Cricket Forum | Cricket Discussion Forum | Cricket : Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/ This is an XML content feed of; Cricket Forum | Cricket Discussion Forum | Cricket : Cricket World Cup 2011 : Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sun, 19 May 2013 10:48:43 +0000 Fri, 08 Apr 2011 17:17:53 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.71 360 www.cricketworld.com/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=5334 Cricket Forum | Cricket Discussion Forum | Cricket http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_images/logo.png http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/ Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) : well I returned yesterday from... http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214102#214102 Author: sam_ahmed
Subject: 5334
Posted: 08 April 2011 at 5:17pm

well I returned yesterday from my trip to lucknow, didn't had as good a time as I had last year but still it was OK. The best part was that I was invited for dinner by Mohammed Kaif's sister and her husband at their house, had a very good time there, Kaif has got married, saw his marriage Pics, it was attended by Azharuddin, Kapil Dev, Irfan Pathan, Murali Kartik and Ajay Jadeja, as it happened during the WC none of the Indian team members were able to attend it. All the best to Kaif for his married life and wish him best of luck for IPL season 4!

My final words on WC 2011, I think there were several teams that could have won, South Africa were one had it not been for their shocking exit, Sri Lanka could have won but they couldn't capitalize on the wonderful position they were in once Sachin got out and Pakistan were another team had it not been for their abysmal fielding in the Semi Final against India that pretty much cost them the game.

India peaked at the right time, after a scratchy start they came good when it mattered the most, their KO's win's were absolutely amazing and showed how determined the team was to win, the fielding was absolutely fantastic in the KO's and the players rose to the occasion, Gambhir as I had said, loves it at the big stage and once again played a major part in the finals.

Once again congrats to Team India a new journey begins now, all the very best to all the teams and I think we have got very exciting four years ahead of us until we reach Australia and New zealand 2015.
]]> Fri, 08 Apr 2011 17:17:53 +0000 http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214102#214102 Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) : Gary will be missed , I have not... http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214087#214087 Author: MalhotraRaj84
Subject: 5334
Posted: 05 April 2011 at 4:34pm

Gary will be missed , I have not seen any team chairing a coach around the ground (I don't know). It just showed what Gary meant to this team and each member.
 
"Thanks Gary" and all the best. It'll be hard, these boys seem to have developed a  special bond with you , soon you will be SA coach and then it will be a fresh fight all over again when your boys lock horns Smile with Indians.That's the way it is.
]]> Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:34:25 +0000 http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214087#214087 Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) : Gary Kirsten in an Interview"And... http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214085#214085 Author: vote4peace
Subject: 5334
Posted: 05 April 2011 at 3:51pm

Gary Kirsten in an Interview

"And I think the one positive that came out from that England game is how  we came back. For me that has been one great characteristic of the Test team and the one-day team. To come back from difficult situations. This team never gives up anymore.

We just believe that we can do anything. It stems from Harbhajan Singh scoring hundreds. It stems from Ishant Sharma batting with [VVS] Laxman to save a game. It stems from Gautam Gambhir batting out a day against South Africa in really tough conditions at Newlands. And then all the one-day efforts from difficult situations. Yusuf Pathan getting a brilliant hundred against New Zealand [last December] when we were in trouble. You could probably name six or seven games in this World cup when we got ourselves into trouble and got out of it.

This team has got a remarkable ability to come back from the dead. For me that speaks about the team, it speaks about what we want to achieve as a team. This team was desperate to achieve greatness."

I strongly share those sentiments.  We gonna miss you Gary.  Really enjoyed reading your interview, a must read ( Never gives a lot of bite to the media, and rightly so)
]]> Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:51:10 +0000 http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214085#214085 Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) : I'm glad that there was... http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214082#214082 Author: vote4peace
Subject: 5334
Posted: 05 April 2011 at 3:21pm

I'm glad that there was no hue or outcry by Dhoni. He quickly got over it carried on.

I'm quiet sure though the media would've made a ruckus of it had India lost.


