20:43
Karthick Dharman
Posted in: Hollywood ActressThursday, 16 August 2012
Novak Djokovic Scratches Out Opening Cincinnati Victory
CINCINNATI: Novak Djokovic made a scratchy start on Wednesday at the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters as the second seed won his opening match 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 over Andreas Seppi.
The three-time finalist and world number two behind Roger Federer had not even had the chance to hit on the showcase court after arriving in the Midwest from his post-Olympic title in Toronto at the weekend.
"It was not a great performance," admitted Djokovic, who improved to 9-0 over Seppi, whom he struggled with at Roland Garros in a comeback from two sets to love down in the fourth round. "I didn't do anything special out there.
"I was just trying to get used to conditions, trying to keep the ball on the court and hit one more than my opponent.
"This happens in every first match, you have to get used to quite different conditions. I came in late from Canada and it feels a lot different here."
Djokovic won in just under 90 minutes, a contest which included a 59-minute opening set in which the second seed needed four set points to take the lead.
The Serb stepped it up in the second as he ran out the winner with 21 winners and 22 unforced errors.
Top seed and four-time champion Federer was opening later against Alex Bogomolov while third seeded and Olympic gold medallist Andy Murray was playing his first match in a week after quitting in Montreal and taking on Sam Querrey here.
Djokovic will line up in the third round against Russian veteran Nikolay Davydenko, who beat Florian Mayer of Germany 6-3, 6-3.
Argentine sixth seed and former US Open winner Juan Martin del Potro knocked out Germany's Tommy Haas 7-5, 6-2, Mardy Fish, the US tenth seed, beat Argentine Carlos Berlocq 6-3, 6-1. Wild card Lleyton Hewitt of Australia went down to Serb Viktor Troicki 6-2, 6-0.
In the women's second round, top seed Agnieszka Radwanska dispatched Swede Sofia Arvidsson 6-4, 6-3, with Italy's seventh seed and Roland Garros finalist Sara Errani beating Slovak Daniela Hantuchova 6-4, 6-4.
Two Italians were eliminated, with American Sloane Stephens stopping Camille Giorgi 6-2, 6-1 and China's Peng Shuai overcoming Roberta Vinci 6-3, 6-4.
The three-time finalist and world number two behind Roger Federer had not even had the chance to hit on the showcase court after arriving in the Midwest from his post-Olympic title in Toronto at the weekend.
"It was not a great performance," admitted Djokovic, who improved to 9-0 over Seppi, whom he struggled with at Roland Garros in a comeback from two sets to love down in the fourth round. "I didn't do anything special out there.
"I was just trying to get used to conditions, trying to keep the ball on the court and hit one more than my opponent.
"This happens in every first match, you have to get used to quite different conditions. I came in late from Canada and it feels a lot different here."
Djokovic won in just under 90 minutes, a contest which included a 59-minute opening set in which the second seed needed four set points to take the lead.
The Serb stepped it up in the second as he ran out the winner with 21 winners and 22 unforced errors.
Top seed and four-time champion Federer was opening later against Alex Bogomolov while third seeded and Olympic gold medallist Andy Murray was playing his first match in a week after quitting in Montreal and taking on Sam Querrey here.
Djokovic will line up in the third round against Russian veteran Nikolay Davydenko, who beat Florian Mayer of Germany 6-3, 6-3.
Argentine sixth seed and former US Open winner Juan Martin del Potro knocked out Germany's Tommy Haas 7-5, 6-2, Mardy Fish, the US tenth seed, beat Argentine Carlos Berlocq 6-3, 6-1. Wild card Lleyton Hewitt of Australia went down to Serb Viktor Troicki 6-2, 6-0.
In the women's second round, top seed Agnieszka Radwanska dispatched Swede Sofia Arvidsson 6-4, 6-3, with Italy's seventh seed and Roland Garros finalist Sara Errani beating Slovak Daniela Hantuchova 6-4, 6-4.
Two Italians were eliminated, with American Sloane Stephens stopping Camille Giorgi 6-2, 6-1 and China's Peng Shuai overcoming Roberta Vinci 6-3, 6-4.
