A Travelogue - A Trekking Experience @ Vayuvanthol

After 5 months, International Team has gone for a trip. Last time it was the chilling Kodaikanal, but this time it’s another extravaganza, a trekking experience at ‘Vayuvanthol’ situated almost 45 kms away from Technopark. It was a one day trip, but there was so much to enjoy. We have started from Technopark round 6 ‘o’ clock in the morning. The enthusiasm and excitement was going higher and higher when each people boarded in the bus from various pick-up points. Till we reaches in our destination around 8 o clock, the bus was trembled with music…Lot many new singers have come forwarded and entertained the team. We reached the destination and had our break fast. When we started the trekking from the base camp, Chathancode, it was 10 ‘o’ clock. When we started off the trekking, it was not that difficult as we have expected. But as the journey progressed, we have started feeling the heat. It was bit difficult to endure the journey…There were some steep cliff to climb on… Group by group we have started to move along… Each and every moment we have enjoyed. Taking snaps and cracking jokes, we kept on ascending to the elevated points. At last we have seen a beautiful water fall in front of us. All the tiredness has gone off once we saw the water-fall and a pool in front. But the water was extremely cold to jump in. But nothing could resist us from jumping into the pool and having a bath. But we have really shocked when our guide told us that we have reached only half the way. Within a few minutes, we have started heading towards the next target. That way ahead was something which was not so easy to climb on. We have experienced the team building in a practical situation. With help of another person, only we could move on. But the sceneries awaited us after that hard journey was really something to cheer about. There was a huge water-fall which is a dozen times bigger than the earlier one. It was also associated with a huge pool… The atmosphere was really chilling. Even the mist-like drops from the water-fall made us shiver once we approached the fall. The wet and slippery rocks and stones were fearsome in nature. We had a splendid photo-session over there. After that, we have started our journey back to the base camp. It was more difficult to descend than ascend those steep rocks. Slowly walking downwards we have reached the base-camp around 2:30. There had our lunch and after taking some rest, we have headed towards the lakeside. There we have planned our team building activities. After those exciting events, we had bamboo rafting and swimming. So many others were playing cricket, football and cards. When we finished all the activities, it was around 6 in the evening. We took bath in the lake and walked back to the base camp. There we had the snacks and took the team photos. After returning to the hotel, we had dinner from there. Later we were entertained by the musical performances from our team mates. Then in that late night, we have started our journey back to Technopark. Almost everyone was tired and was sleeping during the return journey. That was a clear indication towards the hardness of the trekking we have experienced on that. Around 10:30 in the night, we have reached at home. One very tough day of life, but very exciting and satisfactory one as well. No one could easily forget this day. This will always remain in their memories for ever. While returning home, my legs were paining, but mind was just getting excited by thinking about the trip and each and very moments of that… That day is unique… Full of Enjoyment… I wish each and every day is like this… but…

Re-joining & Outing to Wild Palms…

Today 30th October 2006. I have joined back US Technology after a long two months leave. It was a great feeling to get back to the workplace after such a long time. Till yesterday, I was sitting at home and idle. The welcome back I got from my team-mate was really wonderful. People have started clapping when I entered the work-place and I would say it was a warm welcome. They kept me busy by asking so many questions regarding my disease and health. They were curious to know about the same, since it can happen to any of them. I was really tired after replying to all of them. I was really lethargic about the work, since it’s a long time even I have touched my machine. By chance ITEJAVA had planned a small team outing on that day itself. Trip was to Wild Palm Beach Resort, which is just a half an hour ride from the company. It’s a very small resort with some good facilities. Entire ITEJAVA team was there for the outing. We had the team building activities there in the beach, which was a great fun. Later we have played football in the beach. In between the match, we have helped the fishermen out there to push their boats for fishing. It was a great experience to be part of such thing. As it was a beautiful beach, I got an opportunity to take some nice snaps. Later we had some games in the eve. We had our dinner there and left the place by 10 o’clock. It was a great entertaining moments, as if my re-joining was celebrated by my team-mates.

Adieu Schumi!!!

What a climax for the 2006 F1 Season!!! We have witnessed one of the best races ever. There were so many specialties for the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday. This was the decider race for both the Constructor’s Title and the Driver’s Championship, even though only a mathematical possibility was there for Schumi. This was the final race for the greatest ever F1 driver Michel Schumacher, who is retiring from the Formula 1 with this season. Race result was disappointing for Schumi, when his Ferrari mate Massa took the first place and his rival Alonso took the second spot and ensured the Driver’s Championship and Constructor’s title for Renault.It wasn’t a good day out for the former world Champion in Brazil. Some mechanical problems pulled him out of the last qualifying and started in the tenth position in the grid. He had a great start and reached the 8th position and overtook the 2 others to reach the 6th position in the next few laps itself. But a slight collision with Renault’s Giancarlo Fisichella while trying to take the 5th position caused his rear tire to puncture. He jus managed to survive that lap and took the first pit stop after the 7th lap. He was pulled back to the last spot, with almost one minute behind the race leader Massa. But from there he has showed his skill. He was flying through the track and set so many fastest laps of the race. He was inching towards his rivals by each lap. As a result he has picked up the 10th position in a very few laps. Later on he has accelerated well and went pass Rubens Barrichello and Fisichella to reach the 5th position. During the final laps of the race, there was a tough competition between Schumi and Kimi Räikkönen. But Schumi went pass Raikkonen when there were 2 more laps to go. In that penultimate lap of his career, he has set the record for the fastest lap of the track. He has finished 4th position. Even though he couldn’t take the podium position, he made his last race worth memorable and remarkable. Through one of the most determined races he had ever driven, he has jus showed what Formula One will be missing next season. Not content with a fuel feeding issue during Saturday’s qualifying, which dropped the German to tenth on the starting grid, a puncture after eight laps saw the seven-time world champion relegated to the back of the grid. In true Schumacher style, the Ferrari ace set about on one of his barnstorming charges, which saw him, tear through the pack to finish the race in fourth. Afterwards Schumacher said, “All in all, I’d have to say it was a class finale with the car, with the speed we’ve got. But it just wasn’t meant to be for me.”He became the driver of the day through his fantastic performance. His move to take Räikkönen on lap 69 has been mentioned as the move of the season. Even though he couldn’t will the last race of his career, he couldn’t win the Driver’s championship; he ended his career in a perfect style, in a real Schumi style!!! It’s an emotional feeling to see the world of F1 without Schumi in the next season. The F1 is going to miss this greatest ever driver. It is sure that no one can replace Schumi in the world of F1. But he will live in the heart of each and every F1 fans. Its time to say Good Bye to Schumi!!! Adieu Schumi!!! Adieu!!!

