England showed less intent which assured us of victory: Kohli

Visakhapatnam, Nov 21, 2016, PTI

Indian Test cricket skipper Virat Kohli today said that England team's lack of intent gave him enough "assurance" that they would crumble anytime during their herculean chase of 405.

Opener Alastair Cook and teenager Haseeb Hameed blocked almost everything adding 75 runs in 50.2 overs but once they were dismissed, it became a walk in the park for the home team as the clinched the Test with a 246-run win.

"Not giving away at more than 1.5 per over, we thought they would come out with more intent to be honest. And to see the approach that they had obviously gave us assurance that once we get a couple of wickets, it will crumble pretty quickly because there wasn't much intent from the batsmen," Kohli made no bones about what he felt about visitor's approach.

"It is a pretty basic thing to do, to be honest, and if you don't have intent in the fourth innings, it is tough to play out four and a half sessions."

While most of the other batsmen were busy defending, Kohli aggregated 248 runs from two innings with scores of 167 and 81.

Asked about his batting, Kohli said:"It is only if you have intent that you will be able to play the ball accordingly because you are looking to play it with the bat. If you don't have intent, and you are looking to control the ball, and if it does something, then you are in no position to control it, the edges fly off."

"If you are looking for runs, you defend well because your head is on the ball as well. So that was the idea, to get runs as the pitch gets tougher to bat on, show intent and keep getting runs in between, extend the lead so the opposition feels the heat of those 30-40 runs." he added.

Kohli's formula of getting runs consistently is just to go out there and live in the situation rather than thinking of runs as his ultimate goal.

"See what's happening, understand the bowlers, not necessarily have your plans of attacking bowlers but to understand how the situation is playing out. Stay calm on the wicket, try to spend as much time on the wicket. Instinctive players obviously get runs when they spend time on the wicket," Kohli said.

"I think I am one of them, so I like to go out there and play a session or two sessions that's my target. I never think of runs. as a goal. Obviously, I want to score but I don't think of these many runs in a session or something like that. So spending time is something that I aim for in Test cricket," he further added.

Kohli said their huge first innings lead of 200 runs gave them a cushion.

"We saw that in this match too as we had a total of 450-460. So the batsmen know they cannot afford to make mistakes. And if you make mistakes, 3-4 wickets can fall in one session, so we were able to get 200 runs lead because of that."

"I think first innings is quite important, because afterwards it gets difficult. So at the start, if you can get 100-150 runs extra, then you get advantage of that in the second innings for sure."

Kohli said that despite a crushing win, English can't be taken lightly.

"England are a side we do not take for granted. We understand that they have quality players, who have played a lot of cricket, their captain has over 100 Tests so have other couple players, so you expect them to show that resilience and character and fight. It is a learning process for us as well to be patient and to fight."

England lost Motera Test in Ahmedabad by nine wickets to bounce back from being 0-1 down and win 2-1 in a four-match series in 2012 series.

Faced with a similar situation going into Mohali for the third Test from November 26, Kohli however is not worried.

"We know the ability that they have but we are not thinking about the past. We are not the side which thinks what happened the last time they came or the last time we went there. You are already not in the game as soon as you start thinking like that."

Kohli credits Cheteshwar Pujara's input that led to Captaon Cook's dismissal at the fag end of the day.

Giving Cheteshwar Pujara the credit for the wicket, Kohli said: "It's just that in the last over, the suggestion came from Pujara that we could try probably a different field, have two more on the legside and make him really defend well in the last six balls to put a bit of doubt in his head and it worked. He tried to play in front of his pad, not close to the body. That's it, I mean little margins can give you the game. I think that was a crucial breakthrough we needed."

"The new batter (Duckett) did not get to face any more deliveries. He knew first thing in the morning, four more balls to go in the over and he's straightaway under pressure as a batsman. I know that for a fact. Pretty crucial dismissal that for us and it really set the tone for us today morning."

"It was a test of our patience. We knew that they are going to try and annoy us by playing like this and hope that we lose that our cool, bowl with different plans and do too many things, which we did not. We maintained a similar field throughout."

After China crown, Sindhu eyes Hong Kong high

Kowloon, Nov 21, 2016, PTI

After clinching her maiden Super Series Premier title at China Open, Olympic silver medallist PV Sindhu will now look to come up with another good show at the Hong Kong Open, starting tomorrow, to qualify for next month's Dubai World Super Series Finals.

A two-time bronze medallist at the World Championship, Sindhu had a fantastic season this year as she became the first Indian woman to win a silver at Olympics and then lifted her maiden Super Series title at Fuzhou, China yesterday.

The winner of a Super Series Premier event wins 11000 ranking points and considering that Sindhu had lost in the second round at China Open and opening round at Hong Kong Open last year, she has a great chance of sneaking into the top eight Dubai Destination ranking if she can play well here.

Interestingly, if Sindhu (27,490 points) can come up with a good show then she might dislodge Saina Nehwal (35,420 points) who is currently at the eighth place at the Dubai Destination ranking and qualify for the prestigious event.

"I am looking forward to a good performance at Hong Kong. I don't know much about the ranking points. Right now there is another tournament to go and I am concentrating on the Hong Kong Open and I hope to do well there," Sindhu told PTI.

While Sindhu will open her campaign against Indonesia's Lindaweni Fanetri, Saina, who has recently recovered from a knee injury, will face familiar foe Thailand's Porntip Buranaprasertsuk, who had beaten her in the opening round at China Open last week.

After a gruelling rehabilitation program following her knee surgery, Saina was back on the court at China Open and played a hard-fought three-game match against Porntip, which was her first match since exiting at the second round at the Rio Olympics.

Saina was happy to be back to playing at the highest level again.

"Lost in three sets .. against world number 13 from Thailand ???? so happy to b playing again at the highest level," Saina had tweeted.

The London bronze medallist will look to put the best foot forward when the USD 400,000 Superseries event starts with the qualifiers tomorrow.

In men's singles, Swiss Open winner H S Prannoy will face China's Qiao Bin, while Ajay Jayaram will once again lock horns with second seed China's Chen Long, who had beaten him last week at China.

In men's doubles, Manu Attri and B Sumeeth Reddy, who played at the Rio Olympics, will be up against Korean pair of Solgyu Choi and Ko Sung Hyun. 

