THE WALL THEY COULDN’T TEAR DOWN

Dear Rahul,

I do not know how to address this letter, simply because, you always have been a kind of “hidden” figure for me. Growing up in an era graced with the very presence of Sachin Tendulkar, the man we consider as our God; your involvement in the game seemed secondary for us devotees.

Now when I look back, all those times shine yet again, to show me your equal greatness which might have been a bit overshadowed by one man’s presence. Yet I am amazed, that all these years have not faded you; instead you have become that support, that anchor, that wall who has stood tall and become clearer than ever. 

A year ago, when critics and cricket fanatics had written you off and fans sighed at your poor form, you have not only bounced back this year with a great performance but showed every cricket follower of what stuff you are made of. As opposed to Sachin, who midst great fanfare has tumbled records and added some of his own; you have been that silent killer, patiently biding your time, playing your natural game, slowly & surely moving towards pinnacles of perfection. You have been awe-inspiring, indeed.

When I first came to know that you were chosen as the first player outside Australian subcontinent to deliver the Bradman Oration; my first thought was – Why you? Why not Sachin? While as a die-hard Sachin fan my emotions fall perfectly in their place; right now, let me tell you, I am embarrassed of accepting this. When I first read your speech at the Bradman Oration, I had goosebumps on my arms. It took almost 5 mins after I finished reading to finally snap back into reality. I read it. Re-read it. Re-read it again. Re-re-read it and in 48 hours I have been basking in the glory of those sentences….smiling inwardly at those little anecdotes you sprinkled along the way….thinking seriously about the issues you put forth and watching awe-struck at the finesse you displayed while delivering this speech. You have left me spell-bound. It takes a lot of courage for a Sachin fan like me to accept that you, Rahul, have conquered a place in my heart and earned a respect so great that it will last a lifetime. Your speech and the video has become my daily fodder since.

I absolutely loved your opening para –  “We cricketers devote the better part of our adult lives to being prepared to perform for our countries, to persist and compete as intensely as we can – and more. This building, however, recognizes the men and women who lived out the words – war, battle, fight – for real and then gave it all up for their country, their lives left incomplete, futures extinguished.”

It shows your strength of character in such a way that I can’t help but admire & feel proud of the fact that I am an Indian. 

The issues that you have put forth have made people sit up and take things seriously. Now whether something will be done about it, who knows….but at least you have given them something to ponder on. When I was younger, I always used to have a blast with my friends watching matches, enjoying them, playing our own version of cricket….While, I still enjoy discussing, watching & playing cricket with them; Sadly, most of my friends have been distanced from the game feeling that there has been too much of it lately and it has lost its original charm. It sometimes scares me and makes me wonder that this one thing that fills a spark in my life may one day suddenly vanish from my life too; especially when I think about Sachin’s retirement.

However, cricket has been so much of religion for me; losing it will be like losing my identity as a person and my meaning as a die-hard fan. Cricket has been family. Not a commercial bandwagon but a sentimental roller-coaster that I believe fuels not only mine but millions of other lives all over the world. 

And yes; as you say, it is this generation that has the power to re-write history, to set a tradition to honor the game and come to terms with the fact that players will come and go but the game will truly live on…

Your bold decision of quitting one day internationals especially at a time when the selectors were just realizing your mettle; was indeed commendable. You showed them that you aren’t a puppet to be pushed around. You command a respect that is as unparallel as the devotion that Sachin receives. Just because you have been a quiet and humble player throughout cricketing history doesn’t mean that you are dumb. But it actually means you exhibit an intelligence so profound, that few even have the capacity to grasp it. Recently, when you were felicitated for  being the second highest run scorer in Test history, my heart swells with pride to realize what rare gems this Indian soil has produced. 

Being a person of few words, the long speech you delivered gave us a glimpse of your intense passion for the game…the reverence you showed while uttering Sir Don’s name and the genuine warmth you displayed when you mentioned Sachin shows us the purity of your heart. The elegance, the poise, the perfection, the humbleness you display while batting truly puts you in a class of your own and you applied the same rule during this speech and touched our hearts in such an intimate way, that I feel a deep sense of affection towards you.