Originally posted by kirankri

 
By the way, the first good thing to happen to Indian team was Praveen Kumar getting injured. I was so happy that day. It was a blessing in disguise.


 


  I would rather prefer PK to Sreesanth anyday, atleast in ODI. He's a street smart bowler.
]]> Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:21:57 +0000 http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214082#214082 Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) : Originally posted by zuhair_abbasiAd... http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214081#214081 Author: MalhotraRaj84
Subject: 5334
Posted: 05 April 2011 at 3:07pm

Originally posted by zuhair_abbasi

Ad on the toss - who else thinks Sangakkara is a cheat? He clealry called tails the first time and he lost - that was so disgraceful.
I too missed it live.Some reports say that he said "Heads" the first time and it fell Heads , While some say he lost the first time. I would like to believe that he did not cheat. Maybe the occassion got big on everyone there, or maybe Dhoni got confused what Sanga called, maybe Sanga forgot what he called in first place. 
 
I tried to look at the toss video (audio quality was not good Confused ), I can't get anything from it - whether he called Heads or Tails. Maybe in few days we will come to know the truth.


Edited by MalhotraRaj84 - 05 April 2011 at 3:21pm]]> Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:07:02 +0000 http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214081#214081 Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) : Originally posted by kirankriFinally... http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214080#214080 Author: Mikey
Subject: 5334
Posted: 05 April 2011 at 10:24am

Originally posted by kirankri

Finally our generation got to see a WC victory.. I was too young when we won the cup last time and we didn't have TVs in most of the houses then. And it is a proud feeling to be in the list of very few countries who have won the WC for more than once.
 

Its also noticable that, they deserved to win the title. The path certainly was not the easiest. Australia in QFs, Pak in the Semis and Sri in the finals was probably the toughest path. Was quite similar to T20 title in that sense. And to make it worse, two of the three tosses were lost. The satisfaction will be more when you win the cup like this.

 

Gary Kirsten's contribution should be significant and that's why we saw almost all the players mentioning his name in the interviews. He was able to successfully bring the descipline which was lacking in the Indian side when he started his carreer as a coach. Will he be able to bring the mental strength for the South African side? Yet to be seen.

 

Overall, a good tournament because of some of the matches. Certainly not a great format. Good to see only 10 teams play in the next world cup.


That format is great for the Champion's Trophy. The tournament in 2009, where Australia ended up victorious, was very well formatted. If they want to streamline ODI cricket then that format should be taken - which seams the case. In fact, I think Bang and Zim were also excluded from that tournament and there were 8 teams.
However, for a World Cup, I think it'd be fair that the winner and runner up from the associate competition should be given a chance. 12 teams seems fair, having 1 extra team in each group probably won't make a huge difference... it will mean 2 minnows won't be playing each other and at least give teams like Ireland, who are in between test class and associate class, a shot to play against the big boys.
That's the problem for Ireland... they are too good at time for Associate cricket, but not good enough for test cricket.
]]> Tue, 05 Apr 2011 10:24:58 +0000 http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214080#214080 Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) : Can't comment on it since... http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214079#214079 Author: kirankri
Subject: 5334
Posted: 05 April 2011 at 10:23am

Can't comment on it since I didn't see it Zuhair. I was on the way to one of my friends house to see the match when it happened. Very bad if he did it.
Anyhow when it comes to captaincy, he is a very conservative captain in my opinion. He should have given Malinga few more overs initially. He always wants to keep him for the last 10+ overs.
 
On the other hand, Dhoni did only one mistake. That is to take Sreeshanth. Luckily didn't cost us the match and the title in turn. Henceforth, they shouldn't even be thinking about Sreeshanth.
 
