After World Cup win, brands pad up to score high in IPL

MUMBAI: It may not be the American Super Bowl, famous for being a huge platform for marketers to break their high-octane advertising campaigns, but our very own Indian Premier League (IPL) has got a bevy of brands creating tailor-made communication for the upcoming cricketing extravaganza. Starting April 8, consumers will see a slew of new brand activation programmes, product launches and an overall buzz created by sponsors associated with IPL-4. 

While mobile services brand, Tata Docomo is learnt to have roped in Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor to launch its campaign at the start of tournament, others like Canon, Godrej, Cadbury and LG will either introduce new products or start fresh communication during the 50-day-long tournament. 

The main sponsors on SET Max, the official broadcaster of the IPL, have spent anywhere between Rs 30 crore and Rs 40 crore each from their marketing budgets to leverage this high-reach tournament during the crucial summer months. 

"If brands are spending huge money on getting IPL sponsorship, it only makes sense for them to tap this media window to launch new products and innovate around the property," says Punitha Arumugam, group CEO, Madison Media, a media agency. Madison's client the Godrej group, which has been on board SET Max since the first edition of the IPL in 2008, has rolled out a group loyalty programme 'Godrej Power Play' to gather traction via the IPL platform. "The IPL is a great way to showcase a mammoth brand activity like this. The thought is to get our existing consumers to widen their portfolio of Godrej products," says Ashutosh Tiwari, executive VP, strategic marketing, Godrej. The group will launch new products in the appliances and hair colour categories during the IPL. 

Others like consumer durable major LG plans to launch a series of LCDs during the middle of the tournament, along with advertising for its other products like air-conditioners. The Korean brand, which kept away from advertising during the recently concluded cricket World Cup, will spend Rs 30 crore on the IPL. 

"We feel this is a great way of pushing our new products keeping in mind the summer months," says L K Gupta, CMO, LG India. 

Traditionally, come April and marketers in categories like white goods, soft drinks and ice creams up their ante to increase their seasonal sales. For instance, Cadbury too will launch a campaign for its powdered beverage brand, Tang, which is apt for the summer. 

Keeping in mind the viewership profile, with females forming a big chunk, this year has seen a lot of first-time FMCG brands hop onto the IPL bandwagon, including L'oreal, Johnson & Johnson and ITC. 

Canon, a photographic and digital imaging solutions brand which was till recently evaluating pulling out of the IPL due to the crisis in Japan, is now going ahead with its original plan. It will launch a range of low-light technology cameras and a series of printers on the back of the IPL and push it with a campaign featuring its brand ambassador Sachin Tendulkar. "In view of it being a long-term investment behind the brand building in India, we decided to stay put with our plans. We have taken care of the supply-side issues," says Alok Bharadwaj, senior VP, Canon India. Canon says the new launches are perfectly timed considering that families go on vacation during the summer and that this communication will help push sales.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/After-World-Cup-win-brands-pad-up-to-score-high-in-IPL/articleshow/7890808.cms

At Rs 34 crore, Dhoni highest insured in IPL

MUMBAI: Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who is the highest earning cricketer in the world, is the most heavily insured player for the forthcoming Indian Premier League T20 tournament which begins on April 8. 

An insurance firm official confirmed that the Indian captain, who led CSK to victory in IPL 3, has been insured for Rs 34 crore by the Oriental Insurance Company (OIC)-a rise of Rs 24 crore over his insurance cover for IPL 3. CSK has paid a premium of Rs 16 lakh, which includes travel risk cover, including medical emergencies, personal accident and loss of baggage. 

Suresh Raina, retained by CSK, will get an insurance cover of Rs 20.5 crore. Incidentally, little master Sachin Tendulkar, who will play for Mukesh Ambani's Mumbai Indians for the fourth consecutive season, has an insurance cover of only Rs 12 crore. 

Mahela Jayawardene, the skipper of Kochi Tuskers Kerala, has been insured for Rs 20.5 crore. "He seems to be most highly insured overseas player for the tournament," said a source, adding, "Speedster Dale Steyn from South Africa, who will be playing for Deccan Chargers, has been insured for Rs 16 crore." 

According to a source from the insurance industry, every insurance company and IPL team have a different methodology of finalizing an insurance policy. "For example, Ambani has decided to take comprehensive cover for his team, which includes event cancellation cover, workmen's compensation, personal accident cover, medical cover and so on," he said. "For this, he is likely to shell out a premium of around Rs 1.5 crore to the National Insurance Company." 

The cover will be active till the time the final is played on May 28. The policy can be invoked in the event of the death of a player or total disability, permanent partial disability or temporary total disability. The policy holder will be paid compensation for injuries that are sustained on and off the field during the duration of the tournament. One of the rules of IPL is that even if the player is benched due to a disability, he has to be paid his dues by the franchisee. The cover is being taken by the franchisee to cover his or her financial interest. 

Many owners are still in the process of finalizing the insurance cover for their team. "Most of the franchise representatives involved in the insurance negotiations don't understand the trade and there's a lot of confusion," said a source. "Hence the delay in finalizing the insurance policy for many of the teams." 

The official added that many franchise owners seemed to be keen to save money on premium. "However, they do not realize that most of the rates for such risky policies are based on those quoted by reinsures like Llyods of London. Hence, many teams are taking only partial cover to save money on premium, which is a bit risky," he said. Leander Dias, insurance official from OIC, who is an expert on cricket-related policy, is negotiating with several franchises but refused to comment on the developments. 

Incidentally, for the recently held ICC World Cup, the Board of Control for Cricket in India ( BCCI) bought a group personal accident policy from OIC. Each player can expect a financial benefit up to Rs. 2.3 crore under this policy.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/At-Rs-34-crore-Dhoni-highest-insured-in-IPL/articleshow/7888086.cms

End of Yuvraj's worst year as cricketer, says mother Shabnam

MUMBAI: Khaate peete ghar ka lagta hai (Looks like he comes from a prosperous family). Till a month ago, if you walked to any chowk and overheard a conversation on cricket, that's what you would have perceived about Yuvraj Singh. (Read: Yograj credits son's success to God ) ( Read: Favourite 'kadhi chawal' awaits Yuvi ) 

Yuvraj? 36" waistline, under-arm biceps, paunch.World Cup haath se gaya bhaiyya (The World Cup is already gone). It looked like a terrible decision when he was selected to play the World Cup. His form had touched its lowest ebb yet. Less than 1,300 runs in 47 one-day innings and one injury after the other seemed like the beginning of a national crisis. The fielder in him too looked lost in the woods. He was also supposed to be supercilious, almost faking his way into the team and He was living on reputation alone. 

