Gearing up for Wimbledon, dreaming of Olympics

CHENNAI:  Right after his second round bow out at Wimbledon last year, Indian tennis player Somdev Devvarman injured his shoulder. After a year and many ranking slips later, the 27-year-old is ready to get back into the game. “I’m getting back into shape and am aiming to come back before Wimbledon,” says Devvarman, who though hasn’t played any matches yet this year, is on a path to recovery. “But the French Open is definitely not a possibility,” adds Devvarman, who was in town to visit the Lacoste store at Express Avenue. Having been associated with the apparel brand since 2010, Devvarman says that wearing Lacoste makes him feel “confident and outgoing while on court”.

Devvarman, who disappointed his Chennai fans by pulling out of the Chennai Open earlier this year due to injury, also subsequently pulling out of the Australian Open, says that though Wimbledon might his prime focus right now, his Olympic dream continues to remain. “It’s been a dream to represent the country in the Olympics since I was a kid,” he says, hoping that by the time he plays Wimbledon and has a few good runs in other tournaments in between, the Olympics will definitely be within reach.

Devvarman, who began the 2011 season ranked 108, moved up to a career best of 63, before slipping to 84 after injury struck him. “Although I had a bad second half, I finished in the top 100, so I thought I was playing well,” he reasons.

He is also positive that he is well on his way to get out of his slump, “I’ll definitely be able to get into a lot of tournaments that I would like to play because of my protected ranking. It’s just a question of pulling

together a few matches – probably three of four good matches –  after that I’ll be back in the rankings,” he says.

Though he admits that battling his injury was by no means easy, on the bright side, it has been a period of learning, “It has given me a new perspective of tennis and also a new understanding and appreciation for the game.”  He not only hopes that when he makes a comeback, he’ll be mentally refreshed to take advantage of his time off, but also definitely be back in the top 100. “I can hopefully end this year at (a ranking of) 75,” Devvarman says. “Staying injury-free is the biggest challenge. If I can accomplish that, the rest will follow.”

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Barcelona to play Pep's farewell game in Kolkata?

Barcelona may play Pep Guardiola's farewell game in Kolkata  

Barcelona fans in India, who are still mourning their favourite club's exit from the Champions League, have reasons to get excited. Talks are on at the highest level to hold a farewell exhibition match for Barca coach Pep Guardiola against Italian giants Inter Milan in Kolkata. 

Organizers are looking to host the match at the Salt Lake stadium on May 19, the same night Chelsea clash with Bayern Munich in the Champions League final in Munich. "We have already got the go-ahead from both the clubs. Several top players, including Lionel Messi, are more or less confirmed though players on national duty for Euro 2012 may not make it. If everything goes according to plan it will be a treat for football fans," Prashant Agarwal, CEO of Kshatriya Sports Management told Us.

Prashant's company, a part of UK-based firm Indian Football Evolution, was already in talks with several clubs to come to India during the pre-season when top clubs visit new frontiers to expand their support base around the globe. The Nerazzurri (Inter) are already scheduled to play in Indonesia in the last week of May. 


The main challenge for the organizers is to arrange the high-profile match at such short notice. "It will be a herculean task to host the match in just two weeks but we are confident. We are already in talks with various stakeholders and potential investors. The state government is also in the loop and a clear picture will emerge in the next two-three days," Agarwal said. 

"As of now I can confirm that the dream match is very much on the cards. What remains to be finalized is the clearance from the sponsors. We are planning to have the match in the evening so that fans can also enjoy the Champions League final later in the night," he added. 

Agrawal said if the match in Kolkata doesn't work out, the alternate plan is to have it in Spain. "Discussions are also on to find out the possibility of an El Classico but Barca have given first preference to India," he said. 

For Kolkatans it will be their second date with Messi after the Argentine superstar enthralled the capacity crowd, helping his country to a 1-0 win against Venezuela in an international friendly on September 3.

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BHAICHUNG BHUTIA- LIVING LEGEND

Bhaichung Bhutia at home is busy playing in the hole behind his super strikers — Ugen Kalzang and Keisha Dolkar. with a combined age of 30 months, they are making daddy dear sweat it out like never before. Here, Bhaichung unveils the twin joys of his life for the first time, just for t2!
Bhaichung takes a walk with Ugen (left) and Keisha in front of their Vedic Village home

Falling down and getting hurt is a part of childhood… They (kids) keep falling and that’s how they keep learning,” smiles Bhaichung Bhutia, not rushing to help son Ugen Kalzang as he trips during the t2 shoot. Bhaichung and wife Madhuri believe in striking a balance — of being loving, caring and protective parents while also letting their kids be kids.

The star footballer and proud father of twins chatted with t2 on fatherhood and football, in between taking a dip in his Vedic Village terrace pool with son Ugen and daughter Keisha Dolkar, while Max the Pug watched with a wag.

Thank you for finally agreeing to do this for t2. Who was more reluctant, you or Madhuri, about the twins being photographed and why?

We are not too happy about exposing the kids (to the limelight). It is not fair on them. They need to grow up like normal kids.

How would you describe fatherhood?

There are very difficult moments. [“Really?!” laughs Madhuri]. More than me, it is difficult for my wife (Bhaichung promptly adds). I have hardly been with them. They are one year and three months old and I think I have been with them for a total of four months at the most. But whenever I am here also, it is not easy to look after them…. But they are just wonderful kids! They are fun to be with.

What does spending quality time with the kids mean to you?

My son loves to swim in the evening. Yes, already! Both my kids actually enjoy being in the water. Whenever we try to take them out of the bathtub after a bath, they really cry…. We’ve got a big lawn at the back. We go and play football there. We also go out for walks. They haven’t really started playing a sport. (Smiles.) [“Don’t be too ambitious!” says Madhuri.]

