Political dramas..

I came across a news article yesterday that had Bal Thackeray criticizing Sachin saying, "There was no need to take a cheeky single by making these remarks. By making these remarks, you have got run-out from the "pitch" of Marathi psyche".

After all the remarks that Sachin made was, "I am a Maharashtrian and I am extremely proud of that. But I am an Indian first. And Mumbai belongs to all Indians." Any sane person will not find anything bad about this remark, made by a sports person. And what he said was indeed true! Mumbai is a national property. Then why the hell should Bal Thackeray make such a comment, it is not Sachin who took a "cheeky" single, but it was Bal Thackeray who tried a risky single, on the occasion of the "mumbaikar"'s 20th year in international cricket.

This is not the first time a famous personality is unnecessarily a subject to some politician's stunts. I was quickly reminded of atleast two instances when popular personalities became subject of some politician's drama. When Rajnikanth voiced against Veerappan for abducting kannada actor Rajkumar, Dr. Ramadoss thought he had reasons enough to accuse Rajni's loyalty to Tamil and Tamil Nadu! If people like Rajni and Sachin do not retort to these accusations, it just means that they don't care about it!! But the politicians take it as a tonic for their status.

The second instance was during the release of Kamal's movie Sandiyar, when Dr. Krishnaswamy thought that the name would spark violence in the state (as if the country was free of violence without the film). The film was rechristened as Virumandi. However, one thing I liked about this was, Kamal's sarcastic reply to Dr. Krishnaswami:



Overall, I personally feel, the politicians should concentrate on solving the problems in the society, rather than trying to target famous personalities to gain cheap popularity!!

Luck and South African Cricket

I was following the T20 match between England and South Africa, and I could only sympathize the South Africans, who are now a known member of the so-near-yet-so-far league. Thanks to Mr. Duckworth-Lewis, South Africans were short by 1-run of the D/L target. This is not the first time that D/L rule makes us feel sorry for a team (remember recent match between West Indies and England?); also this is not the first time South African end up in the unlucky side!

When they were hyped as favorites in the recent Champions trophy (team form suggesting the same as well), they were defeated by one of the tournament underdogs.

Remember the knock-out match between South Africa and Srilanka in 2003? How many times do we see Klusener laboring 6-balls for just a single run.

Remember the semi-finals of 1999 world cup? How many catches has Gibbs dropped in his entire cricketing career? But he dropped a vital one off the bat of Steve Waugh!

How many instances can a team be unlucky! That makes me ponder if sports is all about talent, or does luck have a major role to play?? If talent alone was sufficient, South Africa, would have ended up in the right side of the contest, like when they chased down 400+ runs in the ODI against Australia. But in any sports, you need luck to gain the extra-bit to cross the line. Somehow, South Africans lack a bit of that. Unlucky chaps!