Lodha panel moves SC to appoint G K Pillai as BCCI observer

New Delhi, Nov 21, 2016, PTI

The apex court-appointed Justice R M Lodha committee has moved the Supreme Court seeking a direction to appoint former home secretary G K Pillai as an observer to "guide" BCCI in the administrative works including award of contracts, transparency norms and holding of future domestic, international and IPL matches.

The committee, in its third status report submitted in the apex court on November 14, has also sought a declaration from the bench headed by Chief Justice T S Thakur that all office bearers of cash-rich BCCI and state cricket bodies, who are in violation of laid down norms with regard to 70 year age cap, citizenship and tenures, "cease to hold office forthwith".

"While the day-to-day administration of BCCI is presently carried out by the CEO and certain managers who assist him in this regard, there would be a need to appoint an observer who would guide the BCCI in its administration, particularly with reference to the award of contracts, transparency norms, audit, etc., for domestic, international and IPL cricket to be played hereafter.

"The committee recommends that G K Pillai, former Union home secretary be appointed as the observer, with a power to appoint auditor and all necessary secretarial staff, assistance and remuneration as may be determined appropriate by the committee," the report, filed through panel's secretary Gopal Sankaranarayanan, said.

It referred to recommendations, approved by the court, on criteria for holding posts in BCCI and state cricket bodies and said that they include that a person should be an Indian citizen and below 70 years of age.

The office bearer should not be "insolvent, or of unsound mind" or a minister or government servant, it said, adding that criteria also included that such a person should not be holding "any office or post in a sports or athletic association or federation apart from cricket".

It also said that the person is "incapable if an office bearer has been in office for a cumulative period of 9 years, besides being charged by a court of law for having committed any criminal offence".

"Several office bearers at both the BCCI and the state associations continue to hold the posts although they stand disqualified as per the order of this court. It is submitted that those individuals who fall foul of these norms be declared to cease to hold office forthwith," the panel said.

Aditya Varma, Secretary of Cricket Association of Bihar who had filed the case in the SC on the issue, welcomed the move of the panel, saying that many states like Bihar would benefit from it. 

Nearly 100 tenders pending as BCCI top brass under fire

New Delhi, Nov 21, 2016, (PTI)

With the Lodha Committee seeking direction from the Supreme Court on appointment of former Union Home Secretary GK Pillai as observer to "guide" BCCI, the top brass of the board are unaware as to how the process of awarding nearly 100 pending tenders will be carried out.

"From the media rights to Indian team's shirt sponsor deal, every pending tender process has been delayed. It is only adding to the confusion in the BCCI ranks. Around 100 tenders are pending mostly pertaining to the Indian Premier League which is just four months away," a worried BCCI insider told PTI today.

The Status Report that has been filed by the Lodha Committee today stated: "While the day-to-day administration of BCCI is presently carried out by the CEO and certain managers who assist him in this regard, there would be a need to appoint an observer who would guide the BCCI in its administration, particularly with reference to the award of contracts, transparency norms, audit, etc., for domestic, international and IPL cricket to be played hereafter.

"The committee recommends that G K Pillai, former Union home secretary be appointed as the observer, with a power to appoint auditor and all necessary secretarial staff, assistance and remuneration as may be determined appropriate by the committee," the report, filed through panel's secretary Gopal Sankaranarayanan, said.

While the BCCI had estimated around USD 4 billion from a lucrative 10-year media rights of the IPL which includes broadcast, digital and mobile domains, the other important contract that is up for renewal is the team's apparel sponsor deal.

"The apparel contract with Nike comes to an end in March, 2017. Now whether it's Nike or Adidas or Puma, any sports manufacturing company requires minimum six months to deliver consignments. These are some issues bothering the BCCI," said the source. 

Bopanna slams unbeaten ton

Nov 18, 2016, Bengaluru, DHNS

 Despite an unbeaten 101 from Rishi Bopanna, Karnataka ceded points to Madhya Pradesh by virtue of a first innings lead in the under-19 Cooch Behar trophy.
Jayesh (85) and Nikin Jose (68) also chipped in with handy knocks as Karnataka posted 320/5 on the final day.

Earlier, Madhya Pradesh had posted a mammoth 519 for five declared after bundling Karnataka out for a paltry 198.

Sanket Shrivastava had compiled a well-made 200 not out and found company in Rahul Chandrol, who notched 157.  

Brief scores: Karnataka: 198 and (O/n: 68/1) 320/5 in 119 overs (Nikin Jose 68, Shivakumar 30, Jayesh 85, Rishi Bopanna 101; Nikhil Sikarwar 2-76) drew Madhya Pradesh: 519/5 decl. Madhya Pradesh: 3 points; Karnataka: 1 point.

Carmel score big victory

Nov 18, 2016, Bengaluru, DHNS

Suhas shone with bat and ball to help Carmel School register a 149-run victory over Jyothi Kendriya Vidyalaya in the KSCA Group I, Division II under-14 tournament for the BTR Shield here.
An unbeaten knock of 170 from Suhas and a valuable 54 from Ranvir spurred Carmel to 293 for two in 45 overs.

In response, Jyothi Kendriya Vidyalaya  folded for 144 all out in 27.1 overs. Suhas starred with the ball as well picking up four for 31, while Gaurav (2/1) and Poorvik (2/27) grabbed two wickets apiece.  

Brief scores: Carmel School: 293/2 in 45 overs (Suhas 170 n.o., Akshay 25, Ranvir 54) bt Jyothi Kendriya Vidyalaya: 144 all out in 27.1 overs (Bhaskar 30, Keerthan 73; Suhas 4-31, Gaurav 2-1, Poorvik 2-27) by 149 runs.

Florence Public School: 293/8 in 50 overs (Anurag Ravi 33, Mukhul K 49, Chaithanya 101; Rohith 2-58, Fernando 4-57) bt St Joseph’s Indian School: 130/5 in 50 overs (Smaran 47; Shreyas 2-15).

National High School: 202 all out in 40.2 overs (Sujith 26, Sai Kumar 29; Sujith 3-19, Om 2-39) bt Sri Jnanakshi Vidyaniketan: 134 all out in 29.4 overs (Harsha 55; Nagabhushan 5-38, Rakshak 4-13).