Looking back, what was your first reaction when you got to know that you were going to be a daddy?

Oh! That was one of the best moments. But when these two were born were the best, best, best, best moments (cuddles Ugen and Keisha). It cannot be replaced by anything else. And we are expecting another one in three months time! (Laughs out loud.) We are very happy… looking forward to the third one. Though it was unplanned, we are very happy.

What was your first reaction when you saw Ugen and Keisha?

I was there inside with the doctor (at the Bhagirathi Neotia Woman & Child Care Centre). I was a bit nervous at the beginning. And the first time the doctors put them in my hands, I was a little shaky as well… nervous. But very, very happy!

Who named them and how were the names chosen?

My wife chose them. We thought of calling our son Ugen because my name was also Ugen. I think Ugen is also the name of Karmapa or god. No, Maddy? [Calls out to Madhuri; “I am hearing new Buddhism from you!” smiles Madhuri]. Kalzang means fortunate. What is Keisha, Maddy (smiles)? [“It means favourite,” says Madhuri.] And Dolkar is again the name of a goddess.

Has fatherhood changed you in any way as a person?

Yes, it has. [“I wish!” says Madhuri.] Wherever I travel, I just want to come back. I tend to miss them a lot more now ever since they have grown up a little and walk around and play with me.

What new things have you had to learn after being a dad?

I do quite a lot when I am here. I bathe them when Madhuri is busy. It is difficult with two kids for Madhuri to handle alone. If she is busy cooking or washing, I change their nappies too. I have cleaned their potty too! It is not so difficult.

How would you describe Ugen?

He is friendly and outgoing. He is very naughty and difficult to control. We really feel scared when we come to the terrace as he is one of those kids who will just jump into the pool without feeling scared. He breaks everything in the house. He is so restless.

And Keisha?

She is more reserved, more calm. She stays more with Madhuri.

Do you want your kids to take up football?

I hope they grow up to be good people. I would love it if they took up football. It is not that they have to play, but if they do, I’ll be very happy.

Moving on to your other child, the United Sikkim Football Club. How is that shaping up?

It has been a very tiring one month. Now, I don’t just play, but also look after the administration. It is completely on me to sign the coaches and players. We’ve got a beautiful office in Sikkim. We’ve also applied for land from the government of Sikkim. I have to do all the running around. Going and convincing to sign for the club. The travelling I have done is quite a lot, but I have enjoyed it. I knew it would be difficult because when you are in Division II, getting players is very difficult. But a lot of my friends have agreed. A lot of big names have signed up with us. Renedy Singh, my best friend, has been with me right from Day One. I am very satisfied and very happy. We are one of the best clubs in terms of infrastructure with the 30 acres from the government that is under process. We are not looking at just the team, but also trying to build a strong infrastructure. We want to build our own training grounds and also have a medical set-up.

What is your dream for your club?

I think in five years time, I want to see it as one of the most organised clubs … in terms of youth development and infrastructure. And maybe qualify for the I- League in the next two to three years and win it in the next six-seven years. It is difficult, but not impossible.

Spot kick!

Football: Fun. You need a lot of passion and energy to play it.

Indian football: On the rise.

Lionel Messi: The best at the moment. He is on a par with Diego Maradona.

Diego Maradona: My idol; he was the best player.

All-time favourite footballer: (Diego) Maradona.

Present favourites: (Andrés) Iniesta, Xavi, (Lionel) Messi… quite a few.

Best goal: When I scored for the Indian national team in the Asian Cup. The second goal was scored by me, in Delhi, we won 4-1 in the finals.

Best match: Winning the AFC Challenge Cup in Delhi (India vs Tajikistan).

Biggest achievement as a footballer: I think qualifying for the Asian Cup. It is the biggest tournament for us after the World Cup.

Best friend:Renedy Singh. He is fun, unpredictable and a nice chap. He’s got no tension … bindaas. He lives for the day. When we were playing together, he was the most loved guy in the team.

Best compliment received as a footballer: “God’s gift to Indian football” was a very nice comment by I.M. Vijayan, which I don’t think I deserve. He was a better player.

Casual dress code: Tee and jeans.

Formal dress code: Suit.

Indulgence food: Momo.

Favourite restaurant in Calcutta: Blue Poppy in Sikkim House. They give you the best momos.

Living in Vedic Village is: It was really my wife’s choice as she wants to stay away from the city life. Of course, it is difficult to travel, but it is nice and calm. There are hardly any cars here.

Favourite actor: Al Pacino. And my favourite Al Pacino film is Scarface.

Favourite actress: Chitrangda Singh. I haven’t seen any of her films, but she is attractive!

Last film watched:Phas Gaya Re Obama. Brilliant movie.
Saionee Chakraborty

It’s my dream project
Livemint.com

Player’s club: United Sikkim Football Club players practise in Gangtok.

After over two decades as the country’s top footballer, India’s former captain gets ready to make a fresh start with his club

Indian football’s talismanic striker, Bhaichung Bhutia , may have been dropped by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) from the list of probables for the World Cup qualifier against the United Arab Emirates later this month, but he has enough on his plate. Bhutia, who struggled with recurring injuries most of last season, is the only active player to own a club, the United Sikkim Football Club, and his focus is on changing the fledgling club culture in India with the team. Edited excerpts from an interview:

You were dropped from the team for the first time in 15 years, but you’ve already earned a recall for the series against Pakistan to be played in England next month.

I am willing to go provided I regain my fitness. I am always there for the national team, and no one can question my commitment. It’s about playing for India, not the AIFF. I’m working hard to get the injuries sorted out and regain fitness. If my body responds well enough to the rehabilitation and practice, I will surely go.

