Harbhajan slapped with a 11 match ban in IPL for slapping Sreesanth

The hearing of IPL commitee has decided a 11 match ban on Harbhajan Singh for slapping Sreesanth. Harbhajan has pleaded guilty about the charges and accepted that he has slapped Sreesanth and also apologized him. This is the decision for IPL matches. His fate still hangs as far as playing for India is concerned. BCCI has appointed a seperate commitee to probe the incident and decision will be taken later.

Harbhajan will miss the whole of IPL. If his team qualifies for final he can play in it. This seems highly unlikely on two accounts:

1. Mumbai Indians do not look like then can make it to the semi-finals
2. Reliance management is already unhappy with Harbhajan and he might be replaced never to return back.

Sreesanth should refrain from on-field antics and has been let off with a warning.

Deccan Chargers find their elusive win

It was a comprehensive victory for Deccan Chargers against Mumbai Indians. They won the match with 10 wickets to hand and 7.2 overs to spare. Adam Gilchrist hits fastest IPL century beating Symonds 48 ball knock. Gilchrist completed his century in 42 balls. He brought up his century with a six. He remained unbeaten on 109 runs. Gilchrist’s innings is punctuated with 10 sixers and 9 fours. VVS Laxman played a nice little supporting role to Gilchrist and remained unbeaten on 36 runs. This is a much needed victory for Chargers.

Earlier Mumbai Indians, started their inning with a flurry on wickets only to be consolidated by Abhishek Nayar, Shaun Pollock and Dwayne Bravo. They scored 154 by losing 7 wickets. This was never enough. And, quite rightly so. Bowling attach of Indians was found wanting many a time. Ashish Nehra was never a match to stem the runs from Gilly’s willow.

Overall, disappointing performance from Mumbai Indians and a comprehensive win (barring 2 dropped catches) from Chargers. They still need to improve their fielding but a good win to start their journey.

Mumbai Indians need Sachin Tendulkar back as soon as possible. This is really hurting them and looks like Sachin is their only hope.

The next phase of the tournament would be interesting to see as the australians, who for the most part dominated  will be leaving for their carribean tour.

Bhajji might face a life ban

The ban can be for any of the following. He is charged under ICC code of conduct level 4.

1. 10 IPL matches ( lot of money at stake)
2. 10 one-day international (Bhajji would take this)
3. 5 test matches (not exciting, but he might take this too)
4. Life ban. (Seriously, this would be the kiss of death. He would think twice to even slap a mosquito after this.)

This suspense remains untill tomorrow. Hearing of Bhajji case is tomorrow April 28th, 2008 in New Delhi. Bhajji will be given a fair trial.

Things doesn’t look too bright for the off-spinner.

Harbhajan likely to face 10 match ban from IPL : BCCI

That would mean he will miss the most of the IPL and if Mumbai Indians make it to the semi-final he might play that match. That looks highly unlikely as he was already replaced. This augurs well for cricket as a whole. You can fool some people for as much time but not for long. Harbhajan will pay the price and its going to be a handsome amount. He was auctioned by the Reliance Industries led Mumbai Indians team for $850,000.

Sreesanth, on the other hand is guilty as charged. Apparently, he is not a holy cow. He provoked Bhajji and found what he was looking for. BCCI, his employer will reprimand him. I think he should be banned for atleast 3 matches. I am not sure if he has violated any code of conduct but he cried like a baby. That should attract a 3 match ban as per me.

Australian media took this opportunity and bounced right back. They are having a feast. Harbhajan is going to be a toast for them for atleast a week. So will Sreesanth. Imaging the next tour of India to Australia. If selected, Harbhajan and Sreesanth might find it very tough to even survive. Harbhajan is tough guy and he can handle it. But, What about the baby?

I guess, Sreesanth’s mother will accompany him to tour Australia.

Why wasn’t Harbhajan banned for life or for 5 years?

Race to the bottom : Mumbai Indians vs Deccan Chargers

Its a race to the bottom of the points table. Both teams did not win any match so far and are looking to register their first ever win in IPL. Mumbai Indians will be  a depleted side without Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh. But, they will be happy that the right person is at the helm. Shaun Pollock will lead Mumbai Indians against Deccan Chargers. If Sanath Jayasuriya and Robin Uthappa come good there is no stopping the Mumbai Indians.

