News
|
Teams
|
Match reports
|
Venues
|
Slide shows
|
Schedule
Home
>
Cricket
>
Ind in Eng 2002
>
Feedback
August 7, 2002
|
1120 IST
sections
-
News
-
Diary
-
Specials
-
Schedule
-
Interviews
-
Columns
-
Gallery
-
Statistics
-
Earlier tours
-
Domestic season
-
Archives
-
Search Rediff
Bathroom singing
goes techno!
Your Lipstick
talks!
Make money
while you sleep.
Secrets every
mother should
know
Search the Internet
Tips
India's game plan for the second Test
Chat transcript
Prem Panicker
|
Faisal Shariff
rom :
Hi Prem, Could we just win test on batting performances while we need bowlers to take 20 wickets which we dont, so is it not that once in a while we might win a test on a batting performance, BUT TO WIN TEST SERIES ABROAD, dont we require more then that?
Prem Panicker :
Yes we do. But then, the real question is whether the bowlers are bowling to par -- and here the answer is no.
Kasim :
Hi Prem, I read the transcripts of your prev chat and there is one thing which I do not agree with you - about your reasoning on the inclusion of Partiv Patel. I mean if he was selected in the final 16 then I am sure he had something special about him that the selectors chose him at this age. Maybe he is a Gilchrit in making, who knows? Give him a chance in the upcoming test to see his nerves and what he has in him. If he succeeds well and good and if he does not then he sure will get another chance. I dont think there is anything to loose.
Prem Panicker :
He could be. But with selectors like ours, well -- Indian cricket history of the last 10 years is littered with the names of those who were picked for a Test or series, and dumped as unceremoniously. Your reasoning works in a world where logic and sense applies -- but since when did our selectors show either of those commodities?
Prem Panicker :
Hi, guys, g'day :-)
Margi :
So, Prem how do we bowl the pommies out twice???
Prem Panicker :
Do unto others. Keep the field tight, bowl the steady line, and force the mistakes. Instead of playing to their hands and hunting for cover each time some batsman mishits and it goes for four.
lz :
Well, I liked Signs a lot more than some of us gave MNS credit for! nudge, nudge... I thought comparing him to Hitchcock with his third movie was a tad harsh!
Prem Panicker :
Despite the fact that this is off subject -- I dont recall making the comparison, I merely said that some techniques are borrowed from him, but that is no big deal, MNS has said the same thing himself
nikhil :
Hi premn are you gonna answer the questions we emailed you ?
Prem Panicker :
I've been answering my head off, buddy.... there's huge amounts of them, though
Sunil :
I had 2 questions:1) was Ashley Giles penalized for his unsportsmanlike conduct in the 1st test?2) were the stewards at Lords punished for their boorish behaviour against the 4 indian scribes?
Prem Panicker :
No to the first. An "inquiry is on", to the second -- which in fact means, no to the second question as well
PPTisback :
Prem some one stole my name man when i login as PPT it says already taken.. are you guys trying to block me??
Prem Panicker :
Why would we want to do that?
Dhar :
Is Ashish Nehra carrying some undeclared injury?
Prem Panicker :
Which is a bit like a customs guy asking me if I was smuggling something. Would I ever say yes? *L* But seriously, not as far as I know
Omkar :
what r ur thoughts on the batting line-up changes. After all teh hoopla over Laxman being under-utilized, seems like the team management is not interested in doing any changes in the batting order
Prem Panicker :
The team management hasn't said much about what it wants to do with the batting line up. And it migth be a good thing, too -- why on earth would we want to disclose all plans to the media for Hussain and co to read over their breakfast coffee? I'd be surprised, though, if Laxman batted six in the coming Test
srt :
PREM, PRACTICAL ?. WHAT DO U THINK WILL THE X1 BE TOMORROW
Prem Panicker :
I am still unsure of what the pitch is actually like, all I have to go on are reports. Plus, the weather seems to be a mess -- rains and stuff on, and predicted. Which could mean hugely seaming conditions -- in which case, I would want to go in with the same batting line, take Bajji for Kumble, and in Agarkar's case -- well... I would take him aside and tell him this is his absolutely last chance -- and then give him the new ball.
bobbee :
Why is Saurav Ganguly to demote himself down the batting order and come in at number 6 where he is better suited. Is his ego getting the better of team interests?
