April 2, 2011 - Photo by Ritam Banerjee/Getty Images AsiaPac
Never been much of a cricket fan. Understanding and vocabulary of the sport would be at a slightly higher level than the “gilli-danda” Lagaan team. And never cared to ask either. Silly point, mid-on/off bla bla. The scandals, the money, the undue attention of a 1 billion nation on a single sport and for a team that was as unpredictable as ours further put me off. It did not help that whenever I watched, we just lost!
April 2 2011 changed a part of the above. The air of India was charged up, with prayers, good wishes. The recorded national anthem teared and goosebumped me up. One cannot but be swayed by the emotions of so many people around you!
The odds were stacked against us – statistically. A chase for a total above 250 on home ground. It did not help that though I had my back to the televsion – Tendulkar got out pretty tamely! With that I decided to revert to the superstitious strategy of NOT watching or updating myself on the match till it was done. Amazing, the number of serendipitious actions that resulted in a wicket/ or a boundary. Some friends crossed their legs throught. Some sat on the same chair. Some refused to relieve themselves. Crazy as it felt later on, we were all unified in our thoughts – C’MON INDIA LET’S GET THAT CUP!
“6 runs and 11 balls remaining..!!” yelled one from the living room. Ok Beena. No peeking. We aren’t giving a chance to them Lankans. A small burst of fire-crackers. A few minutes later a collective shout from all sides. And I finally switched over to watch the winning innings.
One of those few moments in life when you experience magic…
It was supreme team effort yes. But one couldn’t help noticing Mahindra Singh Dhoni’s demeanour. His acknowledgement of the questions that could’ve been asked if they’d lost. His belief in his team. The way he stepped up the order to handle the pressure. God, how did he handle the pressure? His humbleness in allowing his team-mates to hog the central frame of the “Champions” pic. Excitement in the eyes, but the body language composed. How does he do it? This is Bhagvad Gita stuff! B-schools just get his appointment for your Leadership course!
Respect.