Seshadripuram High School: 206 all out in 37.1 overs (Supreeth 47 n.o., Vishal Kumar 86; Nikhil G 3-36, Kiran 5-48) bt The New Cambridge High School: 96 all out in 26.4 overs (Supreeth 4-39, Nithin 5-20).

Clarence Public School: 219/8 in 50 overs (Abhinav 29, Mateen 49, Anush 35 n.o.; Mukesh Kumar Y 2-34, Satish Reddy 2-41) lt to BNM School: 220/4 in 44.4 overs (Shreyas N Rao 93 n.o., Tejas V 25, Kushal GS 37 n.o.; Dilip 2-32).

Parikrma Champions League kicks off on Nov 24

Nov 18, 2016, Bengaluru, DHNS

The sixth edition of the Parikrma Champions League, an U-16 inter-school football competition, will kick-off on November 24 at the Bangalore Football Stadium.

The tournament, featuring 16 teams from across the country, will be a knock-out competition. The matches in the initial two rounds will be a 40-minute affair (two halves of 20 minutes), while the semifinals and the final being hour-long games (two halves of 30 minutes).

Talent scouts from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) are likelty to be in attendance as they continue their search for players to represent the nation at the FIFA U-17 World Cup next year.

Defending champions Farook Higher Secondary School, Kerala, along with St Ann’s School, St Loyola High School (both from Goa) and 13 school teams from the city make up the 16 teams.

“Parikrma believe sports plays a significant role in the overall development of a child and through competition like these, we are trying spread the message that sports too can be really good career option. If not as an athlete, one can get into sports management, coach and so on,” said Shukla Bose, CEO Parikrma Foundation.

A coaches’ training workshop will also be conducted on the sidelines of the tournament. The foundation has joined hands with Coaches Across Continents (CAC), an NGO based out of the US, for it.

“This programme will cater to coaches who work with age-group teams. When it comes to kids, there are a lot of stuff that we need to take into account. It’s not only about how you coach a 12 or 14-year-old player on the pitch, but the education you impart outside of it,” said Brain Suskiewicz, Chief Executive Strategist, CAC.

CAC has been working around the world in collaboration with various organisations, helping football as a tool to educate children about various social evils. 

Participating teams: Parikrma Humanity Foundation, Delhi Public School, North, delhi Public School, East, Vidyashilp Academy, Vidya Niketan School, St Joseph’s Boys  High School, ST Aloysius High School, Stonehill Government School, Greenwood High School, Indus International School, Inventure Academy, Ryan International, Jain International School, St Ann’s School, St Loyola School, Farook Higher Secondary School.

Making the most of his opportunities

Sidney Kiran, Nov 18, 2016,Bengaluru, DHNS

Cricket : Arvind has been lethal this season

 Be it batting or bowling, there's severe competition for places in the Karnataka team that seems to have regained its winning mojo this season. 
Despite some big names — batsmen — graduating to the national side, some talented players are forced to wait in the wings. In the bowling department, seasoned medium pacer S Arvind was forced to cool his heels at home when the Ranji Trophy started owing to the riches available in the bowling department.

With skipper R Vinay Kumar being an automatic choice and the team management choosing to play hard-working 27-year-old Abhimanyu Mithun, Arvind had to wait for his chance —  not an ideal state of mind to be in for a 32-year-old whose career is often troubled by injuries. Luck, however, shone on Arvind when Vinay injured his calf in the very first Ranji Trophy game and the left-armer was called up for the second match.

A genuine wicket-taker who was one of the vital cogs in Karnataka’s dominance in 2013-14 and 2014-15 where they swept to glory in Ranji Trophy, Irani Cup and Vijay Hazare Trophy, Arvind showed what the team had missed. On a seaming track at the Eden Gardens, Arvind wrecked Delhi with superb performance (4/12) in the first innings. He then rattled Assam with a 5/70 —  again in the first innings — before accumulating five wickets against Vidarbha.

Against Rajasthan this week, he worked brilliantly with senior colleague Vinay, picking 4/36 and 3/19 to reestablish his place in the side. Arvind is now Karnataka’s leading wicket-taker with 22 scalps at an eye-popping average of 11.31.

“He’s always been a fighter,” said coach J Arun Kumar. “Even when he had an injury, to come back to form said a lot about his character. He was away from cricket for two years, then he came back and even played for India. We always knew he was a fighter and a great team man. Even when he is there (in the playing XI), he keeps the atmosphere really good. He is a true passionate lover of Karnataka, and gives his best every time.”

Media shy Arvind said he knew it was going to be tough this season but was prepared to scrap. “It is about the team combination and whether I fit in or not. I got an opportunity in the second match and I have been utilising it in a proper way. I’ve just been bowling to my strengths. Normally my strength is bowling in good areas and making the ball swing. That’s what I've been doing in the four matches so far.

“If you have a strong mindset then you can comeback easily. I rely mostly on my fitness and hard work. Most of the time, I stick to my strengths and tell myself, whatever you do, give it  your best. My motto in life and sport is simple – keep working hard.”

Arvind, whose economy is also a miserly 2.04 runs per over this Ranji Trophy, said he loves bowling with Vinay. “We discuss in the team meeting on partnerships and we strategise. For example, if we bowl 3-4 maiden overs, we know a wicket will be around the corner as the batsmen will force themselves to get runs. It’s been working for us. In fact it worked in the match against Rajasthan.”

Maj Sinsinwar leads the chart

Nov 18, 2016, Bengaluru, DHNS

Major Amit Sinsinwar of Army Supply Corps (ASC) led the charts after the Cross Country Pre-Novice Eventing of the National Equestrian Championship on Thursday.

The cross country category was the second round after Wednesday’s dressage event and the third and final round — show jumping — of eventing will be held at the Army Service Corps (ASC) Centre on Friday.

The cross country is a test of endurance and speed wherein the competitors have to negotiate 27 jumps along a 2.5 km track.

Captain Anant Raj Purohit from the Cavalry is hot on the heels of Major Sinsinwar in second place.  

Want to inspire people in India: Kipchoge

Nov 18, 2016, New Delhi, PTI

One of the greatest marathoners of all time, Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya on Thursday said that he chose to run in Sunday’s Delhi Half Marathon to inspire the people of India in taking up road running.

The 32-year-old Kipchoge will be making his first competitive race appearance after winning the Rio Olympics marathon gold earlier this year.

