Contributed by Sastry
I smelled petrichor last week, when I got hit by snowballs after work,a teasing prelude to the real winter ahead. There is a little side in me that hold a little prejudice as far as snow is concerned, as it makes me nostalgic and reminds me of Alaska. As my thoughts wandered, I started contemplating the past. I couldn'think more of anything else other than cricket for retrospection may be its because I am writing a cricket blog or its not an introspection. If we account for standards, we were not on par with the usual standards that we set to ourselves. We won the CITA trophy and the joy was ephemeral as our desultory performances couldn't fetch a place in the finals of the next two tournaments. Though I was to be blamed to a certain amount for, I always believed the team had enough resources to make it big. Unfortunately, though we won 3 matches and lost just one, that one costed us dearly.
Sandeep: Clearly he was the stand out performer for the team this season. He blessed us with his batting prowess all season, and bludgeoned oppositions at will. His bowling was useful and at times shady. Sandeep, let this form of yours continue. Amen!!!
Papi: Though it may sound a little diaphanous, Papi is eponymous to transformers. He transformed the team in a cooly unconcerned way of his own. He made us believe in ourselves and led the team wonderfully. His bowling during the first tournament was as lethal as it can be, but as the season progressed, it got a stinge of yellow to it as was the team's performance. Overall, Papi made his presence felt strongly with his un-debatable decisions.
Ramesh: He is the sole reason we won at least one tournament this season. For Ramesh, it’s an epiphany of sorts. He reinvented himself as a batsman. Hope he continues next season too.
Hemi: At times, he looked unstoppable and at times he looked a mere mortal. If he is consistent, I am sure team’s chances are almost a certainty.
Brahmaji: He had another great season with gloves. Clearly the best keeper in the CITA tournament and he has contributed well with the bat too. Hope he continues to serve the side next season.
Sunil Rajulapati: Man, he can bowl!! Whenever you throw the ball at him, there is certitude of strange happenings. Hope he gets more chances with the bat as well and I tip him for captaincy next season LOL!!
Manchi: His exploits as a volleyball player are worth a mention than his cricketing skills this season. He is a wonderfully gifted player but limited chances hurt his form. Dil mange more Manchi!!
Vamsi: He has contributed well with the bat but only at times. Inconsistency creeped in as the season unfolded. Being opening batsmen, we expect more from you man!!
Susheel: We missed him for the second tournament but his contributions in the first one are worth a mention.
Nagesh: Limited chances have hurt his career always. I hope next season he gets to act as a deputy for Sunil and gets to bat up the order.
Bhargava: I am no Shakespeare to invent new words and I cannot use no more than “Inconsistency” as far as Bhargava is concerned. I hope he gets his form back next season. “That’s what I am talking about Yo”!!
Arvind: He made good uses of the chances he got and created an impact. Hope he gets more chances as a bowler next season.
Sastry: Created the split in the team and allowed the advantage to slip. Hope he stays next season!!
I hope we regain glory next season with commendable performances and grow more as a professional unit. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!!
