Athletes to watch out for in Sports Calendar 2011

2010 turned out to be a year of transformation as far as sports is concerned. Champions were found to be mortals, new teams found their time under the sun, match fixing and other off field scandals took the shine off on-field performances. Now what can we look forward to in 2011? More of the same or will it be the year of comebacks?

Here is my wish list:

Cricket: 1. As expected, 2011 World Cup figures first in the list. Returning to the sub-continent after a gap 15 years, fresh are the scars of semi-final defeat in Kolkata in 1996 to a Sri Lankan team which went on to win the cup. It will be a fitting farewell also to the greatest player of our generation, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar to cap his ODI career at his hometown with the Holy Grail which has been missing from his trophy cabinet.

A century at Lords, ay?

2. Some of you might be thinking why I mentioned ODI career and not career. Reason is here- The great man still doesn’t have a test century at the birthplace and Mecca of cricket-Lords. India tour England next year for a 4 test series with the final match of the series to be played at exactly this venue. So it’s obvious how I wish he will bring down the curtains on his Test career.

Tennis: 1. Being a Fedex fan, 2010 was a frustrating year watching the great man come to terms with mortality. Only 1 feat needs to be accomplished for him to be acknowledged as the Numero Uno. The Grand Slam. And to do it in 2011 when in 2010 people have written him off and feel its Nadal’s time now would be apt isn’t it?

To bigger milestones

2. Somdev seems to be the next big hope for Indian tennis. A good performance at a Grand Slam emulating the likes of Ramanathan Krishnan and Vijay Amritraj would be amazing.

3. Lee-Hesh are back together and a few Grand Slams could well be in the offing for the Indian express who are in the twilight of their illustrious careers and would love to sign off with a few more trophies.

Formula 1:

1. The undisputed king of F1-Michael Schumacher become competitive again and start winning races and competing for the championship. A world title would be the crowning glory.

Golf:

1. Tiger back on the prowl leaving behind the off-field controversies as he is truly a great champion on the field.

Football: 1. The most far-fetched wish in my opinion. Jose back in the best league in the world and possibly replacing Sir Alex at Manchester United. One great man replacing another great one. Both hate losing and it might even convert many people like me to be a Red Devil.