Exclusive Pics : Sachin Tendulkar Celebrating Mumbai's ranji Trophy Victory

A dominant Mumbai lifted their 40th Ranji Trophy title after skipper Ajit Agarkar and Dhawal Kulkarni combined to wreck Saurshtra for an innings and 125-run victory in the five-day final that ended inside three days at the Wankhede Stadium here today.

Saurashtra, trailing the home team by 207 runs in the first innings, were shot out for a pathetic 82 in less than three hours and 36.3 overs, 41 minutes after tea.

Mumbai, thus, clinched their 40th national title in 44 appearances in the summit contest and their first after two blank seasons.

Agarkar snapped up four wickets for 15 runs while his younger teammate Kulkarni grabbed 5/32 to complete splendid match figures of nine for 56.

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Tendulkar tells seniors to gift prize money to Mumbai juniors

The Ranji Trophy victory in Mumbai on Monday fetched the team a solid Rs 5 crores as prize money. While the Mumbai Cricket Association paid a whopping Rs 3 crores, the BCCI shelled out Rs 2 crores. Sachin Tendulkar, the team's elder statesman, promptly suggested the entire kitty should go the junior players.

Ecstatic after Mumbai's 40th title win, Tendulkar felt the senior players should be gracious enough to gift their "share" to the junior players.

Mumbai defeated Saurashtra by an innings and 125 runs at Wankhede courtesy stellar performances from the likes of 24-year-old Dhawal Kulkarni (9 wickets) and 23-year-old Hiken Shah (55).

The Little Master, who has an eye on the upcoming Test series against Australia, thanked all for their winning effort and said: "Really happy for our team. Thankful to everybody, especially (our) association," he said.

Mumbai skipper Ajit Agarkar also played a crucial role in ripping apart the opposition in the second innings and had four wickets to show for his efforts. "Especially (happy) for Ajit Agarkar. He had a rough season last year but performed really well," said Tendulkar.

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Exclusive Pics : Sachin Tendulkar at Nets, Wankhede Stadium, Jan 25,2013

Hosts Mumbai, bidding to regain the Ranji Trophy championship after a gap of two seasons, on Wednesday retained their semi final squad for the summit clash against Saurashtra to be played at the Wankhede Stadium here from January 26-30.

However, Mumbai's hopes of summoning opener Ajinkya Rahane and middle-order batsman Rohit Sharma, who are part of the Indian ODI squad playing against England, for the game have been dashed, according to Mumbai Cricket Association's joint secretary Nitin Dalal.

"We have retained the same squad (that played in the semis against Services at the Palam Ground in Delhi) for the final. But I don't think the Rahane and Rohit would be released for the match," he said.

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Exclusive Pics : Sachin Tendulkar at Nets, Wankhede Stadium, Jan 24,2013

Hosts Mumbai, bidding to regain the Ranji Trophy championship after a gap of two seasons, on Wednesday retained their semi final squad for the summit clash against Saurashtra to be played at the Wankhede Stadium here from January 26-30.

However, Mumbai's hopes of summoning opener Ajinkya Rahane and middle-order batsman Rohit Sharma, who are part of the Indian ODI squad playing against England, for the game have been dashed, according to Mumbai Cricket Association's joint secretary Nitin Dalal.

"We have retained the same squad (that played in the semis against Services at the Palam Ground in Delhi) for the final. But I don't think the Rahane and Rohit would be released for the match," he said.

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Exclusive Pics : Sachin Tendulkar & Asha Bhonsle at MAI Music Launch

NDTV: Asha Bhosle has invited Sachin Tendulkar to launch the music of her acting debut.

Prior to their film's release, most Bollywood celebrities seek all kinds of godly intervention for success in their endeavours. But legendary singer Asha Bhosle has gone a step further. She has invited the god of cricket Sachin Tendulkar to launch the music of her Bollywood acting debut.

Everyone knows the rapport the master blaster shares with Asha Bhosle as well as her sister Lata Mangeshkar. They are his biggest fans and he respects them a lot. So for her big moment, Asha Bhosle wanted no one but Sachin to release the music.

Says a source, "It was entirely Ashaji's idea to have Sachin at the event. She called him and requested him and he agreed to grace the event. She then told director Mahesh Kodiyal and producer Subhash Dawar and they were but naturally thrilled with the idea.

"Says Dawar, "Ashaji personally invited him to unveil the music of the film." In the past, Asha Bhosle has stated that she would love to sing a duet with Sachin Tendulkar. Perhaps at the event he could hum a few lines with her.