The Cutting Edge – 6th October 2006

Selection Committee – The ‘PAWAR’ Play

“The voting system which is followed during the team selection committee meeting is not a proper method. It sometimes leads to so many biased decisions. So many non-eligible players are entering into the squad through such selection process.” Kiron More, Chairman Cricket Selection Committee. The Hindu National Daily, 14th September 2006.“Mumbai’s Dilip Vengsarkar will be the new cricket selection committee chairman and the current BCCI president Sarath Pawar will be re-elected as the BCCI president. The recent changes made in BCCI constituency are assuring Pawar’s re-election.” The Hindu National Daily, 23rd September 2006.“Indian Cricket Team’s door is not shut for anyone, provided he should perform well and give his 100%. No discrimination will be allowed.” Dilip Vengsarkar, Chairman, Cricket Selection Committee. ESPN STAR SPORTS, 28th September 2006.

India Cricket world is always known for the political games that are happening in BCCI. A few years back, Jagmohan Dalmia was showing his political power in BCCI. But now the union cabinet minister and Marata political leader Sarath Pawar is ruling the Indian cricket world. After a lot of political dramas, Dalmia was stepped down from the BCCI chief position and Pawar sworn in almost one year back. But the political dramas are still continuing. BCCI was always under the influence of the Mumbai lobby. When Dalmia was elected as the BCCI head, the Kolkatta lobby started their game. But Kolkatta lobby was always better than the Mumbai lobby since it was less likely to be influenced by the politics. Controversies on selection process are very much common in Indian Cricket World nowadays. It was there from the early stages of Indian Cricket. It has continued and still continuing. Mumbai lobby had played a very crucial role in these controversies all the time. They were directly or indirectly involved with these incidents. Cricket experts are pointing out regionalism and the politics inside the BCCI as the reasons for these controversies and foul plays.

Almost 8 to 10 years back, there was a point of time where Indian Cricket was really worried about the future. We couldn’t see much new faces in the team at that time. Former captain Ganguly and the present captain Dravid are the two exceptions. Not much talent hunts were happened in the bowling department as well. As a result Indians were really struggled in the 1999 World Cup. BCCI has decided to come up with a foreign coach and change the captaincy of the team. This bold move dramatically changed the face of Indian Cricket. Meanwhile the BCCI’s control has been shifted from the Mumbai lobby to the Bengal lobby. Selection committee has been re-organized and in fact it was one of the greatest step ever taken. Soon we have witnessed the rushing of young talented players into the national team. Ganguly-Wright duo has utilized them in a right manner and came up with a young talented Indian team, which has reached the finals of the 2003 World Cup. The selection committee has supported the Captain and Coach all the time to recruit the right players they were in need. When Kiron More took over the chairman of the selection committee, plenty of actions were happening to build a young talented Indian team who can be able to bring the World Cup back to the sub-continent. It was a remarkable performance from Kiron More as the Chairman of the Selection committee. He has done his job pretty well, even though he was a companion of selection and Abhijith Kale bribing controversies. If we look into the positive sides, he has introduced so many young talented faces to the team. Moreover he has supported them during their struggle period as well.

It’s a very usual fact that each selection committee meeting follows controversies. John Wright, the former Indian Coach has disclosed so incidents that were happened during the selection committee meetings in his book “The Indian Summers”. He has clearly described about the various foul plays that were happened during his coaching time. Although he has revealed the true facts behind so many controversial decisions made by the selection committee, Indian cricket world didn’t give much importance to those. But it’s high time to avoid such controversies.

India is a big country and lots of players are performing in the domestic cricket. So BCCI has appointed five selection committee members to pick up the players based on the region. But it is not enough to provide enough opportunity for the young talented players. It was a known fact that it’s very difficult to get a place in the Indian cricket team for a south Indian player. Because the northern and western part of the cricket boards used to dominate in BCCI. So the decisions of the selection committee were biased even though the regional selectors were there. It’s a common phenomenon that the ruling side of BCCI used to put pressure on the selection committee to select their own players. There was a time when Southern part used to get disappointed after the selection committee meetings to select the players for various tours and tournaments. One of the greatest victim such discrimination was the former Kerala captain Ananthapadhmanabhan. At that point of time, the Mumbai lobby was dominating in the selection process. If you look into the number of Mumbai players came into the Indian squad, you can find the intensity of the interventions in the selection process can be easily understood. We can point of lot many players. When a classy spinner like Ananthan is performing well for Kerala, less talented spinners like Nilesh Kulkarni ahs picked his spot in the Indian team for various time and disgustingly Ananthan couldn’t even find his place in the 15 member squad for a single time. The lobby game were so strong that the regional electors were helpless. There were some revolutionary changes happened during the 1995 period when lots ok Karnataka players started getting into the national side. It was a positive sign for the southern side, but as expected this also went in the wrong direction itself. The BCCI authorities always tried to pick their own boys, irrespective of the talents and performances. These power plays were happening for a long time.

