The Ultimate Star of Europe

UEFA had released a 26 member shortlist of Europe’s top footballers for the prestigious ‘UEFA Best Player in Europe Award’ on July 9. Bundesliga players undoubtedly dominated the list along expected lines following their dominance in the UEFA Champions league 2012/13, culminating in the final at Wembley. Not surprisingly, the list is flooded with strikers and attackers, undermining the efforts of reliable defensive talents.

Here is an overview of the league-wise split of the shortlisted players. Many unspoken talents from Germany are now in the spotlight and football is continuing to prove the fact that talent will never be left unrewarded. This year’s list of best players in Europe pays a tribute to the quality and spirit of German football.

Gareth Bale	Tottenham	Franck Ribery	FC Bayern München
Robin Van Persie	Manchester United FC	ArjenRobben	FC Bayern München
BransilavInvanovic	Chelsea	Bastian Schweinsteiger	FC Bayern München
EdinDzeko	Manchester City	Thomas Muller	FC Bayern München
RadamelFalcao	Atlético de Madrid	Manuel Neuer	FC Bayern München
Xavi Hernandez	FC Barcelona	Dante	FC Bayern München
Lionel Messi	FC Barcelona	Mario Mandzukic	FC Bayern München
Andres Iniesta	FC Barcelona	Philip Lahm	FC Bayern München
Cristiano Ronaldo	Real Madrid CF	Javi Martinez	FC Bayern München
Andrea Pirlo	Juventus	Robert Lewandowski	Borussia Dortmund
Arturo Vidal	Juventus	IIkayGundogan	Borussia Dortmund
EdinsonCavani	SSC Napoli	Mario Gotze	Borussia Dortmund
ZlatanIbrahimovic	Paris Saint-Germain FC	Oscar Cardozo	SL Benfica

On July 9, a second round of shortlisting was done and a new 10 member list was released. The list is one with world-class impactful players including 6 wingers, 3 strikers and 1 central midifielder. No major surprises, except that unlike the past years, there are no Spanish internationals included in the shortlist of 10 stars who could pocket the much coveted award. Last year, the award went to Andres Iniesta. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo took the runners-up positions, with the same number of votes. This year, owing to the emergence of Germany as a footballing superpower, we can clearly see an upsurge in the number of german league players in the European best player shortlist.

Andres Iniesta – 2012 UEFA Best player of Europe

1.     Gareth Bale (WAL) – Tottenham Hotspur FC

The undisputed champion of the English Premier League, Tottenham’s yester season performance drove on this insatiable goal engine. For the former LB turned attacker, his vigor on the flanks, along with his ability to pick up critical passes and his clinical finishing makes him one of the most valued youngsters in the world. This season was Bale’s one of the best EPL campaigns with a goal tally of 26. At the age of 23, being touted as the next CR7 by the likes of Real Madrid, his talents are appreciated by all clubs across the world and his £100m price tag stands testimony to this.
Achievements: EPL-5^th

Personal highs:

a.     Bale grabbed 3 goals in the 4-0 away win against Aston Villa , marking his first PL hat-trick

http://www.soccer-blogger.com/2012/12/26/aston-villa-vs-tottenham-0-4-goals-defoe-gareth-bale-hat-trick-highlights-2012-video/

b.    He shined brilliantly in the 3-1 EPL home win against Manchester City, pitching in a goal and an important assist to Dempsey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGfFmxmPfHc

c.     He won the PFA Players' Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year and the FWA (Football Writer's Association) Player of the Year Award, making him one of only two players who have won all three in the same season, the other being Cristiano Ronaldo in 2007. 

2.     Cristiano Ronaldo (POR) – Real Madrid CF

 One among the best players in the world right now, it is no surprise finding him on the list. Sceptics had argued that Ronaldo would not be able to match the performance bar set in  the 2011/12 season, but he very easily proved them all wrong. His contribution to Real Madrid's cause has been indispensably tremendous, scoring critical goals and spearheading them to a UCL semi final spot. For the same award, he came second last year along with his arch nemesis Messi and this year also we find him in the final 3 shortlist. With 57 goals this season, he is surely a strong contender for the award.
Achievements: La Liga-2^nd, Runners up Copa del Rey and UCL semifinalist

Personal highs:

a.     Ronaldo scored his 200th goal for Real Madrid in a 6–2 win against Malaga. This feat made him sixth in the list of the club's all-time top scorers and the player that took the least number of matches (197) to reach 200 goals.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqWL7_MZGNc

b.    He scored his first career hat-trick in Champions League as he led Real Madrid to a 4–1 victory over Ajax.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQ5Yh02pj8Y

c.     He scored a perfect hat-trick against Getafe in a 4–0 win, including his 300th club goal.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJtxIzpx1c4

d.    He scored the winning goal in a 2–1 victory against his former home, Manchester United. CR7 showed his respect to his former club, by refusing to celebrate the goal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Se3LtZf7X-Y

e.     He scored the next week against Sevilla, his 21st hat-trick of his career and his 17th in La Liga

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNocCJyQ7E8

f.     He was named by Marca as a member of the "Best foreign eleven in Real Madrid's history". He closely missed out on earning the 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or and came runners up for the fourth time behind Lionel Messi

       3. Zlatan Ibrahimović (SWE) – Paris Saint-Germain FC

Succoring PSG to their much awaited French title since 1994, Zlatan was extraordinary last season . The 31 year old controversial Swedish striker piled 35 goals, last season and proved value for money for his transfer from the Italian giants to the new land of football in Paris . The languid and agile striker that he is, he has crafted the reputation as one of world’s best target man or one-man striker of the current generation and clearly deserves to be in top 10 in the list.

Accolades: Ligue1 Champion, Trophée des Champions trophy

Personal highs

a.     Zlatan was awarded with the Ligue 1 player of the year title.

b.    He was the assists leader with a total of 7 assists in the 2012-13 UCL tournament

c.     He scored twice in the second half for PSG to help them rebound from 2–0 down at half-time to salve a 2–2 home draw with Lorient in the opening 2012–13 Ligue 1 match.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X33nY4a2d-w

d.    He scored a fantastic hat-trick in a 4–0 away win against Valenciennes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjm18abIxhI

e.     He scored both of PSG's goals in the Ligue 1 Le Classique derby at the Stade Vélodrome, with the match finishing 2–2.This included the famous Taekwondo kick goal and a curling freekick that went in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dve1xE6tWpI

      4.   Robert Lewandowski (POL) – Borussia Dortmund

The pole is undoubtedly one of the best strikers around and it was a roller coaster ride last year, his tournament high reaching with 4 goals against Real Madrid in a UCL semifinals. He belongs to the age-old class of strikers, the likes of Bergkamp, Owen and Raul. The soft first touches, smart positioning, timely sprints and spot-on finishing are characteristics of all these players. This is quite in contrast to the typical lone striker we find in Europe, the likes of Falcao, Benzema, Mandzukic, Zlatan and Torres. Lewandowksi, has time and again proven that he is a match winner and last season, he was a vital part of the second best European team in the world, the Schwarzgelbens, scoring a personal goal tally of 36.

Achievements: Bundesliga-2^nd , UCL finalist, 2013 DFL-Supercup winner

Personal high:

a.     Lewandowski became the first player to score all the four goals in a Champions League semifinal as Dortmund beat Spanish champions Real Madrid 4–1 in the first leg.     