Is this perhaps a compromise from the AIFF after you were dropped from the national team?

Why do you see it like that? I wasn’t fit when the new coach (Armando Colaco) selected his team. For the last 10-11 months, I have been troubled by fitness problems. What surprised me was I wasn’t even informed that I am not part of the team. Besides me, Renedy (Singh), Sur Kumar (Singh) and N.P. Pradeep were also dropped. But why is it so difficult for coaches in India to at least inform the senior players? The problem is that coaches here are poor in man-management.

What are the injuries that have been troubling you for so long?

I’ve got a calf muscle tear, plus the hamstring also has a muscle tear. I’m desperate to regain fitness quickly, but it all depends on the next three months. If I can make it to the England tour, and also play the Fed Cup for United Sikkim, I will be ready to be back in the national side.

Jeje Lalpekhlua , the under-23 striker who replaced you in the national squad, is being touted as the next big thing in Indian football. People are drawing comparisons with you—does that bother you?

People are welcome to draw comparisons. Jeje is a good prospect, and it is only fair he gets his due. But I am not bothered by that. If I am fit, I can walk into any team, and I believe in myself. My challenge is not with any young, new player. I don’t feel threatened.

You have shifted base to your home state Sikkim and formed a new club, the United Sikkim Football Club (USFC). How did that happen?

United Sikkim has been my dream project for quite some time. In India, the club football structure hasn’t changed with time. We were once considered a force to reckon with in Asia, and few were ahead of us. Take, for example, Qatar’s progress. They weren’t even on the scene when India held a big position in Asian soccer and, today, they are in line to host the 2022 Fifa World Cup. The infrastructure, the basic system, technicalities, they have worked on everything. It starts at the grass-roots level. I want to bring in professionalism in India with United Sikkim. In five-six years, I want to make it a really big club, not just in India, but in Asia. I want to show people willing to invest in the game that football too can be a commercial success. I have got everything going for me in this venture. But if USFC fails, then not many will succeed, and that will be bad for Indian football.

How has the USFC fared so far?

We are a new club. It was so difficult to even get players when we started, since it was already mid-season. It was so hard and frustrating to convince established players to join USFC. That’s when I resolved that I am in this for the long haul. Where else in the world would you have national players like Renedy Singh , M. Suresh, N.S. Manju, and Sushil Singh playing for a second-division club? So we have made the right start.

The USFC has an interesting mix of players—what went into planning the team?

Last year, we started mid-season, so it was difficult to get the players I had in mind. But this year, we have got new players. We now have more than 20 new recruits. The North-East produces many talented boys, and we are trying to get the best. This club will be a big brand for the North-East. The game has to grow beyond Kolkata and Goa, that’s when it becomes popular. I used my contacts and friends to source foreign players like the Namibian Quinton Jacobs, who has played in the Scottish League as well as in Germany and Norway. Players like Japan’s Mitsuki Ichihara and Ireland’s Joseph Lapira will bring in a huge amount of experience, a fresh perspective and professionalism.

The USFC also has exciting talent like Budhiram Tudu. Who are the ones to watch out for?

Tudu won Bengal the Santosh Trophy this year. He is one of the best new talents I have seen. He was with East Bengal last year, but surprisingly, didn’t even get a game. He came here on loan, and played really well. He has gone back to East Bengal this season. We spotted Bikram Gill, an 18-year-old boy from my football school in Delhi (The Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools). The Portuguese coaches referred him to me. After I saw him at the trials, I knew he was one for the future. Nim Tshering Lepcha, Basant and Tenzing Tsephel are all good talents.

The USFC failed to qualify for the I-League in its first season. How did the team react?

We played beyond our expectations even though we missed out on qualifying. This season, our target is to qualify for the I-League because that is where we should be playing. If we play well to our abilities, we may even win the Fed Cup this season.

Club football in India is facing an existential crisis. Established clubs like JCT and Mahindra United have folded up. How confident are you about the USFC?

The lack of professional structure is hurting Indian club football. It was shocking to see JCT being scrapped like that. It has been relatively good so far for us. The Sikkim government has been cooperative. We will be given 30 acres of land to build our own stadium. The day we get into the I-League’s top division, it will get even better.

You started your journey at the Paljor Stadium in Gangtok, Sikkim. How does it feel to be back there?

It was an emotional homecoming for me. Initially, though, it was difficult and tiring. In a sense, it is like starting my playing career all over again. When we travelled to Shillong for the I-League second-division matches, the daily allowance from the AIFF was Rs. 750 per player. You had to manage food and hotel in that amount. But we spent from our own pocket, that’s because these boys here have come to pursue a dream. You need to make them feel wanted, you need to give them the best of facilities. I know it is going to be tough financially, but we have the confidence that United Sikkim will one day be a major force in Indian football. No club makes money in India, they all run through sponsorship. Every year, you need between Rs. 4 crore and Rs. 15 crore to run a team. Someday we will show how to make a club commercially viable.

Does this mean you will never again play for a Kolkata club like East Bengal or Mohun Bagan ?

I wanted to retire in an East Bengal shirt. East Bengal will always be my club, will always remain close to my heart. I will always look out for them. Of course, I miss my fans there. But the way things are, I need to be here at United Sikkim for quite some time. This is, I guess, my toughest assignment so far.

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Sachin Tendulkar behind my success in World Cup: Yuvraj Singh

"You will matter when it matters the most" are the words that Sachin Tendulkar told Yuvraj Singh, which served as an inspiration for the dashing all-rounder during India's World Cup triumph last year. 

On the eve of India's first anniversary of the World Cup triumph, Yuvraj, who is recovering from a rare germ cell cancer, has revealed that Tendulkar had a crucial role to play in his man-of-the-series winning performance during last year's mega-event. 

