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[cricinfo]

http://www.starananda.in/vv.aspx?filename=140408-SP-Hrittwik-Promo-PKG.flv&title=Hrittwik-Promo&edate=14/04/08#story

[caught and bowled]

Author: Team MiD DAY Date: 15 Apr 2008
http://www.mid-day.com/web/guest/news/mumbai/article?_EXT_5_articleId=1089197&_EXT_5_groupId=14
THIS may not be music to Mukesh Ambani’s ears. The Reliance head honcho, who bought the city team for $111.9 million in the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction may be taken aback to hear that most respondents (61 pc) surveyed did not know that the Sachin Tendulkar-led outfit is called Mumbai Indians.
The 44-day IPL takes off on April 18.

A survey (sample size: 210) by India’s best known tabloid, MiD DAY, conducted among young professionals in the city yesterday, showed respondents were unaware of the name of the Mumbai team. One lady who did not know the name said, “Why are they called Indians? Most players in the team are not Indians, and several of them are not Mumbaikars, so the name is misleading.”

The Mumbai Indians have roped in Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan as brand ambassador.More than lack of interest in IPL, numbers show the Mumbai team needs better promotion to create awareness. In contrast, many more respondents said, “But we do know Shah Rukh's Kolkata team is called Kolkata Knight Riders.”

Several respondents (70 pc) said a flat ‘No’ when asked if they would commute to Navi Mumbai to watch fixtures at the D Y Patil Stadium (fixtures in Mumbai are split between Wankhede Stadium at Churchgate and D Y Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai).

Most claimed the stadium was too far, and they would rather watch the matches on television.

However, most respondents (73 pc) knew IPL stood for Indian Premier League. Can we hear the Board
of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) say, “Thank God for small mercies to that?”


Do you know your IPL?

Three questions put to respondents in survey

What does IPL stand for?
73% correct

Will you travel to Navi Mumbai to watch matches?
70% said No

What is the name of the Mumbai team?
61% incorrect

What's in a name?
Respondents were asked the name of the Mumbai team. Here are some replies: Mumbai Internationals, Mumbai Gang, Mumbai Champs, Freedom Fighters, Maratha Warriors, Mumbai Challengers, Mumbai Bravehearts.

We suggest Mukesh Ambani consider one of these for a change of his team's name

SCHEDULE

Fixtures at Wankhede, DY Patil (Navi Mumbai)

April 20: Mumbai against Bangalore at Wankhede
April 27: Mumbai against Hyderabad at DY Patil
May 4: Mumbai against Delhi at DY Patil
May 7: Mumbai against Jaipur at DY Patil
May 14: Mumbai against Chennai at DY Patil
May 16: Mumbai against Kolkata at DY Patil
May 21: Mumbai against Punjab at Wankhede

[gouravk]

obviously. how can you come up with such a lame name and expect ppl to lap it up ?

[caught and bowled]

obviously. how can you come up with such a lame name and expect ppl to lap it up ?

My vote would have gone to Mumbai Taporis

[caught and bowled]

Or Mumbai Bhais, or Mumbai Bhidus with a tag line "Yeda banke pedha khao"!

[Libran]

obviously. how can you come up with such a lame name and expect ppl to lap it up ?

My vote would have gone to Mumbai Taporis

As Gabbar would say "Ab teek hain...haan ab teek hain"   

[Libran]

If ICL had a Mumbai team they would have called it Wankhede Wannabes

[caught and bowled]

obviously. how can you come up with such a lame name and expect ppl to lap it up ?

My vote would have gone to Mumbai Taporis

As Gabbar would say "Ab teek hain...haan ab teek hain"   

Exactly, ab theek hain...

[Libran]

obviously. how can you come up with such a lame name and expect ppl to lap it up ?

My vote would have gone to Mumbai Taporis

As Gabbar would say "Ab teek hain...haan ab teek hain"   

Exactly, ab theek hain...

  I had typed theek and then deleted the 'h' ...we have this long drawn thread on the "Ajanta / Ajantha , Rajat / Rajath somewhere on the DG...

And now you tell me theek is theek and teek is not theek 

[caught and bowled]

obviously. how can you come up with such a lame name and expect ppl to lap it up ?

My vote would have gone to Mumbai Taporis

As Gabbar would say "Ab teek hain...haan ab teek hain"   

Exactly, ab theek hain...

