Once in a while, when i question myself on 'commitment' levels, one answer helps me feel better - Cricket. I've played that game for 20+ years , though i have not progressed much beyond the school /local league games. Cricket in general and Indian cricket in specific, defined my english vocabulary. I made most of my school pals on the cricket field. I played cricket all weekend long when i was growing up, even at 1 am, when the sun was burning us. Fought with any one / anything, to allow me to play a game of cricket. Have had a broken nose and fractures, playing cricket !!! To improve my bowling, i used to bowl against a brick wall - Result : Ball marks all over all the walls around our house!!!I used to practise my batting stance and bowling run-up, all day and night. The mind ran the bowling run-up all the time. I still have the earliest cricket bat my dad got me. I've played cricket games the day before big exams, watched Sachin smash the aussies , the day before my 10th standard board exams. Listed to India cricket games on radio restlessly, on the journey from school to home and rush to switch on the TV. Felt depressed when India lost and like a conqueror of the world when India won.
Suddenly, i stopped watching cricket. I was losing the 'emotion' i attached to the game. It became just another routine - to see the scores of India games. Winning / Losing not doing much to the feel.
When Anil Kumble and Saurav Ganguly decided to leave the game - the 'feel' which was missing for a few years, re-appeared. That seemed to be the emotion one feels on the departure of a friend, after a fantastic holiday at one's place. I grew up as these guys gave their best for India. Anil seemed to define intensity and commitment. He showed how much 'attitude' can do to anyone especially, if they lacked talent. Saurav taught us 'attitude'. He taught us to be 'aggressive' , paving way for the current assertiveness of Indian cricketers.
These guys made my day happy, so many times.
When i read about their departure on Cricinfo, it brought out the emotions hidden deep below. It made me think about the possibilities that lay ahead. I decided its time to recharge my 6 month- unusedTATA SKY cable box. Its time to watch every game that Sachin plays now on...
When he leaves, am certain , its time to 'move on' ..
3 comments:
Very true! I yearn for those days when Sachin and Saurav used to blast the opposition bowling. I don't seem to get the same passion for the younger cricketers, excepting Dhoni. Good post!
I'm happy I watched the last two hours of the third Test when Kumble had just made the announcement. It was even better that I was back at home watching it in the same room where I grew up watching the boys play.
It's amazing that our 'core' team has stayed the same for the last 8-12 years, and we've had some good wins too.
For our generation, it is going to be difficult to look at cricket the same way once Sachin and Dravid leave...
:)
Even if you aren't playing follow the matches :) Even Frost's cos its the team that U once captained and if I am right-built it from scratch
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