Yuvraj recalled that he was not in the best of form and fitness coming into the World Cup, but Tendulkar and speedster Zaheer Khan's pep talks motivated him to do something special in the quadrennial event. 

"Couldn't have asked for anything better. I didn't expect myself to play as well as I did in the World Cup. I was coming with not great form and I wasn't timing the ball how I wanted to," he said in an interview posted on his twitter account about his thoughts on the World Cup anniversary. 

"In my tough times, I just spoke to Sachin about my issues with batting and form and fitness and he told me that you will matter when it matters the most. That is a very special thought, it remains with me. 

"I remember I have a picture of me and Tendulkar together which I have put in my locker. I used to have a look at that picture and go into bat. He is my inspiration," Yuvraj said. 

"Zaheer Khan also told me in Bangladesh before the World Cup about me doing something special in the World Cup. That time I was going through a bad wrist injury," he added. 

As India complete the first anniversary of the World Cup triumph, Yuvraj described the feat as a "cherished and special moment". 

"All you can remember is flying colours of the flag, Wankhede stadium (the host of the World Cup final) in joy and an Indian dream coming to reality. It was a great moment in history because winning the World Cup was everything to us and especially to do it for Sachin Tendulkar," he recollects in the video. 

"It (World Cup triumph) will always be a very special memory for me and all the Indians. It is a cherished memory which we will always keep in our hearts." 

Post World Cup, Yuvraj went through the toughest phase of his life after he was diagnosed with cancer. But he is now recovering from fatal disease after having discharged from the hospital in Indianapolis in the US on March 18 following the completion of the third and final cycle of chemotherapy. 

"It (World Cup) did change everybody's life. I didn't expect that I would land up here after the World Cup but that's life," he said. 

"I was at the peak of my career when I was diagnosed with cancer, but now I am treated and absolutely fine. I am thankful to my guruji, my mother. It has been a tough journey but I am lucky that the cancer was detected at an early stage and I got cured. Now I just want to live my life like a normal person, just want to celebrate life," he said. 

Yuvraj also thanked his fans for standing behind him in such a difficult phase of his life and said he is now raring to return to the ground. 

"I can't thank everyone enough for all the prayers and wishes. I have been watching everyone praying across the cities back home for me. The support has been amazing, I couldn't have asked for more. I actually realised how loved I am," he said. 

"I just want to tell all that I am good and will be back to normal health soon. I am looking forward to playing for India again."

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Manchester City ready to launch sensational bid to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid this summer

Abu Dhabi powerbrokers willing to match £80 million world-record transfer fee and sanction salary of between £400,000-a-week and £500,000-a-week to land Portuguese icon


Manchester City are ready to deliver a sensational package to sign Cristiano Ronaldo fromReal Madrid this summer, Goal.com can reveal.

The Premier League club are understood to be willing to match the world-record transfer fee of £80 million (€96m) that Real paid Manchester United for Ronaldo in 2009, and wages of between £400,000-a-week (€478,000) and £500,000-a-week (€598,000) to land the Portuguese icon.

FOOTBALL'S BIGGEST TRANSFERS
1. RONALDO - £80M
	FROM: MAN UNITED TO: REAL MADRID YEAR: 2009
2. KAKA - £56M
	FROM: AC MILAN TO: REAL MADRID YEAR: 2009
3. ZIDANE - £53M
	FROM: JUVENTUS TO: REAL MADRID YEAR: 2001
4. TORRES - £50M
	FROM: LIVERPOOL TO: CHELSEA YEAR: 2011
5. IBRAHIMOVIC - £40M PLUS ETO'O
	FROM: INTER TO: BARCELONA YEAR: 2009

Sources in both Manchester and Spain have told Goal.com that there has been contact between intermediaries in recent weeks to gauge the player’s interest in returning to Manchester and the early indications from the 27-year-old's camp is that he could be open to a transfer that would send shockwaves through football.

Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes has become increasingly close to senior City officials over the past year.

It is understood that Abu Dhabi go-betweens floated the idea to Ronaldo last summer but the feedback from the player was that it was not the right time.

"The signs now from the Ronaldo camp are surprisingly more positive," a source close to the situation told Goal.com. "The contact has taken place in the last few weeks and there is serious chatter in the corridors at the Etihad, akin to when City tried to sign Kaka from AC Milan a few years back."

Owner Sheikh Mansour, advised by the club’s senior hierarchy in Abu Dhabi, is a huge admirer of Ronaldo and has tremendous respect for Real Madrid as a footballing institution.

Although City strongly refuted on Friday that the club have made any move to sign the forward, it is understood that the billionaire owner is ready to sanction the monies if there is a deal to be done.

"City want a marquee signing this summer to confirm their emergence as serious players among football’s elite," the source added. 

"Ideally, they would do so from a position of strength as Premier League champions but whatever happens in the title race they want to send out a statement of intent.

"Ronaldo is the one they have wanted for a long time. They know they will not get Lionel Messi."

Three years on from the failed attempt to sign Kaka from AC Milan in a world record €108m deal (worth £90m at current exchange rates), the Sheikh’s advisers are confident that the club’s growth on and off the pitch will enable them to hold firm in their dealings with the nine-time European champions.

City’s powerbrokers are also confident that the staggering sums required to entice Ronaldo to Etihad Stadium would not contravene Uefa’s financial fair play regulations, which the club are fully-committed to satisfying.

Sheikh Mansour would off-set the cost of signing Ronaldo and at least one other marquee summer signing – with Napoli’s Edinson Cavani the leading centre-forward target - by sanctioning a summer clear-out of big earners who are not central to manager Roberto Mancini’s long-term plans.

