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[cricinfo]

Buzz increases, so does the confusion
P Sujesh RajanPosted online: Wednesday, April 16, 2008

New Delhi, April 15 : It was supposed to be a prelude to a cricketing extravaganza that has been marketed more vigorously than the next big-banner Bollywood release. The Delhi Daredevils had supposedly opened their gates to the city for a practice match between a Virender Sehwag XI and a Dinesh Karthik XI, and local cricket fans responded.

A sizeable crowd had gathered outside the Kotla — which was celebrating its 75th anniversary — by evening, waiting to gain entry into the newly floodlit stadium.
But not too many could get in.

As it turned out, only people with special invites from Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) more than a thousand — were allowed entry despite the serpentine queues spilling over to the main road. The association said they had made it very clear that only pass-holders would be allowed inside, but the adamant crowd said it wasn’t aware of any such restrictions.

The situation kept getting worse with every passing minute — arguments ensued and lathis flew —and then, in the middle of all the confusion, the blame game began.

The DDCA passed the buck on the Delhi Police, the cops in turn said they had been told by the association to not let anyone without passes in, and the franchise - badly in need for home support for a format where the loyalty factor may not come naturally - were searching for words to placate the masses.

No repeat, promise sponsors

“I know what has happened is bad enough, and I can assure you that this will not be repeated from April 19 when the Daredevils play their first match against Rajasthan Royals,” an official representing GMR group said. “Everything will be done in a organised manner once we come into the picture,” he pledged.

Naturally, the episode left a bad taste in the mouth and the team owners are now fearing they may have turned away a sizeable group of supporters for when play begins in an event where the minimum ticket is priced at a substantial Rs. 250.
If there was excitement outside, the scenario inside was very different. The Delhi Darevdevils, playing their second practice match, did nothing of note on the field as the players simply went through the motions.

Virender Sehwag XI did win the match by six wickets, thanks to a quick 56 by Rajat Bhatia, but it seemed coach Greg Shipperd was the only person who followed the entire proceedings with interest on a dull, dour, dramatically anti-climactic opening day at the Kotla.

http://www.indianexpress.com/story/297350.html

[Blwe_torch]

Lillee joins Delhi Daredevils

April 16, 2008 21:29 IST

Australian fast bowling great Dennis Lillee on Wednesday joined Delhi Daredevils, the Delhi Indian Premier League team owned by GMR Sports.

"It feels great to be a part of GMR Sports and Delhi Daredevils. I've known many of the young players in the Delhi Daredevils squad and am naturally delighted to be part of this team. While players like Glenn McGrath are legends by their own right, I am looking forward to work with upcoming talents such as Pradeep Sangwan and Yo Mahesh," he said.

The team skipper Virender Sehwag [Images] said Lillee's presence would inspire his team to do well in the Twenty20 extravaganza.

"Lillee has been a childhood idol and an inspiration to countless cricketers, including me. His do-or-die attitude, fierce determination and the way he staged his comeback are parts of cricket lore. His presence in the Delhi Daredevils dressing room will no doubt bolster our resolve to win," Sehwag said.

T A Sekar, GMR Sports vice-president and a senior member of the Delhi Daredevils team management, said Lille's experience of working with the pacers worldwide would help the team.

"I've known Dennis for more than two decades now. His advice has helped groom hundreds of young fast bowlers in India and abroad. We are indeed fortunate to have him among us," he said.


 
http://www.rediff.com/cricket/2008/apr/16dennis.htm

[cricinfo]

so now almost everyone is on this IPL boat, hope it doesnt sink 

[cricinfo]

btw is there a official IPL website yet ?

[teamindia]

btw is there a official IPL website yet ?