Prem Panicker :
Good question, but well, SG would be the only one who knows the answer to that one.
superstarksa :
Hey Prem..... Are the selectors brave enf to keep Agarkar out of the Nottingham test and proabbly bring in Yohananan ? Ofcourse with Bhajji replacing Kumble .....
Prem Panicker :
I dont know about bravery, friend -- if the conditions are seam friendly, I would still like to see AA play, but I would like to see him upended over a table and his bottom spanked -- at least figuratively, first. And then I would like to see him use the new ball in tandem with Zaheer -- firstly, that gives us a left right combo, secondly his extra pace over nehra comes in handy. and if he screws up this time, pack his bags for him and let him go back to the domestic circuit, and stay there
nikhil :
Will it take another dismal performance forthe selectors to permit the team managementto allow Kaif and Mongia to play - what is the pointof having a match winner benched ?
Prem Panicker :
The question of playing Kaif and Mongia has nothing to do with the management. Their names were not on the list of 16 handed over to the ECB before the start of the tour. And the rule is, if your name is not on the list, you can' play, unless there is an injury.
Sanjeev :
Prem, Why do you think Srinath doesn't want to paly 5 day test mtches in Eng but is ready to play 4day county matches
Prem Panicker :
Srinath wanted to rest himself for one dayers, with a view to playing a leading role in the World Cup. But then, the selectors have rather rudely signalled they dont want him -- so why should he sit at home twiddling his thumbs?
nozre :
guys how long before Donesh Mongia opens with Sehwag?
Prem Panicker :
Not in this series, friend. See previous answer about him and Kaif for the reason why
pprabu :
Prem, let us say India goes in with two spinners, then do you think they should drop Agarkar or Nehra?
Prem Panicker :
Agarkar. Too unpredictable, and if I only have two seam bowlers, then I don't want one of them to be a loose cannon
Sunder :
Ganguly has gone on record to say that India will play the same 12 - htcricket.com - so all these discussions about team changes are moot . Kumble is "injured" so Bajji comes in - everything else stays the same
Prem Panicker :
Yes, and again, what choice does SG have anyways -- it is not like there are players on the bench with outstanding credentials. Kaif and Mongia are ruled out. Karthik is not even here. Ditto Yuvraj. No Srinath. So hey, what the heck, what change are we going to make anyway?
prem :
should we take a risk and ask Rahul to keep
Prem Panicker :
The risk there would be that bad enough we can't seem to bowl a side out twice. You have a less than pro keeper, and a chance goes down, makes it even worse
nachnani :
prem, was the Raj Singh interview in an establishment that was serving "adult beverages"?
Prem Panicker :
Well, um, how to put this diplomatically? RSD is an "adult", has been for a good part of his life, let us leave it at that.
razor :
Hey Prem...what do u think about laxman/dravid opening with sehwag. that leaves a spot open at no.6 - maybe play bangar or opt for the extra spinner..?
Prem Panicker :
Ooof -- that is what I suggested before the series, and I had my head handed to me on a plate by your fellow fans. *L*
tompi :
Nasser Hussain seems to be on a high whenever he plays an Asian team ! Is the Indian think tank doing any brain-storming to stop him from scroing heavily ?
Prem Panicker :
Uh... guys, guess what, this kind of question is a tad hard to answer. I mean, if there is any meaning to the words "think tank", you would presume they are discussing each opposition player and figuring out what to do to him, with bat and ball. Whether they then have the nous to actually go out and do it, though, is a whole other question
Sanjeev :
Prem, Why do you think Srinath doesn't want to paly 5 day test mtches in Eng but is ready to play 4day county matches
Prem Panicker :
Hey!!!! Check the right hand side, already answered.
Suji :
Prem,WHY NOT PLAY PARTHIV PATEL. We have seen enough of Ratra
Prem Panicker :
AGain, boss, if you look at the pre-chat questions and answers, this is something I talked about at length, about a half dozen times. :-)
googler :
Prem, where did the name 'panicker' come from? Please, please answer this question.
