Fwd: Press Release: CEAT Cricket Rating (CCR) felicitates outstanding performances in the International Arena

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From: pallavi mishra <pallavi.r.mishra@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Jun 2, 2014 at 8:39 PM
Subject: Press Release: CEAT Cricket Rating (CCR) felicitates outstanding performances in the International Arena
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Greetings!

Please find below the press release on "CEAT Cricket Rating (CCR) felicitates outstanding performances in the International Arena". Also attached is the release and pictures for your reference.

                                                      

 

                                                                            

CEAT Cricket Rating (CCR) felicitates outstanding performances in the International Arena

 

                                 Syed Kirmani conferred with CEAT International Lifetime Achievement Award

 

Ø  CEAT International Cricketer of the Year – Virat Kohli (India)

Ø  CEAT International ODI Player of the Year – Shikhar Dhawan (India)

Ø  CEAT International T20 Player of the Year – Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)

Ø  CEAT International Test Player of the Year – Mitchell Johnson (Australia)

Ø  CEAT International Domestic Cricketer of the Year – Robin Uthappa (India)

Ø  CEAT International Popular Choice Award – Glenn Maxwell (Australia)

Ø  CEAT International Special Award for "Indian Player of the year" – Ravichandran Ashwin (India)

Ø  CEAT International Young Player of the Year – Vijay Zol (India)

 

 

Mumbai, JUNE 2nd,2014: Tyre major CEAT Limited celebrated the success and glory of International cricket  with 'CEAT Cricket Rating (CCR) International awards 2014 ' at a glittering ceremony here today. The awards honored the best of the International cricketers based on their performances as rated by the CEAT Cricket ratings (CCR) for the year 2013 – 2014.

 

CEAT Cricket Rating (CCR) is the first cricket rating to officially recognize and reward cricketers for their performances in the international cricket arena. This year CEAT Cricket Rating (CCR) awards touched a new high with awards in 8 different categories.

 

Mr. Harsh Goenka, Chairman, RPG Group said, 'The CCR International Award function is a reiteration of the close association CEAT has with cricket and our endeavor to recognize the individual brilliances on the international cricket scene." He added "In India, where cricket is not just a sport, CCR awards plays a pivotal role in paying tribute to not just the cricketing brilliance but also the millions of cricketing fans as well".

 

Australia & India dazzled at the event by sweeping away most of the CEAT Cricket Rating (CCR) awards among them. The awards honor the best of the International cricketers based on their performances in international cricketing in all formats, i.e T20, test and ODI, as rated by the CEAT Cricket ratings (CCR) for the year 2013 – 2014.

 

India's Virat Kohli was announced as the CEAT overall International cricketer of the year while Shikhar Dhawan was conferred with the CEAT ODI Player of the year. Rewarding the younger talent, India's Vijay Zol was the CEAT young player of the Year. Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan was conferred with CEAT International T20 player of the year and Australia's Mitchell Johnson was announced as CEAT International Test Player of the year

 

In addition to the above, CEAT Indian player of the year Award was conferred to R Ashwin. Australia's Glenn Maxwell received the award for being the most popular cricketer in recent times.

 

This Year, CCR, also introduced the Domestic Cricketer of the Year award to recognize & felicitate the cricketing talent in the Indian domestic circuit. The winner of this award, is none other than, Mr Robin Uthappa

 

It was also a day to honor the stalwarts of the yesteryears who have carved a name for themselves as legends of Cricket. Cricketing legend Syed Kirmani  was awarded the 'CCR International Lifetime Achievement Award'  One of India's greatest wicketkeepers, he has represented the country in 88 tests and 49 one-day internationals and finished with a total of 234 dismissals.

 

                                                 

CEAT Cricket Ratings has been a pioneer in identifying and honoring the potential cricketing talent of the country. CEAT has also initiated the Under-19 cricketing awards taking another step to emphasize its commitment to cricket.

                                                               

Speaking on the occasion cricket legend and the chief adjudicator of the CEAT Cricket Rating Mr.Sunil Gavaskar said, "CEAT International Cricket Rating Awards is one of the most important events in Cricketing calendar as it recognizes the achievements of the players from grassroots to the international arena and has now reached its 19^th year" He also added,  "It is good to see an Indian winning the main award again and that he has won it the second time at such a young age  should inspire other youngsters also to win the coveted award.   It is also wonderful to see Syed Kirmani being recognised for his tremendous service to Indian cricket. He is without doubt one of India's all-time greats."

                                         

ABOUT THE CEAT CRICKET RATINGS AWARDS:

The CEAT Cricket Rating was the first rating system in international cricket to recognize and reward outstanding performers in cricket on an annual basis. Conceived in 1995 by CEAT, the CEAT Cricket Rating attempted to answer every cricket-lover's persistent and perennial query – "Who is the best of the best?"

