Mandira's Article in HT: Mentions Rajeev

The stage may have been set for a one-act show, but what ensued was a saga. With no dearth of controversies and the loss of two key players directly preceding their first match, any other team would have been in absolute turmoil. Yet, despite being written-off, Pakistan bounced back with vengeance. I have always believed that you perform best when the pressure is off you and the expectations from Pakistan were at a minimum. For the first time in the tournament we saw a team really pushing the bar. They are a team that tend to surprise you when you least expect it and Tuesday was no exception. It is edge-of your-seat, every-ballcounts matches like these that make me excited and proud to be associated with the game. Though both teams played well, it's hats off to the Pakistan team for their resilience and perseverance. The talented Donna Symonds was with us to discuss the game. A lawyer by profession, Donna really has a way with words as a commentator. Over the years, she has managed to carve a niche for herself in a male-dominated field. Not only do I respect her accomplishments and knowledge, but I sincerely believe that she does all women proud. On a lighter note, Tuesday gave me the chance to size up my Deal Ya No Deal successor — Rajeev Kandelwal. It's always nice to have colleagues from the TV world on the show and I'm sure that the good-looking, suave Rajeev made quite a few hearts flutter. Finally, Charu's 'closet colourful personality' may have disappeared back into his navy blazer for the day, but I am on a mission to spice up the look of a different cricket persona — John Wright. The odds are against me, for he is diplomatic, I'll think long and hard about it didn't sound very encouraging. But is it possible that we see him with red streaks and a tattoo by the end of the tournament? To win exciting prizes simply answer this extremely easy question. Which cricket commentator is a lawyer by profession? a. John Wright b. Donna Symonds c. Barry Richards SMS the right answer to to 4242.

(Catch Mandira Bedi on Extraaa Innings today at 12:30 pm only on Set MAX)