“I love this country and the people. I want to inspire the people of India, especially the youth to take up to this sport. Road running is also good for health. I want to tell this to the people of India,” he said when asked what prompted him to take part in the Delhi Half Marathon.

“I consider Delhi Half Marathon as one of the best half marathon races. I look forward to run my best, clock a strong timing on Sunday. My preparation has been good,” he stated.

Kipchoge had been to India earlier as he had won a silver in 5000M race in the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games. He started running marathon races in 2012.

Asked what is left to be achieved in his illustrious career, Kipchoge said, “I want to win all the World Marathon Majors and of course I want to achieve the world record.”

Out of the six World Marathon Majors, Kipchoge has won the Chicago, London and Berlin.

The other three are Boston, New York and Tokyo. Dennis Kimetto of Kenya holds the marathon world record timing of 2:02:57, while Kipchoge’s 2:03:05 in London Marathon this year was the third fastest all time. Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele has the second fastest time of 2:03:03.

Kipchoge, who has a personal best time of 59.25 minutes in half marathon, will lead a strong men’s elite field at Delhi Half Marathon on Sunday.

Other top runners include Yigrem Demelash (59.49) of Ethiopia, Gladwin Mzazi (61.12) and rising Tanzanian runner Alphonce Sambu (62.58) who was placed fifth at the Rio Olympics marathon.

Among the elite women’s field, reigning world half marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya will be the hot favourite to win the race. Other top competitors include Worknesh Degefa of Ethiopia and Gladys Chesir, who was third here last year.

The starting line-up on Sunday will be one of the best so far at Delhi Half Marathon with 13 athletes who competed at Rio Olympics.

Hume's strike saves Kolkata

Nov 18, 2016, KOLKATA, Agencies

Football Indian Super League : Canadian's late goal helps Atletico hold NorthEast

 Iain Hume proved his worth in the Indian Super League once again after scoring a 90th-minute goal to help Atletico de Kolkata hold NorthEast United FC 1-1 at Rabindra Sarobar Stadium  here on Thursday.
 The Canadian striker is among the leading goal-scorers in the history of ISL and his strike against NorthEast United helped him score against all teams in the ISL.

 NorthEast United appeared like they had done enough to seal all points after Nicolas Velez capitalised on a defensive lapse in the 5th minute to give his team the lead but Hume struck in the last minute to give his team a precious point.

 Kolkata will be happy with the point which keeps them in the top four with 14 points from 10 matches. NorthEast United spent three weeks at the top after winning two matches in a row at the start but started at the bottom prior to this game. The point helped them take their points tally to 11, the same as FC Goa, but Zico’s team will be placed at the bottom because of their inferior goal difference.

 Velez gave NorthEast a dream start after scoring in the fifth minute. The Argentine could not believe his luck after Henrique Sereno, under pressure from Emiliano Alfaro, played a suicidal ball across for Arnab Mondal, which Velez intercepted on top of the box, rounded off goalkeeper Debjit Majumder and slotted it inside an empty goal.
 Kolkata’s attack was found wanting in the first session and they could not do much to trouble the rival defence.

The second session saw Kolkata press hard for the equaliser. A direct corner-kick from Lara almost gifted them the goal but as the ball evaded goalkeeper Paul and sailed towards goal defender Robin Gurung was on the line to head the ball away.
But fortunately, Kolkata got the equaliser in the 90th minute. Lara’s free-kick from the right found Postiga inside the box who headed it towards the far post where Hume stabbed it in much to the delight of home crowd.
Agencies

Djokovic outguns Goffin

Nov 18, 2016, London, Agencies

Tennis ATP World Tour Finals : Serbian drubs Belgian in straight sets; Wawrinka edges past Cilic

 Defending champion Novak Djokovic trounced stand-in David Goffin 6-1, 6-2 for a clean sweep of his group at the ATP World Tour Finals on Thursday but still looked far from happy as he picked a row with the chair umpire.
Belgium’s Goffin pocketed $179,000 for his brief appearance, courtesy of an injury that forced Gael Monfils to withdraw on Wednesday, earning almost $60,000 for each game he won in a no-contest lasting 69 minutes.

It was poor value for the O2 Arena crowd and nothing more than a gentle workout for Djokovic who did his best to enliven the flat atmosphere by having a lively exchange of views with umpire Fergus Murphy after being given a time violation.

Djokovic, who had already won the group after wins over Dominic Thiem and Milos Raonic, was given the warning for going over the 25-second time limit while serving at 3-1.

Djokovic, whose year has tailed off since he claimed the French Open in June and was usurped as world number one by Andy Murray last week, has been prickly in London and argued with a reporter during a news conference on Sunday.

The Serb, who could snatch back the world number one ranking from Murray if he wins a fifth successive title in London, did not let the flare-up effect his progress and broke for the second time in the next game. World number 11 Goffin was coming in cold and never really got to grips with the court surface, the unique setting or his clinical opponent and despite some occasional flashes of his silky shot-making he was never in it.

Djokovic will face the runner-up of the John McEnroe group in the semifinals, be it Murray, Kei Nishikori or Stan Wawrinka. That group will be decided on Friday.

Later on Thursday Canada's Raonic and Austrian Thiem face off with the winner joining Djokovic in the semis.

On Wednesday, Wawrinka out fought Marin Cilic to keep alive his chances of qualifying for the semifinals.

Third seed Wawrinka, who saved one set point in the first set, earned a confidence boosting 7-6 (3), 7-6 (3) victory over seventh seed Cilic in one hour and 58 minutes in Group John McEnroe. Chances were few in the first set, but Cilic was able to create one set point opportunity at 5-4, with Wawrinka serving at 30/40.

In the tie-break, Wawrinka won six of the first eight and hit 12 winners and committed 11 unforced errors on his forehand in the 55-minute opener.

Cilic got off to the best possible start to the second set by breaking Wawrinka to 30 in the opening game, but the Croatian’s lead was short-lived.

Wawrinka began to control the baseline, forcing Cilic deeper and to play more backhand strokes. Cilic could not convert two break points in the fifth game, and was left to rue missed opportunities.  In the inevitable tie-break, Wawrinka gained a 4/2 advantage and with pin-point serving calmly closed out his 11th victory in 13 meetings against Cilic.

