November, 2009 First Edition

Sp rtske da

www.sportskeeda.com
Page no. 3 Page no. 23 Page no. 25

Indian A Tribute Del Potro’s

Baseball to the amazing
Superstars legend season
 Contents

8
India’s First Baseball Superstars 3
(It’s a home run not a six)
Formula 1 New Regulations 4
(F1 Rulez! F1 Rules!)
SuperCross India 6
(Is it a bird? Is it a kite? No its
SuperCross)

9
ONGC I-League 8
(Mind your own football)
Interview with a Cager 12
(3 points someone)
Future Perfect 15
(Old, Older, Oldest)
Yamaha’s Day 21
(Roooooosi the new Zooooooom!!)
Remembering David Shepherd 23
(Grave loss to Cricket)
Del Potro’s amazing season 25

15
(World is not big enough for three of us)
SirAlex: 23 years at ManUtd 27
(Alex United)

27
November, 09
Editor’s Page
Sportskeeda

W
hat is a keeda? As a literal translation, it means an insect, but there is
a higher- moral translation of this word. It means an unending
passion/ addiction/ love/ interest for a tangible or intangible thing
close to ones heart. Sports in India is still something that we love to ignore
(except maybe one or two like cricket). But there is a significant amount of
interest towards sports from a young generation looking out for something
exciting. Obviously, the best way to justify this keeda would be to pursue ones
hobby and actually play but there should be other avenues to pursue this
‘keeda’. With the explosive growth in blogging in the last few years, more and
more people are looking to express their ideas and emotions.

What SportsKeeda.com strives to do is to bring this community of passionate

sports fans together and to give them an audience. It invites sports fans with
the ‘keeda’. We have a great open forum where passionate fans go against and
for towards each other’s opinions. It already has 19 different sports tagged in
the website. What Sportskeeda.com intends to do is to show the whole world
that the Indian sports scene is alive and kicking and that there is an entire
untapped audience for sports, be it football, hockey, athletics, basketball,
motorsports etc which has been ignored since time immemorial. That the
Indian sports fan will not be held at the mercy of some publication which gives
sports a step motherly treatment. That blogging can be an enabler to generate
more interest towards sports in India. This is our unending vision and this
inaugural magazine is a significant milestone in a journey which has just begun.
November, 09 Baseball: It’s a home run not a six! Sportskeeda

Getting to Know India’s First

Baseball Superstars

Finally Rinku Singh and Dinesh Patel

were chosen as the winners and were
sent to America for further training

F
or quite some time, America has been
casting its network towards the more
populous east. Korea and Japan have
responded well to America’s baseball
charms and the Yankee land more-or-less has
captured the big audience in China by
signing Yao Ming for the NBA.

While India along with the rest of the world is trying

to cash-in on the tremendous potential for cricket in
the States, America has in cast its nest in India in
the hope of unearthing a Yao Ming like baseball
pitcher.
They launched their “Million Dollar Arm” search all
over India and 37,000 turned-up to participate. Finally
Rinku Singh and Dinesh Kumar Patel were chosen as
the winners and were sent to America for further
training.

For Pirates’ management team of Neal Huntington and Frank Coonelly,

it is a significant moment as Rinku and Dinesh are the first non-
Americans they have signed.

They both must feel vindicated with

MLB.com having only good things to
say about their India signings, “the 6′2″
Singh throws 89-90 mph and has a
split-finger changeup pitch, [while] the
5′11″ Patel throws a circle change and
can reach 91-92 mph with his heater”
America and Pirates will hope that they
can tap into the riches India has to
offer–both economically and in providing
a pool of talent.

3
November, 09 F1 Rulezz ! F1 Rules !
Sportskeeda

FIA’s original 2010 Formula 1 regulations explained

F
IA had tried to spice the rules for next year by proposing a budget cap, which
failed. A recap of the regulations that were proposed by FIA, many of which
were later scrapped due to the FOTA threat of a rival series launch:
This is what it looked like -
Car Weight: Increased
Mid race Refuelling Banned: Minimum car weight has been
increased to 620 kg (previously 605
So lightening short pit stops for tyre kg).This will address the issue of
only changes are back! Bit of history - weight imbalance in KERS fitted cars.
Refuelling was brought back into F1 in Actually, the placement of KERS on
1994 season. Why? The reason was side of the car caused weight
Williams had created a car that was distribution issues and hence
whole seconds quicker than the compromised the cars traction and
opposition at most circuits. It was the cornering speeds on slow speed
norm at this time (1992 & early 1993) circuits.
to see the Williams cars claim the With minimum weight increased, the
front row of the grid & disappear in KERS teams can play with the ballast
the horizon at the race start. and balance the car as per the
Thus the FIA began pushing for the individual circuit.
reintroduction of refuelling in the hope
it would cause more changes in the Pre race selection:
running order. Come the start of the Qualifying will now be contested on
1994 season Williams’ performance low fuel (Q3 previously contested on
advantage had been completely eroded race fuel)
anyway. Heating devices totally banned:
The refuelling ban also takes away the Tyre warmers & blankets are now
fun to see some drivers running away banned along with existing banned
with their refuelling rig still attached! heating equipment. Brawn GP better
find a way to heat their tyres on the
race track as this has been their
biggest excuse for performance loss in
2009.

4
 F1 Rulez ! F1 Rules ! Sportskeeda
November, 09

Two more cars on the grid:

Maximum number of teams allowed Engine count for the season:
competing in the championship raised No restriction on use of engines during
to 13 (from 12).Let me do the a season. Non-capped teams: Allowed
complicated math here – 26 cars? eight engines per season.

Stewards can play Gods now: The Author

Stewards can now drop a driver any
number of grid positions at a driver’s Mayank Grover: Rally
Enthusiast, F1 fanatic
next race if he is involved in a racing
incident. (previously drivers were
dropped 10 grid places)

Kinetic Energy Recovery System – totally

redefined: Gear Box limit:
a) When a car is traveling above 300 No restriction on use of gearboxes
km/h, KERS usage is disallowed. during a season. Non-capped teams:
b) KERS energy storage media (battery Would be only allowed to run with
or flywheel) must be located behind the four-race gearboxes.
driver and in front of the engine
c) Rear brake pressure may be Front Wing:
reduced by use of a valve during Moveable front wing allowed moving
KERS use 10° any number of times per lap &
d) Carbon Dioxide cannot be used moveable rear wing permitted, controlled
anymore i.e Tyres must now be by driver. Non-capped teams: Only
inflated with only air or nitrogen. allowed 6° movement twice per lap &
rear wing has to be fixed.
Budget Cap & KERS:
Teams can avail of a voluntary £40m Engine RPM restriction:
(may be raised) budget cap, offering No restriction on engine revs.
them greater ‘technical freedom’. Non-capped teams: 18,000 rpm limit.

