Sachin's last World Cup

Unarguably - its now or never for Sachin. Only a few records are untouched by Tendulkar (some listed below):

Fastest ODI/Test century
Triple century in tests (Sehwag has 2 in much lesser time)
Highest Test Score (way behind Lara's epic 400)
A century at the Mecca of cricket - The Lords
He might not be able to achieve any of these now(possibly last one is achievable), but one thing which would hurt him most (if it doesn't happen this time round) would be - A World Cup triumph.

It was only after watching Kapil Dev lift the World Cup on the balcony of Lords cricket ground on 25th June 1983 that Sachin started his dream. Dream - to play for India, to earn name and fame for the country, to see the World Cup lifted by India once more. With this dream, he started his career, and today, after more than 2 decades of playing, the last part of his dream is still not fulfilled.

Twice he brought India to within touching distance, but on both ocassions the final glory eluded him. First, in 1996, with 531 runs under his belt, Sachin brought India till Semi-finals. But then, somehow, Azhar, after winning the toss, instead of deciding on his team's strength (batting first and putting runs on board), decided not to give opposition a chance that works to their strength (which was chasing- Lankans were chasing everything successfully courtesy Jaya-Kalu opening stands). So he invited SL to bat, and his decision seemed to be working when both the openers got out cheaply. But then the man of semi-final (Aravinda) came and changed the game with his calculated strokeplay. A target of 252 was not unachievable by any means, and India was on track till Sachin was there at the crease. But once Sachin was dismissed (a brilliant stumping from Kalu), the game turned on its head. From 98-1, India slumped to 120-8, and Kolkata pitch was spitting venom. Even Jayasuriya got ball to spin 90 degrees. It was one of the worst pitches anyone could've batted on. Match was not ended by bowlers, but by the Eden Garden crowd which didn't let players continue. Can still remember clearly a crying Vinod Kambli going off the field with Anil Kumble. India's dream was shattered.

Its said that every game is a new one, and players should put past matches behind. In Sachin's case, he had to put his past World Cup performance behind. After the high of 1996, 1999 was a forgettable cup for India (though personal milestones were still achieved - RD was the top scorer), with India not making it to semi-finals. Then came 2003 - this time the difference was in the attitude. Under Saurav Ganguly, this team was much more determined to give an eye to eye thrashing to its opponents, thanks to India's performance against Aus in 2001. That confidence was getting carried forward, and it was getting reflected in India's matches. South Africa looked like India, with Indo-Pak match being one of the most awaited ones. Onus was on India to keep the slate clean against its arch rivals (Pakistan has never beaten India in a WC match), and the way Sachin ensured that (alongwith Sehwag) was awesome. He felt just 2 runs short of century, and then in the next match again he felt just 3 runs short of century. Still he was leaving an impression in every game, and almost single handedly he got India one step further. Into the finals of 2003 WC. But then again, luck eluded. Like in 1996, this time round also India decided to field first, and the omen started looking bad for India from the very first over when an excited/nervous/confused Zaheer started bowling wides and no balls to give 22 runs away. Gilchrist and Hayden made merry of the attack, and India were given a daunting (and almost impossible) task of climbing a mountain of 349 runs. Something which would have been possible only if Sachin Sehwag combination fired. Sachin started well, hitting a four off McGrath, but that was his only scoring shot. And then McGrath got one to rise, and that was the end of little maestro. India's dream got shattered, once more.

But if we look at the trend of past 5 world cups, I would say India have a very fair chance of lifting the trophy this time round.
1992 - Could not qualify for semis
1996 - Semi final defeat
1999 - Could not qualify for semis
2003 - Final Defeat
2007 -Could not qualify for semis (out after first round itself)
2011 - WC Win???

India's WC performance has been a sine curve, with alternate crests and troughs. 2007 was a valley. Going by that, 2011 is the year when India has best chance of winning the coveted trophy. This would be the greatest gift that India and Sachin can give to each other. I am just praying that for one last time the maestro comes in his true colours, and we can see a proud MS Dhoni lift the World Cup - In India, for India.

