IPL-NAAMa

April-May is that time of the year, when school vacations are going, Mangoes satiate most of us, the Air-Conditioner business sees happy times, and well, IPL happens. Recently, I got to thinking about the teams participating in IPL and their stylish-trendy-rocking-dashing names. And then I was thinking, do these teams justify the names that they have got? Let's see.

• Sunrisers Hyderabad : This is the recent-most addition to the IPL franchises. It's interesting, that every match they play is either around the time of sunset, or after the sunset. But then, there could be a deep meaning to it that I'm either not aware of or I have not dared to imagine. The team probably has one of the best bowling line-ups in the league, but their batting line-up - not impressive. Worst for them is the fact that few "star" players they have are not performing. Still, early days. Let's see if the Sun(Network) rises on this franchise or not.
• Kochi Tuskers : There's this friend of mine, a big fan of certain "Mini Elephant". The Kochi Tuskers always remained Mini Elephants to my liking. They seldom looked strong performers, never really looked like a competition to the lions and tigers in the jungle of the league. They had one roaring Mini Elephant though, whom one Mr. Harbhajan had tamed years back.
• Sahara Pune Warriors India : Another franchise that began participating in IPL along with Kochi Tuskers. One profound fact about this team is that the name of their sponsors "Sahara" is more highlighted than the team itself, whether it is the name of the stadium in their home location or their theme music during the match. About the warriors part. Well, they never really looked to be in any "War" as such. At maximum, they were able to pull of some "battles". Warriors under-training, maybe.
• Kings XI Punjab : For many parts in time, they did appear to be Kings, at least on the paper. But again, never really lived up to the "Kings" in their name. They have had Queen Preity as their owner though.
• Delhi Daredevils : A name that gives a very exciting impression to someone. For most parts, with the kind of players that the team has had, the name "Daredevils" suits. Alas, the Daredevil act almost always failed, leaving the team hanging by the wires that protect them. And going by the performance this year as well, they need to prepare for the stunts very hard for next year.
• Rajasthan Royals : For me, Rajasthan has always had a sort of royal touch to it. At least that is the impression in my mind. Though this royalty never enjoyed huge wealth, they managed their limited resources well. Royal winners of the 1st edition of IPL. And the captain they have in the form of Rahul Dravid for past few editions automatically adds to the royal aura surrounding the team.
• Kolkata Knight-Riders : The team had started off like brave, capable knights, from the first day in the history of IPL. But then, the knights could not move up further, the horses looked tamed. It took them the 5th edition of the IPL to achieve real knighthood. The owner they have along with certain former captain did keep the franchise in the news.
• Mumbai Indians : Before I say anything, I take a moment to think about the foreign players in this team. "Indians", really? Who knows, what they must be thinking about this fact. One good thing though, I could always associate this team with the "Indian" cricket team in the nineties. Both teams were very promising, but quite often they failed to go over the line that differentiates the good and the great. Also, they have the person in the team that put "India" on the global map and set the yardstick for greatness.
• Royal Challengers Bangalore : This team, in the inaugural edition had the word "Royal" written all over them with the kind of players that they had. But soon, the royals then made way for the princes. Nonetheless, the players are much capable of pulling off this "Royal" tag. The team has always remained "Royal Challenger". They could never be the winner, even with the full house of excellent players in the team. Let's see if they make the transition from the "challenger" to the "challenged" at least this year.
• Chennai Super Kings : This is one team that truly lives up to its name. Winner of two editions, runner ups in other two, out of total five editions. Arguably the most balanced side in the IPL, with a captain that I personally have always admired for his leadership skills and his individual performances. They still remain the side to beat according to most of the critics.

These are just the random thoughts I had when I started thinking about the names of these teams. Some may be unsubstantiated, some justified. No offence intended. Well, some is.

Having a ball - with the 'Sir'

 Today, as much diversified information we get from various sports websites about the game of our interest, comparable to it is the amount of news that we get on social media websites. Oh, and in humorous, sarcastic, and at times brutally intolerant ways.

Take for an instance, people opine that a cricket player gets more than enough opportunities. Undeserving opportunities, some even think. And then starts the roller-coaster ride. The creative Tweeple, facebookers and others act as the cogs and wheels of this roller-coaster and the ride takes on an increasing speed. The player gets a whole lot of accolades such as 'Sir', 'Lord', 'Shri Shri' and what not.