  I had typed theek and then deleted the 'h' ...we have this long drawn thread on the "Ajanta / Ajantha , Rajat / Rajath somewhere on the DG...

And now you tell me theek is theek and teek is not theek 

Indeed theek is theek and teek is not theek. Its like calling you Ravi-bai rather than Ravi-bhai

[Libran]

obviously. how can you come up with such a lame name and expect ppl to lap it up ?

My vote would have gone to Mumbai Taporis

As Gabbar would say "Ab teek hain...haan ab teek hain"   

Exactly, ab theek hain...

  I had typed theek and then deleted the 'h' ...we have this long drawn thread on the "Ajanta / Ajantha , Rajat / Rajath somewhere on the DG...

And now you tell me theek is theek and teek is not theek 

Indeed theek is theek and teek is not theek. Its like calling you Ravi-bai rather than Ravi-bhai

Okay !!
But did not realize that theek and teek are masculine and feminine 

On a serious note, would it not be theek to write it as teekh rather than teek or theek ..

[caught and bowled]

obviously. how can you come up with such a lame name and expect ppl to lap it up ?

My vote would have gone to Mumbai Taporis

As Gabbar would say "Ab teek hain...haan ab teek hain"   

Exactly, ab theek hain...

  I had typed theek and then deleted the 'h' ...we have this long drawn thread on the "Ajanta / Ajantha , Rajat / Rajath somewhere on the DG...

And now you tell me theek is theek and teek is not theek 

Indeed theek is theek and teek is not theek. Its like calling you Ravi-bai rather than Ravi-bhai

Okay !!
But did not realize that theek and teek are masculine and feminine 

On a serious note, would it not be theek to write it as teekh rather than teek or theek ..

Ravi, no its not masculine or feminine, the example was just to show the stark difference.

And it is theek (the last K as in Kaam) and NOT theekh (the last kh as in khaana)

[Libran]

obviously. how can you come up with such a lame name and expect ppl to lap it up ?

My vote would have gone to Mumbai Taporis

As Gabbar would say "Ab teek hain...haan ab teek hain"   

Exactly, ab theek hain...

  I had typed theek and then deleted the 'h' ...we have this long drawn thread on the "Ajanta / Ajantha , Rajat / Rajath somewhere on the DG...

And now you tell me theek is theek and teek is not theek 

Indeed theek is theek and teek is not theek. Its like calling you Ravi-bai rather than Ravi-bhai

Okay !!
But did not realize that theek and teek are masculine and feminine 

On a serious note, would it not be theek to write it as teekh rather than teek or theek ..

Ravi, no its not masculine or feminine, the example was just to show the stark difference.

And it is theek (the last K as in Kaam) and NOT theekh (the last kh as in khaana)

Gotcha ... cross border education at its best 

[dextrous]

obviously. how can you come up with such a lame name and expect ppl to lap it up ?

My vote would have gone to Mumbai Taporis

As Gabbar would say "Ab teek hain...haan ab teek hain"   

Exactly, ab theek hain...

  I had typed theek and then deleted the 'h' ...we have this long drawn thread on the "Ajanta / Ajantha , Rajat / Rajath somewhere on the DG...

And now you tell me theek is theek and teek is not theek 

Indeed theek is theek and teek is not theek. Its like calling you Ravi-bai rather than Ravi-bhai

haha...

ravi bhai, lots of language confusion with "h" and "a" among members in southern India it seems 

[LosingNow]

Funny thread...

Why the heck are the Indians playing at an obscure ground ..DY Patil

[Zacked]

r they gonna play in DY Patil... its a new ground... with awesome facilities... my Sister's Son plays for DY Patil

[Zacked]

 and this is the video for the same...

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/FWuTLyqBiuU&rel=0" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/FWuTLyqBiuU&rel=0</a>

i wish i was in Mumbai... quite near to my house in Vashi...

[LosingNow]

WOW!! that is a good looking ground. Which Ranji team  plays there?

If pictures represent reality, Wankhede has some serious competition.

[dextrous]

WOW!! that is a good looking ground. Which Ranji team  plays there?