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Affection of fans played huge role in my career: Sachin Tendulkar

Senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar said that the "warmth and affection" that he has received from the cricket loving Indian fans across the globe has played a "huge role" in his career.

"Something that played a huge role in my career was the warmth and affection that I have received all across the world, whoever support Indian cricket," Tendulkar said at the music launch of 'Mai' where legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle is making her acting debut.

Champion sportspersons draw inspiration from various sources and for India's longest serving Test cricketer, his father late Ramesh Tendulkar has been the source.

"I can definitely say that my father is a source of inspiration. And then my brothers had a huge impact and after that my wife and her parents. They also play an important role. It's a family thing where it starts. At every stage there were certain goals to achieve and there are certain things which inspires you," the veteran of 194 Tests said.

The 39-year-old also took the opportunity to take a trip down memory lane as he paid rich tributes to Asha Bhosle.

"Everyone knows about the kind of impact that Asha ji has had on the Indian music. I have grown up listening to her music. In fact, ny favourite is 'In Aankho Ki Masti ke' (Umrao Jaan), which she sang for me and my wife."

When quipped about if he has any plans to make a silver screen debut, he answered,"Till the time I am playing cricket, it will only be cricket. I will do one thing at a time."

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Exclusive Pics : Sachin Tendulkar in Action During Day 6 of the Ranji Trophy Semi Finals

The final of Ranji Trophy 2012-13 between Mumbai and Saurasthra will be played at the Wankhede Stadium between January 26 and 30. This after Mumbai booked a shot at the title for the 44th time, defeating Services in New Delhi on Monday.

Mumbai managed to take the first innings lead against Services to ensure a summit clash against Services. This after Shardul Thakur struck early on Monday. While Ajit Agarkar was adjudged the man-of-the-match, the skipper said that the credit for the win should be given to the youngsters. 

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Exclusive Pics : Sachin Tendulkar Warms up ahead of Day 5 of Ranji Semi Finals

Mumbai bowlers came out hard with an aim to defeat the weather gods in their bid to enter the final of the Ranji Trophy for the 44th time, but the bravehearts from Services batted with a lot of purpose, taking the semi-final into the reserve sixth day. After more than 250 overs had been lost due to inclement weather and damp pitch, Services reached 164 for three in reply to Mumbai's commendable 454 for eight declared in their first innings.

While Mumbai need another seven wickets, Services require 291 runs in order to reach the summit round provided there is another short spell of shower, which can again change the script.

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Sachin Tendulkar fan breaches security during Ranji Trophy Semi Final

An over-enthusiastic young fan on Sunday escaped the eyes of the Airforce Police deployed at the Palam ground and entered the field of play to greet Sachin Tendulkar, who is playing for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy semi-final against Services.

For the first four days, civilians were not allowed to enter the venue as most of them clung onto the ground railing to watch Tendulkar's every movement. On Sunday, the gates were opened for the general public and around 500-odd spectators entered the ground.

The incident occured in the post-tea session when a young man in his mid-20's suddenly raced towards Tendulkar, who was fielding at the mid-on position.

Gauging his enthusiasm, Tendulkar offered to shake hands but the fan touched his feet, leaving the senior cricketer a trifle embarrassed. The Airforce policemen then caught hold of the man and brought him outside the ground.

"He was an over-enthusiastic fan. We scolded the boy and gave him stern warning," Air Commodore Baladitya said.

This is the second time in successive games that a fan had invaded the ground to greet Tendulkar.

In the Ranji Trophy quarter-final against Baroda, a middle-aged man entered the Wankhede Stadium to touch Tendulkar's feet after he reached the three-figure mark.

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Sachin Tendulkar praises Hockey India coach Michael Nobbs

Star cricketer Sachin Tendulkar on Thursday acknowledged and appreciated the hockey coach Michael Nobbs for the improvements he has brought in the Indian side, which has been doing well of late.

"Your hockey players really make us proud. And you (Nobbs) are grooming the next generation stars. Current hockey stars are inspiring the future players," Tendulkar, who recently retired from one-day cricket said.

Tendulkar also advocated the use of sports sciences in training sportsperson, saying it provides them with an opportunity to reflect upon their game and bring in necessary changes.