And then, there's simply no stopping it. This player is watched at all times through the Hawk's eyes. Any event, any phenomenon related even remotely to that player sets the social media ablaze. And the event in its original sense could be a positive one, or a negative one. But the result is just the same. It could be a couple of Triple Hundreds, a well-left-delivery getting him out bowled, or even a victory achieved even after getting out since technically it was a no-ball.

Yes, to a large extent we see the fun involved. Most of these people intend to make it a harmless ride, or maybe they just go with the flow as they have the impression that whole world is doing so. But at times, things seem to be going out of the line. Much to the misfortune of the player, even after he has proved that he has become a utility player and has made an impact on the game on numerous occasions, there's just no stopping it. It hasn't been seen yet, at least.

However, it is all the more heartening to see the player taking all of this in his stride, not letting it affect him in negative ways and keep on giving his best and being responsible for the success of his team. The critics may be having a ball on the social media, but there’s no backing down from the player himself. Of course, he still may have a long way to go before really standing tall above all of them. But as they say, diamond is diamond only after years and years of being under pressure. He is toiling away on the field as well as off the field. It is to be seen if he emerges as the diamond or fades away in the history like many others have.

Having said all of this, India is full of cricket crazy people. They criticize too soon, they praise even sooner. This player has been the exception in the latter case. It will be interesting to see if and when he makes the break-through.

P.S. Of the many things I admire about M. S. Dhoni, shrewd and cunning intelligence is one of them. And I don't know if he has done this intentionally or unintentionally, but the fact that he has joined the 'Sir'castic club has worked for the player in concern. Earlier criticism turned into a humorous incident, with even the "Extra Innings" seeing the funny side of it. It ought to work in favor of this player.

Avoid a void

"Hey, let's go man. I have to catch 7.12 a.m. local..!!" How many times, have we heard dialogues like these! Life today, has really become fast paced. One has to think about whole lot of things to do "tomorrow" before going to sleep "today". Some lucky ones, even look forward to the next day and the various tasks to be carried out. What if those lucky ones, do not have those tasks ahead any more?
Well, something of that sort has happened with me recently. There were at least 3 things associated with me, that I knew were going to be a crucial part of my day, every "tomorrow". And they were no mere things-to-do, they were the things I wanted to do, things I loved to do. And now, I can't do those. I will certainly talk about two of those things. Third, well, may be some other time.
We all talk about social media - How social media is good/bad, how it has affected us etc. Among all these things, one definitely good thing happened for me. I got in touch with a bunch of genius, crazy, creative and well, kick-ass people. For months, as a friend of mine says, I knew them just by their profile pics. Well, not really. Through the interactions I have had with them - meaningful as well as "Bakar" - I have known them at least to an extent. And it was really a wonderful experience. The group was supposedly formed for preparations of some exam, and the group did cater to that need, more than what I could ask for. It certainly added to my knowledge, my perspectives. There was this extended period of time when I looked forward to getting online in the night, and getting on with whatever we as a group did. And now, the exam and everything related to it has reached its finality. This is the first thing.
Around three months back, I stumbled upon an opportunity as a volunteer to go to a school, and contribute in the learning of few 4th standard kids, thanks to "Teach For India". And I grabbed it with both hands. I admit, I was a bit scared, as to how a bunch of small kids will take to me. But it was just a matter of starting. It was one hell of a ride, with these adorable kids. Naughty, definitely, but adorable and smart. The Teach For India Fellow to whom I was supposed to assist was a really nice person, from whom I learned a lot. And the time spent with the kids - teaching them, at times talking to them about completely non-academic but important issues, playing with them, trying to answer their innocent-but-difficult-to-answer questions - has meant a lot to me. And the love shown by them leaves me tongue-tied at times. The spontaneous "thank you" messages from them made me work harder for them. And now the school is over, with the kids having summer vacations. Next semester, I doubt if I can continue with this, as the much awaited MBA journey starts this June.
Such things had kept me going, each and every day, for past few months. And now suddenly I have to make do with the fact that they have taken a pause, let's say. A big pause. But hey, haven't I always believed to take the positives out with me? And that is something I intend to do, even now. I still have frequent interactions with the friends I have made while preparing for the said exam. Of course, the original intention behind starting with it is done with. But these people are still themselves. And some of you do know what making friends means to me. Slowly, gradually, there will seem a decline. But then that is something natural. What will remain important is that these people will still be friends with me. With the kids, it was certainly a wonderful learning experience for me, and I hope it was same for them too. I imagine that after few years, some of them will suddenly cross paths with me, and they have made good with their lives and still remember their Omkar Bhaiyya. Imaginations apart, the kids have showered me with affection, and I take it away with me.
But still the question remains. I do not have these things to look forward to, "tomorrow". No problems. There are so many things, that I have been wanting to do, but haven't been able to do yet. Reading few books, travelling to a few places, getting back to some old and wonderful friends, spending a little quality family time, getting hold of few entertainment series and movies, resume with the "Drums" lessons (when do I actually play successfully???)... And of course, some lazying around and eating and eating. Let's see, how many of those do I tick-mark before this summer ends...!!!