If pictures represent reality, Wankhede has some serious competition.

do you think zacked photoshopped it haha

[Zacked]

IMO this ground is better than Wankhede... it is newly built...
from the wiki
A unique feature of the stadium is the cantilever roof which eliminates the need for any supports thus providing the spectators with an unobstructed view of the match from any place within the stand.

[LosingNow]

WOW!! that is a good looking ground. Which Ranji team  plays there?

If pictures represent reality, Wankhede has some serious competition.

do you think zacked photoshopped it haha

Hey, I have seen pictures of things .. and then the reality has been totally different.

[Zacked]

do not think it has hosted any Ranji Match yet... It was under construction when the last time i went there ... that was a year back.... and read in some news that it was officially innaugurated only recently

[poondu]

Go Mumbai Indians .

[LosingNow]

Thread for news and discussion related to Mumbai Indians

[poondu]

If not Sachin, then who?

The Mumbai team - owned by Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries Limited - are set to open their Indian Premier League campaign against the Rahul Dravid-led Bangalore outfit at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.
However, as the squad met Ambani at his residence in what was the first official team dinner with the chairman on Wednesday night, a big question loomed large: With skipper Sachin Tendulkar almost certain to miss the opening game due to injury, who would lead the team on Sunday?

Apart from Tendulkar, Mumbai have three more former international captains in Sanath Jayasuriya, Shaun Pollock and Ashwell Prince. So, when the question was put to Pollock and Jayasuriya during a promotional event, Pollock smiled and said, "I bet it will be Sanath."

Jayasuriya shot back, "It will be Shaun." On a more serious note, Pollock preferred a local player to lead the team in Tendulkar's absence.

"The job of leading the team in a T20 game is very stressful," said Pollock. "If he (Tendulkar) misses out on the opening matches, I guess it would be better if a local guy takes over as captain in the initial stages since he would know all the players. If the situation arises, probably one of us can take over in the later stages."

Apart from the overseas players, Mumbai have only four players who have represented India - Tendulkar, Harbhajan Singh, Robin Uthappa and Ashish Nehra.

Nehra is on a comeback trail following a spate of injuries, Uthappa is too young to lead a side while Harbhajan has never led his state side Punjab. In this situation, the baton of captaincy will be passed to either Pollock or Jayasuriya.

But Uthappa was game if the opportunity came his way. "It would be an honour," said Uthappa, sporting a new and weird haircut that he attributed to a "jungle ride". "To lead a team which has such great players would indeed be an honour."

Pollock said, "We are settling in on a lot of issues and by Sunday, everything would be in order."

http://www.hindustantimes.com/storypage/storypage.aspx?id=5e525253-220c-433c-a8f1-551de5c6895d&&Headline=If+not+Sachin%2c+then+who%3f

[LosingNow]

http://www.asianage.com/presentation/leftnavigation/news/sports/no-one-realises-how-good-a-team-we-are-uthappa.aspx

No one realises how good a team we are: Uthappa

By NEERAJ SHETTY

Mumbai, April 16: Bangalore based Robin Uthappa has no regrets over missing out on playing for the Bangalore Royal Challengers in the Indian Premier League. Having played most of his cricket in Bangalore, the India opener is happy to be with the Mumbai Indians.

"Mumbai is like my second home, I have played a lot of cricket here and also have a lot of friends," said Uthappa on Wednesday.

Though the Karnataka batsman will turn out for the Mumbai outfit, he said his "best moment" came when liquor baron Vijay Mallya told him that Royal Challengers will be incomplete without him.

"It’s good to know you are popular across India. Mr Mallya gave me one of the best compliments when he told me that the Bangalore team would only be 96 per cent complete without me," added the 22-year old, who is sporting a new hairdo these days.

On the Mumbai team composition, Uthappa said, "No one realises how good a team we are. We have a lot of good all-rounders who have proved themselves."

Along with the all-rounders, Uthappa also feels that the unknown factor of the new breed of local youngsters will be a strength once the tournament gets underway.

Uthappa earmarked Abhishek Nayyar and Saurabh Tiwary as the youngsters to watch out for. Asked about his batting position, he said, "With Sanath (Jayasuriya) and Sachin (Tendulkar) in the team I don’t expect to open the innings."

"Like always I have set some personal goals for myself but most importantly I want the team to win," he added.

The 22-year old believes all the teams have a fair chance to win the first edition of the IPL and no particular team could be termed as favourites until the league gets underway.