Yuvraj was finished, wasn't he? "He used to come home, go to bed and suddenly get up in the middle of the night. He couldn't get a grip on what was happening around him. Overnight he went from being one of the nation's best batsmen to one who was struggling to find a place in the team. It had to be his worst year as a cricketer," says Shabnam, Yuvraj's mother. She couldn't understand what fans, media, experts and those who were not so expert wanted from him. "I don't know what people expected from him." 

In India, where national and regional politics, the movie industry, information technology and art and culture sell like nobody's business, cricket tops the list. 

Yuvraj couldn't understand why his two fifties in 14 innings in 2010 and a batting average of 31.73 were not cutting any ice with selectors. "It came like a jolt when I was dropped," he now admits. During this phase, a reporter called Yuvraj's father to ask him what was going wrong with his son's cricket. "Mera bachcha sher hai lad ke wapas aayega" (My son is a tiger, he'll fight back), said a confident Yograj Singh. 

As his career hit an all-time low, there were reports suggesting that had started contemplating quitting the game. Thankfully, he shrugged them off. "I would like to thank my parents and my gurus (Guru Ram Singh and Guru Ajit Singh) and my friends," says Yuvraj. 

Yuvraj is a religious man and if he has respect for certain people, it remains that way. Parents and gurus, friends and family members and one Sachin Tendulkar form the crux of those certain people. In fact, Tendulkar is the 'special person' for whom he famously declared, after India's quarterfinal victory against Australia, that he wanted to do well in this World Cup. "But this win is not just for Sachin or any team member alone. This is for all of us and the nation. We fought like champions and won the Cup. And we're very proud of it," he says. 

To many Yuvraj may come across as arrogant, brawny and egotistic even. Those close to him say these are traits that make the myth, not the man. When he says, for instance, "Our nation had been waiting for this moment for long and we're glad we've achieved it" those who know him well insist how much this means to him. 

As his mother puts it "He was challenged and he fought back." In the process, he not just changed the way people think of him but simply made them stand up and clap in awe. 

Khaate peete ghar ke ladke ne World Cup jeeta diya! The boy from the prosperous background wonIndia the World Cup.

Another record? 68 million watched World Cup final

NEW DELHI/MUMBAI: Team India's victory at Wankhede will not only go down in history as one of the greatest cricketing victories for the country, but also as one of the most viewed sporting events on television ever. 

An unprecedented 67.6 million people watched the gripping final that had most Indians at the edge of their seats. The number of viewers on Saturday—according to the data collated by audience measurement agency aMap—has surpassed the Indo-Pak semi-final that was perhaps the most anticipated match of the tournament for the subcontinent audience. The number of viewers for the semi-final was 67.3 million. The other semifinal—Sri Lanka vs New Zealand—paled in comparison with only 32 million viewers. 

Incidentally, TRP viewership for India matches leaped from 3.7 before the quarterfinals to 6.4. About 53 million watched the India vs Australia clash in the quarter-finals. aMap vice-president Jinita Shah said, "Yesterday's viewership broke all records. Every Indian was glued on to TV to see the big win. Viewership increased almost four times on Saturday.'' According to aMap, 64% of cable and satellite homes watched the Men in Blue clinch the World Cup. The average viewership rating for the final was 13.6, which peaked at 21.4 during the end of the match—higher than the high-voltage Indo-Pak encounter at Mohali. However, most industry watchers will wait for the TAM ratings that most media agencies subscribe to for a full analysis. 

The aMap data, though, is an indication of the unprecedented viewership that the final clocked. The average time spent recorded on the match was an impressive 187 minutes. 

"The World Cup finals will break all records possible as far as cricket viewership or any other programme in recent times is concerned. Peaks could touch ratings of 40 and average would be higher than 30. Considering India won and it happened in India while the contests were well fought, this World Cup has given the sponsors the biggest returns compared to other years," said Ajit Varghese, MD of Maxus, which bought media for brands like Vodafone, Fiat, Nokia and Hero Honda among others.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Another-record-68-million-watched-World-Cup-final/articleshow/7860559.cms

Men in Blue party all night after World Cup triumph

MUMBAI: The victory celebrations didn't end with the ceremony and trophy presentation at theWankhede Stadium on Saturday night. Like most of the country, Team India partied hard into the night, finally hitting the sack only way past dawn at around 7.30 am on Sunday. 

The party was in three stages. First there was an impromptu bash with the Taj Mahal Tower's guests, then a party among the teammates themselves outside their rooms and finally a bigger bash at the Zodiac Grill with family and friends. 

The Indian team had left the Wankhede to reach the hotel at around 12.15 am. When the guests in the Taj Tower came to know that the victorious players were arriving - and being sneaked into the hotel through the backdoor - they knew where to gather so that the Men in Blue wouldn't miss them. And they didn't! 

The moment the players walked in, chants of "Indiaaa, Indiaaa" greeted the team at decibel levels that could be heard as far away as the Gateway. The hotel had been barricaded to not let in outsiders and what followed inside were maniacal celebrations. 

The hotel's leading chef, Hemant Oberoi, had baked a special cake in the shape of the World Cup for the team. The players cut the grand chocolate cake at the Starboard, a portside bar with a maritime theme housed at the lobby level. 

Once that was done, the bubbly flowed. The players and the hotel guests popped the finest of Moet & Chandon Magnum and the party began. Indian and continental delicacies were served and the players were drenched in champagne. 

The party went on in the lobby for close to an hour. 

The hotel receptionists, floor managers, security men, bell boys, attendants and other employees had no choice but to stand and watch the pandemonium as the guests partied with the cricketers like there was no tomorrow. Champagne was sprayed, cake scattered, seats were climbed over; there was shouting, yelling and singing of 'Saare jahan se achcha.' 

