His shoulders were drooped, not out of tiredness but out of failure that hurt his soul. A failure towards his obligation . An obligation to meet a trillion dreams of a billion people. A failure towards his own dreams . He stared below, he couldn’t look up at the blazing lights focussing on him or people chanting his name. He was let down again. Sweat trickled down from his brow as he stood there on the battlefield, baffled as he was, it was the sweat of hope. Years of hope, but still his fellowmen had neither an idea of what it was or how it could befall them. Just like Karna he was the lone warrior, filled with dignity and poise, capable of turning battles upside down. He put his kingdom before his individualistic dreams. Fate has never bestowed upon him the happiness he deserves. Destiny had a different story to tell tonight. He stood there helpless watching his fellow comrade getting bludgeoned. His efforts were in vain AGAIN!
Last Saturday i lay in disbelief as India lost to South Africa. A six over the ropes and 2 boundaries racing over the fence had sealed their fate. It has been the same all these years. He takes your team all alone and mounts them at a high pedestal thinking others won’t surpass them. But alas it happens as a bunch of selfless idiots with no shame whatsoever pull themselves down. He is the only sane among the insane. The only god among the mortals.
A few years ago at sharjah he led Team India to a fighting comeback against the unbeatable Aussies. As formidable opponents would, Kasporowitz and Damien Fleming were shooting volleys at him. He stayed there unperturbed and took India to a convincing position to qualify for the finals. But the match had not been won yet. He departed knowing that his fellow mates down the order would take it home! But alas , they fell, they fell like a pack of cards!
There are innumerable instances when such things have happened. The annals of history bear proof to the fact that Great men end up on the losing side. History is full of such examples.
Now, Its an obligation for Dhoni and his team to win this for him. Not for the billion people standing behind you, but for the one man standing beside you.
The legendary Donald Bradman had said “If only he was an Australian!!”
That moment when India lost, I hoped he was.
Now i know what it is to be SACHIN!!!:-)