Posted in: Day To Day Sports News
Ronaldo On Target As Portugal Beat Panama 2-0
FARO: Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 36th international goal and Nelson Oliveira scored his first as Portugal beat Panama 2-0 in a friendly game on Wednesday.
Ronaldo span around on the edge of the area and fired a half-volley past Jaime Penedo in the 51st minute after Panama midfielder Gabriel Gomez was sent off for elbowing Joao Moutinho.
Oliveira, viewed as one of Portugal's up-and-coming players for the 2014 World Cup, put the host ahead in the 30th with a left-foot shot on his first start.
Portugal's dominance was never in doubt at the Algarve Stadium in southern Portugal, though Panama striker Edwin Aguilar occasionally rattled the home team's defence.
Coach Paulo Bento made six changes to the team that lost in a penalty shootout against Spain in the semifinals of the European Championship in June.
The match marked the start of Portugal's preparations to qualify for the World Cup. Portugal is in qualifying Group F for the tournament in Brazil. It will face Russia, Israel, Northern Ireland, Azerbaijan and Luxembourg.
With a one-man advantage Portugal was rarely troubled, though it squandered a series of chances to extend its lead, with Ronaldo, Ruben Micael and Hugo Almeida guilty of poor finishing while Nani hit the goal frame. At the other end, Alberto Quintero forced a reflex save from goalkeeper Beto in the 67th.
Ronaldo span around on the edge of the area and fired a half-volley past Jaime Penedo in the 51st minute after Panama midfielder Gabriel Gomez was sent off for elbowing Joao Moutinho.
Oliveira, viewed as one of Portugal's up-and-coming players for the 2014 World Cup, put the host ahead in the 30th with a left-foot shot on his first start.
Portugal's dominance was never in doubt at the Algarve Stadium in southern Portugal, though Panama striker Edwin Aguilar occasionally rattled the home team's defence.
Coach Paulo Bento made six changes to the team that lost in a penalty shootout against Spain in the semifinals of the European Championship in June.
The match marked the start of Portugal's preparations to qualify for the World Cup. Portugal is in qualifying Group F for the tournament in Brazil. It will face Russia, Israel, Northern Ireland, Azerbaijan and Luxembourg.
With a one-man advantage Portugal was rarely troubled, though it squandered a series of chances to extend its lead, with Ronaldo, Ruben Micael and Hugo Almeida guilty of poor finishing while Nani hit the goal frame. At the other end, Alberto Quintero forced a reflex save from goalkeeper Beto in the 67th.
Posted in: Day To Day Sports News
Experienced Australian Squad For World Twenty20
SYDNEY: Australia on Thursday named an experienced squad for the World Twenty20 tournament in Sri Lanka, which selectors said had an explosive batting line-up and depth in the bowling department.
George Bailey again captains the side, which is hoping to go one better than their runner-up finish to England in the 2010 final in the West Indies.
The squad boasts plenty of experience with brothers Mike and Dave Hussey, Cameron White, Brad Hogg and Clint McKay.
It also features ex-captain Cameron White, who will have the opportunity to re-establish himself at international level after strong performances in the Indian Premier League and England's domestic league.
National selector John Inverarity said the 15-man squad was the same one scheduled to play against Pakistan in the UAE ahead of the World Twenty20 from September 18 to October 7.
"A real strength of the squad is its flexibility and versatility. It's a well-balanced side that will provide the captain, George Bailey, with plenty of options in both the batting line-up and bowling possibilities," he said.
"The seam bowling has depth with Clint McKay, Pat Cummins, Ben Hilfenhaus and Mitch Starc along with all-rounders Shane Watson and Dan Christian, and to a lesser extent Michael Hussey, who could be useful for an occasional over.
"Similarly there is depth in the spin bowling department with Brad Hogg, Xavier Doherty and also all-rounders Glenn Maxwell and David Hussey."
But he said it was the batting line-up that would be a worry for opposition teams.
"There is a great deal of explosive strike power in the batting line-up that could see Matthew Wade at six, Cameron White at seven and either Dan Christian or Glenn Maxwell at eight," he said.