Writer's Block

There have been so many times, when this term has crossed by. Writer's Block. And a question suddenly came to my mind. When someone 'thinks' he/she is facing a Writer's Block, can he/she not write about the Writer's Block itself?

What can the Writer's Block really be..? It can certainly be a block in which a writer lives. It is may be a local habit picked up while growing up to call the place we live in, a 'block'. Or is it general? Anyway, going by the traditional sarcastic description that a writer carries, one would not imagine this block to be a lavish one. The Kurti wearing, side-bag carrying, one room block enjoying, Writer. At least, that is how lot many parents describe it to their kids. Some who are very well known may boast of a different picture altogether. Well, let them.

Or is it simply a block he/she is playing with, since he/she does not have anything else to do..?

The writer, going back to the ABC's of writing. Or he may even be making different shapes using many such blocks, and keeping himself sane. Or is he, really?

Or the writer has decided to let go of his good old profession altogether, and start building houses using real blocks?

Of course, if you revisit the traditional parental description of a writer I mentioned a little while earlier, why would the writer not do this? Maybe, just maybe, this will help the writer in the sense that things will percolate in his mind, and then he'll be back to his love..

Or, is it simply that the writer has a stuck CAPS-LOCK button on his keyboard, and whatever he writes (types) is simply coming in BLOCK letters?


Caps lock stuck or not, I think some wrong button is definitely stuck in my head. And it indicates, I need to go and do something useful. Why useful? I need to go and do, SOMETHING..!!

Mission Expansion

A child gets so happy and excited on seeing a balloon. He tries to blow one up himself. Slowly and steadily, balloon starts blowing up. Child gets more excited. He wants more. He keeps on with his efforts. There comes a time, when the balloon reaches its optimum size. But does the child know that it is in fact the optimum size? Does he have the ability to gauge that? If not, the balloon is going to burst, after all. In vain, isn't it?
Expansion, in a lot of sense, agrees with this story of a balloon. Expansion, generally signifies growth, and reflects positively on any entity. And it is, actually good. But as dear "Makdi-Man" says, "with great power comes great responsibility." How true and universal it is! While going through an expansion, any entity has to keep a check on synergy and to make sure that each and every person involved has covered a common ground. Of course, the onus is significantly on the people to ensure that they work towards this.
Consider a business. At the start-up stage, it is generally a small one, with a team of people numbering in single digits. Keeping the objective common and the decision making inclusive does take place by and large. Needless to say that it is imperative. After a while, when opportunity to expand comes up, it is generally grabbed with both hands. But an eye has to be kept at the changes taking place, and how they affect the company as well as the individuals. It becomes very very essential to ensure that cracks do not seep in.
Consider even an online thread. Last year, I had happened to join one quite late from the date it started. After joining, and giving it a quick scan, it was evident to me that a lot of quality things have been discussed on the same, and hence I thought it was necessary for me to familiarize myself with it. Even if there was an impulse to say something, I did consider that a thought might have been given to it earlier. After dutifully looking for the same, I was satisfied that I controlled the impulse. Today, when I see somebody else in that position-at times blabbering away like everyone over there is like a newbie and actually not responding to one who refrained from taking a dig at him and explaining things nicely-again somehow I relate it to this expansion phenomenon. As and when newer people join an existing thread, it gradually becomes difficult to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Though I understand that such things happen, and happen for good. Some learn, some have fun, some always have intended pun (couldn't stop from rhyming). By the way, at such times, my respect for moderators and seniors on any thread or forum increases tremendously.
Organizing something has always fallen under this category. As the number of heads goes up, so does chaos. I'm sure, I have caused some at times, and faced some at others.
Eventually, I will say that expansion does have quite a few positive notions. But then, there is a way in which it should happen. The original entity, the new entrants and anyone else, need to be patient, calm, and most importantly having an eye at the common objective. Then one can reap fruits of the same.

