The Birth of the Phoenix

Little did anybody realize that a friendly Cricket match between two different colony teams would end up this way? 14 Months back, 2 teams went head to head against each other in the Military Hospital Grounds in Trimulagherry, Secunderabad, Each one trying to make his own team win. Today a bunch of guys from different colonies play proudly for a team called the Phoenix11. Sweating it out on the field ignoring bruises, broken bone and even the weather with just one motive!! Win under any circumstances. Not even in the movies would you see 2 rival teams joining together and forming one formidable side. The fact that the guys ended up being the best of pals was a testimony that the wise old saying is true. A proverb like “United we stand divided we fall” was so dramatically proven.

For a few people, seeing is believing. We would really like to invite them to witness one of our matches to know why we are so proud of our team. For the rest it’s all about statistics. We have the most apt answer for them. 32 wins of the 38 matches played speaks of our ability to out perform ourselves in the most trying situations.

A Good vibe is the most important thing in a team. Ask the Captain what’s the best thing that he likes with this team and pat comes the answer “The fielding, the good spirit and the good attitude that the guy’s carry are the best features. We are not the bad guys…..we are the good ones”. The first thing that you would notice in our team is that each and everyone is very clear about our roles and responsibilities. Nobody needs to be told what to do and what not to. They are all intelligent cricketers who know the game inside out. Just like every team even the Phoenix11 has a huge variety of guys. Few lazy, a few hyper active, a few mavericks and a few very soft spoken, yet this team gelled so well to become one unit that you just cant help, but compare it to a Jigsaw puzzle with all the shapeless part put together to form one master piece.

The team has had a great run and future looks even more fantastic with the all round performances and contributions becoming more and more regular. Any Sunday with a match is sacred with their whole life coming to a grinding stop for the match. No movies, no weather, no parents and no girl friends can keep them away from a match. With a motto that says “The phoenix can never be destroyed, for we shall rise from the ashes.” Goes onto prove that these bunch of ordinary boys have come together to do some extraordinary stuff.

Well for every team to grow there is just one question to ask. What next? Phoenix11 is very clear with what it wants and where it wants to be. Firstly the boys are waiting to get a chance to prove them selves in the leagues. Next with so many tournaments passing by they are hoping that their performance would be noticed and people would put up their hands to support the team and sponsor them for tournaments.

Let’s wish this truly deserving team all the very best. To contact the team please leave your contact details below in the comments section. The team would revert back as soon as possible.

Phoenix 11 Vs Divij 11 (20th April 08)

Firstly I would like to apologize for the delay in the match report. In future we will ensure that the Team management provides the concerned dept with all the details on time.

Match Date: 20th April 2008
Match Time: 7.30 AM
Match Location: Golf Course Grounds

The match surprisingly started off on time with the usual late comers on time for the first time. I suppose the gentle love filled warning by our Captain Arjun to the opposition Captain gave him a sleepless night and he was present much before time, which caused major discomfort of our team’s usual late comer Junaid.

The team being captained by Angad Singh as it was his last match before the surgery ensured that he would not have to play for long. As usual he lost the toss and we were put onto field. A very tidy spell by Junaid and Shads in the beginning ensured that our batsmen would have a very small roll to play in the match. After wrapping the Opposition for just 110 it took our boys less than 12 over’s to reach it. Our captain for the day did do his usual duty of picking up wickets on his farewell match as well. The First innings was uneventful except for the one time when Arjun broke his finger. The Elder of the 2 extremely injury prone brothers tried to stop the ball from bouncing (To keep its shine for a longer time) when it was thrown from out side the boundary by one of our ace Third Man fielders "Vaibhav". The throw was short and unfortunately so was our hero's hand. The only thing that touched the ball was his middle finger which immediately cried out and informed everybody that it has taken Voluntary retirement for a few days.

Chasing a modest total on a pretty flat track, Divij 11 bowlers did not even try to bark leave alone bite. The team was home in the 12th over losing only 2 wickets. Angad once again proved that he is one of the most devastating openers in the world. He also showed how blessed he is in getting starts by scoring a quick fire 27. He once again went on to show that he has no respect for his wicket what so ever by gifting it away. An important 26 run by Imtiaz Bhai ensured that the inform Shads was able to score just 2 runs till the victory runs were provided by the bowler in the form of extras. The Main stay of our batting was however Dhananjai scoring a very solid 44 not out. Unfortunately he had pressurized the bowlers enough to concede the last 10 run of 2 consecutive wide’s down the leg side that ultimately denied him his well deserved Half Century. Better luck next time pal…

All the best wishes to the team and hope you guys continue to dominate your opponents.

