SRT: Now That The God is Gone....

Person X: “The Indian cricket team sucks! You lot are useless. (Insert team name here) are much better.”
Me: “Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. Enough said.”
Person X: (silence)

This is probably my nth blog post on the maestro, but as a fan, you can never get enough of his brilliance. And then he goes and retires on you only to crush you. But no one will ever come close to Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. No one.

I refuse to sit here and speculate as to why he chose to retire from One Day Internationals. I don’t know if it was a personal decision, a board decision or even a decision made under pressure. All I know is that without jersey number 10, the Indian team is incomplete. In the land of cricket, we lose a god; a man who spoke less with his words but more so with his bat. As a young cricket fanatic, the amount of times I’ve stayed up late watching him bat with my mouth open only to fall asleep in school, are countless. But nothing was more important than watching SRT play his master strokes.

To call Tendulkar talented is an understatement; he defines Indian cricket. Yes, he’s has his share of blows – physical and personal, but he’s always jumped right back into the game. It doesn’t matter how big the blows – his father’s sudden demise, tennis elbow injuries and simply being out of form, he proved his critics wrong by getting back in and hitting like the master he is.

Perhaps it is too early for him to retire; many will say so. But it doesn’t matter what we think, believe or claim. The fact of the matter is that we have bid adieu to one of the finest cricketers in the history of the sport. Never again will we witness such beautiful cricket and for that, we must thank him for a treat that lasted over twenty years. While we sit and watch Sachin reruns, reminisce over our favorite SRT moments and tell stories of his brilliance to our children, we also know we will never see anyone quite like him ever again. There will be some who come close but no one will ever match the man to the T.

And while this will definitely not be my last Sachin Tendulkar post, it will be the only one I wrote with teary eyes. SRT, you will, are and will always be India’s number one son. We love, respect and salute you for your contribution to the country, the sport and our lives. The crease will seize to be same. That, I assure you. Alvida Master, Alvida.

Ton-Tana-Ton: Sachin Tendulkar

On days like this, I feel like such a proud Indian. Cricket makes the world go round—if you’re Indian that is. If you’re not, well then, you have no clue what you’re missing out on. When people tell me Cricket is ‘lame’ or ‘it’s a poor man’s baseball’, I fume with anger. Then I look to them, smile and say, “I have one name for you: Sachin Tendulkar.” Burn. The God of Cricket, whom I grown up looking up to for a number of reasons, has never failed to PWN his critics. More recently, they were on his back after he seemed to be having a rather lackluster few months on the pitch; they all believed he needed to throw in the towel and call it a day. The media went gung ho over his 100th century, which was just not happening for the Master Blaster. But we never heard Tendu utter a single word. As usual, being the true professional that he is, Sachin decided to let his bat speak. And amidst the intense pressure, it finally happened which forced his critics had to do the one thing we all knew they’d eventually do: eat their dirty words.



March 16, 2012. India vs. Bangladesh, Asia Cup.

Sachin Tendulkar scores his 100th hundred. I.e. 10,000 one ton runs. And if you think for a minute, that he’ll get a big head about it, trust me, he’s modest as he’ll ever be. If you managed to witness this historic moment, you were in for a delightful treat. Every single signature Sachin Tendulkar shot was played in this epic innings. And thus, it became the most beautiful innings to be played. At 99, our hearts stopped. We waited with abated breath. Then, it happened. I don’t know about anyone else, but I definitely choked up. I had just witnessed history in the making. It’s most likely that no other cricketer will ever go on to achieve such a monumental triumph. And the fact that it is Tendulkar just made this occasion that much more special.

The Master Blaster himself, who couldn’t understand why his 100th century was such a big deal especially since his 99th century occurred at the World Cup last year, simply looked to the sky, thanked the heavens and then pointed to his helmet. This was an achievement for the country. This is how he is, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar; just like this.
To his critics, all I want to say is: “Take that.” How anyone can even suggest that SRT is incapable, has lost his touch or is plain old, is blasphemy. There is a reason why he is the best cricketer on this planet, this is why. He doesn’t care what his so-called “critics” have to say. And neither do us, his fans.

As for Sachin, when he’s ready, he’ll call it quits. Who are we to tell The God that his time is up? Mere mortals, we are. We should just be grateful that we were able to witness a world class innings filled with elegance, style, passion and one that was a slap to everyone who believed he wouldn’t/couldn’t do it.

