23 March,2010 08:08 AM IST | | Correspondent
Sanath Jayasuriya's international cricket career seems to be approaching to an end. While he is definitely out of favour in the Sri Lankan scheme of things, yesterday he was dropped from the Mumbai Indians team as well.
Jayasuriya was benched after failing to make any impact in Mumbai Indians' first three IPL games.
Probably, it's time to look for a career beyond cricket. And, following in the footsteps of his former skipper Arjuna Ranatunga, politics looks to be Jayasuriya's calling. He will be contesting the Sri Lankan elections to be held next month. Jayasuriya will be missing the election campaign because of IPL commitments but he will be present on voting day -- April 8 -- in his constituency. He will leave after Mumbai's game against Chennai Super Kings in Chennai and will miss the next game against Kings XI, Punjab at Mohali on April 9.
Whatmore now?
There are two Whatmores involved in the third edition of the Indian Premier League. Incidentally, both were present during the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians match at the Brabourne Stadium yesterday. Dav Whatmore was around as coach of Knight Riders in the dugout, while his daughter Alex was on duty with the International Management Group, who have played a crucial role in the success of the IPL.
"I am based in Mumbai for the past one year and I stay with my dad. My brother and mother live in Melbourne," Alex told MiD DAY.
While pacing around the ground as her job demands, Alex had one eye on the game. Of course, expecting her not to be a KKR fan was asking for too much.
Pray and park!
The IPL has been a money-spinner for almost everyone associated with it. The amount of people benefiting from this popular league was highlighted adequately when the parking attendants in and around the CCI, who are in charge of the BMC-allotted parking spaces, were asking for Rs 300 as parking charges. Even parking at Nariman Point generated the same kind of response. The police had no option but to turn a blind eye considering they were busy manning the traffic that was rushing towards the stadium. Finally, a less expensive option was arrived at, but with a little bit of fibbing. And, if someone is planning to drive down for the next match at the CCI, this piece of advice could come in handy:u00a0 When the parking attendant asks you for an exorbitant amount, tell him that you are not here for the match and you have to go to a nearby building. The rate could come down to a modest Rs 30. This diarist speaks from yesterday's experience.
Jeers and cheers
MUMBAI is the best example of franchise-based cricket's growing popularity. Even before the first ball in the Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders game was bowled at the Brabourne Stadium yesterday, the crowd jeered Chris Gayle, the explosive West Indian opener, who was playing his first game for the visitors.
And when the teams were being announced, every Mumbai Indians player was greeted with a huge cheer, while boos were heard when the KKR playing XI was announced.
The crowd was chanting strike bowler's Lasith Malinga's name when he was running in to bowl to Sourav Ganguly, who is India's most successful captain. Considering how Indian cricketers are worshiped in India, there were doubts about whether an overseas player would get support when he is doing well against an Indian player. At least in Mumbai, the doubts have died down.
Joker in the pack
Mumbai Indians' Shikhar Dhawan gives one the impression that he takes his cricket very seriously. And he does!
However, the left-handed batsman, who got his team off to a good start yesterday, is quite a prankster in the dressing room.
The 24-year-old is always looking for ways to fool his mates. Such is his reputation that one regular at the Cricket Club of India, who has witnessed several pranks, compared him to Vinod Kambli.
Kambli's tricks on other players are quite famous and Dhawan could well be proud of such a comparison.