I came across the poster below while searching for your photos online. For once, I am not annoyed that it shows Sachin in a lesser light than you; instead I am amused as to why I didn’t realize before the importance of this simple statement.

Rahul, you are yet another person I would like to thank after Sachin for showing me what cricket is all about. For being that “lambi race ka ghoda” we all momentarily forgot. For being an inspiration…..a legend….a man that we have all come to respect. If it’s “utmost devotion” for Sachin, it’s “genuine respect” for you. If it’s “unconditional love” for Sachin, it’s “undying trust” for you. If it’s “pure admiration” for Sachin, it’s definitely a “standing ovation” for you for being the man we all look upto.

I always joke with my friends that if Sachin Tendulkar came in front of me, I probably wouldn’t know  what to say because I would definitely pass out cold with the euphoria of seeing him in the front of me. While, the same wouldn’t apply when I see you Rahul; I would certainly bend and touch the ground you walked upon. My love for Sachin probably doesn’t leave a space for anyone else but my respect for you has increased ten-fold, perhaps more and it’s one thing that I as a fan can sincerely give you.

I will dedicate this post to all your true fans and encourage my Sachin fans to read this too. ‘coz as people you two may be as different as chalk and cheese but inherently there is something divine in both of you.

And if at all, you ever come across this letter, let me tell you, I mirror the words of a much larger crowd. And I stand in front you with folded hands, praying to a man we never dubbed as god but worshiped all the same……a man we never understood……a man who lived in shadows yet one day unknowingly became greater than it that we had to stand up and take notice….a wall that we could never tear down…

With lots of respect, admiration & awe,

A  fan whose loyalties you just earned for life

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GOD

Somebody: Hey, are you an atheist?

Me: No, I am a believer!

Somebody: You mean, you actually BELIEVE in GOD?

Me: Yeah, whats wrong with it?

Somebody: How can you believe in something that you have NEVER seen???

Me: Who said that I have not yet seen God?

Somebody: You mean you HAVE?

Me: Yup!

Somebody: Are you kidding me?

Me: Nopes!

Somebody: You have actually SEEN GOD in FLESH & BLOOD?

Me: Thats what I said!

Somebody: How? Where? When? What?

Me: I HAVE SEEN MY GOD.

I have seen him dedicating his life to something he believes in for 20 long years.

I have seen him opening the batting for India and the Mumbai Indians year after year.

I have seen him hitting centuries and centuries in tests and one day internationals.

I have seen him when he went to become the first and the only player so far to hit a double century in one day cricket.

I have seen him accepting countless “Man of the Match” and “Man of the Series” awards.

I have seen him hitting boundaries like never-stopping missiles

I have seen him exuding talent in all forms of the game.

I have seen him turn things in to gold just by touching them…..

Somebody: Hey, wait. I know what you are talking about. You mean that Tendulkar guy! He is the one? He is YOUR god? Baah!

Me: Yes, he is!

Somebody: But how can he be a God? He’s human!!!

Me: Whats wrong in worshiping a human? As far as I know, the Christians do the same! Jesus was the son of God, not god himself.

And so do Hindus? Don’t we worship, Lord Rama?

Somebody: Puh-leaze! Thats different. Those were mighty men with extraordinary powers. Why would anyone want a human god who is as ordinary as you and me? I mean, even Superman and Spiderman are supposed to have miraculous powers never seen on earth!

Me: Really? So, the prerequisite for worshiping someone is that they have alien powers and the ability to fly and glide over tree tops and mountains? Ridiculous!

Somebody: Why ridiculous? What about cricket then? Its just a game, right? Its not as if winning a world cup is going to make India a super power or just bcoz a guy name Sachin Tendulkar lives here, The floods are going to stop and it will rain plenty but in control, and there will be no earthquakes, no bomb blasts, not any other natural calamities either…..

Me: Well, these things have happened anyways even when Gods walked upon this earth.