"There is also a good blend of left and right-handers with David Warner, Michael Hussey and Wade likely to be in the top seven."
Australia's T20 campaign will start officially on September 19 in Colombo against Ireland, with the final scheduled for Sunday October 7.
Australia squad: George Bailey (Capt.), Dan Christian, Patrick Cummins, Xavier Doherty, Ben Hilfenhaus, Brad Hogg, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Glenn Maxwell, Clint McKay, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Shane Watson, Cameron White.
George Bailey again captains the side, which is hoping to go one better than their runner-up finish to England in the 2010 final in the West Indies.
The squad boasts plenty of experience with brothers Mike and Dave Hussey, Cameron White, Brad Hogg and Clint McKay.
It also features ex-captain Cameron White, who will have the opportunity to re-establish himself at international level after strong performances in the Indian Premier League and England's domestic league.
National selector John Inverarity said the 15-man squad was the same one scheduled to play against Pakistan in the UAE ahead of the World Twenty20 from September 18 to October 7.
"A real strength of the squad is its flexibility and versatility. It's a well-balanced side that will provide the captain, George Bailey, with plenty of options in both the batting line-up and bowling possibilities," he said.
"The seam bowling has depth with Clint McKay, Pat Cummins, Ben Hilfenhaus and Mitch Starc along with all-rounders Shane Watson and Dan Christian, and to a lesser extent Michael Hussey, who could be useful for an occasional over.
"Similarly there is depth in the spin bowling department with Brad Hogg, Xavier Doherty and also all-rounders Glenn Maxwell and David Hussey."
But he said it was the batting line-up that would be a worry for opposition teams.
"There is a great deal of explosive strike power in the batting line-up that could see Matthew Wade at six, Cameron White at seven and either Dan Christian or Glenn Maxwell at eight," he said.
"There is also a good blend of left and right-handers with David Warner, Michael Hussey and Wade likely to be in the top seven."
Australia's T20 campaign will start officially on September 19 in Colombo against Ireland, with the final scheduled for Sunday October 7.
Australia squad: George Bailey (Capt.), Dan Christian, Patrick Cummins, Xavier Doherty, Ben Hilfenhaus, Brad Hogg, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Glenn Maxwell, Clint McKay, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Shane Watson, Cameron White.
Posted in: Day To Day Sports News
Roger Federer Not Surprised By Rafael Nadal Decision
NEW YORK: Elite players led by world number one Roger Federer expressed their concern at the Cincinnati Masters on Wednesday that Rafael Nadal will be forced to miss the US Open due to left knee tendinitis.
"It's not a surprise, because I wrote him and he told me it wasn't looking good at all," said top seeded world number one Federer. "I kind of saw it coming. But obviously when it's official it's disappointing for tennis, there's no doubt about it.
"I would love to have him in the draw. With 12 days before the Open you figure he might still have time to fix what he has to fix to get ready.
"If he pulls out that early before the Open, it must be something serious. That's what is sort of scary. There is obviously the whole debate going on if he is going come back for this year.
"I hope in hindsight this is a very smart decision by him. But it's obviously a big blow and disappointing news for the tennis world."
Those sentiments were echoed by number two Novak Djokovic and fourth-ranked Olympic gold medallist Andy Murray.
"He's a great competitor, somebody I know really well on and off the court," Djokovic said.
"I'm sure that if he was able to perform in US Open he would come. So I wish him a quick recovery."
Murray, who had been dealing with a knee problem of his own over the last week or so, was equally sympathetic.
"I'm disappointed for him, it's obviously tough. He's had trouble with his knees in the past. So I hope he can rest, doesn't come back too early, and gets them fixed so he can get back to playing his best tennis."
"It's not a surprise, because I wrote him and he told me it wasn't looking good at all," said top seeded world number one Federer. "I kind of saw it coming. But obviously when it's official it's disappointing for tennis, there's no doubt about it.
"I would love to have him in the draw. With 12 days before the Open you figure he might still have time to fix what he has to fix to get ready.
