Sunday, April 26, 2015

Narasimham series Part 2: Peace in Action

Part 1 | Compassion is common, when you have left community, ironically. He felt the oneness, the pain, of those writhing around him. His sense of calmness fast disappearing. Couldn't make up his mind, which way to go first. Some were counting, their very last breaths. Can he then, even help!

That's when he sensed,  a movement behind. He turned around  saw someone, and just then it happened. Again a blissful, lasting Samadhi. He had entered Nirvikalpa. Was it ages or a timeless moment, he couldn't tell. But when he woke up, he smelt blood.

His robes now blood red, and a shocking sight ahead. Two people bearing knives, their hearts torn out! | Part 3

Teri Yaad Mein

तुम थे तभी , तुम्हे पा ना सका
तुम्हे खो चूका, फिर क्यों ये सज़ा

ए ज़िन्दगी ऐसा क्या किया
मुझे तू ज़रा बक्श ना सका

याद में तेरी, जि रो रहा
पर  मैंने कभी ना गिला है किया


Early Morning

It was a tempting morning sun
The question was will I wake up
To the crimson clouded sky
A beauty rare to ever sight

But nah I had a late night
And a weary sleepy eye
It would be another morning
So I say to my own chagrin

Wednesday, April 01, 2015

Scientific Cricket Team Selection

I wonder sometimes why selectors cast aside the law of averages when selecting the team. Attitude issues and knocks under pressure (ala Azharuddin) might be the differentiator perhaps. But how much of a difference if the law of eliminations and the rigorous grinding through various leagues, from local onwards, wouldn't have taken care of these.

I feel 90% of the national team of any cricket nation would benefit from simply keeping spots open if the player doesn't make the cut after playing international competition from other nations.

I have a simple criteria when I look at Averages, Batsmen being the simplest.

One Day Internationals (ODI): Average above 40 and Strike Rate 75+
Test Matches: Average above 50 and Strike Rate 40+

That's it!

I mean, selectors make a big fuss of it, emotions (especially popularity) and lobbying playing a significant role.
And by averages above, I mean career averages. A poor run or bad form may be lived with, but if it falls below above threshold, then replace. Give the player some time off, or let him come back to form after some domestic seasons. Don't let massive egos affect team standing in the international arena.

One could ask what is the criteria to allow their debut in the international arena: Well you want to catch them young, but still after some experience. So say in one senior domestic season (played without injuries or skipping else he's not fit enough) if they play per above, give them a chance if some spots are open!

You'd also ask how long do we sustain with the person after debut, in the international arena. Again same answer, one season. And of course, he's always on the spot with sticking to those averages.

You may also question a Sachin Tendulkar with a heavy legacy might continue forever without his average falling below the threshold, even if they are in the worst form. I say that's correct, and they've earned that respect. Players of that class will not give you cause to regret, if the day they feel they are done, they'll hang their boots.

I also know that given by above criteria, a lot of greats might not have had such long careers. But then, my argument would be, their burden must have suppressed the rise of potentially greater players. That's the very thing I'm alluding to when I say selectors base their decisions on "emotional" factors than scientific.

Bowlers are the key to winning matches, although every form of the game thrives by making punching bags of them.

So selection of bowlers needs more thought. This is the criteria I came up with:

ODI: Economy Less than 4 OR (Strike rate less than 40 and Average less than 30). This is only if the bowler consistently bowls ten overs in an innings.

Tests: A bowler's not proved himself until he's taken 7 wickets in an innings and 10 wickets in a different match against a different opponent and a different country. Thereafter, he keeps his spot by keeping his Strike Rate less than 70 and Average less than 30.

For debuting and retaining the player, the same criteria as for batsmen (one year in domestic and international).

I hope this, or better thought through, but scientific methods become the norm in selection process to give more transparency to the game, and better value for money for the spectator.

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