KERS power output allocation:

Technical freedom offered to budget- KERS will be twice as powerful,
capped teams is as follows: producing over 160 hp of boost for
Testing: 6.67s per lap. Non-capped teams:
No limit on testing mileage or dates. KERS generated power limited to 80
Non-capped teams: Testing limited to hp for 6.67s per lap.
15,000 km between 1 January
2010 and first race week. Two wheel drive and 4 wheel drive:
Wind Tunnel: Four-wheel drive permitted & KERS
No restrictions on wind tunnel scale or permitted to drive all four wheels. Non-
speed. Non-capped teams: Restricted to capped teams: 2 wheel drive
60% scale and 50m/s rolling road transmission permitted & KERS can
speed. only power the rear wheels.

5
November, 09
Is it a bird ? Is it a kite ? No its Supercross!
Sportskeeda

National SuperCross Bike racing Chhattisgarh

aipur 5th Oct 2009: Strong men serpentine bends while

R were seen on strong machines

displaying controlling skills, riders
took their bikes as high as 50
feet into the air through bumps as
doing several laps.
Chhattisgarh is capable
of organizing such
events and in future,
Chhattisgarh Played host to the the Govt. will provide
National SuperCross Bike racing 2009 more support to
on 3rd & 4th Oct 09. The event was promote adventure
staged at Govt. Science College sports & tourism in the
ground, Raipur, the Capital of state”
Chhattisgarh.

Organized by
Chhattisgarh Motor
Sports Association in
technical association
with Sportstrek under
the aegis of the
Federation of Motor
Sports Clubs of
India’ FMSCI,
promoted by Dept. of
Sports and Youth
Welfare, Govt. of
Chhattisgarh &
Chhattisgarh
Tourism Board, riders
from various parts of
the country had
accumulated to strive
for the honors.
All dressed in their safety gear, riders
were a pleasure and thrill for the
30,000 plus spectators who had come said Mr. Brijmohan Agrawal Minister of
to cheer along with placards. The Tourism & PWD.

D
audience was thrilled to be a part of emonstrating thrill and courage,
this speed event over an artificially riders performed amazing stunts.
prepared course consisting of a series As the event took off, there was
of obstacles. It was all about riding at lots of applauding from the crowd as
high speed on a specially-laid out track they were thrilled to see the
The riders had to negotiate spectacular, breath taking event. As

6
 Is it a bird ? Is it a kite ? No its Supercross! Sportskeeda
November, 09

much as the spectators enjoyed the Category, KP Aravind from TVS Racing
event, the competitors were more team Bangalore was the man who
charged competing and displayed made the most use of the lively
moment-holding performance on several environment with his TVS RTS 250 FX.
occasions. TVS Racing team added He won the first place followed by HK
glamour to the show, exhibiting their Pradeep and Pramod Joshua, both from
skills at high speed, their braking ability TVS Racing team. While in Novice
over bends and controlling their Class (motorcycles up to 165CC),
machines superbly in the slush. Half a R Natraj and Sudeep Kotegar, both
dozen riders from Chhattisgarh along from TVS Racing team, Bangalore stole
with some of the best riders of the the show being on position 1st and
country participated in the event. 2nd respectively. Pravin Sangumare
from Nagpur finished third place with
his 135 CC bike.

I
t was also heartening to watch the
local Chhattisgarhi riders in
Chhattisgarh Class (Motorcycles up to
165 cc). Pravin Yadav proved a
cut above all in on his Pulsar 150
while Sanjay Minj won the second slot
with his RX 100. Rajesh Chakravarty
finished in third position riding on Hero
Honda Glamour. The riders from
But it was KP Aravind from Chhattisgarh showed promise of
developing into champion riders. In the
Bangalore, who walked away with the
Indian Expert Class C, TVS Racing
winners’ trophy. Aravind, who has taken
team biker Vishal Barguje secured the
part in many national and international
first place while Snehal Chavan
championships, appreciated the efforts of
clinched the second position. The third
the organizers and cheering crowd. “It
position went to R Nataraj of TVS
takes a combination of fitness, strength
Racing team.
of a rider and good engine of the
bike to win a championship” said
The event went off with precision
Aravind Riding a TVS RTR 125 FX,
timing and it was not surprising that it
Aravind extracted the maximum from
was applauded not only by the
his well-prepared machine to emerge
participants, but also spectators. In
triumphant in the event and be the
sum, it was a perfect outing for both
star performer. He was always under
participants and spectators. Chhattisgarh
pressure as he went around the
Motor Sports Association’s
specially-laid out course, but to his
meticulousness ensured there was
credit he did well to overcome a
nothing to complain about. The
strong challenge from his TVS team
Spectators were totally entertained and
mates H K Pradeep & Pramod Joshua.
went back cheering the daredevils while
The young TVS Racing rider was
few wished they were a part of it.
awarded the best rider of the day in
this glamorous and thrilling event.
Ujjwal Deepak

O
verall there were five classes. In
Secretary General,
the Foreign open class
Chhattisgarh Motor Sports Association.
(Motorcycles up to 450 CC)

7
November, 09 Mind your own football : I league Sportskeeda

I-League
The top tier of the Indian football
system is the I-League. Sponsored
by ONGC, it started in 2007-2008
when it replaced the National
Football League. Because the NFL
was deteriorating, AIFF took the
decision of relaunching it

I-League in India
i
f I ask you
what does EPL
stand for or what does
under the banner of the I-league.
La Liga and Serie A mean ,
Some changes were introduced in
everyone will give me the correct
this new format. The most
answers in a flash. But does
important ones are listed below.
anyone know what does the I-
Each team was allowed to have 4
league stand for? Have you heard
foreign players, with the restriction
the term before? I am sure I will
that only 3 of them would be
not be getting many answers. There
allowed to play in the match.
may be some of you, who know
Each team was required to
exactly what I am refering to, there
register a minimum of 14
may be some, who by guess work
professional footballers.
will get the right answer….and there
It was mandatory for each team
may be those for whom the word
to have an u-19 development
is greek. So for people who are
setup.
clueless, it is nothing but the Indian
The first season saw 10 teams go
league referred to as the ONGC I-
head to head. It went all the way
League. Most of us know almost
to the wire with Dempo, the
everything about the EPL, La Liga
defending NFL champions,
and the Serie A….but what about
winning the inaugral season in the
the I-League. So here I am, trying
end, based on goal difference. The
to give everyone a brief insight of
second season saw the number of
India’s own football league, the
teams being increased to 12.
history of the league and the
Churchill Brothers who finished
various teams involved in the fight
second in the first season, came up
to be called the best team in
tops this time around. Currently the
India.
third season is in progress with
around 7 matches gone.