Every guest wanted a picture. This, they knew, was going to be their best brush with cricketing glory. The Taj, lit in blue to go with Team India's colour, added to the mood and it was only after the players began making repeated requests for their share of privacy that they were allowed to go up to their rooms in the heritage wing of the hotel. 

Once they reached their floor, the teammates went to their respective rooms, refreshed themselves and came back to party by themselves at the lobby of the same floor. 

It was already 2.30 am by then. That, perhaps, was the first time since lifting the Cup that Dhoni's bunch of world beaters could soak in their moment of truth and let what they had achieved through the evening sink in. They stayed there for around another hour, in their very private huddle, where emotions ran high and tears flowed. 

It was important to get a grip over themselves before moving any further into the night and the players did just that. At around 3.30 am, they walked into the Zodiac Grill, where the Taj had even prepared a dance floor for the team members and their personal guests, including family and friends. 

It was 7 am by the time they returned to their rooms, tired enough to hit the sack. On arrival, they were greeted with congratulatory notes on beds crisply made up with white linen. 

Expectedly, the cricketers, their support staff, coaches and officials of the International Cricket Council had a late meal on Monday, with some placing orders up to their rooms. They then gathered on the Taj Chambers terrace for a photo-op with the Cup before heading to Raj Bhavan for high tea with the President of India. 

It was 3.30 pm when they got into the bus to head to Walkeshwar.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/news/Men-in-Blue-party-all-night-after-World-Cup-triumph/articleshow/7861594.cms

Ind vs SL: Bookies favour India for World Cup final

MUMBAI: With everything looking good for the Indian team on the eve of the cricket World Cupfinal against Sri Lanka, the team has attracted the attention of followers of form. Besides, playing at Wankhede Stadium, the home of cricket in India, also made the hosts clear favorites in the betting market. 

Major betting sites like Ladbrokes, Betfair and Bet365 are offering average odds of around 60 paisa per rupee for an Indian victory while rivalsSri Lanka are available at an average odds of rupees 1.50 for every one rupee. 

That bookies are offering lucrative odds against Sri Lanka also reflects that doubts over the participation of Muttiah Muralitharan in this high stakes game have not gone unnoticed by punters. 

However, these odds are likely to change drastically once it becomes clear whether Murali will play the final or not on Saturday afternoon. In case Murali is ruled out, the odds on India's win are expected to come down to 50 paisa and odds for a Sri Lankan victory go up to rupees 1.60. 

According to early betting patterns, the prospect of Sachin Tendulkar scoring his 100th international century looks great with a lot of bets being placed on him. 

The maestro scoring a 100 and India lifting the Cup is available at a combined odds of 8/1 on Betfair. Betting is also heavy on Yuvraj Singh and Virender Sehwag scoring a century, with odds of 6-to-1. 

But the actual scene will unfold on Saturday once the game begins. A lot will depend on who bats first and how the innings progresses. "As of today the volume of betting that has taken place till now is far below our expectations. However, given that the Indians are in with a real chance to win the Cup, we expect the scene to change by 2.30 p.m. tomorrow," says a bookie. 

Betting options & odds on offer 

Indian win: Ladbrokes (8/13); Betfair (8/13); (60 paisa in the Indian market); SL win:Ladbrokes (5/4); Betfair (13/8); (14/10 in Indian market); Sachin Tendulkar: Scoring 50 (2.68/1); scoring 100 (6/1); scoring 100 and Indian winning (8/1) and MoM (7/1) - all from Betfair; Leading scorer in tournament: Tendulkar (10/11); T Dilshan (11/10); K Sangakkara (9/1) - all from Ladbrokes.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/off-the-field/Ind-vs-SL-Bookies-favour-India-for-World-Cup-final/articleshow/7847797.cms

Model committed to strip if India wins final against SL

MUMBAI: She is all of 20 and ready to strip for Team India. Mumbai-based model Poonam Pandey wants to keep her commitment to bare all if India wins the World Cup. 

Pandey told TOI on Thursday: ''Of course, I am going to do it. But where? I can bare all wherever they want. It can be inside the players' dressing room or even in the stadium.'' 

Pandey insisted she has got overwhelming support from the people of India. ''They are encouraging me. Even my parents are proud of me because I am doing something for Team India. They have no issues with my going nude.'' 

When told that nudity is considered an offence and that she may get into trouble, the model said: ''I am going to take permission from BCCI. I really don't want to do anything that is against the law.'' 

Her friends and colleagues on Facebook, though, requested that she must strip with or without BCCI's permission. Fellow model Shweta Sharma posted: "Poonam has to bare all even if BCCI says no. Please don't give an excuse saying I will go nude only if they agree". 

Pandey said daring to bare is the best way to cheer team India after their win. Her Facebook status says: "I am a New Generation Girl!!! Anything for my country to get home the World Cup. So INDIA cheer with me that we need 1983 World Cup BACK." Pandey has been one of the most searched persons on the internet in the past two days.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Model-committed-to-strip-if-India-wins-final-against-SL/articleshow/7839613.cms

Fitting Finale: Sachin Tendulkar vs Muttiah Muralitharan

MUMBAI: It may not provide the pure thrill of an India-Australia encounter; it may not offer the political drama of an India-Pakistan clash either. Yet, this India-Sri Lanka final has something that makes it even more engrossing. 

A straight contest between the world's best batsman and best bowler of all time: Sachin Tendulkar versus Muttiah Muralitharan. 18,093 runs against 534 wickets. (And we are only talking one-dayers here.) A maestro and a magician on the game's biggest stage. 

Add the cauldron-like atmosphere at the Wankhede Stadium, and it promises to be a match for the gods, a battle for eternity. There's been some concern whether Murali's aching hamstring and dodgy knee will allow him to play but given the stage and the occasion, it's safe to bet that if he can walk, he'll be out there wheeling away. 

There is also a twist to the contest that makes it even more gut-wrenching: it is the last World Cupfor both. Only one of them will be going home with the trophy; the other will go away with a heavy heart and a strange feeling of emptiness. 

Sure, it may not hurt Murali as much as it will Sachin: he has, after all, already been part of one Cup-winning side. He has also often shown the ability to take triumphs and tribulations alike in his stride. The tsunami and accompanying devastation back home has clearly helped him see life's bigger picture. 

