It was a big day when Sachin paaji praised me: Rahul Sharma

MUMBAI: Pune Warriors leg-spinner Rahul Sharma, who has been the find of the IPL 4 in the spin department, said that batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar made his day when he praised him.

"It was a big day when Sachin paaji praised me at the prize distribution ceremony. That was a big day for me as he is like god to me. I felt very happy to be praised by him," Sharma said.

"I wanted to do something good this year so that I could get into some sort of national reckoning. Never thought that I would have so much of luck. I am feeling very good that I have done well," said Sharma, who has taken 14 wickets in 11 games at an economy rate of 5.24.

Despite Pune Warriors losing the match by 23 runs, Sharma had bagged the Man-of-the-Match award in the match against Mumbai Indians at Mumbai last Wednesday after conceding just seven runs in his four-over spell and bagging two wickets, including that of Tendulkar.

The 24-year-old, who has played nine first-class games for Punjab taking 16 wickets, said he is in constant touch with India's leading Test wicket-taker and his role model Anil Kumble to improve his bowling.

"I met him last year for the first time during the IPL. I try talking to him on phone and also meet him sometimes. I try to get his advice whenever possible. He encourages me saying that I'm doing well. He also tells me on how to go about my bowling," Sharma said.

The lanky leg-spinner said he is learning from spinners Harbhajan Singh and Murali Kartik, and had also met spin legend Shane Warne in Jaipur to take his advice.

"I met Shane Warne in Jaipur, (Murali) Kartik bhai also helps a lot in the nets. I am in touch with Bhajji bhai as well," Sharma said.

"Shane Warne told me that I was doing well for a youngster. He also advised me on how to bowl various deliveries. He told me to vary my deliveries," he added.

Asked about the trauma he suffered after suffering facial nerve damage last year, Sharma said, "It was a horrific night during the IPL season last year. I was sleeping and suddenly I woke up to find right side of my face aching.

"I could not move my jaw and there was pain. The doctor later told me that my facial nerves had burst. I had to take a lot of pills and also underwent therapy sessions. Now it is a little better."

Sharma also acknowledged the support of the Deccan Chargers, who he was representing when he suffered Bell's Palsy disorder, and his former skipper Adam Gilchrist when he was trying to overcome the ordeal.

"Gilchrist was very supportive. When I had the problem, he told me not to worry and they will take care of everything. Deccan too chipped in with financial aid," he said.

Sharma said after the conclusion of the IPL, he was aiming to work harder on his bowling.

"After the remaining three matches, I will work more on my bowling and attend a few camps. I am not aiming big for now," he said.

My day will come again: Ravindra Jadeja

INDORE: One of the success stories of the inaugural edition of Indian Premier League, Ravindra Jadeja performed beyond expectations to help Rajasthan Royals emerge champions in 2008.

The effort did not go unnoticed and the all-rounder was given a berth in the Indian ODI side. The Saurashtra youngster reposed the faith by making a confident start to his international career.

However, things reached rock-bottom last year when he was banned from playing in the IPL. The blow badly affected his confidence while playing for India. He missed out on the 2011 World Cup too. However, Jadeja is not too bothered and is eager to make his mark yet again. Representing Kochi Tuskers Kerala in IPL 4, the 22-year-old may not have huge success but has done well in patches.

"I have a couple of good years with Team India and Rajasthan Royals. I am out of favour now but ups and downs are part of the game. My job is to perform and I will continue to do that whether I am playing for Kochi or Saurashtra. My day will soon come," Jadeja told TOI on Wednesday.

The southpaw said there was plenty of cricket still to be played in this IPL and was positive about his and Kochi`s chances.

"The team wants me to perform with both bat and ball. As an all-rounder, I always try to do that. Sometimes I get success and sometimes not. I will give my best in the last three matches to try and help Kochi enter play-offs," said Jadeja after the practice session here at the Holkar Stadium where Kochi play Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals on the weekend.