8
 November, 09 Mind your own football : I league Sportskeeda

Quality
Teams in I-League 2009-2010 :

O
Churchill Goa ne of my friends asked
Brothers SC me last week during the
Dempo SC Goa Pune-Mumbai match” You
can never compare this with club
Sporting Clube Goa football in England, Spain or Italy.
De Goa It is light years apart “. Yes I
agree, in terms of quality what he
Salgaocar SC Goa
said is right. Someone who is
accustomed to watching club
Mohun Bagan Kolkata football on a regular basis will
feel the same. That does not
mean that the league lacks quality.
East Bengal Kolkata
There is great talent on show.
Indian internationals like Bhaichung
Chirag United Kolkata Bhutia, Sunil Chhetri, Antony
Pereira, Subrata Paul and
foreigners like Ranty Martins
Mahindra Mumbai
Soleye and the league’s best
United
player Odafe Onyeka Obolie of
Air-India Mumbai Churchill Brothers. However the
important thing here is the
Pune FC Pune passion, the commitment and the
heart with which they play is the
same. When the players put on
JCT FC Phagwara their jerseys, they go out onto the
field and give it their all. It doesn
Shillong Lajong Shillong matter, if you are playing
FC for Churchill or Pune or for
Manchester United. What matters
Viva Kerala Kochi
is you are playing football. You
are playing to win. We as fans
Mumbai FC Mumbai need to back them. Remember the
days when you used to represent
your class, your school or your
department. You will then
It doesn matter, if you are playing understand what I am trying to
for Churchill or Pune or for Manchester convey. Football in India needs to
United. What matters is you are playing be looked upon differently from the
football. grass root level. The good news

9
November, 09 Mind your own football : I league Sportskeeda

clubs here. There are various

here is that the picture is improving divisions in club football. Even if
day by day. Clubs like Manchester the guys who play for these clubs
United and Liverpool are come over, the stands will no
slowly trying to make their presence longer be empty. Schools should
felt in India. Remember one thing encourage their students to go
the EPL, the La Liga did not ahead and watch the game. They
emerge one fine day all of its will learn so much by just watching
own. It started small and has now a game of football. They will get
reached the top of club football. It to see the Bhutia’s, the Chhetri’s
is a journey. A journey that starts and the Subrata Paul’s of Indian
small, but surely ends big. football.
Home support is always referred to
as the 12th man in a
game. Nothing can be
more motivating for a
team, than the crowd
getting behind them.
Soccer fans will be
well aware of the
famous Anfield crowd
and the European
nights in football. What
is it that makes them
so special? It is the
atmosphere, the
atmosphere that is
created by the home
fans. All of us dream
Support of going and watching a game at

I
one of the churches of football
was shocked to see empty
someday. Why not live part of this
stands in Balewadi the other
dream. During the Dempo game in
day, when I had gone to watch
Pune, the crowd startd chanting “
Pune play against Dempo.
Pune Pune Pune Pune Pune ” and
Everywhere you go people are
“ Who are we …..PFC ”. Believe
talking only about football. Sadly,
me, I had goose bumps.
the seats in the stadium were not
reflecting this fact. People set their
weekend schedules so that they will
not miss their weekly action of the During the Dempo game in
Pune, the crowd startd
EPL. They stay awake till early
chanting “ Pune Pune Pune
morning to cover the Champions Pune Pune ” and “ Who are
League. All I could ask myself is” we …..PFC ”. Believe me, I
where is everyone??? “. Talking had goose bumps.
about Pune there are some many

10
November, 09 Mind your own football : I league Sportskeeda

People were howling, shouting,

abusing the referee and what not.
You need to be there to feel it, to
live it.

Two months ago, if you had asked

me about the I-League I would
have been on the other side of
the fence. But now, I know almost
everything about the league. I follow
the league and I love this league.
I reach the stadium two hours prior
to kick off. We have all seen
players training prior to the match
on tv, but seeing it in real is
something completely different. The
way I look at football in India has
changed over the last month or so.
All thanks to Pune Football Club.
They have changed my outlook. It
is high time you change your’s too.
As they say better late than never.
I do not know where this article
will help change your mindset or
not. Hope it does. One thing is for
sure, you will one guy sitting in
the D stand of the Balewadi
stadium in Pune, way before
anyone else turns up. Me.

Chhetri on the Move !

