DLF IPL 2011: Match 32 (DC v/s KTK)

Now, there are few moments which are bound to be captured. Especially, when you see the best bowler in both ODIs and Tests being hit to boundaries and on the contrary, the bowler with the lowest skill set possible - Ishant Sharma, has picked up 5 wickets in just three overs. I never thought of writing about this match after I saw the first innings. Deccan Chargers, as usual, were not able to deliver anything special and ended up with a very average score of 129 in their 20 overs. I was pretty much sleepy throughout the innings, with usual stuff going around. 

I was just bored with CSI:Miami episodes, when I went to the other room to sneak a peek on the score-card. Within those few micro-nano seconds, I believed the score to be something like 25/0, 15/0 or at worst 20/2 etc. But, I couldn't believe my eyes and was about to pinch myself when I saw bottom left corner of the TV screen. It was 6/5. Now, when you know Dale Steyn is there in the bowling attack with likes of Ishant Sharma, Manpreet Gony etc, I would expect it was him who ruptured the Kochi balloon. I was just out of one shock, and I suffered another blow when I came to know it was our very own Ishant Sharma. Yes, the same bowler who was hit for the maximum number of fours in the previous season. The same bowler who was the perpetrator behind KKR's most of the loses. His figures were 5 wickets for 6 runs in 3 overs- Incredible indeed. 
There is nothing more to speak of after 6/5, but I am amazed by Ravindra Jadeja's effort under those conditions to prevent an early collapse of the whole batting. Not only this match, he has transformed himself very nicely in this new season. After seeing his own team mates lifting the precious cup few weeks earlier, he has realized the importance of his form in IPL. Even, few of the notable commentators were praising his shots and confidence oozing out of each shot. He certainly has developed some muscles under the skin. Kochi were bowled out for 74, a good recovery from 6/5 and 11/6. This loss would hurt Kochi both point-wise and net run rate wise, especially when so many teams are tied at the same points. This season may soon, turn out to be a race of run rates. We just need to wait and watch, where the tide turns in the coming matches.

DLF IPL 2011: Match 31 (CSK v/s PWI)

Yah, I can understand, same teams again, so early, but this is not the first time it happened. The same thing happened with Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders. Both the matches were won by KKR. Anyways, returning to the match, it was totally one sided. Pune lost 4 quick wickets for the third time this season, but today Yuvraj was looking way more positive than the last encounter. He hit some nice shots, and in general, timed the ball nicely. Nobody other than Yuvraj, created any impact. Chennai bowled nicely and restricted Pune to 141/6 in their 20 overs.

Second innings started off in a balanced way with Chennai losing Mike Hussey early. But, Murali and Badrinath held the innings nicely, and maintained a steady flow of runs from both ends. Pune bowlers and fielders never seemed to be eager enough to save the runs, and this helped Chennai to raise their run rate at par with the required run rate. In the middle overs, there was a genuine appeal for caught behind against Badrinath, and I personally felt that there was a definite nick but the umpire was adamant despite synchronous appeal from the bowler and the wicket keeper. The commentators didn't delay in showing the fair play award table, where Chennai was second from the top. Towards the end, some good hits by Raina secured the game for Chennai and they were home comfortably. Chennai won by 8 wickets, bringing them to the second spot on the points table just behind Mumbai Indians.
Overall, the game was boring throughout, and didn't cause any adrenaline rushes or heart-beat stops.

Scribbling 3: Work from Home - Boon or Bane ?

Now, if I show the title of this post to any one of my friends from my previous company, he/she would not hesitate to give me a nice kick on my butt. Well, I will not deny, I am a big fan of "Work from Home". Even in my present job, I have worked from home more days than from office, primarily because the office is too far, it accounts for 4 hours in daily transit, and which is a complete waste of time and energy. Also, being a start up there are only 3 people in India right now, one of whom is the office manager and not a part of my team as such.

Right now, the job is in the training mode, getting acquainted with the tools and softwares. Hence, the place of work is not something that matters much. 

But when we speak in general about work from home, is it really a good thing or it is a curse in disguise? Let's look at some of the pros and cons of "Work from Home". 

PROS:

1. No time wasted in getting ready for office, travelling etc

2. No need of carrying tiffin, eat hot home made food.

3. No rush at the end of the day, to catch the bus before time, or exiting before the traffic goes nuts

4. You can sing and work- put on some loud music and work while in full pumped up mood.

5. No tension regarding being in the same desk all the time, one can always take a breather, go to the balcony for some fresh air, watch some TV or even a movie if there is no such work apparently.

6. If you are alone at home, then you can work more than your counterparts at office as no one is going to bug you with small office talk.

7. If you feel very tired, you can always take a power nap in between for half an hour, which will completely recharge you for the tasks ahead without any guilt of being caught napping at your desk.

8. One can manage the time and prepare for competitive exams such as GMAT, CAT etc

CONS:

1. One obvious disadvantage is - out of sight, out of mind. If you are always away, people may forget you, and this may hurt in the year end reviews

2. The manager will not be able to see your work properly- if you are working very hard and doing a lot of tasks, then the manager will not be able to appreciate it on your face

3. Lack of general discipline in life, as there would be no restriction on dress code, or office conduct

4. No team work feeling

5. One can miss some random unplanned team lunches

This is what, comes up in my mind right now, the readers can feel free to take any stand and provide more points under any category. On a personal note, I belong to the first group, unless there are lots of hot girls in the office.