Cakewalk! Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma lead India to a comprehensive win

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli take runs against West Indies during the 1st ODI in Kochi on Thursday

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma hit sparkling half-centuries as a clinical India continued their domination over West Indies by thrashing the visitors by six wickets in the opening ODI of the three-match series, here today.

Asked to bowl, spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Suresh Raina exploited the low and slow conditions of the Nehru Stadium wicket effectively to bundle out West Indies for a meager 211 in 48.5 overs.

Kohli then smashed 86 off 84 balls, while Rohit made 72 off 81 balls to help India chased down the target with consummate ease in 35.2 overs and take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Kohli decorated his knock with nine boundaries and two huge sixes, while Rohit's innings was laced with eight hits to the fence and one over it.

India, however, received a jolt early on in their chase in the form of Shikhar Dhawan (5). Dhawan departed in the fourth over as he edged a back of a length delivery from Jason Holder to Johnson Charles behind the stumps with scoreboard reading 17.

But then Rohit and Kohli joined hands and shared a 133-run second wicket stand that came off just 130 deliveries to lay the foundation for an easy win.

None of the West Indies bowlers seemed to create any trouble for Kohli and Rohit as both the batsmen adopted attacking approach from the onset to take the game out of the visitor's grasp.

Rohit brought up his 19th ODI fifty off 53 balls as India reached the 100-run mark in 15.3 overs.

Kohli was not to be left behind as he reached his half century in 58 balls with a single off Dwayne Bravo in the 24th over.

But just when it seemed the duo would take India home without any further damage, Rohit mistimed a pull to Lendl Simmons at deep midwicket off Ravi Rampaul's bowling in the next over.

Will Sachin Tendulkar shine at the Wankhede?

The end might for the visitors come sooner than expected. Given how the West Indies batting crashed at the Eden Gardens, it seems highly unlikely that Sachin Tendulkar's 200th and final Test, between November 14 and 18, will last its full length. With it will end Tendulkar's bittersweet relationship in Tests with his home ground, the Wankhede Stadium.

He had already played 23 Tests before he got his first chance to play on his home turf. It was the third Test of the series in 1993 against Graham Gooch's England. He had hit a 165 in the previous Test in Chennai.

But it was his schoolmate Vinod Kambli who stole the show with a 224. Tendulkar's contribution was a 78 and the 194-run partnership he shared for the third wicket with Kambli - a reminder of their famed association during their school days. One would have thought that this was the start of a great on-field relationship but as Tendulkar took the elevator, Kambli tripped on the slippery stairs to fame.

In November 1994, Tendulkar faced the West Indies on what, Wisden described, was an "underprepared horror". It was the era of India's spin trio: Anil Kumble, Rajesh Chauhan and Venkatpathy Raju. India gained a slender 29-run lead but at the end of Day Two, they had been reduced to 11 for three.

As luck would have it, a wet wicket ensured that the game didn't start for 45 minutes in the morning. The wicket settled down and Tendulkar batted for nearly three hours, hitting 10 boundaries and a six en-route his 85. With Sanjay Manjrekar, he added 74 for the sixth wicket. In the end, the Windies lost by 96 runs.

He notched up his only Test ton at the Wankhede in December 1997 against Sri Lanka in his 58th game during which he also achieved the landmark of 4,000 Test runs.

But probably his biggest heartbreak at home came at the start of the new millennium, February 2000, against South Africa. He was up against Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock, Jacques Kallis and Lance Klusener. He was fighting a lone battle after Wasim Jaffer, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman had been dismissed early.

Kallis was cover driven, and Donald whipped - clearly he looked a class apart. But as a century looked inevitable, Tendulkar edged Kallis to the keeper. As India tumbled to 113 in the second innings, Tendulkar could only manage eight. India lost the Test by four wickets.

More heartbreaks were store the next time Tendulkar stepped into the Wankhede for a Test - February 2001 against Australia. Against the all-conquering Steve Waugh-led side, Tendulkar waged a solitary battle in both innings - 76 and 65 - as India lost by 10 wickets. He, however, was on the winning side against the same opponents in 2004 but the real winner was the bad pitch.

But the unthinkable happened against England in March 2006. Sachin Tendulkar was booed. Yes. It was troubled times for Indian cricket, with the nation involved in the Chappell-Ganguly-Dravid drama. As India stared at a loss and Tendulkar edged Shaun Udal to Ian Bell at short-leg, the shameful incident happened. It was only for a moment but nobody could have missed it.