Sachin has probably not reached that stage yet: winning the World Cup has been a lifelong dream for him. He wants it desperately because that's the only thing missing from his array of exploits. If the hundredth ton comes along with it, it would be a fitting last chapter, to at least his one-day career. 

"It's the most important tournament in my life," he had said just before the tricky quarterfinal against Australia; they were the magic words that made his mates in the team wake up to the possibility of a day without him. Since then, Team India has been a transformed side. 

Murali does not believe in such hyperbole: he makes his own destiny. More importantly, he makes his mates do the 'dirty work' by unleashing his charm offensive in the dressing room. "We will really miss him," said vice-captain Mahela Jayawardene. "He keeps us laughing all the time. 

That itself is amazing if you consider his long and tumultuous journey, from a maverick spinner who had to bowl outside the leg-stump simply to stop Tendulkar once, to the world's greatest. He has been in the midst of many storms, and been the cause of quite a few too, only to emerge with a smile. 

It may just be a joke but Murali apparently believes he is a better bat than Sachin. That is what makes this last battle so delightful while being intriguing too. In the 46 times that they have crossed paths, however, Murali has got him only five times; Sachin has managed 8 hundreds and 12 fifties. 

The numbers are evidently in favour of Sachin. Murali, however, will be backing himself this time, even though his body is battered; after all, Sachin did go through a nightmare against the two Pakistani off-spinners in the semifinal. 

Murali has much more variety, much more control and much more guile. He will lure Sachin with his flight; he will trick him with his turn and he will try to mesmerize him with his big, big eyes. If nothing works he will ambush him with his doosras. 

Sachin, though, will be unperturbed for the most part; if the ball doesn't stop or grip as it did in Mohali, he won't even worry. He will use his feet, soft hands and firm pushes to counter the magic. If the ball comes on nicely to the bat, it will transcend into a battle in the minds. One legend against another.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/news/Fitting-Finale-Sachin-Tendulkar-vs-Muttiah-Muralitharan/articleshow/7839040.cms

Ponting predicts India will beat Pakistan in the semifinals

AHMEDABAD: Australian captain Ricky Pontingon Thursday predicted that India would beatPakistan in the World Cup semifinal and Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men are the strong favourites to win the coveted title after a gap of 28 years. 

"India played well as a team today and deserved victory. Today we were not good enough (to win). Going forward they will be pretty hard to beat. They will beat Pakistan in the semifinal and go on to win the World Cup now," Ponting said at the post-match press conference after Australia were knocked out of the World Cup by India. 

"India have a very good batting line-up. We played very competitive cricket tonight but I'm disappointed with the two successive losses (against Pakistan in their last league game and today against India)," he said after his side's five-wicket loss in a high-octane World Cup quarterfinal. 

He said he would not be playing in the next World Cup but ruled out quitting one-day cricket. 

"I am not quitting one-day cricket but this is probably my last World Cup game. I will be happy to look back after retirement that I made a century in my last innings in the World Cup," Ponting said

He also said that the talk of the end of an era in Australian cricket was misplaced. 

"It's a bit premature to say it was the end of an era for Australian cricket, it was a pretty good game tonight. I do not think we were far away from winning the game against a very good Indian team on their home soil. I think it's a bit too early to say it's the end of an era," said Ponting. 

Ponting said his side had the chances to win the game and they were devastated by the loss. 

"We had great expectations from the game. We were a well organized group. We are devastated. We found it difficult to get momentum. Not performing at critical moments cost us the game. We did not grab our opportunities," he said. 

"We were 15 to 20 runs short with the bat. 250-260 was a good total but we lost wickets at bad time and never got the momentum going. We did not execute the plans properly," said the 36-year-old Tasmanian who scored a superb 104 after having struggled in the earlier part of the tournament. 

The Australian captain felt the schedule of the tournament could have been spread out better but said that that cannot be an excuse for his side's crashing out in the quarterfinals. 

"The schedule did not help us. But that cannot be put as an excuse for the loss. Over the last ten days my team has played four games. It would have been nice to have them (games) evenly spread out," he said. 

He sympathised with his key fast bowler Brett Lee who had made a great effort to get back into the team after a 14-month injury lay-off. 

"Brett has given a lot for Australian cricket during his entire career and at times coming back after big injuries. He will be shattered as he has worked very hard to get here," he said.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/news/Ponting-predicts-India-will-beat-Pakistan-in-the-semifinals/articleshow/7784011.cms

Ind vs Aus Live: Ponting stays but India go after the others

Australia are 158/4 in 35 overs with Ricky Ponting and Cameron White at the crease against India in their World Cup quarter-final match at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Motera, Ahmedabad, on Wednesday. Live Score

Earlier, Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting won the toss and elected to bat. Not an unusual decision considering that seamers won't have much bounce and carry and it is a good batting wicket.

The wicket looks dry and there will be some turn in offer for the spinners. Considering this, it was a good move by India captain MS Dhoni to give the ball to offie R Ashwin in the first over. And Ashwin did get the breakthrough though a bit late. On the last ball of the 10th over he scalped Satson with his turner that crashed into his stumps. He fell for 25 and Aussies went down to 40/1.

Post that wicket, Brad Haddin and Ricky Ponting got on with a fine partnership to put 70 runs for the second wicket. Brad Haddin went on to score his fourth half-century in the World Cup, but he could not carry any further as Yuvraj Singh got the man India wanted. Haddin went for a big hit off Yuvraj but failed to get the elevation and Suresh Raina took a fine catch to dismiss him on 53. Aussies lost their second wicket on 110/2.

Yuvraj, who is on a purple patch at the World Cup, came up with another vital breakthrough to send Aussie vice-captain Michael Clarke home. A top edge off Clarke's bat was taken by Zaheer Khan at mid-wicket. He departed for 8 and Australia fell to 140/3 in the 31st over. 

Then it was the turn of India paceman to join the party and Zaheer came headon scalping Michael Hussey with his slower ball that pitched on the off and turned in a little to take the batsman's off stump. Australia lost their fourth wicket on 150. 

In World Cups, India and Australia have played each other nine times. Australia have won seven times and India have won twice. However, in the knock-out stages of ICC events, they have met four times where India have won thrice and the Australia just once. At Motera, they have played twice and both have won one game each. 