All the Best Team India - Chak De!!!

Some

Some

Words - mean a lot to someone
who means a lot to you
and words spoken harshly
can ruin a lot for you

'coz words reflect your mind
and words reflect your thoughts
And they can make or break
They can compose or rot

Events - live forever
and go to grave with you
How much you try to flee
They keep following too

They can be sweet or sour
or can be unbiased
But mark they leave on life
is better felt than said

Actions - speak loud
when words are all aloof
they can start relations
they can divide roofs

They can be all reactive
they can be all planned
And being mere mortals
We follow them unarmed

Thoughts - provide insights
on unfathomable concepts
And leaps in unknown directions
Can lead to sweet success

'Coz power of such thoughts
has might of everest
and undeterred individuals
are destined for conquests

Fears - though unknown
can haunt you through your life
So much so that at times
you think you can't survive

But fears as they are
Remain till you don't fight
A single act of dare
Has power to set them right

Feelings - come instantly
but refuse to go away
either you stay with them
or with you they stay

Its good if they are good
and bad if they are bad
You remain happy in former
but latter leave you sad

The First Lady

She is someone without whom I can't even think of having a life which I currently have. She has given me everything that I required, and much more, just to see to it that never a tear touches the corner of my eye. Had love been measured in terms of space, her love for me would be just a thousand times more than the size of this universe. How much can anyone love someone else? That question has to be asked from the first lady in my life - "How much do you love me?" And the reply comes - "Much more than you can think of."

Now you must be curious to get introduced to the lady I am talking about. Not so easily. First have some guesses. "Who can be it without whom you can't live?". "Who is it who teaches you what is love, and how to love others selflessly?". "Who is it who takes all the brunts on herself to save you from the outside world?". It can be anyone for you, but for me, that lady happens to be the one who has no parallels. That is none other than Her Royal Highness, Her Majesty, dearest of 'em all, my mom.

The word - Mother - is the most powerful word in this world. Even before anyone else in this world knows you, your mother keeps you intact within her. She is your first contact with the outside world, and for the first 9 months of your life, its through her eyes that you see this world. She possesses all the courage required to conceive and deliver, and bears a pain which no man in this world can understand. And yet all the pain becomes worth it when she sees her newly born bundle of joy. And in that sense, its a re-birth for her too.

After that starts an even tougher phase of her life - when everyone, including you - enjoys while she is busy looking after you, taking the best possible care of you, when you being hungry is a bigger pain for her than not having food herself. When even a slightest of cry from you worries her to the core. And not to mention the frequent change of nappies. But all this doesn't make her tense, irritated or angry. Instead she gleefully enjoys all the responsibilities thrust upon her. And its her sheer grit and determination which sees her through all this, and she comes out with flying colors, ever basking in the glory of her new found joy.

Every minute 'firsts' of a child become a treasure of lifetime for a mother. Your first word, first sentence, first crawl, first sitting, first smile.. The list is endless. She gathers all the patience to respond to your every cry in those early years, when you are listless, clueless trying to fool around with things near you, thinking that what in the world are you doing here? And she's the one who understands your queries without even knowing your "aa-goo-goo" language. And very fondly she picks you up in her arms to tell you - look, that's the tree, that's a garden, that's sky, that's your papa and so on and so forth. And slowly but surely you start getting all your queries resolved, and from there on, a strong bond of friendship with your first friend starts building "from your side" (it was always there from her side from much earlier than this).