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYoVTJr2MlY

b.    He scored at the dying minutes of the CL group stages defeating Ajax by 1-0.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxSYdiYST9k

       5. Lionel Messi (ARG) – FC Barcelona

Well no explanation needed here we guess! We would rather just say that Messi is arguably the best player in this planet currently, with only CR7 proving to giving him stiff competition. If we were to let this award go to the best player on a technical and personal-impact based analysis, Messi would have to just open his gate at the next doorbell and the award would be waiting there! But we need to realize that there is a little more to football than achieving personal feats. Bayern’s emergence as the new powerhouse of European football might offer challenges to his claim over the award. Having said this, it still becomes logic-bound to quote him as the favourite to grab the award with a mammoth personal goal tally of 60 and leading the Catalans to yet another La Liga title and a UCL semifinal finish.

Achievements: La Liga-1^st , UCL semifinalist,

Personal highs:

a.     Messi scored two goals, and aided the fourth, to help Barcelona defeat A.C. Milan (4–0) in the 2nd leg of their Champions League game and reach the quarter-finals. He became the 2nd all-time top scorer in the UEFA Champions League, (excluding qualifying rounds). Messi's opening goal against Milan compared by critics to Maradona's famous goal against Greece in the 1994 World Cup.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mg7lQlf72JQ

b.    He won the FIFA Ballon d’Or for a 4^th time.

c.     He scored 4 goals in a 5–1 win against Osasuna, including his 200th goal in La Liga, becoming the 8th player and the youngest player to do so

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozs9cNKsLy0

d.    He scored twice against Real Betis, his 85th and 86th goals in 2012, surpassing Müller's milestone of 85 goals scored in a calendar year in 1972 with Bayern Munich and the German national team, as well as surpassing Rodríguez's record for most league goals for Barcelona

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RJNAwFcBmk

e.     He scored for the 19th consecutive La Liga game, netting Barcelona's second goal at Celta de Vigo and thus becoming the first footballer in La Liga's history to score in consecutive matches against every team

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vd06hXr5g7c

      6. Thomas Müller (GER) – FC Bayern München

As the commentators often quote: “There are two Mullers who have marked their names in the history of German football, the first, the legendary Gerd and the next, the young Thomas”.One of the key Bayern players this season, Muller offers flexibility in terms of attacking roles for the club. Traditionally a winger, we could often spot him in the centre of the midfield in a wide role, in the hole and even as the target striker. There are only a few players who can offer such versatility in terms of attacking outlook. This coupled with his penchant for goals (22 last season) keeps him in the league of best players this year.

Achievements: Bundesliga-1^st , UCL winners, DFB Pokal Cup-Historic Treble

Personal highs:

a.     Muller netted a brace against the recently promoted Fortuna Düsseldorf in their 5-0 victory, registering their 8^th consecutive win in the league

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIINFFNJl2o

b.    He scored a vital goal against arch rivals, Borussia Dortmund helping the Die Rotens seize the DFL Supercup

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqWW3zQdfBc

c.     He scored 2 goals and assisted a goal against the promising FC Barcelona at Allianz Arena

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWHnWuCsZuA

d.    He scored yet another goal against the mighty Catalans in the return leg, sealing the dreams of another UCL finals for Barcelona

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AL8JIDvxAk

e.     He scored a penalty in the final of the 2012-13 DFB Pokal final against Stuttgart

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kod-FkGb7vI

      7.       Franck Ribéry (FRA) – FC Bayern München

“I think I’ve done everything to be the world’s best player. I’ve played a very, very good season. It’s either now or never for winning this prize. I can’t play any better than this”. This was his message to the Bundesliga official website and it only becomes logically justified to nod in acceptance to this claim of his. Franck Ribery has been the face of the attacking threat of the historic treble winning Bayern Munich team this year. It would have been a daunting task for Bayern to do without him. His experience coupled with his immaculate attacking sense was leveraged perfectly by the Die Rotens this season. His season ended with a tally of 10 goals and 14 assists thus part of c.25% of FCBs goals. He was the highest assist contributor for Bayern Munich and key indicators like successful dribbles per game (4.5) and key passes per game (3.2), site him in a league of his own. He was remarkable with his runs in the flank and efficient defensively, also clocking the highest playing time for an attacker in the Bundesliga. His creativity and close control is world class, comparable to the likes of Iniesta with a wider range of crossing, tackling and aggressive abilities. He was in the peak of his form and eventually becoming pivotal in helping Bayern claim the historic treble. Ribery might have grown older, but his magic can still be seen on the field and for the contributions last season, he truly deserves a top-spot finish in this race for personal glory.

Achievements: Bundesliga-1^st , UCL winners, DFB Pokal Cup-Historic Treble

Personal highs:

a.     Ribery played a vital role in the UCL finals, creating both the goals for Bayern Munich.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6a45aHFf2Q

b.    He was voted Bundesliga Player of the Year by his fellow professionals.

c.     He scored a late contender for ‘Goal of the season’ as Bayern Munich came from behind to end their triumphant Bundesliga campaign with a 4-3 win at Borussia Mönchengladbach. He also provided 2 assists and scored another goal in the same clash.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ro0kEW5W1A

d.    He displayed a top-class performance in the 4-0 bashing of Barcelona. Ribery had a beautiful assist and a cross which was tapped in by Pique to his credit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHbkoUrE4W0

      9.  ArjenRobben (NED) – FC Bayern München

There would not be many in the lot who would not have thought that this man was already done. In the last two years, Robben had the plight of facing 4 major cup losses, 2 CL finals, 1 WC final and a DFB Pokal final. Rewind last year, and this man had the opportunity to ship the champions league trophy to the land of Munich and alas it was a penalty that went amiss, shattering the hopes of millions of Munich fans around. Come what may, it was as if he had decided that this year, he was making up for it. “Everyone told me I'd score the winning goal” is what Robben had to say after the finals. In a dramatic way, he ended up scoring in both the legs of the CL semi final clash against Barcelona and in the final, where he set up Mandzukic for a goal and later scored one for himself, receiving the Man of the Match by UEFA in the UCL finals at Wembley. Eventhough injury kept him out of a lot of matches in the season, justifying his lower goal tally of 13 goals, when the team demanded of his quality, he did not shun away from that. The attacking talisman of Bayern Munich justifies his position in the top 10 players of Europe in all possible ways.
Achievements: Bundesliga-1^st , UCL winners, DFB Pokal Cup-Historic Treble

Personal highs:

a.     Robben put forth a man of the match performance at the UCL finals against Dortmund. He scored a goal and also set Mandzukic up for another goal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6a45aHFf2Q

b.    He scored in both the legs of the UCL semi finals against Barcelona. His movement in the flanks and the centre of the pitch, constantly disturbed the Barcelona defense, proving critical to the victory in both the legs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qriKhvPdA7k

c.     He scored a beauty, a curling kick at the corner, against Borussia in the quarter finals against Borussia Dortmund, eliminating them from the DFB Pokal tournament.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2nUl8PPJak