Ha ha.. it seems to be down at this moment.

www.indianpremierleague.com

 

[LosingNow]

There’s too much pressure in T20
G S Vivek
Posted online: Thursday, April 17, 2008 at 2324 hrs Print Email

People expect too much out of players like me, says Sehwag ahead of the Indian Premier League

New Delhi, April 16: It’s been a hectic evening for Virender Sehwag. Wearing the red and black Delhi Daredevils uniform, with the legend ‘Viru’ inscribed on the back, the Indian opener has just rehearsed all the shots in his armoury for the camera. This is a vital part of the cricket entertainment unfolding that is the IPL. In an interview with The Indian Express, Sehwag speaks about the excessive demands of T20 on his batting, on how Ganguly was an example to follow during his comeback and how that gap from international cricket was a blessing in disguise. Excerpts from the chat...

Everyone says T20 is cut out for your brand of cricket. Do you enjoy the format?

Actually, I love playing ODIs and Test cricket more than anything. I have not done as well in T20 as in the other two formats despite the fact that T20 is completely tailor-made for batsmen like me because you have the license to hit. I’m looking forward to the IPL to get a few good scores in this version as well. I have been given a responsibility with the Delhi Daredevils — we have a good young side with a perfect set of foreign players.

Vivian Richards once said he wasn’t sure if he would have been a hit in T20. Is this a similar sentiment?

Yes, there’s lot of expectations from every stroke-player in this format. People have a set mindset about your style and you’re expected to hit each ball for six or four.

You have to be careful about not making mistakes because you’re facing the best of bowlers and you’re trying to whack every ball out of the park. It’s not difficult, but it’s too demanding for a player like me. The sheer pressure and expectations sometimes gets to you.

You’ve always been proud of your natural playing style. At this stage of your career, are you changing your style to stay in the team?

No, I still haven’t changed my style of play, but my way of thinking. I’m just trying to think about the responsibilities I have for the team and play accordingly. Like in Adelaide during my double century, I didn’t get a single boundary between lunch and tea. I’m going to bat in the ODIs like I batted in Test matches. I am going to control my aggression, not play shots all the time and try and build my innings.

You were out of the side for some time. How did you spend the months in wilderness?

The months I was out of the side were a blessing in disguise. I got time to learn from my mistakes — I learnt that I was extra-positive in my approach, and that went against me. I got a lot of time to reset my batting. I spoke to a lot of cricket experts, and they also advised me to sit back and rethink my game.

You had a session with Paddy Upton before the triple century in Chennai...

Paddy basically asked me to think of what I was doing right in the past and what of those things I wasn’t doing any more. After the triple ton, he asked me to note down all that I did right in a diary... it’s basically like doing homework or revision — the next time I go out to bat, I can just read it.

Sourav Ganguly made a famous comeback just before you. Did you look up to him as an example?

Of course. Dada has been a constant source of inspiration. When I was out of the side, he used to text me quite a lot and I used to call him up as well. He always told me that I have the potential, talent and ability to make a comeback, he told me that I was good enough to be in the team and keep working hard. That was really encouraging.

During the Australia one-day series, when you were not part of the playing XI, there were reports that you weren’t happy with the skipper...

That is absolutely false. I don’t know where it came from. Dhoni and I share a good rapport and I had a chat with him. I didn’t have any problem with anything. Dhoni was taking a decision that was favourable for the entire team rather than any particular individual.

For me, it was much more satisfying that the team performed and won. I wasn’t going to brood over the fact that I wasn’t part of the playing XI.

Your off-spin has been getting you some big wickets and at times you have looked as comfortable as the specialists. Why do you tend to be so casual about that aspect?

I have never been casual with my bowling. I have always taken it very seriously and have been bowling regularly in the nets and in domestic games. But I am still a part-time bowler and I can’t be bowling more than the main bowlers.

The captain will almost always utilise his main bowlers more, so at times it might appear that I do not take it seriously. But I am dead serious about my bowling

[poondu]

http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/18/stories/2008041855881800.htm

‘Daredevils a vibrant team’

S. Dinakar
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IPL will be a success

Excited about playing alongside giants like McGrath
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dinesh Karthik.

Chennai: Tamil Nadu’s most successful international cricketer over the past two years will not be turning out for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.