It doesn’t count through what amount of burden and trials and tribulations we are put through; what counts is our willingness to get back on our feet!

Why wouldn’t I worship Sachin Tendulkar? What cricket-loving fan wouldn’t?

Whats wrong in worshiping the dedication that guy exhibits. The sheer patience and ample of self-control for 20 long years.

Whats wrong in worshiping a guy who never utters a bad word on field? Who maintains so much poise and dignity even when the opposite person is ridiculing him or cursing him. So much so that the person opposite gets embarrassed with such an open display of humility!

Whats wrong in worshiping genius in its purest form? The unaltered talent and the untarnished brightness that drips from him.

Whats wrong in worshiping an unbelievable display of hard-work and sincerity where most of us youngsters get bored even to walk a few steps to the supermarket?

Whats wrong in worshiping the lavish praise for other players that he is never tired of giving?

Whats wrong in worshiping the selfless guidance that he provides to upcoming players and fans?

Whats wrong in worshiping a dedicated family man who finds time for his wife and kids?

Whats wrong in worshiping an unselfish donor who donates countless money to the charity anonymously?

Whats wrong in worshiping the insatiable hunger he has for improving himself, correcting his own self, competing against his own self, beating his own records, bettering his own natural game?

SACHIN RAMESH TENDULKAR is not a lesson in cricket, my dear. He is a lesson in life itself.

It takes both Gods and Humans to make this earth, my friend.

The only difference is –

We bring some Gods to the level of Humans AND

We take some humans to the level of Gods.

(And I have one such God in the form of Sachin Tendulkar. On his 37th birthday, this is a post right from the heart.

Wishing you loads of success, happiness and a very happy birthday, Sachin……)

VOTE EARTH

How many of us really care about our beloved earth?

How many of us want to see it flourishing?

How many of us wish not to see it dying?

How many of us want it to be a better place to live in for the future generations?

This is not a blog post. It is an appeal.

An appeal for the “Earth Hour”; a global initiative by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Earth Hour began in Sydney, Australia in the year 2007 when 2.2 million people and businesses switched off the electricity for one hour.

In 2008, it achieved a more global platform where, all major monuments of the world got consumed in darkness, just to save the earth.

And now, in 2009, Earth hour wants to achieve a more active support and aims at involving 1 billion people in this unique campaign. Over 74 countries have pledged their support for voting for the earth. You can provide your own individual share.

This data is then going to be presented at the Global Climate Change conference at Copenhagen in December 2009.

Why Earth Hour?

We are in a delicate environmental situation. Its about time that countries all over the world understand the problem of climate change and do something to tackle it. We have to take the pressure off global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emmissions and this can only be done via an internattional event that is here to stay for better.

Date and Timing:

Earth Hour begins at 8:30pm on March 28, 2009.

It is just like New Year’s eve with New Zealand going in darkness at 8:30pm local time and likewise, will move from one country to another.

This is why Earth hour is held around spring equinox so that countries both in the northern and sourthern hemisphere have equal sunset times.

For more information, you can visit the Earth Hour website

http://www.earthhour.org

From there you can choose a location and move to your country’s earth hour page.

Sign up and spread awareness among your family and friends.

It is my humble request to all. Please join the Earth Hour campaign. It will make a lot of difference. Whether your country is a part of it or not; that does not matter. What matters is your responsibility as a global citizen to save this earth…..to vote for this earth.

You vote for leaders to rule your country but just once stop and think what do you want the leaders to rule? Barren lands, dying nature, sick people OR green pastures, flourishing nature, healthy and aware people???

Don’t vote earth just because someone tells you to; neither do I want you to force others. Don’t just understand but realize the consequences. There will be many appeals from world leaders, film personalities, other celebrities and even from common people like me. But, ultimately, it will be your individual fight. When each person realizes what he/she has to do, only then there will be a meaning to the “Earth hour” and a giant leap towards a welcome change.

VOTE A BETTER LIFE! VOTE AWARENESS! VOTE EARTH!