Change in intent has given good results, says Pujara

Nov 18, 2016, Visakhapatnam, DHNS

It’s unlikely Cheteshwar Pujara was making any statement of intent when he brought up his third hundred in as many Tests with a six but it was just another affirmation of his increasing confidence.

There has been a refreshing change in Pujara’s approach to batting that was believed to be too cautious to the team management’s liking. Since the start of New Zealand series, he has batted with positive mindset and showed remarkable urgency, scoring at a fast clip. While his career strike rate is just under 49 per 100 balls, during the New Zealand series it was a shade over 50 despite grafting in the first Test in Kanpur.

Against England in the Rajkot Test his 124 in the first innings came at a strike rate of over 60 while here on Thursday, he brought up his 119 at 58.33.          

“I think I’ve not changed much as far as technique is concerned,” noted Pujara when asked about his change in approach. “It’s just the intent... I spoke to Anil bhai after the West Indies series and even during the New Zealand series. The way I started off in the New Zealand series, I got 50s, 60s and 70s, and then I was missing out on the 100s. So what he told me is that there was nothing wrong the way I was batting, and probably the area I can improve on is the intent, and that’s what I worked on,” he said.

Pujara, who completed 3000 runs in his 40th Test, felt reaching the century with a six was special.

“Yes, completing the 100 with a six was special to me, but starting well in the series meant a lot,” he said. “Scoring a 100 at home (Rajkot) was special to me. So I just wanted to continue my form and obviously, I was batting well. Day 1 pitch, I just wanted to capitalise. Obviously, we lost a couple of early wickets, but after that myself and Virat spoke that we wanted to build a partnership, and the way Virat batted, the kind of partnership we had, was a crucial one for the team.”

Pujara survived a couple of run-out chances early in his innings and it appeared there was lack of communication between him and his partner Virat Kohli.

“I wouldn’t say that there was any gap as far as communication was concerned,” he stressed. “Cricket aspect was perfect, but as far as running between the wickets is concerned, I think we didn’t judge the singles well, especially in the first session. But at lunch time, we had a chat how we wanted to go in the next session. If you look at the time between lunch and tea, we didn’t miss many singles and the way we were running between the wickets in the second session, it was much, much better,” he offered.

Pujara expected the pitch to turn a little more from the second day onwards. “Probably day one, in India, we mostly see that it is always good for batting. Even if you see in the last Test match in Rajkot, day one was really good to bat on. I don’t know how it will shape up starting from tomorrow but we are expecting it to turn a little more than what happened in Rajkot.”

Hard work paid off: Anderson

Nov 18, 2016, Visakhapatnam, DHNS

James Anderson, returning after a prolonged shoulder injury lay-off, showed just why he is England’s most successful pace bowler, claiming three of the four Indian wickets to fall in testing bowling conditions.

“It was great,” was his reaction after returning figures of 3/44 on a tiring day for the tourists. “I spent the last two months working really hard to get back into the side and it’s been frustrating at times, but it’s been worth all the hard work I’ve put in. Getting back out there with the lads was a great feeling and to get back on the board with a couple of wickets was even better. I’ve missed playing, I’ve missed taking wickets. Thar sort of feeling you can’t get in any other walk of life. I struggle with it. To get among the wickets meant a lot,” he remarked.

Having seen India pile up 317 for four on the opening day, Anderson felt England were in a tough position at the moment.

“Not sure it (pitch) will stay together as well as in Rajkot,” he pointed out. “There are already signs of a few balls keeping low. There is more variable bounce and a few balls turned. We’re in a tough position now. Need to have a good day tomorrow with the ball and have an extremely good first innings with the bat. I thought the wicket was tough to bowl on. The outfield was heavy. There will be some sore legs together. The two guys who got hundreds set about their business brilliantly. That showed they are world-class players.”

Virat was Anderson’s bunny during India’s tour England in 2014 and the battle between the two was interesting to watch. It can be safely said, though, that the Indian skipper won the battle on the day. Kohli scored 25 off the 44 balls he faced from Anderson and looked largely comfortable facing him.

“I bowled a few balls at him when he came in,” Anderson noted. “(With) someone like him, (I) feel like it’s important to get him out with the new ball. If you don’t get him out, he’ll punish you like he did today. We let ourselves down about half an hour before tea. On that pitch, we’re reasonably happy with what we achieved,” he thought.

On England’s bowlers’ inability to get the ball reverse, Anderson had this to offer: “We bowled some cross seam early on. The pitch was not very abrasive. Not really chewing the ball up as we’d like it to. The outfield and square are quite lush, so not many areas where we can get the ball into the state we want it. We got a bit of reverse, from 40 to 55 – a tiny amount.”

Dharambir slapped with eight-year suspension

Nov 18, 2016, New Delhi, PTI

Haryana sprinter Dharambir Singh, who was barred from representing the country in the Rio Olympics at the last minute for failing a dope test, has been slapped an eight-year ban by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) disciplinary panel.

The 200M runner had returned positive for an anabolic steroid in an in-competition test conducted by the NADA during the Indian Grand Prix Meet in Bengaluru on July 11.

Since this was his second dope-related offence, the NADA Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel has handed him a lengthier ban of eight years.

“Dharambir has been handed an eight-year ban by the NADA panel since this was his second offence. NADA has intimated the ban on Dharambir to IAAF and WADA,” a top source told PTI.

The 27-year-old Haryana-lad was earlier stripped of his gold medal won in 100M during the National Inter-State Championships in 2012 for evading a mandatory dope test.
With the eight-year ban slapped on him, Dharambir’s career is now as good as over.

Kohli, Pujara call the shots

Madhu Jawali, Nov 18, 2016, Visakhapatnam, DHNS

Cricket Second Test : Centuries from the duo help India take command at 317/4 on opening day

 In a complete reversal of fortunes, India gained massive advantage over England after Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara struck sparkling hundreds on the opening day of the second Test.

Pujara (119, 275m, 204b, 12x4, 2x6) stroked his way to a third consecutive century in as many Tests after his unbeaten 101 against New Zealand in Indore and 124 against England in Rajkot. Kohli made his 50th Test a memorable one with an undefeated 151 (241b, 15x4) that lifted India to an impressive 317 for four at close on an extended day here at the ACA-VDCA YSR Stadium on Thursday.

While Kohli notched up his 14th Test hundred, the second most in the first 50 Tests by an Indian behind Sunil Gavaskar’s 20, Pujara brought up his 10th career century. India, however, would be a bit disappointed to have lost a well-set Ajinkya Rahane (23) in the penultimate over of the day to the second new ball.  

