And for a Friday as the Victorious T20 World Champions return home, some thoughts….. some musings…..
Cricket is the National Religion of India. On behalf of the entire Nation the PM received and congratulated the World Champions. This World Cup, after 13 years, is the most unifying factor in India across all classes of society, all religions, all castes, regions, languages – just the Nation’s moment of Joy from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Bhuj to Arunachal. The win, as the impeccable Coach Rahul Dravid said is by meticulous planning from September 2021 and hard work by every member of the playing, coaching and support staff. This India team beat Australia (World Number2) and England (Defending Champions) not to mention Pakistan in the league stages and South Africa in the finals. The only team to have not been defeated in a single match in the Tournament.
Cricket is a Team game, so like a well oiled machine, every player has to perform at his best. But some outstanding players shone brightest in the finals. King Kohli showed his class. Champions are made of different metals. On a lean patch, he had scored only 75 runs in 7 innings in the Tournament. But at the finals, he set up the match with his 59 balls highest score of 76 runs. Jasprit Bumrah – boom boom Bumrah – player of the tournament, he bowled 178 balls conceding only 124 runs at an Economy rate of 4.17; unbelievable. He is hence referred to as “Once in a Generation Fast Bowler”. Captain Rohit Sharma, fantastic leadership skills, selflessly set the tone at the top with his aggressive opening. Arshdeep Singh tortured every batsman in rhythm with Bumrah. Hardik Pandya, from brickbats to adulation; his last two overs completely foxed the South Africans. And SKY – Surya Kumar Yadav, he confessed that Catch which won the World Cup was “Divine Intervention. No logical or scientific explanation.
The Marine Drive crowds and reception at the Wankhede stadium reflected the feelings of every Indian. Let’s enjoy the moment, the sporting way, the jubilant way, the SEEGOS way.