"Use of technology has given a new dimension and new approach to cricket. It has improved the way we look at sports. It gives you right feedback about your game," Tendulkar said at the launch of Sports education programme, Sportmentor -- an initiative of Indian cricket team's performance analyst Subramanian Ramakrishnan, fondly known as "Ramky".

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Sachin Tendulkar's absence from ODIs unfortunate, feels Brett Lee

Admiring Sachin Tendulkar for his "clockwork-like" mannerisms on the field, retired Australian pacer Brett Lee rued that the veteran Indian batsman will not been seen in the One-Day arena.

"Obviously, all good things at some stage must come to an end. Sachin is an absolute legend. He's been around for so long now and unfortunately we won't see Sachin playing One-Day cricket anymore," Lee said in a statement.

"He (Tendulkar) had an aura about him as well and you could tell he was a great player. Every time Sachin went out to bat he looked the part. He's always well dressed and prepared. He has his mannerisms at the crease, things every player does to get in a mindset and it's like clockwork," said Lee who has had some absorbing duels with Tendulkar in his playing days.

"He loves taking the ball on. He takes it personal, he wants to be the person who will go out there and do the job for his team, whether it is to set up or seal a win."

Lee said that in his international career Brian Lara was the only player, other than Tendulkar, who had pushed him hard to get the wicket.

"He (Tendulkar) is just so naturally gifted at what he can do. It's a nice stat to know that I've got him out nine times in ODIs. I think that when I played against Tendulkar I always gave a little bit extra if that was possible. I always find myself the best when I'm playing against the best. I think that brings out the best in me.

"Playing against him was a good test of your skills.

Lara is probably the only other guy in world cricket that pushed me like Tendulkar."

Lee said that it would be a sad day for the game when Tendulkar decides to end his international career by quitting Test cricket.

"I'm not sure when the actual day will come but hes obviously moved away from one day cricket now. Hopefully he enjoys the time off with his family and I guess when the time does come for him to move on from Test Cricket, it'll be a sad day for cricket."

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Exclusive Pics : Sachin Tendulkar's 56 vs Services, Ranji Trophy Semifinals

Services stunned Mumbai on the first morning of their Ranji Trophy semi-final by reducing them to 23 for 3. Sachin Tendulkar then led a mini Mumbai recovery but he was dismissed for 56 shortly after lunch to leave Mumbai 104 for 4.

Kaustubh Pawar was the first to fall, trapped lbw by SC Yadav. Wasim Jaffer was snaffled in the next over, caught behind off Nishan Singh. Hiral Shah then played out 12 deliveries before he was caught behind off Yadav for a duck. Mumbai crawled to 42 for 3 at lunch, with Nayar facing 49 balls for his 5 runs. After the break, Tendulkar began to loosen the shackles and moved to 50 from 71 balls. But after hitting left-arm spinner Avishek Sinha for six, he was caught trying to slog-sweep in the same over. His 56 took 75 deliveries and contained 10 fours and a six.

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Exclusive Pics : Fans Miss Sachin Tendulkar at Jawarharlal Nehru Stadium

THATSCRICKET : There were posters of Sachin Tendulkar at the Jawarharlal Nehru Stadium on Tuesday. All those said they missed the Master Blaster, who has a good bowling record at the venue! Tendulkar, who retired from ODIs last month, was missed by the crowd during the second match between India and England. Another player who was missed by the crowd was local boy S Sreesanth.


"We miss you Sachin" was the common line chanted in the stadium.

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Exclusive Pics : Sachin Tendulkar During a Training Session at the Palam Airforce ground

Sachin Tendulkar will be the centre of attraction as 39-time champions Mumbai take on the bravehearts from Services in the Ranji Trophy semi-final starting at the Palam Airforce ground on Wednesday.

Ajit Agarkar-led side start as overwhelming favourites but one can't count the institutional side out after their five-wicket victory over Uttar Pradesh.

On paper, Services are no match for Mumbai, whose line-up boasts of names like Tendulkar, domestic run-machine Wasim Jaffer, all-rounder Abhishek Nayar apart from two in-form youngsters in Hiken Shah and Kaustubh Pawar.

"I don't know about overwhelming but we are favourites.

It might sound arrogant but we have played at this level so many times that it has become like this," skipper Agarkar told the mediapersons after the team's training session.

Tendulkar faced a lot of throw downs after a delivery from left-arm spinner Vishal Dabholkar kept really low in the practice net and then he asked former India manager and SSCB secretary Air Commander Baladitya to increase the height of the sightscreen.(Cricket Country)

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