.
These lines must be on the lips of every cricket fan in India where cricket is next to religion and Sachin Tendulkar is homogenous GOD of many Indians. But now fans are thinking the other way, the God seems upset with the Indian fans because of the fans calling him God? The truth, only God must be knowing!
Anxiously thinking somewhere in the corners of their heart that 99, they don’t want one more Bradman. Almost every time a momentous milestone looms before him, Sachin also perceives the Devil and the Deep Sea; he just can’t seem to decide which is the lesser of the evil and ends up being consumed by one or the other, or both.
The first Test at the historic Kotla once again showcased this one aberration in his exceptional run over the years.
West Indies had sparred their way to 304, with Shivnarine Chanderpaul frustrating India’s bowlers with his hideous approach to batting. On a low and slow track, it seemed like a winning opening hand.
India began strongly with Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag showing their familiarity with the home track; but a fortuitous touch saw the former being run out at the non-striker’s end. Tendulkar, though, didn’t last long even as ticket prices shot up outside the stadium in the hope of his perfect century.
By the time West Indies were bundled out, the Test had reached an interesting corner: they had made only 180 to give India just 276 to overhaul; it wasn’t a huge target but the chase was always going to be tricky. More importantly, everybody sniffed another chance for Tendulkar.
s!
He walked in at 95 for two; by then, the danger had passed and the wicket too mysteriously looked friendlier. Yet, Tendulkar only saw the Devil (in the track): as he took his stance, you could sense his anxiety. India could have still lost from here; but he could also make a dash for it.
With the two thoughts weighing on him, he was visibly tentative. The body language itself was cautious and the eyes revealed the turmoil within; the footwork was not bold or precise and the bat came down slowly, in a defensive prod. It was a crucial phase; you could feel the bomb ticking there.
By close of play, he had crossed the 15,000-milestone and was just 67 runs from the milestone. He must have curled up in the bed peacefully, even if he is known to be a light sleeper during big matches; after all, Rahul Dravid was at the other end. It was reassuring on two counts: one, he could be relied upon to ward off any late onslaught from West Indies bowlers; two, he wouldn’t make a scramble for the remaining runs.
India, however, suffered a jolt early on the fourth morning; Dravid fell to a swinging delivery after adding only one; worse, VVS Laxman arrived and the scorecard started moving at an alarming pace. Surprisingly he denied a single on offer.
Sometimes, just like in life, such misses prove to be portentous: three deliveries later, he tries to pull Bishoo and fails to connect. The umpire hesitates but has no other choice. Tendulkar walks back on 76, leaving the stands and the expectant country in a daze; he had already done his bit for the team though. There will, of course, be another chance soon for Tendulkar; surely, he will figure out a way to tame the Devil and the Deep Sea.
A long time has passed since Sachin Tendulkar slammed his 99th ton against South Africa at the successful World Cup campaign earlier this year. A lot has happened in international cricket since then.
Karbo larbo, sachin jeetbo re is what whole Kolkata must be murmuring before the start of the second test at Eden gardens!
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