When Jagmohan Dalmia has taken over BCCI charge, another Eastern era for Indian Cricket was expected. Fortunately the conditions were improved after that. Lot many talented players were started coming into the team. Some of them have proved themselves and found their spot in the squad. Lot many players from the Southern part got opportunities to play in the National side and prove themselves. The regional selection has happened pretty well. The biased selection process continued for a long time. Major controversies were about the players from Bengal. Most controversial one was the selection of wicket keeper for India’s various tours. Still so people believe that it’s Dalmia who have played behind to bring Bengal’s wicket keeper Deep Das Gupta to the Indian Squad. But fortunately the intensity such interventions were very less. As a result India has came up with a young talented team for the World Cup 2003. Boys have fought well and reached up to the finals of that great tournament. With help of John Wright and Ganguly the experimentations in the team have progressed and which has resulted a better future for the Indian Cricket.

Once again the BCCI ruling side has changed around one year back. We could see the differences in all aspects of the game. Mumbai lobby has started their power plays. Lot many controversies have happened during this period. Ganguly’s sacking from the national squad was just a beginning. Axing of so many senior players were happened in the name of brining more young bloods into the team with a focus on next world cup that is to be held in 2007. But the foul plays in the selection processes are still continuing. Once again Mumbai players have started their marching to the Indian team. Some of them are there with the squad even without any significant performances. It was always there as a problem for the Indian Cricket, when one who performs stands out of the national squad, so many people who don’t even deserve their spot in the team are entered into the team through the back door games. Most recently Sreesanth’s omission from team for RP Singh, it was another political drama that happened. These are really killing the passion and confidence of the young players. Such players will remain in the team for a long time and will get more than enough chances to perform too. Meanwhile the deserved people are still waiting outside for a chance with some good performances in the domestic cricket. Actually these types of incidents are seriously affecting the confidence of such players. This is creating much frustration in their mind and which will in turn lead to the collapse their career too. When such power plays are happening in the board, lots of talented players are ending their cricketing career at the early stages itself.

Lets do have a comparison with India and Australia. What make Australia a better side than India? Are the flourished with more talented players than India? Do they have any special plan for game? Absolutely No. What makes them unique in the world of Cricket is the Professionalism they have adopted. They are following that professionalism from the training camps for kids to the least important things affecting the team. They are very much keen on such things. Being a small country, lots of talented players are coming up from Australia. They never face a problem when a class player is getting retired from the International team, because the next level of good, talented players are ready to replace them. The cricket board in Australia is very much free from the dirty politics. They are working hard to make a better team always so that they can remain in the spot of the world champions. The selection process they are following is accurate and they are ensuring that the right kind of players is coming into the squad. Moreover, with the rotation policy they are following, all the players in the squad will get the chance to perform. They do experiments and achieving results. Aussies selectors believe in performances. Not in the career records. This is one of the unique aspects of the Aussies selectors. That’s why everyone admires their moves. Best examples are the sacking of Mark Waugh and Mathew Hayden. Undoubtedly they are doing a tremendous job as selectors. Another important thing is the financial back up they are providing for the players who are playing the domestic cricket. They are well rewarded and given some excellent training and fitness improving facilities. They are getting world-class facilities to train them themselves. Is that seems to be envious?

Coming back to India, do you think any of these types of moves have happened yet? Absolutely No. The dirty politics is happening in the board. They are just trying to make enough money from the board. As you all know, India is contributing 70% of ICC’s income. That’s why politicians are much interested in Cricket in India. And unfortunately for Indian Cricket, it’s bringing adverse effects only. Politics is not only affecting in selection process but also in all aspects of the game. Being the wealthy cricket board of the world, BCCI couldn’t even able to come up with a better financial back up system for the players. They couldn’t come up with a good fitness center for the team. Players are just relying on the various cricket academies run by various former cricketers and board is not ready to help them too. It’s high time to stop such ‘PAWAR’ plays inside the cricket board and save Indian Cricket. Otherwise the dream of becoming the best team in the world will always remain as a Dream!!!

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED IN LIFE?

I’ve learned-
that we don’t have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I’ve learned-
that no matter how good a friend is, they’re going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I’ve learned-
that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I’ve learned-
that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I’ve learned-
that it’s taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I’ve learned-
that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I’ve learned-
that you can keep going long after you can’t.

I’ve learned-
that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I’ve learned-
that either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I’ve learned-
that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place.

I’ve learned-
that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I’ve learned-
that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I’ve learned-
that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I’ve learned-
sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you’re down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I’ve learned-
that sometimes when I’m angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn’t give me the right to be cruel.

I’ve learned-
that just because someone doesn’t love you the way you want them to doesn’t mean they don’t love you with all they have.

I’ve learned-
that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you’ve had and what you’ve learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you’ve celebrated.

I’ve learned-
that it isn’t always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I’ve learned-
that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn’t stop for your grief.

I’ve learned-
that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I’ve learned-
that just because two people argue, it doesn’t mean they don’t love each other And just because they don’t argue, it doesn’t mean they do.

I’ve learned-
that you shouldn’t be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I’ve learned-
that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I’ve learned-
that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don’t even know you.

I’ve learned-
that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you you will find the strength to help.

I’ve learned-
that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I’ve learned-
THAT THE PEOPLE[or anything] YOU CARE ABOUT MOST IN LIFE ARE TAKEN FROM YOU TOO SOON.

F1 Mania - Schumacher Rulez!!!

