India recorded their first series triumph on New Zealand soil in 41 years though rain denied them a deserving victory in the third Test on Tuesday.
Rain played spoilsport in India's push for a 2-0 series win on the fifth and final day and the hosts escaped with a draw after they were down 281 for eight in the post-lunch session in chase of a near impossible 617 for a win.
The visitors will have to be content with a 1-0 victory in the three-match Test series after India won the first match in Hamilton by 10 wickets and drawing the second in Napier.
Despite the draw, India ended their long wait of 41 years to win a Test series in New Zealand after Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi-led side drubbed the Kiwis 3-1 in 1968.
Winds of dissatisfaction have been blowing all over England with the sacking of their coach Peter Moores following their poor performance against India in India. Kevin Pietersen has stepped down as England captain with immediate effect and Andrew Strauss has been named captain for the tour of West Indies later this month and the ECB will begin an immediate search for a new coach.
Pietersen said "in light of recent communications with the ECB, and the unfortunate media stories and speculation that have subsequently appeared, I now consider that it would be extremely difficult for me to continue in my current position with the England cricket team. Accordingly, I have as of this afternoon decided to stand down as England captain with immediate effect. Notwithstanding my resignation as England captain, I still fully intend to be a part of both England's Test and One Day International squad to tour the West Indies next month and to do all I can to recapture the Ashes during the summer."
India started on a poor note in the second ODI at Indore. After a crushing victory over in England in the first ODI, India has been a favorite for the second ODI.
With India at 29/3, all the expectations are on Yuvi now. If you can recall, Yuvraj Singh had scored hooping 138 not out, leading India to their crushing victory over England.
As you may know by know, I am a big fan of Kapil Dev Nikhanj, the legendary. He has been the only Indian captain to bring home World Cup. Indian Cricket has improved by a factor of magnitude after after the World Cup win. He has inspired hundreds of Indians to become cricketer and specifically pacemen.
Yesterday, when I was watching SaReGaMaPa on Zee TV, I was surprised to see that the whole episode was dedicated to promoting ICL. And to add to it, Greatest of great Indian legendary Kapil Dev was invited as a guest, with his ICL captains.
If you have ever listened to Kapil, each and every word from his mouth is a source of inspiration. He is never political. And he was the same yesterday, inspiring the budding singers in his own way. It was great to listen to him.
He was presented with a momento on the 25th anniversary of him leading the Indian win in Worldcup.
On a related note, he has been doing a great service in providing opportunity to little stars to be great cricketers via ICL. ICL season two is underway.
