DOUBLE DHAMAKA SEHWAG

 

As far as cricket is concerned, India has become a home of records as it is holding most of the record in International cricket. Its been an another milestone in India’s record list. For a long time, Virender Sehwag's fans had discussed what their hero was capable of scoring if he ever batted through an innings. A double century was expected and Sehwag knew it well and he did it now in Indore. Sehwag's brutal hitting ended in a world record 219 against West Indies, saw India post its highest one-day total of 418 for five and resulted in a series-clinching victory. Though Sehwag was the most expected guy for double hundred in ODI, Sachin Tendulkar became the first man to reach the milestone against South Africa in February last year. Earlier this year, Sehwag threatened Tendulkar's 200 not out before he was dismissed for his then career-best 175 against Bangladesh. “Many great players have tried to score a double century but have not succeeded in their careers. I never expected to score 200. I think, it was a once in a life-time opportunity. I am happy that I could break the record of my role-model” said Sehwag during post match presentation.

INDIA LIFTS ICC WORLD CUP 2011

A 28 year thirst of Indians and Indian cricket team has come true at Mumbai on 2^nd April 2011 after winning the final match of ICC world cup 2011 against Sri Lanka followed by a historic semifinal match win against arch rival Pakistan. India became the first host-nation to win the world cup with final played in the host country itself. Everyone has witnessed the tear of joy from the players after holding the world cup. "It's the ultimate thing and I'm experiencing it," said Indian great Sachin Tendulkar. "I couldn't have asked for anything better. It's the proudest moment of my life." Also he added "It's never too late as they say. Thanks to all my teammates. Without such fabulous performance and such consistency it would never have happened," he said, adding he wasn't too proud to shed a tear. "They were happy tears, so I wouldn't mind crying." When Sri Lanka set 275 as target, it looked like a chance for both the teams to win the trophy. But the quick succession of wickets of Sehwag and Sachin destroyed the hopes of all the people from India. But the young fires proved their capability and maturity by showing a tremendous performance with such a responsible innings at the end. "He carried the hopes of the nation for 21 years so it's time we carried him on our shoulders," young lad Virat Kohli said.

         

This is the 10^th tournament of this edition and India is winning it after 28 years for the second time. Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni played a captain's knock of unbeaten 91 in the final and was adjudged man of the match. Yuvraj Singh was adjudged man of the series for his performance with both ball and bat. Dilshan was the leading scorer of this tournament with 500 runs. Shahid Afridi and Zaheer khan shared the first place in leading wicket takers. The 2011 Cricket World Cup winning team, India would be taking home prize money of US$ 3 million and a replica of the ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy that has been awarded since 1999.  The runner-up Sri Lanka would have US$ 1.5 million in its part. The total prize money on offer for the tournament for the teams placing from 1st to 8th is US$7.48 million. The remaining two semi-finalists will receive 0.75 million US$ each. The last four quarter-finalists will each receive 0.37 million US$.

There was no winning farewell to international cricket for Muttiah Muralitharan, the leading wicket taker and the only survivor from Sri Lanka's 1996 winning squad. The biggest upset of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 was the defeat of England by Ireland. Ireland's Kevin O'Brien made 100 in just 50 balls (and a total of 113 off 63 balls), the fastest World Cup Century. Also Ireland made the highest successful run chase in World Cup history beating Sri Lanka's 313 against Zimbabwe at New Plymouth in New Zealand in 1992. There were two hat-tricks in this tournament; one by Roach (WI) and another by Malinga (SL).

SEHWAG REPLACED BY KARTHIK IN WC 20-20

Virender Sehwag has been ruled out of the ICC World Twenty20 in England after failing to recover from a shoulder injury he sustained during the IPL in South Africa. He will return to India after consulting specialists in England and will be replaced by Dinesh Karthik, who gave a good contribution in IPL. A BCCI media release speculation over Sehwag's fitness that he didnt bat on the tour until Tuesday morning. The uncertainty over his injury led to reports of a rift between him and the captain MS Dhoni.Things weren't much clearer today, either, at the pre-match press conference - in fact the drama descended into farce. Dhoni refused to clarify the ambiguous situation, saying "anything related to fitness there will be a press release from the BCCI". Under normal circumstances, the loss of Sehwag, a proven match-winner in any form of the game, would be a massive blow to India's strategy. Sehwag sustained the grade one tear to his shoulder during the IPL and the coach Gary Kirsten said that he had been kept in the squad in the hope that he would not miss the entire tournament.

The injury to Sehwag was such a closely-guarded secret was perplexing. An injury is after all merely an injury and a more transparent dissemination of information from the team management would go a long way in diffusing the ambiguity and speculation that often surrounds the Indian team. Yet still it is believed that something is going on in the dressing room and is not revealed to the public. But cannot be hidden for a long time. Lets wait and watch..