Brief Scores:

Angad – 4-0-23-2 (Overs-Maidens-Runs-Wickets)

Dhananjai - 44 n.o
Angad – 27
Imtiaz Bhai – 26
Shads – 2 n.o

PAVAN - Player Profile

The Gentle Giant affectionately called as “Pavi” by us. This is exactly how we can describe this over 6 feet and more than 180 Pound hairy mammoth. A real kid at heart who loves watching movies (He watches Balakrishna’s movies and thinks the stunts are real). You can also kidnap him by luring him with Ice Cream that is if you can carry him, just kiddin. Actually a real great guy to hang out with who brings about so much of responsibly to the team not only in the field but outside as well. Presently residing in the US, well his absence has made a dent in our middle order, but hey!! Each and every team member Wishes him all the very best, we are all eagerly waiting for him to comeback successful and join our team again.

Stats

Name: Pavan Kumar. V.

Date of Birth: 25th January

Style of Play: Right Hand Bat and Right Arm Medium Fast Bowl

Fav Batting Order: 3rd down usually middle order batsmen

Fav Bowling Order: First Change

Fav Fielding Position: Anywhere in the field

Fav Shot: Flick..Hyderabadi style

Highest Score for Phoenix11: 51 not out

Highest Wickets for Phoenix11: 3 wickets

Education: Master of Engineering (VLSI)

Profession: Engineer

Cricketing Idol(s): Robin Uttappa , Kumara Sangakkara, Ramnaresh Sarvan.

Fav player in Phoenix11: All of them dude this is a team….

Fav International Team: India

Hobbies: Movies, Cricket

Captains Comments: One of my best buddies in the side, superb player and amongst the most dedicated guys. A good head to go with a gr8 nature, he really does justice to my belief that we are good guys, not the bad ones. A very good batsman who never disappoints the team and a handy medium pacer.
PS: waiting for you to come back from America n join the side again.

Pavans Note: All the best Phoenix … will be joining you soon…don’t think I have retired from cricket yet …. And to be true it was an honour to play with all you guys.

Shahryar - Player Profile

He is undoubtedly the most decent guy in our team. A very down to earth personality who can keep smiling while he sends the oppositions bowling attack to the fences. Never gets bugged by anybody but the best characteristic is that he never bugs anybody. A trouble free player who always puts in that extra effort. A guy who turns up to the ground 15 mins after informing him that we are suddenly short of players. He has the genes of Ganguly in him. This guy is attacking, bats left and bowls right. We are sure this guy is more lovable than the former though!!

Stats

Name: Shahryar Naseem

Date of Birth: 22/10

Style of Play: Left Hand Batsman

Fav Batting Order: 5 and 7

Fav Bowling Order: 5

Fav Fielding Position: Long On

Fav Shot: Over Bowlers Head

Highest Score for Phoenix11: 36

Highest Wickets for Phoenix11: 3/12

Education: B.Com Graduate

Profession: Web and Graphic Designer and Developer

Cricketing Idol(s): Brain Lara and Gibbs

Fav player in Phoenix11: Obviously Myself

Fav International Team: South Africa

Hobbies: Traveling, listening to music, making friends

Captains Comments: The only lefthanded batsman in our side and quite an attacking one. He always turns up for the team, when we need him badly. A handy right hand bowler (bowls spin n medium pace), he also adds that fun part to the side. One of the chirpiest guys in the side and definitely liked by all. On his day he can definitely devastate any opponent. He is one of the other ten members (from 17 mentioned) to play the first match of phoenix more than a year ago. So he had virtually been with us from the start. A very good guy, n stay the way you are!

Shahryars Note: I bet we can do better than this !!!

Shadrach - Player Profile

Shads…..A personality beyond words. An immensely talented lad. You can’t help but feel this guy can do anything. A Business Development Manager for a Web designing company, this guy is also a Talented Guitarist with a golden voice, A Freelance Copy/Content writer, a great athlete, No matter which sport. The fact that he is back after a major accident to play again proves his will power is beyond comprehension. On the lighter side he is a freak. A King of PJ’s. Each and every PJ has class attached to it. He also considers himself to be the face of the team (May be because of his good looks). A perfect guy to chill out with. At the end we can only say that he is a Leo till the end. Loves attention and knows how to get it. Very lazy but when he goes for it, he will certainly get it. A must have guy in any party or group.