Once again Schumi is at the top of the Grand Prix World. He has comprehensively won the Chinese Grand Prix today at Shanghai International Circuit today. It was one of his dazzling drives we have seen from this 37-year only world champion. Determined Schumacher has come up with a brilliant performances fighting against the wet and dry conditions after starting at number six position in the grid. It was an unbelievable performance from this former world champion, who is still eyeing on the eighth driver championship before his retirement by the end of this season. It was his fifth race wins in last seven races, importantly the most exciting win of this season. It is his first win in China. He had a very poor performance here in Shanghai in that past two seasons. With this victory, he has moved up to 116 points in the title race level with defending champion Alonso, but leads the championship by having won seven races to the Spaniard’s six.It was poor performance from Ferrari team yesterday when the qualifying rounds have taken place. The racing conditions have clearly a set back for the Ferrari team, using the Bridgestone tyres. Schumacher finished only in the sixth position in the grid and his teammate Mazza couldn’t complete the qualifying round with the engine failure. Race was not much different from yesterday. It was overcastted, wet and miserable. It has clearly given an upper hand for the Alonso. He has started off well and took a good margin of lead in the beginning. But Schumacher has showed excellence when he has passed over Barichello and Button and took the fourth spot. Ferrari team has taken their pit stops very carefully and didn’t change the tyres most often. The perfect pit stop timings from the Team Ferrari helped Schumacher to pull himself up to the first position. Initially he was struggling behind the Renault drivers in the third spot. But his driving experience and risky behavior helped him to surpass Fischella to reach the top position. From that point of time, he has dominated well and managed to maintain his lead till the very lead. Everyone has expected a dramatic twist in the race once the rain came down when there were five laps to go and Alonso was just 12 second behind Schumacher. Under that pressure situation, he has kept his nerves and fought well. When Alonso was charging up in the wet condition, any sort of mistake from Schumi might damage his chances for the driver’s championship. Even though he has struggled a bit with the unexpected wet situation, his control over the vehicle was exceptional. I would say, that’s the quality of a Classic Grand Prix driver. When he came back to the pit after the checkered flag, he has celebrated his victory with his teammates by jumping over the barricades. That itself shows how much he has cherished to win over here in Shanghai.Anyway a dazzling performance from the 37-year old German. A truly amazing race, I have ever witnessed. In this rain-hit Chinese Grand Prix no one has expected a victory for Schumacher. But he has done it and done it in a style. No words can describe his today’s performance. Hats off to Schumi!!! With two more races to go, the races for driver’s championship and Constructor’s title is still on. Hope Schumi, Mazza and Ferrari will do well in the forthcoming races and will give a great farewell for this Greatest Ever Driver of F1!!!

The Cutting Edge – 24th September 2006

DLF Cup – An Eye Opener

It was a great move from the part of BCCI to conduct a tri-nation tournament outside India. They have selected a right location for the same. Kulalambur, the capital of Malaysia. Lots of cricketing actions are happening in the eastern part of Asia and Malaysia is a key player among the newly developing cricket nations. BCCIs move is in the right direction to promote Cricket in those part of the world. The world Champions Australia, defending Champions Trophy champs West Indies and the Men in Blue India were the three nations. All the matches where scheduled to happen in the same ground, but in two pitches.The tournament was started off under the rain threat and Duckworth Lewis rule played some key role in the first three matches. Fortunately it hardly came into the action after that. West Indies entered into the finals of the DLF Cup, even before the starting of the second round of matches. The rain god has helped India to avoid a humiliating early exit from the tournament. Indians have kept their hope alive till the last match against the world champions and unfortunately marched out of the tournament. Australia comprehensively beat West Indies in the Final and lifts the DLF cup in a real style. Through this series victory, they have proved themselves to be a strong candidate for the Champions Trophy to be held in the forthcoming October. The world Champions couldn’t even reach the finals of any of the Champions Trophies held till.A terribly disappointing tournament for the Men in Blue. They managed to secure only a single victory in their account, all though they have played 4 matches in this tournament. Lots of discussions are happening in the Indian Cricket world to find out the root-cause behind this embarrassing series defeat. Right from the beginning of the series, Indians were really lacking the confidence. We have seen some individual performances in this series. But we couldn’t see any teamwork from their part. We have seen 11 Indian players in the ground. We have hardly seen a team-effort from their side. As a spectator, I really doubt whether the Indian team is lacking the team spirit nowadays. Each and everyone are trying to come up with some individual performances, but they miserably failed to perform as a team.If we analyze India’s performance in the DLF Cup, the striking factor will be the out of form of the top-order batsmen. After coming back from the injury, Sachin has delivered his best to give an upper hand for the team. But he didn’t get that much support from the team to capitalize his performance. Even though we have scored more than 300 runs in the first match, we couldn’t win that match. Unfortunately, the match was awarded to the Windies according to the D/L method. But the poor performance from the Indian bowlers forced us to think that we never got a chance to come back to that match. The bowlers had done their job pretty well in the second match against the world champs. But 35/5 in 8 Overs was a never expected score from a team with so many world-class players and a well-reputed batting order. The rain god has showered more than enough mercy over the Indians to avoid a much humiliating defeat. A Do or Die situation in the third match, but Indians have done quite well in the third match and beat Windies to keep their hopes alive for the Final. Even though Lara was emphasizing on rotation policy and complete squad participation, it was a much ‘suspected’ match. Windies have done too much of experimentations in their team compositions as well as in the batting order for that particular crucial game as if they didn’t want to meet the world Champs in the final. The bowlers have done their duty well to restrict the Kangaroos in the ‘semi-final’ match. Once again the famous batting order collapsed like anything. One-man show from Mongia went in vain when India lost the match by 16 runs. Top order batsmen couldn’t even show any sort of resistance against the Aussies pace attack and proved their inability to handle the pressure situation. The most interesting factor is the Man in form, Tendulkar’s failure, when chasing the scores. Critics got another good opportunity to point out his inability to handle pressure, which is haunting him for so many years.

After the defeat against the World Champs, captain Rahul Dravid seems to be terribly disappointed with his team’s performance. In the press-meet he didn’t hide his disappointment. In his opinion, Indian batsmen were the real problem for the team. They have never performed up to the expectations of the team. He praised his bowlers for doing a pretty good job all through the series as well. But analyzing deep into the poor performance of the Indian team, we can find some basic reasons for the series defeat. Too much of experimentation, poor team selection, Coach’s commanding power over captain are some of them. Cricket experts are already asking coach Greg Chapel to stop the experimentations with the team. It was a great move from the part of a new coach to come up with some experiments in a team to make the team a stabilized one. Initially, he got enormous support from the cricket world for such experimentations. It might be because of the success he got from those experiments. It was a nice move from the Chapel to send Pathan and Dhoni in number 3 positions. They have delivered their best and the resulted in some great victories for the Indian team. Truly inspiring from such moves, many experimentation were happened in the other part of the cricket world too.

