Stunning Catches In Cricket

One of the most spectacular sight in a Cricket Match is to see a Fielder air borne, trying to catch the ball. Running Hard, A Full Length dive, Body few feets in Air, Arms stretched, Eyes focused on the Ball and the Jubilation that follows after the Catch !! Its Amazing !!

"Mate, you've just dropped the World Cup" was the observation of Steve Waugh to Herschelle Gibbs at Headingley in 1999 World Cup after his critical error. A casual effort can sink your team. And One stunning fielding effort can lift the entire Team. Remember the Kapil Dev's Catch to dismiss Sir Viv that triggered West Indian collapse and India won the Final. Again in 2009 T20 World Cup. Afridi ran across half the field to lift the morale of his Team and in the process dismissed Scott Styris !! 

Who can forget the 'The Run-Out' by Jonty Rhodes to dismiss Inzamam in the 1992 World Cup !! It is one of the Highlight of 'Cricket History' !! 

Since that 'Run-Out, Jonty Rhodes, redefined the art of fielding, and made it into the art form that it today. He was, and probably still is, the only player in the world who could draw fans on the strength of the beauty and artistry of his fielding alone. A banner that often made its appearance in grounds across the world summed it up: "Water covers 70 per cent of the earth, Jonty covers the rest." Countless times he proved why it wasn't an exaggeration, with near-impossible run saves and catches.

Here are some of those Stunning Catches Captured Beautifully by Photographers !!

Jonty Rhodes takes an incredible flying catch to dismiss Robert Croft, England v South Africa, Emirates Triangular Trophy, Edgbaston, August 18, 1998. 

It’s a bird…it’s a plane…it’s Jonty!!

This is how BBC reported it . "With his lower legs providing the spring to reach the ball, Rhodes' knees were the nearest part of him to the ground - a good three feet away from the turf as he clung on to the ball."

Ricky Ponting took an amazing slip catch off Brett Lee to dismiss New Zealand batsman Jamie How, Adelaide Test , 2008

"There's obviously been a lot of great catches around since cricket has been on. Playing in games and watching a game live, that is the most amazing catch I have ever seen," Brett Lee said.

Paul Collingwood held a stunning catch to remove Ricky Ponting, Australia v England, 3rd Test, Perth, 1st day, December 16, 2010 

One of the Landmark Catches in Recent Times.

"Colly, old chap, you've just caught the Ashes." Reported The Guardian

Andrew Strauss dives full length to dismiss Gilchrist off Flintoff in the fourth Ashes Test in 2005.  

One the Great Images of that English Summer. Moments like this made that series Epic.

Mike Hussey dives to pull off an outstanding catch in the deep,to dismiss Ashwell Prince Australia v South Africa, VB Series, Brisbane, January 15, 2006

Cricinfo described it as "Hussey ran in from mid-wicket to square leg with his left hand out. He stretched a little more than one's imagination could and flung himself towards the ball. The scoreboard innocuously read Prince c Hussey b McGrath 19."

Glenn McGrath took a Stunner in the Outfield to dismiss Michael Vaughan, Fourth Day, Australia Vs England, Adelaide Oval, November 24, 2002 

"Best Catch I Ever Took", said McGrath  . Rightly so!!

Mark Waugh took a blinder off McGranth, in the slips to get rid of Wajahatullah Wasti, Australia v Pakistan, Final, World Cup, Birmingham, June 20, 1999.

In a World Cup Final, at Lord's, he set the tone of the match with a this stunning catch. And Pakistan were bowled out for 132 !!

Ricky Ponting pulled a stunning catch to dismiss New Zealand batsman Iain O'Brien off the bowling of Shane Warne (behind) on the fourth day of the first Test in Christchurch on Sunday, March 13, 2005

Ponting , along with Jonty and Collingwood will go down as one of the Best Fielders of the last Decade!!

Steve Smith leaped high in the air to take a amazing catch to dismiss Travis Dowlin in Australia's 2nd Twenty20 match against the West Indies at the SCG , February 23, 2010

He is definitely one of the best Fielders today . Growing in stature with every match. Showed his fielding class again in this year's IPL.!!

South African bowler Robin Peterson takes a Super catch to dismiss New Zealand batsman Brendon McCullum during the Cricket World Cup 2011 quarter-final  in Dhaka on March 25, 2011

JP Duminy took a stunning catch against Sri Lanka in the 5th ODI at Johannesburg, Jan 22, 2012

Ben Laughlin dismisses Albie Morkel with a catch to remember, South Africa v Australia, 5th ODI, Johannesburg, April 17, 2009

Just look at the reaction of the Spectators!!

