A Dream Realized!

“Champions are those who can emerge and triumph despite the worst of setbacks,” remarked my Dad rather philosophically.

I was in no mood to reply or even acknowledge the comment because the great Sachin Tendulkar, THE-MAN-who-was-supposed-to-make-India-win-the-world-cup had just been caught out. I was neither upset nor angry; I was just really worried and heartbroken and convinced that everyone’s presumptions about the Men in (Light) Blue lifting the cup had ended up jinxing their chances. Yes, I can be quite superstitious when it comes to Cricket matches. :P So much so that I simply couldn’t bear to continue watching this final showdown. I was convinced that if I stayed in my seat, something much worse would happen like for example, the ferocious-looking Malinga would take a hattrick or Gautam Gambhir would end up injuring himself or something equally bad. I certainly did not want to witness a disaster like that, so I retreated to my room to calm my nerves a bit and make sure that my presence before the T.V. didn’t ‘jinx’ the Indian team any more. Yes, it seems stupid now, but at the spur of the moment, I was just too wrapped up in emotion to think practically.

It was only twenty minutes later that I mustered the courage to return and take a peak at the score. Thankfully, Gautam and Virat were still around and so I gingerly perched onto the sofa once again. And that’s when Dad’s comment came back to mind. Indeed, if they were champions, India would triumph despite the critical setback of losing Sehwag and Sachin so early. I also remembered another comment I had heard someone say several days earlier: ‘individuals don’t win matches; it’s TEAMS who win’. And indeed, TEAM India did win. And HOW!

Of course, it was depressing when Gautam was clean bowled just three runs short of a century (and his expression while leaving the field said it all) and my heart kept popping into my mouth every time Dhoni came close to being run out, but overall, I have never enjoyed and learned so much from a game of cricket. The superstitions did not leave me right till the end though. Every time the commentators would start applauding our batting or complementing our side, I kept saying touch wood and kept my hand pressed to the wooden cabinet beside me, all fingers crossed up and my posture tenser than it would be in the scariest of horror flicks. I couldn’t care less if I got a back ache or whatever; there was no way I was going to relax for even a moment. In my mind, I kept visualizing our side winning and finally managed to block out disturbing images of Murali and Malinga picking up key wickets. And in the end, it all paid off when M S Dhoni knocked all those boundaries and that final SIX which sealed our win.

At last, the champions DID triumph despite the setbacks! And although I did not go partying or even burst a cracker, I couldn’t be more thrilled that the Aussies have finally been thwarted AND that – more importantly – no one, and I mean absolutely no one can label our team ‘inconsistent’ or ‘unable to take the pressure’ anymore. I was so f***ing fed up of all the criticism, all the negativity, and at last, the (super awesome) Men in Blue have given a befitting answer that will be remembered for a long time to come. I think they deserve the cup with every fibre of their beings, and I’m pretty sure I love each and every one of them with every fibre of my being! Top of the list is Dhamakedar DHONI of course! Followed by Yuvraj and Gautam and Virat and Sachin and Zaheer and Raina and EVERYONE. Even Sreesanth! LoL.

Gosh, when did I become such a cricket fanatic?! It’s something to do with living in India, I think. You just can’t stay away from cricket mania! And now, I think I will shut up before I decide to convert my blog into a cricket blog. :P

I can’t resist but mention one last thing though: the look in Dhoni’s eyes when he hit that final six – it was so intense, so sublime, so truly heart-warming, don’t you think? I’m sure I speak for a hell lot of females when I say he made me swoon for him (all over again) after such a brave comeback that saved the team. There’s nothing and no one quite as sexy as an (Indian) sportsman in action, me thinks. :)

Congratulations Team India! Congratulations every Indian fan and supporter! :D

If you are still reading this, might as well let you know that I'm off to attend my cousin's wedding in Faridabad, so will be back to interacting with you all after about eight-ten days. Adios people! Keep smiling!