            9. Bastian Schweinsteiger (GER) – FC Bayern München

 If Bayern were to identify their diving force or its engine, they would all look for the No.31 jersey, in the midfield. A true gem in the current era of midfielders, it has been a long wait for him to grab the ultimate silverware. It wasn’t a year ago when Schweinsteiger missed the crucial penalty that gifted Chelsea a UCL trophy. But little did people know that he would come back as one of the most threatening midfield forces in Europe. Eventhough, he was struck with an ankle problem that left him injured till about winter, he quickly adapted to the crucial orchestrator role for Bayern Munich. He perfectly combined with Javi Martinez, to develop into a formidable threat in the midfield and eventually the duo successfully cracked the toughest Xavi-Iniesta-TikiTaka midfield code. This was crucial in fueling the 7-0 bashing of Barcelona, helping steer the Die Rotens to the UCL finals. One of the most prolific midfielders of the generation, he personifies versatility. From deep in the defense, he is the one who can orchestrate a whole move and can feed those critical crosses and through balls. One can see him play CB, RWB, CDM, CAM and even on the right flank popping his head out to spot Mandzukic, Muller or Ribery. A true fighter by nature, he is the one they would look upto for any kind of inspiration and coach Heynckes has labeled him as the “Best midfielder in the world currently”. Combined with Martinez, they were the key pillars on which the Bayern team was built upon. Last season, Schweinsteiger gathered 9 goals and 7 assists with an amazing pass accuracy of 87.3% in the UCL tournament. The official Bundesliga site label him as the ‘Leader of the year’ and undoubtedly deserves a spot in the top 10 European players for this season.
Achievements: Bundesliga-1^st , UCL winners, DFB Pokal Cup-Historic Treble

Personal highs:

a.     Scored the backheel flick goal against Eintracht Frankfurt which sealed the Bundesliga title for Bayern

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUBsua_Jy3s

b.    Scored a header in the 6-1 lashing against Stuttgart

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KLqFQP_G5g

      

            10. Robin van Persie (NED) – Manchester United
 

One of the most tempestuous of transfer sagas, Arsenal’s ex-talismanic striker who made a switch to Manchester United, continued his goal scoring form and proved critical in lifting united above their derby rivals, city. The latter quarter of the season was a goal-draught season for RVP also inflicted by a hip injury. He ended these bad days in style with an impressive hat-trick agains Aston Villa, sealing the EPL title for Fergie’s Manchester United. With a goal tally of 26 and scoring critical and seemingly impossible goals against all major rival clubs in the premier league, he was the difference United had over City to clinch their 20^th domestic PL title.
Achievements: EPL-1^st

a. RVP scored his first hat-trick for United in their 3–2 victory over Southampton, helping pull United back from an initial 2–1 deficit. The match also witnessed the 100^th PL goal for Robin Van Persie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFBZlfj2enI

b. He scored a dramatic stoppage time winner from a free kick in a 3–2 victory over Manchester City, his Manchester Derby debut.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaVUmRUv4WQ

c. He netted an impressive first-half hat-trick against Aston Villa, confirming Manchester United's 20th league title with four games in hand. His second goal in the match was one of his career best, a diagonal volley from a long range cross by Rooney.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hr2fWhQkw_4

Ultimate shortlist

Well the next round of shortlist for the final 3 has already been announced on Aug 6^th 2013, and we at Sheer Football are eagerly waiting for the final result to update you with more information on this. This is the list in the ascending order of the rankings.

•       Lionel Messi

•       Frank Ribery

•       Cristiano Ronaldo

•       Arjen Robben

•       Robert Lewandowski

•       Thomas Muller

•       Bastian Schweinsteiger

•       Gareth Bale

•       Zlatan Ibrahimovic

•       Robin Van Persie

Top 3

This year like any year has been record breaking and goal scoring for Lionel Messi. Messi magic was seen at many vital instances, reinstating the statement that he is the world’s best player. Eventhough his performace was not sufficient to lead the Catalans to any other trophy except La Liga, his personal statistics keep him right at the top of the European players of the season.

Franck Ribery has been the hero of the season and undoubtedly he deserves a final 3 finish for his performance that helped Bayern claim the historic treble. We think this was one of his best seasons and he was the most important link in the whole Bayern Munich framework. Eventhough Bayern is not a one-man team, rather a collective effort of a lot of star players, we think Ribery has been outstanding this season. Given the fact that he has achieved the historic treble with Bayern, he stands a very high chance to land the award.

CR7, again like Messi had many moments of personal glory, but couldn’t register any major silverware last season. Scoring the highest number of goals in the UCL competition and the expectedly high league goal tally, he naturally figures in the top 3 stars of Europe this season.

The attacking talisman of Bayern, the big game player that he is finds Robben slightly missing out on a podium finish. Eventhough he pitched in at critical times, an analysis based on an entire season dilutes his year end performances. He was often struck with injury and missed out on many matches in the beginning of 2013 season.

The Pole’s influential performance was not sufficient enough to outplay the Bayern Munich in the CL and the DFB Pokal quarter finals. His striking ability and his laudable performance against  Real Madrid places him below his Bayern stars in the 5^th position. 

Thomas Muller, another star in the treble winning team has a glorious personal tally with him and places him 6^th in the list.
We also think it is fair to give Bastian Schweinsteiger a 7^th place, for being Bayern’s motor in their run for the treble. The Bayern orchestrator played a pivotal role in the successful Die Roten season last year and proves time and again that he is one of the top midfielders of his era.

The young Bale, touted as the next big thing has been the best player of EPL and his rather commendable single-handed performance for Spurs, places him 8^th in list.

Zlatan, the French hero of the season failed to steer PSG across the Barcelona quarter final barrier in the UCL tournament. His success, last season was limited to France winning the Ligue1 alone, failing to win Coupe de France as well.

Robin Van Persie, although shined as a striker for Manchester United failed to achieve anything beyond the PL title. Manchester United was eliminated by Real Madrid in the pre-quarter finals and also failed to win the FA Cup last season. 

Final Verdict

We will have to wait till August 29^th to know who grabs home this much desired accolade. We think, this year the award will go to the French icon- Franck Ribery. For all what he has done for the Die Roten while winning the historic treble and for his brilliant attacking and defensive gameplays, we feel he might win it over Messi. Obviously Messi remains the favourite owing to his mammoth goals tally and personal feats, but his impact in his team has not transformed into silverware and this might very much against him n the final voting rounds. Messi, despite his first-class season, failed to deliver at key moments in various tournaments and this justly overshadows the personal glory of the world’s best player.CR7 would be ranked 3^rd only following Ribery and Messi. This is primarily attributed to the lack of any major silverware this season. Well this is what we think! Let us have a vote on who you think would finally grab this much coveted award!

Sheer vote is running live! Vote for your Ultimate European star for the 2012-13 season!

Getting old!

So this is a conversation which me and my grandmom had a few days back, when I came home for a weeks vacation. For people who are not close to me personally, my grandma is the one who took care of me the most as a kid and is any day  one of the persons whom I care for the most. Last day, we were having our usual life update session which is when she something that was deep and profound buried under the banner of a silly joke!....

“Well mone!, last week no! ... you know her..she used to come here...my dear friend...she passed away.... but not to worry..!! she died peacefully... in her sleep! “ 

She smiles faintly….

“And you know what..... she was the last school friend of mine still alive.... those days.... well now that makes me last person standing” She laughs….

Gazes outside, takes a pause and says “So, from now on, all of you need to listen to whatever I say....you get that!!” She giggles for sometime…

There is now an air of grief and I don’t speak anything frankly not knowing what to say… I continue staring at her adorable garden packed with flowers of all kinds!

Probably not wanting to spoil the mood of the conversation, with renewed energy, in the most jolly of ways says: “Kutta....so get me more flowers from the nursery no…please..pretty please!” She laughs out loud. Thats simply coz I cribbed saying the house was full of flower pots :|

I could only but laugh at her statement, never sure if she realized actually that I adored this attitude of hers! What would have gone through her mind or in general the minds of people who get old with time. I have always felt for people at oldage homes and destitutes, but always assumed that old people at home were generally happy and comfortable. Do they keep thinking of the final call, or do they prepare themselves for it, or do they not care about it! Be it any of these, wouldnt situation would be gravely deplorable!