He admitted that batting was a big concern and the team was trying to overcome the problem. "We lost a couple of easy matches because we could not make the best use of the first six overs. We also failed in building partnerships in the middle overs. Hopefully, everything will work out well in the last phase of the tournament," he said.

Kings' joy this IPL: Beating champs

CHANDIGARH: The journey of Kings XI Punjab in IPL season 4 may have been tumultuous and no one knows where they will ultimately land. But, they do have the satisfaction of beating two IPL champs - Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. With four wins thus far in the season, it might be a miracle of sorts for KXIP if they make it to the playoff. That can happen if other results too go in their favour.

"We have got the foot in that door and hopefully it will keep open," Gilchrist said after beating Mumbai on Tuesday night. What may come as a solace to Preity's rejuvenated men is the manner in which they have beaten the top teams of the tournament.

First, they put it across to Dhoni's high-flying Chennai Super Kings who really is the king at Mohali. They beat the reigning champions by six wickets on April 13.

Then came Shane Warne-led Rajasthan Royals, the winners of the inaugural IPL, but Kings asserted their majesty this time by beating them by 48 runs on April 21. Though Kings are guilty of capitulating at the first sign of a crisis, they have fairly and squarely beaten two champion teams this year.

Dhoni never gives an impression of being tired: Bichel

CHENNAI: Chennai Super Kings bowling coach Andy Bichel on Wednesday paid rich tributes to Mahendra Singh Dhoni terming him an "amazing man who never really shows that he is tired."

When asked whether a couple of weeks rest after IPL will help Dhoni, Bichel said, "Dhoni is an amazing man. He does not give you an impression that he is tired. We actually felt he might get tired after such a rigorous World Cup campaign but we were amazed," the CSK bowling coach said on the eve of their match against Delhi Daredevils at the Chepauk on Thursday.

Bichel was all praise for Dhoni's match temperament. "He enjoys playing the game. He probably does not practice as much but he has a fantastic match temperament which is important. He is doing quite nicely. Taking rest is his decision."

Bichel admitted that their Delhi Daredevils players will have to put up an inspirational performance in the absence of their dashing skipper Virender Sehwag who has been ruled out of the tournament due to shoulder surgery.

"Obviously when you lose a leader, it does affect the side. But that also gives others in the side a chance to step up. They have some good players and have done reasonably well," he said.

The Chepauk has been like a fortress for the CSK where they have remained unbeaten so far and Bichel is hopeful that it will remain that way only.

"I think that we understand the conditions here better and that is something to do with our good show at home. And, having a balanced team to execute plans in such conditions also has something to do with it."

Bichel did indicate that there will be some changes compared to the last match as the conditions at Chepauk are different from that at the Sawai Mansingh stadium where the wicket offered a lot of pace and bounce.

The bowling coach seemed pretty satisfied in the manner Doug Bollinger and Albie Morkel has complemented each other while sharing the new ball.

"Bollinger and Morkel are different kind of bowlers. Also we have some quality spinners in our line-up. Once you have so much variation in the line-up it always helps."

Sri Lankan offie Suraj Randiv is set to leave for England on May 13 and Bichel feels that the team will miss a quality spinner like him.

"It is a big loss for us as he will be leaving for England on May 13th. But he is available for tomorrow's match against Delhi Daredevils."

Bichel admitted that he had indeed applied for the Australian team's bowling coach's job only to decline it later.

"I did apply for it but declined it later. But I enjoyed the paces in going through the interviews."

The former speedster didn't want to get engaged into the pitch controversy regarding the match between CSK and Rajasthan Royals which was held at the Sawai Mansingh stadium on Monday.

"You have got a wonderful product here with you and you have to be careful with what you do with the wickets. There were times that you had flat wickets and small boundaries, which actually served the game to the public. I think we got to stay pretty close to the guidelines."