Prem Panicker :
From my father. Where else do names come from, friend?
PPTisback :
Prem I would say india will win this game because so many key players are now over due to perform??
Prem Panicker :
*L* I'll join you in that wish boss, I only wish it was that easy, though. We will win because we are due.
Sunil :
There was a recent article on rediff about Dravid willing to do anything for the team, so why not open?
Prem Panicker :
Yes, well, he has said that before but when he was asked to do that in SA he cribbed like heck and asked why he should be the sacrificial goat
CrickInfo :
Prem,Do you think is't good to say that india will win the series
Prem Panicker :
It's very good to say that. It is even better to do it. *L*
tafosi :
With forcast being for showers, do you think we should take a risk with 5 bowlers
Prem Panicker :
Nope, why? It is not about five bowlers -- it is about who those five are going to be, and who have we got?
o :
Faisal/Prem: Does Rediff know if the selectors/team management read Rediff on a regular basis? Have you guys conducted any formal or informal surveys about it? Have you been contacted/consulted about cricket mattes by BCCI or the players ever? I am trying to understand how the feedback at Rediff impacts their thinking.
Prem Panicker :
We know that the team management and some of the players read Rediff, yes. We talk to the players, they talk to us, yes. Ditto, with the coach. As far as the selectors are concerned, frankly, I dont know.
anil :
PREM, I think we need to bowl very tidily in the first innings (fist of all), coz if i remember correctly, we have been giving too many runs in 1st innings itself, atleast 400-450+, even bangladesh, in its 1st test against india managed some 400+ runs in 1st innings.. i think we need to stop this and bowl very well in 1st innings, so that there is little pressure later on. COMMENTS PLZ.
Prem Panicker :
But of course. I mean, look at our recent outings -- even going as far back as our last tour of Aus. Time and again we start off well, then let things slack. And a team that is seventy something for three or four then posts 400 plus and we are dead in the water right there. The thing is, we need to know that other teams are not like us. If we are 70 for four, the opposition has to do nothing, we will collapse on our own. Other teams fight back, which we dont seem to have understood and budgeted for -- we get them rattled, then think ah, all our work is done -- and then some tailender comes and steals it away from under our nose
razor :
Is Sachin's innnings in thr last warm up match an indication that he's coming back with a vengeance? personally, i think gavaskar's critical comments were unprofessional...but it might just be the wake up call SRT needs. you views...?
Prem Panicker :
I dont know if it is a comeback warm up, or if it was bad bowling, or whether Gavaskar's comments had an impact. I would be hugely surprised, though, to see him fail in a four Test series.
boby :
Prem, Faisal - As I keep reading the questions here, I think I understand the mind set of our selectors. We want results instantly. We dont give our players enough chances to settle down and mature. Take Ratra for instance, isnt it too early to talk of replacing him? Same with Jaffer etc. Give them a chance to play the entire series and then lets see...
Prem Panicker :
Well, you are right, in part. I think the thing begins with picking a player -- we need to pick on talent and skill, rather than domestic performance which given our conditions means less than nothing. And if we then pick a person with talent, and ability, we need to persist with him, yes. Speaking of which, anyone remember a Sadagopan Ramesh?
googler :
Prem, please take no offence from my earlier question and come back.
Prem Panicker :
What question?
joey :
Hey Prem/Faisal, I have a very off-the-track question. There are scores of cricket sites on the net but I think that Prem's & Faisal's columns are a cut above the rest becoz they don't just give an account of the physical action on the field but also try to understand and explain the psyche of the players. 1 of the best accounts by Prem I remember is the account of 3rd day's play at Eden in the famous comeback test against Australia in 2001. So here goes. I hope u find time to answer this. Statistically, 1 of the best Indian player in Tests is Vinod Kambli (remember him???) In his short test career, he scored at such a prolific rate that his name stands next to the Don & Walter Hammond in record books (2 consecutive double centuries in back to back tests) What do you think/know happened to this guy in terms of performance? Ramakant Achrekar himself has said in an interview (posted on the Rediff website in Mar/Apr this year) that between Sachin & Kambli, Kambli was more talented. Then
Prem Panicker :
I'd say so, too -- that Kambli was hugely talented. I dont go much for comparison -- with Sachin o anyone else -- but Kambli was a Lara in the making, the same flamboyance, the same ability to arrogantly dismantle any bowler when he felt like it. Unfortunately, though, and again like Lara, it is in the head that Kambli couldn't put it together -- too many peccadilloes, too much of angst, and Indian cricket is not as forgiving as the Windies were.
