1989. This year shall forever be marked as the year, in which the world of sporting was taken with a storm, courtesy of a cricketer who stepped foot into the cricket pitch in this very year and changed it forever. By now, I'm sure, you're aware of whom I'm talking about. Yes, you're right, the Little Master it is..
Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, maestro, legend, little master - different nicknames, same man. If the world "revolution" was to be used for someone, it would be for Sachin Tendulkar. Cricketer was a sport in India when Sachin stepped foot into the cricket pitch for the first time and today, when he steps foot into the cricket field for the last time (at least in limited overs), he has made cricket a religion for the cricket adherents in India and he himself, is regarded as the god of this religion.
There's another significant personality whose going to play his last match (in all formats) today. It's the wall of India, a guy whose temperament is par excellence, someone who has improved strength-to-strength in the years he's played. I'm talking about another legend of cricket, Rahul Dravid. I've always been a huge fan of the way Dravid has carried himself on the field and off it too. You would've never heard of Dravid falling prey to a controversy which would've damaged his personality or Dravid showing any signs of disrespect to the opposition, that's the greatness of this man and this is the very reason, he's so popular all throughout the cricketing world.
Several times in his career, Dravid was written off, was at one time regarded as ONLY a test cricketer, who could never succeed in ODI's. Did he/did he not? You tell me.. 10,000 runs in ODI's, the stat is itself enough to prove the point. Dravid will forever be remembered for taking up challenges and overcoming obstacles in his way and coming out glorious EVERY time. He's the perfect example of how one must be dedicated to their work because dedication always pays off..
Today marks a important day in the history of cricket. These 2 legends take on each other, for 1 last time. It's a a completely fairy-style ending, it couldn't be written better. These 2 played WITH each other for so many years but when it comes to their last outing in limited overs cricket (for Sachin) and last outing for Dravid in any format, they take on EACH other.
Dravid will be leading Rajasthan Royals and Tendulkar will be playing for Mumbai Indians. It's gonna be an epic encounter, at the end of which, any Indian cricket enthusiast is bound to be a little happy and a little sad. Whoever wins, the other side will be left disappointed. For me though, it's just about enjoying each and every moment of the match. We're never going to see these 2 legends wearing the colored jersey's again, they will never take on each other again and thereby today is THE "golden" day of cricket.
Let's not make this a Dravid vs Tendulkar final, it's unfair on both the legends. Today is the festival of cricket, in which each moment will be one to cherish. After some 20 odd years, it all comes down to today. Whether it's Rajasthan Royals or Mumbai Indian that seals the win today, I'll be cheering for the 2 maestro's, who deserve to take a bow! :)
That's the sporting spirit that's so apt for the 'Gentleman's Game'!
ReplyDeleteEnd of a splendid career. Would have loved to see The Wall on the winning side though.
ReplyDeleteAnd between, very well written post :)