I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Being the grand-daughter of a political leader, politics has been a fairly discussed word at home. However, after grandpa, no one in the family turned to politics.

While growing up, I never had any political ambitions and I detested the way politics has been in India and anywhere else in the world for that matter.

The never-ending corruption of the political leaders, their false promises, incomplete knowledge and open disregard for the constitution and law has always been abominable for me.

So much so, that even 3 years after turing 18, I still have to cast a vote….

In the wake of recent Mumbai terrorist attack, I however, feel very ashamed.

What right do I have to critisize the leaders when I myself have failed to perform my duty as the citizen of India.

In failing to vote, incompetent leadres have been gaining ground.

While my one single vote is very insignificant, it still can make a difference if combined with several other “single” votes.

How come none of us thought about it???

I think its high time to wake up and watch where we are heading to.

All of us are special and can certainly make a significant difference.

I, YOU and WE.

I recently registered on the website Jaagore. It is a really cool one, explaining about voting myths and registering Indians as electoral candidates.Its easy and essential.

Imagine, our ONE vote turning things over…..

All of us are so cynical.

We want things to change but don’t want to do anything about it.

Its easy to say, India is in dumps, there is nothing left in this country and fly away abroad. But no one wants to do something about it. No one wants to dirty their hands in picking up this garbage.

Are we a good citizen of India???

I know, I am NOT.

But I know one more thing. And that is, I CAN CHANGE. I WILL CHANGE.

Because I have realized, you first need to change yourself to change others.

Once I modify my outlook, I can modify that of others too. They  in turn can alter the outlook of million others.

Once you accept the reality, it automatically becomes easy to adapt to it….learn from it……grow from it….

Who knows, there are competent leaders hidden within us. Together we can make sure that this country gets its due. India has the capability to become a super-power and we can help it to reach that pinnacle.

When are YOU going to change?

When are YOU going to make a difference?

When are YOU really going to be an Indian?

AND WE CRIED RIVERS OF BLOOD….

(Articles on Terroris: My own, Dance of terror on November 25th last year and the recent one I came across

on Ninad Bhangle’s blog, We seek Peace )

Being an Indian, terrorism is nothing new to us. Every single day, we witness the violence in Kashmir. Every month, we hear of bomb blasts either in Bangalore or Mumbai or Delhi or Ahmedabad or some metropoiltan city. It has become such a common place thing.

We witness the ripped out bodies, the pools of blood, the charred remains of people and vehicles; broken homes, wailing loved ones, lost hope, undying spirit…

We witness the gunned down terrorists, the captured ones, the ones running scott free after a disappointing court trial….

We only witness….

But nothing ever prepared us for the cruel attack of terrorists in Mumbai on November 26th 2008!

Compared to what has happened recently, I think, bomb blasts were easier to cope with. After the initial trauma, we have been left to deal with clearing of the mess, helping out the injured, supporting the victims families, nabbing the accused…….we have seen a fresh morning.

We have NEVER witnessed an ONGOING terror attack……until NOW…..

WE CRY RIVERS OF BLOOD, for people at

……CST railway station

……Cafe Leopold

……Cama hospital

……Metro Cinema

……Hotel Taj

……Hotel Oberoi

……Hotel Trident

……Nariman House

and other such places in South Mumbai.

There are thousands of sources that will provide you the entire information about the terror attacks.

But is knowing enough???

Have you seen the terrorists who have been shot dead and caught……they are mere teenagers! What kind of hatred are they holding in their hearts to commit such atrocious acts of inhumanity? What religion compels them to take such extreme steps of terrorism? What exactly is their jehad ?

NO. I don’t think, terrorists have a religion.

NO. I don’t think, they follow a God.

NO. I don’t think, they even have hearts.

They are machines.

They are made up of immense fanatical hatred; that which has no boundaries.

We see brave cops laying down their life for common people. Common people still held hostages. Amidst the chaos, we see the vulnerable human life fighting against these inhuman beasts.