11
November, 09 Three Point Someone Sportskeeda

divya singh
singh

S portsKeeda had the opportunity

to interview India’s former
Basketball Captain Divya Singh.
She lead the women’s National
Team for India at 2006 Melbourne
Common Wealth games. Currently
persuing PG in Sports management
at University of Delaware and is
also an assistant women’s
basketball coach in the same
university. Divya Singh is from a
family where basketball runs deep.
They are 5 sisters in which 4 of
them represent Indian national team
including her.
November, 09 Three point someone
Interview with
Former India
Basketball Captain
Divya Singh
You are in the national basketball
team, PG in sports management and now
also a basketball coach. Tell us how you
managed all this?
Well, when I came to USA I was
playing for Indian team as well as
Delhi team, to tell you truth first of all
I did not like to stop playing and get
in to studies again. But for future of
basketball it was important to think
differently. Still I am doing my PG,
and 8 months are left, I am getting
very excited to go back to India and
start working. The course I’m doing
here is a challenging course. It
includes all the aspects of sports
management from marketing to media.
Also working with women’s Basketball
team of University of Delaware is one
more life time experience and I believe
what I’m learning here would pay a
fruitful result to improve basketball in
India.
Your future plans and aspirations?
First of all, I think to start working
with basketball federation of India,
secondly take the game to every
corner with campaign and camps
including top basketball players. What I
believe is players are our assets which
we should focus on first. I m not sure
how long it going to take but I am
very sure that if millions of kids who
Sportskeeda
play in the school or colleges are
going to welcome basketball
if we present them in a
good way.
What is one thing that you will
like to bring from US to
improve Basketball in India?
I wish I could bring
everything, but to be more precise I
think, professionalism is a key factor to
make everything up to the mark. If we
become professional, its not very hard
to get our goal, it can take little time
though to set up. I love American
professionalism.
NBA has shown interest in India with
“Basketball beyond Borders” events and
then JD Walsh conducting various
workshops. Do you see them making any
headway?
I feel NBA’s name is working, I am
not keeping check for what are they
doing in India right now but when I
came to India in the summer break I
went to Mumbai for ‘’hoops school’’
conducted in American school, Mumbai
where Baron Devis came to help the
clinic. Also they organized an event at
a huge mall and I must say people
were getting attracted, kids were playing
basketball and youth were enjoying. All
these are positive signs of NBA’s
initiatives. For JD Walsh I must say he
is doing a great job. I am looking
forward to talk to him.
What is the key to Basketballs future in
India? Govt. spending, corporate
I wish or
sponsorship I Club
could bring
culture?
everything,
Divya but to
: I think Indian be start club
should
culture or start a league to go to next
more precise I think,
level. It’s not doable to get money
professionalism is a key
factor to make everything
up to the mark.
November, 09 Three point someone Sportskeeda

What is the key to Basketballs future in

India? Govt spending, Corporate
sponsorship or Club culture?

I think Indian should start club culture or

start a league to go to next level. It’s
not doable to get money without having
a league. I’m sure it’s not that hard as
people assume in the land of cricket. We
have to make money to make this game
famous. Govt part is non profit, and it’s
going on from many decades. We should
change things according to this
generation; we should see that they enjoy
NBA. We cannot be that big now but we
should start changing the way we
organize things in India.

Is cricket a restraining factor for basketball

in India?

Not only basketball, every sport! But

they have work really hard to get to
this position. Good thing about cricket
is that they apply what is good and
trendy for today.

What all improvements would you like to

see in BFI (Basketball Federation of India)

There are list of things but I would

We should change things not like to mention, they are doing
according to this what they know and I hope I can go
and add things to their present work
generation; we should culture.
see that they enjoy
NBA. We cannot be that
big now but we should
start changing the way
we organize things in
India.
 Coming soon
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*A draw will determine the winner

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www.SportsKeeda.com
November, 09 Old , Older , Oldest Sportskeeda

I
ndian cricket has been through a To put facts straight, we have not
golden phase for the past year or evolved as a team over the past two
two. In fact, we have moved on years when the team has slowly gone
as a nation since the world cup on to reach the top of ODI rankings.
debacle in 2007. Mahendra Singh Dhoni We’ve been playing around with the
has been prodigious over the last two same Gambhirs, Tendulkars, Sehwags
years since he took over the reign of and Yuvrajs. The same holds good
captaincy first from Rahul Dravid and with the bowling unit. We haven’t
later from Anil Kumble. actually explored outside the likes of
RP Singh, Ishant Sharma, Munaf Patel
But, after the first round exits in World
and Zaheer Khan.
T20 championship and Champions
Trophy in South Africa, questions arise Supreme teams are not built by a few
as to whether we have really moved men, but by a huge set of characters
on from those debacles and whether who can respond very well in different
we have become stronger and fervid in scenarios. Some of them can play
our pursuit to claim the World Cup diverse roles and can even substitute
which starts in another 18 months time. bigger names as well. All in all, a
team needs to be robust if it has any
dream to claim itself
a highly invincible

FUTURE unit.

THE WALL’S INCLUSION

AND EXCLUSION

PERFECT? One of
surprising inclusions in
the Indian
the more

team,

Has the Indian team stumbled

upon a block which it is not
able to come over? Why have
we not actually found sound
batsmen with good techniques
in the past year or two? Why
have we not developed better
spinners and fast bowlers to
tackle different conditions
around the world?

15
November, 09 Old , Older , Oldest Sportskeeda

recently, has been Rahul Dravid. For him happy, he dumps the other woman
starters Dravid’s selection, emotionally a who kept him happy for that brief
sensational decision, was nothing more period! Let’s better give Dravid the
than a ludicrous decision. Selectors respect he commands.
must have had the guts to make the
Once Dravid was selected, a legend
same set of young players play on the
like him cannot be dumped within a
bouncy tracks of South Africa in the
few days. He has performed reasonably
recently concluded Champions Trophy.
well in almost all matches and dropped
To select Dravid for just a tournament
the anchor on most occassions. As far
to counter bounce, was a thought
as I can see, through my television
process that has taken Indian team a
set, Rahul Dravid performed his role to
step back.
perfection. In such a scenario, why
should Dravid be dropped? If
performance is not the only criteria to
select a player, then why should Dravid
be selected for South Africa? Don’t
players like Subramaniam Badrinath and
Robin Uthappa deserve a chance to
represent India?

One of the more surprising

inclusions in the Indian
team, recently, has been
Rahul Dravid. For starters
Dravid’s selection,
emotionally a sensational
decision, was nothing more
than a ludicrous decision.

Amidst all this I am not against Rahul

Dravid, the player. Dravid’s commitment
to the Indian team goes beyond these Selectors might not see a place for
blogs and books written on him. But, Dravid once Sehwag and Yuvraj come
the real villain in this circus has been back. But, wouldn’t it be prudent if the
the selectors who recalled Dravid for selectors went on to play a younger
just one tournament and dropped him group of players thrusting more
right away. It’s as if a husband is responsibility on them than selecting
disinterested with his wife for a few Rahul Dravid for South Africa and later
days and hence is looking for someone dropping him when Australia is touring
else who can make him happy. After a India.
few days, when his own wife makes

16
November, 09 Old , Older , Oldest Sportskeeda

THE NEED FOR FRESH LEGS

Indian cricket needs fresh legs and not

old ones, at least in ODI and T20
cricket. We started off very well with
this plan early in 2008, but somehow
went down again with the selection and
exclusion of Rahul Dravid. It’s time
that we start rotating our players to
prevent any burn-out again. In fact, a
big reason for India’s downfall in
England and South Africa this year is
because we missed three big guns in
Sehwag, Yuvraj and Zaheer.