SRT, take a bow. I knew you’d eventually make that ton; I had no doubt. And I’m damn sure you’ll do it again. You may not consider yourself a god, but we sure as hell will bow to you. A hundred 100’s and beyond, you Legend you.

Dear Rahul,

It’s taken me two days to come to terms with your retirement and finally write this. My heart refused to believe that you, The Wall of Indian Cricket, had decided to call it quits. To say that I am your fan would be an understatement; I am much more than that. My parents believe it’s an infatuation but I don’t think so. It’s a whole lot of admiration, a dash of a crush and a pinch of love.

I remember the first time I saw you play. It must have been my second cricket match that I had ever seen. New to cricket, I was still figuring out the logistics of the games and on you came onto the field. At 14, I had never seen a cricketer cuter, more handsome and definitely more charming. I was floored. Over time, my crush deepened. Every time India played, I looked for you. Every four, every six, every block, every catch in the slip I watched in amazement.

It’s rather odd to say this but I grew up with you. You moved on from strength to strength, gained moniker after moniker ranging from Jammy to Mr. Dependable as I simultaneously went through High School. And while most young girls had pictures of celebrities on their school binders, I had a large magazine cut out of you taped to mine. The girls laughed. I flicked my hair and walked right on.

Yes, there have been great highs for you, but for me there isn’t one defining match that left me speechless. It’s been every 100, every catch in the slip and every time you won man of the match, I understood why. But if I were to pick one, it would be your 148 against England. It was by far one the most beautiful pieces of batting I have ever seen. Even through the lows, I believed in you. I knew you’d bounce back, which you did ever so fabulously.

However, it wasn’t all this that made me become the Rahul Dravid fan-girl that I am. It was your dignity, your charm and your innate love for the game that furthered my respect for you. I often felt that you were one player who possessed a love for the game that no one else did. It wasn’t about the fame for you. You, Rahul, played beautiful cricket. You made it look easy, graceful and exquisite.

For 15 years now, I’ve watched you play like a true gentlemen in a game that is meant for men just like yourself. Many players would become big-headed after all these achievements, but not you. You remained as humble as ever.

On a rather girly note, you will always remain my numero uno crush amongst the cricket lads. There will never be a more perfect gentleman than you, in my opinion. At 39, you still possess the 23-year-old charm that you possessed back then. And trust me, you still make the ladies go giddy. Whether it’s your absolutely adorable smile or those dreamy eyes, I found myself gushing then and more so now. I shed a tear when I watched your press conference announcing your retirement. It was a moment of mixed feelings. As an Indian cricket fan, we were losing one the most precious players we ever had and yet, the fashion in which you were letting it go was one of great panache and poise. But only Rahul Dravid could bid adieu to cricket the way you did.

You may leave the cricketing arena but we all know what you mean to Indian Cricket. You epitomize grace, style and humility. There will never be a cricketer like you ever again and you know what, we wouldn’t want another Rahul Dravid anyway.

We love you Rahul and we always will. As for me, you are and will always be my favorite Wall.

Love and respect,
Roshni

2012: Can You Handle Me?

Welcome to 2012 people! New Years Eve put me a pretty rad mood but totally screwed me over  health-wise. So my first good deed for the year is to give you some not-to-do drinking tips. 1) Do not drink on an empty stomach, and 2) Binge drinking is not a good idea; even if it is NYE. Now, if only someone had told me this earlier. So yes, it’s post the hangover and awful flu, which attacked me simultaneously, that I’m here now ready to bamboozle 2012. Everyone around me seems to believe that the year has gotten off to a pretty good start. I haven’t made up my mind just yet. But while I’m on undecided on the manner in which 2012 has begun, I’m sure of what I need to work on this year. No, these are not resolutions. They’re more like “rules and guidelines” for the year twenty-twelve.

Someone said to me that they like how my blog is an open book/diary; a peek into my life. I “awwed” and then realized that during the month of December, RWN became a sleaze fest vis-à-vis The Garam Sharam Awards. Alas that is so last year. While I intend on keeping up with more honest (read: blasé, bold, beautiful, boombaat and bombastic) pieces, this one is a bit somber one to begin the year with.

I solemnly swear not to sweat the small stuff. It ain’t worth it. As it is, mujhe Bade Acche Lagte Hain.

I solemnly swear not to take my body for granted. This is a genuine one.

