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.