The CEAT Cricket Rating stands out by virtue of its simplicity. It comprises an objective points system that awards points to cricketers for their batting, bowling and on-field performances.

The cricketer that accumulates the highest number of points in their respective categories at the end of the period are declared the CEAT Cricket Rating International Cricketer..

The past winners of the CEAT Cricket Rating have been:

 

Year	Cricketer of the Year	Team of the Year
1995-96	Brian Lara	N/A
1996-97	Venkatesh Prasad	Pakistan
1997-98	Sanath Jayasuriya	Australia
1998-99	Jacques Kallis	South Africa
1999-00	Sourav Ganguly	Australia
2000-01	Muttiah Muralitharan	South Africa
2001-02	Muttiah Muralitharan	Australia
2002-03	Ricky Ponting	Australia
2003-04	Brian Lara	Australia
2004-05	Jacques Kallis	Australia
2005-06	Ricky Ponting	Australia
2006-07	Muthiah Muralitharan	Sri Lanka
2007-08	Mahela Jayawardene	Sri Lanka
2008-09	Gautam Gambhir	India
2009-10	Shane Watson	Australia
2010-11	Jonathon Trott	England
2011-12	Virat Kohli	India

 

The adjudicators: The CEAT CRICKET RATINGS are overseen by cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar, who is the adjudicator for the ratings.

About CEAT Ltd:

CEAT, the flagship company of RPG Enterprises, was established in 1958. Today, CEAT is one of India's leading tyre manufacturers and has strong presence in global markets, and has a capacity of over 700 tonnes per day. CEAT offers the widest range of tyres to all segments and manufactures world-class radials for: Heavy-duty Trucks and Buses, Light Commercial Vehicles, Earthmovers, Forklifts, Tractors, Trailers, Cars, Motorcycles and Scooters as well as Auto-rickshaws. CEAT enjoys a major market share in the light truck & truck tyre market and its tubes and flaps are renowned for their superior quality and durability.

 

About RPG Enterprises

RPG Enterprises, established in 1979, is one of India's fastest growing business groups with a turnover of Rs 17,000 crore. The group has diverse business interests in the areas of Tyre, Infrastructure, IT and Specialty.

 

Media contacts:

RPG Group:

Chikita Kukreja – 9820191347, chikita@rpg.in

Ketchum Sampark:

Krishnamoorthy R– 9967067542, krishnamoorthy.r@ketchumsampark.com

Pallavi Mishra – 9967831442, Pallavi.mishra@ketchumsampark.com

 

Interview: Daryl Tuffey

"Aussies don't sledge much" -- Daryl Tuffey

HARESH PANDYA

Right-arm fast-medium bowler Daryl Raymond Tuffey was a kingpin in Stephen Fleming's competitive New Zealand team. The strongly-built Tuffey, whose bowling style has shades of the former Kiwi quick Ewen Chatfield's, had an unusual reputation of dealing a deadly blow or two very early in the opposition's innings. Unfortunately, just when he was at the pinnacle of his prowess in 2004-05, injuries began to plague his career. Most of these were shoulder injuries and Tuffey was rendered hors de combat more often than not. He made a brief appearance on the international scene last year, and also figured in one World Cup match in the West Indies, but recurrence of his old shoulder injury thwarted his bid to stage a successful comeback in the New Zealand side. With his international career virtually over, Tuffey has joined the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL). Excerpts from an exclusive interview with the affable Kiwi, who has taken 66 wickets at 31.16 in 22 Tests and scalped 91 victims at 31.97 apiece in 80 ODIs.

Let's begin with an obvious, even inevitable, question. What made you join the ICL?

Well, to be honest, it's an opportunity to play more cricket. Besides, I've played a lot of Twenty20 cricket during my career. So it's good to come here and play with and against some of the finest players of the world, including Brian Lara and Inzamam-ul-Haq. I've played with quite a few Kiwis, who are here in the ICL, and it's a nice feeling to be with them again. Importantly, I hadn't been bowling as well as I normally do, which meant I mightn't have played a lot of cricket for New Zealand. So this is a good opportunity to play and prove my trade.

Are you suggesting that you haven't joined the ICL out of any frustration at having been forced to miss representing New Zealand because of your injuries?

Not really. I've been playing with injuries over the last couple of years. And I haven't had many opportunities to really force my way back into the New Zealand team on a consistent basis because of those injuries. So I'm quite used to it and my joining the ICL has nothing to do with any frustration. And I'm not at all frustrated, anyway. I've joined the ICL to play some more cricket and prove my ability all over again.

But haven't these injuries disappointed you, frustrated you, personally as a player, particularly given your talent as a bowler and your laudable achievements during your brief spell in international cricket?