Teams -

India: Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni (capt./wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Munaf Patel  

Australia: Shane Watson, Brad Haddin (wk), Ricky Ponting (capt.), Michael Clarke, Cameron White, Michael Hussey, David Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Jason Krejza, Brett Lee, Shaun Tait 

Source: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/133165/top-stories/ind-vs-aus-match-report.html

Ind vs Aus: India on the edge as Men in Blue face Australia

AHMEDABAD: This is it. Hold your breath whenIndia take on Australia on Thursday, for there will be no second chances. The biggest stage, and the crucial moment, has arrived. 

Where India and Australia stand in ODIs/World Cup 

Reputations are at stake for MS Dhoni and his beleaguered counterpart Ricky Ponting. India lost to Australia in the 2003 World Cup final and endured an awful campaign in 2007, but the scales have tilted since. This isn't the invincible Australia of old. Rather than a sublime and uplifting battle between two powerhouses of the international game, current form indicates this second quarterfinal might be more of a scrap. 

Neither side has been awe-inspiring in the build-up to this moment. Both have obvious chinks in the armour just waiting to be exploited, and both need to shed the blow-hot, blow-cold approach which has characterized their campaign so far. 

Then there's the enormous pressure breathing down their necks, especially Dhoni's men. India are playing at home and millions expect nothing less than victory. The backlash, in case of defeat, will be painful. Australia have dominated this stage for so long that this bunch of players wouldn't like to be remembered as children of a lesser god. Whichever team can raise its game now will go through to meet Pakistan. 

As many as six players in Dhoni's current squad were losing finalists in 2003 and will be looking to make amends. It's a great opportunity to settle an old score. Yet, making a statement of intent might not be easy, even though the Motera is expected to be dry and spin-friendly. India's bowling, apart from Zaheer Khan, has been ordinary. Time and again, they have faltered in the Batting Powerplay. Even the middle-order has collapsed twice. Australia's pacers can be a handful. Can the sight of a familiar opponent get the competitive juices flowing? 

The issue of Virender Sehwag's fitness is another complication the team could have done without. The opener is struggling with a troublesome knee and Dhoni said a call on his availability would be taken in the morning. Sehwag, however, spent a lot of time at the nets fielding and batting, and seems more likely to play than not. 

The Australians too have been anything but impressive. Ponting's time seems to be running out. His form and confidence is under the scanner and his fierce temper has shown through. Controversy and bad blood seems to be hounding the Aussies and they've been forced to maintain a quieter profile. The loss to Pakistan meant drawing the curtains on a 34-game unbeaten streak in this tournament and this loss of aura is a boost for opponents. 

Will this be India's turn to deliver a knockout blow?

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/news/Ind-vs-Aus-India-on-the-edge-as-Men-in-Blue-face-Australia/articleshow/7775807.cms

India vs Australia: We are a better side, says Sourav Ganguly

Former captain Sourav Ganguly on Monday saidTeam India have the ability to beat Australia in theWorld Cup quarterfinals in Ahmedabad on Thursday, maintaining 'M.S. Dhoni's men are a better side'.

Sourav's team had lost to Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting's side in both the league match and the final in WC 2003. 

On being asked if India can beat Australia in what is being called a revenge game, Sourav told Headlines Today Executive Editor Rahul Kanwal, "Yes, there is no doubt about it. India have a good chance of beating Australia. India is a better side."

Speaking on India's prime hope against the Aussies, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav said, "I don't mind him failing against the West Indies. Every time he has got out cheaply, he comes out all guns blazing (referring to his two centuries against England and South Africa in this WC) in next match. I hope to see him putting India in a good position against the Aussies."

Tendulkar had failed to score big in both the games in WC 2003, when India won all their matches, except against the Aussies. 

India's only WC winning captain Kapil Dev also said, "They have the ability to do it (beat the Aussies)."

Sachin Tendulkar puts integrity above quest for 100th ton

CHENNAI: Sachin Tendulkar did not get his 100th ton on Sunday but even his early dismissal was evidence of the integrity with which he has played the game for over two decades. 

Against the West Indies on Sunday, Sachin decided to walk off despite being given not out by Australian umpire Steve Davies. 

A quarterfinal place had already been sealed, Virender Sehwag was ruled out of the game, yet the MS Chidambaram Stadium was jam-packed an hour before the game started. When India won the toss, the excitement reached its peak, "Will Sachin get his 100th hundred here?" 

Kemar Roach was not there and the West Indian attack wore a pedestrian look. The stage was nicely set up for Tendulkar and the 39,000 present at the ground went wild with anticipation when they saw the Little Master walking out to bat. But a Ravi Rampaul delivery in the very first over beat the champion and as the West Indian fielders appealed vociferously, umpire Davies nodded his head in disagreement. There was a sigh of relief in the stands but Tendulkar had other ideas. He turned back and started walking back as a stunned silence descended on the ground. 

There have been many Tendulkar hundreds and many dismissals, but this was something out of the ordinary. Not too many players have walked when the stakes have been this high, the last being the legendary Aussie wicketkeeper batsman Adam Gilchrist. 

"That is the greatness of the man. But I don't think this is the first time Tendulkar has walked...I have seen him doing it before," former India player WV Raman told TOI. "Sachin has always been a gentleman cricketer and if he believes in something, he will do it," Raman said. 

From the various replays that were shown, it was difficult to gauge whether Tendulkar had actually got the nick. With the Hotspot not being in use for the World Cup, it was a possibility that even if the decision was referred, it could have gone in Sachin's favour! 

Did Tendulkar forget about that and thought that he would be given out if it was referred? Former international umpire VK Ramaswamy said, "I don't think so. I have seen Tendulkar walking before. He had walked because he was convinced in his mind that he was out. He is an honest cricketer and he always believes in maintaining the spirit of the game."

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2011/news/Sachin-Tendulkar-puts-integrity-above-quest-for-100th-ton/articleshow/7749699.cms

Doc who did Sadhick Batcha autopsy resigns

CHENNAI: Dr V Dekal, the forensic surgeon who conducted the postmortem on the body of Sadhick Batcha on Friday, has resigned from government service. 

Sadhick Batcha, 39, a close aide of former telecom minister A Raja and a person the CBI considered a vital link in the 2G spectrum money trail, was found hanging at his Chennai residence last Thursday. 

