I am updating my blog almost after 1 year but what better occasion than when Sachin scored the winning runs in a next to impossible chase.
Sachin played an innings of his life, one he will never forget(It is easy to forget a 100 when one has scored almost 100 international hundreds). But what impressed me more was his words after the match "What happened in Mumbai was extremely unfortunate and I don't think by India winning or my scoring hundreds, people who have lost their dear and loved ones would feel better. It's a terrible loss and our hearts are with them. All I can say is that in whatever way we can contribute to make them feel better, we'll make that effort." He never even tried to make his 100 look great, something that CNN-IBN did.
I have never seen Sachin jump out with joy after a victory. What the hell, he scored the winning runs which he wanted to do for a very long time. I'm sure he was always reminded of the Chepauk debacle in 1999 against Pakistan when he was in the middle. But he kept his cool and played second fiddle to Yuvraj, which I consider very mature. I'll have to thank Yuvraj for letting Sachin score his hundred by giving him the strike. That was very mature of Yuvraj.
Once the game was over, Sachin was completely surrounded by the ground workers, how I wish I were one of them. Sachin was extremely humble that he didn't rush out when they rushed in. He acknowledged them and shook hands.
I don't claim this to be a flawless innings, he was dropped earlier in the day. He got beaten a few times. But the sheer pleasure I get when I see Sachin perform is unmatchable. Every success of his is mine. Every failure of his is mine. My Gtalk Status always reflects Sachin's mood. Very sad we may not be witness to the genius' game for long. I don't know if I will continue to watch cricket post 2011.
What impresses me game after game is the childlike enthusiasm that Sachin brings to the game. Sachin said after the match about his dreams, "I always wanted to score a century and win a match for India. I always wanted to score the winning runs". Looks like a dream of a debutant. Never seen a veteran having such dreams.
I can't undermine the effort of Sehwag, without whom this victory was unthinkable. Dhoni is still on his golden patch, winning all 4 tests he captained. This team looks like a potential contender for 2011 cup.
I'd like to end it with a quote from Shawshank Redemption - "I find I'm so excited, I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my head. I think it's the excitement only a free man can feel, a free man at the start of a long journey whose conclusion is uncertain. I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend, and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope. "