"If he pulls out that early before the Open, it must be something serious. That's what is sort of scary. There is obviously the whole debate going on if he is going come back for this year.
"I hope in hindsight this is a very smart decision by him. But it's obviously a big blow and disappointing news for the tennis world."
Those sentiments were echoed by number two Novak Djokovic and fourth-ranked Olympic gold medallist Andy Murray.
"He's a great competitor, somebody I know really well on and off the court," Djokovic said.
"I'm sure that if he was able to perform in US Open he would come. So I wish him a quick recovery."
Murray, who had been dealing with a knee problem of his own over the last week or so, was equally sympathetic.
"I'm disappointed for him, it's obviously tough. He's had trouble with his knees in the past. So I hope he can rest, doesn't come back too early, and gets them fixed so he can get back to playing his best tennis."
Posted in: Day To Day Sports News
I'm Not A Quitter, Says Harbhajan Singh
Making a comeback to Team India, Harbhajan Singh gets candid on the ups and downs of life in an exclusive chat with TOI.
The man, who inspired headlines like 'Singh is King' not so long ago, hasn't been a part of Team India for the past 12 months - initially because of injury, and later because of his poor form. But, not one to cow down in the face of adversities, off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has been quietly polishing his game, playing county cricket in England and training hard on his own. And now that he's making a comeback in World Cup T20 and (T20) home series against New Zealand, Bhajji says he's "happy and raring to go!" TOI brings you Bhajji unplugged in a tele tete-a-tete from England.
We all go through bad times
Ask him now that he's back in the Indian squad, does he wonder about the unpredictable nature of life, and Bhajji says: "We all go through good and bad times. So, this is an ongoing cycle. But, what is important is - how we handle ourselves in such situations. You have to fight. It's been a tough year, but then tough times teach you a lot! There are a lot of people who quit, but I know one thing for sure that I'm not a quitter! I want to go and play the game to the best of my ability. I'm sure that my hard work will pay off!"
Emotional moment
After battling cancer, his friend Yuvraj Singh is also making a comeback in T20 World Cup, as well as New Zealand (T20) series. To this, Bhajji says: "Yuvi's comeback is an emotional moment for me! I was in Bangalore when we got the news about his cancer, and all of us were stunned! But, it was heartening to see Yuvi fighting his ailment like a true warrior. The entire nation was praying for him, but he fought his cancer all by himself. His fight can inspire many youngsters to face the adversities of life, head-on."
All Olympians : my heroes
Being in England, was he following the Olympics as feverishly as others back home? "We have our practice and gruelling sessions in county cricket, but I was totally clued into India's Olympics run. It was great to see Gagan Narang, Vijay Kumar, Saina Nehwal, Yogeshwar Dutt and Sushil Kumar winning medals for the nation. But, for me, all those who qualified for the Olympics are my heroes, because along with winning, it's equally important to represent your nation at such a platform," says he.
The man, who inspired headlines like 'Singh is King' not so long ago, hasn't been a part of Team India for the past 12 months - initially because of injury, and later because of his poor form. But, not one to cow down in the face of adversities, off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has been quietly polishing his game, playing county cricket in England and training hard on his own. And now that he's making a comeback in World Cup T20 and (T20) home series against New Zealand, Bhajji says he's "happy and raring to go!" TOI brings you Bhajji unplugged in a tele tete-a-tete from England.
We all go through bad times
Ask him now that he's back in the Indian squad, does he wonder about the unpredictable nature of life, and Bhajji says: "We all go through good and bad times. So, this is an ongoing cycle. But, what is important is - how we handle ourselves in such situations. You have to fight. It's been a tough year, but then tough times teach you a lot! There are a lot of people who quit, but I know one thing for sure that I'm not a quitter! I want to go and play the game to the best of my ability. I'm sure that my hard work will pay off!"
Emotional moment
After battling cancer, his friend Yuvraj Singh is also making a comeback in T20 World Cup, as well as New Zealand (T20) series. To this, Bhajji says: "Yuvi's comeback is an emotional moment for me! I was in Bangalore when we got the news about his cancer, and all of us were stunned! But, it was heartening to see Yuvi fighting his ailment like a true warrior. The entire nation was praying for him, but he fought his cancer all by himself. His fight can inspire many youngsters to face the adversities of life, head-on."