These three players have had a

tremendous impact on the game,
whenever they have played. In fact, on

players in their team are world beaters

and they cannot provide the same
impact togather as a team.

In fact, a big reason for India’s

downfall in England and South
Africa this year is because we
missed three big guns in
Sehwag, Yuvraj and Zaheer.

Independency is the only factor that

world-beaters rely on. Australia proved
most occasions, these three have
this yet again in the recently concluded
decided the fate of the game.
Champions Trophy. The likes of White,
Dependency is one element that always
Watson, Siddle, Johnson, Ferguson and
lie with normal and ordinary teams.
Paine have showed the way as to why
These teams would never become
Australia still remains a team to be
world-beaters, because only one or two

17
November, 09 Old , Older , Oldest Sportskeeda

beaten. India also needs to get this to Zimbabwe soon. Such players can
independency element flowing. be experimented time-and-again for the
opening slot. This would only help
It is not as if India lacks talent, but
players like Tendulkar (slowly phasing
some selections lie in the hands of
out of cricket) and Sehwag (still
administrators and marketing gurus.
recovering from his shoulder injury).
Would the same number of people
watch Indian team play if Tendulkar The middle order also needs a revamp.
and Dhoni rest for a particular series? It is not as if the current set of
Would the public accept such players is under performing. But, it’s
selections? Wouldn’t there be a important to give some players a
backlash against such selections? break. There is no player in the
current set up than Badrinath who
It is very difficult for Indians to accept
deserves a chance to play for Indian
the rotational policy, but it’s time the
team. Badri, Rohit Sharma, Manoj
selectors and administrators understood
Pujara need to be pulled into the team
and put this concept in place. 2011
over the next few months. The team
World Cup is just a year and a half
might not look settled. The same team
away and we just cannot keep playing
might as well lose a few games. But,
with the same set of tired souls. We
on the long run, the results will start
must definitely look into new players
to show, only positively.
and some players who we have
invested heavily in the past. Dhoni would
definitely
love to rest
ROTATIONAL POLICY – BOON OR in the
BANE? middle of a
Robin Uthappa looks an hard fought
exciting option to be tried on season.
the international scene again. Dinesh
Gambhir, Tendulkar and Karthik and
Sehwag can be rotated time and Wriddhiman
again along with players like Saha have
Robin Uthappa, Murali Vijay and somehow got
Abhinav Mukund. the better of
Parthiv Patel
It is not as if we bring in recently.
players like Mukund and Vijay Even Naman
straight against Australia and Ojha is in the limelight more than
South Africa. We do play a few low Parthiv nowadays. Some of these
profile but important matches against keepers can do good, if selected and
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the near used instead of Dhoni for a few
future. And yes, we might also travel matches in between. Just look at how

18
November, 09 Old , Older , Oldest Sportskeeda

Ricky Ponting has become since his the next few years he might well
rest post Ashes. He was rested for 2 become one of India’s greatest fast
T20Is and 4 ODIs in England and bowlers. But right now, the situation
once he came back, he has been isn’t rosy. He has been bowling hard
among the runs (A couple of good over the last few months and has lost
hundreds and the Man of the Series his brilliant wrist position and pace.
awards @ Champions Trophy). These things can definitely be
controlled and it is only time before
Harbhajan never looked like Harbhajan when Ishant Sharma would start again
during Champions Trophy. May be, he to trouble batsmen all over the world.
did not get any support from the But, it is important to leave Ishant out
pitches on offer at South Africa. May and give him the space out in the
be he was never in good form at darkness to stage his comeback.
South Africa. India’s lead spinner would
What has happened to a upcoming fast
also love to have extra support added
bowlers like Dhawal Kulkarni? If people
to him if players like Pragyan Ojha,
remember, Kulkarni was selected for
Amit Mishra and Ravindra Jadeja are
the India’s tour of New Zealand earlier
kept in loop for most of the selections
this year. And that was the end of it.
in the near future.It is very important
Dhawal, since then, has been playing
to have a variety in the spin bowling
only for Mumbai back in the domestic
department,.
arena. India has also invested in the
likes of Sreesanth, Irfan Pathan, Munaf
Patel and Praveen Kumar. Munaf and
Praveen are excellent bowlers
who would generally have
greater control over things while
bowling. Sreesanth, on the other
hand, can be breathtaking with his
swing. An in-form Irfan Pathan, is an
automatic selection. While others cannot
contribute with the bat, Irfan’s batting
has seldom failed. All he needs to
Lastly,
worry is about his swing, his control
the
and his speed. While this bowling unit
pacemen need to
looks montonous with the same set of
be looked after very
fast-bowlers, the inclusion of Sudeep
well. Ishant has been awful
Tyagi give us the breathe of fresh air.
to say the least. Selectors might
prefer to make him sit on the bench Tyagi is a great prospect. Tall and
for this series than play him on dead lanky, Tyagi can be quick and
tracks against a world champion side. deceptive with his swing and speed. In
Ishant is a big asset for India. Over fact, his bowling map match with Ishant

19
November, 09 Old , Older , Oldest Sportskeeda

Sharma’s bowling map. He might well of the game within the team will grow.
be a like-for-like replacement for Ishant. This would also help the team to win
Bhuvaneshwar Kumar is another more matches against other opponents
upcoming fast bowler who can be also.
given an opportunity in the near future.
Kumar has been consistent over the
past season or two and has not done
anything wrong to not get selected.
This 18-year old is another good
prospect and a fresh face India might
look forward to see.

