The Lover and The Sun

Once The Sun came to me
Ask'd why no one loved me
I'm the one has the throne
Without me you'll all be gone.

I replied you're too strong
You feel You do no wrong
You are like the jungle lioness
You want everyone to bow, Your Highness

Oh Lover, please love me once
I plead for this from  all The Suns

On one hand, The other Suns (Stars) are beautiful
And are as far as this lover can see
But on the other are You
Who hurt us with the way you see

Okay I will love you cause You're on time
And with love you deliver
But promise me
You'll love me always and forever

Also I request, once You'are near me
You'll show no mercy and burn me soon
Or else, again, You'll see
I'll start loving The Moon.

Preview: India vs. South Africa

Mahatma Gandhi had spent 21 years in South Africa, where he developed his political views, ethics and political leadership skills. He realised he was out of contact with the enormous complexities of religious and cultural life in India, and believed he understood India by getting to know and leading Indians in South Africa. At a mass protest meeting held in Johannesburg, Gandhi adopted his still evolving methodology of Satyagraha (devotion to the truth), or nonviolent protest, for the first time. He urged Indians to defy the new law and to suffer the punishments for doing so.

And today India broke the shackles and beat South Africa for the first time in World Cups. A win that may bring the thought of going home with the trophy back. Indian batters looked hungry for runs and hunted every South African bowler one by one. A mouth watering performance for Indian fans.

The target set was once again lower than one's expectations during the middle overs. It showed that its very difficult to come and start slogging right from the ball one in the big Australian grounds. This certainly helped the Indian bowlers as South African batsmen succumbed to pressure and lost wickets at regular intervals(same story as the picture last week, only the cast was different, much like recent Bollywood films). Beating a formidble side, who were favourites for this game(and the tournament as well), no longer look as strong a side on the field, as they look on paper.

Dhoni's captaincy woes are vanished and it looks as if there were never any, forgetting about 5 continuous losses in Australia in last month and a half.The same set of Indian bowlers are suddenly looking more experienced(thanks to the IPL). The atmosphere in the Indian dressing room might be excellent right now. Players on the bench would also be enjoying their teammates' success.

budget

The budget is round the corner. The first complete one after the formation of Modi Sarkaar.

Maybe the right time to find out how well does his team do now, who are in the recovery mode after a tragic loss to AAP in Delhi elections. Also eager to find out if the prices of indigenous products reduce as a part of Make In India and promoting small businesses. During the election campaigns, BJP have talked about price hikes, now the ball is in their court.

People are the best judges. Last year saw many people going into and supporting BJP. Also a series of victories at different places made us believe in the Modi Wave. There were many projects started, whose results are not fully out.

A recent financial report said it is dangerous for country's economy to initiate so many projects simultaneously. Surely the FM would like to go at a moderate pace and see to it that he doesn't cross the line. As we came to know bringing black money back in 100 days and depositing Rs. 1.5 million in every bank account were very poor jokes, India won't accept another couple of big blows in the same financial year(by saying this I mean there are many more to come, but this much is enough this year and these jokes should be wide spread over the sixty months). By doing some little things, FM would like to become a Megastar at least for a week or so.

Now talking about the budget that comes before the financial budget, the railway one. I, being a Mumbaikar, expect a lot from Suresh Prabhu. As happens everytime around 40 seasonal trains and 20-25 new trains are bound to arrive. This time around, separate amount for semi bullet and bullet trains with proper explanation for execution of plans is in high demand. Also the plans for execution of FDI in infrastuctural developments and further announcements are in queue.

world cup-5

This time around, in the World Cup, couple of teams who are favourites, have never been crowned the World Champions. While one team has choked at the crucial moments, the other hasn't been able to carry the momentum after the Semis. But both teams are equaly tough to beat this time around. This time around too, they are bound to reach the Semis.