I will try my hardest (sorry, cannot swear on this one) not to make fun of the following ladies: Frieda Pinto, Poonam Pandey, Sunny Leone and Karan Johar.

I solemnly swear not to get worked up with “people” who irk me for whatever reason. It’s not fair for me to judge other people if they are not affecting my life. If I must advocate or be an activist, it should be for a more legit causes like why Sunny Leone looks like a man to me.

I solemnly swear I will be audacious, more nonchalant, more verbose, more pompous and even more overbearing.

I solemnly swear to blog about more sleaze because sex sells and girls who write about it get a lot more hits. Being shameless is how you get famous, I hear.

I solemnly swear to finally figure out my relationship with Bollywood. This love-hate thing we have going on is not healthy. And secretly, Bollywood knows I adore him.
(Side note: Bollywood is definitely a man; it plays far too many games)

I solemnly swear to love the movies everyone hates and hate the ones everyone else adores.

I solemnly swear to further dig item songs as I am an item song whore.

I solemnly swear to use bigger words. Even if it yields presage complete upheaval and even stupefaction.

I solemnly swear not to call people names.

I solemnly swear that to switch loyalties to Canada if team India continue to play as complete assclowns. Crap, so much for no name calling.  

And lastly, I solemnly swear to continue being fabulous, bitchy and walk around like a Diva. That shouldn’t be too hard.

Any wager as to how quickly I will break one of the above? I think I may break one in oh, approximately 2.5 seconds. But hey, rules, resolutions and bridges are meant to be broken. And anyway, likhne mein kya hai?

This may actually be the year that cannot handle me; normally it's the other way around. Time will tell guys and dolls. In the meantime, have a fabulous 2012!

An Ode to Team India

Beloved Team India,

Team India: World Champions!

I love cricket. No wait, I love, heart, pyar, ishq, mohabbat the sport. Ask anyone and they’ll tell you, “Roshni is the mistress of cricket!” I'm not your average team India fan. I don't just get happy when team India wins, I cry my eyes out. I don't get upset when the team loses, I find myself sulking for days. I'm not sure what my connection with cricket is. I was all of eleven when my Father introduced me to the sport. We were shopping for my uncles wedding and I found myself surprised to find every store in Mumbai equipped with a television surrounded its employees. I question the infatuation and guess what? It hit me like a googly. I was bowled out, middle stump. After I learned the basics and intricate details, I found myself mesmerized, addicted, obsessed. From then on, I became a team India cricket fanatic following the team through all their tours and even the 2007 World Cup. I knew then, I was hooked for life. It wasn't as though I became a team India fan by default. Yes, I love India, everyone knows that but I genuinely believed (and still do) in the temperament and future of Indian cricket. The talent was (and is) incredible. Like every cricket fan, I too was waiting with baited breath for the team to take home the Cricket World Cup. With every win over the last few years, the team proved more and more, that they deserved it. On April 2nd, 2011, it happened. You, team India, fulfilled the ultimate Indian cricket fans dream: you won the Cricket World Cup on home ground.

As soon as the skipper hit the last sixer out of the stadium, I closed my eyes and said a silent prayer. And then I did what I didn't think I would do: I cried. Why I bawled? I'll never know. Maybe it was because of sheer pride for my country. Maybe it was because as a cricket fan, I saw my team, whom I loved and followed for years now, complete a dream that every fan wished for. Or maybe it was just one of those moments where happiness couldn't be expressed in any other way but sheer tears. In fact, it took me a few hours for this reality to sink in before the rona-dona completely stopped.

I'm not sure what incentive you boys went in with. Whether it was for to prove to the world, that you are indeed are the best, or it was to give Sachin the best farewell World Cup or for just for the country. Whatever your incentive, my boys, you played like complete champions. From the first match through to the final, you proved that you really are world class cricketers in every sense of the way and put every critic, who didn't think you lads could do it, to shame.

Like fans all over, I too watched in horror when Dhoni walked onto the pitch ahead of Yuvraj. “What on earth!” I thought. And I'll be honest, I have been skeptical of M.S. Dhoni as a captain. Not because he isn't capable of producing results. No. He is India's most successful captain and has proved it time and time again. His selfless attitude is one that is admirable in every which way. Dhoni's love for his boys and his eagerness for them to perform is beautiful. But it's his arrogance that irked me. However, at the final, he really outdid himself. His decision to come in and take care of the game was one that I’ll never question. What I believed would bring him down, he worked to his advantage. There was pressure but at no point did he display it nor did he crumble. Straight faced he handled it. And then, when it was really needed, the skipper played the ultimate captain’s innings. To you, I owe an apology. In all honesty, this World Cup would have been impossible without you. Captain Cool, you rock!

