There are players who are precocious and there are players who are prodigies — players who raise expectations levels with their promise, potential and performances.
The advent of T20 cricket has finally given fielding the importance it deserves. But over the ages, one has seen numerous brilliant efforts that remain etched in memory.
ICC match referees remain largely away from the gaze of the television cameras. And because most the referees are from a bygone past, their exploits are not widely known to the younger generation of cricket fans.
It was in January 1973, that Elvis Presley's concert in Hawaii became the first worldwide telecast by an entertainer thathad a bigger TV audience than the Apollo moon landings.
From being a nation that cricketers hated to travel, India is now the most sought-after destination for cricketers. Many have found their life-partners in India, while others have found goldmines in one form or the other.
Cricketers today enjoy rock star-like status. They earn megabucks, live a lavish lifestyle and rub shoulders with the rich and the famous. They flaunt a range of high-end cars accompanied by some of the most ravishingly beautiful women around.
Till the arrival of Kapil Dev on the scene in 1978, India always lamented the absence of a fast bowler. But the truth is, India did have some quality bowlers who kept performing season after season without getting the recognition from the national selectors.
Just about a week into Indian Premier League (IPL) 2015, each team has played at least once already. In this short span, we have seen top-notch performances from the likes of Brendon McCullum and Chris Gayle, but five unheralded cricketers have caught the attention even more.
The professional relationship between a sportsperson and a journalist is often one of mistrust. The latter has a tool which, when not used constructively, can cause damage to the sportsperson.
The intense passion of a cricket match between India and Pakistan is unmatched by any rivalry in cricket, including the Ashes clash between Australia and England.