The Indian Cricket Fan

       Usual Tuesday night .As always, kunal was glued to the TV for his daily sports news.

   "NZ Vs. India is going to be a pleasure to watch" said the news anchor, kunal  pelted the remote on the TV screen, "It's just Bond Vs. Sachin" he barked. Frustrated he went towards his room babbling about tomorrow's match.

   His room was an emblematic 'aspiring young Indian' cricketer's room. Adorned with posters of cricketers and their achievements. But something was very well perceptible, his love and adulation for the GOD of cricket. Yes, in all the posters and merchandise the ones of Sachin Tendulkar   were large in number. Right from a bat signed by his idol to a cap worn by him.  Every niche of the room defined his love for the master and his game.

   The Toss was done. And as everybody wanted, Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar walked in to the middle and Sachin took guard. The ball was handed to Shane Bond. Kunal was on his toes, the tall guy started his run up, his each limb racing against the other  and at the other end was a man whose bat was two-thirds as big as him. The decibels increasing slowly. And then a huge roar , the master hits it straight across the ropes. For Kunal nothing can be more gratifying than this. First ball , a green pitch, damp weather. the world's fastest bowler clocking around 150 Kph and the master delivers it with an elegant straight drive.

   "That's class!" exclaimed the commentator, who could barely point out the difference between the Tendulkar he used to see 10 years back as his teammate and today!

   The Fan slowly turned OFF, the sun was blazing and Kunal woke up. It was just a dream!

  Scurrying from his room, he blasted towards the TV .Switched it ON.

   The Playing 11 were being displayed, there was no sign of Tendulkar. Kunal was shocked . He realized that God had 'abandoned' his game months ago!

           From a child prodigy to a centurion, the God of 22 yards for 24 years,

                   'Today it's just a game, yesterday it was Veneration'

Witnessing History

    Sachin's 200th was the most searched on google.It was the most demanding sports event all over the world.People were begging for tickets .And I was one of those lucky beggars who got the ticket.

   I was in the never-ending que of the wankhede when I got the news that MSD had chosen to field first. But I convinced myself thinking at least I can see Sachin bowl.I entered the stadium after almost an hour.

  It wasn't what I expected.The crowd was yawning, drinking cold drinks and doing everything except watching the match.

  WI batting was the worst they fell for 162 during post tea session.

  Then came the Indian batting.People started filling in their seats.It was just an hour short of stumps.But still people were hoping they would see the master.

   At 3.30 pm the second wicket fell M.Vijay made a mistake.But it was fun to watch the Indian fans celebrate.They were on the top of their voices.The decibels increasing second by second.The master walked in.The whole stadium was on its feet.

  The 40-year old walked in with the same hunger and passion in his eyes.Experience his second name,humility his lethal weapon.The Mumbai crowd had seen him evolve from a child prodigy conquering the maidans in Mumbai to a devastating run machine scoring 100 100's. The adulation he has received from the crowd for 24 years is second to none.

       

        Though he couldn't get to a century he delighted everyone in the crowd. Sachin my final words about you:

  You have stood alone against Allan Donald in 1992, Glenn McGrath in 1999, Brett Lee in 2008 and Dale Steyn in 2011. You have overcome them in their own backyard. No Indian batsman has been remotely as successful in the foreign dens against vicious attacks.Haters gonna hate.Life is too short to explain them.

   The 74 you scored in wankhede was something that turned the clock.Those shots that you played were mind-boggling.You cant hit big sixes like Gayle or Dhoni but I say Hitting The Ball in the stands is for kids in IPL but hitting the ball along  the ground through the gaps is your speciality.No one can find the geometrical midpoint between the fielders as you can.

  Watching you over the years has been a great pleasure.No one can fill in your shoes.You are the embodiment of India's pride.You are the sole reason for our happiness.Legends never retire.You will be the little master forever.Thank you Thank you Thank you.

Comet Ison

    As the auspicious month of November starts,people start expecting dazzling show of fireworks and decorations everywhere.But this time the SHOWSTOPPER is someone else.It's the COMET ISON generated million miles away,in the Oort cloud,it's brightening day by day.And is living up to the expectations of COMET OF THE CENTURY.
   HERE IS GUIDE HOW YOU CAN OBSERVE IT AND WHEN:
1.During the early days of november:
     

 

PICTURE SOURCE:INTERNET

DURING DECEMBER:

After its perihelion,during December(if it survives) it will put a dazzling show in the sky.Astronomers have predicted that the comet will reach a maximum magnitude of more than -13 making it brighter than the FULL MOON .Lets hope for the best and do keep your eyes on the sky. 

IF YOU TAKE A PICTURE OF THE COMET.DO SEND US AT amol.smit.95@gmail.com