[LosingNow]

Bhajji named Sachin’s deputy


By OUR CORRESPONDENT

Mumbai, April 17: Mumbai Indians named spinner Harbhajan Singh as their vice-captain during the unveiling of their players in the city here on Thursday.

The Jalandhar boy said that he is geared up for the Indian Premier League after a successful series Down Under. "I will play more aggressively than in any other tournament that I have played in," he promised.

Mumbai Indians skipper Sachin Tendulkar said that he was working hard on his fitness. "I have been following the regime given by the physio and will be waiting till match day to see if I am fit to play or not," he said.

The Master Blaster also added that though the team had a number of seniors, the youngsters would have to take equal responsibility for the success of the team. Tendulkar added that youngsters were free to share their opinion and that the seniors would also be eager to lend their experience.

"As seniors we know our responsibilities and the youngsters have also understood their role," he said.

Playing the first Twenty-20 match in Mumbai will be a challenge, he said, adding it would be a challenge and a different experience to play matches late in the evening

[hastalavistababy]

Bhajji named Sachin’s deputy


By OUR CORRESPONDENT

Mumbai, April 17: Mumbai Indians named spinner Harbhajan Singh as their vice-captain during the unveiling of their players in the city here on Thursday.

The Jalandhar boy said that he is geared up for the Indian Premier League after a successful series Down Under. "I will play more aggressively than in any other tournament that I have played in," he promised.

Mumbai Indians skipper Sachin Tendulkar said that he was working hard on his fitness. "I have been following the regime given by the physio and will be waiting till match day to see if I am fit to play or not," he said.

The Master Blaster also added that though the team had a number of seniors, the youngsters would have to take equal responsibility for the success of the team. Tendulkar added that youngsters were free to share their opinion and that the seniors would also be eager to lend their experience.

"As seniors we know our responsibilities and the youngsters have also understood their role," he said.

Playing the first Twenty-20 match in Mumbai will be a challenge, he said, adding it would be a challenge and a different experience to play matches late in the evening

God always reward you  while you tell  the truth( HS's interview with Hindu)

[poondu]

Tendulkar taking part still doubtful

Nandakumar Marar
 
TUNING UP: If Tendulkar does not play, his deputy Harbhajan can rely on the experience of Jayasuriya and Pollock.

MUMBAI: Harbhajan Singh will be mentally preparing for captaincy in Mumbai Indians’s opening Indian Premier League match against Bangalore Royal Challengers. Sachin Tendulkar, icon and skipper, declared that he would wait for team physio Nitin Patel’s assessment on Sunday about recovery from the groin injury, though the delayed decision may have been aimed at denying the rival team a psychological edge.

Tendulkar said: “I am waiting for the physio to assess my fitness. I will play if fit, otherwise I won’t.” It is clear though that Harbhajan, officially named vice-captain, will lead in his absence, with inputs from senior pros Shaun Pollock and Sanath Jayasuriya.

Twenty20 cricket demands split-second decisions and the Indian off-spinner may not have the necessary experience. The presence of coach Lalchand Rajput, along with former international team captains Pollock and Jayasuriya in the Mumbai Indians camp means the onfield skipper has adequate backup. “The captain has to take the final call, but we are open to ideas,” said Tendulkar. “Even if Harbhajan becomes captain, suggestions from Pollock or Jayasuriya will always be welcome.”

Bravo for Malinga


Mumbai Indians drafted in West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo in place of injured Sri Lankan paceman Lasith Malinga, but the former will arrive only after Sunday’s home tie.

The teams (from):

Bangalore Royal Challengers: Rahul Dravid (captain), Wasim Jaffer, Balachandra Akhil, K.P. Appanna, Jagadeesh Arunkumar, Mark Boucher (wk), Nathan Bracken, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Bharat Chipli, Sunil Joshi, Zaheer Khan, Virat Kohli, Praveen Kumar, Ross Taylor, Vinay Kumar, Anil Kumble, Devraj Patil, Cameron White, Dale Steyn, Ashley Noffke. Mumbai Indians: Sachin Tendulkar, Harbhajan Singh, Shaun Pollock, Sanath Jayasuriya, Dilhara Fernando, Luke Ronchi, Robin Uttappa, Dhaval Kulkarni, Abhishek Nayar, Ajinkya Rahane, Dominic Thornley, Saurabh Tiwary, Musavir Khote, Swapnil Singh, Siddharth Chitnis, Vikrant Yeligetti, Pinal Shah. Match starts at 8 p.m.