All Olympians : my heroes
Being in England, was he following the Olympics as feverishly as others back home? "We have our practice and gruelling sessions in county cricket, but I was totally clued into India's Olympics run. It was great to see Gagan Narang, Vijay Kumar, Saina Nehwal, Yogeshwar Dutt and Sushil Kumar winning medals for the nation. But, for me, all those who qualified for the Olympics are my heroes, because along with winning, it's equally important to represent your nation at such a platform," says he.
Posted in: Day To Day Sports News
Our Olympic Medalists Truly Inspire Me: Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan on his recent heroics in Sri Lanka, World Cup dreams, brother Yusuf and more in a dil se chat with Ahmedabad times.
The swing is back, and so is that charming smile which makes women go weak in the knees. Selected against Sri Lanka only after Vinay Kumar got injured, Irfan Pathan responded with two consecutive man-of-the-match performances. Not only did he finish as the most successful Indian bowler in the ODIs, Irfan also cemented his place in Team India for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
As we catch up with the star all-rounder at his bungalow, Irfan is in a jovial mood. As someone knocks on the gate, the prankster yells, "Arre, ghar pe koi nahin hai!" before bursting into laughter and opening it. With a childlike glee, he tells us, "I got back to Vadodara only on Sunday afternoon and ammi prepared four yummy dishes in the evening, including the mouth-watering biryani! For us, a family dinner is the best way to celebrate a special occasion." And least you thought he would rest on his laurels, Irfan quickly dispels those fears, "I am at home for this holy month but soon, I will be off to National Cricket Academy Bangalore for some intense practise sessions." Excerpts from the interview:
CONQUERING LANKA
Destiny played its part, but I worked hard too! Sometimes, pressure makes you do stupid things. I am glad that I kept my cool in tight situations. I love taking challenges head on and this performance has given me a lot of confidence!
EMOTIONAL OUTBURSTS
Because of the experiences I have been through in life, I have calmed down a lot. But on a couple of occasions (during his five wicket haul and hitting a winning four), I was so involved in the moment that I celebrated in an animated manner. Sometimes, it's important to let yourself go!
YUVI ROCKS!
Just a day before the World Cup team was announced, I was at Yuvraj Singh's home. I am delighted to see him back and it's nothing short of a miracle! He looks very confident and that's bad news for our opponents!
T20 WORLD CUP DREAMS
Quite a few members from the 2007 World Cup winning team are there and that experience will help. Also, the fact that we have played in Sri Lanka recently will act as a huge advantage.
'OLYMPIC' TALK
In Sri Lanka, Gautam (Gambhir) was following every Indian athlete's performance in London very closely and kept us updated. I was following my favourites closely on the internet - Saina Nehwal and Vijender Singh. I am truly inspired by these six medallists and believe some of them will win gold next time!
GAME FREAK!
Of late, I have developed a keen interest in online gaming and I love slaying zombies on the web (laughs)!
ALI THE GREAT
If I ever feel low, I just look at Muhammad Ali's career graph for inspiration. Besides, I love some of his sayings!
YUSUF WILL BE BACK
As professional cricketers, we know that ups and downs are a part and parcel of the game. Yusuf is a lion-hearted guy and a true fighter. He remains focused as ever and is working very hard. I believe he will soon make a comeback to the national team.
The swing is back, and so is that charming smile which makes women go weak in the knees. Selected against Sri Lanka only after Vinay Kumar got injured, Irfan Pathan responded with two consecutive man-of-the-match performances. Not only did he finish as the most successful Indian bowler in the ODIs, Irfan also cemented his place in Team India for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
As we catch up with the star all-rounder at his bungalow, Irfan is in a jovial mood. As someone knocks on the gate, the prankster yells, "Arre, ghar pe koi nahin hai!" before bursting into laughter and opening it. With a childlike glee, he tells us, "I got back to Vadodara only on Sunday afternoon and ammi prepared four yummy dishes in the evening, including the mouth-watering biryani! For us, a family dinner is the best way to celebrate a special occasion." And least you thought he would rest on his laurels, Irfan quickly dispels those fears, "I am at home for this holy month but soon, I will be off to National Cricket Academy Bangalore for some intense practise sessions." Excerpts from the interview:
CONQUERING LANKA
Destiny played its part, but I worked hard too! Sometimes, pressure makes you do stupid things. I am glad that I kept my cool in tight situations. I love taking challenges head on and this performance has given me a lot of confidence!