Says Dinesh Karthik, “I would have loved to have played for the Super Kings but you cannot worry about things you cannot control.”

The complexities of the bidding process meant Karthik found himself in the Delhi Daredevils outfit. “It is a vibrant team with options and I will give it my best shot,” he told The Hindu on Thursday.

Match-winning effort


In the country’s maiden international in this format, against South Africa at the Wanderers in 2006, Karthik’s 28-ball unbeaten 31 was a match-winning effort.

The wicket-keeper batsman dazzled under the lights; he used his feet, innovated, stroked fine or firm. He was nerveless orchestrating the chase. Karthik was a winner as the Indians celebrated.

Indeed, Karthik has had his moments with the bat and the big gloves in all forms of the game for the country. His batting average in 19 Tests — he has 931 runs — is a creditable 32.10.

Behind the wickets, Karthik has held 42 catches and effected five stumpings. In 26 ODIs, he has 330 runs (strike rate 69.76), 23 catches and two stumpings.

The little man has a big heart. In other words, temperament is not a commodity he lacks.

The last few months, however, have been hard on Karthik. From being a specialist Test opener, circumstances forced him to the sidelines. Now, he faces a test of character.

Unfazed


Despite the reversal of fortunes, Karthik remains unfazed. “I do not want to dwell on the past. I want to look at the future. I have worked on the mental aspect. More than technique, cricket is a mind game. Your mind decides where you eventually end up,” he says.

He talks about the importance of enjoying Twenty20 cricket rather than being overwhelmed by the burden of having to deliver off a fewer balls. “You have to relish Twenty20 and its demands. You cannot allow the pressure to get to you.”

Karthik then talks about the dynamics of batting in the game’s shortest version. “It’s a lot about the big hits and the power game. But you also require to work the ball around, rotate the strike. You have to react and adapt to the situations quicker than in the ODIs. Shot selection will be critical.”

Ready for duels


He eyes a role in the top-order. “I think I will find a place in the first three slots. Mentally, I am ready for the duels.”

The IPL, he says, will be a success, “There are so many big names involved. Some of the game’s finest cricketers are a part of the tournament. I am sure the stands will fill up.”

The Chennai lad is excited about the prospect of sharing the same dressing room with giants such as Glenn McGrath. “There are so many things you can learn from him, like mental make-up, work ethics and discipline,” says Karthik.

Even as Karthik braces himself up for the hectic days ahead, he does not forget his friends in the Super Kings team. “I wish them the best of luck,” he says.

[hastalavistababy]

[LosingNow]

--
Delhi dumps cheergirls, will 'focus on cricket'
30 Apr 2008, 0032 hrs IST,Arghya Ganguly,TNN
 
NEW DELHI: IPL just lost some more cheer. GMR, the franchisee of Delhi Daredevils, has decided to ‘‘do away’’ with cheerleaders for the rest of the IPL season. ‘‘The focus should be on cricket rather than entertainment. And the entertainment should be such that it blends with cricket,’’ said a GMR official.

In what is being seen as a reaction to the recent protests in Maharashtra by some political parties against the presence of the ‘‘obscenely dressed’’ cheerleaders in IPL games, the franchisees mulled over the issue for two weeks before arriving at the decision.

As a result, the cheerleaders, who were flown in from London and other parts of Europe before the start of the tournament, are being sent back to their respective countries. But GMR hopes that although it had to do away with the cheerleaders for this season, it will get them back next season.

However, fans who throng Ferozeshah Kotla on Wednesday night for the Daredevils-Royal Challengers match, will not be completely deprived of action on the cheerleading front. Because, according to sources, Washington’s Redskins, the Bangalore team’s cheerleaders, will perform during the game.