Chapel has come up with very strange opening combo for this tri-nation series. When two specialist openers are there in the team, coach has decided to open the innings with an opener and a class middle-order batsman. The first match justified his decision, but later on this pair collapsed. Sehwag is a kind of player who likes to open up himself and strike the ball right from the first delivery. It was a foolish decision to send him in as a No.4 batsman, which has obviously taken off the confidence of the batsmen. The net result; run-draught continues for Sehwag and managed to score only 28 runs in 4 matches. Even ‘the wall’ was also struggling to score runs in his new batting position. Even though the skipper has started off well, failed in all the other 3 matches and just scored 42 runs in the 4 matches. The most talented player in the Indian squad, Yuvraj couldn’t even open his account in the whole series. The explosive batsman Dhoni couldn’t show his magic in the series. And a big mistake from his part in the crucial match against the Kangaroos became the turning point of the series for India. If we look into the performances of various players and statistics, we could realize one thing. Not only the out-of form for the players, but the unwanted experiments in the batting order also have affected their performances. That could have been avoided.

The objectives of the experimentations are clear for the cricket world. But too much of experimentations are affecting the stability of the team and confidence as well. Players are not sure about the expectations on them. This is what happened with Pathan. He lost his concentration in bowling and started concentrating on batting to become a pinch-hitter or a batting all-rounder for the world cup. Net result is the poor performance and failed miserably in both the departments. The instability in the team has made the team members worried about their position in the team. These much adverse effects are coming in simply because of the experimentations that are happening inside the team. Its high time for the coach to re-think about the strategy he is following.

Another prime factor is the Team Selection. It might be another side effect of the experimentations. But it’s always better to pick the best-fit squad for the one-day matches, since it’s the most versatile form of cricket. It was a surprising decision from the coach to include un-fit Yuvaraj in the squad. His presence in the team will surely strengthen the batting line-up; that’s for sure. But coach has taken a risky decision to include him in the final squad. He has replaced Kaif, who have performed well in both the games he got the opportunity to play. Statistics are standing along with Yuvi, but the present form and the confidence was supporting Kaif. But coach and the captain have decided to go for Yuvi instead of an in-form player. Indians have paid for that big mistake. Kaif was really looking confident after his Windies tour and very much keen to perform. Luckily the omission from the team didn’t take his confidence off. In the bowling department also, coach was doing some experimentations. He preferred RP Singh to Sreesanth in so many matches. But Singh’s performance was below average and Sree has done a pretty good job, even though he played a single match. Moreover, Dinesh Mongia had played well when he got a chance to perform, where the famous Indian batting line-up has collapsed like anything. The coach and captain should concentrate much more on the team selection. There are so many external factors, which are affecting the team selection, but the team selection should be done in such a manner that it won’t result an adverse effect on the team’s performance.

There were some remarkable performances from some players. Mohammed Kaif, Suresh Raina and Mongia have performed well in the batting. They have accepted the challenges and fought well. When the top-order batsmen failed to deliver their best, these young lads have played attacking cricket and showed some sort of resistance. These guys have performed well in the fielding too. After seeing their performances, one could ensure that India’s cricket future is very much safe in their hands. It’s important for team management to keep on supporting them all through their career. Bhaji, Munaf pattel and Sreesanth have done well in the bowling department. It was really nice to see Bhaji bowling in tandem. He has really puzzled the Aussies in both the matches. His had made some valuable contributions with the bat too. It’s a really positive sign for the Indians to see Bhaji coming back into the form. It was a quite surprising decision to include Munaf Pattel in the playing eleven. But he has justified that decision by neat, tidy bowling all through the series. He was consistent, economical and moreover wicket taking. He open the bowling and came up with some good spells to put pressure on opposition. His consistent line and length bowling helped the other bowlers to do their job much easier. Agarkar and Sreesanth have done their job pretty decently. Both were economical, consistent and did the death over bowling quite well. Sreesanth has come up with a good show under the pressure situation. These glimpses of good cricket were also there in Kulalampur in between India’s pathetic performance.

There was a notable comment from the former cricketer and commentator Ravi Shathri about Indian team’s performance. He said, Chapel is becoming a super-captain and its brining much adverse effect on team India’s performance. He asked to give more freedom to the captain, especially in the team selection and batting line-up. The points he had pointed out were very important as far as Team India is concerned. The Chapel-effect has brought many positive changes in Indian cricket. And the cricket world has started admiring that too. When these experimentations and unwanted changes in the team structure started going in the wrong way, its high time for the team management and BCCI to have a look into the issue. When team India is concerned, Dravid never seems to be captain. The coach made all the decisions and captain is just under the command of the Chapel. A captain shouldn’t be a subordinate of the coach. He should play not only with the bat and ball, but with the brain too. A captain should be a thinking warrior. With some series victories in the starting of the career as a captain, Dravid seemed to be a promising captain. But with his over-dependency on the coach made him much weaker and weaker as the days progressed. Indian cricket world expected a very good captain in Dravid, when Ganguly, ever best Indian captain stepped down from that position. But all the expectations were started reversing nowadays. He became an ordinary player in the team, who is not even able to decide his own batting position in the line-up. I don’t think that Indian cricket has ever gone through such a pathetic stage yet. It is envious to see how Ricky Ponting is performing as the captain of the world champions. I would say he is the best captain in the world. He is having the leadership skills and importantly he is effectively using those skills. He is managing his team members as well as team’s performance very brilliantly. For example we can see how effectively he has implemented the rotation policy in his team. He stepped down from the captaincy and didn’t play one match as part of the same. Indians have to learn so many things from that ‘professional’ team and their captain.