 The day began on a bright note for India, who handed Test debut to off-spinner Jayant Yadav while including K L Rahul in the starting XI in place of leg-spinner Amit Mishra and Gautam Gambhir respectively. Yadav, incidentally, had made his ODI debut at this venue only last month against New Zealand.

Kohli may have breathed a sigh of relief when he won the toss, and promptly opted to bat first on what appeared a dry surface. M Vijay began confidently, flicking James Anderson to fine-leg boundary. Rahul, coming on the back of 76 and 105 against Rajasthan in Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy match, returned without opening his account. The opener went feeling for a Stuart Broad delivery and nicked to Ben Stokes at second slip, lasting just five balls. Vijay, however, looked unfazed and played some delectable shots, his drive through extra cover off Broad being the pick of his strokes. The right-hander, seemingly untroubled during his short stay, was undone by an Anderson special that took off after pitching. Vijay tried to fend it off but the ball ballooned off his glove for Stokes to complete the catch.

With both the openers gone at 22, India needed two of their more experienced batsmen to carry on after winning a good toss. Kohli and Pujara did just that to put India in a position from where they can afford to dictate terms to England. Not unlike England in the first innings of the first Test, the rub of the green went India’s way here. Kohli was dropped by Adil Rashid at fine-leg off Stokes on 56 while a while earlier Pujara had narrowly escaped from being run out after a terrible mix-up with his captain – only a desperate dive and a poor throw saving him. The batsman was on 22 then.        

Barring these minor blips, Kohli and Pujara were in firm control of the proceedings. Kohli was the dominant of the two to begin with but Pujara matched his partner shot for shot in the second session. Walking in as early as in the sixth over of the innings with both openers back in the change room, Kohli remained oblivious to the situation. His intent was positive from the outset and he appeared determined not to allow the English attack to build on the early momentum. While Kohli’s urgency in the opening session took the pressure off Pujara, in the post-lunch period, both batsmen went on the attack.

Pujara moved from 37 to 97 in the second session while Kohli wasn’t far too behind at 91, moving from 35 before lunch. India gathered 118 in 28.2 overs in that session as the English attack went to pieces. Pujara fell to a tired shot, chasing a widish delivery from Anderson but by the time he had raised 226 runs in 61.4 overs for the third wicket. Though there was turn for the spinners and the odd ball stayed low, they could do little to change his approach. And once the early assistance was over, the pacers too were ineffective. After the Rajkot show, England may have expected more from their spin trio – Adil Rashid, Moeen Ali and Zafar Ansari – but they didn’t bring the same discipline to the table on the day.

They had no control and were duly punished. The pacemen did earn more conventional swing with the new ball under fading light but they had summoned it a bit too late in the day. There was not much reverse either for the pace trio as India walked away with day’s honours.

Scoreboard

INDIA (I Innings)
Vijay c Stokes b Anderson    20
(26m, 21b, 4x4)
Rahul c Stokes b Broad    0
(9m, 5b)
Pujara c Bairstow b Anderson    119
(204b, 275m, 12x4, 2x6)
Kohli (batting)    151
(352m, 241b, 15x4)
Rahane c Bairstow b Anderson    23
(87m, 61b, 2x4)
Ashwin (batting)    1
(7m, 8b)
Extras (LB-2, W-1)    3
Total (for 4 wkts, 90 overs)    317
Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Rahul), 2-22 (Vijay), 3-248 (Kohli), 4-316 (Rahane).  
Bowling: Anderson 16-3-44-3, Broad 12-2-39-1, Stokes 13-3-52-0, Ansari 12-1-45-0, Rashid 26-1-85-0, Ali 11-0-50-0.

Indian spinners turn on the heat on England

Visakhapatnam, Nov 18, 2016 (PTI)

 Indian spinners roared back to form to leave England reeling at 103 for five in their first innings as the hosts strengthened their position in the second Test here today.

The spinners showed what they can do on a pitch offering help and were led by the in-form Ravichandran Ashwin, who picked up the key wicket of Joe Root (53) and Ben Duckett (5) after scoring a crucial half century earlier in the day.

For England, Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow were in the middle at close of play on day two with their team still trailing by 352 runs.

India, starting the day at 317/4, added 138 runs to post 455 with overnight centurion Virat Kohli going on to make 167 besides Ashwin (58) and debutant Jayant Yadav (35) making valuable contributions.

When he got the chance to bowl, off-spinner Yadav went on to make take his first Test wicket by having Moeen Ali leg before with India making successful use of the DRS.

The ball started turning and keeping low from lunch onwards, but Root stamped his class to notch up his 24th fifty in the 50th Test.

But he could not make it fully count as Ashwin (2/20) provided the crucial breakthrough when the Englishman stepped out only to be holed out at long-off.

With Root back in the hut, India were soon on top of the opposition and a DRS decision also went in India's favour as Kumar Dharmasena's 'not-out' decision of Ali was
successfully reviewed by the home side to hand Yadav his maiden scalp that reduced England to 80 for five.

The fielding was also sharp and Wriddhiman Saha executed a MS Dhoni-like back flip to run out Haseeb Hameed (13). The 19-year-old opener played with utmost caution and consumed 50 balls in his 50-ball innings.

But a misjudgement for a second run cost him his wicket with Saha executing a fine run-out by moving in front of the stumps before backflicking the ball right onto stumps.
In the second session, Hameed and Root hung on after they lost skipper Alastair Cook (2) in the third over.

With a peach of delivery that sharply came in, Mohammed Shami (1/15) dislodged Cook's off-stump, breaking wild celebrations among the Indian fielders.

Shami and his fellow pacer Umesh Yadav consistently hit the deck at 140kph-plus speed in a fine display of pace bowling.

Earlier, Ashwin batted beautifully in his innings spanning two hours and 26 minutes and found a fine ally in debutant Yadav as they put up a crucial 64 run stand for the eighth wicket after Moeen Ali's triple blow in the first session.

Having brought in the ninth over of the day, Ali provided the breakthrough by dismissing Kohli in his second over of the day and in the next over he took two -- Wriddhiman Saha (3) and Ravindra Jadeja (0) -- in three balls to reduce India to 363/7.