WE CRY RIVERS OF BLOOD, for people

…..all foreingners who came to enjoy a holiday

…..commuters who died at the railway station

……hotel guests

……families of dead cops, hotel staff

and all those who were affected.

It is easy to deal with criminals who have demands. Demands of a ransom, of release of some fellow prisoner, of ammunition, of any thing in particular.

But, how the hell, do you deal with people, who’s only intention is to terrorize, to kill without reason, to injure without an aim, to just create fear.

People? Can you even call them people? They don’t even deserve to be called as animals….

What can be worst?

Yet the spirit of the people is undying.

The love for fellow-beings in us eternal.

Not only the commandos but even ordinary human beings have been working ceaselessly throughout the night. They are donating blood where needed.

Every single human soul is making at least a tiny contribution to ease the pain.

Even as I write this, do you know, what video is being viewed constantly on Youtube? The CNN Irony! Check this out!

Even in a grave situation like this, it sure feels funny.

What we need, is not ignorance.

We need support.

People all over the world are pitching in their help.

It doesn’t matter where in the world you are.

You do not need to contribute your money or donate blood or be here in person to make a difference.

Just do ONE thing.

Do not shy away from the television reports and sympathize.

Instead Empathize and PRAY.

PRAY for the brave souls of Mumbai.

PRAY for India.

For what can deafeat terrorism is not ammunition and hatred;

But unconditional LOVE, undying HOPE and oodles of FAITH!!!

(I dedicate this post to people all around the world who have faced terrorism. The fact that you acknowledged the presence of terrorism in your lives and fought it in your own speical way, makes you victorious. Together we can make a difference. And we will. May God bless the departed souls and give the remaining ones courage to move ahead….Amen)

A GIRL’S WEDDING

Have you ever seen a Hindu wedding? It symbolizes sanctity, beauty and the most correct following of rites and rituals. It is grand. It is royal. It is everything what a young bride and groom hope for.

There are several customs and traditions. Several ceremonies that run parallel to the grand event. Each one more memorable than the last.

For nearly a month I was involved with the wedding preparations of my best friend. Last one week was total fun. I enjoyed a lot helping out, taking part in the various ceremonies and trying my best to keep my friend happy until she begins a new phase in her life.

There is an unique characteristic of such weddings, at the end of the day, the bride cries, her family cries…..It is always sad to leave one’s home and settle elsewhere. To begin a new life, with a new person, with a new family.

I have never cried at weddings. I had always found it to be stupid. Or perhaps, I have never been close to someone enough, to miss them or care for them.

However, I did not realize but tears did sprang up in my eyes while saying goodbye to my friend. I felt silly. My friend is going to remain in the same town but just at a different house. She will carry with her the same phone number.Still, I did feel sad.

I don’t why she cried either. It is the same with her. Though, she won’t live with parents anymore, she will be just minutes away from their home. That house will welcome her anytime she wants.

Then why did she cry? Why did I cry?

Does a bride really cry because she won’t stay with her parents.

I don’t think so.

What is intimidating is that it is the beginning of a completely new life. More so for a girl.

She is the one who is going to leave her parent’s place and move elsewhere.

What made me cry is the same thing?

In a few years time, I will too begin a different life.

And now I know, I will cry a lot.

Not that I am not not used to staying away from my family. I have done that many times. But I did not realize earlier that what is actually means.

It means changing your priorities.

All those people, you thought to be the most important ones, will be given the second position. Your husband, will be your top priority.

All those people who were your family, will have less right on you and your life will have a new meaning.

What hurts is the fact of pushing your own people away from you and embracing total strangers.

For a girl, that is such a major thing to do.

Few years, down the line, a new family life begins. A phase of more responsibilities and commitments.

Sometimes, I don’t understand, what is more dear?

The first years of life when you are young, carefree, innocent and without any responsibilities.

Or the later years of maturity.

For a boy, maturity means to turn into a man.

But a girl, becomes a daughter first, then a sister, a wife and finally a mother……and that’s what she remains all her life……without any second identity…..

A wedding, is fun but at the same time, it s when a girl is born again with a different identity….