Yes, they've to some extent. But what to do? What can you do about injuries which aren't in your hand? I've had a series of injuries over the last two-three years. I sustained an injury in the last World Cup, too, and had to return home early. It was the same shoulder injury that had troubled me earlier. So, yeah, it's a bit frustrating. But life goes on.

Have you given up hopes of ever playing for New Zealand again?

Well, I reckon I'd still like to play for my country again. I'm going to stake my claims for my province. And who knows I may still get another opportunity and end up representing New Zealand again. But the ICL is a good opportunity in terms of enjoying and playing cricket.

Are you satisfied with whatever you have done and achieved during your New Zealand career?

I think I've done pretty well during the limited opportunities that I had to prove my capability in international cricket. I always tried my best. Of course, I haven't done well on some occasions. But that's the way cricket goes, really. You can't always perform well. But I did enjoy my time when I had been playing for New Zealand. And who knows I might still play for my country again, as I just told you. I haven't shut the door. Not yet.

Did you have the right kind of support at the other end when you used to spearhead the New Zealand attack?

Yes, it was good. Shane Bond and Jacob Oram always lent me good support at the other end. I've a very close friendship with both of them. I keep in touch with them quite regularly; and also with my other New Zealand colleagues. I'm really looking forward to playing with them again.

Do you believe in the theory that fast bowlers are more successful, or at least do better than usual, when hunting in pairs?

Yes, I think they tend to do better when bowling in tandem. At the moment Chris Martin and Kyle Mills are doing a good job for New Zealand. In the past, Shane Bond and I were doing pretty well when bowling together. Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis for Pakistan and Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee for Australia were enormously successful when bowling in pairs. One can go on giving examples of many fast bowlers who were very successful when they bowled in pairs. So it's pretty important for fast bowlers to hunt in pairs.

Would you mind assessing your own bowling?

I think I swing the ball well. It's one of my biggest assets. But, more importantly, taking early wickets is a key for me as a new-ball bowler. That's my job.

You are known more for your swing bowling than your speed. But have you ever tried to bowl as fast as you could?

I was never an express, 150 kmph bowler. I'm happy the way I bowl and the way I've bowled throughout my career. I never try, have never tried, to generate extra pace. Frankly speaking, swing is more important for me than speed.


What has been the secret of your success as a fast bowler? Ability to swing the ball or good control over line and length?

Well, actually both. I've played a lot of cricket with former New Zealand fast bowler Dion Nash. I remember him saying about first-class fast bowling: "Just concentrate on line and length and accuracy." Glenn McGrath made a career doing precisely that, just blocking up, doing his things and picking up wickets. So basically a fast bowler has to try and do that, really.

Who has been your role-model as a fast bowler?

When I was growing up, I used to love Ian Bishop of the West Indies. He was a great fast bowler. I always enjoyed watching him in action. Since mid-1990s, McGrath was great to watch. In fact, McGrath tops all fast bowlers when it comes to watching and enjoying.

Did you ever try to bowl like Bishop or McGrath or any other bowler?

No, never. Even if you try, it just isn't possible to copy any other fast bowler. As a bowler, I'm my natural self. Of course, I copy every batsman when I am batting!

Could you recall some special dismissals of yours that gave you so much satisfaction as a bowler?

Whether you're a fast bowler or a spinner, you really enjoy foxing some batsmen. You really enjoy dismissing batsmen like Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. And also Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist – always very tough wickets to get. Those moments have been very pleasing. Having said that, there is no particular ball or a particular wicket that has stuck in my mind. It's just a combination of few.

Who do you think is the fastest bowler in contemporary cricket?

Fastest bowler in the world at the moment? Well, probably Brett Lee. I don't think Shoaib Akhtar at the moment is as fast as he otherwise can be. Brett Lee hasn't just been bowling well. He has been taking plenty of wickets as well. He was fine against Sri Lanka. So I think he is the fastest bowler in the world today.

Who is the best, if not the fastest, among the new-ball bowlers?

There're simply too many to single out any one in particular. S. Sreesanth from India could be one of the most competitive medium-pace bowlers in the world today. He seems to be a bit of a character and quite a competitor. He is taking wickets as well. I see a bright future for this young pace bowler.


But he tends to be very aggressive, doesn't he?

Yes. But so what? It fires him and as a result he gets more wickets. I think it's his style of playing cricket.

But is it good for a fast bowler to be so aggressive?

Aggression and intimidation are fine within reason. There is a law which you shouldn't cross. You really don't have to be too aggressive always and keep appealing. You've to use your discretion as to when to be aggressive and when not; and how much.

Did you ever try to intimidate a batsman?

No, not really. It isn't part of my game or my game-plan. No intimidation, no sledging for me. I just try to get as many wickets as I can by bowling to the best of my ability. That's my job. I leave intimidation and sledging to other guys.

Have you ever faced sledging when batting?

Not really.