P.S. Most of above may appear random, incomplete or even non-sense. But it is purely based on my experiences in very recent times, and the write-up is an impulsive one. I'm no theorist or philosopher.

A Dedication

Gratitude. Kids have it. They may not realize it. If and when they do, they don't know, how to express. But we are grown-ups. We are grateful to a lot of things, to a lot of people. If we know we are, if we know how to, then why wait? So here's a dedication to certain - or actually all - kids...

aey nanhe munho, shehzaadon..
mujh ko ye kabhi, bata do..
tumhaari hasee mein, ye taakat hai kaisi,
khushiyon ki jaise, imaarat hai aisi,
us mein ek ghar, dila do..
ghar ka us mujhe, pata do...                                                       (Intro.)


aankhen, bholi-bhaali.. masti, hai niraali..
aankhen, bholi-bhaali.. masti, hai niraali..

rutho agar toh bhi maanoge jhat se,
bado ko sikhaao ye karte ho kaise,
man jo tumhara, bedaag hai..
paani ke jaise, hi saaf hai..                                                           (1)

tumhaari hasee mein.........

seekho, dhyaan se.. khelo, shaan se..
seekho, dhyaan se.. khelo, shaan se..

kehta hoon kuch toh main dene tha aaya
par sach toh ye hai ke maine hi paaya,
pyaar mohabbat ka, nazraana..
isi liye gaaya, ye gaana..                                                              (2)

tumhaari hasee mein.........

Thoda Aur......

"Yaar Omkar, I had asked that girl out. She rejected. Later I got to know, agar THODA AUR rukta, toh she herself was going to ask me out. But since I did it earlier, she refused."
How does that sound for a situation? And how should one feel about this friend of mine? Of all the things, one thing is for sure. He has been the victim of 'Thoda Aur' Syndrome. By the way, it is not an isolated incident. Defying logic, I remember at least thrice having this conversation. With a different person, each time.
'Thoda Aur' is I think what sets humans apart from other animals. Had I got 'Thoda Aur' marks in my last year of engineering, I would have got a 'First Class'. It is only when I put it into perspective that a professor of mine had threatened me of a 'Fail' (no matter how baseless that rant was) that I get happy about it. The great Mr. Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar decides to retire, and millions of us think, 'Thoda Aur khelna chahiye tha'. Perhaps, up until he announced this, a significant fraction of them had been venting frustration on the same guy. Bollywood has also been singing, "Thoda hai, thode ki, zaroorat hai..."
This 'Thoda Aur' becomes even more prominent in the shopping scenario. We always want 'Thoda Aur' discount on already existing ones. Even when we are getting something for free, "Thoda aur milta toh mazaa aa jaata!" Let me occupy a rock for a while and give you some customary gyaan. 'Thoda Aur' reflects a greedy nature. One should be happy with what one has.
Ok, screw that. I have come to terms to this way of thinking only recently, but there are numerous times, when a single-minded focus on this 'Thoda Aur' differentiates between winners and competitors. 1/100th of a second or 1/100th of a percentile appears to be 'Thoda Aur', but seperation between a Gold Medal and no medal, a college seat and a next-year-again-try is this same 'Thoda Aur'. A lot of great minds have been pushing for this 'Thoda Aur', and thus they are called great among billions.
And yeah, of course, how can I forget this.. After a session full of the 'Elixir of Celebrations' (Scroll down for the post below if you need explanation), people always tend to say this - "Thoda aur hota toh jannat hoti.. Bas ek peg aur.. Thoda aur...!!!"