Never before and never again has such a dark episode happened in his career. More traumas were in store for the maestro in the last two Tests he played here.

In 2011, he was dismissed on 94 by Ravi Rampaul as he chased his elusive 100th hundred. His last outing ended in a disaster, as England's left-arm spinner Monty Panesar claimed his wicket in both the innings. He managed identical scores of eight. The twin dismissals stared the debate about his slowing reflexes and feet movement.

Tendulkar has a maximum of two more innings at the Wankhede where he finally lifted the World cup in 2011. Will it be a sweet end this time?

SSP Chowrasia lies four-strokes behind Mohammad Siddikur in Indian Open golf..

Indian golfer SSP Chowrasia shot a sparkling six-under 66 to lie four-strokes behind Bangladesh's Mohammad Siddikur who continued to lead the field with a sizzling 67 on the third day of the USD 1.25 million Hero Indian Open here on Saturday.

Kolkata-golfer Chowrasia (69, 68), who finished runner-up twice in the Indian Open, was a picture of consistency as he blasted seven birdies -- four of them in the last five holes -- against one bogey to take his three-day total to 13-under 203.

Rashid Khan, who recently won the Bilt Open, fired the best card of the day -- a spectacular seven-under 65 -- to lie five strokes behind Siddikur at tied third at the Delhi Golf Course here.

Earlier in the day, Rahil Gangjee was leading the Indian charge but a couple of doubles bogeys spoilt his chances. He slipped to finally settle for a one-over 73 that took his total to eight-under.

He was at tied eighth along with compatriot Chirag Kumar (69).

Anirban Lahiri too was in contention early in the day before a couple of double bogeys at the ninth and 13th holes pulled him down. But he recovered with three back-to-back birdies from 14th to 16th to finish at the fifth spot with a round of 67.

Angelo Que of Philippines was tied third along with Rashid after bringing home a five-under 67, while Unho Park of Australia also carded a seven-under 65 to share the sixth spot with compatriot Adam groom, who carded a two-under 70 today.

Sanjay Kumar and Shankar Das were tied 12th after carding 72 and 73 respectively for a total of six-under 210. Manav Jaini was tied 19th with a total of 211.

After a 66 yesterday, Shiv Kapur came up with a modest one-under 71 to lie tied 24th, while Shamim Khan too was at tied 24th with an even-par 72 for a total of four-under 212.

Starting the day five strokes behind Siddikur, Chowrasia had an excellent back nine as he blasted four birdies in the last five holes.

Chowrasia also picked up strokes on the second, seventh and eighth holes against just one dropped shot at the sixth hole.

"My hitting wasn't very accurate to begin with as I kept hitting it left and right. I feel I really got going from the 14th onwards as I started finding the centre of the fairway," said Chowrasia, who won the 2008 Indian Masters at the DGC.

"My only bogey of the day came on the sixth where I found the bushes on the left and had to take a penalty drop. However, I didn't let that bother me as I picked up birdies on the next two holes. I

"It's great to end with four birdies on the last five holes. It gives me a lot of momentum going into the final round. I did not play very aggressive golf but instead focussed on consistency. I have very good memories from this course and I would like to use that to my advantage in the final round," he added.

Asked about his target tomorrow, Chowrasia said: "Siddikur has been playing some top quality golf. He has also done well at this venue in the past. I'll have to shoot somewhere in the region of seven-under to put up a stiff challenge on the final day. In a way it's good to be on the leader's tail as all the pressure is usually on the leader."

Eagar to break his jinx at the challenging Delhi Golf Course, Siddikur turned in another flawless performance as he birdied the fourth, eighth, 11th, 14th and 18th hole to total 17-under 199.

"I had the best week of my career. I had the best putting, mentally I am stronger and focussed. Overall it was the best golf that I have played. When I won in Brunei in 2010, I was young. It was the beginning of my career and I played for money, to save my card but now I am not playing for money, I am playing to achieve something," the 29-year-old said.

Siddikur, who finished second at the 2011 SAIL Open and 2012 Panasonic Open India at the DGC, said: "I didn't take any pressure and tried to avoid looking at the leaderboard but sometimes it becomes unavoidable so I had a glimpse at the board at 13th and 16th holes.

Nigeria crush Mexico to win record fourth Under-17 title

Nigeria won the world Under-17 championship for a record fourth time on Friday, overpowering holders Mexico 3-0 in the final in Abu Dhabi, helped by two defensive mistakes.