EMOTIONAL OUTBURSTS
Because of the experiences I have been through in life, I have calmed down a lot. But on a couple of occasions (during his five wicket haul and hitting a winning four), I was so involved in the moment that I celebrated in an animated manner. Sometimes, it's important to let yourself go!
YUVI ROCKS!
Just a day before the World Cup team was announced, I was at Yuvraj Singh's home. I am delighted to see him back and it's nothing short of a miracle! He looks very confident and that's bad news for our opponents!
T20 WORLD CUP DREAMS
Quite a few members from the 2007 World Cup winning team are there and that experience will help. Also, the fact that we have played in Sri Lanka recently will act as a huge advantage.
'OLYMPIC' TALK
In Sri Lanka, Gautam (Gambhir) was following every Indian athlete's performance in London very closely and kept us updated. I was following my favourites closely on the internet - Saina Nehwal and Vijender Singh. I am truly inspired by these six medallists and believe some of them will win gold next time!
GAME FREAK!
Of late, I have developed a keen interest in online gaming and I love slaying zombies on the web (laughs)!
ALI THE GREAT
If I ever feel low, I just look at Muhammad Ali's career graph for inspiration. Besides, I love some of his sayings!
YUSUF WILL BE BACK
As professional cricketers, we know that ups and downs are a part and parcel of the game. Yusuf is a lion-hearted guy and a true fighter. He remains focused as ever and is working very hard. I believe he will soon make a comeback to the national team.
Posted in: Day To Day Sports News
Team Is Mentally And Physically Fit For Long Season: Ms Dhoni
MUMBAI: The Indian cricketers are geared up for the long season ahead and are both physically and mentally ready for the packed calendar, captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said.
"The team is all fit from the physical and mental aspects. The one and a half months break (after last IPL) was very good from the physical and mental aspect.
"Even on the tour of Sri Lanka (where the team played five ODIs and a lone T20 game against the hosts) we had breaks between each game. We are quite ready for the packed season ahead," said Dhoni at the launch of a new national T20 jersey by the Indian Cricket Board's apparel sponsors Nike.
"Slowly we will get into the Test format now and then the T20s. There is lot of cricket ahead ending with the IPL. We have to look ahead every 15 days," he said.
Dhoni was referring to the start of the first home series of the season - against New Zealand - beginning with the Test match at Hyderabad on August 23. The visitors will play one more Test at Bangalore before ending their tour with two T20 Internationals at Vizag and Chennai.
This will be followed by the ICC World T20 Championship in Sri Lanka from September 18 to October 7. The season will continue with the visit by England and Australia before the IPL.
Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Virat Kohli, Irfan Pathan, Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma were the other Indian cricketers present at the launch of the new T20 jersey for Team India.
Dhoni also said that with the return of Yuvraj in the team, the dressing room atmosphere will become very lively once again.
"When Yuvraj was not there Virat had taken upon that job. We missed Yuvraj as a character in the dressing room apart from his batting skills. With him being back the atmosphere in the dressing room will become livelier again," he remarked.
Yuvraj, who has recovered from a rare germ cell cancer, said he had trained hard at the NCA in Bangalore for the last two months and was feeling good but a bit nervous too after the long break from cricket.
"I am feeling good. I have worked hard for the last two months. I am nervous. I never thought I will get another chance (to play for India). I feel as if it is the first game for me," said Yuvraj who has been chosen in the Indian team for the series against New Zealand and the World T20.
Talking about the new T20 jersey, Dhoni remarked in a lighter vein that he did not know whether the research that has gone into it would translate into extra runs for the team.