By the way, the first good thing to happen to Indian team was Praveen Kumar getting injured. I was so happy that day. It was a blessing in disguise.
]]> Tue, 05 Apr 2011 10:23:54 +0000 http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214079#214079 Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) : Some people believe in karma Zuhair... http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214078#214078 Author: Mikey
Subject: 5334
Posted: 05 April 2011 at 10:21am

Some people believe in karma Zuhair . If that is the case, he got what he deserved...]]> Tue, 05 Apr 2011 10:21:56 +0000 http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214078#214078 Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) : Ad on the toss - who else thinks... http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214077#214077 Author: zuhair_abbasi
Subject: 5334
Posted: 05 April 2011 at 10:13am

Ad on the toss - who else thinks Sangakkara is a cheat? He clealry called tails the first time and he lost - that was so disgraceful.]]> Tue, 05 Apr 2011 10:13:12 +0000 http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214077#214077 Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) : Finally our generation got to... http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214076#214076 Author: kirankri
Subject: 5334
Posted: 05 April 2011 at 9:25am

Finally our generation got to see a WC victory.. I was too young when we won the cup last time and we didn't have TVs in most of the houses then. And it is a proud feeling to be in the list of very few countries who have won the WC for more than once.
 
Its also noticable that, they deserved to win the title. The path certainly was not the easiest. Australia in QFs, Pak in the Semis and Sri in the finals was probably the toughest path. Was quite similar to T20 title in that sense. And to make it worse, two of the three tosses were lost. The satisfaction will be more when you win the cup like this.
 
Gary Kirsten's contribution should be significant and that's why we saw almost all the players mentioning his name in the interviews. He was able to successfully bring the descipline which was lacking in the Indian side when he started his carreer as a coach. Will he be able to bring the mental strength for the South African side? Yet to be seen.
 
Overall, a good tournament because of some of the matches. Certainly not a great format. Good to see only 10 teams play in the next world cup.
]]> Tue, 05 Apr 2011 09:25:05 +0000 http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214076#214076 Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) : It's a great outcome for... http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214075#214075 Author: Mikey
Subject: 5334
Posted: 05 April 2011 at 4:09am

It's a great outcome for India, but one must feel that they may end up on the same path as Australia, as their talented stars age. The replacements are good, but in no way can VVS, Rahul, Sachin, Ganguly, Kumble, Zaheer, Sehwag ever truly be replaced.
The batting should always be decent, as India do, slowly, bring in new talent. But fast bowling will always be a concern and they should look outside Zaheer for wickets. An Indian line up with a couple of good pace bowlers is the most dangerous team to play....]]> Tue, 05 Apr 2011 04:09:18 +0000 http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214075#214075 Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) : Congratz to team India, and their... http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214072#214072 Author: abubakar52
Subject: 5334
Posted: 04 April 2011 at 4:46pm

Congratz to team India, and their fans, overall really good tournament. Indians here in Canada going berserk!! ]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:46:37 +0000 http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214072#214072 Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) : Hi JP, will cricketworld have... http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214070#214070 Author: MalhotraRaj84
Subject: 5334
Posted: 04 April 2011 at 3:32pm

Hi JP, will cricketworld have "Team India" champions photo in the background for a while ? (Just like we had when England won the Ashes).
 
I would love if that happens.
]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:32:54 +0000 http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214070#214070 Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) : Originally posted by zuhair_abbasiWho... http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214069#214069 Author: MalhotraRaj84
Subject: 5334
Posted: 04 April 2011 at 3:07pm

Originally posted by zuhair_abbasi

Who on earth cares about the IPL mate. it is sad that after such a classy tournament full of high intensity cricket we will be witnessing the dross.
Absolutely mate... no one cares about IPL in India like what they do for "Team India".I hope it stays that way, I will never want any IPL team to more loved/favoured than national team.Believe me Zuhair, no one cares about IPL team when Team India is discussed.
 
         After the final one foolish journalist asked Priety Zinta about IPL victory and this WC victory, when she told IPL is nothing infact she told as if IPL does not exist compared to Team India.This comming from one of the franchisee owner speaks volumes.
 