Now the team is back in the country and enjoying their small break before the local tournament, Challenger Trophy. It’s the only one chance for the team India to do some warm up before the Champions Trophy which going to commence from the 5th October. A lot of actions are expected to happen in this series. Players like Ganguly, Laxman, Kumble, Nehra, Balaji are expected to make a come back in this series. Since the Champions Trophy squad has already been declared we can’t expect any dramatic thing to be happen as the after effect of this series. But it’s a last chance for the players to practice, especially for the Indian top order. Since four matches are going to happen in four days, it’s going to be a tough task for the players to perform well. But these types of small tournaments are always helpful to find out the real talented players. The cricket board should ensure some better treatment for the players who are emerging through such small series. Hope they will learn from their faults and correct themselves to come up with good performance in Champions Trophy and the World cup 2007, which is going to come in next January.

Exploring through Orkut

I was there in Orkut.com for a long time. From the begining itself, I have added lot many friends… I just thought of adding friends… Didin’t event mind to go back to them and talk to them. I made so many friends like that… But last week, I have started talking to so many people… I met so many people and talked to them… People from different part of the world, who talks different languages, who are having different perspective on life…Met some very serious people, some bloggers, some fresh talents from campus… I met so many school friends, whom I have lost long way back… I got them back… It is a wonderful experience to talk to them after a long time… Nice is really to hear from them….

As part of the exploring, I met some interesting people… One is Durga… ooops wrong one… Her actual name is Manju….She is a regular blogger. She is a software engineer by profession. But she is a creative writer. I have gone through her blogs and talked to her a lot about the same. Her concept about life, religion are excellent… He is very much religious and very close to the God Almighty. I have seen her programs ove Asianet. I am looking towards some great works from her… It was a fantastic experience to meet such a person in Orkut.com.

Another person is Syamnath from Lukhnow… But he is basically a Keralite. He is a regular orkut vistor… He had a strange way of making friends… He used to visit the campus communities and pick some people whose profile seems to be interesting… He is not at all a serious person… He likes traveling and he has written so many descriptions about the places he has visited. So many beautiful travelogues… he has given me so many valubale information about so amny places and so manu concepts…. It was a great experience to talk to him… Now he is on a vacation to Tibat… I am eagerlyw aiting for his return to know more about Tibat….

So I just realized how valube this Orkut is… Meeting people and sharing experience is something great…When you meet great people, that will become a wonderful experience… So I am going to stick on to Orkut… Awaiting for such wonderful occasions…..

Family Get-Together

A weekend that gave me lots of things to remember… I was there in Eranakulam to attend a Entrepreneur Business session in Arafa Hall of Le Meridian, Cochin. The session was fantastic. It was strted around 12 o clock noon and went upto 8:30 PM. It was really a motivational session. So many people have given their valuable advise on Personality development and self development. Each one were stressing on the success of an individual. It has given some real inspiration for me…

Another important thing about this weekend was the family get-together that happened as part of this. My cousins from Bangalore were there. So it was nice to see them together after a long time… Precisely after 1.5 years… It was great fun to eat outside and freak out there in the city… It was very difficult for everyone to part after such an enjoyment… Anyway it was a great weekend… I am just looking forward to occasions…

A Travelogue - Memorable Trip To Kodai…

Friday, June 16, 2006. I don’t like to forget that day… I have started one of the memorable trip on that day… We have started our journey towards Kodaikanal, most beautiful hill-station of south India, around 8:40 PM from technopark. So many pick-up points on the way… The enthusiasm started increasing when each person boarded the bus. Some thrilling moments… with lots of fun..lots of music and dance… the mood of celebration was created so early, and it continued till the very end, that was the best part of it… Each and everyone were in a festive mood… That was a sleepless night not only for me but for almost everyone…. Dancing and singing continues till 1 o clock in the morning… I finally managed to get the back seat for sleeping… After a d-few minutes the memories started fading and I was slowly entered into the sleep… When I woke up, the bus was stopped by the side of high-way… I heard someone shouting outside that the bus was puncture. It was around 2:30 in the morning. Finally we found out a garage. When we started wheeling again, it was around 3:30. Unfortunately, we were kilometers away from our destination… All our dreams of reaching Kodai in the morning were shattered… I didn’t feel like sleeping but slowly fall into sleep sometimes later…Bus was moving very slowly, almost below 60kph… I could see so many disappointed faces inside the bus… We have lost some precious hours… But we have reached our destination around 01:30pm…that too after a 16 Hrs of journey. We were stayed in a very small rest house there in outer-kodai. But all our thoughts changed once we saw the facilities… Even though its a small one, the facilities and the services provided were excellent. We had already lost 4 valuable hours… We had a quick round of refreshment and when we reached the dining hall, the typical kerala food was ready for all of us… I do believe that the food need some kind of remarks. We were expecting an average food from there. But the food was excellent…

It was a sunny, bright afternoon there in Kodai. Since we have lost a few hours, we were really confused to select a place to go… At last someone suggested about “Dolphin-Nose“. Soon after the lunch we have started walking towards our next target… It was really difficult to walk through the road… Later it became a narrow passage which is very difficult to move ahead. We walked for a long time expecting that we will reach the dolphin nose very soon… But the passage became very hard to endure… Time was running out, and we hadn’t even seen the hint of the destination… Time was around 6 o clock in the evening… Some of us started yelling that we should return to the hotel… But some determined pals, kept on walking… after walking around 15 minutes we have reached near the dolphin nose… The rock projecting towards the valley resembles to the nose of a dolphin… the steep cliff walls reminds me the film cliff hanger… The tale part of the rock was so steep that one would afraid of going to the tip of it… It was getting darken when we started our journey back… It was a tough job for us to get back to our base camp… Journey was a rigorous one… We hardly have any torch or any candle with us. But the mobile phones came for our rescue… We took arund 3 hours to get back to our hotel… While we were taking rest at the hotel, one of the hotel crew told us that we have traveled around 15 kilometers to and fro… It was quite surprise for all of us… We never knew that we have walked this much distance… But it was a totally different experience… Just like a team-building exercise….