Nathan Lyon pulls off a spectacular catch to complete his five-for, Sri Lanka v Australia, 1st Test, Galle, 2nd day, September 1, 2011

Dwayne Bravo pulls of a stunning caught and bowled, to dismiss Shane Warne, Australia v West Indies, 3rd Test, Adelaide, 3rd day, November 27, 2005 

Dwayne Leverock takes a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Robin Uthappa, Bermuda v India, Group B, Trinidad, March 19, 2007

And Finally one from a man well aided by Gravity !! If he can do it, Munaf Patel or anyone cant make any excuse !!

These were some of the Amazing Catches in Cricket. There have been more that missed the focus of camera, especially in the outfields. No photographer could capture Collingwood's another airborn, right-handed grab to dismiss a glum looking Hayden in 2005. That was touted as one best in the Cricket History. You can watch it here.

Satyamev Jayate !!

"Sirf hungama khada karna mera maksad nahin, meri koshish hai ki yeh soorat badalni chahiye" !!

Nation watched a 17 year old Girl being Molested in public by 20 men and next Sunday A Man geared up for another attempt to "educate" a 5000 years old "Civilization" on social issues !!!

Another irony is that in the land of "Bharat Mata", most of time its the woman who has been victim of these social issues in fom Rape, Molestation, Dowry, Honor Killing, Female Foeticides, Domestic Violence, Sexual Harassment and the list goes on. Just imagine how would they have fared in this country if they wouldn't have been worshiped in form of various Goddesses !!

Heard that the show is not getting as much TRPs as the other 'Star' shows. But that's what was expected of Indian Audience who on any day would prefer "Rowdy Rathore" over "Shanghai".

Sometimes, one may feel that the show is biased, that at times its loaded with exaggerated emotions and that camera often zooms over tear filled eyes of host and female audience. But overall I salute Aamir Khan for doing something that most of celebrities couldn't do in 60 years of Independence. Celebrities can do more than donating money in some high profile Charity Organization owned by some other Celebrity. Just imagine how successful Polio Campaign would have been without Amitabh Bachchan.

I have been reading the 'comment' section of news columns related to the show. Not everyone is impressed. People have their own opinions. With easy access to Internet and a fancy Laptop everyone can afford and flaunt their opinion these days. And in their opinions the show is all about manipulating facts for TRPs and personal hidden agendas. I don't blame them , after all these are the people whom he is trying to educate.

There have not been any specific criticism regarding any episode. But one episode related to "Doctors" caught attention of FB Citizens. The same people who appreciated the the show for bringing the "Social' issues in our Drawing room were offended when the show brought up "Malpractices Among Medical Professionals". There were agitations on FB. Why ? Somehow my Medicos Friends believed that Girl Child abortion is carried out by people from Mars. And that Medical Professionals get themselves married in Arya Samaj Mandir without any Dowry. And that Doctors come into this profession for Social Work unlike Engineers who are here for money !!

Some of the issues are deep rooted. As old as 5000 years of civilization. Some of them are practiced by people I personally know. Can a 1 hour weekly show make any difference? And is it worth on part of Aamir Khan to to earn animosity from various section of society for his attempts? Here is an old inspiring war story for the "worth" of "attempt" you make.

During World War I, a soldier saw his lifelong friend fall in battle. Soldier asked his lieutenant if he might go to bring his fallen comrade back.“You can go,” said the lieutenant, “but I don’t think it will be worth it. Your friend is probably dead and you may get killed too.”

An hour later the soldier returned, fataly wounded, with his dead freind's body.“I told you it wouldn’t be worth it,” said the lieutenant. “Your friend is dead and you are mortally wounded.”

“It was worth it, sir” said the soldier.“when I got to him, he was still alive and said to me , “Jim…, I knew you’d come.”

On that note , I feel even if 0.1 % of Indian Population gets 'educated' its WORTH having such shows.

No More 20s .....

I started writing this one with a dilemma . Whats should be the Title ?  'Turning 30' or 'No more 20s' . First one reflects assurance and sense of direction. Where else the second one is nostalgic and gives a sense of  mourning of the old days.

Nostalgia comes easy to me. And I do find occasions to feel nostalgic. Brings a distant sense of pleasure and relief to me. And this occasion is something special as I turn 30 !!!

30 Years !!!

Almost half of one's life. By this time the previous generation, including my Father, was happily married with 2-3 kids. But I am still unmarried and hence kids are out of questions. Not sure what kind of feeling I should have. Happy that I have survived, excelled or managed to stay float ??  Majority of my friends would be experiencing the same feeling during this year or may be next year. The little ones would have to wait for another 2-3 years .