When Zaheer would make his

comeback, the bowling unit will only
become even stronger with so many
The future of Indian cricket does not
fast bowlers fighting for two or three
lie with a Rahul Dravid or a Sachin
spots. It is very important for the
Tendulkar. They have done their bit
selectors to have a clear road map for
over the past 15 years. Now it’s the
the future if they dream of winning the
time for the change. The change that
2011 World Cup.
would call for rotation of players. The
Having a bigger pool of players who change that would enable lesser injuries
are equally talented will only increase to players. The change that would
the competition for the eleven elusive make life ever so competitive for an
spots in the Indian team. It is always already competitive Indian team.
a happy situation for the captain, coach
The toughest match to win is, winning
and the selector when the team has 7
against oneself, be it the fight within
or 8 players fighting for 3-4 places.
you or the fight within your team.
The complacency factor will fly out of
the window and the competitive nature

20
November, 09 Rooooooosi the new Zooooooom !! Sportskeeda

S
unday, 25th of Malaysian GP where the for Yamaha, his most
October 2009 will rains showed up at the for any manufacturer
go down in very last minute for the (He won three for
Honda- 1 500cc and 2
history as a unique and
MotoGP, and two for
one of the greatest
Aprilia- 125cc and
days for Yamaha 250cc).
Motorsport. It is the day
on which Yamaha
managed to win both MotoGP class and
the driver’s titles in wrapped up his title
motorcycle racings with one race to go in
premiere classes, viz. Valencia.
MotoGP and Superbikes. He has been a
significant signing for
Yamaha especially

Valentino
Just a few hours later, because of the fact that
Ben Spies finished Race they were always a
2 of the last round of distant second behind

Rossi +
Honda in the
WSBK in 5th place,
championships before his
and more importantly for
arrival. Rossi not only
him, Noriyuki Haga did

Ben Spies
could ride the bike fast,
not win, thus allowing but he brought along
him to clinch his and with him Jeremy

= One hell
here is the surprising Burgess and others
part- Yamaha’s first title from his previous setup
and helped immensely
in that series.

of a day
in developing the YZR-
M1, Yamaha’s MotoGP
contender.

for
yamaha
Vale’ won his 9th (yeah
thats right-9th) title in
motorcycle racing and In his earlier seasons
his 7th in the premiere with the factory Yamaha
class (500cc+MotoGP). team, he was the sole
He might just have fighter on the track and
come closer to people the distinct lack of
actually recognizing him support from his
as THE greatest man teammates was apparent
to have ever raced and he was mostly
Valentino Rossi managed motorcycles after this fighting hard to stave
to finish third in a win. This is his 4th title off rivals from Honda

21
November, 09 Rooooooosi the new Zooooooom !! Sportskeeda

especially. This could time round and the now lap 7 of Race1 which
be essentially attributed veteran of MotoGP has Spies won. This made
to the Honda RC211V’s another reason and matters easier for the
early superiority over another of his unique Texan who had to just
the M1 and partly to methods of celebrations finish sixth or higher if
the lack of quality to offer us all. Haga won. The rest as
teammates. Although If it had been the they are history and we
Colin Edwards is a ‘doctor’ act before, this have a rookie champion
great rider in his own time round it was the in WSBK. One
right, he never would egg. According to Rossi, surprising fact is that
turn up for more than this is the rationale this is Yamaha’s maiden
a couple of races a behind his celebrations-” WSBK title. Especially
season. In Italy we say an old hard to fathom because
chicken makes good over the years, their
soup but can no longer YZF-R1 street bike has
lay eggs! I am like the outperformed the CBR
old chicken – 30 years and the Ducati 998. But
now – but I have made this year Yamaha took
another egg! That’s the title in stunning
nine!” fashion.
But over the years, the
M1 has seen greater
development and the
levelling out of the field
due to the 800cc class
restrictions. In no small
What made the titles
measure could this also
special for this great
be attributed to Rossi’s
If it was rivalry against Japanese manufacturer
development efforts. But
a younger teammate for is that they came on
this season, his primary
Rossi, it was the exact the same day, don’t
rival was his own team
opposite for Ben Spies. know when has that
mate Jorge’ Lorenzo.
He had to fight off an happened to any other
The rookie Spaniard
experienced adversary team. I mean Honda
has been sensational
who was an old faithful and others might have
and things could have
to his current team in won both the premiere
been different for him
the form of Noriyuki titles in the same year
had luck been on his
Haga. In his rookie previously, but actually
side. Time and again
year itself, the reigning whether anyone
though, Rossi has
AMA Superbike managed it on the
shown tremendous
champion won the same day, I don’t
mental strength over the
WSBK title. ‘Nitro’ Nori know!!!
course of a season
was actually in
especially with his mind
the points lead
games against Se’te’
before coming
Gibernau in his first two
into the last
years at Yamaha and
round at
against Casey Stoner
Portimao. He
two seasons ago. But it
crashed out on
was much friendlier this

22
November, 09 Grave loss to Cricket Sportskeeda

I
t was a dull day for me yesterday at his First class debut for
and nothing was in its place, Gloucestershire against Oxford
I was not feeling happy and well Universities but his career as a player
when I came to know about the sad was never set rolling although he
demise of the great “David Shepherd”, scored 12 centuries to prove his mettle
it was more pain. All my life I have with the bat. Shepherd turned to
grown seeing this “Legend” of an umpiring in 1981 and later in 1985 he
umpire on the Cricket field with his had his first assignment at the
near perfect umpiring expertise and
rather the odd Nelson jig which has

REMEMBERING
DAVID SHEPHERD:
A LEGEND
David Shepherd was one of
those cricketing personalities
who with his honesty, integrity
and perseverance took the game
to high sporting standards

always been his signature move. His

demise was a shock.
David Shepherd was one of those
cricketing personalitites who with his International level and since then he
honesty, integrity and perseverance took has always been a favourite.
the game to high sporting standards.
With his roly poly appearance and with Shepherd can be thought of sometimes
his jovial behaviour Shepherd was a taskmaster where in one could see
always a treat to watch. Shepherd his displeasure or discomfort for
holds the distinction of officiating three excessively appealing bowlers. I
World cup Finals at Lahore, Lord’s and personally have seen him frown for
Johannesburg. Shepherd officiated in some appeals where even the bowlers
172 ODIs and 92 tests between 1983 knew that it was’nt out and still went
and 2005. on appealing and the look on
Shepherd started his cricketing career Shepherd’s face used to say it all.
with a bang as he scored a hundred Throughout his career he maintained
good record and arguably maintained

