Sunday, April 3, 2011

Its 2245 IST… Finally the wait is over…

 

For the last 28 years, India, where Cricket is a religion, and Sachin Tendulkar is God, had been yearning for the coveted ‘Cup’. The wait is finally over…

Under the sang-froid leadership of ‘Cool Captain’, Mahi Dhoni, India cruised through the last 4 matches of the Championship. After the whimsical loss to South Africa (the only loss in the tournament, apart from a tie with England), the Indian side took matters to their pride. It is not everyday day that West Indies crumble so pitifully. Neither very often do we get to see Australia being beaten up to a shameful retreat. The champions for the last 3 consecutive World Cups (1999, 2003 & 2007), who ruled over the Cricketing World for the longest period, had absolutely no chance at defeating the team the had been quoted to have to strongest batting line-up in the tournament. India entered the Semis.

The first duo that comes to mind when we think of Cricketing rivalry is India vs. Pakistan. A fan from ‘any’ corner of the living world, would be a fool to consider any other duel greater. What more could one ask for? (apart, of course, from an Indo-Pak Finale) The semi-final match witnessed some really good moments. The legendary Pakistani pacer Waqar Younis was seen ‘sweating’ under the Mohali heat. The fastest centurion, Shahid Afridi, was seen lurking behind the silhouette at the presentation ceremony. I never saw a better example of what we affectionately call “G**nd fatke haath mein aana” before. India were set to face Sri Lanka in the Finals, a team who were known for their consistent performance throughout the contest, and in Sangakkara’s words a day before the match, “We’re just 100 overs away from glory.” (P20, TOI, April 02 ‘11) (Read on to know how his statement changed!)

After the very “fit-for-a-win-103*” knock by the ex-Lankan-Captain, Jaya and a hefty target of 275, billions of hearts skipped a beat the moment Tendulkar was caught at first slip. The entire nation kept its fingers crossed for the Master Blaster who was all set to complete his ‘Century-Centuries’ in the 2011 World Cup Finals. It was disappointing.

But people, look at it this way, 99 had remained Sachin’s jersey-number for quite a long time. Also, he has been dismissed at the score 99 for the most number of times in the world. After a World Cup win, this is the best time for Tendulkar to step down, at his peak, just one step behind the glorified “100”, marking a respect to the fact that we are human beings, we are imperfect, and kisi mahaan insaan ne kaha bhi hai, “Imperfections make us human, and we love it!”  Winking smile Angel

Mahi was especially impressive in the Finale. Having performed not-so-impressively throughout the season, Mahi took a bold step and came to the field before Yuvi. His responsible knock of 91* was quick, saved our asses, and ended with a hard hit that set the ball flying to the stands at Wankhede. The look on Dhoni’s face when he hit the sixer wasn’t joy. It was Pride. He froze in that stance for a moment, and then swung the bat as if it was a sword.

At Indian Standard Time 22:45, we became World Champions. The victory shot ended the 28-year long wait.

The team dedicated the win to the nation and Sachin Tendulkar. Said Sachin, “This is the proudest moment of my life.” Gary Kirsten was a proud coach. Man of the match: Dhoni, Series: Yuvi. Sangakkara said, “Indians were unstoppable. Anything less than 350 would not have been enough to restrict them."

“And India lifts the 2011 ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP…”

Champagne and Pride all around…

Fucking proud to be an Indian…!

What more do I write…

Yeh India ka Cricket hai…Bhidu! Winking smile

P.S: A dear friend’s composition (Hope you don’t mind Sid!), do check it out http://mystochasticworld.blogspot.com/2011/04/moment.html

10 comments:

  1. yeh truly sachin deserved it// After all those years.. Indian team has now done something for him.
    Dhoni as quoted by sanga" played the innings when it mattered the most" so hats off to him..
    gr8 job team india

    ReplyDelete
  2. Well, 2 April,2010 is going to be remembered for the unity and passion India has showed for the " Gentleman's Game ".There will be celebrations after a long time in India and the celebrations will continue for a long,long time ..
    Jai Hind

    ReplyDelete
  3. Damn good performance by the Indian cricket team.
    They played like champions and they deserve glory.

    1 from the TROY... "there is no pact between lions and men"...Indians roared...Lankans trembled.

    Best of luck 4 the Indian cricket team.

    ReplyDelete
  4. As the nail-biting match proceeded, there was only one prayer in the minds of a billion people - 'WIN IT'.

    As the Men in Blue steered their way towards victory, there was a sigh of inexpressible joy in the minds of Indians, a feeling that made us even more proud to call ourselves INDIANS.

    A dream come true...

    Proud to be an INDIAN.

    ReplyDelete
  5. well i'm totally agree with those who commented there are less words made to reflect feelings of Indian people n all players...

    Well done Dhoni n whole Team...keep it up...

    ReplyDelete
  6. AAAhhh...missed this outstanding match...as we were in train..but the moment we realized about this win(after u msgd)we all jumped in our bogie and screamed all around the train 'Jeet gaya bhai jeet gaya INDIA World Cup jeet gaya'.
    It was fun...
    Feels gr8 for the most Talented 'SACHIN TENDULKAR'..
    Truly Overwhelming..
    Luv You Dhoni..
    Thank You TEAM INDIA..

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hey, Awesome.. entry on d blog!! It beautiful to see the whole country united, together cheering for the same cause, Words are not enuf to describe the patriotism, cricket signifies in India!! Go INDIA!! PROUD!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hey it was really nice to read your blog after a long time. It was the same feeling as in the first semester I was reading your story. Thanks a lot aby...
    U also inspired me to write something. I tried for that. Have a look
    and please do comment its very precious for me.
    check out..

    http://ankita3011.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=142&action=edit&message=1

    ReplyDelete
  9. congratulation to india to win the world cup 2011, for latest and updated jobs, pakistan newspaper jobs, online apply
    Pakistan Naukari

    ReplyDelete
  10. Here we are going to provide you Lahore jobs. Keep in touch with us.

    ReplyDelete