Viru's absence will be a huge blow for us: Shipperd

CHENNAI: Admitting that losing captain Virender Sehwag is a big blow for the struggling Delhi Daredevils, coach Greg Shipperd said they face an uphill task as they take on a formidable Chennai Super Kings in an Indian Premier League match on Thursday.

While Delhi struggled for a major part of the tournament, whatever little they achieved was due to Sehwag's brilliance, and the big-hitting opener's absence would surely be felt.

"Viru's absence will be a huge loss for us as he is the holder of Orange cap. He fired in each of the matches that we won. He would be missed both as a captain and a key player," said Shipperd in a pre-match media conference on Wednesday.

"It is going to be a very tough assignment for us to beat the Super Kings in their home ground. We know that they have got special skills in all three departments of the game. It would be tough for us to raise our game and play best cricket against a side, which is in great form at the moment. They will surely pose a big threat to us," he added.

The former Aussie player, however, said that James Hopes, who has been appointed captain after Sehwag suffered a shoulder injury for which he is set to undergo surgery in London, was an experienced campaigner.

"James Hopes is the new captain and he is an experienced campaigner. Behind the scenes we do not have a captain but we have a range of people who have been given leadership opportunities in making sure that we move as a squad. Hopes has got lot of experience. His determination and abilities could help us finish the tournament as well as we can."

He also said that the team still have plenty of options to choose from.

"We have plenty of options. Next three games are very important for us. And we will have to figure out which players can handle the pressure well and accordingly be included in the side," said Shipperd.

Insisting that first six overs in a match would be crucial, irrespective of whether the Daredevils bat or ball, Shipperd said it was important to lay a strong foundation.

"We must be able to lay a strong foundation whether it be with the bat or ball in the first six overs. This is an area where we have been lagging, particularly with the bat. We had difficulties with the bat against Mumbai Indians the other day but the team could still manage to register nearly 150 runs.

"We have been a quite reactive team but we need to be proactive in the next three games," he said.

Asked whether the Delhi outfit would opt to bat or bowl if they win the toss at the Chidambaram Stadium on Thursday, Shipperd said, "I have to be careful in answering that question whether we bat first. However, we do take notice of the statistics that they lost four matches batting second. We had mixed success in batting first or second.

"We will assess the wicket and check with the players who are familiar with the conditions here, before taking a decision in case we win the toss tomorrow."

Due to indifferent form of the players, the Daredevils are languishing at seventh place in the points table with just four wins and seven losses from 11 games.

"They have been quite reactive as a group instead of leading from the front and taking the opportunities. A number of players have been given chances but they could not grab their chances well. Warner started the tournament very well but drifted off in the last five outings."

Once again defending the out-of-form Irfan Pathan, Shipperd said that he would be given some more opportunities.

"Irfan Pathan is a solid player and he will be given some more opportunities in the next three games. He is prepared and perhaps require some more chances to excel," he said.

As far as bowling department is concerned, the coach said he was happy with his bowlers as a unit.

"Our bowling group has held us together and given us opportunities to win matches. We are satisfied with our bowling group.

"Spinners have taken wickets for us. RE van der Merwe, Shahbaz Nadeem have done quite well and Venugopal Rao has not been used on a regular basis but he is a good option to bowl off-spin. Ajit Agarkar has also done a fair job. But we know that there is a huge challenge ahead of us," said Shipperd.

IPL cheerleader Gabriella Pasqualotto thrown out for blogging on flirtatious players

NEW DELHI: South African cheerleader Gabriella Pasqualotto has become an internet sensation and a mini-celebrity back home after being kicked out of the IPL for secretly blogging on player behavior in post-match parties. The 22-year-old Gabriella, from Pietermaritzburg, was one of the 40 South African cheerleaders in the IPL and was employed by Mumbai Indians. She reportedly wrote about "flirtatious" and "inappropriate" behavior by the cricketers and even mentioned some of them. South African media reported that her blogs created "privacy concerns" for the players.