And how can I forget the one man whom I look up to, admire and worship in the cricket world, Mr. Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. The joy I felt when I saw you being carried by the team around the grounds, flag and cup in hand, is one that I will never forget. There is and will never be a cricketer like you. You style, grace and humility can never be imitated. And I assure you, not only me, but Indians all over including your team, will agree with me. Sachin Tendulkar, thank you for making Indian cricket what it is today. We love you!

Lastly, while we all sit and go on about the team without giving the man who changed the face of this team: Gary Kirsten. We see so little of him, but it is really the South African coach who turned things around for Team India. The team we see today, a world class team, is only because of him. The whole country salutes you, Gary. Kudos!

I never doubted you Team India. Even when it looked tough out there, I had faith in you boys. And every time you pulled through like true champions. As Indians, we couldn't be more proud of you all. We prayed hard, over one billion of us. We chanted shloks, hymns and prayer beads at every match. And yes, we all succumbed to strange superstitions – staying seated in the same chair for an entire innings if we needed to as we were scared things would fall apart if we moved. But you gave us exactly what we wanted: dhinchak, bindaas, fultoo cricket followed by the biggest jeet, any Indian could ask for.

As I sit to write this piece today, it is April 3rd 2011. A whole day has passed since the victory and it happens to be my birthday. A few weeks ago, I was asked, "What do you want for a birthday present?" My answer: "For India to win the Cricket World Cup." Thank you for giving me the best birthday present any Indian cricket fan could ask for. Nothing could substitute for a better present. Not a diamond ring, not a million bucks, not even a Bollywood blockbuster. As for the party? Well, a party that has been 28 years in the making has to be fab! Ask people on the streets in India who partied like it was millennium.

Men in Blue, M.S. Dhoni, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Munaf Patel, Sreesanth, Ashish Nehra, Piyush Chawla, R. Ashwin and Yusuf Pathan, Congratulations! We won!

Love always:
A proud Indian, a Desi girl who loves cricket, vows to Bleed Blue forever and the happiest birthday girl in the world!

Desi Girl Talks Cricket World Cup!

March 20th, 2011,
India vs. West Indies

Now what to say about Team India? I was angry, upset and basically pissed off at how they performed when they played last with South Africa. There was an obvious lack of commitment and excitement from the team. And so, I had zero expectations from the team as they came into their match with the West Indies. All I knew was this. If India did want to play school cricket and lose this match, this was the time. They had already made it into the quarter finals. All this match would do was determine who they played first. Win and they play Australia, lose and they play Sri Lanka. While I knew the West Indies weren't top notch, I also knew they were not ones to be casual about. With so little knowledge about the West Indies (I knew much more about them back in the day), I turned to the ever so trusty Castrol Cricket Index for some background. Let's put it this way, India sores in batting but in the bowling department, the West Indies definitely scores higher. Cause for concern? Absolutely! The Indian team's bowling attack is definitely not the best in the current cricket world. In fact, the team themselves know that this department is in need of some serious strengthening. Sigh. Oh and on a side note, the Castrol Cricket Index also went on to inform me of this one small but major detail. 4. Four. Chaar. That is the number of matches required for India to raise the World Cup. Seems like a small number, nahin? But only if the teams plays like a unit. Oh Cricket Gods...Have Mercy!

Howzatt!

* The God, Sachin Tendulkar, may have gotten out for a mere 2 runs but watta player. He was bowled and caught but before the umpire could raise his finger, the player walked. He knew immediately he was out and in all honesty, the umpire was undecided. Who knows what could have happened? He could have stayed in and hit a century. Lekin nahin. Apna Tendu is better than that. The honest cricketer walked. Would any other cricketer have done that? Hell no! Respect to the best we have. It was at this point that I realized that India was going to win...after all we never win when Sach hits a 100+.

* Gautam Gambhir, looking not so Ghumbir today, looked in full form. Ready to hit, hit, hit. Out for 22 yes, but definitely worthy of a watch. Oh and his lovely fours - one after the other, after he was provoked (read: khunaas!) by Rampaul was fantastic. Now that is fun cricket (evil laugh)!