Stats

Name: Shadrach Thomas

Date of Birth: 6th August.

Style of Play: Right Hand Defensive Batsman, Right Hand Medium Pace bowler

Fav Batting Order: Number 4 (2 Down)

Fav Bowling Order: Opening or First Change

Fav Fielding Position: Gully

Fav Shot: Cover Drive and Straight Drive

Highest Score for Phoenix11: 65 n.o.

Highest Wickets for Phoenix11: 5/16 in 4 Overs

Education: B.Com Graduate

Profession: Business Development Manager/ Copy and Content Writer.

Cricketing Idol(s): Gilly, Fleming, Sourav, Dravid, Ricky, Pidge, Ishant and quit a few more

Fav player in Phoenix11: Cant help but admire each and everyone.

Fav International Team: India, New Zeland.

Hobbies: Music, Sports, Video Games, Fishing, Skating, Writing, Love Driving.

Captains Note: Well though everyone in the side have improved their standards since the team was formed, this guy has shown the best transition. A very good batsmen, capable of handling just about any pace attack, and a nippy bowler- he is a captain's delight. Unfortunately I have had the least opportunity to bat alongside him, but whenever we do there is always something to speak about the partnership. Keep up the good work buddy!!

Shads Note: Lets not give water to this thirst we have for success!!

Angad - Player Profile

He is the most talented batsman in the team. The day he starts going there would be no one who can get him out. He is jovial and sweet but the thing is he is also surprisingly innocent. May be because his elder bro never let him grow up. Scores runs in hundreds and knocks down the stumps as if there is no batsmen. A very intelligent but more importantly attentive cricketer who is always concentrating 100% on the game. This boy loves to ride his bike and once got caught by his dad while riding like a maniac. This triggered a chain reaction. A reaction that saw him come down from a Pulsar to a Scooty in just 24 Hours. That was hilarious. Well now he drives a RX135. He is a perfect example for our commitment. A guy who can ignore injuries while playing. The best part is he plays even if his body parts are missing. Keep that spirit going bro!!

Stats

Name: Angad Singh Soni.

Date of Birth: 26TH December 1989.

Style of Play: Right Hand Bat, Right Hand Bowler, Wicket Keeper.

Fav Batting Order: Opening.

Fav Bowling Order: 1ST Change.

Fav Fielding Position: Behind The Stumps and Covers.

Fav Shot: Square Drive, Forward Defense.

Highest Score for Phoenix11: 65*

Highest Wickets for Phoenix11: 4 Wickets.

Education: Engineering in Computer Science.

Profession: Student.

Cricketing Idol(s): Gilly, Parore, and Boucher.

Fav player in Phoenix11: Every guy in the team has his own impressive style of playing..therefore i love watching everyone’s game…

Fav International Team: INDIA!

Hobbies: Playing Squash, Football, Biking and Going out with friends.

Captains Comments: Class! a good batsmen, a good bowler, a brilliant keeper, and an intelligent cricketer- all this makes him a Captain's delight! there is no one who can get him out, not even Bret Lee!!! The only way he can get out is when he decides to gift his wicket to the opposition. His batting devastates any bowling line-up on any given day. An effortless hitter of sixes and one of the best timers of the cricket ball, I have seen. great going bro!!!

Angads Note: KEEP FIGHTING N KEEP SMILING N KEEP WINING!!

Dhananjai - Player Profile

This guy is more popular as DJ or Don. A real DJ in life and also a real Don on the field. He is one of the best fielders in the side and a very attacking batsman. A fun loving guy who can laugh his guts out even for a PJ* (*Pathetic Joke). A lil on the short tempered side but guess we need that aggression on the field. A Maniac for Bikes. He would rather go hungry than lose a bike. An amazing dancer who also mixes music pretty well. Well guess I am making him sound more like Sreesanth, but believe me he aint like him. Coz if he would have been slapped I am sure Bajji would have cried.