--------------------------
How come the teams which have spent the most have the worst teams ?

[Cover Point]

How come the teams which have spent the most have the worst teams ?

because they spent most of their money on 'Icons' without any value. Paying a mil for Dravid and Ganguly in T20. Amazing!!!

[poondu]

How come the teams which have spent the most have the worst teams ?

because they spent most of their money on 'Icons' without any value. Paying a mil for Dravid and Ganguly in T20. Amazing!!!

I meant BRC and Mumbai. I think KKR has a decent team.

http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ipl/content/site/ipl/teamhome.html

BRC and Mumbai - $112M ... KKR - $80M

DC - $107M, But they have a good team

[dave_dj]

How come the teams which have spent the most have the worst teams ?

because they spent most of their money on 'Icons' without any value. Paying a mil for Dravid and Ganguly in T20. Amazing!!!

I meant BRC and Mumbai. I think KKR has a decent team.

http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ipl/content/site/ipl/teamhome.html

BRC and Mumbai - $112M ... KKR - $80M

DC - $107M, But they have a good team

It is better for someone to restrain from commenting if lacking in knowledge - I don't mean you, Poondu.  Actually, KKR is one of the cheapest teams and I know that they will make a mockery of the Dare Devils.

[Cover Point]

How come the teams which have spent the most have the worst teams ?

because they spent most of their money on 'Icons' without any value. Paying a mil for Dravid and Ganguly in T20. Amazing!!!

I meant BRC and Mumbai. I think KKR has a decent team.

http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ipl/content/site/ipl/teamhome.html

BRC and Mumbai - $112M ... KKR - $80M

DC - $107M, But they have a good team

It is better for someone to restrain from commenting if lacking in knowledge - I don't mean you, Poondu.  Actually, KKR is one of the cheapest teams and I know that they will make a mockery of the Dare Devils.

ab to aap bhi naam change ki shart laga lo colonel ki tarah?

[dave_dj]

How come the teams which have spent the most have the worst teams ?

because they spent most of their money on 'Icons' without any value. Paying a mil for Dravid and Ganguly in T20. Amazing!!!

I meant BRC and Mumbai. I think KKR has a decent team.

http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ipl/content/site/ipl/teamhome.html

BRC and Mumbai - $112M ... KKR - $80M

DC - $107M, But they have a good team

It is better for someone to restrain from commenting if lacking in knowledge - I don't mean you, Poondu.  Actually, KKR is one of the cheapest teams and I know that they will make a mockery of the Dare Devils.

ab to aap bhi naam change ki shart laga lo colonel ki tarah?

Actually, I like your handle and don't want you to change - it reminds me of Calcutta Police (CP) of my childhood days - they are now KP.

[Cover Point]

How come the teams which have spent the most have the worst teams ?

because they spent most of their money on 'Icons' without any value. Paying a mil for Dravid and Ganguly in T20. Amazing!!!

I meant BRC and Mumbai. I think KKR has a decent team.

http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ipl/content/site/ipl/teamhome.html

BRC and Mumbai - $112M ... KKR - $80M

DC - $107M, But they have a good team

It is better for someone to restrain from commenting if lacking in knowledge - I don't mean you, Poondu.  Actually, KKR is one of the cheapest teams and I know that they will make a mockery of the Dare Devils.

ab to aap bhi naam change ki shart laga lo colonel ki tarah?

Actually, I like your handle and don't want you to change - it reminds me of Calcutta Police (CP) of my childhood days - they are now KP.

unse bhi dande padte the kya?

[caught and bowled]

Mumbai darshan!
Author: Avinash Iyer Date: 20 Apr 2008

The Indians’ foreign players are getting to know the local cricket culture in orientation sessions headed by skipper Sachin Tendulkar
http://www.mid-day.com/web/guest/sports/news/article?_EXT_5_articleId=1096475&_EXT_5_groupId=14
 
History Teacher: Mumbai Indians skipper Sachin Tendulkar at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday

MUMBAI Indians is a name probably best typified by Sachin Tendulkar. He is as Mumbaikar as they come and as Indian as they come.