The club will listen to offers for Carlos Tevez, who earns £198,000-a-week, Edin Dzeko, who gets £130,000-a-week, Nigel De Jong, who is on £85,000-a-week. On-loan trio Emmanuel Adebayor (£170,000-a-week), Wayne Bridge and Roque Santa Cruz (who both earn £90,000-a-week) can also leave.

	CITY SLICKERS
11/2	Manchester City are 11/2 with William Hill to beat Sunderland 2-0 at the Etihad on Saturday

City are likely to encounter difficulties in shifting them from the wage bill but if they do so it would free up nearly £800,000-a-week, equivalent to an eye-watering £38m per annum, around a quarter of the Premier League record £174m salary bill revealed in the club’s 2010-11 financial accounts.

Ronaldo’s six-year Real contract, which runs until 2015, was initially worth £250,000-a-week but has built-in incremental rises which will swell the figure to around £400,000-a-week in the final year of the deal.

Such is the Portuguese’s vast marketing potential, built around the CR7 brand, City are confident they would be able to recoup much of their outlay through shirt sales, merchandise tie-ups and other commercial spin-offs.

The parameters of the deal would be quite similar to the offer made to Kaka in 2009, with City believed to be prepared to fund a series of soccer schools in Ronaldo’s name in a bid to demonstrate their commitment to the player and push his brand.

City's hopes of enticing Ronaldo are not at this stage linked with any move for Jose Mourinho, who is also represented by Mendes.

As revealed by Goal.com earlier this month, club chiefs will assess the position of Roberto Mancini at the end of the season although Mourinho will jump to the top of the club's list of alternatives if there is any indication he could be willing to leave Real.

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Sachin Tendulkar is the reason I started playing cricket: Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli said as a child he only dreamed of catching a glimpse of Sachin Tendulkar in person. 

"Sachin Tendulkar is the reason I started playing" -- said India's most promising batting talent right now, Virat Kohli, as he paid tribute to the senior batsman for completing a century of international hundreds. 

At a felicitation function organised by industrialist and IPL team Mumbai Indians' owner Mukesh Ambani, Kohli was asked to give his thoughts on the 39-year-old, who completed the incredible feat during the recent Asia Cup in Bangladesh. 

The 23-year-old right-hander, who is in the form of his life having scored three hundreds in his past four one-dayers, said as a child he only dreamed of catching a glimpse of Tendulkar in person. 

"He is the reason why I have started playing cricket. Like me I think most of the youngsters in the India started playing cricket because of him," Virat said as Tendulkar looked back at him smiling. 

"Now it is just a great honour to share the same dressing room with him. I remember when I was small, my only dream was to see him in real life and to play with him now is just a great honour for me. I couldn't have asked for anything more," he added. 

Tendulkar too is quite impressed with the spunky batsman and has stated that he could be the one breaking the 100 centuries record apart from another promising name -- Rohit Sharma.

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INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE

R U READY?????

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a professional league for Twenty20 cricket competition in India. It was initiated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), headquartered in Mumbai, and is supervised by BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla, who serves as the league's Chairman and Commissioner. It is currently contested by nine teams, consisting of players from around the world. It was started after an altercation between the BCCI and the Indian Cricket League.

In 2010, IPL became the first sporting event ever to be broadcast live on YouTube in association with Indiatimes.Its brand value is estimated to be around $3.67 billion in fourth season. According to the Annual Review of Global Sports Salaries by sportingintelligence.com, IPL is the second highest-paid league, based on first-team salaries on a pro rata basis, second only to the NBA. It is estimated that the average salary of an IPL player over a year would be $3.84 million.

• IPL 2011 SEASON:

CHAMPION: CHENNAI SUPER KINGS
RUNNER UP: MUMBAI INDIANS

• IPL AUCTIONS 2012

The IPL Player Auction 2012, held in Bengaluru ahead of the tournament’s fifth season, was marked by a whopping USD 2 million dollar bid for all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja made by two franchises, Chennai Super Kings and Deccan Chargers. The player was sold to the Chennai franchise on the basis of tie-breaker involving a silent bid.

Medium pacer Vinay Kumar was the other big purchase at the auction conducted by auctioneer Richard Madley. The Karnataka bowler was picked up by home franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore for USD 1 million.

Each of the franchises had a purse of USD 2 million to shop with. The franchises can use the remaining purse only to buy uncapped players during the trading window which opens on February 6.

• IPL TEAMS IN 2012
  
  1. CHENNAI SUPER KINGS:It franchise based in Chennai, Tamil  Nadu. The team home ground is the M.A  Chidambaram Stadium. CSK are the most successful team in IPL, having won the IPL twice and reached the play-offs every season  , and won the 2010 Champions League Twenty20. The team won IPL in succession (2010,2011) . The leading run scorer n IPL is from CSK only i.e Suresh Raina.
  

  
  Owner:The India Cements Limited    
  Coach: Stephen Fleming 
  Captain: MS Dhoni 
  IPL Best : 2010 ,2011 winner
  KEY PLAYER: MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina,Albie Morkel
  KEY BATSMEN: M. Vijay, M Hussey, S Badrinath
  KEY ALLROUNDER: R Jadega,Dwayne Bravo,Scott Styris
  KEY BOWLER: R Ashwin,Doug Bollinger,Shadab Jakati
  UNCAPPED PLAYERS TO WATCH: Ganapathi vignesh
  STRENGTH: Batting Lineup, Spin bowling ,home suppourt, key Indian players

  WEAKNESS: Less uncapped Indian  players

  
  One of the best team in IPL because they have so many players who are in Indian cricket team , this make CSK very special . They have Captain cool with them , who had win 2 WC, 2 IPL, 1 Champions league.So he will aiming one more . Suresh Raina is highest Run getter in IPL and he is the only man from India who have 100 in T20 International , he will looking to End this IPL on high note .
  