My 20s, like most people, started in college. College, Hostels, Teachers, Classes, Assignments, Books, Projects, Grades, Festivals, Cricket, Movies, Crushes, Many friends, some close some distant. And lots of memorable moments. Have fond memories of the birthday celebrations back in AMU Hostel and the parties at 'Centre Point' restaurants. Life moved fast. HCL, Noida, Gurgaon, New York, More Friends, more moments to cherish. 

Will it be just another day, just another year ? Honesty I don't know. Neither I do get any signs like wise men do. Not sure that how much things will change from tomorrow but one thing is sure I wont be '20 Something' ever in my life....... again.

Men never grow old. Thats what I have heard. They always have fun. Kind of a true notion. But loosing hairs and gaining weight with age doesn't help in having fun. 20s are crazy. People get naughty in 40s. Never heard what wise men said about 30s.

How good were these 30 years? What different could have I done? What have I achieved so far ? Any regrets? Questions keep pouring to your mind once you start the introspection. I wish I could have answered 'No' to the last one.

Wishing for a better tomorrow !!!

Goodbye 20s !!!

Classic Bollywood Posters

Good old days. Hand painted posters, full of colors.  when the size of an actor’s face on the poster directly reflected his prominence and stardom.

Sharing some of the vintage Bollywood posters.

Movie Review : Kahaani

It's an exciting experience when a Bollywood movie entertains you without a single song and dance sequence. Kahaani falls into that category. A well made thriller with a believable screenplay and without any HiFi Hollywoodish Gadgets and exaggerated action sequence.

Credit should go to the Director and the Cameraman for creating such an ambience for the story-line. Kolkata has been has been captured in the same light as Slumdog Millionaire captured Mumbai. The not so bright side. And it makes an impact.

The director takes the liberty of 'absence of any superstar' to create solid characters. One of the most interesting is the character of the contract killer. You will like him.

Credit should also go to Vidya Balan for making everyone notice that actresses in Bollywood can have more to do than just be a romantic link to super powerful Hero and observe Karwa Chauth for that superhero. Back to Back superb performances. Paa, Ishikiya,No One Killed Jessica, The Dirty Picture and now Kahaani. A female Aamir Khan in making.

One of the very taut thriller in long time from Bollywood. Realistic, Original and never goes over the top. The investigation unfolds in the way our good old Byomkesh Bakshi would have done it. And suspense is successfully maintained till the end.

Not to be Missed !!

The Great Wall Of India : Rahul Dravid

One of the emotional cricketing moment for me since I started following Cricket Religiously. It started in the Summers of 1996 and Dravid retires in the Winters in 2012.

Many people walk into your life but few leave foot prints. Dravid was one of them. Its hard to see those people leave, with whom you have grown up in life. Dravid's career consided with my growth from a Teenager to the Man I am now. Full of high and lows. But moments to cherish for.

Dravid, along with his peers Sachin, Ganguly & Laxman, has given our generation some of the lasting memories in Cricket. Nothing can replace the sight of Ganguly taking his shirt off at Lords after that famous win, Sachin hitting Six of Shoaib Akhtar in that World Cup mactch in 2003 , Laxman playing that knock from heaven at Eden Gardens and Dravid raising his arms in the middle of the Pitch at Adelaide in 2003.

The T20 Generation will never the know worth of Rahul Dravid.

If it wasn't for the injury of Sanjay Manjerakar and Temper of Sidhu, we wouldn't have seen Dravid debut at Lords with that fluent 95. When he came on the scene in that summer of 1996, he was soon crowned the title of 'The Wall'. Back in late 90s one of the media person asked how it feel to be called  'The Wall', and he replied "I don't mind it but I know someday same people will write that they see cracks in the The Wall". He was right.

"I have failed at times, but I have never stopped trying. It is why I leave with sadness but also with pride".


Often overshadowed by his dynamic peers, what made him special was his selfless approach to the game. Always giving himself to the Team's demands. Be it keeping wickets in ODIs, opening the innings in difficult conditions, resigning as Captain after 2007 World Cup debacle, declaring the team inning with Sachin at 194 not out and now retiring from the game when he feels that younger generation should take lead.

In his famous speech at Bradman Oration he said "One of the things that has always lifted me as a player is looking out of the team bus when we travelled somewhere in India. When people see the Indian bus going by, see some of us sitting with our curtains drawn back, it always amazes me how much they light up. There is an instantaneous smile, directed not just at the player they see - but at the game we play that, for whatever reason, means something to people's lives".

I wish I was there at the Press Conference to wish him Goodbye , with a smile.

Yusuf Pathan's Amazing Innings

Despite his limited success in the International Arena and limited technique to counter bounce and swing , Yusuf  Pathan has played some really amazing innings in his career. His style of play may give an illusion that he is best suited for T20 Cricket but he has been part of some world records in Domestic Cricket. Innings, either long or short, have had his trademark big hits over the fence.