‘‘As time passed by, we realized cheerleaders were perhaps not needed. We want people to come and appreciate only cricket and not anything else. But I also hope that we can get them (cheerleaders) back for the next season. And hopefully they will play a bigger role next time around. This time we didn’t have much time to draw up an itinerary for them,’’ said Shriram Ramdas, in charge of entertainment at GMR

[broadbat]

http://www.delhidaredevils.com/home.html

[poondu]

Dilshan’s wedding gives Daredevils a break

New Delhi: The agonising wait for Rajasthan Royals’ last-ball win over Mumbai Indians that booked it a place in the IPL semifinals turned out to be quite enjoyable for the Delhi Daredevils, who found a perfect getaway from the tension at teammate Tillakaratne Dilshan’s wedding here last night.

The 31-year-old Dilshan got married at a city hotel last night and the Daredevils came out in full force to wish the Sri Lankan all-rounder and his bride.

The marriage was conducted under Hindu rituals and turned out to be a refreshing experience for the team’s other foreign recruits.

“It was mesmeric. The music, the clothes that they wore, the atmosphere was completely a new experience for me. I had a good time,” said Australian pacer Brett Geeves.

And while they were enjoying the wedding, the Daredevils’ happiness was doubled by the arrival of the news that Rajasthan beat Mumbai in a last-ball humdinger.

Needing three runs of the last ball, Rajasthan benefited from a misfield and a spilt run-out chance to romp home and continue with its winning streak.

The Daredevils’ hearts would have definitely skipped a few beats during the close match but Dilshan’s wedding made sure that the team found a getaway from the tension. — PTI


http://www.hindu.com/2008/05/28/stories/2008052856672000.htm

[poondu]

http://www.hindu.com/2008/05/28/stories/2008052856842000.htm

Sehwag fears early retirements



Special Correspondent


NEW DELHI: The Indian Premier League Chairman and Commissioner Lalit Modi would prefer hosting the Twenty20 entertainment twice a year. But Delhi Daredevils skipper Virender Sehwag has a word of caution.

“If we have it twice a year, it would lead to some early retirements and that would not be good for the game overall,” said Sehwag during an interaction with the media here on Tuesday.

Modi had recently remarked that the first three edition of the IPL would be an annual affair but wanted it to be held twice a year, in May and September.

Top priority


Admitting that the IPL has attracted huge crowds at all the venues, Sehwag also reminded the authorities that it was international cricket that matters more as far as cricket lovers were concerned. “The authorities should think once more because the international schedule is so packed that two IPL tournaments in one year would not be a good idea. It is a fact that people still want to see more cricket between nations. I doubt if the authorities can squeeze out four months in a year for IPL.”

Sehwag, however, said the IPL could not be ignored and there was room for youngsters to make a mark and qualify for national selection. “Performance in IPL should count. Everyone is watching IPL. I have been getting messages from Pakistan, England and even West Indies. I think selectors should take consider IPL performances when they select the Indian team.”

Sehwag pointed out the performances of Shikhar Dhawan, Pradeep Sangwan and V. Yomahesh apart from many others. He advocated a rotation policy keeping in mind the long schedule ahead for the Indian team.

Lucky no doubt


On Daredevils making it to the semifinals of the IPL, Sehwag observed, “We have been lucky no doubt. In the beginning we had lost some close matches but luck favoured us when it really mattered. It now depends on who plays well on the day because all teams are equal. In our team, we don’t depend on one individual. It really has been a collective performance.”

[RicePlateReddy]

That is definitely his kid! Cute young guy.

[LosingNow]

That is definitely his kid! Cute young guy.

Chubby.. even though he has not reached the "paratha diet" stage. He is bloody cute "jaat da puttar"

[Cover Point]

That is definitely his kid! Cute young guy.

Chubby.. even though he has not reached the "paratha diet" stage. He is bloody cute "jaat da puttar"

Its baby fat. Chala jayega.

The kid may loose weight too

[ruchir]

Are y'all talking about the baby in yellow or the baby in red? Seriously, the smaller kid has more mature expression on his face than the older kid. 

[cricinfo]

Are y'all talking about the baby in yellow or the baby in red? Seriously, the smaller kid has more mature expression on his face than the older kid.