  Their Batting revolve around Indian players like Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni, M vijay , S Badrinath but they have quality overseas player like M hussey who also knows as Mr. Cricket.
  
  R Jadega is the most expensive Player in 2012 Auction and he wanna show his value to world with his bat and ball , in last year IPL he was only postive from Kochi Tuskars.The experience of Bravo and Styris will be key in this IPL .
  
  They have world class spinners in form R Ashwin , Jakati , Suresh Randiv, and these spinners will be on top in their home ground which is very slow turning track .They have quality fast bowler from overseas in form Bollinger and A Morkel .A Morkel is in very good form during New Zealand tour for South Africa.
  

2. DELHI DAREDEVILS :  The Daredevils dominated for much of the 2008 and 2009 IPL, finishing at the      top of the table after the league stages but unable to reach in semi final .  

 Owner: GMR Sports Pvt Ltd      
 
 Coach : Eric Simons   
 
 Captain : Virender Sehwag
   IPL Best : 2008, 2009 Semi-finalist

KEY PLAYER: Virender Sehwag , David Warner, Mahela Jayawardene

KEY BATSMEN: Venugopal Rao, Aaron Finch, Kevin Peterson

KEY ALL-ROUNDER: Irfan pathan , Andre Russel

KEY BOWLER: Varun Aaron , Umesh Yadav, Ajit Agarkar

UNCAPPED PLAYERS TO WATCH: Punnet Bisht, Robin Bisht, Unmukt chand

STRENGTH: Batting Lineup

WEAKNESS: Lack of Quality spinner 

 
 No introduction should be given that what sehwag and warner can do in their opening partnership, mahela and  kevin peterson in middle order.  
       

Venugopal Rao was among the top runs getter in IPL 2011 which help DD to win imp matches and this lad has get extra  potential and he will be the  hub of the team in middle order.

Irfan pathan was back in indian team early  this year which will make pathan more confident and the way he was batting and bowling in indian team, he will be acid to this team.

Punnet bist , Robin Bisht will be of those uncapped players which public must see. 

Unmukt chand which belongs to Uttarakhand will be those young batsmen in IPL who will aiming spot in indian team.

one thing which is missing in DD lineup is quality spinner which they also miss in 2011 season.

3.DECAN CHARGERS: It represents the city of Hyderabad in the IPL. They after finishing last in the first season of the IPL , won the second season held in South Africa in 2009 , under the captaincy of former Australian Wicket keeper batsmen Adam Gilchrist .Gilchrist was captain of the team for the two season of the IPL .From the fourth season , kumar Sangakkara has been  leading the team .

Owner: Deccan Chronicle Holdings    
Limited     

Coach: Darren Lehmann     

Captain: Kumar Sangakkara     

IPL Best: 2009 winner

KEY PLAYER: Kumara Sangakara, Dael steyn, Amit mishra

KEY BATSMEN: Shikhar Dhawan, Parthiv Patel, Jp Duminy

KEY ALL ROUNDER:  Cameron White, Daniel Christian

KEY BOWLER:  Manpreet Gony, Daniel Harris 

UNCAPPED PLAYERS TO WATCH: Abhishek jhunjhunwala, Tanmay Srivastava

STRENGTH: Youngsters

WEAKNESS: Lack of Indian star player

If we will look around in cricketing world , we will not find keeper and batsmen better then sanga, spinner better then amit and fast bowler better then steyn. This make DC very special because they have very balance team.

If we look the batting lineup they have very good batting lineup ,good mixture of overseas and indian players. They way Jp duminy is playing for SA nowdays ,his owner  exception will be on 7th sky.

They also have  very quality aussies pair in their allrounder position.

Strong part of this team is their bowling lineup , they have so many wicket taking option and all the bowlers are very attacking.

If you go through the squad of Dc you will not find any big name of indian player which can be their weakness but this weakness can also work in their favour as this make them very balance team .

4. Kings XI Punjab: The franchies based in Mohali, Punjab .It is currently captained by former Australian wicket-keeper batsmen Adam Gilchrist. The team PLays its home matches in PCA stadium, Mohali. since 2010, its has been playing some of the home matches at Dharamsala.

   
Owner: KPH Dream Cricket Private Limited   

Coach: Michael Bevan   

Captain: Adam Gilchrist     

IPL Best: 2008 semi-finalist  
 
 


KEY PLAYER: Adam Gilchrist, Parveen Kumar,Stuart Broad
KEY BATSMEN: Shaun Marsh, Paul valthaty, Abhishek Nayar

KEY ALL ROUNDER:  David Hussey, Dimitri Mascarenhas,

KEY BOWLER: Piyush Chawla, Ryan harris,James faulkner

UNCAPPED PLAYERS TO WATCH: Mandeep Singh,Paras Dogra, Rj satish
STRENGTH: Batting Lineup and youngsters

WEAKNESS: Fast bowling  


They have very good collection of indian and australian players which make this team special. It will be interesting see will Gili magic works this time.


The batting line up of this team promise lots,Everybody knows what gili can do on his day.In last season whole world see another sehwag in form of paul valthaty, he was find of IPL  4 but this time his fans except more from him,Abhishek Nayar is in very good touch as he was scoring some good runs in domestic circuit.

They have very hard hitting all rounder in form of david and dimitri. David was top scorer in CB series for Australia and Indians fans still remember dimitri for his 5 sixes against Yuvi in oval.