Not even from your neighbours, the Aussies?

Haa haa haa haa haa! Well, the Aussies don't sledge much, really. They're tough competitors on the field. They want to do well against you. But there is no real verbal confrontation from the Aussies. At least I haven't come across any.

Which has been your happiest moment so far?

Well, probably winning the ICC Champions Trophy at Nairobi in Kenya in 2000. I think it has to be one of my better moments while being a part of the New Zealand team.

And the most unforgettable moment?

It always pains when you don't win from a good position, when you lose tight games, when you get injured. Not getting wickets despite bowling well is also a very sad feeling.

How did you find Stephen Fleming as a captain?

I think he was a very good tactician. He was a very good team leader, who knew how to get the best out of his players. But now Dan [Daniel Vettori] has taken over. I think he, too, is a very fine captain. I've played under him for my province. I think he is going to do a fantastic job. He is a very intelligent block. I think he is another one who can get the best out of his players. He leads from the front.

What makes New Zealand one of the best fielding sides in the world?

A lot of catching and ground fielding. We work very hard on our fielding. We've had some big sessions practising our fielding. The same is with Australia and South Africa. Good fielding always helps the team. It means half the battle is won. We always field well and give ourselves a chance to actually winning.

How Gujarati Cricketers Shone in IPL

No team from Gujarat in IPL, but Gujju cricketers shone brightly

HARESH PANDYA

Though Nardndra Modi's vibrant state fields three teams (Gujarat, Bardoa and Saurashtra) in the Ranji Trophy, none of them figured in the IPL. But many Gujju cricketers used it as as a platform to parade their brilliant talents.

Rajasthan Royals, who were crowned champions, had as many as six Gujarati players in their ranks. Not just Baroda's Yusuf Pathan, the hero of the final, but Siddharth Trivedi, Munaf Patel, Ravindra Jadeja and Niraj Patel also shone brightly and contributed to their team's ultimate triumph.

Gujarat's medium-pacer Trivedi was judiciously used by his captain Shane Warne and he responded with 13 wickets at 30.69. The gangling Trivedi often dealt crushing blows at vital junctures. The IPL has revived Trivedi's sinking career as he has been selected in the Indian team for the Emerging Players' Tournament to be played in Australia in July.

Speedster Munaf Patel, a moody but pucca Gujarati who plays for Mumbai, was a good complement to Trivedi. Munaf, who narrowly missed the bus for the tri-series in Bangladesh and the Asia Cup in Pakistan, took 14 wickets at 30.00 with 3 for 17 against Delhi Daredevils being his best figures.

Saurashtra's precocious allrounder Jadeja often chipped in with timely little innings batting down the order, scoring 135 runs at 19.29 with a strike rate of 131.07. He won rich encomia form even Warne for his undoubted genius. Rajasthan Royals' bowling was so good that Warne didn't require Jadeja's golden arm. Jadeja will also represent India in the Emerging Players' Tournament.

Left-handed Niraj Patel, the mainstay of Gujarat's batting, played only a handful of matches. But he essayed two crucial innings under trying circumstances and impressed one and all. His 40 not out in a nail-biting finish showed the exit door to Mumbai Indians and sealed his team's place in the semifinals. He had earlier top-scored with 57 in Rajasthan Royals' last league match, which they lost to Kings XI Punjab.

Jaydev Shah may not have played a single match for Rajasthan Royals, but he has reasons to smile as the national selectors have appointed him captain of an Indian team for the next month's three one-dayers against Israel in Israel.

Parthiv Patel, the Gujarat captain and wicketkeeper who tied the knot with his childhood sweetheart Avni Zaveri in February, has suddenly emerged as an aggressive batsman at the top of the order. With 302 runs at 27.45, including two fifties, and a strike rate of 101.67, he was one of the star performers for Chennai Super Kings.

It was heartening to see Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who has taken Parthiv's place in the Indian team, encourage the southpaw in every possible way. Parthiv has now been appointed captain of the Indian side for Emerging Players' Tournament down under.

Although overshadowed by his brother, Irfan Pathan did quite well for Kings XI Punjab, bagging 15 wickets at 23.33 and scoring 131 runs at 21.83.

While the highly-rated Saurashtra batsman Cheteshwar Pujara didn't get to play a single match for Kolkata Knight Riders, Baroda's Pinal Shah failed to make the most of his opportunities as he managed only 34 runs at 8.5 in four innings for Mumbai Indians.

Of all the Gujarati players in the IPL, only Pinal was a big let-down. But it isn't the end of the world for both Pujara and Pinal. While Pujara has been picked for the Israel-bound squad, Pinal will go to Australia under Parthiv.

Enthused and encouraged by Gujju cricketers' impressive show, a couple of big business houses from Ahmedbad have announced to filed a Vibrant Gujarat team in the next edition of the IPL.