Dr Dekal, who heads the department of forensic sciences at the Madras Medical College, said he put in his papers on March 3, more than a fortnight before Batcha's suicide, to contest the Tamil Nadu assembly 

elections. 

"I am yet to make up my mind since the relieving order is yet to come. If it comes soon, I may contest as an independent," he said. Dr Dekal's father was a DMK member. 

Dr Dekal had said that asphyxiation was the cause of Batcha's death, but did not elaborate on the details since he was awaiting results of laboratory tests on Batcha's visceral organs. 

The immediate police reaction to the suicide had raised several,questions last Thursday. Though Batcha was declared 'brought dead' to Apollo Hospitals, Chennai at 1.20pm, the postmortem was not carried 

out the same day. 

The police said the process could not be initiated as by the time Batcha's wife came to sign the papers, it was too late. The body was taken to the Government Royapettah Hospital which does not have a forensic expert, and one had to be brought from the Madras Medical College the next day for the autopsy.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Doc-who-did-Sadhick-Batcha-autopsy-resigns/articleshow/7751952.cms

Ind vs WI: India beat Windies by 80 runs, to play Australia in quarters

India beat West Indies by 80 runs in their World Cup Group B match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday.Score | Photos

They will now play Australia for a place in the semi-finals on Friday. Chasing 269, West Indies were bundled out for 188 in 43 overs with Man-of-the-Match Yuvraj Singh delivering an all-round performance.

Yuvraj Singh scored his maiden World Cup ton and finished with figures of 4-0-18-2 to help India win.

The West Indies openers Devon Smith and Krik Edwards had batted for a few minutes when R Ashwin justified his inclusion by scalping debutant batsman Edwards. But the off-spinner had to take the help of the review to get his man after umpire had turned down his appeal. Edwards fell for 17 and West Indies lost their first wicket on 34/1 in the 7th over.

Post that wicket, the other opener Devon Smith and Darren Bravo put 57 runs for the second wicket before Suresh Raina decided to break their stand in the 17th over. Bravo played an unnecessary pull shot dragging the ball from the off and ended up giving a catch to Harbhajan Singh on 22. West Indies lost their second wicket on 91.

However, Smith was still at the crease and he along with Ramnaresh Sarwan went ahead with another timely partnership.

Eventually, Zaheer Khan got the better of Smith with his slower ball that pitched on the off and curved in to uproot his off stump. That brought an end to their 63-run partnership and Smith's innings of 81 runs. The Windies lost their third wicket on 154. 

Zaheer got the much-needed breakthrough and things started falling in place for India as big-hitter Kieron Pollard too fell. He hooled out on Harbhajan Singh's ball and ended up getting caught in the deep by Yusuf Pathan on 157/4.

Next the man who performed with the bat and came around to showcase his bowling prowess. Yuvraj Singh claimed Devon Thomas in the 35th over to reduce the opposition to 160/5.

Two more wickets -- skipper Darreny Sammy and Andre Russell -- and the Windies tail was out. And when the tail-enders come to bat things get easy for the bowlers. And they did as India wrapped up the opposition on 188 with seven overs to spare.

India innings

Yuvraj Singh scored his first World Cup century as India posted 268 after a dismal start that saw Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir walk back on partly scores.

Ravi Rampaul scalped Sachin Tendulkar on two. The ball had extra bounce to it and rose to Tendulkar's throat; even as he tried to defend it the ball took the edge of his bat and keeper Devon Thomas took a clean catch. India fell to 8/1 after winning the toss.

There was more to come as a few minutes later, the other opener Gautam Gambhir, opening in place of Virender Sehwag, too fell on a Rampaul delivery. Gambhir went for a big hit but ended up giving a catch to Andre Russell in the deep. He fell for 22 and India fell to 51/2.

But, Yuvraj Singh, who has been performing well in the tournament, and Virat Kohli took the Windies bowling head on forging a partnership. However, the two had batted for over an hour that Rampaul struck again to break their 122-run partnership in the 33rd over.

The ball dipped in sharply after pitching to crash against his stumps even as Kohli tired to sweep it away. He missed and fell for 59 when the India total was 173.

But, Yuvraj Singh was still at the crease and he went on to score his first World Cup century. His ton came off 112 balls and included 10 fours and one six. But, the batsman at the other end, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who has not been in form for long, soon departed with leggie Devendra Bishoo claiming his wicket in the next over on 218/4. He could only manage to put 22 runs on board.

Post Dhoni's wicket, new man Suresh Raina too fell with skipper Darren Sammy claiming his wicket 232/5. He could only increase the team total by four runs. 

Finally Yuvraj Singh too fell after scoring a fine 113 off 123 balls. He wanted to smash Kieron Pollard across the fence but miss-timed the ball to Pollard who made no mistake in taking the big wicket for the day. And India were reduced to 240/6 in the 45th over.

Big-hitter Yusuf Pathan too had a brief stay at the crease and departed in the face of Rampaul's pace. India were 251/7 at the stage. Harbhajan Singh was the next to fall with Pollard taking a fine catch to dismiss him off Andre Russell's ball.

Later, Rampaul struck back to send tail-ender Zaheer Khan packing and ending with a fiver. Then Russell claimed the last man Munaf Patel to end India's innings on 268/10 on the first ball of the 50th over.

Source: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/132753/sports/ind-vs-wi-match-report.html

Ind vs SA: Tendulkar's ton goes in vain as India lose by three wickets

Sachin Tendulkar scored his sixth World Cup century, but India ended on the losing side. South Africa chased down 297 with three wickets and two balls to spare during their World Cup Group B match at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground in Nagpur on Saturday. Score | Photos | Video

The match went down to the wire with South Africa needing 13 runs in the last over with Robin Peterson and Faf du Plessis at the crease.

The first ball was swept for four by Robin Peterson off Ashish Nehra even as skipper MS Dhoni scrambled behind the stumps.

The second took the aerial route off Peterson's bat and ended up past the fence with a six on board. In came a Yorker that was sent for a couple and finally a four by Peterson saw South Africa put 300/7 on board.

This despite the fact that paceman Zaheer Khan scalped South Africa skipper Graeme Smith in the 9th over of the innings. Smith wanted to play a big won but ended up giving an easy catch to Sachin Tendulkar at mid-off. He fell to 16 and South Africa fell to 41/1.