Best part of the day came when we had camp-fire in the night… Lots of music and dance… Anthakshari section was quite hilarious… We had a great supper with grilled chicken… Those were really above our expectations… I was really tired and thought of going to bed. But that didn’t work out when my friends called me for playing cards…. That went till 2 o clock in the late night… After that somehow I reached my room and went to bed…

When woke up in the morning, everyone were getting ready with more and more enthusiasm, that was visible in their faces… around 9 o clock in the morning, we had our break fast and headed towards the outing places…At first we had gone to Suicide point and later we went to pillar rock. At that time, someone suggested the anme Pine forest… When we were on the way to Pine forest, we took left turn which led us to the “Guna Caves“. Only after reaching there, we had realized that we have taken the wrong path… Later we found the right path and started walking towards that… Surprisingly Pine forest was one of the most beautiful places in Kodai… The nature lovers were really happy to visit such a place. I would say, they were really enjoying that… A chilling atmosphere and the snow was slowly coming down through the pine woods… It was really an amazing feast for the eyes… Most of the photo sessions were took place there itself… Later we went to lake-side and had our food from there… Then it was the time for boating and cycling… Boating for around half an hour and a quick round of shopping… We were really running out of time… Bought some home-made chocolates and got back to bus… Around 4:30 in the evening we have titrated our journey back… A silent farewell to Kodai…While we were demounting the hair-pins of Kodai, everyone were just thinking about the few hours we were enjoyed in that hill station…

The bus was moving like a tortoise… cars and buses were overtaking us and driver didn’t mind giving them space to go ahead… That was a desperate situation… Slow movement of the bus made everyone to loss the temper for a while… We were doubting that last day’s long journey might repeat once again… But later on its started moving in pace… The mood of the trip came back once the music and dance came in gain… But it didn’t last long…Slowly everyone’s attention switched over to the movie… Some of us were still singing some melodies and trying to keep the atmosphere more lively… But after the dinner, the bus has slowly went to sleep…

Around 4 o clock, when I opened my eyes, the bus was stopping somewhere. I thought, damn It got puncture again… But suddenly I realized that we were stopping in Trivandrum… It was a real amusement for us. Around 6 o clock in the morning I reached my home… And that was the end of 2 day’s excitement...

We ere enjoyed a lot… My mind is still not reday to accept that its all over… The tour is over… I am still in that enjoyment mood… I do believe that those who have enjoyed the trip will be in such a mood now also… Each and everyone of us have enjoyed the trip… They get to know one another… The trekking was a real team building activity… so now what I feel is that the fragrance of this tour will always be with me forever… This tour has given me lots of memorable moments… Lots of new friends… Feeling of togetherness is still in my mind… I do believe that we have taken lots n lots of things back than what we have carried to that hill station…

No doubt it was a memorable trip… I may never get a chance to be the part of such a tour and such a team… Truly from my heart I would say, I am waiting for another occasion like this to be with this team…

Mission Impossible Weekend...

A quite good weekend… The world cup fever has alreday started… So started spending much time in front of the television. A very special incident that happened on staturday was the movie outing from UST. “Mission Impossible -iii” It was an avaerage movie… Just an entertainer and being the sequel of MI-i, it is quite repeating scenes n all… Sunday I went for my class-mate Jinu’s engagement at Manarcadu Church at Kottayam. It was really a nice time to meet some of my college friends over there… She is getting married on next syunday, i.e on 18th June… Her would be, Joby is working with MindTree Bangalore. I am taking this occasion to pray for her goodness and well-being…

Now the world cup started playing a lot in day-to-day life. Lots of arguments, discusions, analysis on matches and goals… So its really intersting to be a part of such things… Now I am eagerly wiating for the next round of matches….

Sonia’s Engagement & Marriage

One of our GH Pal, Sonia’s engagement was on 29th May 2006, Sunday at Little Flower Church, Elamkulam, Cochin. Her world be Noel, is working with Infosys, Bangalore. Their marriage is on 11th June 2006. I am taking this opportunity to congratulate and wish her a happy and successful married life. Nothing more… Life is just going fine…Rainy season, very cool atmosphere… Not feeling like doing anything… Just wish to sit at home and enjoy… Nowadays bit busy with work as well as debating… Mainly exploring the sports - cricket areas since India-WI series going on… Another favorite job is to thrash the forwards… Infy and CTS pals are very busy with forwarding such stuffs… So it has became a nightmare for me, even though i was a die-hard supporter of the forwards earlier… Was just joking…. Nothing more to write… Thinking that events are not at all coming to my life… Hope this may change soon….

Syama’s Marriage

Thursday, May 11, 2006. My class mate Syama got married to Vincent at St.Mary’s Church Njarackal. He is working in an IT firm in Pune. She is the 6th person from my class mate to get married. And moreover CSE marraiage after a long time. Since it was a working day, the attendance was really low. A very few friends participated in the marriage. I was lucky enough to see many of my friends there… At this moment all my prayers are with Syama for a very happy marriage life…. Just Signing off…

Jothy’s Marriage

Saturday, April 29, 2006. One of my Turbo Plus friends, Jothy got married to Jumesh. Marriage was at Kundara, Kollam. I am taking this opportunity to wish her a very happy married life…

Away from office for a long time….

A week with lots of festivals and celebrations. Both Vishu and Easter came in the same week. So after a long time, I was away from office for a long time. One of my friend and colleague Leksmi got married on last Thursday. Her husband Bibin, who is working here in IBS Trivandrum. I spent my Vishu @ home along with my parents and sister. There were not much celebrations… Its been a long time since I celebrated such an occasion. So I am very mu got adjusted with such a situation. My Batch mate Nisha got married to Simon. Marriage was @ Mavelikkara. She is working with TCS Bangalore and Simon is working with BEA Systems USA. Later Myself, Rohith and Sai went to our friend, Vandana’s house @ Puliyoor, Chengannoor. So while looking back, I feel the last week was really a memorable one with lots of events…. Now after the holidays, getting back to work makes me much lazy… Since its Life, I am just rolling along with all…..