And one never knows, that the tears a girl sheds are the sad ones or the happy ones….

Or whether, the most beautiful thing in life is the one in which aeons of happiness is mixed with tons of grief!!!

THE OTHER FACE OF CRICKET

No one really thought that the IPL was going to make it that big. Agreed, there was a hell lot of money involved….agreed, there were the best players in the world competing out there…..agreed, twenty20 form of the game had turned super-popular.

There were a lot of reasons. But reasons never calculated the amount of popularity that accompanied the game. For nearly one and the half months, the only pass time of cricket fanatics like me has been spending all evenings glued to the TV set. From scantily clad cheerleaders to the chocolate boy hosts….from expert commentators to VIP team owners….IPL was an entire package of entertainment, fun, game and achievements.

8 teams, 1 goal. Winning the coveted IPL trophy. There were a lot of speculations on who was going to win. All sorts of teams were stripped and analysed. The ones with hi-fi players were deemed as Gods. Betting was high. Players with a great reputation were expected to be the leaders of the pack.

Instead, something else happened! Local talent pool was discovered. Players with no experience and proper training, those who didn’t even have a place in the national team turned out to be the best.

Teams who were the under-dogs went to surprise all. One such team was the Rajasthan Royals.

They were considered the weakest team of the tournament. Yet they won 14 matches out of 16 and finally secured the IPL trophy.  Shane Warne proved to be an excellent captain and he conditioned the players to give their best. Their “NEVER SAY DIE” attitude didn’t let them down. Simple, never before heard players shone like stars…. Hats off to you Shane!

So, overall, IPL was a great SUCCESS!

Its going to be missed by cricket buffs like me. Twenty20 has proved itself worthy of the cricketing honors.

Until next April now, lets wait for another dose of non-stop entertainment.

IPL MORAL OF THE STORY:

1) Big names do not necessarily work all the time.

2) Diamonds are found in the coal mine.

3) Money talks.

4) Motivation achieves greatness.

5) You have the right to EXPECT only if you DELIVER.

6) Believe in Yourself

7) Change is mandatory and most of the times, its always for the better.

8) The best way to get famous is to give people what they want.

9) Even the best players buckle under pressure.

10) One who keeps his nerve even in difficult times, knows no fear.

So, till the next tournament, enjoy the other forms of the game.

CHEERS TO ONE OF THE GREATEST GAMES OF ALL TIMES…..C-R-I-C-K-E-T!!!

SELLING FAITH AND GLORY

For all die-hard cricket fans like me, the beginning of the Indian Premier League twenty20 (IPL) was a treat to the eyes. Two months of non-stop entertainment. While watching twenty20 matches every single day up to June with the heroics of some of the world’s best cricketers is an exciting idea; however, too much of cricket can be enough to put us off the game for some time.

In a world of instant food, instant communication, instant upbringing; “instant cricket” is nowhere out-of-place. No one has time to sit and think. Everyone wants to just get over with it. People want to do something different every moment. No one wants to stick with a particular thing. We want quick answers and faster decisions.

Cricket has evolved from a test game to a one day international to this more recent twenty20 format. Many people love the age-old 5 day test game, slow and steady. It takes a lot of strategic planning and sheer patience to win that one. Much more, later, started liking the ODI format; one single day and the game gets over. Its easy, its enjoyable and most importantly, you don’t have to wait until next day for the results.

Now, comes the time of twenty20; it doesn’t even last half a day. A super-quick ~4 hours and the game gets over! Its so instant! You are enthralled by the mettle the batsmen exhibit, the shrewdness of the bowlers, the constant fear of the fielders that springs from the fact that even a single unsaved run carries the fate of the game.

And, COMMERCIALIZATION! Cricket has become so business-like. There are scantily-clad cheerleaders (heck, we didn’t even know them, in this part of the world). There are musicians for entertainment purposes. There are actors, politicians, business tycoons, all ready to spill money as easily as water.

