T20 World Cup 2024

 Champions of the World… 🧡🤍💚..Indian Cricket team has done it one more time..🏆🥇

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have announced their retirement from the T20 International format bringing the Silverware home for the team and beloved countrymen.

One man we cannot forget is the The Wall of the Indian cricket - Rahul Dravid Sir.

Penning down few thoughts for these three legends of Indian Cricket.

To start with Rahul Dravid Sir, the man who got the perfect closure with this win against what he had to bear in 2007. The perfect Last Dance for the outgoing Coach of our Indian Cricket team. The first Indian coach to bring Silverware back home. The emotions running down him were clearly visible. The extent of help Rahul Dravid has provided to Indian Cricket is enormous, from his playing days for the country to being the mentor for the Indian cricket at various levels be it U19 team or the Men’s first team. A person to idolize not only for his cricketing career and talent but also his simplicity and calmness of the field. 

Virat Kohli, our popular King. A player when goes through a rough patch is criticized but the level of criticism Virat Kohli had to go through was just unfair not only in this world cup but over his career. Starting the description with this point was only because one should understand the level of expectation this man has build in the Indian cricket fans itself makes him a Legend of the sport. The amount of belief the team captain and the management had in him even after the tough patch in the WC itself and the way he delivered in the Finals shows the class of the player. Like the captain had said in one of the interviews “He is saving for the Finals”. Yes, he was and he delivered. His heroics, discipline for the Indian cricket has only helped Indian cricket to flourish and an idol for young upcoming talent. 

Rohit Sharma, we Indian cricket fans lived his emotions first 2019 then 2023 in the ICC world cup tournaments.  The way he went down after the last ball was bowled and India won the World Cup was the reflection of efforts he had put in and pain he was going through for the past results. This is the perfect redemption of what happened in the last 2 major ICC events. Yes, test cricket is different topic for another day. The attitude shown in this or the last world cup leading from the front from the batting perspective or the team handling perspective says a lot about this player. The player who has put Nation first than the individual glory’s. Humongous respect, appreciation and affection Rohit has received from the Nation for his great contributions for Indian cricket as a player, as a captain, as a guide to the new players in the team.

Summing up these legends in 3-4 lines is difficult but just an attempt to show some respect and gratitude from a legit Indian Cricket Fan.

With these 3 legends moving out of the frame surely ends an ERA

Thanking the Indian Cricket team and Management - Cricket Fan - Aniket Amritkar 

 

India Vs Pakistan WC 2023

That match of every World Cup we Indians wait for every-time and the Joy of beating Pakistan every-time is a different High.. 💙

This time it was bigger than most of the times. Playing in the Narendra Modi stadium with 1 lakh+ fans and all Indian fans - “Sea of Blue” adds both Supporters backing and Pressure feeling in the players.

The match which started with a pitch which looked like a 300+ wicket was wrapped up by Indian bowling attack at 191. The wickets tumbled down from 155-2 to 191-10.

Pakistan couldn’t even face complete 50 overs against Indian bowlers.

A comfortable chase to finish well within 31 overs and improving the Net Run Rate was achieved by Indian batsmen moving India to the Top of the Table..!!!

The chase journey of India has been to the T in this World Cup.

The sweetness to the victory was the World Cup statistic- India defending the WIN record for the 8th time and moving the tally to 8-0.

Long journey to go ahead in this WC considering the format of the WC.

Come On India…💙

Manchester City - Cityzen

 Manchester City is not a club but an Emotion for me and fellow Cityzens. Cannot be a better time to pen down my journey from a viewer to Cityzen and growth of the Club we Cityzens love and follow.

Until 2008/09 the attention and the matches which i use to watch of English Premier League Clubs were during the EUFA Champions League, Europa League as i was a fan of football as a Sport and use to watch and follow the International events like the WC, Euro, Copa America, etc…

2008/09 season was the first season i watched ManCity play and don’t know why but i just wanted watch more matches of the club and then started my journey as a ManCity follower to a Fan to a Cityzen and now proudly say while addressing about the Club as “ We won the match/We won the Title”.