Here I have compiled some of his amazing innings in his career. Innings with big impact on the game and over the audience.

210* Vs South Zone (Duleep Trophy)

Highest Score ever Chased In First Class Cricket

It was a moment to cherish! Not very often does one see a world record in a domestic, first-class game.

Yusuf Pathan played one of the most audacious knocks in the history of the game (210 not out, 190 balls, 19 x 4, 10 x 6), to successfully chase a target of 536 against South Zone and set a new world record in the Duleep Trophy final at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad.


After the match , Yusuf himself rated this as 'Best Inning Of His Career'.

105 Vs South Africa

One of the only 5 Hundreds scored by a No. 7 Batsman in an ODI chase.

Yusuf, who came out in the 14th over when India were tottering at 74 for 6, hit 8 stunning sixes and as many fours and threatened to single handedly pull off a sensational victory with a brutal 70 ball 105.

In the process, Yusuf Pathan hit his second ODI century in 5th ODI of South Africa v India series at Centurion on January 23, 2011.
He completed his incredible hundred with Big 6. Its pity that an inning of such excellence couldn't achieve victory for Team India.

100  Off 37 Balls Vs Mumbai Indians

3rd Fastest Hundred in T20 Cricket

Yusuf Pathan unleashed an assault, as delicate as it was brutal, hitting 9 fours and 8 sixes in a 37-ball hundred. From needing 143 off 57, Yusuf brought equation down to 40 off 17 for Rajasthan Royals Vs Mumbai Indians.
He was finally out in only possible fashion that Mumbai Indians could have managed that day. His run out at the crucial stage did cost Rajasthan Royals the match. Had he won the match on his own, there would have been lesser debate to the Shane Warne's remark that this was the 'Best Inning He Had Ever Seen'.


It was the second-fastest Twenty20 hundred, and fastest in IPL till date.

123* Vs New Zealand

Highest score by a No. 6 Batsman in an ODI chase of  300 or more.

It looked grim for India when they were tottering at 188 for 5 in the 34th over in their chase of 316, after the fall of Rohit Sharma, but Yusuf Pathan pulled off a heist.

Yusuf Pathan hit his maiden One Day International (ODI) century of 79 Balls vs New Zealand, with 7 Fours and 7 Sixes at the Mangalam Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore on 7th Dec 2010.

This is how Cricinfo describes this inning.
"Years from now, when people think of Yusuf Pathan's maiden one-day century, they are unlikely to remember much more than the sheer brutality of it all. Yet, there was so much more to the innings than the clinical straight-hitting, which admittedly was in a league of its own. A batsman's response when his weaknesses are targeted can say a lot about his state of mind. While Yusuf dismantled New Zealand when they served him freebies in his hitting areas, the clarity he showed when tested with the short ball was even more telling."

148 Vs  New Zealand A

Barely 12 overs into the game, India A had lost half their side Vs New Zealand A. 
Yusuf Pathan, walking in at No.7, repaired a broken innings with an assault that included 9 sixes and propelled the Indians to 305 for 8. 
Indians were 66 for 5. It was in this disarray that Yusuf began his innings and scored 148 off 127 at MA Chidambaram Stadium , Chennai.

18* Vs Kolkata Night Riders In Super Over

Highest Score Chased In Super Over

Yusuf Pathan plundered 18 runs from the first four balls of the Super Over, bowled by Ajantha Mendis to give the defending champions Rajasthan Royals their first win of IPL2.
Chasing a target of 16 runs in the Super Over, Pathan scored 6,2,6,4 of the first 4 balls to deliver in yet another Man-of-the-Match performance.


Kolkata Knight Riders never recovered from this assault and went on to finish the tournament with 11 losses.

108 Off  42 Balls Vs  Maharashtra

3rd Fastest Hundred in List A Cricket

Yusuf Pathan entered the record books as he slammed the third-fastest hundred in List A history, off 40 balls, to help Baroda stun Maharashtra at the Sardar Patel Stadium C Ground.

Chasing 231, Pathan walked in at the 23rd over with the score at 99 for 3. By the 37th over, he had finished the game after scoring 108 off 42 balls.

4 consecutive Sixes Vs Somerset

Yusuf Pathan slammed four consecutive sixes for Kolkata Knight Riders vs Somerset in the Champions League T20, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on September 25, 2011.

In a dull match, the crowd was brought to life by Yusuf Pathan, who decided to make Somerset pay for bringing on their fourth left-arm spinner, Arul Suppiah. Coming on strike for the second delivery, Yusuf gave the crowd its voice as he launched it over long-on. Each of the next three deliveries disappeared into a sea of delirium between long-on and deep midwicket.