Post Smith's wicket, Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis batted on to frustrate the India bowlers. Their partnership helped South Africa cross 100-run mark. Clearly the two didn't want to give India any room.

Amla even got a life when Yuvraj Singh dropped him off Harbhajan Singh at mid-wicket. Luckily for Harbhajan Singh Amla fell in his next over. He was deceived by Harbhajan's Shing's extra bounce that took the edge of his bat to bat in skipper M.S. Dhoni's gloves behind the stumps. He scored 61 and South Africa at the stage was 127/2 in 28 overs.

Soon Kallis and AB de Villiers got on with another partnership. But, the two had put 46 runs together on board that Kallis got run out in Zaheer Khan's over. Skipper MS Dhoni collected the ball from Harbhajan Singh and removed the bails even as TV replays showed that he was clearly short. Kallis fell for 69 and South Africa fell to 173/3.

It seemed that partnerships had become the norm for the day with every batsman aiming for that. And AB de Villiers and J.P. Duminy too aimed for that. He two put on 50 runs for the fourth wicket. But, just when de Villiers was beginning to look dangerous Harbhajan Singh got the better of him. De Villiers wanted the ball to cross the boundary, but it ended up getting lodged in the safe hands of Virat Kohli in the deep for 52. And South Africa lost their fourth wicket at the score of 223 in the 41st over.

India offie Harbhajan Singh was gradually getting in the groove. He had already calimed two wickets and added another one to his tally by claiming Duminy in the 43rd over. Skipper Dhoni performed the final rites by stumping him on 23. South Africa were 238/5 at the stage.

The pacers too displayed their ware. And it was Munaf Patel, who got the opportunity to do that by trapping Morne van Wyk leg-before on 5 and reduce the Proteas to 274/6 on the last ball of the 44th over.

But Harbhajan got to keep the accolades to himself. Just when Johan Botha was charging away at his balls scoring a four and six off his bowling in the 48th over, a short fell short of the boundary and Suresh Raina came under it and soon Botha was walking back on 23. South Africa were 279/7 at the stage.

Finally, Robin Peterson and Faf du Plessis helped their team home without loosing another wicket. And South Africa won by three wickets.

India innings

Earlier, Sachin Tendulkar scored a ton, but post his dismissal India batting line-up folded within a span of 36 runs as South African paceman Dale Steyn claimed five wickets to restrict India to 296 all out.

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag charged down at the South African bowlers from the word go after India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss. The two helped India cross 100-run mark and in the process completed their half-centuries.

But, there was more to come as clearly the two were enjoying their stay in the middle and scoring at a brisk rate. The do put on 142 runs for the first wicket before Sehwag fell. He scored an impressive 73 off just 66 balls hitting 12 fours on the way.

In the 18th over a Faf du Plessis' ball finally broke their partnership. Sehwag wanted to cut Faf for a boundary but the ball didn't have enough turn and a thin edge got carried towards his stumps. Finally there was uproar in the South African camp.

Post Sehwag's dismissal, Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir got on with another partnership. Tendulkar went on to complete his 48th ODI ton, which is also his 99th international century. This was his sixth World Cup century - the highest by any batsman.

After posting his century Tendulkar too walked back with his head held high. He scored 111 off just 101 balls hitting eight fours and three sixes on the way. First he completed a 142 runs partnership with Sehwag by his side and then went on score 125 runs for the second wicket with Gautam Gambhir, before falling to Morne Morkel.

He was on charge and went for a big hit off Morkel in the 40th over, but ended up hooling a catch at point to J.P. Duminy. India were 267/2 at the stage.

Post his wicket, the South African bowlers pressed further and claimed two quick wickets in the form of Gautam Gambhir and Yusuf Pathan. Dale Steyn had them both in the 41st over of the innings.

But that wasn't the end of the tale as soon South African pacers got busy counting scalps. It seemed as if they were just waiting for Sachin Tendulkar to complete his ton before tightening the noose. For when the Master Blaster was at the crease it seemed that India would go on to post a 320-plus figure, but post his dismissal India's fortunes took a U-turn.

After Styen scalped Gambhir and Pathan. He got on with more devastation claiming Harbhajan Singh and Ashish Nehra and Munaf Patel to finish off with a five wicket haul.

And as things would have it India could not even cross the 300-run mark and were all out for 296. Skipper Mahendra Singh remained unbeaten on 12.

Source: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/132111/sports/ind-vs-sa-match-report.html

Ind vs SA Live: Sachin completes his 50, India put pressure on South Africa

India are 119/0 in 14 overs with openers Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar at crease against South Africa during their World Cup Group B match at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground in Nagpur. Live Score

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag charged down at the South African bowlers from the word go. The two helped India cross 100-run mark and in the process completed their half-centuries.

But, there was more to come as clearly the two were enjoying their stay in the middle and scoring at a brisk rate.

Earlier, India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss and decided to bat. 

India are already in the quarterfinals, but a win here will boost their confidence ahead of the KO stage. India have included Munaf Patel in place of Piyush Chawla and South Africa have called in Johan Botha in place of Imran Tahir.

These changes have been done keeping in mind that the VCA pitch does assist the seamers.

Teams: 

India: Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni(w/c), Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, Munaf Patel,

South Africa: Graeme Smith(c), Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers(w), Faf du Plessis, Jean-Paul Duminy, Johan Botha, Robin Peterson, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Morne van Wyk

Source: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/132111/top-stories/ind-vs-sa-match-report.html

Buoyant Bangladesh eye WC quarter-finals

Bangladesh take on the Netherlands on Monday hoping to build on a memorable World Cup win over England that has thrown open the door to the quarter-finals. 

An unbeaten ninth-wicket stand of 58 between Mohammad Mahmudullah and Shafiul Islam helped the Tigers snatch an improbable win over England on Friday and resurrect their faltering campaign. 

Bangladesh had plunged to 169-8 chasing England's modest 225 when the gutsy lower-order duo turned the tables in the day-night match at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium in Chittagong. 

Bangladesh, co-hosting the World Cup for the first time with India and Sri Lanka, suddenly find themselves back in the reckoning for the second round from the unpredictable Group B. 