23
November, 09 Grave loss to cricket Sportskeeda

other than Brian lara who presented

very high accuracy. Never one could him with a cricket bat. Also he was
ever think of Shepherd give a wrong always looked and honoured as a
decision. He was a strong willed man gentleman who knew his job pretty
and knew what his job was. Standing well. But the most striking part of his
in three consecutive finals is not an personality was his famous “Jig”
easy job and when one does that job whenever the Scoreboards showed:
with no hassles; it speaks a lot about Nelson” (i.e 111 or its multiples). The
the person’s credentials. entire English crowd would wait for the
scoreboard to show Nelson and would
instantly enjoy the famous jig.
The crowds loved him, the
commentators loved him and so did
the Purists. He was not after
introducing “Technology” in the game
initially but later accepted that it cannot
But towards the end of his career be ignored.
somewhere in 2001, he was criticized Cricket has lost its old statesman and
for overlooking “Saqlain Mushtaq’s” no one of the Umpiring Greats.In short he
balls which earned him wickets which was education for all the new age
made Shepherd think of resigning, such
was his level of commitment. Letters
from friends and relatives and
continuous pleading from well wishers
made him revert his decision. Good bye Dave…
umpires who have followed
him and try to match his
level of expertise and
sportsmanship.
It was a pleasure to write
about a Legend and I
offer my condolences to
his family and ask the
Supreme lord to give
strength to his friends and
family during these testing
times. May his soul rest
in peace.

Even when he was standing in his last Dave, We shall always miss you and your
match at West Indies his famous “Nelson”..
professionalism was honoured by none

24
November, 09 World is not big enough for three of us? Sportskeeda

C
ouple of months back,
common opinion said that
Juan Martin del Potro was
not good enough to stay with the
big five. Such ideas have been
sent to hibernation. Having caused

Del Potro’s amazing season

the biggest upset of the tennis
season by halting Federer’s sixth
consecutive attempt at the US
Open, Del Potro is clearly a
threatening prospect in
contemporary men’s tennis. Not
only is he not going to relinquish
his number five ATP singles
ranking anytime soon, he is also
looking at bettering upon it.
Depending on how he does in
Shanghai, Juan could be knocking
at the door of Murray’s number
four slot.
Rankings should be the least
important of things on Juan’s
2009 agenda. He started the year
by winning at Auckland, and
followed it up by reaching the
quarter finals of the Australian
Open. There, he got demolished
by Roger Federer and a lot of
people questioned his drive and
potential to succeed. Juan kept
insisting he just needed time, and
he was right.
A few months later he reached
the semi finals of Roland Garros.
He again fell to Federer, but this
time it was in an epic five setter.
Del Potro struggled at Wimbledon
and was upset in the second
round by an unstoppable Lleyton
Hewitt. By this time he had gone
up to number five in the world,
but heading into the hard court
season where he had points to
defend and prove. He defended
the Legg Mason Classic, beating
Andy Roddick in a pulsating three
setter, and moved rapidly onto

25
November, 09 World is not big enough for three of us? Sportskeeda

Toronto. Here he lost to Andy Murray this far ahead. Nobody wants to put
in another tight three setter final. too much pressure on the young man.
DelPo, as I like to call him, is now
Del Potro made the decision to pull 21 years old and only seems to be
out of Cincy, sighting fatigue. This improving. Having won a Grand Slam
turned out to be one of
the smartest decisions in
his career. Well rested
and confident, Juan Martin
stormed through his US
Open draw, crushing
Rafael Nadal on his way
to the final. Here, he met
Federer once again. This
time, the man was ready.
He came from two sets
to one down to post the
biggest win of his career.
Juan Martin Del Potro
beat Roger Federer to
claim the US Open title.
Tennis had a new
champion!
title should give him a lot of
confidence to carry on with his style of
play. His game looks decent though he
plays a power-game from the baseline.
If you are looking for an X
Of course he may look more gracious
factor in DelPo, his sense of if he learns to volley well.
judgement, anticipation
and timing of the baseline
shots put him in a different
league

He lost
early in Tokyo to a qualifier, but was If you are looking for an X factor in
clearly battling fatigue and injury. DelPo, his sense of judgement,
Though Del Potro is clearly feeling the anticipation and timing of the baseline
physcial and emotional strains of his shots puts him in a different league.
amazing season, wins in Shaghai or And to top it all, the composure he
London would probably boost his has shown for someone his age,
ranking. If he could finish inside the pushes him a notch ahead of Novak
top four this year and hang onto it till and probably even both the Andy’s.
Australian Open, Del Potro’s draw
would be far more favourable than a Juan Martin has had the season of his
five seeding would be. Of course, he life this year. The future only looks
probably doesn’t want to be thinking brighter.

26
November, 09 Alex United Sportskeeda

Sir Alex Ferguson Completes 23

years at Manchester United

23 years ago,
November 06 1986, a
man walked into Old
Trafford. This man was
handed the mantle at
Manchester United with
the responsibility of
getting its glory days
back. It was going to
be a historical day.
A day when Sir Alex
Ferguson started his
journey at Old Trafford.
A journey that has
completed 23 years
and still counting. Prior
to his appointment, the
English league was
being dominated by
Liverpool. The Scot
had conquered
everything in Scotland.
He had inspired
Aberdeen to break the
domination of Celtic Start
Sir Alex had a tough opening few years at Old Trafford. United
and Rangers in
were struggling when he took over. The players lacked discipline
Scottish football. He and there were questions over their fitness levels. He managed to
was brought in to do set things right as United climbed up the table to finish 11 th.
the same here in The bright point was the 1-0 win at Anfield. A win that proved
England. Break costly for Liverpool as they lost their grasp on the title. It was a
Liverpool’s domination. sign of things to come.
Steve Bruce, Viv Anderson, Brian McClair and Jim Leighton were
brought in by the Scotsman the following season. It paid off as
United finished second behind Liverpool that year. Things started to
drift apart as United slumped to 11 th place in 88-89.
November, 09 Alex United Sportskeeda

Inspite of major signings of Paul Ince and Gary

Pallister and a great start to the 89-90 season,
United started to slump in form. If things were to
continue the way they were, it would not be long
before Sir Alex would lose his job. Then came the
match against Nottingham Forest in the third round
of the FA Cup. A defeat here and a sack was
certain. Defying all odds United managed to get past
Forest and in the process gave Sir Alex his first
major trophy as manager, beating Crystal Palace in
the final. That match against Forrest saved his Old
Trafford career.

