It seems like some time back now, and yet it was this day last month that the 28 year long wait finally came to an end for the Country of a Billion. It has taken me exactly one month to recover from the 'shock' of World Cup Victory by the Men-in-Blue! Cricket being the most widely followed 'religion' by Indians both within the borders and beyond, the telecast of our 'God', Sachin being carried around the ground on the shoulders of his elated teammates will remain in our memories for our lifetimes.
The black and white video of the smiling Kapil Dev accepting THE CUP on the balcony at Lord's always reminded me of an event of historical importance, of the likes of our Independence! It seemed 'historical', more so because it was way back, and all successive teams had failed us. Sometimes coming as close as 2003, but at times as far as 2007. Having known to 'choke' when it mattered, many a fan including the writer had lost hope of the past glory being relived.
When the 2011 edition got under way on 19th Feb, I didn't have any money on Team India. “Hope they don't do a 2007 again! At least not at home!”, I prayed. I mean, with the Asian Giants – Lankans and Paks, 4 time Champions – Aussies, though down, definitely not out and the long due Proteas in the way, a BIG WIN though very possible, seemed a long shot.
All said and done, like a true Indian, I 'bled blue'! The India matches during the weekends found me glued to my laptop switching between the live streaming channels, looking for the one with least stuck ups. As expected, the Indians beat the shit out of unheard-of teams and emerged the indisputable champions in the inconsequential games. Tight games saw them stealing a draw from the jaws of victory against the English, and the loss against the South Africans. The all too familiar trend of the 'chokers' was setting in. The knock out stage was the real test, and the overcoming of the Aussies started the actual race to fame. The Pakistan downfall was somehow inevitable, considering their past 0 – 4 record. So it was down to the mythological battle of Lanka!
April Fools Day, found the Indian gang at the local temple run by Sri Lankan immigrants. We hoped our collective prayer would appease the Heavens more than that of the Pujari!!! With hope in my heart and spirit in my soul, I got ready for the toss on the D-day. With a bowl-first, the Pundits brought down our chances to 40%! In spite of the excellent bowling and fielding performance during most of the first half, an excellent century by Jayawardane and the resulting target of 275 sent me for a lunch break with a sinking feeling in the stomach. With the early loss of Sehwag, I had had enough and switched off the telecast and took a siesta! On resumption, Gambir and Kohlis' reconciliation was heartening. But with the subsequent fall of Kohli, fell my spirits as well. It was the dream partnership of Dhoni and Gambir that really set the stage on which they lifted the cup, and we Indians got together to watch the final few overs together. Although Gambir's unnecessary shot, threatened a twist in the tail, Captain Cool and Yuvi took us the rest of the way. The final blow into the stands sent us screaming our hearts out, hugging each other and dancing in the corridors like we may never again!
It still sometimes feels unreal. TEAM INDIA – THE WORLD CHAMPIONS!
The black and white video of the smiling Kapil Dev accepting THE CUP on the balcony at Lord's always reminded me of an event of historical importance, of the likes of our Independence! It seemed 'historical', more so because it was way back, and all successive teams had failed us. Sometimes coming as close as 2003, but at times as far as 2007. Having known to 'choke' when it mattered, many a fan including the writer had lost hope of the past glory being relived.
When the 2011 edition got under way on 19th Feb, I didn't have any money on Team India. “Hope they don't do a 2007 again! At least not at home!”, I prayed. I mean, with the Asian Giants – Lankans and Paks, 4 time Champions – Aussies, though down, definitely not out and the long due Proteas in the way, a BIG WIN though very possible, seemed a long shot.
All said and done, like a true Indian, I 'bled blue'! The India matches during the weekends found me glued to my laptop switching between the live streaming channels, looking for the one with least stuck ups. As expected, the Indians beat the shit out of unheard-of teams and emerged the indisputable champions in the inconsequential games. Tight games saw them stealing a draw from the jaws of victory against the English, and the loss against the South Africans. The all too familiar trend of the 'chokers' was setting in. The knock out stage was the real test, and the overcoming of the Aussies started the actual race to fame. The Pakistan downfall was somehow inevitable, considering their past 0 – 4 record. So it was down to the mythological battle of Lanka!
April Fools Day, found the Indian gang at the local temple run by Sri Lankan immigrants. We hoped our collective prayer would appease the Heavens more than that of the Pujari!!! With hope in my heart and spirit in my soul, I got ready for the toss on the D-day. With a bowl-first, the Pundits brought down our chances to 40%! In spite of the excellent bowling and fielding performance during most of the first half, an excellent century by Jayawardane and the resulting target of 275 sent me for a lunch break with a sinking feeling in the stomach. With the early loss of Sehwag, I had had enough and switched off the telecast and took a siesta! On resumption, Gambir and Kohlis' reconciliation was heartening. But with the subsequent fall of Kohli, fell my spirits as well. It was the dream partnership of Dhoni and Gambir that really set the stage on which they lifted the cup, and we Indians got together to watch the final few overs together. Although Gambir's unnecessary shot, threatened a twist in the tail, Captain Cool and Yuvi took us the rest of the way. The final blow into the stands sent us screaming our hearts out, hugging each other and dancing in the corridors like we may never again!
It still sometimes feels unreal. TEAM INDIA – THE WORLD CHAMPIONS!
Nice maga :) !!
ReplyDeleteKeep going !
It so happened that I came across a very wonderful incident after the world cup.
We were having a party at the Centrum at Delft, in came a bunch of 15 English men. They came running towards our table n shouted at us. I was taken aback first but later they came n hugged us and told us that we guys must b proud as we are the world champions now :) ! wow what a feeling it was. We were shaken totally. It looked like team India gave us an identity.
I need to write a blog too when I find some time :)