Since 2008/09 we have seen ManCity grow in all aspects. Be it the Infrastructural needs of the game or be it Players/Managers/Coaching Staff. Man City have climbed heights. A great monetary support received from Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan through Abu Dhabi United Group in 2008/09 which helped club enhance the Infra, players, management needs.

That was the new Era of the club and under the guidance of Roberto Manchini we won the FA cup in 2011 followed by the historic Premier League Victory in injury time 93:20.

The most talked about Era is the PEP Guardiola era wherein The Boss has shaped the team and moulded the team to achieve greater heights and we had won every Silverware but Champions League until this year.

The wait and patience has paid off. The Champions League Silverware not only completed the wait for the trophy but also the historic Treble for our club.

We were/are blessed to have such greats playing for our club and our own academy talent as well.

As a Cityzen, cannot ask more than the glory achieved this year. We Cityzens were-are-will be with the club in the success and failures and each n every decision the management takes for the betterment of the Club.

Being part of the OSC City Community creates a feeling of Cityzens being Together. Proud member of Mumbai OSC.

Come On Citteehhh…💙💙

Bidding Farewell to Sergio Agüero: "Kun"

 Sergio Agüero:

We Cityzens and the fans across the world knows him as “Kun”

An incredible talent ManCity signed in 2011. Our club was in the rebuilding phase and we signed Kun.  What a signing it has been for us. A young talent who was picked from Atletico Madrid did wonders for us. 

The first
season - the last match - the last minutes one can never forget the timing 93:20.. winning goal by Kun brought glory to the club..joy to the fans.. Championship in 44 years..

There was no looking back. Manchester City grew and grew strong with Kun topping various charts and breaking records.

Kun has the highest number of Hat-tricks for any player in PL - 12

He is the top scorer for the Club in the History of the Club - 184 and fourth top scorer in the PL History

Every appearance of Kun has been special for us as Cityzens and football fans and we have celebrated it..

No adjectives no jargons required to describe this Legend - Sergio Aguero..The name defines everything..

With a heavy heart we Cityzens are bidding farewell to the legend…Last game at Etihad. One last time in the ManCity jersey at home..

You will be missed Kun..!!!

This will always be your City..💙

Agüerooooo..Agüerooooo…Agüerooooo..💙

#ThisisourCity #Cityzens 

- Cityzen Aniket Amritkar

Top 5 F1 Circuits in the World

1. Spa-Francorchamps (Spa, Belgium)

Everyone agrees that Spa is rightly one of the best circuits in the world, and many would put it at number one. This circuit has stood the test of time, from its days a massive 14 km circuit, to its current 7km configuration. The first hairpin at La Source is incredibly sharp, and stands in contrast to the fast downhill approach to the challenging sweeps of Eau Rouge—a corner that many drivers have rated (and continue to rate) as the most exciting to drive. The vertical g-forces as the cars hit the bottom of the hill and then the lateral g-forces through the left-right-left of Eau Rouge must be exhilarating to drive. The course heads out through the Ardennes Forest, and includes challenging undulations and high-speed corners. Gone, these days, is the old ‘Bus Stop’ chicane, replaced with a quick right-left back onto the pit straight, but the corner still retains the excitement of close-wheel racing that was evident at the Bus Stop. Spa is a great circuit, and should never be dropped from the world championship (as it was one year). Just like there are permanent positions on the UN Security Council, so Spa should have a permanent spot in the world championship.

2. Singapore

The relatively young circuit through the streets of island-nation Singapore is a great addition to the Formula One world championship. The circuit was the first to host a night event, and this certainly gives the race here a fantastic atmosphere. But the circuit itself is also brilliantly put together. The section around the pits is custom-made, so it has the feel of a permanent circuit. But before long, the cars are on the actual streets of Singapore, with all the challenges of bumps, tight corners, and unforgiving walls. But there also a few decent straights that provide both speed and good overtaking opportunities. Singapore’s magnificent skyline provides a magnificent backdrop to the circuit, too. All in all, the circuit has proven to be a great spectacle.