First title
Sir Alex was brought in to do just one
thing, win the league. Inspite of doing
well in the League Cup and Cup
Winners Cup the league title still
eluded him. Sir Alex felt that there
was one player missing, who would
make the difference. That’s when he
brought in French striker Eric Cantona.
He had finally found his missing piece,
as Cantona and Mark Hughes ended
the drought at Old Trafford. United
were crowned the first Premier League
Champions. The 26 year old wait was
finally over.

The Treble
Back to Back titles followed in 92-93
and 93-94. Sir Alex decided to rebuild
his team. In the process he created
his first team at United. Roy Keane
was brought in to replace Bryan
Robson. Cantona had a horrid 95
season as United lost the title on the
last day of the season. Andy Cole was
also brought into to bolster the attack.
It was now time to bring in the “
Fergie Fledlings “ . Gary Neville, Phil
Neville, David Beckham, Paul Scholes
and Nicky Butt headed by Welshman
Ryan Giggs. The fact being that Sir
Alex turned up at Giggs’s house to
sign him as a youngster on his 14th
birthday.
United were quickly written off by the
media as they felt the youngsters could
not possibly win anything. How wrong
they were. The young guns along with
Cantona fought back from 14 points
down to win the league on the last
day. It was number 4 next year.
However Cantona the man who inspired
United to 4 league triumphs retired.
Teddy Sheringham, Dwight Yorke, Jaap
Stam and Jesper Blomqvist joined
United. Sir Alex had finally rebuilt his
team. 1999 was a magical year for
United and Sir Alex. Down and out in
the semi-finals of the Champions league
against Juventus, it was captain Roy
Keane who inspired them to victory.

28
November, 09 Alex United Sportskeeda

Again in the semi-finals of the FA great comeback giving Sir Alex his
Cup, it took a wonder goal from Ryan most satisfying title triumph.
Giggs to get past Arsenal. Staring Time to rebuild again
defeat in the Champions league final The next 4 years were part of a
against Bayern Munich with only rebuilding process. It started in 2003
minutes to go, goals from Sheringham with the arrival of 19 year old
Portuguese winger
Cristiano Ronaldo. A
player who 6 years
from then was going
to crowned the
world’s best player.
Next followed English
sensation Wayne
Rooney. Edwin Van
der Sar and Park Ji
Sung followed. It was
during this time that
Roy Keane decided
to retire.

Staring defeat in the Champions

league final against Bayern
Munich with only minutes to go,
goals from Sheringham and Ole
and Ole Gunnar Solsjaer in injury
time Gunnar Solsjaer in injury time
gave Sir Alex his first European gave Sir Alex his first European
triumph. The team had created
triumph. The team had created
history. An unprecedented treble –
Premier League, FA Cup and the
history.
Champions League.
A hattrick of titles accompanied the
treble. Ruud Van Nistelrooy was
brought in along with Fabian Barthez.
2001-02 season was tipped to be Defenders
Ferguson’s last year in change at Old Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra joined
Trafford. However it wasnt to be as the team in the January transfer
Ferguson signed a three year extension window. Michael Carrick was signed as
to his contract. Rio Ferdinand was a replacement for Keane. Sir Alex had
bought from Leeds United in a record almost formed his second team at Old
British transfer. The 8 th premier Trafford. With Van De Sar in goal, a
league title in 02-03 was a remarkable solid back four in the form of
season. With 2 months left to go, Ferdinand, Vidic, Neville and Evra, a
United were trailing Arsenal by 8 midfield marshalled by Scholes and
points. Arsenal’s form dipped at the Giggs and a attack comprising of
wrong time and United completed a Ronaldo and Rooney, things had never
looked better.

29
November, 09
The last missing piece was the transfer
of Owen Hargreaves from
Munich. He was brought in for one
reason. To aid United towards another
European triumph. The following year
the team gave him what he wanted.
His second European crown. A season
in which they almost completed their
second treble. 06-07, 07-08,
made it 11 Premier league titles.
Departures of Ronaldo and Tevez and
with Giggs and Scholes nearing the
end of their playing careers,
process of rebuilding has started again.
Whenever he has rebuilt his team, Sir
Alex has always done something
special. His first team achieved
greatness, his second team went further
ahead, and it is time now for his
third. Who would bet against it???
The only thing that can stop him is
his age. But he wants one thing more
before he retires. Another European
triumph. What he has achieved here at
Old Trafford is astounding. He is the
second longest serving manager in
United history after Sir Matt Busby. He
holds the record for most Manager of
the Year awards in British football
history. He is only the third British
manager to win the European cup on
more than one occasion. But his
greatest achievement is something else.
In 1994 on a freezing January night at
Anfield, following their maiden league
success, Sir Alex’s team visited
Liverpool. A banner read “Come back
and sing“ Ooh Aah Cantona “ when
you’ve won 18 “ . That is exactly
Alex united Sportskeeda
what Sir Alex and his United team did
Bayern last week when they visited Anfield.
They had come back after equaling
Liverpool’s 18 titles.
11 Premier League titles, 5 FA Cups, 3 League Cups,
8 Community Shields, 2 UEFA Champions League, 1
08-09 Cup Winners Cup, 1 Super Cup, 1 Intercontinental
Cup and 1 FIFA Club World Cup
the
A master tactician, Sir Alex has
undoubtedly been the greatest man
manager. During his time at Old
Trafford, he has handled players like
Cantona, Keane, Ronaldo and Rooney
which is no small feat. People say that
Sir Alex would have saved Paul
Gascoigne’s career had he joined
United. One more thing that he has
always maintained throughout his stay
here at Old Trafford is that no one
becomes bigger than the club. No
one, not even himself. I just dread
the day he will hang up his boots.
The thing I will miss the most is his
peculiar celebration after a goal. I
have still not understood his childish
jump and the pump of his fists. All I
know is that it brings a big smile on
my face every time I see it.
Someone once said Sir Alex has “no
managerial ability“. Another banner said
“Three years of excuses and its crap.
Ta ra Fergie “……Do you want to know
what was his reply…… 11 Premier
League titles, 5 FA Cups, 3 League
Cups, 8 Community Shields, 2 UEFA
Champions League, 1 Cup Winners
Cup, 1 Super Cup, 1 Intercontinental
Cup and 1 FIFA Club World Cup. Sir
Alex Ferguson, I salute you.
30
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