Lalit Modi Will Knock Competition Off Its Behind!

Now the drama begins. Of course we had to have this. Why did we not see it coming? Half way into the tournament, just when the news channels were beginning to change their focus from IPL to other matters, IPL had to throw its hat in the ring again. When Sania Mirza came to hog the lime light for entirely her personal matters the world of IPL could not bear to share viewership. They were reiterating the fact that when IPL is on there can not be another sport mentioned. Indeed not once did we hear that Sania plays tennis. It was only the president of the Pakistan Tennis Federation who mentioned that Sania should play for Pakistan, he retracted later. So, all those men who watch those predictable soaps under the pressure of their wives & mother-in-laws have some little juice to savour. Only the cast has changed from Ronit Roy to Yuvraj Singh. We have been hearing reports that Yuvi wanted to leave the Kings XI Punjab before the start of the season. Maybe because he cannot stand Sangakkara towering over him. If this is the real reason then he will never put it into words.

Yuvi knows that he is a born T20 player. It does not matter to him who is bowling to him. He can comfortably break the confidence of the bowler & make the captain change his strategy. He knows which shots to play when. If they need to finish the match in 20 overs he shall complete it in 18. He can get his rhythm in a few balls and then go for the big shots. Stadiums are filled at the mention of his name. The crowd wants to see him shoot far & wide. His CBZ Extreme Sixes are pleasing not only to Preity Zinta but also the fans of the rival team.

This is when he is not injured or diving to save his mamma’s pickles. But 8 out of 7 days he is injured. The following few matches he is a no show. Then once in a while he shall bat superbly and release a statement that his bat has silenced his critics. Let it be known that Hercules called Yuvraj Singh a one hit wonder. A total of 101 runs in seven matches at a pathetic average of 14.42 does not suit the reputation of an player. It was mere luck that got him the status of an iconic player.

Yuvraj Singh has the audacity to challenge the superior skills of Sangakkara. He might be a good batsmen but certainly not a good captain. Not everyone has the makings of a fine captain. For a captain skills are secondary, leadership is primary. And Yuvraj Singh is simply not a good one. He had lost the game against Mumbai Indians even before the innings had started. It was written on his face. Yuvraj can never perform when required. He is what they call colloquially – a pinch hitter. He can bat in the middle order, go up to get a few runs with a high strike rate, return and field. He is aggressive on & off the field. His series of girlfriends display that he cannot remain at one place for a long time. Be it a relationship or the crease. He can certainly please the crowds but cannot get into The Fine Cricketers List.

Looking Cool Isn't Going To Make You An Icon Boy!

Yuvi has been consistently under-performing. Probably because he wants himself out of the team. As they say actions speak louder than words. If he cannot give in his resignation letter he can surely under perform so the team can relieve him of his duties. This raises the fundamental question that is the concept of icon players waning. His counterparts are truly iconic, all save him. Icon players were put out to help with gather a fan base and all icon players were placed in their local/regional teams. Icon players bring with then class, technique, guidance & experience for the junior players. They help in branding of the team. They play a crucial role in getting sponsors. In return they get obscene pay checks and the “iconic” status. It shames the dignity of icon players when one purposely under performs. In cricket it is easy to blame the ‘form’. Yuvraj is a shammer. If he is genuinely out of form then he ought to be sitting on the bench far from the pitch.

Love, Paris