To date, my mom is THE BEST FRIEND of mine, and I am really thankful of almighty to have blessed me with the best mother in this world. But after years of growing together, a time comes in lives of most of us when we step out of our comfort zones to face the brutality of outside. That is the toughest time for a mother child duo. Though her heart never gives her permission to part with her little one(a child never grows for a mother), still keeping check on all her emotions, with the heaviest of hearts, she accepts that the time has arrived for you to have a life of your own. And she lets you go, and the moment you leave her, somewhere in her heart, a long kept fear of hers had come true. That her baby is gone, alone, outside. And wherever you may be, she is always with you. Always worrying if you've had your breakfast/lunch/dinner on time, if you are taking good care of yourself, if you need anything.

Her desparation comes to fore when you give her a visit. With the tightest of hugs, she holds you close to your heart to never let you go again, but in a moment the mind takes over, and disengaging herself, she asks about your well being. But that one moment is worth all the happiness of your life. The feeling is one that can't be described in words, but can be only felt if you've not turned into vegetable. Someone has correctly put it somewhere - God can't be everywhere, so he created Mother. And I also believe that after having seen my mother, I don't wish to see 'Him'.

The only wish in my whole life is to see my mom happy. Her wish becomes my command. And like in the early years of my life, now its time for me to understand her language of silence and empty eyes, and do whatever makes her feel happy and proud of her creation. And I am very sure that yours story would also not be much different than mine. Its my humble request to God that always give me courage and love to reciprocate whatever little I can to the Goddess of Power, Her Royal Highness, Her Majesty, dearest of 'em all, my mom.

Zindagi

एक वो दौर था जब किसी बाग़ में घूमते हुए
सिर्फ महकती हवा कानों को हलके से छूकर
गुनगुनाते हुए कहती थी - स्वागत है

और एक अनजानी सी हंसी उन अजनबी होंठों पर
ये गुमान कराती थी कि सिर्फ मैं ही नहीं हूँ

सिर्फ मैं ही नहीं हूँ जो खुश है
चटकती हुई कलियों पर बैठे भंवरों
की अठखेलियाँ देखकर
है कोई और भी जो समझता है कुदरत के इस इशारे को
कि ज़िन्दगी चार दीवारों से बाहर
कुछ आज़ाद और खुशनुमा सी है

कि ये खुशबू मन का भ्रम मात्र नहीं
ये रास्ता है उन मंजिलों का
जहाँ खुशियाँ बाहें फैलाये हुए
राह देख रही हैं उन अनजानों का
जो जीवन की आपा धापी में व्यस्त

कुछ भी सोचने का वक़्त नहीं निकल पा रहे

जो निकट दृष्टि दोष के कारण
सिर्फ दूर देखने में ही सक्षम हैं

और आज मंज़र यह है, कि ढूंढ रहा हूँ
ख़ुशी का एक पल, जब दिमाग विचारहीन हो
ऐसा लगता है मैं भी एक हूँ उनमे से
जो भूल चुके हैं कि जीवन क्या है?

मगर जीवन है जो हर बार याद दिलाता रहता है
कि मैं हूँ, यहीं हूँ.. तुम्हारे पास, तुम्हारे साथ

ख़ुशी को ढूँढने की दरकार उन्हें है
जो सुन नहीं सकते अपने दिल पर होती दस्तक
और देख नहीं पाते सर्दियों की उस धूप को
जो ठिठुरते हाथों को सहलाती है
और दे जाती है उन बेसहारों को सहारा
जो रात उस सुबह के इंतज़ार में बिता देते हैं

मैं खुश नसीब हूँ कि मैं सब सुन
और देख सकता हूँ ..
और कुछ ही क़दमों पर दिखती है मुझे
वो मृग-तृष्णा जिसका नाम है ... ज़िन्दगी

Mumbai is bleeding - so am I

26th Nov. Though I normally remember this day due to birthday of a sis of mine, but 26 Nov 2008 has been etched in my memory as one of the worst days for India as a whole. A democracy which got held as a hostage to some lunatics who call themselves "Freedom Fighters". For whose freedom are these blind men fighting? Can't they see that they are being "used", and nothing more, by those very terror outfits who are the first ones to brazenly take the claims of such activities. And what do these freedom fighters achieve? Nothing apart from a few bucks which their families might get as a sum for lending their lives. But its not only money, but those extremist sentiments also play a major role, which are sown as a seed from childhood, and the fruits of which are attacks such as this one.

