Dhoni, is on the firing line after India's yet another disastrous performance at the ICC World T20. I don't seem to understand the fact that, why should a captain be blamed, when its a called a "TEAM" game. Isn't the whole team responsible for the loss. Finally, India showed some team work, it was not one or two guys out of form, the whole TEAM looked out of place. Agreed, Indians cant handle short stuff, but how long will they keep saying the same old stuff. It cant be said that India played badly, the opposition played exceptionally well, which made India looks like, cats on a tin roof on a HOT day. What amazes me is the fact that, just few weeks back, when Dhoni lifted the IPL, adulation reached the peak and now they have turned the other way, courtesy : MEDIA. Fitness has definitely been a major concern. After playing 14+ matches in a span of 8 weeks and flying to Carribean two days later can definitely take a toll. People may argue that even foreign players played IPL. The main difference is that not all the International players played 14 games excepting a few. The others players had enough time with them, which was not the case for Indian players. Rightly so, Gary has hit out against the players as well, saying there around 8 people who are overweight to name a few: Yuvraj 'MRF Blimp' Singh, Rohit 'can take a paunch' Sharma and Zaheer 'I may be fit' Khan. Their paunch is EXPLICIT! This has resulted in the team failing in all 3 departments of the game. The batting looked miserable facing pace, bounce, swing. The bowling attack never really attacked or even started to look like one. The fielding for so bad that Afghanistan will be proud of their efforts.
Right now, in case Dhoni is dropped, wonder who will replace him... Viru couldn't handle the pressure of Double D's and looked like fish out of water when ever the national duty has beckoned him, he will lose his implanted hair too, if he captains India once again. Gambhir, no way! Earlier, there was captaincy material in him but, post IPL3 he has shown some serious attitude problems and lacks leadership skills. Plus he doesn't know what he is speaking during the presentation. Yuvi and Bhajji, ha ha , Cricket is(was) a gentleman's game, isn't it? Raina flopped in the IPL so, lets not go there again. Only people left are PK, Zaks, Nehra which seems highly unlikely. Otherwise, Subu-Badrinath / Dinesh Karthik will have to take over the reigns. And that will only make matters worse with Srikkanth being the chairman of selectors. So its better if BCCI stick on to Dhoni rather than looking out for another lame ass.
23rd November happens to be a very special day in the calendar year for me, for years now. It’s hardly surprising that cricket is not left out. Today, two cricketers share their birthday namely, Gary Kirsten and Merv Hughes. 
In 1996, during the WC in the sub-continent I was surprised by the talent of one namely – Christian(was what I was told). Weird that, it was my mistake and a means to remember him. I dint even know the South Africans could play cricket. It was more so because of the ban they were under, which I was unaware of.. But this guy just kept improving and impressing me, also because he opened the batting and was left-handed was enough to grab my attention. Then in a match against U.A.E. he was calling in the fire engines, he smashed 188, with ease. Kirsten, going on to become a well known opening batsman for his style of play and the ability to play a long a patient innings as well. Like his 275 against England or his match saving patient century on the 5th day. Kirsten’s style of play is much appreciated and applauded. Kirsten held most batting records for South Africa, only to be over taken by Jacques Kallis in almost all categories. Kirsten, today is the coach of the Indian cricket team and has received quite a lot of appreciation from the team. Inspite of some senior pros like Sachin, Dravid, Kumble, Ganguly and younger players like Jadeja, Raina, Rohit, Ishant… the team has had no problem with the coach or his coaching methods. Improvement in Gautam Gambhir’s game can be directly complimentary to Coach Kirsten. 
The other man, celebrating his birthday today doesn’t need any introduction. The picture says it all, Mervyn Hughes very well known for his fiery bowling and his famous moustache. He even got them insured for 38,000 US$!! Phew.. But, it was sure worth every penny. Just the vision of Hughes running in was a sight to watch. Like many other Australian quicks, Merv was selected to play the longer format only. He dint have much success in ODI’s. He ended with 212 wkts from 53 tests for Australia, with a one of a kind Hattrick against the Windies. He got Ambrose of the last delivery and picked up Patrick Patterson of the very first ball of his next over. Only, it was the final wicket to fall in the innings. Later, in the second innings he got Greenidge of his very first delivery. Winning him a rare format of hattrick.
