Tendulkar most searched Indian player in IPL

NEW DELHI: Sachin Tendulkar emerged as the most searched Indian cricketer, followed by Sourav Ganguly among the players in the third edition of Indian Premier League.

Google India, announced its second IPL Zeitgeist for 2010 - an insight into the most searched teams and players during the third season of the Indian Premier League.

Rajasthan Royals skipper Shane Warne continued to be the most searched international player at the IPL, for the second year running.

Conspicuous by their absence were popular names such as MS Dhoni, Virender Sehwag and 'the Fake IPL Player', who moved off the top 10 this year. Adam Gilchrist, Ryan Harris and Praveen Kumar made their debut on the list at number 7, 8 and 9 respectively.

Among the teams, Deccan Chargers ousted the Mumbai Indians from the top slot, who emerged as a close second. Chennai Super Kings rounded up the top three teams, as Kolkata Knight Riders dropped to number 4 this year.

'Super Over' emerged as the most searched IPL related query on YouTube followed by Chennai Super Kings. Yusuf Pathan, who did not make it to the IPL Zeitgeist on Google Search, emerged as the most searched player on YouTube.

To compile the 2010 IPL Zeitgeist, Google studied the aggregation of queries pertaining to IPL that people typed into Google search during the IPL season 3. We used data from multiple sources, including Insights for Search, Google Trends and internal data tools. We also filtered out spam and repeat queries to arrive to a list which captured the essence of the series. All of the search queries we studied are anonymous - no personal information was used.

Manmohan, Sachin on Time’s most influential list

Nine Indians, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and economist Amartya Sen have been named in Time magazine’s annual list of 100 most influential people.

The other Indians on the list are: Eye doctor Perumalsamy Namperumalsamy, humanitarian worker Sanjit Buker Roy, writer Chetan Bhagat, Indian-American doctor and Harvard professor Atul Gwande, paramedic from Toronto Rahul Singh and entrepreneur Kiran Mazumdar Shaw.

The magazine recognised the Indian Prime Minister’s contribution towards liberalising the economy and now “guiding India into the ranks of great powers.”

“The long history of India boasts many great leaders. But the much shorter history of Indian democracy is already creating its own heroes, and Manmohan Singh, 77, is one of them,” Indra Nooyi, CEO of Pepsi, wrote in the magazine.

Extravagantly outfitted singer Lady Gaga, former US President Bill Clinton and Brazil’s leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva are the world’s most influential people in different categories, according to Time magazine’s annual list.

A mango named Sachin

The master blaster has shattered many records and many of his fans have named their sons Sachin. But now, even a fruit has been named after the cricketing star. A rare talent, is now a rare variety of mango.

Mango expert, Kalimullah Khan says, "There is no player like Sachin Tendulkar in the whole world and that's why I have named this mango Sachin."

This hybrid mango or Sachin as it is now called is a combination of two of the finest Indian varieties, the juicy Goodar Shah and the delicious Chausa.

But this is not for sale.

"Our Sachin is a world hero and he is priceless and not a sale-able commodity. So, my attempt will be to send all the mangoes on this tree to Sachin so he can enjoy them with his friends," adds the mango expert.

Kalimullah has produced nearly 300 new mango varieties.

After Sachin, he's already planning another rare variety. This one will be named after one of Sachin's ardent fans, Lata Mangeshkar.

Kalimullah says, "I can think of Lata Mangeshkar. I have a desire to produce a slender variety of mango which should be able to carry the name of Lataji."

When India's finest cricketing talent meets India's finest fruit it'll surely be sweet!

Tendulkar's fans in Rajkot celebrate his birthday with 93 statues

Rajkot, April 24 (ANI): Cricket lovers in Gujarat's Rajkot city celebrated the 37th birthday of master blaster Sachin Tendulkar here on Saturday in their own special way.


Buzz up!
Kishore Ghedioya of Rajkot made the replica of a cricket ground and displayed 93 statues of Sachin Tendulkar, to highlight the 93 centuries made by him in both test and one-day cricket.


The model cricket ground was made in an area of 80 meters.

"I wanted to do this for a long time. My dream has been fulfilled now. My friends have helped me a lot in this effort. I pray to God that Sachin Tendulkar keeps on playing well and I get more chances to celebrate his birthdays. It's my dream, I hope Sachin Tendulkar fulfills it, that India wins the World Cup with Sachin Tendulkar in the Indian team," said Ghedioya.

Also put on show were 3,679 balls, which emphasized the 3,679 fours made by Tendulkar in his 20 year long international cricket career.

Ghedioya along with other Tendulkar fans celebrated Tendulkar's birthday by cutting a cake on his behalf.