But Ashwin, who was dropped on 17, played with patience on a wicket that started turning as India's last five batsmen chipped in with 104 runs.

Ashwin completed his fifty from 86 balls with a boundary as he proved his mettle once again with the bat in a fruitful calendar year in which he averages 46.60 from nine matches including two hundreds.

India unsuccessfully reviewed Saha's LBW but a dubious decision of Jadeja by umpire Kumara Dharmasena in the same over went unchallenged.

Replays showed that the ball pitched outside the offstump went with the angle and missed the lefthander's legstump but with one review pending India were not in a mood to take a chance.

Eyeing a third double century in a calendar year, Kohli looked in no trouble against against pacers James Anderson and Stuart Broad in the morning session.

The Indian skipper momentarily lost his concentration with the change of bowling as he went for an expansive drive in the very second ball he faced to Ali and Stokes held on to the catch at slip to bring an end to his six-hour and 41-minute vigil at the crease.

Having grounded Ashwin to his left in the previous ball, Stokes let out a frustrated celebration as Kohli made a quiet walk but not before putting India in command.

Du Plessis charged with ball-tampering by ICC

Dubai, Nov 18, 2016 (PTI)

South Africa's stand-in Test captain Faf du Plessis was today charged with ball-tampering by the International Cricket Council.
The ICC confirmed in a statement that du Plessis, who led the Proteas to a Test series win in Australia recently, had been charged for breaching Article 2.2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to "changing the condition of the ball".

"South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has been charged for breaching Article 2.2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct after television footage appeared to show him applying an artificial substance to the ball during the fourth day's play in the second Test in Hobart, which concluded on Tuesday," the ICC said in a statement.

The charge has been laid by the ICC Chief Executive David Richardson who has exercised his right according to Article 3.1.3 of the Code.

Du Plessis has pleaded not guilty to the charge and, as such, the matter will now be heard by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees.

The alleged incident happened on Tuesday morning when TV footage appeared to show du Plessis applying saliva and residue from a mint or sweet, an artificial substance, to the ball in an attempt to change its condition.

All level 2 breaches carry an imposition of a fine between 50 per cent to 100 per cent of the applicable match fee and/or up to two suspension points, and three or four demerit points. Two suspension points equates to one Test match.

Du Plessis received the level-two charge shortly before his national team-mates congregated at a media conference to support the captain, who was filmed shining the ball with saliva while also having a lolly in his mouth.

Sindhu reach semifinals of China Open

Fuzhou (China), Nov 18, 2016(PTI)

Olympic silver-medallist P V Sindhu advanced to the semifinals of the China Open after defeating local favourite He Bingjiao in straight games at the USD 700,000 Super Series Premier event, here today.
Seventh seed Sindhu notched up a 22-20 21-10 win over Bingjiao, who has won four titles -- Bitburger Open, French Open, Japan Open and Swiss Open -- this season in women's singles competition.

The 21-year-old from Hyderabad will take on the winner of the match between Japan's Akane Yamaguchi and sixth seed Sung Ji Hyun, seeded sixth.

In men singles, Ajay Jayaram could not get across the reigning Olympic champion, two-time World champion and All England champion Chen Long of China, suffering a 15-21 14-21 defeat in a 40-minute clash.

Sindhu lagged behind from the start as Bingjiao took a 5-1 lead early on and despite the Indian breathing down her neck with leads of 7-6, 12-11, 14-12, the Chinese managed to wrest control leading 17-14.

Sindhu kept fighting and moved neck and neck from 17-17 to 20-20, before marching ahead. She closed the 21-minute opening game when Bingjiao sent the shuttle wide.

The left-handed Chinese opened a 2-0 lead in the second game but Sindhu levelled, riding on the errors of Bingjiao. The Indian mixed her strokes well, using tosses and lifts to push her rival at the corners and came up with some sharp smashes and half smashes to lead 7-3.

Sindhu was lucky to get a point at 10-4 when the chair umpire overruled a challenge by the Chinese despite the screen showing the shuttle kissing the line. Bingjiao then hit long again as the Indian entered the break at 11-5.

A tired looking Bingjiao faltered with her length and accuracy of strokes to help Sindhu continue her march ahead to 14-5. Bingjiao grabbed three points before Sindhu broke the rhythm when the Chinese's back hand slice went to net.

A superb back hand smash helped Bingjiao take another point. But the Chinese continued to stumble on errors which included a wide shot that took Sindhu to 17-9, a long serve and a shot going long.

Sindhu sealed the second game in 17 minutes after Bingjiao once again hit long. 

Jayawardene replaces Ponting as Mumbai Indians head coach

Mumbai, Nov 18, 2016 (PTI)

 Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene has replaced Ricky Ponting as the head coach of Mumbai Indians for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL).

Jayawardene’s appointment has come in the wake of Ponting's contract coming to a close.

The former Australia captain was Mumbai Indians chief coach for the the past two seasons after taking charge from former India coach John Wright.

Commenting on the Sri Lankan's appointment, team owner Nita Ambani said, "Jayawardene is an astute figure in the modern era of cricket. He is a perfect role-model for the young Mumbai Indians squad. I am sure our global fans, who have always believed in the team and expects the best, will welcome Mahela to our Mumbai Indians family."

Jayawardene has rich experience in limited overs cricket having being part of the winning World T20 2014 Sri Lankan squad and leading the country to the finals of 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup. The 39-year-old possesses the requisite attitude and the appetite for a new role in his career.

The Sri Lankan while accepting the challenge has termed his new assignment as the "start of a new chapter" and is looking forward to bringing the best of his life learning to the field.

"I am very excited by the appointment and glad that the Mumbai Indians management appreciated my presentation and ideas," said Jayawardene adding, "I am looking forward to working with a really talented squad, all the support staff, and the owners to help strengthen the two-time IPL champions.

"Mumbai Indians have the most passionate fan base in the IPL and I have always been wowed by the amazing support the team gets at Wankhede Stadium. In what is a new chapter in my career, I will be striving hard to bring them more on-field success and joy."

Jayawardene will soon be travelling to Mumbai to conduct a detail meeting with the team management.