In bowling department Parveen kumar will be leading the side with Ryan and james. but their strenght will be  spinners as they have very quality spinner in form of piyush chawla and ramesh powar. 
They have qaulity uncapped players but man to watch will be Mandeep singh. Some selectors have shown sign that he can include in test squad. He is very talented batsmen who can score very big runs and he can be difference in this season for Punjab.

The weak point of this team is their Fast bowling lineup as they lack experience in this department.

5. Kolkata Knight Riders:It is franchise representing Kolkata in the IPL. The team is led by most expensive player in IPL Gautam Gambhir.The official theme of the team is KORBO,LORDO, JEETB RE. As per the recent study done by a UK based brand valuation company, KKR are ranked as the second most valuable Franchise brand at US$46 million. Celebrity co-owner Shahrukh Khan's hard selling of the KKR brand has counteracted the team's poor field  performance through the first three season.However , team performance  improved in the fourth season.The home of the KKR is Eden Gardens.  

Owner:Knight Riders Sports Private Ltd

Coach: Trevor Bayliss   

Captain: Gautam Gambir

IPL Best: 2011 Play-offs





KEY PLAYER: Gautam Gambhir, Jacques Kallis,Brett Lee
KEY BATSMEN: Manoj Tiwary, Eoin Morgan, Brendon Mccullum
KEY ALL ROUNDER:Yusuf pathan, Rajat Bhatia, shakib Al Hassan
KEY BOWLER: L Balaji, James Pattison, Iqbal Abdulla

UNCAPPED PLAYERS TO WATCH: Jaidev Unadkat,Laxmi Ratan Shukla

STRENGTH: Batting Lineup and Allrounders

WEAKNESS: Too many overseas Players and Lack of Indian young players

 KKR buys Gautam Gambhir last season and straight away make him captain , that change the fortune of this team and team reaches semi final or play off first time in history of IPL. Gautam Gambhir is that player who perform well when platform is set for him in big matches ,who can forget his knocks in final of T20 WC 2007 and WC 2011, same things SRK is want from his skipper to lead the team from front and win this IPL. The experience of Kallis and Lee will be key for KKR as everybody know what these two can do on their day.

The batting lineup of this team  is very stable as they have Manoj Tiwary , Morgan, Mccullum ,Haddin. Manoj wanna proof to indian team management that why he was neglected in past months for palying 11?? In 2008 IPL everybody remember the knock of Brendon but problem for KKR is that he dont perform regularly.Eoin is the no 1 batsmen for team England in T20 International so he will key for KKR in this IPL

Most Exciting Department of this team is their All Rounders. They have world No 1 all rounder in ODI and test in form of Shakib Al hassan, the way he perform in Asia cup for Bangladesh that will help him to get in playing 11. The man behind the Rajasthan Royals surprise Victory in IPL 2008 and that man has record of fastest 100 in IPL is now with KKR from last season i.e Pathan but he unable to perform well in last season but in this season he will aiming the empty slot in Indian team as Jadega unable to perform in last 2 series.

They have very quality fast bowler in form of Lee, Balaji, Pattison  and in spin department they have very good indian spinners.

The strong points of this team are their batsmen, spinners, and all rounder . They have very good T20 players in these slot.But the weak point of this team is that they have to many overseas players as in IPL a team can only play 4 overseas players and they lack good indian Youngsters.

6. MUMBAI INDIANS: It is a franchise cricket team representing Mumbai in the IPL. The Team is one of the eight founding members of the IPL in 2008. MI are currently lead by SACHIN TENDULKAR , who is the icon player for the team. The team is owned by by India's biggest conglomerate, Reliance Industries, through its 100 % subsidiary . MI is ranked no.2 in IPL with a brand value of $57.13 million in season four of the IPL after CSK. The team is also one of the strongest team on paper in the IPL.

Owner:India win sports Pvt. Ltd Coach: Robin singh Captain: Sachin Tendulkar  Venue: Wankhede Stadium IPL Best: 2010 Finalist KEY PLAYER: Sachin Tendulkar, Harbhajan singh, Kieron Pollard KEY BATSMEN: Ambati Rayudu, Rohit Sharma,Herschelle Gibbs KEY ALL ROUNDER:Mitchell Johnson, Thisara perera,James Franklin KEY BOWLER: Lasith Malinga, P Ojha, Munaf patel UNCAPPED PLAYERS TO WATCH: Abu Nechim Ahmed,Ricard levi, STRENGTH: Batting Lineup and Allrounders WEAKNESS: To many overseas players and less Indian youngsters. If we look into the squad of MI , there are so many players who can win matches single handly. Their captain has scored 100th hundred in Asia cup only and he will keen to win IPL this season . Harbhajan singh is trying to comeback in Indian team and this IPL will be ideal platform for him . Kieron pollard centuary against Australia was remarkable and MI will be hoping same from him Few years ago Ambati Rayudu  counted as a next Indian star but then suddenly he disappear because of ICL but after clearance from BCCI ,he and other players included in IPL 2009 season. And he will aiming empty spot in Indian T20 team . Rohit and Gibbs will be key batsmen for MI in this IPL They have very good over seas all rounder in form of johnson , perera and franklin They have very balanced bowling line up with one of best T20 bowler leading the team i.e Lasith Malinga. Munaf patel and Rp singh will be other fast bowler who will be helping MI to win IPL 2012. And with Harbhajan singh and Ojha they can also depend on their spinners to win matches for them. They have same problem like Decan chargers i.e to many overseas player , but they can only play 4 of them. Abu Nechim and Richard Levi are those youngsters which everybody keen to see in this IPL .