"Lots of research has gone into it. I don't know whether the research will result in extra runs but we will definitely feel more comfortable.
"This is a very good start. When people are swapping channels they see white and immediately know it is Test cricket and blue with One Day cricket. Now that we have a T20 shirt there will be a strong association between the format and the T-shirt," said the captain.
Key features of the uniform include the new collar, a dash of tricolour near the left shoulder and three stars above the BCCI's logo signifying the three World Cup victories.
Sehwag said that the non-sweaty nature of the jersey would help the cricketers in the hot and humid conditions in South India and Sri Lanka.
"When I wear the india colours I have to give my best. That's what I always focus on. The jersey also has the colour of the national flag on it (along with blue) which is close to my heart. Makes it very special," Sehwag said.
Pathan said the new jersey felt lighter than the ones he had worn earlier.
"Pretty stylish. Colour and design are eye-catching," said Kohli about the jersey.
"The team is all fit from the physical and mental aspects. The one and a half months break (after last IPL) was very good from the physical and mental aspect.
"Even on the tour of Sri Lanka (where the team played five ODIs and a lone T20 game against the hosts) we had breaks between each game. We are quite ready for the packed season ahead," said Dhoni at the launch of a new national T20 jersey by the Indian Cricket Board's apparel sponsors Nike.
"Slowly we will get into the Test format now and then the T20s. There is lot of cricket ahead ending with the IPL. We have to look ahead every 15 days," he said.
Dhoni was referring to the start of the first home series of the season - against New Zealand - beginning with the Test match at Hyderabad on August 23. The visitors will play one more Test at Bangalore before ending their tour with two T20 Internationals at Vizag and Chennai.
This will be followed by the ICC World T20 Championship in Sri Lanka from September 18 to October 7. The season will continue with the visit by England and Australia before the IPL.
Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Virat Kohli, Irfan Pathan, Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma were the other Indian cricketers present at the launch of the new T20 jersey for Team India.
Dhoni also said that with the return of Yuvraj in the team, the dressing room atmosphere will become very lively once again.
"When Yuvraj was not there Virat had taken upon that job. We missed Yuvraj as a character in the dressing room apart from his batting skills. With him being back the atmosphere in the dressing room will become livelier again," he remarked.
Yuvraj, who has recovered from a rare germ cell cancer, said he had trained hard at the NCA in Bangalore for the last two months and was feeling good but a bit nervous too after the long break from cricket.
"I am feeling good. I have worked hard for the last two months. I am nervous. I never thought I will get another chance (to play for India). I feel as if it is the first game for me," said Yuvraj who has been chosen in the Indian team for the series against New Zealand and the World T20.
Talking about the new T20 jersey, Dhoni remarked in a lighter vein that he did not know whether the research that has gone into it would translate into extra runs for the team.
"Lots of research has gone into it. I don't know whether the research will result in extra runs but we will definitely feel more comfortable.
"This is a very good start. When people are swapping channels they see white and immediately know it is Test cricket and blue with One Day cricket. Now that we have a T20 shirt there will be a strong association between the format and the T-shirt," said the captain.
Key features of the uniform include the new collar, a dash of tricolour near the left shoulder and three stars above the BCCI's logo signifying the three World Cup victories.
Sehwag said that the non-sweaty nature of the jersey would help the cricketers in the hot and humid conditions in South India and Sri Lanka.
"When I wear the india colours I have to give my best. That's what I always focus on. The jersey also has the colour of the national flag on it (along with blue) which is close to my heart. Makes it very special," Sehwag said.
Pathan said the new jersey felt lighter than the ones he had worn earlier.
"Pretty stylish. Colour and design are eye-catching," said Kohli about the jersey.
Posted in: Day To Day National News
Indian Defence Bases Well Protected: Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh
NEW DELHI: Against the backdrop of attack by militants on a Pakistani air force base, Army chief Gen Bikram Singh on Thursday said Indian military installations are "well protected and defended".
"We have our procedures in place. All our bases are protected and there are standard operating procedures and our bases are well defended," the Army chief told reporters on the sidelines of an event to felicitate Army sports persons.