"Today is Sachin Tendulkar's birthday and I have come here to celebrate his birthday. I learnt here that he has made ninety-three centuries and so on this occasion people here have made ninety-three statuettes of him. I also wish Sachin Tendulkar a very happy birthday. I am delighted to come here. We celebrated his birthday by cutting a cake," said Vivek Arora, a student.

Tendulkar has etched his name in the annals of cricket history with almost all major batting records under his cap.

He became the first batsman to score 200 runs in one-day internationals, during the second ODI against South Africa in Gwalior, India on February 24, 2010.

Tendulkar was named player of the 2003 World Cup, scoring a record 673 runs to help India reach the final, where they lost to Australia. The next year, he equaled compatriot Sunil Gavaskar's world record of 34 test hundreds while compiling 248 not out, his highest score, in Australia.

He also surpassed West Indies' Brian Lara's record as the highest test run-scorer in 2008. Lara had scored 11,953 runs before he retired from international cricket in 2007. Tendulkar has scored 13,447 test runs.

Cricketers, politicians, stars wish Sachin on 37th birthday

MUMBAI: The controversies surrounding the Indian Premier League (IPL) took a backseat as ciricketers, Bollywood stars and politicians wished batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar a happy 37th birthday on Saturday and and hoped for his speedy recovery for Sunday's final between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.

Tendulkar is doubtful for the IPL final as he has stitches on his hand and is struggling to recover in time for the match.

Leading the state in greeting Sachin, Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranaraynn said, "the entire nation and cricket lovers across the world are proud" to see him setting new records in all formats of cricket.

"As a great admirer of your style and sense of commitment to the nation, I join the millions of your fans in wishing you a very special birthday," the governor said in a message.

"While congratulating you, I hope you will continue to set newer records in the years to come," Sankaranarayanan said.

Tendulkar's Mumbai Indians team mate Harbhajan Singh, greeting the maestro said he is "not 37 years old, but 37 years young, as he continues to play with the zeal of an enthusiastic youngster even today."

Harbhajan said he always felt very close to Tendulkar and looked up to him for advice in his good and bad times.

"In fact I think I have reached this stage in life only because of his support," he added gallantly.

In a special front-page article on the occasion, Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamna paid a tribute to the master-blaster and wished him many more records for the future.

Rajasthan Royals captain and Australian spin legend Shane Warne also wished Tendulkar via Twitter.

"Happy birthday to the little master and my friend Sachin!! Hope he is not injured for the final... Good luck to both teams," Warne said on his Twitter account.

Yuvraj Singh tweeted: "Happy birthday Master Blaster. Lots of love n best of wishes for the final."

Bollywood was also not behind as veteran actor Anupam Kher said Tendulkar is a "reason to be proud of being an Indian".

"Happy birthday Sachin. You are one of THE reasons to be proud of being an Indian. Tks 4 helping us Rise above the pettiness of our surroundings," Kher said.

Bollywood superstar and owner of Kolkata Knight Riders owner Shah Rukh Khan wished Tendulkar a happy birthday and hoped that he recover for the final.

"Happy Birthday Sachin. Hope ur fingers heal soon," Khan said.

Laxman, Harris congratulate Sachin for his Birthday

New Delhi: With Sachin Tendulkar approaching his 38th birthday on April 24, his India teammate VVS Laxman today congratulated the master batsman and hoped that he will continue to serve the country in the coming years.

"I wish Sachin happy birthday. He is a great cricketer who has done so much for his country and I wish him a nice life ahead," Laxman said.

Tendulkar, who made his Test debut against Pakistan in 1989, has become the highest run accumulator in both forms of the international cricket -- Test and ODI.
"I hope Tendulkar will continue with his fine form in the international cricket for some more time and will guide Indian team to more memorable victories," Laxman told reporters here.

Meanwhile, Laxman`s Deccan Chargers teammate Ryan Harris also congratulated Tendulkar.

"Sachin has completed 20 years in international cricket and this is a great achievement no doubt. Sachin is the king of cricket and it is always a privilege to see him batting against any opponent," Harris said.


"I also congratulate him," the Australian said.

