The Times of Cricket

Long time since I wrote about Cricket. A lot is happening, although I am not getting a chance to watch everything live, I do keep track of the scores.

One thing worth mentioning is the rise of Mitchell Johnson of Australia. He single handedly beat England in the Ashes. He was simply unplayable. A white wash was the result, and the urn came back to Australia after 7 years. It was also a kind of resurgence of the Australian Test side, which was pretty low after the retirement of all the big guns.

Currently, Australia is on a Tour to South Africa. South Africa has the best bowling attack in the world. The likes of Steyn and Morkel are really intimidating. The supporting bowlers also do a pretty good job. They have the variety as well, left arm, right arm, fast, swing, spin, a complete attack. Batting is not bad either, even after Kallis got retired, Amla, De Villers, Grame Smith still make the batting line up look good. Not for nothing is South Africa the number one test side since a while now.

So, I did mention Kallis got retired. A great player, and the number one all-rounder in world cricket. He was a big asset to the South African team. His last series was against India. Not only did Kallis had great talent and skills, but also wonderful temperament. He had a very cool head on his shoulders. Not only South Africa, but also the cricket world as a whole will miss Kallis.

India is not doing very well currently. We were not able to win a single game in South Africa, got big time drubbing in New Zealand.Currently the Asia cup is going on. Dhoni is injured and Virat Kohli is the captain. He is in ominous form since the past one year, and has scored heaps of runs.But there are not many players to support him; he is the only consistent match winner in the team. Other youngsters like Rahane, Raidu, Rohit Sharma, Dhawan click rarely. Bowling is a big problem, and it has always been. But still, compared to other teams in the Asia cup, India is one of the favorites for me. Other one being Sri Lanka. Pakistan change their squad every six months, except Shahid Afridi, and they are highly unpredictable.

The Champ is Home!

Dear Bhanju,

 Hello buddy! You are 3 days old now and coming to your home for the first time. It is a very special place; it will be your first home. It will be a home where you will grow up. A home which is special for all of us, it is also the first home that your parents owned in US.  You being part of it just make it extra special.

 I have been there, and I know each and every thing in there has being handpicked by your parents. It is a combination of modern amenities and antiquated artifacts. To be frank, sometimes it looks like a mini museum, but so it is. You will not find such a splendid home anywhere else.

 This home where you will live in has seen loads of happiness. The 2011 World Cup victory of India, the rehearsals of Diwali events, the Birthday celebrations, and many more… and now the home will see you. It has always been a lively and buzzing place, because of all the wonderful friends your parents have. You will meet them, and their kids will become your friends. So, one thing is for sure, you will have many friends, and I can assure they would be good friends too.

 You may not live forever in this home. You and your parents may move to a bigger home, a bigger city, or may be eventually you would go to some other city like Cambridge, MA or Pittsburg for higher studies. Always remember your first home, it is very special for all of us, and it is very special for you too! There is a NASA space shuttle toy I had got from Washington DC when I was there, now it is yours. One of your first toys, and first gift from mamu. I want to tell you, you may or may not become an astronaut, but whatever you do, and become in life, be the best in it, and enjoy it!

Yours lovingly,

Kartik Mamu.

Welcome to the world, little champ!

Dear Bhanju,

 18th Feb, 2014.  That is the day you were born. A new member in our family, the next generation, and a bundle of joy and happiness. Let me introduce myself, I am your mama. This is the first letter I am writing to you, and I am sure there would be many more.

 I still remember the day your mom and dad got married. It has been more than 5 years. You are lucky to have such wonderful parents. I am confident that you would grow up to be a very well respected, and highly qualified man. I will always be there for you, I may not be in US, but you can always contact me for anything (including your homework ;) )

 We will relive our childhood days, with your childhood. We will play with you, we will study with you, we will be there for you, and be with you in every step of your life. Just remember one thing, do your homework on time, and don't watch a lot of TV.

 You are just one day old, you have a whole life waiting ahead of you. Life is a journey, never be disappointed with failure, always be patient, persistent and always listen to your parents. Your friends may tell you hundred things, but when in doubt always ask your parents. Remember they love you more than anything else, and will always be there for you.

 I would like to end with a quote. "Life isn't a matter of milestones, but of moments" - Rose Kennedy

Yours Lovingly,
Kartik Mamu

Lone Survivor

 I had not heard of this movie 3 days before today. I was planning to go for 'The Lego Movie', however the timings were not suiting me, so I thought to check, what else is going on?

 I saw this name, never saw any tailor or poster about it anywhere, it was unheard of. Searched online, read a couple of sentences and I decided, I gotta watch this one.

It is a true story about US Navy SEALs, how a plan to capture a terrorist turns upside down. How 4 soldiers have to face an army of al-Queda , and how against all odds, there is a Lone Survivor.

 The movie starts with all the rigorous training a Navy SEAL has to go through, how much the armed forces cares about any of it's surviving personnel, and also there is a story of humanity. No country, no religion is bad, just that there are a bunch of people who make it look bad. A whole village in Afghanistan fought against al-Queda to save the surviving Navy SEAL, and they were all native of Afghanistan.

 It is an adult movie, there is lot of violence in it. For someone who has played Counter Strike before, this is like ultimate fantasy! Also there are a few scenes where the soldier removes bullets from his own body, it is shown very realistically, and not many people can see it. I can say whole of the movie is realistic and logical! In the end there is a tribute to the 4 soldiers, on whom the movie is based.

 I can definitely say it is another nice movie, with some similarities to Captain Phillips. I got the top most row being a weekday. There were barely 15 odd people in the hall owing to simultaneous release of Gunday.

 Did I see Gunday? Well hell yes, I see 2 movies every week!! Why din't I write about Gunday then? Well I read somewhere on facebook recently: Bollywood makes money, Hollywood makes movies!