3. Monte Carlo (Monaco)

You could almost say that the circuit through the streets of Monte Carlo is an obligatory inclusion in a top ten list like this. But it’s not just because of the glitz, glamour, and history of the race here. It’s actually because of the incredible challenge that Monaco represents. The track has been criticised by some enthusiasts because the cars and their calibre outgrew the streets many decades ago. So the fact that there is still a GP here is almost an anachronism. However, in some senses it’s precisely this that is the challenge of Monaco. The drivers need to tame the wildness of their cars in order to negotiate with Monaco’s unforgiving walls and bumps enclosing the roads around Monte Carlo Habour. The lack of run-off areas means there is so very little room for error, and that makes this a real drivers’ circuit. Precision and skill are key factors. Former commentator Murray Walker once said that his favourite corner in all of Formula One was the left hander at the top of the hill at Massenet. There, Walker said, the tyres of the cars ‘kiss’ the armco barriers as they speed around into Casino Square. And, of course, there is the iconic Loews Hairpin—the slowest corner in Formula One, where one can generally see all the cars slither their way downhill like a giant colourful snake. And who can forget the right-bending tunnel that speeds underneath Loews Hotel! When asked what racing Monaco was like, Nelson Piquet answered that it was like riding your bike at full pace through your house.  The narrowness of the streets is sometimes seen as preclusive of good racing. But the fact that the circuit is the slowest on the current championship calendar means that the teams are on a far more equal footing here. So a driver needs exceptional skill to overtake a competitor here and keep his car in one piece. Not even a 50-second lead can guarantee you a win in the end, as Ayrton Senna famously discovered when he crashed out from the lead in 1988. There have been some refinements to the circuit over the years, but these have largely improved the course. Monaco is quite unique, and definitely deserves its place in the top ten.

4.Silverstone(Northamptonshire, England)

Silverstone is definitely one of the classic tracks in Formula One. It hosted the very first world championship Grand Prix event in 1950. The circuit is built around an old airfield, and has seen a number of configurations in Formula One alone. The latest configuration debuted last year (2012). But I think the configuration for the British GP in 1991–1993 is perhaps the best there has been. That configuration still retained some of the speed and challenging corners of the original circuit, with just enough slower corners to allow some good overtaking. These days, despite having a brilliant new pits section after Club corner, the circuit just has too many corners that I believe have taken away some of the character of the circuit. And yet, it’s still a great track! I just wish they hadn’t meddled with the configuration after 1993.

5.Buddh International Circuit(New Delhi, India)

This circuit is a relative newbie on the Formula One calendar. Designed by Herman Tilke, who has been criticised for creating soulless circuits, this is definitely one of his best. The blind up-hill turn 3 is a great one for overtaking action, and the high speed right-hander at turn 10 is a real challenge for drivers to accomplish smoothly. The final corner, with its odd widening entry, also allows for some interesting overtaking manoeuvres. Another thing I like about this track is that Felipe Massa struggles interminably at it (yes, I know I’m bad!). I’m glad this track is currently on the racing schedule, and I hope it stays for a long time.

Driver's Anatomy

1. BRAIN

The driver’s vital signs are monitored and the data sent back to the pit along with telemetry readings from the car. It’s essential that he’s able to control his heart rate through mere brainpower. Some drivers enter a near-meditative state before the race and visualise the perfect start and lap. Others use breathing techniques to calm themselves. Instant reactions and decision-making are crucial when racing at more than 200mph, as is the ability to overcome the fear of a colossal accident.

2. EYES
Surprisingly, 20/20 vision isn’t essential for a top-flight F1 driver; Jacques Villeneuve and Ralf Schumacher both wore contact lenses. But once corrected, vision must be perfect. Visors are made of fire- and impact-resistant polycarbonate, specially tinted according to the light conditions at each circuit and treated with anti-fog chemicals, and layered with several tear-off strips to get rid of dirt and oil.