Gen Singh said the armed forces also had the "means to generate intelligence regarding such threats that may come up to these bases".
Indian armed forces have taken several measures to strengthen their security to protect against such threats in the last few years, he said.
A group of terrorists armed with sophisticated weapons and suicide vests on Thursday stormed a key Pakistan Air Force base in Punjab province that is believed to house nuclear weapons, triggering an intense gun battle that left seven attackers and a security personnel dead.
Asked to comment on the violence in Assam, Gen Singh said the Army was "fulfilling its constitutional obligation" there.
Fresh incidents of violence were reported in Assam's Baksa and Kamrup (Rural) districts where unidentified persons set ablaze a car, a bus and a wooden bridge.
Baksa, in lower Assam and under the Bodoland Territorial Autonomous District (BTAD), was one of the districts affected in the recent clashes between Bodos and immigrants that has claimed 77 lives so far.
"We have our procedures in place. All our bases are protected and there are standard operating procedures and our bases are well defended," the Army chief told reporters on the sidelines of an event to felicitate Army sports persons.
Gen Singh said the armed forces also had the "means to generate intelligence regarding such threats that may come up to these bases".
Indian armed forces have taken several measures to strengthen their security to protect against such threats in the last few years, he said.
A group of terrorists armed with sophisticated weapons and suicide vests on Thursday stormed a key Pakistan Air Force base in Punjab province that is believed to house nuclear weapons, triggering an intense gun battle that left seven attackers and a security personnel dead.
Asked to comment on the violence in Assam, Gen Singh said the Army was "fulfilling its constitutional obligation" there.
Fresh incidents of violence were reported in Assam's Baksa and Kamrup (Rural) districts where unidentified persons set ablaze a car, a bus and a wooden bridge.
Baksa, in lower Assam and under the Bodoland Territorial Autonomous District (BTAD), was one of the districts affected in the recent clashes between Bodos and immigrants that has claimed 77 lives so far.
Posted in: Day To Day National News
Chinese Influence In Nepal A Matter Of Concern: Seema Sashastra Bal Ig
KOLKATA: Avinash Chandra, inspector general, Seema Sashastra Bal (SSB), Siliguri Frontier, said on Wednesday that increasing Chinese influence in Nepal is a matter of grave concern. He also referred to the ISI's activities in Nepal and the sponsorship of terror activities. The IG was delivering a speech on the occasion of Independence Day at Ranidanga in Darjeeling. The SSB is in charge of patrolling the Indo-Nepal border.
""Difficult times are ahead as the Chinese influence in Nepal is increasing. Pakistan's ISI activities and sponsorship of terror activities too has increased. Hence, there is a need for each one of us to focus on our priority areas and not allow any scope for cross-border crimes to take shape. We need to be resolute in seizing FICN, drugs and narcotics, preventing human trafficking and the smuggling of arms and ammunition," Chandra said.
On Wednesday, Indian and Chinese troops participated in a Special Border Personnel Meet at Nathu-La (14,130 feet) in East Sikkim. The meet was organized to celebrate Independence Day at the historic silk route between the two ancient civilizations. The Indian and Chinese delegations were led by Brigadier Ravi Jhaldiyal and Senior Colonel Wang Ji Ping. A joint cultural program was organized to showcase the cultures of both countries.
""Difficult times are ahead as the Chinese influence in Nepal is increasing. Pakistan's ISI activities and sponsorship of terror activities too has increased. Hence, there is a need for each one of us to focus on our priority areas and not allow any scope for cross-border crimes to take shape. We need to be resolute in seizing FICN, drugs and narcotics, preventing human trafficking and the smuggling of arms and ammunition," Chandra said.
On Wednesday, Indian and Chinese troops participated in a Special Border Personnel Meet at Nathu-La (14,130 feet) in East Sikkim. The meet was organized to celebrate Independence Day at the historic silk route between the two ancient civilizations. The Indian and Chinese delegations were led by Brigadier Ravi Jhaldiyal and Senior Colonel Wang Ji Ping. A joint cultural program was organized to showcase the cultures of both countries.
Posted in: Day To Day National News