Nigeria, who thrashed their opponents 6-1 in the group stage, went ahead after nine minutes when Mexico defender Erick Aguirre turned Musa Yahaha's shot into his own net after they were caught on the break.

Mexico goalkeeper Raul Gudino was at fault for Nigeria's second in the 56th minute when he failed to hold a wickedly swerving shot by Musa Muhammed and Kelechi Iheanacho snapped up the rebound for his sixth goal of the competition.

Nigeria captain Muhammed added the third in the 81st minute from a free kick which he curled around the Mexican defensive wall, the Golden Eaglets' 26th goal in seven games.

Nigeria won the inaugural tournament in 1995 and were also triumphant in 1993 and 2007. Brazil have won the two-yearly tournament three times followed by Ghana and Mexico with two apiece.

Their triumph, however, is no guarantee of a successful career for the players. In the past, only a relatively small number have gone on to flourish at senior level.

None of the Brazil squad who won the 2003 tournament, and should now be in the prime of their careers, is currently in the senior side as the South Americans prepare to host next year's World Cup.

Meanwhile, only three out of 21 members of Switzerland's victorious squad from 2009 have progressed to the national side - Granit Xhaka, Ricardo Rodriguez and Haris Seferovic.

India to host 2018 men's hockey World Cup..

                                                       The men's event is planned for December 1-16.

India has been awarded the 2018 men's hockey World Cup, the second time in a span of eight years the country will be hosting the mega event having successfully organised the previous edition three years ago.

The 2018 edition will see an expanded field with 16 teams competing in both men's and women's events.

The 2018 women's World Cup will be held in England.

The women's tournament is scheduled to take place from 7-21 July, with the men's event planned for 1-16 December.

India last hosted the World Cup in New Delhi in 2010 while the next edition will be held next year in The Hague, Netherlands in the first two weeks of June.

"The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is delighted to announce that England and India will host the Hockey World Cups in 2018. England Hockey were successful in their bid to host the women's showpiece, with Hockey India winning the race to host the men's equivalent," world body FIH said in a statement late last night.

The announcements were made by FIH President Leandro Negre at a special ceremony in Lausanne, Switzerland.

"I wish to offer my sincere congratulations to England Hockey and Hockey India on their successful bids to host the Hockey World Cups 2018," said Negre.

"The quality of both bids was truly extraordinary, and the FIH is looking forward to bringing its top properties to England and India. The standard was exceptionally high, making the decision extremely hard for the FIH Executive Board."

Held every four years, the World Cup brings together the world's greatest teams and most skilful players for the toughest, most competitive international hockey event.

Both the Men's and Women's Hockey World Cups 2018 will feature an increased 16-nation field of participants, confirming the growing interest and development of the sport.

Next year's hugely anticipated Rabobank Hockey World Cup, which takes place in The Hague, Netherlands during the first two weeks of June, will see twelve men's and twelve women's teams competing.

"The decision certainly was not an easy one to make," said FIH Chief Executive Officer Kelly Fairweather, reflecting on the bidding process.

"All of the bids that we received were exceptional, being completely in line with our strategy to deliver the most entertaining, exciting and inspiring hockey events in the world.

"The FIH Executive Board were hugely impressed by the bids from England Hockey and Hockey India, and are convinced that both National Associations will deliver absolutely magnificent tournaments."

As part of the bidding process, the FIH requested that bid questionnaires were submitted before a deadline of 31 August.

The second phase of the process saw each bid evaluated in detail, as well as further discussions, clarifications, site visits and negotiations taking place with the respective National Associations.

The World Cup hosts' announcement is part of FIH's new event assignment process, which was launched and presented to the National Associations at the FIH Congress in November 2012.

The re-structured bidding process was designed to ensure that the majority of the unallocated events for the 2015-2018 period would be assigned before the end of this year. The FIH will make an announcement about the host nations of these events in due course.

Amid farewell frenzy, Sachin Tendulkar trains at Eden Gardens

Despite the hype around him, Sachin Tendulkar appeared calm as the senior most Indian batsman walked out for his first practice session ahead of his 199th Test at the Eden Gardens, here on Monday.

The 40-year-old went about his routine net session, batting for exactly 52 minutes.

Showered with confetti and flower petals as he checked into the Eden Gardens at 10.30 in the morning, Tendulkar went to the field and had a long discussion with coach Duncan Fletcher.