          The fact is people in India just watch IPL for fun, they cheer when respective regional team wins, but they never get gutted or depressed on its loss. Nation's matches are different. Emotion never comes up in IPL, it is just regional emotions which are very faint in comparison. I can't explain, but there is subtle difference.I have not seen CSK fan/RCB fan or MI fan distraught/gutted after the losses in first three editions of IPL.
]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:07:49 +0000 http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214069#214069 Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) : Watch a final, set up brilliant... http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214068#214068 Author: spin wizard
Subject: 5334
Posted: 04 April 2011 at 1:44pm

Watch a final, set up brilliant by Jayawardena and the Lanka lower order.  Jayawardena caresses the ball when he's in T20 mode and yet scores at a blistering rate.  His use of wrists is very magical!
 
India got off to a bad start but the cool headedness of Gambhir and Kohli put them back in the game.  I really like Kohli, he seems very collective in his thoughts and can be very destructive too.  Dhoni took the chance and played his best innings in a long time.  I always admired the way he changes the batting order to suit the situation (except when he promotes Yusuf Pathan).
 
Mostly, i'm happy for Sachin Tendulkar.  Such a fine cricketer and person in generally, he really deserve it.  Hats off to you mon!!
]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2011 13:44:33 +0000 http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214068#214068 Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) : Who on earth cares about the IPL... http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214061#214061 Author: zuhair_abbasi
Subject: 5334
Posted: 04 April 2011 at 1:18pm

Who on earth cares about the IPL mate. it is sad that after such a classy tournament full of high intensity cricket we will be witnessing the dross. ]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2011 13:18:01 +0000 http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214061#214061 Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) : Originally posted by dips_decemberI... http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214057#214057 Author: MalhotraRaj84
Subject: 5334
Posted: 04 April 2011 at 12:54pm

Originally posted by dips_december

I danced in the streets till about 1'o clock that night and couldn't sleep the whole night! Had a blast really! I think the IPL's coming too soon for my liking as this feeling is still sinking in!
Welcome dipsey. Congrats. Ya it came a little too soon, that's ok as some of the main players will skip initial few rounds as there is a limitation on the number of matches they can play.]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:54:22 +0000 http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214057#214057 Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) : Not a bad time to be back in the... http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214055#214055 Author: dips_december
Subject: 5334
Posted: 04 April 2011 at 12:48pm

Not a bad time to be back in the forum! Congratulations to all my fellow Indians here. It was one heck of a game! And we won finally after 28 years.

All credit to Dhoni and his boys. Yuvraj was terrific and so was Sachin. Gambhir showed why he is so important to that middle order. Kohli had his moments and didn't succumb to the pressure of the finals while any praise is not worthy enough for the skipper!

Zaheer shouldered the bowling responsibility quite well with Yuvraj playing the leading spinners role. The others did well too and I hope Ashwin gets more games in the coming matches as he's a tough nut!

I danced in the streets till about 1'o clock that night and couldn't sleep the whole night! Had a blast really! I think the IPL's coming too soon for my liking as this feeling is still sinking in!]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:48:03 +0000 http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214055#214055 Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) : Small office party planned by... http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214052#214052 Author: vote4peace
Subject: 5334
Posted: 04 April 2011 at 12:25pm

Small office party planned by management to commemorate and celebrate the occasion over here tonight. Not sure if I'll be that ecstatic as yesterday. Used all of ecstasy on Sunday Wink
]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:25:23 +0000 http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214052#214052 Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) : Originally posted by MalhotraRaj84Bangladesh... http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214051#214051 Author: MalhotraRaj84
Subject: 5334
Posted: 04 April 2011 at 12:24pm

Originally posted by MalhotraRaj84

Bangladesh won't be able to win against India,WI,England,SA.If they beat Ireland that will be good result.
Very first match India will give them a lifetime thrashing , it is long time due ( Revenge for 2007 world cup exit would be the only thing on Indians mind , once they reach safety ).
 