Stats

Name: G. Dhananjai

Date of Birth: 1st Apr 1984

Style of Play: Aggressive

Fav Batting Order: Opening or 1 down

Fav Bowling Order: 1 change

Fav Fielding Position: Point

Fav Shot: lofted drive over covers

Highest Score for Phoenix11: 54

Highest Wickets for Phoenix11: 3

Education: Graduate

Profession: Employee

Cricketing Idol(s): 1st Stephen Fleming, 2nd Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar

Fav player in Phoenix11: Every person who gives his heart out to keep “Phoenix 11” on the TOP.

Fav International Team: INDIA (wht a silly ques JJJ)

Hobbies: Cricket, Music, Dance.

Captains comments: "We are the good guys, not the bad ones". But a team should never lose its aggressive instincts, and thanks to Don we do not lose out on that. Not that he would scare the opposition or say something verbally offensive, but the spirit is there, which makes this team that much better than the rest of the competition. A good vicy to work with and a powerful batsman capable of sending the opposition through the back door on his day. A very good fielder, just to add to some of his immeasurable potential.

Dhananjais Note: Needs to be organized more.

Arjun - Player Profile

A very intelligent cricketer. Knows the game inside out and also does lead by example. He happens to be one of my Favorite batsmen in the team. He can send the ball all around the park. Pulls the ball real efficiently but it’s the drives that are the best. Never seen him yell at anyone expect at his younger bro whom I feel sorry for. A great companion except for his real tasteless jokes. A great human being. Believe me guys…HE IS THE GOOD GUY.

Stats

Name: Arjun Singh

Date of Birth: 28th October 1987

Style of Play: Right Hand Bat, Right Arm Leg Spin, Electrifying Fielder

Fav Batting Order: Number 3

Fav Bowling Order: Third Change

Fav Fielding Position: Point

Fav Shot: Pull, Straight Drive

Highest Score for Phoenix11: 106*

Highest Wickets for Phoenix11: 3 Wickets

Education: Engineering in Biotechnology

Profession: Student

Cricketing Idol(s): Saurav Ganguly, Jonty Rhodes, Sachin, Dravid, Brendon McCullum

Fav player in Phoenix11: All…

Fav International Team: INDIA!!!

Hobbies: Photography, Biking, Football, Squash, Sky Diving (Would love to do it)

Captains Comment: Since he is the Captain I have taken the Liberty to write about him. He is a very decent guy, so decent that we all are sure, that he would have been a Geek (A Nerd) if it would not have been for Cricket. Well on the field a very acute captain with great field placements and really very solid batsmen and of the field he is great companion (Just that he bugs you by trying to prove that his Honda Unicorn is the best bike in the world). .

Arjuns Note: V let the game do d talking and live lyf king size!

The Team Composition

One thing common with all these guys is that each and everyone of them has a sense of pride that they are associated with Phoenix11. There have been many players who have played with us but unfortunately could not continue. Even today given a choice each and every one of them would love to be a part of Phoenix11. There are always a few who have shown more than dedication to bring up Phoenix11 to the level where it is right now. We would like to salute each and every one of them who has had any part to do with phoenix11.

A good team is always a team with the correct balance. Phoenix11 is not one of them. The amount of Talent, Commitment and all-roundership that you find in this team makes this team, not merely a good team but a Great team. The elite team members who have the opportunity to represent Phoenix11 are as follow.


Starting with the Captain Arjun and the Vice captain Dhananjai the rest of the team follows.

1. Arjun - Right hand bat, Right hand leg spinner
2. Dhananjai - Right hand bat, Right hand slow medium pace
3. Angad - Right hand bat. Right hand slow medium pace, wicket keeper
4. Shadrach - Right hand bat, Right hand medium pace
5. Jatin - Right hand bat
6. Junaid - Right hand bat, Right arm fast bowler
7. Vamsi - Right hand bat, Right arm fast bowler
8. Surendra- Right hand bat, wicket keeper
9. Azhar - Right hand bat, Right arm slow medium pace
10. Shahryar - Left hand bat, Right arm bowler
11. Ramchandra - Left arm medium pace, Left arm bat
12. Pavan - Right hand bat, Right hand slow medium pace
13. Vaibhav - Right hand bat, Right hand off spinner
14. Sudheer - Right hand bat, Right hand fast bowler
15. Abhishek Bajpai - Right hand bat, left arm medium pace
16. Kashish - Right hand bat, Right hand medium pace
17. Shreyas - Right hand bat, Right hand offspinner