Day: September 23, 2009

I’m mighty pleased after this article. Shahid comes up with some interesting points –

“India has been lucky to have beaten Pakistan in all the ICC events”.

Yeah for 17 years one has to be ‘really lucky’ to win against Pak despite the fact that none of these matches were close contests except the 2 the T20 WC07. The rest of the stats here.

The only benefit of the doubt I’ll still give him is that this game is highly unpredictable just as this man’s game is. Plus the two rivals have not met in the ICC Champions Trophy since its inception in 1998, and India’s performance in the last 2 editions has not been noteworthy.

But the next statement amused me the most. When asked whether Sachin Tendulkar was still a threat to Pakistan, Afridi said, "In case of Sachin, you’re talking about him in the form he was in 2003. This is 2009."

First, Sachin’s Stats in 2003 & 2009. I’m not much of stats believer but still numbers do lend credence to the statements one makes.

In 2009, Sachin has played less matches consciously in order to keep his ‘ageing’ body going till the 2011 WC. He is still far more fitter than most but he is at a stage in his career where he can and has the right to choose which matches he plays.

He still averages better than that in 2003 with a better strike rate. He is still in the same if not better form than that in 2003. So tell me how does this make him less of a threat? If not anything, Afridi should be worried cause India has two rock solid batsmen in Gambhir & Dravid to assist Sachin and will be followed by Raina, Dhoni and Yuvraj. Sachin Tendulkar will probably bat with utmost ease this time around than he has ever in his entire career.

Second, does the bloke not know that Sachin Tendulkar may not read all that is written in the media about him but he does keep track of what players are saying about him. In my 20 years of watching this game and reading every possible word written about the little master – I cannot recollect a single instance where he has belittled any player in the game. But then you don’t expect the same of players like Afridi do you? He is the same person who was in awe of Sachin after he had hit the fastest hundred with the little master’s bat. People have short memories but they forget that GOD does not.

Remember the attack launched against Olonga or Warne himself in the ‘98 test series against Aus after being out for 4 in the first innings in Chennai. He does not forget words said to him even in an exhibition match and who better than Abdul Qadir to tell the story. GOD was only 16 then when he hammered the veteran for 4 sixes in an over.

Just one last word Shahid before you go mincing words without thinking, tell me again why this man who is in his 21st cricketing season and with the following record is not a threat anymore?

I’m not so sure you are in a position today to comment on the little master’s abilities. You who joined the game 7 seasons later than him and with the record which is not even 10% close to GOD’s.

Sachin never forgets a word said about him whether good or bad and I sure hope Shahid, that he definitely does not this time. It’s time to open our account in the ICC Champions Trophy come Saturday.

We will be waiting.