Delhi suffer 3-4 defeat to Pune in ISL

Pune, Nov 18, 2016 (PTI)

Delhi Dynamos suffered a shock 3-4 defeat at the hands of Pune City FC in a thrilling match but still maintained their top spot at the points table in the Indian Super League football here today.
Delhi took the lead through Kean Lewis (44th minute) but Pune turned the match around in second session with goals from Anibal Rodriguez (55th and 63rd), Mohammed Sissoko (62nd) and Lenny Rodrigues (90th).

An own goal from Pune player Eduardo Ferreira (79th) and Malsawmzuala's strike in the injury time kept Delhi in the hunt till the very end before losing the match at Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium at Balewadi.

This was Delhi's second defeat this season and today's loss ended their five-match unbeaten streak.

The victory took Pune to the fourth spot from earlier sixth with 15 points from 11 matches, just two less than Delhi who could have virtually sealed their place in the play-offs with three points today.

Chennaiyin FC and Atletico de Kolkata, both out of the top four now, can move on top with victories tomorrow, while NorthEast United FC (11 points) and FC Goa (11 points) are still in the competition with three matches left to be played.

In an exciting contest, Delhi goalkeeper Soren Porei was the hero for his team in the first 45 minutes after stopping a penalty from Mohammed Sissoko and blocking Momar Ndoye twice in a one-on-one situation.

Pune had better control and should have at least taken the lead when Anibal was brought down inside the danger zone and the referee awarded a penalty. But marquee player Sissoko ended up with a poor penalty which Porei saved by guessing correctly and diving to his left.

The miss proved costly for Pune as they conceded a goal close to half time.

Marcelinho's back-heel from just outside the box released Emerson Gomes de Moura whose pass inside the box gave Kean Lewis the space and time to slot it into the net in the 44th minute.

The goal was the 400th in the ISL and gave Delhi confidence that they can qualify for the semi-finals with three matches in hand but Pune struck in the 55th minute. A free kick from Jonatan Lucca found Anibal who rose high over two defenders and headed it into the far post.

Seven minutes later, Pune were ahead when Sissoko made amends for his poor penalty and slotted home from inside the box from another free kick.

Pune appeared to have wrapped up the game only a minute later as Anibal capitalised on a blunder from Delhi Dynamos. Goalkeeper Porei threw the ball away to Ruben Gonzalez who could not control it. Anibal picked it up and beat the goalkeeper at the near post with a lightning strike.

Florent Malouda had a hand in the second goal for Delhi as his shot across the goal hit defender Eduardo and sailed into the goal in the 79th minute. Any chance of a comeback was, however, snuffed out by Pune midfielder Lenny Rodrigues when he finished a pass from Lucca in the last minute of play.

Malsawmzuala did manage to pull another goal back for Delhi in added time but there was no more time for the equaliser.

Indians assume command

Madhu Jawali, Visakhapatnam: Nov 19, 2016, DHNS:

After the bat held sway over the ball on the opening day, 11 wickets fell on the second day as India took firm control of the second Test.

India, overnight 317 for four, were all out for 455 in 129.4 overs, with the innings coming to an end 39 minutes after lunch. Virat Kohli (167, 401m, 267b, 18x4) added 16 more runs to his bed-time score while R Ashwin brought up his second half-century of the series to help India build an impressive total on a wearing track.

Ashwin (2/20) then shone with the ball, claiming the wickets of Ben Duckett and Joe Root (53, 98b, 6x4) as England were left reeling at 103 for five in 49 overs when stumps were drawn here at the ACA-VDCA YSR Stadium on Friday.

England are still in deficit of 352 runs and with the Indian spinners looking dangerous, it will require something out of the ordinary for the tourists to haul themselves out of the rut they are in. A fortuitous Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow survived some anxious moments before walking out unbeaten on another day of India’s domination.

Mohammad Shami set the tone for the proceedings with a peach of a delivery to send England’s skipper Alastair Cook back in the hut. Shami, who bowled a probing first spell (5-1-12-1), broke Cook’s off-stump into two with a ball that held its line after pitching and went through the gap between pad and bat. Umesh Yadav too bowled a testing spell as England went into tea break at 34/1.

Upon resumption things turned worse for the visitors due to a combination indiscretion and some error in judgement. Haseeb Hameed was run out after being sent back by Root with Wriddhiman Saha coming up with some brilliant work. Jayant Yadav threw the ball from square leg but Saha had to come forward to collect it, but the stumper showed great presence of mind to back-flick the ball, a la MS Dhoni, to catch Hameed short.

Jayant, who earlier had forged a handy stand with Ashwin, made his debut day even more special by accounting for Moeen Ali. Though umpire Kumar Dharmasena had turned down the original appeal, the off-spinner convinced his skipper to take DRS which vindicated Jayant’s decision. The day would have been even better for Jayant with some luck but the rub of the green went Stokes’ way when the bail didn’t dislodge after being hit in the 41st over.

In the meanwhile, Ashwin had ended Root’s stay. After stroking his way to a confident 53, the right-hander took a wild swipe at off-spinner but wasn’t quite in a position to go through the shot. The miscued effort was taken at mid-off.

The pitch hasn’t yet crumbled for England batsmen to worry but if they continue to play the bowler rather than the ball like they did on the day, it will be impossible for them to escape defeat.    

Earlier, India extended their lead significantly with Ashwin notching up his eighth career half-century. Kohli continued his domination of the visiting attack with a punched four off James Anderson. The pitch appeared to be doing little for the pacers as Stuart Broad too proved ineffective. The introduction of Ali in the 10th over of the day, helped England make some quick breakthroughs.

The off-spinner almost had Ashwin on 17 but Stokes grassed the sharp but straight forward edge in the slip. Stokes atoned quickly for his error in the next delivery with a slightly more difficult chance from Kohli, who in an attempt to drive Ali managed only a thick outside edge.

Kohli’s departure led to a mini-collapse as Ali struck twice in the space of three balls to dismiss Saha and Ravindra Jadeja. Saha reviewed his decision on Ashwin’s suggestion but it went by umpire’s call. Jadeja didn’t review the lbw verdict which would have been overturned as the ball was missing leg-stump.

At 363/7, India appeared to be frittering away a fine chance to shut England out of the game when Ashwin and Jayant (26) prolonged England’s agony. Jayant, who has a first-class double century to his name, showed remarkable temperament for a debutant to add a valuable 64 for the eighth wicket to prevent India’s free fall. Umesh and Shami then used their long handle to good effect to take India to a position from where they could call the shots.