Deccan Chargers, started the tournament as one of the favorites and only two weeks into the tournament they are looking down the barrel for an early elimination. They do boast marquee players who can change the match in a matter of few overs. That did not happen yet. After three matches they are yet to register a win. Chargers need some radical if not lateral thinking to change the course of their destiny and make the tournament more intersting. Right now the tournament is dominated by Super Kings and Knight Riders. If Chargers want to look for inspiration they do not have to look too far. Check out Rajastan Royals. The way they turned things around and giving tough competion to the best of teams. That does tell us a story. Its not stars who win the matches but players who play as a team win the match.

Chargers have to play as a team to come back and register their first ever win in this tournament. They also have to keep that momentum going to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.

The costliest team, Mumbai Indians are in the same category as Deccan Chargers. But, to their solace their matches were close except for the last one against Kings XI Punjab.

Whoever wins, may not create history but they will not end at the bottom. Whoever loses will find themselves at the bottom of the table. If Mumbai Indians lose, it would be an irony because that would make them the costliest team and the worst performing team at the same time.

Video : Daredevils vs Mumbai Indians ad

Interesting dentist ad of IPL.

Shaun Pollock to captain Mumbai Indians

Thank You Mumbai Indians for answering my prayers. I have said and kept saying that Shaun Pollock should captain in Tendulkar’s absence. You thought Harbhajan would do a good job. Well, there is nothing wrong with that but, you have to mature as a cricketer to be a captain. Harbhajan as we all by now know is far from it. Once again thank you Mumbai Indians and Harsha Bhogle (adivsor : mumbai Indians)

I wish you luck Shaun.

PS : Shaun Pollock is the second IPL captain who is not an Indian. First is Shane Warne.

Related Posts :
Mumbai Indians might find it too easy

Who will be the skipper of Mumbai Indians?

Video : Mumbai Indians Hrithik Roshan Ad

I know its a little late but never the less. Enjoy Hrithik explaining what Mumbai Indians mean.

Who will be the skipper of Mumbai Indians?

With Sachin Tendulkar still suffering from groin injury and Harbhajan Singh is busy slapping Sreesanth and trying to defend himself (Harbhajan is suspended), Mumbai Indians are running out of captains. I have already blogged about who would be the captain in Sachin’s abscence. They took the list in reverse. I am gonna put that order one more time. Let us wait and see who would be the captain. Robin Uthappa or Shaun Pollock or Sanath Jayasuriya. Other than that no other names come to my mind. They really need Sachin back

Related Posts:

Mumbai Indians might find it too easy

Harbhajan Singh slaps Sreesanth

Harbhajan Sing suspended

Why did Harbhajan slap Sreesanth?

Best team name : Mumbai Indians

 

Harbhajan Singh slaps Sreesanth

I could not post yesterday because my internet service is down. It is provided by Aircel one of the Super Kings sponsor. I will make up for that during the weekend. A lot has happened yesterday in the Kings XI Punjab vs Mumbai Indians match. It was a bowling win for Kings XI Punjab and some poor batting display by Mumbai Indians. Sangakara is the leading run scorer of the match and tournament.

What is interesting is not the match, but the post-match scenes. Everybody was ecstatic and Preity Zinta is on cloud nine. Suddenly, Sreesanth started crying. My best guess at that time was, because Preity Zinta hugged Brett Lee and not him he was upset. But, that is not the case. Harbhajan Singh has slapped Sreesanth. And he started crying. That whole incident is ridiculous on two accounts.

1.  Why did Harbhajan Singh slapped Sreesanth? What is he a hooligan or  is he the new don of  Indian cricket.
2. Why is Sreesanth crying for a slap? He tries to be tough to the opposition, sledging at them after he dismisses them. He do not have the chutzpah to say something when they are a batting anyway.

Other pertinent questions :

1. Would Harbhajan Singh slapped an aussie? Try slapping Mathew Hayden or Andrew Symonds.
2. What is with the sub-continent players aggression? First Shoaib Akthar, now Harbhajan Singh.
3. Why is the video evidence of Harbhajan slapping Sreesant captured by the media?
4. If captured why are they not showing us? I think the audience needs to know what Harbhajan is made of.