winks :
If we have 3-4 bowlers who can perform fairly good regularly then do we really need bowlers who take 20 wickets? Why do we always search for super heroes? I guess w need heroes who put in super efforts.
Prem Panicker :
Precisely the point I made in reply to the first question I was asked here today -- never mind wondering who else we have, bow about thinking of getting the guys who are out there to bowl to at least 80 per cent of what they are capable of?
RS :
Not sure why Prem wants to chat at this time.. if he tends to disappear for lunch for extended periods of time
Prem Panicker :
Is this some kind of joke? Or is it that you aren';t seeing the right side of the screen? Just curious. :-)
baaluradha :
tell me frankly is ganguly is really fit to be a captain?
Prem Panicker :
Well, this is my opinion -- not of the Test side, no
NERDY :
PREM/FAISAL: It would be fun to read something written by you guys, where each of you takes an opposing stance on an issue...example Faisal for Dravid to keep, Prem against it!
Prem Panicker :
*L* What, you don't like the fact that we are friends? Actually, is a thought though, we keep arguing about things often enough, might as well do it Point-Counterpoint style
jnat :
Prem, how can we justify the continued selection of Kumble in touring squads for so many years ? hasn't he held up any possible profgress of genuine spinners ?
Prem Panicker :
In recent years, yes, there is a case to be made for that argument. I wouldn't be so opposed to the fact that he is picked -- the tragedy is that selectors do not even think of picking a third spinner. they go in with four seamers, like we were the West Indies or something -- and meanwhile, the likes of Sarandeep and Karthik sit on their duffs, back home.
MJ :
PREM / FAISAL - What do you think of dropping NEHRA if 2 spinners need to be included. because agarkar has a 100 and Nehra is not bowling that GREAT !
Prem Panicker :
Ummm... Agarkar has a 100 so all sins are forgiven. Well, AGarkar also has 12 ducks in his short career -- does one century suddenly make him a master batsman?
Ashok :
Prem do you think that Agarkar should be dopped for 2nd test?
Prem Panicker :
If we go in with just two seamers, then yes
madhusudan :
rahul dravid voted by the most people for the team selection on rediff.com,then why do people criticize him for every damn thing?
Prem Panicker :
*grin* Our relationship with our star players is a bit like the relationship between an abusive husband and an abused wife. Lots of complaint, but she wont leave him either.
rajmalhotra :
*****PREM, PLS PLS PLS ANSWER THIS FOR ALL OF US IN THE USA: since u are based in the US, do you know if SONY (who have purchased the rights to the world cup) will telecast the matches on thier SET channel on dish network? or will we have to pay-per-view?
Prem Panicker :
As far as I know, no, Sony is not telecasting. :-(
srt :
i HAVE OBSERVED MOST MODERN CAPTAINS (EXCEPT HUSSAIN) DON'T HAVE A THIRD MAN FOR ALMOST 40-50 OVERS EVEN MORE SOME TIMES. IN MY OPINION HAVING A TM IS AN ATTACKING OPTION ESP WITH THE NEW BALL WHICH TENDS TO GO THERE A LOT DURING THE FIRST 20-30 OVERS. GANGULY INVARIABLY KEEPS A TM WHEN THE CAUSE IS LOST. UR COMMENTS???
Prem Panicker :
Again, a point made ad nauseum. We set fields because in that cricket textbook we read when we were kids, these positions were marked. Just like setting a fine leg for an off spinner -- how the hell is a batsman supposed to get a ball to fine leg anyways?
RS :
Prem.. was over at the Ajax Cricket Club (same place where Canada and the WI A played on Friday) to bowl a few balls at the nets yesterday. Everyting hurts today as I hadn't done this in a while. Are there any good sites on the web with coaching methods. etc?