3. NECK
The single most important part of a driver’s body. The combined weight of a driver’s head, helmet and Hans (head and neck support) device is around 6.5kg, but G-forces can quintuple that under cornering and braking, effectively making his head weigh almost half as much as his entire body hundreds of times during a race. Building the strength to resist these huge forces requires some bizarre exercises. Michael Schumacher designed a cockpit-shaped exercise machine with weights on pulleys that screwed into the side of his helmet; he trained by sitting in the machine and waggling his head for hours.

4. HEART
Most mortals have a resting heart rate of around 70bpm.
A typical F1 driver’s heart ticks over in the mid-40s. The adrenaline released just sitting on the grid raises his heart rate to around 150bpm. Adrenaline also dilates the pupils and increases the oxygen and glucose supply to the brain, essential for the instinctive reactions required in a race.

5. ARMS
After the neck, the forearms are probably the parts of the body most tested by a full-length F1 race. An F1 car’s steering wheel only turns through three-quarters of a revolution, compared to three for a typical road car, but with the huge mechanical and gravitational forces acting against the driver, great strength is required to turn it with the necessary millimetre-perfect accuracy. Schumacher’s bionic training cockpit also had variable weights attached to the steering wheel to precisely target the muscles used.

6. LEGS
The legs aren’t seriously stressed during the race, but like all the major muscle groups they’re given a thorough pre-race massage to wake them and stimulate blood flow. They can’t be too long, or the driver just won’t fit in the cramped cockpit. British driver Justin Wilson’s career in F1 was seriously impeded by his 6ft 3in frame; the average F1 driver is just 5ft 9in. Smaller is better; the driver will be lighter and easier to integrate into the car’s design.

DIET An F1 driver’s diet is strictly regulated and very low in fat to help him maintain his massive strength and fitness while keeping his weight down to an average 65kg. A typical F1 driver’s body-fat percentage is just seven, equivalent to that of an elite marathon runner. Less than five per cent is considered dangerous. Most teams have a ‘head of human performance’ tasked with developing the drivers the way the engineers develop the cars.

HYDRATION
F1 drivers can sweat out up to three litres of fluid during the hottest races. Dehydration can quickly cause confusion and slowed responses – lethal at 200mph – so drivers’ fluid intake is precisely monitored. An on-board drinking bottle with a capacity of up to one litre carries an electrolyte-rich solution specially tailored to replace lost salts, in order to maintain brain and muscle function. It’s connected to a drinking tube in the driver’s helmet.

COCKPIT
Designed specifically to fit each individual driver. A mould is made of the driver’s back and backside and a bespoke seat is constructed from lightweight carbon fibre to ensure he sits in exactly the right position in relation to the pedals and the steering wheel and for optimum safety and aerodynamics. The contoured seat – usually lined with high-grip, fireproof artificial suede – and the five-point racing harness ensure that the driver doesn’t slide about in the cockpit, even under 5G deceleration.

CLOTHING
Everything the driver wears – and not just the material, but also the sponsor’s badges and even the thread used to sew them on – must meet the FIA’s strict regulations on fireproofing. Overalls have two large handles on the shoulders to enable the driver to be pulled out of the car still strapped into his seat. The material is also highly breathable, to prevent sweat from collecting in his boots. Gloves and boot soles are made as thin as possible to enable the driver to feel how his car is reacting.

HELMET
With the use of advanced, lightweight materials such as Kevlar and carbon fibre, the weight of an F1 helmet has fallen dramatically in recent years –
from 2kg to almost half that – hugely important given that G-forces can magnify this five times. There are air channels for cooling, a tube for the drinks bottle and wiring for the communications system. The Hans restraint collars greatly reduce the neck, skull and brain injuries caused by the massive deceleration experienced in a major shunt.