101 dead including 14 policemen, 6 foreigners. And that these cops were killed minutes after they took charge tells another story. That the enemy was very well informed, and that the operation was very carefully planned, and that too months in advance. Encounter cop Vijay Salaskar, Additional CP Ashok Kamte and Anti-Terror Squad chief Hemant Karkare shot dead. But still that doesn't deter our forces, alongwith NSG, to fight bullet for bullet. The surprising factor here was not that our forces were fighting bullet for bullet, but that those terrorists were fighting bullet for bullet. Where did these handful of militants get so much ammunition from? The lack has been on the front of our Naval security if stories are to be believed. Its said that these terrorists took sea route this time, and that ammunitions were also ported from that gateway.

But even after so much planning, what was the result? It is only due to the lack of will power of a country that this terror prevails. For India, which is always referred to as "Mother", now is the time to take up the mantle of a father, and tell the world that it would not tolerate such nuisance in its backyard. And that the first step has been taken in this regard is commendable. No talks with the terrorists. Just gun them down. This would set an example, and next time any terrorist would think twice before doing any such activity. The main aim of these terrorists is to create terror in the hearts of common men, and bring the govt. on its knees. But this has not happened this time round, which means that the whole motive of these attacks got defeated. And the terror outfits are back to where they were - thinking - of how to disintegrate this beautiful nation, which may be disjoint in its opinions, regards, beliefs etc., but which is as united as a body and soul whenever there is some trouble.

The harder we get hit, the harder we come back, which the world has seen after incidents like Akshardham Temple attacks, Chain blasts across India, attack on Parliament. And its time that our enemies also start recognizing this fact. The loss of so many lives in each of these (and many more) incidents would never be forgotten, and steps to ensure that these things don't happen in future need to be taken by the Govt. of India. Somewhere these outfits should also know that their work is not that easier, since a country is awakening to a new found confidence.

"Kuchh baat hai ki hasti, mit-ti nahin hamari.
Sadiyon raha hai dushman, daur-e-jahan hamara."

Life

You are mine and I am your(s)..
And everyone else whom I adore
Coz everyone has got me with themselves
And I am too happy with thyself

I am God's most precious gift to you
You ask if I love you, I say I do
You may think that I don't care for you
But the fact is that I can't live without you

At times its you who neglects me a lot
Still I believe that you'll forget me not
At times you are far and at times you are near
Wherever you maybe, you're always dear

The bonding we share we cannot explain
Its full of glory, joy, tears and disdain
But each moment we are with the other
Like a baby who can't live without his mother

And we were together since our start
And will be together till death does us part
Through all thicks, thins, love and strife
I am your alter ego, I am your life ..

The Modern Demi-God

"If Cricket is a religion, Sachin is the God."
"Cheats. India play with 20 players. 10 + 10dulkar."
"Sexy Shot."
"Sachin Aala re."
"East or west, Sachin is the best."

These are just a few of those numerous banners which define someone special. As you might have guessed till this time, this post is all about Sachin. And since cricket is not a cup of tea for girls, so I would appreciate if even after being a female you go through it once :). I am writing this post just because the temptation to write something on Sachin was too hard to resist for me.

The name Sachin - in itself - is iconic. When I meet a group of unknown people for the first time, it is really tough to remember most of the names. But if that name happens to be Sachin, I always get it mapped to the correct person. This has happened to me on a no. of occasions. Sachin is a dream persona. One that most parents want their child to become. But alas! None has come even within miles of "The Little Master".