* Hai Hai Main Mar Jawaan! My crush on Virat Kohli is increasing by the minute. So sad he's so much younger to me. But he did go on to score 59! Yay! I always said the kid had talent. Today, he proved it! Woohoo!

* Star of the day, ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Yuvraj Singh. Ab kya kahoon main? See, I've never been a huge Yuvi fan. Teekh hai, munda aata hai, kuch karke sometimes chale jaata hai. But not today. Out he came and hit 113 amazing, fulfilling, Punjaban runs! Sada Yuvi was in full tip-top shape! Lage raho!!

* The West Indian bowlers were teh-teh-phus. All except one: Ravi Rampaul. Now I know very little about the lad but hello Castrol Cricket Index! Basically this is what I learned very quickly. Rampaul is in fab form with 96% efficiency in his bowling. And his 51/5, mashallah!

* The West Indies innings was running along swiftly. In fact with Devon Smith cruising along (he finally went on to make 81 super chilled out runs), I really did begin to believe, yeh toh haath se gaya. Lekin nahinnnn!!!

* Zaheer Khan to the rescue! His bowling broke the partnership with a nice beautiful wicket and voila! We were back in the game! And then later, 2 more wickets. Such a rockstar!

* Yuvraj Singh was in really good form today. Besides his 100+ runs, he took 2 crucial wickets.


* Quick mention is needed for new boy (and local Chennaite) Ravichandran Ashwin. Good fielding and good bowling. Well done new kid!

* Okay, I've been chirping on and on about the terrible Indian fielding. Today, I'll sing hymns instead. Wah Wah! Alright, maybe that's pushing it, but hello, they were better today.

* The top West Indies batting order proved to be incredibly effective. They all pitched in to really pile on the runs to the best of their capabilities. Now that is solid batting. Kudos lads!

Googlys

* What is up with Team India? Why can't they play all 50 overs anymore? Sigh.

* The slow pace of the game really made me yawn far too much. I wanted more dhinchak bindaas cricket. Nahin hua. Boo.

* The West Indies lower order is dire need of some beefing up. Their numbers looked like a phone number. Eeks!

* And lastly, the Indian bowlers were great. But why is does it take us eons to get rid of the tailenders? Grr...they are call Tail-Enders for a reason ladko!

* Dhoni as usual, never fails to upset me. First of all, why does he talk like a duck? Anyway, so basically India won and his comment goes, "It's not about results. It's about the journey." Please spare me from going insane and talking about how upsetting this comment is. #MahaFail.


I wish I could sit here and go on about the fabulous cricket I saw today, but that wasn't the case. It was good to see India win but the team lacked any sense of enthusiasm and conviction. This will not work going forward IF they intend to lift the cup. And especially not while playing Australia who are by far the most conniving team around. A tweeter went on to tweet, "Itne be-aabru hoke jeetna bhi koi jeetna hai bangdu?" My sentiments exactly. Expecting fireworks from the men in blue come March 24th in Ahmedabad. And as for my reason as to why India needs to win. Well one word: A-U-S-T-R-A-L-I-A. Need I say more?

Desi Girl Talks Cricket World Cup!

March 12th, 2011:
India vs. South Africa

Today Desi Girl, who adores, loves and breathes cricket, is unhappy. Yes, India did not do too well today and thus, I feel a bit blue (pun intended). South Africa. A beautiful country with a pretty gosh darn good cricket team. But hello, what chance did they stand in front of our maa da laadlas in blue, right? In a pre-match discussion with my father, he said to me, "Roshni, India doesn't need to win this match. They'll still move ahead. Don't stress it." And what did I do? I stressed. Quickly, I then went in search of some consolation and came upon the uber trustworthy Castrol Cricket Index. By sheer research in the form of their fabulous index system, I was informed straight off the bat that India's chances for winning the World Cup was all of...20%. Immediately, I went in research of how both teams have faired with each other in the past. In the bargain, I was given a whole range of numbers which included individual player stats. However, what truly amazed me were the comparison between teams. According to the Castrol Index: Team Performance , India stands on top with an index rating of 395 when it comes to Batting but they fall all the way at number 8 when it comes to bowling with an index rating of 189! And post the match, I would realize how true this index system turned out to be.

