip Lahm play as a centre-back and David Alaba on the left side of midfield added to the surprise element. Most managers would struggle with tactics in light of the current injury situation at Bayern. One also has to consider the fact that many of the World Cup winning stars are not yet at peak fitness. Guardiola took it in his stride and implemented a system that best suits the players currently at his disposal.
It wouldn’t surprise anyone if Guardiola continues to experiment with a variety of formations and tweak systems as the rest of the first team gets up to speed. Critics may consider it unnecessary experimentation, but it augurs well for Bayern that Guardiola can make his team so versatile. If Bayern want to conquer all fronts, Guardiola’s tactical flexibility and problem-solving abilities will put them in good stead.
Wolfsburg’s strength on the wings
After missing out on Champions League qualification to Bayer Leverkusen last season, the Wolves will be looking to go one step further this time around. Dieter Hecking’s team look like they are going to entertain the neutrals again this campaign. Wolfsburg deserved a point from the match after giving Bayern’s defence a torrid time in the second half.
That the Wolves managed to make life so difficult on Bayern’s home patch was down to their play on both wings. Kevin De Bruyne has played well at the Volkswagen Arena since joining from Chelsea during the winter transfer window. The Belgian international had a good game, although the final ball at times was lacking. Besides De Bruyne, Wolfsburg threatened on the wings through their full-backs Ricardo Rodriguez and Sebastian Jung. The Swiss international left-back is certain to move to a bigger club sooner rather than later if he maintains his form. It was the introduction of Daniel Caliguiri ahead of Rodriguez on the left that rattled Bayern in the last quarter of the game. After getting some joy past Lahm a few times, Caliguiri delivered the cross of the game that should have earned the visitors a point. Denied by Manuel Neuer’s superb reflexes at first, Junior Malanda followed up with an early contender for miss of the season as he blasted his rebound wide.
On the basis of this performance Hecking will know that there won’t be many teams in the Bundesliga who will be able to live with his attack for most of the season. Ivica Olic maintained his excellent scoring record in the Bundesliga with a sensational goal. Alongside the veteran, if Ivan Perisic and Bas Dost can maintain their form from last season, the Wolves won’t be lacking for goals. Even the defensive midfield duo of Luiz Gustavo and Josuha Guilavogui looks solid. Hecking should look to add a creative presence in the centre of the park so that there is greater attacking variety. If that signing happens before the transfer deadline, Wolfsburg can be confident of finishing in the top four and qualifying for the Champions League.
Bayern’s defence vulnerable
Fans of Die Rotten may still have nightmares of Real Madrid’s front three running past their defence at will in last season’s Champions League semifinals. Many will now hope that the opening display against Wolfsburg wasn’t a portent of things to come.
In mitigation it was Holger Badstuber’s first game in the team after injury ruled him out of the whole of last season. To his credit, Badstuber was comfortable until he lost Olic for Wolfsburg’s goal. The goal was also a reminder that for all his glorious sweeping prowess, Neuer can sometimes be a little too cocky with his passes. It was his risky ball that resulted in Wolfsburg having the throw that led to the goal.
Javi Martinez’s injury couldn’t have come at a more inopportune time for Bayern. Guardiola must now hope that Badstuber regains his best form as soon as possible. The tail end of last season and a nightmarish World Cup suggest that Dante’s best days are behind him. The ideal scenario in the second half of the season would see Bayern pair the World Cup winning Boateng alongside a revitalized Badstuber. A returning Martinez would be handy as well. In the meantime Guardiola might get away with playing Dante against most teams in the Bundesliga. In the Champions League he will have to rely on his side’s attacking prowess to navigate the group stages.
Robben and Muller are Bayern’s main men
After helping Borussia Dortmund to so much success, Robert Lewandowski finally became a Bayern Munich player this season. Lewandowski linked up well with his attacking teammates and created some nice chances including the assist for the second goal. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to score for his new team as he missed a few sitters that should have resulted in a debut hat trick.
Lewandowski might well end up playing a crucial part in Bayern having a successful season by scoring lots of goals. Regardless of his results, Bayern know that when it comes to delivering in the final third, it doesn’t get better than Arjen Robben and Thomas Muller. The duo were spectacular at the World Cup and a lethargic start to the season would have been understandable. That isn’t an option for either player as they delivered the goals that got Bayern the victory.
For one shorn of his hair from an early age, Robben hasn’t seemed to age at all on the field. Still able to run and dribble at pace, the Dutch winger was at the heart of Bayern’s attacking moves for most of the match including his delightful cross for Muller’s goal. Muller was his usual self, small sensible passes mixed with excellent positioning and movement in the final third. The Raumdeuter performs in telling moments and this display was no different. Bayern possess one of the most well-rounded squads in Europe, but for all their quality there is no denying the fact, that the talents of Robben and Muller complete the dominance of the team.
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