This was the reason (illogical) why I did not post anything during the World cup matches Ying%20Yang. The moment I saw first match just go as I predicted , I got a little bit superstitious about all this. I got all my predictions right when I made a prediction and didn't log in back untill the end of tournament. Just like the way it happened with Ashes,Ind-SA tour etc etc ..Whenever I made a perdiction and stayed posting on the forum , my perdictions came crashing down.
 
       I know absolutely there isn't any correlation but still both my mind and heart stopped me in posting till the WC was won.Though I visited the forum and read each and every post, but never logged in a single time. I made a promise to myself that I will post only at the end of World cup, and for return I asked just a lovely little wish .. The World Cup!!!
 
Nothing against the Bangladesh, they played hot and cold throught the tournament.They had their moments aswell.Would want them to perform well in future.
]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:24:53 +0000 http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214051#214051 Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) : Yep, future will take care of... http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214048#214048 Author: MalhotraRaj84
Subject: 5334
Posted: 04 April 2011 at 11:52am

         Yep, future will take care of itself. Enjoying every bit of the moment , spoilt for choices though,  TV channels or hangout with friends or net articles or discuss the match time and again with friends over the phone and relive all those world cup moments!!!.
 
The excitement has settled a bit now, but it will take about a week for everything to get back to normalcy.
]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:52:58 +0000 http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214048#214048 Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) : There are also a few other youngsters... http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214047#214047 Author: vote4peace
Subject: 5334
Posted: 04 April 2011 at 11:24am

There are also a few other youngsters out there in the domestic circuit. Its time the management selects some new young fresh blood. I think come the IPL we gonna see a few of them. Deepak Chahar, Jaidev Unadkat deceives to look good. Pankaj Singh too seems an improved bowler. But then again the gap between the domestic and international arena is immense.

For the time being lets not ponder too much about the future and just Enjoy this Moment.

Hmmm.. feels fantabulous.
]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:24:10 +0000 http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214047#214047 Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) : Yes a terrible time ahead as... http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214045#214045 Author: MalhotraRaj84
Subject: 5334
Posted: 04 April 2011 at 11:00am

Yes a terrible time ahead as Zaheer & Nehra aren't getting any younger, they aren't McGrath/Walsh to play that long. By next world cup Zak will be about 36 and Nehra 35 (assuming he keeps himself fit).I don't think even Zak/Nehra are thinking that far. So India need to start looking for future esp. w.r.t fast bowling dept very seriously as next WC will be in Australia.
 
PK will do well on any surface as he is more of an intelligent bowler and tires to bowl within his limitations.He has an excellent control too.He has got both inswinger and outswinger.Munaf has been great recently, will he be able to add few yards of pace and become a bit more stronger ? RP and Sree might get chances. All in all the fast bowling department closet looks void Confused. Mithun and Sangwan are still far off , they need to work a lot.
 
Maybe it is the right time to bring back Irfan pathan as an  Allrounder. The main reason to persist with Yousuf Pathan was his spin bowling + big hitting lower down the order in sub continent pitches for 2011 WC. The team managment might start favouring the younger one keeping in next WC in mind.
 
 
Then what about Ishant.I am damn (actually hoping for Wink) sure he will be back.He has to as he is our best bet on such surfaces.


Edited by MalhotraRaj84 - 04 April 2011 at 11:22am]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:00:42 +0000 http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214045#214045 Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) : Oh Yes Raj, very much so. He was... http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214043#214043 Author: vote4peace
Subject: 5334
Posted: 04 April 2011 at 10:38am

 Oh Yes Raj, very much so. He was worth his weight in gold. I think India needs to use him a bit like how they handle Sachin  now. Give him proper breathers and wrap him up in wool I don't care he's in his last few years maximize his career, we haven't had enough of him. ]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2011 10:38:03 +0000 http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214043#214043 Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) : True the future of ODI cricket... http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214042#214042 Author: vote4peace
Subject: 5334
Posted: 04 April 2011 at 10:28am

 True the future of ODI cricket all of a sudden does look bright as to the general view prior to the WC. This WC in my conviction has been the honeymoon period of ODI cricket. Has clearly brought a new lease of life, an added impetus to the format.