7. PUNE WARRIORS INDIA: It is franchise cricket team that plays in IPL representing the city of Pune, Maharashtra. The team is one of two franchisees added to the IPL for the 2011 season, alongside Kochi Tuskers Kerela. On 21 March 2010 , Sahara Adventure sports Limited made winning bid of $370 million(approximately Rs 1700 crore) for the Pune franchise. The bid is the highest bid by any company in the short history of IPL.

Owner: Sahara Adventure Sports Limited Coach:  Geoff Marsh  Captain: Sourav Ganguly Venue: Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium  IPL Best:  2011 9th Position  KEY PLAYER: Robin Uthappa ,Ashish Nehra,Angelo Mathews KEY BATSMEN: Graeme Smith,Jesse Ryder,Manish pandey KEY ALL ROUNDER:James hopes,Sourav Ganguly, wayne Parnell KEY BOWLER: Rahul Sharma, Murali kartik, Ashok Dinda UNCAPPED PLAYERS TO WATCH: Kamran khan, Ali Murtaza, Harpreet singh STRENGTH: Batting Lineup and Allrounders WEAKNESS: To many overseas players and less Indian youngsters. The team is lead by Indian best captain Ganguly and sourav wanna proof his supermecy in this format also . The team have very good players. Robin uthappa will be key man for Pune  this year , he can change match in few overs as we had been seeing in past IPL but last year IPL was not good for him . They have very quality overseas players in form smith , Ryder in batting department. These 2 will be key in their top order and if u see Pune line  up one man who deserve chance in Indian team is Manish Pandey but till now he ignore by the selectors, he will aiming T20 WC for his entry. James hopes , parnell will be key all rounder fr this team as they can fit in any line up . Pune also have very good variety in their bowling line up as they have 2 quality spinners with them i.e Rahul sharma and Murali Kartik .Their fast bowling department will be lead by Ashish Nehra and Ashok Dinda.

left-arm seamer Kamran Khan was picked out of obscurity when the Rajasthan Royals signed him up for the second season of the IPL after Darren Berry, the team's director of coaching, spotted him in a Twenty20 tournament in Mumbai. Kamran, the son of a woodcutter from Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh, had no first-class experience when he was handed a US$24,000 contract by Rajasthan. He was mainly a tennis-ball player but shot into prominence in Rajasthan's warm-up game in April 2009 when he bowled Cape Cobras' Justin Ontong with an off-stump yorker. Shane Warne, the team's captain, said Kamran can bowl over 140kph even though he has a slight frame. He has marked him out as a player to watch in the tournament to be played in South Africa.So he will be man to watch in uncapped players.

8. RAJASTHAN ROYALS: It franchise based in the city of the Jaipur. It is currently captained by former Indian captain Rahul Dravid . They won the inaugural edition of IPL under captaincy of former Australian spin-legend shane warne.In 2010 ,they were terminated by the BCCI for a brief period for violations in terms of agreement but were allowed to play in the league soon after Board lost the case in the supreme court.

Owner:jaipur  IPL Crciket private Ltd Coach:  Rahul Dravid Captain: Rahul Dravid Venue: Sawai Mansingh stadium IPL Best: 2008 winner

KEY PLAYER: Rahul Dravid, Shane watson,Shaun Tait

KEY BATSMEN: Owais Shah, Ajinkya Rahane,Brad hodge
KEY ALL ROUNDER: Brad hogg,Paul collingwood,johan Botha

KEY BOWLER: Siddharth Trivedi, Pankaj Singh
UNCAPPED PLAYERS TO WATCH: Ashok Menaria,Deepak chahar, Abhishek Raut

STRENGTH:Maximum Young players are from Rajasthan only

WEAKNESS: Lack of Indian spinner and more overseas players

IPL 5 will be last Tournament of Great wall of India and he surely wanna win this tournament and he have the team for this . young Team with the quality overseas players , they can be winner of this season .Shane watson will be key man in this IPL for them .

In batting department they have Rahane who was  find of England tour last year . He with shah , hodge will be taking the responsiblity to scores big runs.

They have so many overseas all rounder in form botha, paul and brad, they all aiming to add extra in team but problem is that they cannot play all of them .

Bowling will lead by the Rajasthan duo with shaun tait .

In whole IPL ,RR have best uncapped players in their team as Rajasthan is Ranji Champion and all of them will be eyeing spot in Indian team . some of those players are Deepak ,Menaria, Raut etc

9. ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGLORE: RCB is currently lead by New Zeland all- rounder Daniel Vettori. Anil Kumble is mentor of this team .

Owner: Royal challengers sports private Ltd Coach:  Ray jennings Captain: Daniel Vettori Venue: M chinnaswamy stadium  IPL Best:2009 , 2011 finalist

KEY PLAYER: Virat Kohli,Daniel vettori, Zaheer khan

KEY BATSMEN:AB De Villiers, Saurabh Tiwary,Chris Gayle
KEY ALL ROUNDER: T Dilshan, Asad Khan Pathan,

KEY BOWLER: Dirk Nannes, Vinay kumar,M Muralitharan
UNCAPPED PLAYERS TO WATCH: Arun Karthik, Syed Mohammad
 

STRENGTH:Batting lineup , bowling

WEAKNESS: Less allrounders


Two time runner up will aiming to Win trophy this year . RCB is one of those team which is very balanced in all department. They have hottest property of Indian cricket team with them i.e virat kohli. They have experience player like Zaheer khan ,Daniel, Murali.

The team which have Gayle , Dilshan, De villers , virat in their batting line up , they will be very confident about their batting .They also have  some good Indian younsters in lineup.

They have very quality bowlers in form of Zaheer, vinay, dirk, murali .which is some thing different from all other teams in IPL

Asad khan pathan has shown some quality in last IPL , so he will aiming empty all rounder slot in Indian team.

They are one of  those teams who can win this IPL 

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