Prem Panicker :
Dont know about websites with coaching methods, but if you played after a long while and are stiff, well, not too much you can do about it now except a long soak in a hot tub. Unused muscles will creak when you use them out of the blue -- and off the top, I would think you went in cold, without warming up shoulders especially, and the side muscles, which should be where it hurts most
umang :
I do not beleive that anyhting can be done about the captaincy issue, so long as Dalmiya term with BCCI remains as Chairman, what are your thoughts?
Prem Panicker :
Oh, I agree hundred per cent with that... even the five selectors recommending that the captaincy be given to someone else, just ahead of the Windies tour, didnt make much difference
MJ :
PREM -Continuing NEHRA / AGARKAR, but NEHRA is not bowling that great and no batting at al, so considering the optins we have isnt Agarkar the better one, if I had preffered we could have dropped BOTH ! :-)
Prem Panicker :
*sigh* To repeat an oft made point, my problem with AGakrar is that he is a complete loose cannon. If he bowls on par, okay, he is the obvious pick. But he loses it for no reason whatsoever, and you can never predict when that happens, and if there are only two seamers, he is one of them, and he bowls like he did in the first Test, we might as well simply stipulate a defeat and save ourselves the trouble of playing it out
Dev :
Mr. Prem..one century dosen't make a master batsman but has any of our so-called tail done it so far including Srinath...why belittle a gutsy effort by a much-maligned cricketer???
Prem Panicker :
No one maligned a gutsy effort. I merely said, dont read too much into it, just as I said dont read too much into the ducks either.
diwakar :
hey Prem, Are uplanning on going toAshe stadium tocatch some US Open tennis?
Prem Panicker :
I hope to, if I am still here then. :-)
Deepak :
Dont you think our opening bowling combination should be Left and right? IF i was captain I would have been given Nehra/Agarkar as opener bowler then Zaheer as first replacement. What do you guys think?
Prem Panicker :
Yes, actually, is a point made just a bit earlier in this chat. If AGarkar is being played, I would think he should be given the new ball, with Zahir.
par :
Prem/Faisal, All the other team seems to make the one-day unit from test teams with couple of utility players. But our Indian team seems to be going opposite...
Prem Panicker :
Yes, but also, most other teams have gone through this phase, of having radically different teams before gradually, they began merging. We are pretty much at that stage -- now we have youngsters in the one day game, and it is a matter of them forcing their way into the Test squad before both wear a more or less identical look
sand001 :
Prem, what do you think about this sick and fixed mindset that anybody who plays attractive aggresive cricket can't plays tests? I mean, it was Robin singh before and for a while Sehwag and now I hope the same is not applied to Kaif and Yuvraj!
Prem Panicker :
I agree with the adjectives -- fixed, and sick. :-) And yes, it is rather unfortunate that we stick labels on players. Sort of like going he loves me he loves me not with a daisy. this guy is one day, this guy is test, this guy is useless -- a bunch of petty gods who sit there and decide everyone's fate, and that is sad.
MJ :
PREM -Continuing NEHRA / AGARKAR, but NEHRA is not bowling that great and no batting at al, so considering the optins we have isnt Agarkar the better one, if I had preffered we could have dropped BOTH ! :-)
Prem Panicker :
Not bowling that great, okay. In the previous test, which of the two bowled better and more sensibly?
nachnani :
Prem, I think Nasser has a new plan for us tomorrow - while we are preparing for his tactics in the first test - comment?
Prem Panicker :
*laughing* Hey, boss, let's not make him some kind of Kasparov. The only plan on view thus far is this business of packing one side and bowling that side, and that is hardly new. If you recall, even Steve Waugh has tried that against us, most notably the last time they came home to us with McGrath doing the outside off bit and Warne doing the outside leg bit. On that occasion, our guys countered it, this time they lost their heads. But to then suggest that Hussain is some kind of mastermind is a bit of a stretch, frankly
rajmalhotra :
**** PREM/FAISAL:just curious to know how do u guys look like? can u POST YOUR PICS ON REDIFF???? :-))
Prem Panicker :
*grin* no. we merely want to talk to you guys, not give you nightmares.