How would life be, when one gets old! I am reminded of the quote that oldage is one's second childhood. After second thoughts, I think its a blemished comparision. Life as it gets old, clearly loses its innocence with time and becomes boringly serious! As you grow older, the things that often brings a smile on your face are the things that you used to do in childhood or sadly, memories of such, where you would rush to park your mind when in solitude. The fact that those days are gone and that never will come back should be one of the greatest grievances in a old human’s life! Its never like childhood or rather no one would want one's childhood as horrifying as this I guess! Adding to that, with age, your dear ones get old!  Ones who gave their everything for you only to see you happy tend to grow weaker with time. And one day, in the most silent of hours they all leave you, leaving behind memories, vague as they are of times spent with you in this world! These demises of your dear ones , indirectly marks your death as well, as with their loss, departs a fraction of your identity!

The cycle!

It now, stuck with a hammer that life simply gets worse with age and your only weapon to fight, is your attitude. You are the only constant in this world and your attitude is the only means to manage the variables!

This poem by wordsworth came to my mind in a swift!

Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund - A tactical analysis

Before like 10 months ago, none of the footballing fans in the world would have betted on an all German finals at the wembley. Most of us would have envisioned atleast the likes of Barca and Real to be at the finals. Well yes, being a little liberal, Bayern playing at the finals would have seemed reasonable but Dortmund? Who would have thought the black yellows to be there?

Bayern Munich: The undisputed pride of german football seeking for the legendary treble this season!

A top quality side with a starting lineup any team would fear to face at their peak. The likes of Bastian, Lahm, Ribery and Neuer and the rest of the Die Roten would be itching their hands to grab that once in a lifetime trophy and guess its high time their quality and loyalty deserves a accolade, the best one at that!

Strengths
One of the best full back- attacking flank coordination in the world currently. Lahm/ Muller and Lahm / Robben duo are a lethal threat even to the best of the defenders. Robben at his peak is a beas. I mean the defenders clearly know what he is gonna do and so do the viewers, but then he simply seems unstoppable once he gets into the mood. I would not be surprised if I see a link up play with Lahm with Robben cutting in from the right, going for the angled left footed curled shot on the right top corner of the goal! With Toni Kroos still a doubt, Robben starting is highly likely and if so, this duo is something that might pull off a stunning show!

And oh! Lahm is the best Right back in the world. Period! Defensively he is one of the most patient tacklers of the dead ball and one of the best readers of wing play! As an attacker, his crosses, long range through balls and link-ups have been clearly proved all through his german national team and Bayern career! The closest any other duo would come would be likes of Coentrao/ CR7 and Alves/Messi.

Mario Mandzukic the machine in the form of a No.9 will be a dominant force near the D, winning the one-on-one aerial balls and feeding the every hungry Muller and Robben. Highly effective in set pieces and known for his clinical finishing, leaving him unmarked will easily fuel the ship that would take the European glory away from the Schwarzgelbens. 

Frank Ribery, my star pick of the German reds! Well, his creativity and close control is world class  comparable to the likes of Iniesta with a wider range of crossing, tackling and aggressive abilities. He will be the game changer at Wembley! And for me at the end of the year he will definitely figure in the Ballon D’or top 3 nominees!

The core of Bayern’s gameplay-The Bastian-Martinez combination in the deep lying midfielder positions in the 4-2-3-1 would allow enough cushion for Robben, Ribery to launch their attacks from the wings.

Lot was said about how much of an impact Martinez would have in the current Bayern squad after they triggered his buyout clause from Bielsa’s young Bilbao side. Guess he took the way of proving it on the field rather than through the media or the press. Martinez is typical no.8 and his strength, tackling skills and marking abilities will prove to be crucial in the match.

Schweinsteiger, you beauty! One of the best CDMs in the world currently. A fighter by nature, he is the one Bayern would be looking upto if they start to trail against Borussia. From deep in the defense, he is the one who can orchestrate a whole move and can feed those critical crosses and through balls. You can see him play CB, RWB, CDM, CAM and even on the right flank popping his head out to spot Mandzukic, Muller or Ribery. 

Weakness

Lack of a class No.10 CAM in the box. The availability and fitness of Kroos being a doubt will be a concern for Bayern because now Ribery will have to keep switching with Muller, both of them playing a more central role. Well a clear reason for the Gotze signing for the next season!

Centre backs: One area where Bayern are yet to attain a perfect combination. Heynckes would have to choose amongst the likes of Boateng, Van Buyten and Dante. Boateng should be starting alongside either Van Buyten/Dante. Though aerially very strong, they seem to be a little susceptible on counters on the ground especially seen against their UCL performance against Arsenal. Dortmund should be aiming to freeing Lewandowski and capitalizing on his clinical first touches and finishing skills. I like the way Dante positions himself and am a fan of his aerial supremacy. I bet on him to start but if there is an area where Bayern would want to focus, it would be the department of CBs. But if the CBs are spot on to read the Dortmund counters and ground balls which both Boateng and Dante are capable of, it should be a clean sheet!

Bench

The Bayern bench is full of quality. Robben’s form being vulnerable gives Heynckes good options in Shaqiri. Similarly their yesteryear hero Mario Gomez, who seems not to figure in Pep’s next year team at Bayern would also be itching his legs for playing time at Wembley. He could be the one who might pull off a late 15min magic if needed and this would help him make a statement to Guardiola next year.

Coach

Heynckes the 67 year old veteran. He has been a silent figure in the world of managers and has been one who believed in dreams comig true. This Bayern side is his baby and he should be undoubtedly the most deserving one to hold that trophy at Wembley.

Heynckes the patient tactician is one of the most underestimated managers around. A striker by himself, he has had experience with managing clubs across Spain, Portugal and Germany. His stint at Borussia Monchengladbach  scoring 218 goals is particularly notable where he continued to reign as a manager in the future. As a manager, Heynckes’ first major achievement was aiding Real Madrid grab the Champions League trophy after a 30 years gap. At Bayern, he has built a team that should uphold the flag of german domination for years to come. His tactical buys of Martinez, Dante, the way he has encouraged talents of the like of Alaba, Muller and Shaqiri and the way he has moulded Madzukic into a classic No.9 stands testimony to his futuristic vision. Managing a team with one of the most balanced sides wrt age and experience is indeed an achievement. Ribery is 30 and Muller is 21. Both of them play a critical role in the team. This is what he believes the most in a team, the right balance and he is almost there with one of the greatest achievement in the world of club football- The Treble!

Formation

This is what I think will be the squad Heynckes should start under unusal conditions. Typical 4-2-3-1 euroepan formation . Tactically he would want the following:

1. Ribery playing a more central role and Alaba compensating for the width down the left flank
2. Robben playing as wide as possible with Schweinsteiger providing cover in the right midfield. Lahm overlapping runs through the sides and moving central with Schweinsteiger moving back then
3. Muller playing a striker’s role and often moving ahead of Mandzukic in the attack
4. Mandzukic playing as a typical No.9 winning aerial balls and disturbing the back 4 of Dortmund and feeding the balls on to his right for Robben and Muller
5. Martinez and Bastian combining defensively, with Martinez playingbit deeper allowing Schweinsteiger to move up during attacks
6. Van Buyten playing last man shielding Neuer and Dante darting in for attacks
7. Corners and set pieces: Dante, Van Buyten, Martinez and Mandzkuic moving in for the headers with Schweinsteiger/Ribery mostly on the dead ball.

