My cousin woke me up at 5:30 AM, and for those who know me its like mid-night. "Sachin is batting, do you want to watch", he said. "Hell, yeah!" was my response. Bleary eyed I started watching the man many refer to as 'God of Cricket', batting on 12. I was glad that I didn't miss what could be his last innings. The way West Indies are batting; there may not be a second innings for India to bat. The Mumbai crowds were going berserk, just hearing the noise one could easily mistaken it for the death overs of a one-dayer or a 20-20 match. The energy inside the stadium was palpable. Even watching it on a laptop screen thousands of miles away gave me goose bumps.
He walked in with about 19 overs left for the day and India precariously placed at 77/2. He began the innings with an assurance not seen of him lately. With constant strike rotation and the odd boundaries he gave a parting lesson on how to build and innings after a setback. The one shot that defined his innings that day, was the one that has defined so many of his other innings too. One which he could very well file a patent for. The exquisite straight drive past the bowler.
...All I want is, for him to soak in the genuine love, admiration and adulation when he steps on the ground tomorrow.
...All I want is, for the 35,000 fans, to be able to express the deepest gratitude of theirs and those of million of fans all over the world through their vociferous cheering..
...All I want is to see Sachin walk down the pavilion steps one more time. Pads strapped, draped in white and a wielding willow is hand.
..All I want is to see Sachin walk, the way he was born to walk. with a bat in hand.
He walked in with about 19 overs left for the day and India precariously placed at 77/2. He began the innings with an assurance not seen of him lately. With constant strike rotation and the odd boundaries he gave a parting lesson on how to build and innings after a setback. The one shot that defined his innings that day, was the one that has defined so many of his other innings too. One which he could very well file a patent for. The exquisite straight drive past the bowler.
Many articles have been written on Sachin. Every aspect of his game has been covered. His impact on them as individuals, on the Indian team, the Indian generation, the game itself, and even on the times he practiced his craft. All has been well documented. I have neither the skills nor the desire to add to that collection.
I am just glad he choose a test match for his farewell. Although he revolutionized the one-dayers and his records, performances and unforgettable moments of brilliance in one-days will always over shadow those of tests. Tests hold a special place in the heart for many cricket lovers, I being one of them.
Even as the sun was setting in the Arabian sea across the road, the noise showed now sign of relenting. As the shadows lengthened on the Wankhade Stadium the only thought going through my mind was that, he should remain unbeaten at the end of the day. Not because I want him to score another hundred,neither am I craving to see him on the crease just a bit longer. He has given us enough hundreds and over 25 years of memories to cheer and cherish.
...All I want is, for him to soak in the genuine love, admiration and adulation when he steps on the ground tomorrow.
...All I want is, for the 35,000 fans, to be able to express the deepest gratitude of theirs and those of million of fans all over the world through their vociferous cheering..
...All I want is to see Sachin walk down the pavilion steps one more time. Pads strapped, draped in white and a wielding willow is hand.
..All I want is to see Sachin walk, the way he was born to walk. with a bat in hand.