Mandar :
, Why India wish to rest Laxman even when he performed well? And apart from non-performing Tendulkar, India does not have anyone...Wicketkeeping is a problem, Nehra is wayward, means bowling is not good...openers have been a problem. What exactly India has?
Prem Panicker :
Who said India is resting Laxman? *puzzled here*
vicky :
FAISAL & PREM, HELP ME (on my 10th question now), what do you think of the indian pace attack? Do you really think any of them are consistantly penetrative and effective? If not, dont you think we'd be better off anyday playing 3 spinners???PLEASE ANSWER THIS ATLEAST
Prem Panicker :
Zahir and Nehra, I genuinely belive, have what it takes to be effective. I dont mean Akthar-Lee effective, I mean effective opening bowlers. I believe too that if AGarkar could screw his head on the right way, he could be good too. As for three spinners, sure, if they are three quality spinners, then no reason why not -- but who would they be? I can think of pairing Karthik and Bajji, let's see if we find one more good one to throw inot that mix.
Shyam :
You are saying that Ganguly is not captaincy material for Tests..then who else is??? Tendulkar is not willing and I would not go for Laxman when he still needs to cement himself first..I haven't seen lot of Dravid but I have not seen innovative captaincy from him. Who is your candiate?
Prem Panicker :
What more cementing does Laxman have to do? He was your match winner against Australia. He had one bad series in SA, coming off injury. He was your most consistent player in the West Indies. And he was flawless, here. And still we talk of cementing? MY candidate is Laxman. Look at it this way -- the hardest job to do is lead in the Irani Trophy -- you are leading 11 players who haven't played together, against theRanji champions who have gone through a tournament and won. Check out past Iranis, and see how he has done when he has led, to get an idea why
church12 :
HEY PREM, FROM WHEN DID YA START WRITIN COLUMNS ON HOLLYWOOD FILMS?? ESPECIALLY SHYAMALAN'S SIGNS
Prem Panicker :
Huh? I've done film reviews even before -- did Bourne Identity from here, have done Hindi films when I was there... wassup?
metrock :
My Lineup Is Mongia/Shewag Ganguly Tendulkar Dravid Laxman Patel Bhaji agarkar Nehra Zaheer..What Do You Think..If You Care!!!!!!!!!
Prem Panicker :
Very nice, only, Mongia cannot play. See earlier portions of chat for reason why
diwakar :
when do u think folks in ICC will realise that the real seat of power incricket is in India ( with Pak practically at war)?
Prem Panicker :
When India acts like it has the power, and hits them where it hurts, actually, instead of sucking up to them the whole damn time. Let the Indian Board once say, flat out, that we will not play at Lord's any more and see what happens. If Aus can say it wont play Delhi, and if Eng can dictate which grounds it will play on, why dont we?
googler :
Permji, Faisal mian, do you think Indian strokemakers would be able to keep their cool if Hussain persists with negative tactics again.
Prem Panicker :
I dont know about whether they can -- but the best thing to do to someone who looks to irritate you is irritate him right back. Let a few balls go, grin at the bowler (as in fact Sachin did in Chennai against McGrath) and see how soon they get rattled
TheBigK :
Prem, that was a nice article u had written on soccer during the FIFA 2002. Didnt know u were a soccer fan too. Comment.
Prem Panicker :
*laughing* You know, there seems to be this universal belief that the only thing I do with my life is watch cricket. There is surprise if I write a book review, surprise if I write about a movie, surprise about soccer. *L* For the record, I love books, movies, soccer, tennis, many other things, some of which um, I'll keep to myself.