Borussia Dortmund - The stereotypical poor man’s club which believes in a way of football!

The yellow lilliputians as I would call them, they have come a long way to reach where they are currently. Being an arsenal fan, I can only keep admiring th way the team has managed itself fighting through tough times, with grave financial constraints and players bleeding away to seek money and glamour every damn year! Wouldn’t it be lovely for the current players to laugh at the ones who flee away from them once they secure European Glory. It would be an ROFL moment.

Strengths

 The Pole: Critics label tag him as the best striker around currently. 4 goals against Real Madrid in a UCL semifinals, damn it, is an achievement. Well for me he belongs to the ancient class of strikers, the likes of Bergkamp, Owen and Raul. The soft first touches, smart positioning, timely sprints and clinical finishing are characteristics of all these players. This is quite in contrast to the typical lone striker we find in Europe, the likes of Falcao, Benzema, Mandzukic, Zlatan and Torres. Lewandowksi, has time and again proven that he is a match winner. Winning it against Barcelona was the latest feat and Bayern’s top priority will be to mute him which is going to be a tough asking! 

Back 4!:

Hummels would clearly be sought after by any of the big clubs currently if he is in the market. He is one of those defenders who likes to launch forward in for attacks and is very good at set pieces and feeding crucial long range passes. I think he can be tagged along with Thiago Silva to form the lethal CB combo any club would want to have! Plus his loyalty and attitude towards the club makes me a great fan of his. He starting for Dortmund at Wembley will be a match decider.

Subotic is the ideal match for the German combatant. Tall, aerially supreme and very critical in set pieces. Both of them have been a set combination for Klopp to safeguard his net

Piszczek is there in the league of the best full backs playing currently. He is defensively spot on and also transforms into a winger supporting his polish compatriot Blaszczykowski in the right flank

Schmelzer has moulded himself into a LB for Germany through  his days at Dortmund and I think that summarises his skills as a typical LB good at launching swift runs and also performing his defensive job with utmost attention.

So yes, the back 4 of Dortmund is probably the best in Europe. Well coordinated and organized, they are difficult to tumble down when at their peak and Wembley will demand them to play yhe game of their life.

Ilkay GUndogan, a fighter, a genius and a gem of an orchestrator. He reminds me of Scholesy in one way! Those defense splitting passes, long ranges and timely tackles. He along with Bender will be the reply to the Bastian-Martinez problem Bayern poses.

Marco Reus, a talented player in the form of a winger, center forward and a creative midfielder. HE is quick, skillful, creative and highly reactive to situations. The absence of Gotze would demand him to play a more central role and if I were to bet it would be him to be the game changer for Dortmund.  

Weakness

Lack of big game players and experience

The Dortmund team that goes to wembley will be noted for it’s inexperience in big matches. None of them in the entire squad have ever really played a game with such magnanimity and energy. Tough calling which Im sure Klopp would be urging the young warriors in the likes of Hummels, Gundogan and Reus to step upto!

 Mario Gotzes absence: $37m and there goes another Dortmund gem moving to his arch rivals the spendthrift Bayern. The Deco-goat head incident when he switched allegiance from Barca to Real, the RVP transfer saga all take a setback given the way the whose Gotze transfer dramatically falls in place. Imagine, the No.10 of a club moving to their arch rivals and he playing his last match at the biggest stage in Europe against his future club. I don’t think it can get any more dramatic. Had it been in England, we would have all felt for it, but German football not very familiar to us makes us probably not understand the magnanimity of the situation. But all this said, the German star-rated midfielder will be out for the clash and tactically it is another setback that Klopp will have to solve through his options including Gundogan and Reus.

Hummel’s injury might then demand the late minute goal scorer against Malaga: Santana. But personally Hummels not playing will be a major setback to the defensive department. Nevertheless Klopp would be hoping Santana plays the match of his life if it were to happen so.

Bench

Dortmund bench though not as deep as Bayern on paper, is a very youthful and energetic bunch of lads. The
likes of Sahin and Kehl can provide enough reinforcement in the midfield. Santana the late-minute Malaga goal hero is another example of youthfulness that exemplies Dortmund’s footballing philosophy.

Coach

Klopp is the undoubted man of the tournament! Who would have thought that Dortmund would reach so far in the Champions league but for him. He is an example that can be portrayed to younger generations as “Hey here is a man who reinforced the definition of loyalty in current day football, here is a man who stood by the club during sad times, shedded tears, when the club got relegated and when his babies parted him and here is a man who despite what happened around him continued to relentlessly strive for success”. He is the most resourceful manager around and I can go ahead and compare him to the likes of Arsene Wenger in his old days, both of them though different in their own ways had one thing in common, the belief and motivation in their team, failing to succumb to whatever happened around them! Klopp’s philosophy is quick energetic passing football in the attack and the typical zonal marking in defense. He has been optimally leveraging the skills of his players to build a team. Last year Dortmund utilized Kagawa, this year it has been Gotze and in the finals he would be expecting the likes of Reus to step up to play the arch-typical pivot of his team. I believe Dortmund’s focus will be on counter attacks and Klopp’s strategy would be revolved around this key theme at Wembley. Finally, it would be awesome to see Klopp have the last laugh at players who already left his club and the ones leaving in the coming window, with European glory secured in his trophy cabinet!

Formation

1. Reus playing a central midfield role playing in the box primarily
2. Lewandowski playing totally up front seeking the crosses and the through balls waiting for the one-touch-go shots
3. Gundagon playing an orchestrator’s role initiating attacks and playing deep when required.
4. I’m rooting for Bender to start ahead of Kehl given his pace and better defensive abilities. Bender will be assigned the job of keeping a check on the dangerous Lahm-Robben-Bastian moves in the right flank
5. Blaszczykowski and Großkreutz are energetic, hard working lads who will be the prime counter attack targets for Dortmund
6. The prime aim would be to keep the defense tight against the world class attacking force of Bayern. Klopp would want the WBs, CBs and CDMs to be on their toe so as to win at Wembley.
7. Corners and set pieces: Hummels, Subotic, Piszczek and Pole in the box with Reus / Gundogan on the dead balls

My judgment

After having lashed at the domination of Spanish football, proving the theory of victories in club football being a cyclic process, I am totally happy if any of these sides claim the trophy. I shall watch the match unbiased having seen what I wanted to happen already happen. Eventhough my heart is with Dortmund, logically I think it is going to be Bayern all the way at Wembley. Obviously a lot of factors go into deciding who will emerge successful at Wembley. I think the game would be fought out in the midfield with lesser happenings in the flanks.

I am going for a victory for Bayern after considering the following factors:

1. The dream run and the current momentum of Bayern
2. A fully fit and motivated squad compared to a handicapped Dortmund side with the absence of Gotze and even Hummels for that matter
3. Football greats and experience on one side in contrast to a no big-game experience and young Dortmund squad
4. The Treble in Bayern’s mind and with Heynckes leaving soon adding fuel to fire
5. World class attacking lineup with dangerous and lethal attacking options
6. Better midifled setup for Bayern with Bastian and Javi expecting to win over Gundogan and Kehl/Bender
7. Defensively though not as good as Dortmund, Bayern should be successful in muting the likes of Pole and Reus                        

Predicted Score line:

Half time: 1-0 Bayern leading at half time

Full time: 3-1 Die Roten brigning back European glory to the german land of Munich!