Gabriella told the press she believed many cheerleaders had intimate relations with cricketers and accused her employers of being "hypocritical". Reports suggest she was sacked after a cricketer and another cheerleader complained to the IPL chairperson.

"On Tuesday last week I was sent home as if I was a criminal. I was treated as if I had taken drugs or done something awful and I was never offered an opportunity to give my side of the story," Gabriella told the Witness. "It's a joke. There are cameras everywhere at these after-parties watching what they (the players) got up to. The guys treated us like pieces of meat. We couldn't go anywhere without the crowds mobbing us and many of the girls did not behave. But nothing I wrote was directed at any one person. I think the cricketers who complained had a guilty conscience."

Gabriella initially began to tweet comments about her experiences at the after-parties, and was then approached by a website to write a blog. After two posts created a sensation, she was sacked.

One of her posts stated, "We are practically like walking porn. These cricketers are the most loose and mischievous I have come across. I have a long while still here, so I must remember my tip list: beware of the cricketers!"

Already, support for Pasqualotto has been gathering steam on Twitter, forcing Cricket South Africa media officer Michael Owen-Smith to state that SA cricketers were expected to adhere to the board's code of conduct.

Another post which she was forced to remove states: "The men see your face, then your b***s, then your a**, then your b***s again, Ol' Graeme Smith will flirt with anyone while his girlfriend walks behind him. The Australian cricketers are naughty, a certain someone played kissing catches with three girls. He told them, 'Come to my room, I want to cuddle'."

However, she was all praise for a few Indian players: "The few Indian players we have met, such as MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma have been very polite and keep to themselves in the dark corners.

"Hotshots like Tendulkar with families at home are never present. The likes of Jonty Rhodes and Albie Morkel are notorious for having a good time with friends!"

Pasqualotto, who lost a month's earnings, around 8000 rand, now says, "People think you are like handmaidens to the cricket gods, and I'm thrown out for a silly blog." Graeme Smith's agent Craig Livingstone refused to comment.

BCCI slaps down Warne over IPL pitch row

NEW DELHI: India's cricket board has dismissed criticism by Australian spin great Shane Warne over the playing surface selected for a crunch Indian Premier League game his team played this week.

Warne, captain of the Rajasthan Royals, had hinted at foul play over a decision to change the wicket for a home match against Chennai Super Kings in Jaipur earlier this week from the one used in previous games.

"It's strange for the first time in four years we were told we are to play on end wicket and it was prepared completely differently," Warne wrote on his Twitter account after his team crashed to a 63-run defeat.

The previous track had generally been slow and turning, which favoured Rajasthan's spin-heavy attack that had helped the team notch up four home victories before Monday's game.

The Chennai Super Kings franchise is owned by N Srinivasan, who is the secretary of the powerful Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The sacked former head of the IPL, Lalit Modi, suggested on Twitter that the pitch change "shows clearly how small things like a pitch selection can affect a game can be used by the powers that be. And it goes unnoticed."

Others have accused Warne of seeking to switch the focus away from his side's poor performance.

Reacting to Warne's comments, the BCCI said selecting the playing surface was the prerogative of the curator, who is appointed by the local state cricket association, and the teams have no choice on the matter.

"The BCCI wishes to clarify that the wicket used in the match between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals was as per the decision of the curator and the Ground and Pitches Committee," it said in a statement on Tuesday.

"This decision was taken in the best interests of the game. Neither of the playing teams has a choice of the wicket."

The curator defended the change of tracks, saying the "primary objective" behind the move was to provide a good playing surface.

"The IPL is being played at the end of the Indian domestic season, and after the World Cup," said Venkat Sundaram, chairman of BCCI's Grounds and Pitches Committee.

"Therefore, the main pitches are bound to have wear and tear. The extreme heat has also taken its toll. Hence, it becomes necessary to change the pitches in some cases, as good playing conditions will result in good cricket."