superstar_ksa :
Hey Prem/Faisal... I know that the proposed contracts have a clause pertaining to performance.. but only for the monetary side.. what abt for a minimum stint in the team kind.. like if u get in.. u get to play atleast 2 consecutive tests.. (provided that there are no external reasons like the "horses for courses" funda)
Prem Panicker :
I dont know that we can kind of nail it all down like a government document 0-- but i think that the fact that the board has to pay a player when once it puts him on contract will automatically force the board to play him, get value for money. sounds simplistic, I know... but I dont think you can do this thing of having a rule in place which says, if I play the first Test, no way I can be dropped for the second
splguy_001 :
Prem, do you think Sehwag can consistently score runs at number one. I mean he should forget about the ODI rhythm and adjust to the test. dont you think so
Prem Panicker :
Not sure why he needs to make any adjustments -- what is wrong with knocking up an 84 in quick time? Would the innings have been any more valuable if he had used up twice the number of balls? I am not too sure of that -- for instance, look at tthe speed with which a hayden and langer combo, or a gibbs, or an anwar, score
CuddyQut :
Hey Faisal/Prem,I strongly believe Ganguly doesnt shuffle his bowling options effectively(not introducing the part-timers at right time and using them for good quota etc..,) what do u think?
Prem Panicker :
I agree,,, more often than not, he doesnt use the part timers at all. Unfortunately
anil_dixit :
prem same question. hope u answer.my view is we should bash on regardless and attack feverishly with tendulkar & sehwag as operners. if the gamble pays off the english will be on the back foot from day one (assuming we bat first). opinion?
Prem Panicker :
*grin* I once suggested this in the Rediff office, and Faisal among others bit my head off. YOU tell HIM. *pointing at Faisal*
sriss :
prem, u say captaincy should belong to laxman. and ur reasoning is that he captains very well in the irani trophy. well, thats in india,my friend. thats a job that even ganguly does well. we r known as "tigers" on home turf. so, whats the big deal ?
Prem Panicker :
I did not say captaincy should belong to him because he leads well in India. I said he has captaincy skills -- I merely used this as one exemplar
mcgrath :
did anything happen in HARSHA BHOGLE/ KISHORE BHIMANI case... I think something much be done...
Prem Panicker :
Waht would need to be done is for the board to take it up as a body, not to go tsk tsk and forget about it. Like I said, what happens if the BCCI says, India is sick and tired of how Lord's treats us -- our past greats are humiliated, our commentators are pushed around, our present players are harassed. Okay, enough is enough, India will not play at Lord's any more. That will hit the county in its pocket -- see how quick they will be to change, then.
taher :
Prem Is Dravid only joker who can be used as Wicket keeper or Opener If he is so important than why not make him Captain
Prem Panicker :
Huh? Not sure I understand the logic here -- because someone can do two things we make him captain?
splguy_001 :
You are right Prem. But only if Sehwag continues to play long innings and support the middle order, he can be compared to Langer/Hayden. I can think of him as Indian Gilchrist, hope he wins matches in this series with his knock.
Prem Panicker :
Actually, even without a long innings, if he gets off to a blistering start and in the process, destroys the confidence of the lead bowlers, he would have done his bit, because he then makes it easy for the middle to come and consolidate. The problem with recent openers has been they make batting look so damned hard, the bowlers get a chance to settle into a great rhythm and are primed for when the others come in
chakras :
Prem! Don't you think India should play 2 spinners instead of 3 pacers
Prem Panicker :
I think it became academic as soon as Kumble had a timely injury, no? :-)
karthik :
chatting with prem about cricket is like asking abey kuruvilla for batting tips!
Prem Panicker :
So what to say about people who know this, and still insist on going to Kuruvilla and asking for those tips?
aru :
prem, i think the key to a victory in tests lies in the first innings performances. if u can bowl out a team below 300 in their first innings and/or score 500+ while batting, u might have a chance. but our team seems incapable of doing both. so what's the solution?
Prem Panicker :
Not play? *L* Actually, youa re right in so far as this is the key
cricinfo :
Prem, in all the one-dayers and the only test match, not for once we have had Sachin and Sehwag on the crease together at the same time. doesnt somebody need to think about that. I am thinking give them an hour together and watch the whole complexion of the game change. Those two also compliment each other very very well. any harm in sending them as openers in the 2nd test asuming we bat first
Prem Panicker :
Absolutely... like I said just now, someone convince my friend Faisal -- he damn near hit me with a cricket bat once when I suggested that! *L*
sambhay :
FAISAL/PREM WHAT DO U THINK ABOUT AMERICA WANTING TO ATTACK IRAQ?
