07.16.06
Two new hopefuls…
I do like to follow new upcoming players in most sports. Especially so in cricket, maybe since it’s easier to follow obscure young players coming through. Guess I get a kick out of being witness to the transformation that typically takes place by the time a talented player finally makes the cut in an international side. Of course this process of following hopefuls is fraught with the frustration of seeing talent burn out or being frittered away. I remember having high hopes from Ambati Raidu to make it in the Test arena after seeing him bat in the under-19’s. But after a bright start he has faded away after bowlers in our domestic leagues sorted out his technical weaknesses.
Anyway nowadays I’m keenly following the progress made by Piyush Chawla(17 yrs) a classical leg spinner and Rohit Sharma(19 yrs) a wristy batsman who bats a bit like VVS Laksman. I first noticed Piyush in the under 19 world cup while Rohit Sharma made an impression in the India A games against Pakistan A in Dubai earlier this year. Piyush is ahead as far as current progress goes having played 1 Test and some one dayers. He also helped UP win the Ranji Trophy this year. Rohit has only played in under 19’s and some India A games so far prior to the ongoing India A tour in Australia. So far they seem to be doing well in Australian conditions. Piyush took 7 wickets in this weeks victory against New Zealand A while Rohit scored a 50.
A search for balance…
Just been musing over some incidents that occurred with me over the past 3-4 weeks. Wondering why an on-line presence seems to affect behaviour so much. In the various on-line forums I’ve been part of in the past 3-4 years, similar extreme symptoms seem to arise in me and in others. The urge to appear smarter, more idealistic or honest seems overwhelming. Conversely also is the almost uncontrollable desire to criticize / cut to ribbons any remotely inadequate action by others. A subtler form might also be the urge to whine incessantly in blogs about how everyone in authority is wrong, corrupt, hopeless or without any sort of morals whatsoever. I suppose there are many very focused blogs that do make a difference by taking up activist causes. But the balance is kind of fine I guess since there are countless others that are just hopelessly phony. My last blog did have its moments on both sides of that thin line so I ‘ll be extra careful here. Much rather concentrate on things that I care about regardless of how insignificant or nondescript they may be.