(Bayern Munich) 3 – 1 (Borussia Dortmund)

The scoreline and the prediction is an end result of the above logic and majorly a gut-feel driven estimate. I can only end with the clichéd statement: “ Football! Bloody hell”

But bottomline, no matter who wins at Wembley , there shall be one unanimous winner and that’s gonna be the rejuvenated soul of German football !!

A question of your identity

Being in Mumbai, in fact in office on Sunday (18/11/2012), when the whole of Mumbai was frozen following the demise of BST, I was amazed at two key aspects pertaining to the frugality of human thoughts and rational.

1.       How could an individual be shaped by his peers and society to follow an ideology which purely had an emotional implication, deprived of any logic.

2.       How could a self-centered soul seek, create and reinforce one’s undefined identity by reiterating a stand that was driven by sheer pride, prejudice and narcissism

Bal Thackeray, the roaring lion of the most endearing Aamchi Mumbai is clearly whom I’m referring to. I am not being plain judgmental about a person who has burned down shops of non-marathi citizens who were struggling to meet their ends in the city of trade. I also realise the other side of the coin depicted a regionalist hero who worked for his state. But lets look at it logically, India a sovereign, socialist, secular democratic and republic union, an amalgamation of polarsied cultures was defined on the sheer base that there had to be co-existence. One who questions that, I simply fail to understand, tagging him in a bucket of national heros who deserve a stae-wide bandh or a freaking holiday!

From what I have understood, he was a hypocrite with a xenophobic ideology. Period. None of his ventures could be listed as marvels towards social development. It becomes even more important to see how he shifted his target pool from a Marathi base to that of a Hindu nationalist one, thereby entering into national politics. I can draw comparisions of him with those of Hitler, Musolini or Stalin, but then I realize that we for a reason live in a democracy! Puppets, without an identity all of us are in some way or the other succumbing to lack of logic only to establish an identity for ourselves. For a fact, you and I are as well.

Tat-Tvam-Asi

Months of corporate life without any inspiration motivated me to set foot for a journey that hopefully would inspire me. Sabarimala – the abode of lord Ayyappa located on the banks of Pamba river on the Western Ghats, has been one place that had got my attention from y childhood days. Ever since I started looking at things logically, it has continued to amaze me. I knew that it preached Tat-Tvam-Asi and being open to one and all irrespective of creed, all castes and religion. But what was it, that made this place, one among the highest populated gatherings (after Mecca). What was it that motivated the millions of Guruswamys and the Ayyappas, endure an arduous fasting for 41 days go all the way up the hill? Well my elders had an answer: "It had to be experienced".

We were on an AC car that made one’s  4 hour journey comfortable enough to see Ayyappa. As always, I do my research on the place and it’s history. Mythology states that Ayyappa, an orphan kid was adopted by a childless kingly couple in 3000BC.The warrior prince at the age of 12 had set forth to the jungle to procure medicinal plants for treating his step mother’s ailment. The ailment now was a concocted story crafted by his step-mom and her allies to ensure that the prince never returned back and that the queen’s actual child inherited the kingdom. Expressing his love for his mom and his tireless determination to serve his karma, he endures into the deep forests with unforeseen, mysteries to be unfolded. The turning point in the story comes when he meets the monstrous beast / devil of the forest and valiantly kills it. The beast was quite powerful as it had a boon from both vishnu and shiva saying that no one except the son of Shiva and Vishnu could kill the otherwise immortal. And thus Hari-Hara Sudhan or our dear lord ayyappan was started to be worshipped.

I was smiling within me, wondering how easy it was to convince a group of identity-less humans through stories and myths. Further research told me another version of the story. This time, the story of a warrior who ventured into the forest for his kingdom alongwith his companions (including Vavar, a muslim) and killed a beast which troubled the common mob in the kingdom. The temple was a memoir to pay homage to his bravery. Stories, they are and there are many.

The ride on the car was good. We really didn’t bear the hardships an Ayyappa had to actually undergo en-route. “Playing the songs are fine no sir? Never really asked you”. It was our driver who used to be on calls most of the time, even while driving, discussing about his next trip and other business deeds. I had by then, made first impressions of him, that of an irresponsible, in disciplined, greedy human being. My dad but nicely started a conversation which turned out to be a turning point in my quest for Tat-Tvam-Asi. He started to narrate his life story.

He was born to a low-caste poor family. As a child he never really thought about being educated and at a tender age, he had started driving. Saved every penny for his family and his future. Marriage happened. He had an identity for survival now. He was a responsible husband. It was the time of his life. All the hardships till date seemed to have paid off. He was settling down. He soon became a father. Now, he had to work day and night to feed his family. His sweat had the scent of happiness.

Frugality of hope and happiness, they say. Before his child was even a year old, his wife passed away in a dreadful manner. Heart attack and lack of good treatment thereafter were causes. He tried all he could have then but “God” for him thought otherwise. He now had a 1 year child in his hand and a renewed identity this time , that of a father who would now have to raise his kid without a mother. “I don’t sleep much sir, these days. I have an aim and I’m working hard for it. I want my kid to grow up well. “He was so happy to show his wife’s and his kid’s pics. I could see his ecstasy in showing us the pics only to realize, that was him forgetting what has actually happened to him. He but still moved on, not stirring to what had happened to him.

This person in front of me whom I had judged whimsically showed me what attitude meant in real life. I was ashamed of myself only to realize that every human, you me and everyone was an ego-centric, selfish creature, the extent to which being the variable. How foolish it would have been to make those first impressions. How many times would we have already done that. It was a realization.

Looking at the bigger picture, I could picturize what might have motivated the ancient sages and rishis to tread up hills and wander alone. It would be the people they would encounter. Their experiences and these teachings would never come from textbooks nor does it open-up to the ego-centric. A peaceful repose on the tranquil riverbanks would have made them introspect and retrospect and thus initiating the refining 

process within themselves.

Now when I started analyzing the whole concept of Sabarimala, things seem to be different to me. 41 days of no luxuries would not mean that God or Ayyappa would be happy. I realized that the meaning was deeper. It would only systemtaise our otherwise life without a control. It would mean the realization of the simplicity/triviality of our existence. It speaks about spending time for yourself , sacrificing worldly pleasures and blending with nature irrespective of caste creed and color. It talks about refinement which later on other philosophers like Adi Shankaracharya  through the concept of Duality and Gautam Budha though his story of the enlightenment, preached. Walking all the way from home to the mala, through the heart of the forests did not mean all your sins would be washed away. It would mean that, your mind and your thought process would be more refined as different experiences and people confront you and eventually change the way you think. It would nurture the qualities goodness, kindness, generosity, love and care (combine it and call it “God”) in you. It is this what mythology also preaches. “Find the God in you.” Similarly the legendary Makaravilakku and the Patinettam padi (18 steps to enlightenment) were all mythological references / stories, which can now be justified as incentives offered for mediocrity in order to achieve the bigger purpose of being civilized and simple.

Well, these were my key takeaways and the icing on top was that, Sabarimala was open to all religions and castes and they proclaim the philosophy of everyone being one and the same (except for women entering the temple..well that is mythology / part of a story which mediocrity has believed in). It advocates the principle that each and every individual,  irrespective of what he is, has a story to tell of good and bad , happy and sad. Each of these stories has the power to influence in ways one might not think of. Eventhough I cannot prove that the concept of ‘Tat-tvam-asi’ is what drives all the millons of people to the shrine, it is clear to me that, all of them have knowingly or unknowingly initiated this refining process, when they started climbing the mala.