Prem Panicker :
Making sense of America's foreign policy -- or what passes for it -- is a tad more difficult than making sense of the Indian selectors' doings. Since I never managed to make sense of the selectors, boss, I wont even try the other.
nachnani :
Faisal/Prem, How long will Dalmiya's raj lst?
Prem Panicker :
Geez, if I only knew the anser to that! Given the strangelhold he has, it could be as long as he wants it
AnandTh :
Prem, do you watch Laxman's body language on the field? It is very meek, and I don't feel he is the right person because of this. He may be a good tactician, but he does not carry himself with confidence in the field. What do you say?
Prem Panicker :
What, you ahve to jump around to be a good captain? He is not meek, pal -- he is merely quiet and laid back. Ever watched Pataudi's body language in the field? Or even Wadekar's for that matter? Confidence is in being easy and relaxed -- not ahving midwicket conferences each time the opposing batsman hits a four
bigcricketfan :
Prem what do you think is the problem with Nehra?Is he having trouble to control the ball in a more swing friendly situation?
Prem Panicker :
I only have one theory, but I must say upfront, I would like to have a much closer look. Nehra has this awkward delivery stride that puts a lot of strain on his groin. I wonder if he is doing something to change that -- and in the process, losing some of his rhythm.
vshan :
Prem - I came in late, but can you answer this question. We have a weak bowling attack that cannot take 20 wickets. Plus there is this additional dilemma of whether to go with 3 seam/2 spin. Why not pick 5 bowlers - 3 seam and 2 spin and drop one batsman. Make Dravid open. It should be made clear to the batsmen that they have to do their job if the bowlers are to do their!
Prem Panicker :
Logically, it all sounds perfect. But which fifth bowler do we have who we are confident will get us wickets where the others failed? AGain, is it that our batsmen have failed because no one told them to do their jobs?
golu :
Hi Prem,How is weather in NY?
Prem Panicker :
Duh! About as erratic as Agarkar's bowling. Was blistering hot the other day, yesterday evening I go out and suddenly it is chill as hell!
raghavan :
Prem... Are you Friends with Ganguly? If so why dont you offer some of the suggestions you write on the Web informally to him. I know he may not take everything but it doesnt hurt to try.....
Prem Panicker :
I know him and vice versa, wouldn't say I am friends, though. From things I hear, I suspect he gets to see pretty much anything that is written about him on the Web... never known him to be particularly receptive to suggestions, though
Naga :
Hey PREM , How about having Non-Playin Captains like what they have in Davis Cup..tailor made for Ganguly?
Prem Panicker :
And he keeps running out at the end of each over? *L*
Prem Panicker :
HEY, GUYS... NEED TO RUN. IS GETTING ON FOR TWO HERE, SOME LUNCH, THEN REGULAR WORK. Let's do this after the Test, huh? And hope you guys get more reason for joy this time round.
Prem Panicker :
I think we need to revamp our domestic, make it less unwieldly, most definitely
nrk :
WHAT ARE YOU GUYS AFRAID OFF? A SIMPLE PREDICTION. WILL WE WIN THIS SERIES OR NOT? PLEASE ANSWER.
Prem Panicker :
If we play to potential, yes we will
Prem Panicker :
Sure, if the overall question is, isnt it time we recognise that we have new talent, and adapt team composition to that, most definitely yes.
Prem Panicker :
Didnt see the ones you posted. Post one quick, will take it
Prem Panicker :
?? Anyone can mail me, no sweat. prem@us.rediff.com gets me
Mustafa :
Do you know John Mathew? How did you like him as a person? And do youthink Azhar will ever make it ot the Indian team ?
Prem Panicker :
Which John Mathew? Tell you what, my mail address is there, mail me, I'll respond.
Prem Panicker :
Okay, guys... ME, OUT OF HERE. GOOD BYE ALL, TAKE CARE.
Prem Panicker :
THE MAIL ADDRESS IS prem@us.rediff.com DO NOTE, RESPONSES MIGHT TAKE A WHILE COMING, BUT IT WILL COME. ADIOS, GONE, BYE
Prem Panicker
|
Faisal Shariff