BALLAST
FIA regulations state that an F1 car with driver must weigh a minimum of 600kg, or 605kg in qualifying. They all weigh significantly less than this – some are just 450kg – but engineers make up the difference by distributing ballast in order to improve the car’s handling. The lighter the driver, the more ballast they can place. BMW driver Robert Kubica lost 6kg before the start of the 2008 season and has credited some of his recent success to the fact that he is lighter.

What it takes to be F1 Driver

F1 Drivers on the circuit go through Mental as well as Physical fatigue. The amount on pressure they have during the race is enormous and the way they handle the RACE pressure is one of the most important aspect to WIN the race. 

Formula One drivers are some of the most highly conditioned athletes on earth, their bodies specifically adapted to the very exacting requirements of top-flight single-seater motor racing.

All drivers who enter Formula One need to undergo a period of conditioning to the physical demands of the sport: no other race series on earth requires so much of its drivers in terms of stamina and endurance. The vast loadings that Formula One cars are capable of creating, anything up to a sustained 3.5 g of cornering force, for example, means drivers have to be enormously strong to be able to last for full race distances. The extreme heat found in a Formula One cockpit, especially at the hotter rounds of the championship, also puts vast strain on the body: drivers can sweat off anything up to 3kg of their body weight during the course of a race.



Physical endurance is created through intensive cardio-vascular training: usually running or swimming, although some drivers prefer cycling or even roller-blading! But the unusual loadings experienced by neck and chest muscles cannot be easily replicated by conventional gym equipment, so many drivers use specially designed 'rigs' that enable them to specifically develop the muscles they will need to withstand cornering forces. Strength here is especially important, as the neck must support the weight of both the driver's head and helmet under these intense loadings. Powerful arm muscles are also required to enable the car to be controlled during longer races.




In terms of nutrition, most F1 drivers control their diets in much the same way as track and field athletes, carefully regulating the amount of carbohydrate and protein they absorb. During race weekends most drivers will be seen eating pasta or other carbohydrate-rich foods to provide energy and give the all-important stamina for the race itself. It is also vitally important that drivers take in large amounts of water before the race, even if they do not feel thirsty. Failure to do so could bring on dehydration through sweating - not surprising given that the physical endurance required to drive a Formula One race is not dissimilar to that required to run a marathon.

F1 AT A GLANCE

There are 12 teams participating with 24 cars for every race.  Each team has 2 main drivers for the Race and one Test driver. Each team is allotted a garage in the PIT lane where the drivers enter for changing the set of tyres and change of any part of the car if damaged in a accident on the circuit. The PIT crew takes care of all this in the PIT garage.

The fact that all the racing teams getting involved in managing their cars on the track and the crew alert all the time for any PIT stop the driver takes made me get deep into the world of Formula1 Racing.

I started getting into the technical part of the Racing and started to read more and more about F1.

First and foremost the F1 CAR, it is the car which is designed by a team of Engineers. Every F1 driver has his own Engineer who will control and will be constantly communicating with the driver through TEAM RADIO for the complete RACE.

The 24 CARS line up on the track on the RACE DAY. The race STARTS when the FIVE RED LIGHTS eliminate. The positions of the drivers are decided according to the QUALIFYING DAY RESULTS which is a day prior to the RACE DAY.  The number of LAPS varies according to the track length. On an average there are 60 LAPS in a RACE. The driving LINE is the line on which the DRIVERS try to drive for minimum LAP time.

The CHECKERED FLAG is shown at the end of the last LAP. THREE cars take the PODIUM and it is called as “PODIUM FINISH”.

F1 Mania

The very first time I watched the Formula1 Race telecasted on Television set in the year 1998-1999 caught my attention. Wow!!! That was thrilling as it had many cars racing on a defined mapped track for number of times. Since then I am following all the races in Formula1 calendar.

The best part was that I was allowed to watch all the races by my parents since all the races were held on Sunday.

My passion for Formula1 drove me into the World of Racing specially F1 racing. It was not limited to the Races which took place in various parts of the world but it extended to the various aspects of the race.