Sad and Untimely demise of Rakesh Rajan

“He who has gone, so we but cherish his memory, abides with us, more potent, nay, more present, than the living man.” - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Rakesh Rajan has passed away on last friday morning. Rakesh was a friend, philosopher, and guide to everyone around him and his untimely passing will leave a void. Rakesh’s contribution to the Microsoft Community has exemplified over the years. The passion for work and technology he demonstrated was legendary. Rakesh was recognized by Microsoft, when they conferred him with the title of Most Valuable Professional. Rakesh also figures in the MSDN India Hall of Fame list. Rakesh was a regular contributor to public forums. Reviewing and authoring books was a natural extension to his endless pursuits, and he did so by teaming up with Apress publications. His first endeavor was a technical review, the success of which saw him penning his own book - Visual C# 2005 Recipes: A Problem-Solution Approach. When he passed away, all of a sudden a big void has came into existense in our life as well as mind… We will miss our dearest Undapps forever. On this occassion only we could do is to pray for his soul… May his soul rest in peace…

A Colorful week with a Splendid Weekend…

Last week was really a colorful week not only for me, but for the entire technopark here in Trivandrum. We had our anuall celebrations last week called “Tech-A-Break 2006″. That was started off with colorful carnival with the theme “GYPSY”. Last week, a rock band called “DREAD-LOCKS” performed for us. Lot many competitions, including both cultural as well as sports events. Today, the singing sensation of India, Sonu Nigam has performed for us. During his 2 and a half hour Live Stage Show, he has roked the techopark campus. That was really one of the remarkable evening of my life. with his melodies and fast numbers, he had entertained each and everyone of us here in Technopark. so very melodious weekend for all of us….

International Nite @ Poovar

12th March 2006, a great for my account (International). We have conducted our first-ever International Nite on that day @ Estuary Island Resort Poovar. It is away from the heart beat of the metro, anchored by backwaters estuary, hills looking down with years of sagacity, mangroves and coconut palm low lands, stunning panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Estuary covered by backwaters on three side and by sea on the west… We reached there by around 5 o clock. It was a great time, when we had our Team-Building activities there in the beach. Those games as well as the observation part were really helpful to improve ourselves. Then we had our cultural event “GENESIS” there in the conference hall. Nattu with his Keyboard and Sunith with his Guitar were stolen the show… After dinner, there was a big olam music party by us. That was the really entertainer for the day…. We have celebrated South Africa’s historic win over the world Champions Aussies inside boat… After all … some nice memories left… A great day… Really great….

GH Completes 1 Year in US Technology

On March 1st, I have completed 1 year in US Technology Trivandrum. My batch also completed first year… So we had a celebration @ Veli Tourist Resort. We went there around 5:30 and spent time in beach… It was a really great occasion because its almost after 3 months we all came together… So very special moments… We had our lunch from restaurant there itself… then came back around 9 o clock. So those were some special moments in life...

Sharon’s Farewell Treat

One more very special occasion… Location was @ Ambrosia, Technomall, Technopark, Trivandrum. Time around 7 in the evening… Occasion is Sharon’s Treat… One of our dearest GH Pal Sharon is getting married in the coming April. She is leaving the company on 17th of March… It was another great get-together. Almost all GH pals here in Trivandrum assembled @ Ambrosia… Lots of fun, cheers, jokes…. The party was very fine and great… But at last, one more GH pal is leaving the GH folks… I am taking this opportunity to wish her all success in her future life… May god bless her with all good things…. Thank you Sharon… Thanks a lot for being a good GH pal and a great friend of mine… Thanks a lot…

A Restful Week and Weekend…

“Roses are red, violets are blue,

Sugar is sweet, and so are you

The roses have wilted, the violets are dead,

The sugar bowl’s empty, and so is your head

The roses stink, sorta like sheep

But leave your name, number, and message after the beep

The roses are molding, the violets are rotten

And I might call you back, if I haven’t forgotten….”

Nothing great about this week… Nothing special happened… As usual… Lots of work…. work is bit hectic nowadays… The forthcoming week is a very special one for me… Two important incidents are coming up… On March first, I am completing one year in company… I am completing my first year in my career… A very special one… On this moment, I am remembering all the efforts and hard work I have put to reach upto here… March third is my birthday… Thats the second thing about the forthcoming week… Hope I will have a great week ahead… Hope everyone will also have a great week ahead….

Happy Birthday Durga

Today 15th Feb 2006, Durga’s Birthday… A very special Day for her... You are so very special and so full of funI think that your birthday should be a really happy one!It’s your special day, A chance to do what you want to doTo show how much I care, I had this card made just for you…

Wishing her a very happy and properous year ahead. May god bring her all sort of joy and happiness in the forthcoming year…

One More Valentine’s Day passed…

One more Valentine’s day passed… without any special moments…One more day passed as usual…Nothing much great…Nothing much bad…Equally balanced situation…What to say..? One more day passed…First valentine’s day without any celebration since 2000….Happy valentines day everyone…I hope u all have sum one to share this special day of love with…Make sure u say i love u today because it means more on this day of love…So go on love, leave while there’s still hope for escape… gotta take what you can these days…there’s so much ahead & so much regret…Once again Happy Valentine’s day to one and all...

Google Server Down - Shocking!!!

11th Feb 2006, 10:30 PM IST, I encountered a strange problem, when I tried to access GMail, Google Server was down at that time. I am attaching the screenshot of that error along with this. That was really shocking for me since the Google Server was known for it’s powerful request handling capability… That was a really shocking experience for me… Hope this problem will be resolved soon… Anyway such things happens rarely...