Sachin special takes MI into the semis

The Mumbai Indians have a powerful batting order, some handy pacemen, but it counts for nought unless Sachin Tendulkar pulls his weight.
This has been the case in the visitors’ last two away matches and it could have been the same on Sunday. But the Mumbai skipper’s valiant knock of 89 not out bailed his team out of a batting collapse, gave a decent score to defend, and, finally got them that elusive victory.
Mumbai Indians beat the Rajasthan Royals by 37 runs and with it confirmed a semifinal berth.
Given that these are final stages of the league matches, every tie is a pressure game and Tendulkar proved smarter in a contest that didn’t favour him initially.
No one could breach Shane Warne’s fortress in the first IPL, but the Master Blaster is used to doing the unthinkable. Combative, industrious and fertile, Tendulkar showed why he is a cricketer of the highest calibre whose record and speed of scoring speak for themselves.
Being pegged back after Shane Watson made early inroads in the Mumbai top order, Tendulkar played a waiting game after Sanath Jayasuriya and Ambati Rayudu were sent back in the second over and Saurabh Tiwary’s wicket in the fourth proved to be a big blow.
It takes guts and imagination to recover after losing three quick wickets and Tendulkar showed both qualities in plenty. He carved a partnership with JP Duminy to get hold of a match that was fast slipping away. They pushed for the singles, punished the loose deliveries and avoided anything silly to negate wicket-taking opportunities.
Tendulkar deployed the sweep shot against Warne, often stepped out for the big hits and never showed any sign of vulnerability.
Mumbai reached 100 in the 14th over, Tendulkar clinched his 50 in the 16th and the visitors finished with 174 at the end of 20 overs.
Mumbai scored 68 runs in the last five overs and carried that momentum with the ball to beat the Royals convincingly.

Tendulkar leads Mumbai into semis

Jaipur: Sachin Tendulkar took the Mumbai Indians to the semi-finals of the IPL by thumping the Rajasthan Royals for the first time on their home ground. Though they had an almost perfect start, the Royals were dazzled by Tendulkar's magic on Sunday as they lost by 37 runs at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium on Sunday.
Shane Warne tried all his tactics at the 'fortress' but Tendulkar was up for it as he revived the Mumbai Indians with an unbeaten 89 off 59 balls. Once tottering, the Mumbai Indians managed an impressive 174-5, thanks to a super innings from their skipper.

In their chase, Royals were never in the hunt with Zaheer Khan and some needless run outs giving Mumbai control right from the onset. The home team could manage only 137-8 in their 20 overs.
Rajasthan lost three wickets for 11 runs and never managed a fightback with Adam Voges (28) top-scoring for them. After both openers perished, they were jolted when Shane Watson (one) was run out in the third over due to a mix-up with Faiz Fazal. Yusuf Pathan (10), who had slammed a hundred against the Mumbai Indians in their previous outing, could manage only one six before skying one off Kieron Pollard.
Earlier, after electing to bowl, Shane Watson ripped through the Mumbai top order with three quick wickets to have the visitors on the mat at 30-3 in the fourth over. The Aussie all-rounder snared Sanath Jayasuriya (one), Ambati Rayadu (zero) and Saurabh Tiwary (15).
Tendulkar and JP Duminy (31 off 32) then started the recovery process with some steady batting. The master also stitched a crucial stand with Kieron Pollard (25 off 13).
After a patient half-century, Tendulkar, who was dropped on 45 by Aditya Dole, opened up his shoulders in the end, blasting Siddarth Trivedi for 20 runs in the last over including two sixes. The Mumbai skipper also smashed 10 boundaries in his unconquered knock.
Tendulkar's blaze in the end also helped him snatch back the Orange Cap from Royal Challengers Bangalore's Jacques Kallis. The South Africa all-rounder now trails Tendulkar by 11 runs.

Sachin meets Saraswathi

The legend approached the 87-year-old Saraswathi Vaidyanathan with folded hands and sought her blessings. Affectionately calling Tendulkar her fourth grandson, she gifted an idol of Lord Ganesh to the batting maestro
The air suffused with warmth, Sachin Tendulkar greeted a special admirer at a city hotel here on Monday. The legend approached the 87-year-old Saraswathi Vaidyanathan with folded hands and sought her blessings.

Despite an illustrious career of miles and milestones, cricket's most successful batsman has retained a great sense of humility. “I read in the article that you have followed all my innings and know all my records. I need your good wishes,” said the man who cuts across barriers.

The April 1 issue of The Hindu Metro Plus broke the story of how Saraswathi, unmindful of her advancing age, had kept track of Tendulkar's glorious journey. She maintained her own statistics of the maestro, kept awake all night to follow his innings on television and prayed for him.

Her body weak, Saraswathi had difficulty walking. Yet her eyes laughed when she saw Tendulkar in flesh and blood. Not wanting the moment to fly away and turning distinctly emotional, she said, “I am lucky to meet you.” Tendulkar corrected her. “No, I am lucky to meet you,” he said.

Saraswathi recalled Tendulkar's records — to the legend's great delight — and expressed her wish that he complete 100 international centuries. Tendulkar is seven short of the landmark. “I will,” replied a beaming Tendulkar.

She then gifted Tendulkar an idol of Lord Ganesh. Tendulkar touched her feet, again in all humility. Soon, he autographed her prized possession — a bat signed by several accomplished cricketers. The maestro's name had been missing from the list.

Affectionately calling Tendulkar her fourth grandson — Saraswathi has three grandsons and a granddaughter — she asked the legend, “How are Anjali [Tendulkar's wife], Arjun [son] and Sara [daughter] doing?”

