CSK wins IPL 2010

What’s up with captains inexplicably promoting Harbhajan Singh as a pinch hitter? Dhoni did it in the ODI against Sri Lanka in December 2009 (If folks don’t remember, that’s the match where the Indians scored their highest ODI total of 414/7). Today, the Mumbai Indians did it against CSK. Sure, Harbhajan has swung wildly and has connected a few over the years, but there is no excuse for promoting him ahead of Rayudu, Tiwary, Duminy and Pollard.

It was a rather disappointing end to Sachin’s excellent run in the tournament. But, having scored over 600 runs in the tournament with a strike rate of over 130 with just three DLF maximums, I think he has proved that proper, consistent, skillful batting does have a place in Twenty20 cricket.

Amazing Sehwag sets up improbable chase

Playing tough, patient, flair-free, textbook Test cricket over four days, England had slowly but surely, tightened their grip on the match, leaving India to chase an impossible 387 in 120 overs on a deteriorating pitch.

History indicated a win was impossible. The odds were long to even contemplate a draw. But, apparently nobody told Sehwag. He batted with purpose, didn’t allow any bowler to settle, repeatedly cut and slog swept with amazing ease on his way to becoming the highest run-getter in Tests in 2008.

His simple, yet atrocious batting has left India to chase a difficult but not impossible 256 on the last day. His blistering innings of 83 off 68 balls has single-handedly raised the hopes for an improbable win!

It's Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals

The IPL Twenty20 cricket tournament is winding to a close with an exciting final on the cards between the Chennai Super Kings and the Rajasthan Royals tomorrow.

Both teams won their semi-final games in contrasting but emphatic style. While the Royals batted the Delhi Daredevils out of the competition through outstanding strokeplay, the Super Kings knocked out the highly rated Kings XI Punjab through accurate seam bowling.

Their ride to the final has also been in contrasting style. Chennai - a pre-tournament favorite and lead by the league's highest paid player - started with a bang, struggled in the middle and managed to pull off some crucial wins in the end. Rajasthan - the cheapest team in the league and the pre-tournament underdog - started badly, but cruised through the tournament otherwise.

Despite their differences, both teams are lead by immensely talented, inspiring leaders in Dhoni and Warne. I do not know if the two best teams in the league are facing off tomorrow, but certainly they are lead by the two best captains.

So, who are the favorites to win tomorrow? Unpredictability has been the hallmark of Twenty20 cricket, with luck and nerves playing important roles as well as pure cricketing skills. Tomorrow's Champion could very well be the team that handles pressure better. Analysis aside, I am just hoping for a fitting finale and a thrilling contest!

Scintillating triple ton from Sehwag!

Virender Sehwag treated the crowd to some scintillating batting,  scoring the fastest triple century in Test history, at the M.A. Chidambram Stadium in Chennai yesterday. What an exhilarating joy ride it was - stroke after scorching stroke flowed from his bat all day long as he scored more than 250 runs in a single day! And, nothing could stop him really, not even Paul Harris' tactic of bowling well outside leg. He either stepped out and drove inside out or reverse swept - one almost going for a six - never once slowing down. This innings will be remembered as much for the simplicity of his 'I see ball, I hit ball' temperament as the audaciousness of his stroke play for a very long time!

It's hard to pick out a couple of shots as the best when his whole innings - filled with 41 fours and five sixes - was like a highlights package! But, a couple of moments stood out for me. One was when he just stood in the crease and cut a good length ball on the off stump behind point for four and Arun Lal in the commentary box exclaimed -  "Coaches tell you to get to the pitch of the ball; if you did that, you could never put that ball away for four!".  That shot summarized Sehwag's game - his talent lies not in sound technique, but in backing his blessed hand-eye coordination with good shot selection. He rarely moves his feet, but, when in form, stays beautifully balanced.

The other was the last over before tea. Most batsmen would be content to play safe the last couple of overs before a break, especially if they had just scored a double century in blistering hot conditions, but not Sehwag - he clobbered Ntini for 15 runs in the over, including a smashing four off the last ball and nonchalantly walked back to the pavilion. That attitude showcased his simple approach to batting - playing every ball on its merit, without worrying too much about what had happened before or what is going to happen next.

With good support from Jaffer and Dravid, he has turned the match around and put India in a position of strength. With two more days of play left, the Indians can force a win from here, but, will they?

Madras Filter Coffee

There is nothing better than a good cup of coffee to kick start your day. And, as a South Indian, when I say coffee I mean the traditional Madras filter coffee!

While the taste for filter coffee is easy to acquire, mastering the art of making one is not so easy. Working the traditional filter to make the decoction needs a lot of practice and plenty of patience. And, of course you cannot use a coffee maker as  it is intended for use with coarse ground coffee, while the traditional filter coffee is made with fine ground coffee.

Then, one day while sipping a café latte at Starbucks, I realized how similar it was to the filter coffee; I mean, both are made with concentrated coffee (espresso for the latte and decoction for filter coffee), milk and a little foam on top! A little research and $200 later, I ended with a shiny new espresso machine that makes perfect decoction (or rather, espresso)  every time within minutes and without the hassle!

So, now I enjoy my Leo coffee every morning - Italian style! Truly, 'kaalathai vendra rasanai idhuvae'!