And while there are non-Mumbai players in the Mumbai Indians squad, Tendulkar is ensuring that they get a feel of the first city of Indian cricket and gel into its cricket-rich tradition ahead of today’s DLF Indian Premier League match against the Bangalore Royal Challengers.

“The players don’t need any motivation. The Mumbai tradition has been discussed in team meetings. The players are made aware of what Shivaji Park means to Mumbai players. The players were also told of the purpose of the teeka ceremony that took place at the launch,” Tendulkar said on Saturday.

“The players have also been told about how much the Mumbai crowd will back us. Sometimes the team will get so much support that the players might have to shut their ears. The Mumbai crowd is different and you need to enjoy it rather than be overawed by it,” added Tendulkar. Initial gate receipts suggest that Mumbaikars will come out in huge numbers to support the team.

The Mumbai Indians support staff are sweating over his fitness and a final decision will be taken before the match only. “Tomorrow the physio will assess my fitness. If I am ready, I will play. If I am not, I won’t play,” he added. Vice-captain Harbhajan Singh will lead the side if Tendulkar is unable to make it.

Most of Mumbai’s foreign players won’t need to return home for other assignments unlike their counterparts in other franchises and Tendulkar feels that this would be an advantage because the team can retain the same combination.

Meanwhile, Bangalore skipper Rahul Dravid felt that his team was confident of bouncing back after a humiliating 140-run loss in the inaugural game. “We need to bounce back. These are still early stages. There’s no point in getting down after one loss. We have enough quality in our squad to bounce back,” said Dravid.

[kban1]

Tendulkar picks Blues all-rounder over Symonds and Ponting

Jamie Pandaram

April 11, 2008 - 1:24PM


SACHIN Tendulkar opted against signing Andrew Symonds or Ricky Ponting to his Indian Premier League team, but NSW batsman Dominic Thornely ticked all the boxes for the little maestro and is now a Mumbai Indian.

A stunned Thornely was contacted by a Mumbai manager last week at the request of Tendulkar, and negotiated and signed a contract within two hours thanks to his part-time work with a sports management agency.

"I was staggered, but having played with Shane Warne and Ricky Ponting, those guys at the very elite level are so professional and know everything that's going on in domestic cricket around the world," said Thornely, who averages 43 in first-class and holds the record for most sixes in an first-class innings (11).

After India's acrimonious tour here and the selection of Harbhajan Singh for the Mumbai outfit, it was predictable to see no Australians bought by the franchise during the IPL auction in February, but Tendulkar has now picked up Thornely and West Australian Luke Ronchi.

It is the ultimate compliment for Thornely, who flies to India on Sunday and will spend the next six weeks rubbing shoulders with Tendulkar, Australia's nemesis Harbhajan, as well as Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya and South African Shaun Pollock.

"This gives me a chance to play against the best players in the world, and that will probably give me more credibility if I get the chance to play for Australia, and also shows the Australian selectors what I'm capable of," said Thornely, 29.

"This might be the door that I need to break in to international cricket.

"I have only ever dreamed about playing alongside cricketers with Tendulkar's level of skill and ability. I feel absolutely privileged to be involved in the set-up, and whatever opportunities I get I'll certainly be trying to make the most of."

Thornely, however, is in a unique position where he could opt to pursue a wealthy Twenty20 career ahead of his ambition to represent his country - an issue that has come to prominence in recent days with findings in a player survey revealing half of Australia's professional cricketers would consider retiring early to play in the IPL or its rival, the Indian Cricket League.

"Of course there is the opportunity to just play Twenty20 ... living in Sydney, maybe you might choose to go over for more money," Thornely said.

"But I have only dreamed of playing for Australia and I can still make that a reality, so that is my focus. I'm sure a lot of other domestic cricketers are in the same boat as me and each player has to make their own decision, but I'm sure 95 per cent would opt to concentrate on trying to get a baggy green."

Thornely, who played alongside Harbhajan at Surrey in County Cricket, said he would have no problems with the fiery spinner, and would even seek him out for tips. "I'm working on my off-spin bowling so I'll pick his brains and get bits of advice, I get along with him really well."