Sachin padded up but waited patiently for his turn as openers Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan batted in the two nets.

Sachin batted for about 10 minutes in the pace bowling net with India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav forming the attack, apart from local bowlers.

In the adjoining net, Tendulkar batted a little longer against spinners Pragyan Ojha, Ravichandran Ashwin and Vijay. Sachin ended his session with some throwdowns and catching practice.

Earlier, a five-feet four-inch statue of Tendulkar greeted the 40-year-old batsman as the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) rolled out a grand welcome.

Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden's quote on Tendulkar -- 'I've seen God. He comes out to bat for India at No 4.' -- was displayed prominently right above the India dressing room door while the wax statue was installed next to the door.

'Prince' Virat Kohli can fill in Sachin Tendulkar's shoes, says Ian Chappell

Former Australian captain Ian Chappell on Sunday joined the bandwagon of experts who feel that Virat Kohli can fill in the big shoes of retiring Sachin Tendulkar, describing the youngster as the "prince" of Indian cricket.

Chappell says that the Australians should not feel relieved at the impending retirement of Tendulkar as they could be meted out the same treatment in future from Kohli, who hit two stupendous centuries against the Aussies in the just-concluded ODI series.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, a few days back, had said that Kohli can break Tendulkar's record number of ODI centuries.

"With Tendulkar on the verge of retirement, Australian bowlers, past and present, must be sighing with relief that the torment is nearly over. Those expressions of relief are a bit premature. Virat Kohli's two recent centuries, plundered in winning Indian causes, were eerily similar and a stark reminder of Tendulkar's feat against Australia in Sharjah in 1997-98," Chappell wrote in 'ESPNcricinfo'.

"He (Kohli) is now set to take over not only Tendulkar's coveted No. 4 spot but also his mantle as the Indian player opponents most want out. Long remember the king for he's (nearly) gone; hail the prince, because he's still around to torment bowlers," he said.

Comparing Tendulkar's two Sharjah centuries with those of Kohli's two recent tons, Chappell said, "Tendulkar's first hundred in Sharjah was scored in a game India had to perform exceptionally well to advance to the final, while the second came in the final to pull off an extraordinary win - they were the two best ODI innings I saw Tendulkar play.

"He tore into an Australian attack that included Shane Warne, and in both innings Tendulkar scored at better than a run a ball in an era when that wasn't an everyday occurrence.

"Kohli went one better than Tendulkar. Both his imperious centuries ended in unlikely Indian victories. That's not to say Kohli is a better player than Tendulkar, but he has acquired the knack of being at crease when the winning runs are hit in extraordinarily difficult chases."
Chappell said just like Tendulkar's stardom was confirmed with his two centuries in Australia in 1991-92 tour, Kohli also proved his special liking for Australian bowling attack in India's 2011-2012 tour.

"There was his (Tendulkar's) hundred at the SCG in 1991-92, which set in motion a love affair with the ground. That was bettered two Tests later by a remarkable century on the bouncy WACA pitch. Tendulkar was already a star, but this remarkable performance ensured the world would understand that this was a batsman out of the box.

"To continue the Tendulkar-Kohli similarities, it was an innings in Perth by the younger batsman that enhanced his self-belief at Test level. Kohli didn't make a hundred at the WACA, but his confidence-building 75 in second innings was a shining jewel in the rubble of India's performance; this he followed up with a century in his next Test innings," Chappell said.

"Like so many overseas batsmen before him, a century in Australia was the achievement that convinced Kohli he had arrived as a Test player. Since then he hasn't looked back."

Despite those similarities, Chappell felt Tendulkar and Kohli were different personalities, especially in their temperament.

"Kohli started his career at a much more advanced age than the child prodigy and they are totally dissimilar in temperament," said the former Australian captain.

"Tendulkar, calm and calculating, is reserved more by circumstance than nature. Kohli, on the other hand, is an extrovert who wears his heart on his sleeve, and you wonder if that won't hurt him when he endures a rough trot. The Indian fan's obsession with 'star culture' can be a two-edged sword."

Chappell said Kohli may have to reign in his emotions if he wants to become India captain.

"For the moment, Kohli's passion fuels his play, and in his more flamboyant innings it appears that there's nothing he can't achieve. As a likely future Indian captain, he may have to rein in outwardly emotional displays," he said.

"In the meantime, his batting is there to be savoured and enjoyed -- that is, if you are not an Australian bowler."