And as for Dhoni the skipper I do agree at times he gets lucky but a winner makes his own luck. His field placing has been the highlight of his captaincy more so in this WC. He maynot have had the same bowling attack of many other teams, but he has managed to get the most out of his unit esp in this WC knock-outs where it mattered the most. He forced the batsmen to play to his field and never let the opposition feel in total control in majority of the innings. He's also renowed to be a calming influence on his team-mates by the admission of his coach and senior players.  

He does gamble a lot and we just love it when it goes right, don't we. Like when he played Raina over Yusuf Pathan when the whole world thought otherwise. His decision to keep Ashwin away from the team till the B-end of the tournament helped in building the hunger within the young lad which was evident against WI and more crucially against AUS. Then again his decision to remove him of the attack turned out in his favour even though he did accept he'd misread the wicket.  Yes the gamble does turn into tosh too at times like his sreesanth play in the final. But then he's just human and doesnt have the divine right to always be right. More often than not though his bizarre gambles seem to pay off. 
And all's good that ends well I suppose.


Edited by vote4peace - 04 April 2011 at 10:29am]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2011 10:28:21 +0000 http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214042#214042 Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) : Yes V4P, without Zaheer this World... http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214040#214040 Author: MalhotraRaj84
Subject: 5334
Posted: 04 April 2011 at 10:08am

Yes V4P, without Zaheer this World Cup would have been just a distant dream.Those subtle change of pace,comming back with old ball to remove well set batsman at crucial juncture. Gold dust!Absolute gem from him.
 
I have no doubts in my mind that Zaheer was the only player who was irreplacable.This may seem that I am going a bit overboard, but for everyone else we had capable backup. I mean we could have replaced by a player who would have atleast filled the void,Zaheer's  was a different case.
 
Thank god he did not get injured.
]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2011 10:08:16 +0000 http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214040#214040 Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) : Yes Zuhair, he leads a finest... http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214039#214039 Author: MalhotraRaj84
Subject: 5334
Posted: 04 April 2011 at 9:54am

Yes Zuhair, he leads a finest side in the world w.r.t Test but not ODIs. Taking nothing away from Indian ODI side, they have the exceptional  batting line up, but they do implode like 9 pins sometimes, don't they?. Yes they have an good bowling lineup. This side is nothing like ODI team what Ricky Ponting inherited who had 99% reliable ODI batting and bowling lineup. Earlier Aussie teams (2001-2007/8) was far superior , it did'nt need a captain/coach at all unlike current Indian team. Time and again Dhoni's captaincy has come to fore in choking the runs, rotating the bowlers,feild settings and even changing batting line up has clicked and they have often snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
 
Many say he has been lucky since that World T20 in 2007. Maybe true, he wears a 7 jersy (Lucky Seven Dhoni ) , but I doub't anyone to be lucky for so long. Even if he is, I'd say "Touchwood" as long as it lasts.
 
On the ODI teams and future, This Indian ODI team is followed by RSA,SL,ENG in ODIs very very closely.Pakistan just proved that they are a force to rekon (at least in Sub-continent conditions, where their batting can come good).NZ is a very good team now.They will be a force in near future with proper balance. Aus is still the #1 in ODIs, but unfortunately they missed a quality/confidant spinner for this world cup.Every team had 2-3 spinners and Aussies did not have even one (Krezja needed more match practice).So all in all in ODI's there is nothing much to seperate many teams as of now.WI is the only team refusing to come to party (I don't know the reason why ?).
 
I call this as a golden era for ODI when all teams look capable, maybe that is why we saw such a nice World Cup fought fiercely till the end.


Edited by MalhotraRaj84 - 04 April 2011 at 9:58am]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2011 09:54:19 +0000 http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214039#214039 Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) : Originally posted by MalhotraRaj84What... http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214038#214038 Author: vote4peace
Subject: 5334
Posted: 04 April 2011 at 9:49am

Originally posted by MalhotraRaj84

What better way to silence your cirtics & doubters forever by comming up the order to save the lefthanders and backing it up with sublime captain's innings in a WC final, a high pressure game, chasing a mammoth 275 target, at the fall of 3rd wicket with just 114 runs on the board.A test can't get any difficult than this.