The big-hitting red-head also said he hoped to learn tips which he could try to implement at NSW, who have struggled in recent years in shorter forms of the game.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/cricket/tendulkar-picks-blues-allrounder-over-symonds-and-ponting/2008/04/11/1207856799272.html

[pipsqueak]

isn't the guy who has got 15 stitches on his eyebrow now? is he fit to play any time soon?

Tendulkar picks Blues all-rounder over Symonds and Ponting

Jamie Pandaram

April 11, 2008 - 1:24PM


SACHIN Tendulkar opted against signing Andrew Symonds or Ricky Ponting to his Indian Premier League team, but NSW batsman Dominic Thornely ticked all the boxes for the little maestro and is now a Mumbai Indian.

A stunned Thornely was contacted by a Mumbai manager last week at the request of Tendulkar, and negotiated and signed a contract within two hours thanks to his part-time work with a sports management agency.

"I was staggered, but having played with Shane Warne and Ricky Ponting, those guys at the very elite level are so professional and know everything that's going on in domestic cricket around the world," said Thornely, who averages 43 in first-class and holds the record for most sixes in an first-class innings (11).

After India's acrimonious tour here and the selection of Harbhajan Singh for the Mumbai outfit, it was predictable to see no Australians bought by the franchise during the IPL auction in February, but Tendulkar has now picked up Thornely and West Australian Luke Ronchi.

It is the ultimate compliment for Thornely, who flies to India on Sunday and will spend the next six weeks rubbing shoulders with Tendulkar, Australia's nemesis Harbhajan, as well as Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya and South African Shaun Pollock.

"This gives me a chance to play against the best players in the world, and that will probably give me more credibility if I get the chance to play for Australia, and also shows the Australian selectors what I'm capable of," said Thornely, 29.

"This might be the door that I need to break in to international cricket.

"I have only ever dreamed about playing alongside cricketers with Tendulkar's level of skill and ability. I feel absolutely privileged to be involved in the set-up, and whatever opportunities I get I'll certainly be trying to make the most of."

Thornely, however, is in a unique position where he could opt to pursue a wealthy Twenty20 career ahead of his ambition to represent his country - an issue that has come to prominence in recent days with findings in a player survey revealing half of Australia's professional cricketers would consider retiring early to play in the IPL or its rival, the Indian Cricket League.

"Of course there is the opportunity to just play Twenty20 ... living in Sydney, maybe you might choose to go over for more money," Thornely said.

"But I have only dreamed of playing for Australia and I can still make that a reality, so that is my focus. I'm sure a lot of other domestic cricketers are in the same boat as me and each player has to make their own decision, but I'm sure 95 per cent would opt to concentrate on trying to get a baggy green."

Thornely, who played alongside Harbhajan at Surrey in County Cricket, said he would have no problems with the fiery spinner, and would even seek him out for tips. "I'm working on my off-spin bowling so I'll pick his brains and get bits of advice, I get along with him really well."

The big-hitting red-head also said he hoped to learn tips which he could try to implement at NSW, who have struggled in recent years in shorter forms of the game.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/cricket/tendulkar-picks-blues-allrounder-over-symonds-and-ponting/2008/04/11/1207856799272.html

[feverpitch]

How come the teams which have spent the most have the worst teams ?

because they spent most of their money on 'Icons' without any value. Paying a mil for Dravid and Ganguly in T20. Amazing!!!

I meant BRC and Mumbai. I think KKR has a decent team.

http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ipl/content/site/ipl/teamhome.html

BRC and Mumbai - $112M ... KKR - $80M

DC - $107M, But they have a good team

It is better for someone to restrain from commenting if lacking in knowledge - I don't mean you, Poondu.  Actually, KKR is one of the cheapest teams and I know that they will make a mockery of the Dare Devils.

ab to aap bhi naam change ki shart laga lo colonel ki tarah?

Actually, I like your handle and don't want you to change - it reminds me of Calcutta Police (CP) of my childhood days - they are now KP.

Calcutta Police are the epitome of inefficiency, graft and mindless violence. No wonder then that the slogan defining them goes: "Pulish tumi jotoi maro, maine tomar eksho baro..."

Which attribute do you have in mind for our net warrior CP?

[OldPal]

isn't the guy who has got 15 stitches on his eyebrow now? is he fit to play any time soon?

Yep .
Now how do the injured guys get paid ? I was also surprised how could the ball sneak in from the helmet ?