New Zealand have the advantage of home support and small grounds. They have one of the most balanced side. Playing against their arch - rivals in the group stage will be important for them as that result could be like make or break situation to top the group and can damage the confidence for the losing team. Their recent form has been excellent but inexperience and pressure from home crowd can haunt them in crunch situations.

South Africa are itching to remove the chokers tag and break the shackles. Most of the games they play can be one-sided as they have so many great players who can single-handedly change the result of the match. But the game against India would be crucial for them as they wouldn't like to leave the top spot in the pool B. If they win against India, they are most likely to win all other group-stage games and carry the momentum in the knockout-stage as well.

The team which don't lose the plot and have pretty much the same side in every condition are most likely to keep winning. A few players from both the teams are playing their first major tournament in the career, and would like to finish it on a high. Right now the players won't think about whatever I have written above. They will look forward at their next game and take one game at a time.

World Cup - 4

The terrific run of big teams have started. The results in the first couple of days show one-sided wins for the teams likely to reach the semis. The winning start of their campaigns prove that there will be a tight finish for the group winners. But it will also be interesting to see who comes last in the group after a great upset by Ireland on the Windies, earlier today.

We also have to beleive that keeping the winning momentum going won't be easy for any team.

Last afternoon we saw a great game between the arch rivals in the pool B and we will also see a game between the other arch rivals, both teams playing on home soil and tagged favourites to win the competition, game between Australia and New Zealand. A few teams still haven't decided their playing combinations, for eg. Pakistan and West Indies, which is hurting them.

Also small grounds, like Hamilton, are ideal for the upsets.

India have come on top against Pakistan, which means a lot to the fans. But the game against South Africa, a team which has never lost against India, will be a big game. Once again, on sunday, the Indian fans will be in front of their TV sets watching every ball with a breathless anticipation. Prayers of fans and players' execution of plans will be key to defeat the favourites, South Africa.

The duration between the games is long and no excuses of fatigue can be considered. The lively feilding would be tested between both the sides. But action off the feild won't be as hyped as the Indo - Pak game. Also the upcoming games in the other pool will be watchable.

India - Pakistan

A thumping win against our arch rivals, ensured first victory in International cricket in Australia this summer. India recorded a great win to start off their campaign today. It was our sixth straight win over Pakistan in World Cups since 1992. Also Kohli recorded his 22nd century and became the only Indian to score a ton against Pak in CWC.

The decision to bat first after India won the toss, came as a surprise to many of us. India hadn't won a single limited overs game, batting first, in Australia, this summer. But the world champions batted superbly, and diplayed good discipline till the 45th over. But once the hero, Kohli departed, our middle order was blown away.

A total of 300, looked small, which was once expected to reach above 315. The tension at the half time was same in both the dressing rooms, after India managed to reach 300 but Pakistan could have carried the momentum in the second innings. All eyes were now on the innings, which would have decided the fate of the game, but no one was much interested, because the real war between the Indian batsmen and Pakistani bowlers had already taken place. But it was a good fight and proved to be a treat for fans.

Indian bowlers found early wickets, ultimately. But Pakistan soon started to come out stronger with a good fight by Ahmed Shehzad and Haris Sohail. Soon the pack of cards fell after a slight air blow. After that the blood pressures finally came to normal after seven hours of tight game.

The Cricket World Cup-2

Who would score most tons? Who would be the most economical? Who would score most runs? And who would take the most wickets?

Most obvious questions after who will win the World Cup? Which teams will compete in Final? Which team is the Dark Horse? And which team may cause the most Upsets?

Will any team from the top 8 have an early exit?, obvious after seeing the performance of West Indies. Will Ireland become the second European team to reach the Quarter Finals? Indian Pride is in Deep Stakes. Winning Momentum is the key to win the World Cup.

Social Media should get ready to face outbursts of energy, flowing in high spirits. Freedom of expression and emotion, would the most used Fundamental Rights.

As the tournament goes on and reaches its business end, competing with yourselves and improving everytime would be the key to success.

Also taking each game at a time is important, and pushing the limits higher as the time goes by, can be a tried and tested method.