Cricketers are being bought and sold! Its kind of funny and extremely sad too. How can you judge the worth of a player in terms of monetary values??? Before the start of IPL, there was the huge market of buy & sell, where players were sold for huge amount of money.

I remember watching over the TV; a news channel was questioning the family of a teenage cricketer, they were asking his mother, “How does it feel that your son was sold for Rs.—?”

No amount of diplomacy can ever mask the absurdity of that question. Is it a matter of pride, that your son has been put up for sale???

European football clubs are no new to this kind of transaction. Every now and then, you see famous players getting transfered to other clubs and obtaining a lot of money for that. However, here in India, where, for years, values, traditions, customs have been given prime importance, where we have considered the character of an individual the highest and not his wealth, it feels strange to deal with such a situation.

No one is complaining, though. Who will, when there is so much of fun. Its not every day that you get to see all the famous cricketers in India alone and playing their best against each other. Its a fever that has gripped the nation. Every evening, you have a new match to watch. A new treat to look forward to.

Cricket has become this commercialized religion, where one God is superior to other in terms of wealth. Its overwhelming. You are torn between the love for the game and the business environment that has been created. Or do you even understand, what kind of love you have for the game?

There is money, there are players, there are a string of games….. If there isn’t a cricket game coming up for a few days, ever felt the restlessness and craving for one? And now, there are too much to bother.

Every day you see, brilliant plays, disappointments, ridicule of some of the finest men and rising of the unexpected ones. The ones you thought will reach the top, are the ones who are sweeping bottoms AND the one you thought will do no good, are the ones climbing mountains!

Its like selling yourself, selling your faith and glory, selling your love and marketing your own emotions. Its no longer synonymous with pure fun. Its contaminated with the desire for more, of greed and ruthless passion.

BUT then, am I being practical? It is making the Indian cricket board richer. It is making the face of cricket known internationally. It is bringing money and tourism for the country. It is bringing fame and recognition for the players. It is like living a dangerous dream.

Well, sooner or later, when we all have to deal with personal devils, I don’t know, what we will be happy with? The pure pleasure we once felt for the game or the sheer commercialization that turned us into money-earning and power-hungry machines!!!

LESSONS FROM THE GAME

More than a month back, this picture was different. The Australians were jumping with joy. India had lost the test series. It was a big blow. It’s very difficult to accept things when you clearly know that you have been treated unfairly and you had to win. Thats what happened. Disappointment was clearly written on faces of the Indian players.

But they kept quiet. They tried to bury all the past grudges and began new. A new series. A new beginning.

 

The Commonwealth bank series was one of the longest cricketing series of all times consisting of just 3 teams, yet a total of 14 games were played. It lasted a little over one month. And every new match was as exciting as its previous one.

In a crucial game against Sri Lanka, India won very convincingly and that paved their way into the final.  

And thus, the battle began……. 

 

Australian media continued to put Indians in a bad light. Harbhajan was needlessly targeted. Then it was Ishant Sharma’s turn. When the Aussies began understanding that sledging on the field is no longer worrying the Indians but instead aggravating them, they began to pass comments and print baseless stories in the newspapers.

India, howeverr did not falter. It got support from all over the world. And kept playing the game in the true spirit.

 

Finally, after 23 years, India won in Australia, captured the tri-series cup…..

Each young team member gave his best. Ishant Sharma and Praveen Kumar showed their talent as dependable fast bowlers. Irrfan Pathan didn’t let the team down when needed. Gautam Gambhir batted like a true star. Harbhajan, unruffled, did what he was meant to (taking wickets of Symonds and Hayden )! Rohit Sharma showed tremendous promise as an upcoming batsman. Every youngie showcased his mettle. AND Dhoni, whatever weird decisions he might have taken earlier, proved  that INDIANS ARE THE BEST!

To win against a side which is the world’s best, not only in the game but also in sledging, is not an easy job. What the Indians endured in last 2 and the half months, was not less than “sport-racism”. Now, this mental ordeal of going through wrong umpiring decisions, baseless media accusations and constant on-field bickering has finally come to an end.