With four points from as many matches, the Tigers must still beat both the Dutch and powerful South Africa in their remaining league matches to cement a place in the quarter-finals. 

But a victory over the Dutch can also help Bangladesh advance if England, who have five points, lose their last match to the West Indies in Chennai on Thursday. 

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan urged his team-mates not to let the opportunity slip. 

"Beating England has opened the way for us and we must take advantage of that," Shakib said. 

"We now have a very good chance to make the quarter-finals. We must focus on our two games. We don't want to go out of the tournament early." 

Shakib admitted he sensed defeat looming when Bangladesh lost their eighth wicket, but praised both Mahmudullah and Shafiul for their fight back. 

"Frankly, it is hard to believe that we won," he said. "This was not a normal game by any means. No one gave us a chance but those two were really brilliant." 

Bangladesh bounced back to stun England in a must-win just a week after being shot out for their lowest one-day total of 58 by the West Indies in Dhaka. 

Shakib praised his team's determination to come back after heavy criticism from the local media and former players over the embarrassing loss to the West Indies. 

"I always believe in my team," he said. "We have really good guys who are honest about their work, they can work really hard, day in and day out. 

"If you have a bunch of guys like we have, we will always have the belief we can come back from any situation." 

The game on Monday against the Dutch will be played during the day, unlike the one against England where skipper Andrew Strauss complained of excessive dew under lights which hampered his bowlers. 

The Netherlands, a non-Test nation, have lost all their four matches so far and will have to lift their game to beat the Tigers in their own den. 

The Dutch extended England in their opening game, but then lost to the West Indies by 215 runs and were thrashed by South Africa by 231 runs, before bowing to India by five wickets. 

Dutch captain Peter Borren admitted his team had been inconsistent in the tournament, but looked forward to gaining their first win against either Bangladesh or Ireland. 

"We've been inconsistent," he said. "It's never easy. We don't get to play at this level very often. But we still want to get a win or two on the board."

Source: http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/38126/buoyant-bangladesh-eye-wc-quarter-finals/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CricbuzzFeed+%28Cricbuzz%3A+Cricket+Scores+and+News%29

Pro-Telangana mob dumps Andhra heroes' statues in lake

HYDERABAD: Angry pro-Telangana mobs uprooted 11 statues of Andhra icons, including that of Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadeva Raya, and flung them into the Hussain Sagar lake on Thursday, as a potential precursor to a fresh spiral of violence. The protests seemed designed to deepen linguistic and political faultlines between pro- and anti-Telangana sections over an Andhra identity. 

Apart from hurling Krishnadeva Raya's statue — his 16th century reign represents the high noon of Telugu culture — the Telangana activists also smashed the statue of Sir Arthur Cotton, the British engineer who brought irrigation and prosperity to the state. 

Statues of Annamacharya, famous for his hymns in honour of Lord Balaji of Tirumala, were also vandalized among eight others, which included eminent Telugu statesmen and literary figures. 

The statues of 33 iconic personalities of Andhra Pradesh were installed more than 25 years ago by then chief minister N T Rama Rao. "This action represents the assertion of the people of Telangana that their culture is not the same as that of Andhra and that they don't care for Andhra," said an analyst. 

In the five-hour violence between 1.30pm and 5.30 pm, Telangana activists also set on fire the Dwacra building on Lower Tank Bund road, a police vehicle, the OB van of a television channel, looted an ATM and damaged another police vehicle and cameras belonging to TV channels. 

The marauding mob also manhandled Congress MPs K Keshava Rao and Madhu Yashki and forced them to flee. DGP K Aravinda Rao said cases were being registered for the violence unleashed by the protesters, including the desecration of statues, and promised to bring offenders to book. 

Furious activists attacked Rakshak, a police van, and as soon as the cops inside fled, set it on fire. Even as the security personnel began advancing towards them, the crowd starting throwing stones. Faced with relentless stone-pelting, the Rapid Action Force too retreated hastily. 

After that, the protesters had a free run as all security personnel had withdrawn from either end of the Tank Bund road. The violence that ensued ended only after police reinforcements arrived with tear gas shells to clear the area of protesters around 6pm, after which the Tank Bund road was sealed.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Pro-Telangana-mob-dumps-Andhra-heroes-statues-in-lake/articleshow/7675645.cms

HP called out for director selection improprieties

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A week before Hewlett-Packard's annual meeting, a shareholder advisory firm is urging clients not to endorse the company's newly nominated board members.

International Shareholder Services sent a report to clients that accuses HP and its new CEO Leo Apotheker of not following the board's own guidelines for director appointments, in particular saying Apotheker should have had no role in the process. ISS says HP board members are to be nominated by independent directors only, which would rule out Apotheker.

Bloomberg got its hands on the report and published excerpts today. According to the report, ISS writes: "The direct participation of Apotheker in the appointment of five new directors raises red flags...The board is responsible for representing shareholders and overseeing management, in particular the CEO."

On January 20, HP announced four board members would retire and nominated five new members: Shumeet Banerji, CEO of Booz & Company; Gary Reiner, former CIO at GE; Patricia Russo, former CEO of Alcatel-Lucent; Dominique Senequier, CEO of AXA Private Equity; and Meg Whitman, former president and CEO of eBay and recent California gubernatorial candidate.

ISS points out some extra-familiarity Apotheker has with four of the nominated directors--he's on an advisory board of Senequier's company, and the two are both board members of Schneider Electric; and counted Whitman, Russo, and Reiner as customers while he was chief executive at SAP. ISS says that is not necessarily in shareholders' best interests since these directors, if elected, will essentially be Apotheker's bosses.

When asked for comment, HP defended its selection process and said the ISS report was based on a "misinterpretation."

"HP has strong and robust governance practices. We believe that ISS's recommendation is based on their misinterpretation of the process that HP employed in identifying, selecting, and nominating our directors," said an HP spokesperson in a statement. "We do not believe that it would be in the best interests of HP's stockholders to lose the service of the experienced and dedicated Board members who have been delegated primary responsibility for establishing and maintaining those governance practices and who, by any standard, have carried out their obligations in a fully compliant manner."

Shareholders will have an opportunity to vote next Wednesday, March 23 at HP's annual meeting.

Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-31021_3-20041378-260.html#ixzz1GC6LQWgH