I reached the Sannidhanam and bypassed all the queue and the crowd, thanks to my dad’s passes. There was nothing inspirational on top except the sight of so many Swamis, standing in the queue, seeking Tat-Tvam-Asi. I met the idol and winked at him, for in a way opening my eyes to the much profound and esoteric essence of Tat-Tvam-Asi. It was a religion in itself with a motto that would go like: ‘The God my friend , is in you. Nurture him, adore Him, love Him and hug him tighter, coz he my friend is you!!’ My parents and grandparents were right.  It HAD to be experienced!

The Story of a Hero

Cricket is undoubtedly a religion if not more in India. The game’s influence on the common man is so much so that cricketers are treated as demi-gods, literally worshiped here. Even an uneducated auto driver is well updated about the recent commonwealth series and it’s happenings. People relate to cricket so much so that, most of them create an identity for themselves through cricket. Sachin’s Bday and Sehwag’s 200 is celebrated in probably better ways compared to a diwali or holi! Such is our culture, such is the respect we have for our players here.

In a land that has seen a lot many legends thrive and succeed, cricket has been one sport that has kept India well known at the global scene. There have been legends in the past, who are respected and honored throughout the nation; heroes, who have brought glory to our nation. The hero I am talking about is not someone who has grabbed all the records on earth and is deservedly on the top, neither am I talking about someone who captained a team and won the world cup single-handedly or in that case, a bowler who is often listed in the legendary bowler’s list.

"For me there's only one Dravid. I will miss him in the dressing room & on the field.". These were Sachin ’s words on hearing about his retirement. The hero I am talking about is Rahul Dravid, the unsung champion of Indian Cricket. With all his records, in the bag-pack and with the drive in him to face the world’s best bowling attack , in the most enduring of situations, he simply ceases to surprise any cricket lover. Two decades of relentless service to our nation. But for what he has done to Indian cricket, has he deserved the respect he has to? I'm not very sure!

Reasons? Yes quite obviously, when there is a batsman along with you, who has broken all possible records and has been playing the sport for more than 50% of his life, you are shadowed. Quality is something which can't be compared between greats. I am not comparing them. Start penning down the top quality batsmen; on an average, both of them will figure in the top 10 across the world. Such is their eminence. Sachin and Dravid are artistes at the same stage, but the former has performed a little more than the latter, in terms of technique and impact. Both of them are individuals who inspire many, owing to their persona. This article struck a chord with my thoughts http://www.firstpost.com/ideas/the-karna-syndrome-and-rahul-dravid-as-the-hero-60411.html/2 . Comparing him with Karna while casting Sachin as Arjuna would be fair, to a certain extent. Both warriors, one who went on to seek glories and become famous, the other, equally talented, shadowed by his counterpart.

Any budding batsman from my generation would want to become a Sachin or a Dravid,when he grew up. Both of them have saved matches and restored the glory we've had in cricket. These 2 along with Kumble and Ganguly to an extent were the forerunners of a golden period we've had. When this team entered a test arena, the opponents were taken aback by the magnanimity of these players and their achievements.

Now, Dravid undoubtedly has been labeled a legend, when it comes to test cricket. I hope the reader is aware of what he has done for our nation. If not, let me try to summarize why his achievements have been considered legendary!

• Dravid is the second only next to Sachin Tendulkar across the globe to score more than 13,000 test runs, with a consistent average of 53, and a massive number of 36 centuries
• He has been involved in the most century partnerships in Test history
• He was the 1st player to score a century against every Test playing nation away from home
• He is currently 2nd among batsmen who have scored most away runs in Tests . Only Sachin Tendulkar has scored more away Test runs.
• Interestingly Dravid has faced highest number of deliveries in test cricket, more than Allan Border's previous record of 27002 deliveries
• He has scored nearly 23% of the total runs put up by India (with a batting average of 102.84) in the 21 Test matches won under Ganguly's captaincy. This is the highest percentage contribution by any batsman in Test cricket history in matches won under a single captain where the captain has won more than 20 Tests.

Dravid's comeback with his 32nd test century

What has made Dravid a top class test player is his sound technical ability coupled with his never-give-up attitude. His technical class is beyond description . The way he executes his shots and the way he reads and approaches a game,should necessarily be used as references for the next generation. It is not that Dravid was blessed with these skills, it came with sheer hardwork and commitment. He is a born fighter that is what makes him special in test cricket.

I must say that, his test contributions are acknowledged to a large extent. It is ODIs that has caused problems for Dravid, something that always denied Dravid, from being epitomized to greatness. Greatness is sometimes bestowed arbitrarily in Cricket. It is a concept that could have been forged with Rahul Dravid in mind. Well I strongly feel that ODIs are only derivatives of test cricket. T20s are again a derivative of ODIs. Such derived forms are more of an entertainment than a sport. Any batsman who would want a spot in the team , would want to have a test cap. A test , literally tests the entire skill sets a batsman should possess. Subject to strategic field setups, and more variability and creativity from the bowler, a test is when , a batsman is tested to the extreme. You would always want to see Warne, Murali and Kumble, bowling in tests rather than ODIs. Such is the intensity for test matches. This is often forgotten. Cricket of late, is changing so much so that, it has started becoming a business. How on earth do we have a celebrity cricket league with fatso, uncles playing (rather spoiling) the sport, and god, the hype media gives them. Crazy it is! Well yes entertainment is a business and I accept, I would also want to see Dhoni, smashing a few sixes out of the stadium in the last few overs of a ODI but again ,sport is never an entertainment, it’s essence is realized when it is played in its original way. Cricket is changing, but for the better? I would say no!

Having said this, it is not that Dravid has done bad in ODIs. He has never claimed to be a natural ODI match winner, he is very defensive in nature, very reliable in low run rate chases and at facing the new ball under pressure. These are a few facts that need to be noted:

• Dravid is the 8^th highest run getter with more than 10,000 ODI runs at an average of 40
• He was involved in the highest partnership in the history of ODI cricket with a 331 run partnership along with Sachin vs NZ in 1999–2000
• He was the leading run scorer in the 1999 WC with 461 runs.
• Has the 2nd highest score (145) by a wicketkeeper in a World Cup behind AC Gilchrist(149)
• He has the 3rd Highest number of fifties, after Sachin and Kallis
• He has the second fastest 50 by an Indian
• He is one of two Indians to be the top scorer in a World Cup (the other is Sachin Tendulkar). He amassed 461 runs in the 1999 World Cup, the first World Cup he played.

Dravid at 1999 WC.

Random accusations by some people that , he is a “waste”(wtf?) in ODIs should be treated as ignorance and should be excused(a diplomatic way of saying, screw you)! On top of all this, history shall declare Rahul Dravid as an ODI player, who’d retired after India secured a world cup, not having figured in the WC winning team. I personally felt it to be unfair, leaving out him. Kohli’s and Raina’s were performing better prior to the WC, but he deserved a spot definitely, given his experience and the confidence he would bring into the dressing room! I am not trying to portray him as a great ODI player, but, just because he can't play like a Sehwag or Dhoni, he should n't be denied the respect he clearly deserves. Given his style of play, he has adapted when the country needed him.

Oh talking about adapting, none should forget that Dravid has even gone to the extent of keeping stumps when the situation demanded and done a good job at that. For me, what keeps him unique, is the way he rises to situations and offers his hands as a team player. From opening the batting line-up, to batting down the order to wicket keeping , to captaining our team , he has done what he could have done, when the team needed someone. He has also led our team, and the continuous 15 ODI match chase win, stands testimony to his leadership qualities, both contributing and leading the middle order to all these chases.