And, Indians have emerged victorious!!!

 

We all can learn a lot from this entire “India tour of Australia”. You need not understand the rules of the game.You just need to focus on basic facts.

Lessons to learn:

 

Lesson that HARBHAJAN taught….

“Life is unfair. You’ll be let down many times by it. No one will listen to you. You’ll be targeted again and again. People will call you names and your every action will be scrutinized. BUT, never forget, your capabilities can help you to overcome any difficulties. No matter what, always stand by your ground. Never bow down. If you know, you haven’t done anything wrong, stick to it.”

 

Lesson that ISHANT taught….

“Over-smart people always dominate. They will not respect you if your young. They will underestimate your talents. They will abuse you and try and put you down. BUT, remember, age has got nothing to do with talent. Be fearless. And at the same time, don’t let the success go into your head.”

 

Lesson that DHONI taught….

“Strong people will push the weak ones down. When you lead, there will be tremendous pressure to do better. With responsibilty comes hardships. Critics will be in plenty than well-wishers. BUT, never forget, fortune favors the brave. Never be ashamed to accept your mistakes. Apologise whenever necessary. Take risks. Without risk, there is no chance of any success. As a leader, support those under your command. Let them do something for you not out of fear but love.”

 

Lesson that SACHIN taught….

“A seasoned and experienced person knows that barking dogs seldom bite. Actions speak more than words. So let others speak. You know what to do. Be humble. Respect others (even someone who humiliates you). Respect yourself too. Understand you are not a machine. Failures are a part and parcel of life. They are also a stepping stone to achievements. Losses will come. Your only job is to give your 100%. Once you know, you have given your best, stay rest assured, you’ll get the fruits of your labour.” 

 

AND, in the end

Lesson that from AUSSIES we learnt….

“It’s very easy to look down from the top and make fun of the ones on the ground. Its equally difficult to help the less-fortunate ones to come up. Aggression is required in some walks of life. But, don’t let it become a habit. Humitlity is the greatest virtue. Cultivate it within one self. Always keep on striving to do better. Help the weak ones and share your expertise. Never inflate your head with the glorious past. Otherwise one day you’ll learn very badly that PRIDE always has a DOWNFALL!”

 

 Was it just CRICKET, OR Was it a game of LIFE???

OLD IS GOLD

The only thing that a cricket fan wishes is that his team plays well. Every good batsman you know, should hit a century. Every good bowler you know, should take a couple of wickets. Ofcourse, it’s not possible that every single player plays well in the same match. Obviously, some will fail and some will do well.

 

Dhoni’s comments on Sachin Tendulkar were a litle annoying. It’s true that Sachin wasn’t in his usual self in this tri-series but then, everybody has their ups and downs. Dhoni himself hasn’t been in the best of form. He has played a couple of matches but that’s it. In the earlier series, he was a failure too.

 

Sachin Tendulkar is a man who is so passionate about cricket that few can match his standards. He has been playing cricket for last 19 years!!!

He himself is his best judge. I think, he has the capability of deciding when to call quits. It will be his personal choice.

 

Everybody seems to be criticizing old cricketers. What one musn’t forget is their contribution to the game. It’s true, young blood is needed for bringing about a lot of enthusiasm but at the same time, the value of experiences cannot be ignored.

 

One should feel honoured that Sachin plays for our team. He is a human being afterall and not a machine. There will be times when he’ll falter. But, there always will be great times, when all fans will get a treat to watch his splendid game. Just like today. When he hit a amazing 63 with 10 boundaries.

 

Sachin, we all wish you loads of luck in the coming games. You play your natural game. You retire when you want to. The country is with you. 

But, retire with dignity and not because of someone’s taunts.

 

Today you showed your critics your greatness and let your bat do the talking. Silence prevails now and yet another person knows, what SACHIN TENDULKAR means! 

 

 

“All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost, the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost. From ashes a fire shall be woken, a light from the shadows shall spring; renewed shall be the blade that was broken, the crownless again shall be king.” 

~J.R.R.Tolkein