Tendulkar answered, “They are all well.”

Saraswathi's second son C.V. Venkitakrishnan said: “Whenever she has a health issue, all she needs to do is to watch Tendulkar bat. All her pain disappears. He is a tonic for her.”

Despite being pressed for time, Tendulkar had happily agreed to meet Saraswathi. It came after a team meeting of the Mumbai Indians at Park Sheraton, ahead of the evening practice session.

Tendulkar was moved on more than one occasion. Saraswathi had the final say. “You are short in stature, but very big in deeds,” she said. Tendulkar smiled, once again.

Sachin Tendulkar’s Birthday as ‘World Cricket Day’

Hereafter, we may celebrate ‘World Cricket Day’ on April 24th, Master Blaster Tendulkar’s birthday.

The International Cricket Council is rumored to be thinking on celebrating Sachin’s birthday as the ‘World Cricket Day.’

For any cricketer, Sachin is the perfect role model. Tendulkar has carried the expectations of a nation of 1.2 billion people since his debut as a 16-year-old in 1989.

He holds the record for most runs in tests (13,447) and one-day internationals (17,598) and most centuries in tests (47) and ODIs (46).

Recently, Sachin registered his double century against South Africa. But now, it resembles Sachin will add another sensation in his life. Early next year Tendulkar will feel even more weight on his shoulders when India hosts the One-Day World Cup.

Bravo praises Tendulkar's leadership

Mumbai: West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Bravo today said Sachin Tendulkar's leadership and the contributions from domestic cricketers have played a major role in Mumbai Indians' good display in this year's Indian Premier League.
"We have some good, young local players and they have contributed very well. They have played a big part in the
team's success so far. Obviously our captain (Tendulkar) has
been leading us from the front. He's been a top run-scorer.
And his ability to lead - I think that is great also," Bravo
told PTI in an interview here today.

MI have made a great start with six wins from seven games.

Bravo said he has been impressed by the progress made by young Jharkhand batsman Saurabh Tiwary in one year's time.

"This is his second year, I first saw him in South Africa (in last year's IPL). Now I think he has come a long way and I'm very very happy," the 26-year-old Trinidadian said.

Stating he has been impressed by another young player, Ambati Rayudu, Bravo said the youngsters in the team not only are oozing with talent but also possess the right outlook.

"I am impressed with Rayudu too. I have seen a brief stint of him. They all have lot of talent and ability and the right attitude too. Once you have the right attitude and hunger for success, I think you will do well," he said.

Bravo felt the Mumbai franchise has also come to grips with the way to go about in the tournament this season.

"In the first year of IPL a lot of teams did not know what to expect, did not know how to play the tournament. It was the first time all of us played together for the first time.

"IPL 2 was in a different country and conditions came into play, In IPL 3 I think a lot of hard work has been put in by the management staff," he explained.

Conceding he could have performed better on the field since joining the team late because of his commitments in the West Indies, Bravo said he was happy that the team was on a roll.

"Well I would love to do a bit more. Most importantly the team is winning and once the team is winning I'm comfortable. When I left home that was my aim, to make sure we have a better outing for ourselves in IPL 3. So far we have been going good and hope to continue the form," he said.

Bravo, who has played 34 Tests and 102 ODIs, viewed the IPL as crucial for players from different countries to not only pick up some form but also inputs about rival players ahead of the upcoming World T20 Cup in the West Indies.

"There is opportunity where you can pick up some fault in other players and try and pass on the message back home to your teammates. There's opportunity for players to pick up form as well going into the the World Twenty20," he said.

Sania Mirza To Always Remain Sachin Tendulkar’s Fan

India's tennis ace Sania Mirza has shocked India and Pakistan after announcing her marriage plans with Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik. The 23 –year old Sania Mirza claimed that even after her marriage with the Pakistan cricketer she will continue playing for India. The tennis ace also added that Sachin Tendulkar will always remain her favourite cricketer.

Sania Mirza quoted, "I think a husband is different to my favourite cricketer, Sachin is my favourite cricketer and will always be.”

After the news of Sania Mirza entering the wedlock with Shoaib Malik broke in public, people started speculating that this marriage can improve the relations of the two nations.

But, Sania Mirza insisted that they are not thinking anything about the political change. "Didn’t really think whether we are going to make a political change or anything. I mean today I am as much an Indian as I was yesterday even before I took the decision to marry Shoaib and he is also as much Pakistani as he was yesterday...I am going to keep playing for India, India is my country and it will always remain so,” Sania maintained.

She also added that whenever there will be a match between India and Pakistan, she will always support India. "Of course I will, I will always support India no matter what especially if Sachin is playing, I will support Sachin," the Tennis ace claimed.

She added, "I am sure Shoaib will have a fight with me after this interview but still."