Whenever, we as children , had a long target to face in a match, I remember all of us trying to emulate his gameplan and imitate his shots. Always insisting on hard work, practice, teamwork and determination ,he has been a continuous source of inspiration for youngsters. He has been shadowed, by other legends, but every interview he has had, every press meet he has had, his farewell speech for instance, he has always chosen to be humble . Never ever complaining, never ever cribbing, always taking up responsibilities and not even in the slightest of interest, seeking for fame or personal glory, he always gave credit to the team and his partners in a game! It would be very difficult to find a team player like him; such a committed and dedicated player,quite obviously turning him into an iconic hero!

I was searching for what other cricketers had to say about our nation pride. This is what I’d stumbled upon
Matthew Hayden:
"All this going around is not aggression. If you want to see aggression on cricket field, look into Rahul Dravid’s eyes".
Brian Lara :
"If I have to put anyone to bat for my life, it’ll be Kallis or Dravid".
Navjot Singh Sidhu:
"Rahul Dravid is a player who would walk on broken glass if his team asks him to"Glen McGrath
”If there was one Indian player who would get an automatic entry into an Australian team filled with stars, it would be Rahul Dravid.”
Sachin(God apparently)
"Dravid is not only a great cricketer but also an ambassador of the game, a role model and a gentleman. Runs apart he is a cricketer who should be emulated by the youngsters,"

Good things come to an end, they say . It is an era coming to a halt. An era that had witnessed classical batting at it’ best. Retirement was on the cards, but so soon, was never expected. It's his choice at the end of the day, and whatever you do, the whole nation's respect and support will always be there for you. This was Dravid’ message to all his fans. “Finally I would like to thank the Indian cricket fan, both here and across the world. The game is lucky to have you and I have been lucky to play before you. To represent India, and thus to represent you, has been a privilege and one which I have always taken seriously. My approach to cricket has been reasonably simple: it was about giving everything to the team, it was about playing with dignity and it was about upholding the spirit of the game. I hope I have done some of that. I have failed at times, but I have never stopped trying. It is why I leave with sadness but also with pride” . It simply doesn’t take too much to like him.

Let me conclude by thanking this legend for his contributions to the team, for teaching us what a sportsman had to be . All of us will continue to admire you for your technical expertise and your fight-till-you-die attitude. The nation might not engrave your name along with Sachin when both of you retire, but you shall be in every one of our hearts, as Mr.Dependable and as an inspiring gentleman, a true ambassador of Indian cricket.The WALL of Indian Cricket. TAKE A BOW!!!!

P.S . The stats used in the article are directly from Wiki and cricinfo and it's for people who are not aware of his contributions and the rest who are ignorant.
The rest of it and the article as such is my humble way of saying, I have been a fan of yours' since childhood and just like me, I’m sure there are many, sharing the same sentiment, We will definitely MISS you!

Seniors are wonderful people!

This is something which I wrote for the Godav Blog .

“It’s almost over man. Godav Chapter is soon, in your life coming to an end..!” It hurts big time when random juniors tell us this but, it quite is the blatant truth. In retrospect, mixed emotions are felt when we say that these ‘were the best days of our life’. The agony of leaving this place, and the happiness of having lived a life here. It’s a sem more here, but most of us ‘seniors’ are already “senti” leaving this place!

Seniors. Woah!, the name reminds me of all those awesome people we had in or hostel; each of them who taught us a lot of things. To learn is to observe and surely we have all done that. It is quite a trend at IITs for juniors to emulate what seniors have done here and to follow their footsteps. All of us learn a lot from our seniors here. After thinking over a bit on what would be, an apt topic to write on; I thought this article would make sense if it could remind all of us, how important a role ,our seniors have played in our lives.

So once upon a time there was this guy. He stepped into a 4 floored green coloured building with a beautiful garden on the front with Godavari engraved on a piece of rock. Like any other freshie, he had no clue of what was in store there. Scared he was, shy he was, a bit nervous he was. A lot happened in his mind. Random thoughts about home , parents and siblings. Strange people, having conversations with ‘raas’ and ‘daas’. The pressure of acads looming dark over him. And on top of all this, there were seniors.

We(our batch) were, like any freshie batch, shit scared of them , to start off. Our very first roll call, and I remember one senior coming in and saying: “Rajasthan waale sab get up!..aah you..come to room no: XYZ”. Back then, we sincerely hoped other states never had such an issue. But that was our first impression, which we realized was wrong after actually knowing them better. There are a lot of incidents that each one of us could share in our hostel days, wherein our seniors have taught us lessons. Let me enlist a few similar incidents.

While during the frequent quadi matches, me and a couple of first years were waiting outside the ground depserately awaiting our turn. In general freshies do not get a start in the first 10 in the quadi. Suddenly there is this senior(Let us call him X) who happens to be one of the best players of our hostel, slowly moving out and asking one of us to replace him. He comes out and tells us very silently with a pat on our back: “Guys I’m here only for a few more months and it’s your hostel from now on. You guys need to keep up the spirit and keep playing”. This gesture by him was genuine and he waited till all of us got a chance.

Then there was this senior (let us call him Y) who I remember kept alternating from one Schroeter match to another simply because he was good at all sports on earth. I still remember him coming to our footer match in our first sem, from a water polo match, fully cramped. For a second he was down and then he was up with a bottle of cramp spray, spread all over his body . “This is my last Ganga match and I need to play”. Both these incidents, in my first sem taught us what it meant to be a Godavite, and to be passionate and dedicated to what one was committed to.

I still remember those sports grooming sessions that we used to have in our freshie sem. Most of us would attest to the fact that, those fundaes from seniors actually laid our foundation in whatever we have done today. I can vaguely recollect those gyaan sessions when our seniors gave away footballing fundas, ranging from, passing the football around, to giving through balls, that would win goals. We sure had picked up a lot during those days. I am definitely sure, the same was with TechSoc and LitSoc. We truly had seniors who used to tell us like brothers, what they knew, so that we grew better, ultimately for a better Godav.

Then there was this very famous wing, the FIRST WING of Godav, which surely has inspired many juniors to follow. The wing taught us what it meant to be together, despite language, state, branch or whatever on earth. One of my wingies even went to the extent of saying : “Oye I was XYZ core daa and so was LMN the first wing senior , in our first year. I still cant believe it man!”

In short seniors at Godav have inspired us .They have taught us, guided us and essentially made things easy for us. Today we are seniors and sooner or later , all you juniors will be in our shoes. Have we inspired you, influenced you, motivated you? We hope yes! It was simply then, giving back the feeling we’d got from our seniors. I was talking a little before, about all the pain and pressure in the first sem. Most of it were sorted out after having these conversations with these people. From internship gyaan, to useful fundaes and life advices, they have influenced us in major ways and most importantly have taught us what life at Godav was.

A lot has changed in a span of 5 years here at Godav. We have a new block built up, we have a better common room today , we have lost our volley court. But even amidst all these changes, it’s quite amazing to see that there is still the same spirit of Godav within its inmates living on. It’s quite nice to find the same senior-junior bonding that was there in my first year exist even today. We sincerely hope it continues .

Well now, a lot of things go through my mind, the festival matches, wing sports, QoS, Inter-Hostel matches, Schroeter practice sessions, LitSoc. All of them suddenly pass through my mind in a jiffy. Good things come to an end they say. I hope this end comes slow.