Yes, Yes cometh the hour cometh the man, correction - cometh the champion. He has certainly given his sceptics and cynics a proper hiding.

Also a word on Zak who has been India leader and savior with the ball, the captain's goto man and Mr Dependable. Though he did get creamed towards the end of his spell, His incredible opening spell (5-3-6-1) was hugely instrumental in India not having to chasing a score in excess  of 300. They were just 30/1 after 10 overs (more importantly had Dilshan in check) and were always on the backfoot since then, till ofcouse those furious last five overs, which at the time had me believe was the reason we'd lose the game.
]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2011 09:49:57 +0000 http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214038#214038 Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) : Gambhir played absolutely magnificently.... http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214035#214035 Author: zuhair_abbasi
Subject: 5334
Posted: 04 April 2011 at 9:24am

Gambhir played absolutely magnificently. Never let the pressure show on him and never put too much pressure on the new comers. They never let the required run rate touch 7 an over for most part and that sealed the deal. Despite the masterful innings that he played and the player that he is, I am still not sure about some of his on field tactics and team selection. He certainly does lead the finest side in the world at the moment though. ]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2011 09:24:48 +0000 http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214035#214035 Finals (QF's, SF's and Finals) : Somewhere from India vs Australia... http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214034#214034 Author: MalhotraRaj84
Subject: 5334
Posted: 04 April 2011 at 9:07am

Somewhere from India vs Australia 2010 thread,

Originally posted by spin wizard

Maybe so in Test Cricket but in ODI's, Dhoni has been a master tactician in shifting the batting line up.  Well, either him or the management.  When India are going guns blazing, all the fast scorers come one after the next.  When the side is in trouble, you usually pushed himself up at 4 and even leave back the likes of Yuvraj and lesser experience players down the order.
No need for that in Test though, with Dravid, Tendulkar and Laxman following each other, why should he push himself up?  Highly unlikely he'll do any better than that trio.

Spinney you were absolutely right about Dhoni.

There was a general feeling that Dhoni hides back,comes to bat only when the situation is hunky dory.Lot of my friends felt that way too.Guess what he does,takes the bull by the horns.What better way to silence your cirtics & doubters forever by comming up the order to save the lefthanders and backing it up with sublime captain's innings in a WC final, a high pressure game, chasing a mammoth 275 target, at the fall of 3rd wicket with just 114 runs on the board.A test can't get any difficult than this.

He could have easily chose the easy path following the regular line up, but he chose to come ahead in order to save the lefthanders.

That winning SIX from Dhoni just goes to show that how much he holds back his natural game every innings just for team's cause.No wonder this team is called "Team India", there is not a single soul in this team who tries to hog all the limelight.

The media is going ga-ga over Dhoni's captaincy and his innings now (ignore them, they would praise his success while tear them apart on next loss - It's their TRP game).

Gambhir's innings imo was more important than Dhoni's and deserved to be the MOM aswell. Gambhir just missed it, that's the way it is, but maybe Captaincy + Captain's innings and the way Dhoni adjusted his game when Gambhir got tired won him the coveted prize of MOM in a WC final. Gambhir would'nt mind at all , neither Dhoni would have if it had gone other way round.They play for one another, they talk so much about supporting others and Team spirit. I am  Glad that Dhoni got MOM because this would always be etched in the memories of all Dhoni doubters forever.

Dhoni's achievement can't be described any better than Andy Zaltzman's words "But their iconic captain ensured the victory, and power-drilled his name even further into the annals of the game."



Edited by MalhotraRaj84 - 04 April 2011 at 9:25am]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2011 09:07:11 +0000 http://www.cricketworld.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5334&PID=214034#214034