Howzatt!

*What a beautiful batting ground it was! Sigh. Nagpur, Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, was a party every Indian cricket lover should have attended.

*Sehwag scared the daylights out of us initially! After smacking the ball for a 4 in the first ball itself, he went on to go seriously risky! A few unorthodox hits here and there, he was gearing up for a feisty match. And then, he looked to the sky, chanted a mantra, shed his helmet for a cap and darlings, Viru went on to do what he does so well! Every wide and short ball was smacked around the ground.

*And then, the god of cricket decided he too had to get in on the fun. Sachin then went on to hit 111 of the best runs ever seen. It was a sight for every cricket lover. His straight drives, the sixes and his fantastic running between the wickets was just sheer beauty! Setting the stage and foundation for his team, he did what he does best: played cricket!

*Hello Gauty! I just want to say one quick thing: aapki performance se, Desi girl khush hua! 69 baby! Very very nice. We really do need to see more of ya!

*Steyn Steyn Steyn. All we heard was, "Watch out for him!" I thought, "Che! Steyn ki aisi ki thesi." Uh yeah, the dude went on to kick India's butt! The boys in blue went back to the pavillion one by one courtesy of his bowling numbers: 5/50.

*Holler Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis! Wow! I had no idea how well you lads knew the game. And honestly, 1000 apologies. Great play lads! Fabulous way to set the bar and create a base for your team. Kudos!


*Salute South African middle order! At least you can support your top order batsmen; unlike the men in blue. Enough said.
*If anyone deserves some mention from the bowling attack on the Indian team, it has to be sada Harbhajan. I mean while the rest of our bowlers, well plain SUCK, it was Bhaji who came on to do something worthwhile for the team. Shukriya Bhaji! 

Googlys!

*Sorry but the South Africa bowling, which ranks amongst the top five in the Castrol Cricket Index, was in complete shambles when Viru and Sach came out to bat. Helter-skelter was the word of the day as they fumbled to get our dudes out. Apologies lads, but when our top players come on to the field, this is what happens: carnage! So we understand that you needed to use 7 of your 12 players on the team (wink wink)!

*Damn you middle order! What on earth happened to you? At one point we were 267/1 and then 296 all out! Please explain yourselves.

*Why did Dhoni mess up the batting order? And why was our Power Play lacking oh um, POWER!

*Indian Bowling. Need I say more?

*Nehra taking the last over. Please spare me from explaining my agony watching that particular over. Painful...and how!

Normally, I sit and write a conclusion, summarize my feelings and thoughts. Today I will sit and write a note to the captain, Mr. M.S. Dhoni.

Dear Captain Saab,
Today, I speak to you not as a critic but as a Desi girl who loves cricket. Dude, today your comments post the match were plain disgraceful. The moment you uttered, "We must play for the team and not supporters," I lost respect for you. When did YOU play for the team today? Batao. You played for no one today. Not the team, not the supporters and definitely not your country. Explain the reason behind messing up the middle order? No answer, na? Do you realize every time bechara Sachin comes on to do his thing, play selfless cricket, you and your team never support him. Oh whatever, Dhoni. Today you have proved to us that you are unambitious, uneducated and definitely un-Indian. I'd rather see Rani Mukherjee in her Dil Bole Hadippa avatar along with Bhuvan and his team from Lagaan
Sincerely, a disappointed Desi girl.

India plays West Indies on the 20th of March in Chennai. Sigh. Hopefully some Rajnikant aura will circulate around the men in blue. My recommendation to them is simple: watch Robot. Over and out.

For the Love of Cricket!

Cricket World Cup 2011 has begun! Ectastic and elated, I am of course gearing up for a fun filled 48 days. Needless to say, I'll be sitting and Bleeding Blue as I follow and cheer on Team India. The Men in Blue have a lot to show and tell before all in hopes to bring back the Cricket World Cup which they last won 28 years ago in 1983. No Kapil Dev this time around to captain the team to victory. No siree. Mahendra Singh Dhoni will have to take it upon himself to bring it (and bring it back too while he's at it)!

I've always been a cricket fan (glory glory India!). So this year, I decided to cover Team India during CWC 2011 through my eyes, a Desi girl's eyes, in a segment I've titled: Desi Girl Talks CWC 2011. I promise to be as objective as possible and will shed my bias towards The Men in Blue. You've heard what the boys have to say, now for the ladies!