So what is it about Sachin that makes him super special? When Sachin made his International debut at a tender age of 16 years & 205 days against Pakistan in 1989 in Karachi, nobody thought that today after almost 20 years, this lad would still be going so strong. That test match was the advent of a champion. A Master. Although he did not do well in first innings of that match, the way he handled the body blows from Imran, Wasim and Waqar made it evident that there was something special with this baby faced boy. And after his first series he had 2 Half centuries in his kitty even though he batted as low as on no. 6, overshadowed by his 'then' more illustrious colleagues like Srikkanth, Shastri, Prabhakar, Sidhu, Manjrekar and Azhar. And just in his 9th match, barely 9 months after his debut, Sachin hit a magnificient first Test century at Manchester which helped India draw the match. He was all of 17 at that time, and didn't possess a Driving License.

But if that first test century was late, then imagine till how long he had to wait for his first One Day International century. 79 matches to be precise. And that came at the batting position Sachin loves the most in ODIs. Opening the innings. And after that he never looked back. The slow start in terms of no. of centuries became a rapidfire roadrash, that's still going on. 39 in tests and 42 in ODIs. And the counter is still in the incremental mode. By the time he retires. he'll create a Mt. Everest of runs, which no one in near future can think of climbing even half-way.

Such is the mesmerising effect of Sachin's batting that even today people watch the match just to see Sachin bat. And even today, if he gets out early, TV sets just go on Stand-by. The flicks, the pulls, the ferocious cuts, fine leg glances, lofted shots, are all music to the ears. You name it and he just guides his bat, and the rest is taken care of by one of the heaviest bats this game has ever seen.. But all these don't include the shot which he thrives on.. the bread and butter shot for him and an eye candy for the viewers.. I am talking about his drives, be it square drive, the beautiful extra cover drive or the ever so special drive straight down the ground, which lets us see the full MRF logo on the straightest possible bat, with the body moving just 2 paces forward with the momentum of the shot. The elan, the charisma, and the authority with which every shot comes out, seems like the grand Pacific is just on a high tide in a whirlwind manner, sweeping everything that comes its way. And the sufferers are none other than the paltry humans, whom the world knows as bowlers.. And who knows it better than one Henry Olonga.. a decent bowler, whose only mistake was to proclaim that he knows how to get Sachin out. And the very next match, finals of Sharjah, Ind vs Zimbabwe, the whole Zimbabwean team had to bear the brunt of Henry's remarks.. the target was though very meagre, Sachin made it look like next to nothing. The slice over third man for a six set the tone, followed by cuts, pulls, hookes, drives and the match got over much before the stipulated 50 overs, and the master came back not out 124 in a score of 197.

But this blog would remain incomplete if I don't mention the 2 greatest innings which Sachin played.. back to back.. Venue - Sharjah again(lucky place).. Opponents.. the ever so machinesque .. Kangaroos.. Well in cricket when we talk about Kangaroos, Kiwis, Tigers etc., it doesn't mean that we are on a safari.. These are the names to represent countries like Australia, New Zealand and India. So, the two matches came in the scorching heat of April, 1998. Both times India were set stiff targets from aussies, and for once the totals looked intimidating. But if you have Sachin in your side, then even impossible spells itself as i m possible. Anyone who missed those 2 matches, missed innings of a lifetime. Aussies are real tough nuts to crack, and to handle the pressure, you need an even tougher nut which would never crack.. The game to qualify for the finals is still Sachin's greatest innings ever as far as I am concerned. He battled hard alone(with a bit of support from our best stumper Mongia), firstly against the bowlers and then against the nature Gods .. as Sharjah witnessed a sandstorm, and an even greater Sachin storm after that which saw him score 143. A storm which helped India storm into the finals, and finally win the trophy, once again courtesy another brilliant 134 from Sachin. Aussies were doomed, and the debate of the century (who is best, Sachin or Lara) got settled, once and for all.

So far, those who are not too familiar with cricket would be thinking that Sachin has never seen downs in his life. Well, although this article might depict him as a deity(which he is), still there are a few human elements which none can get away with. Not even Sachin. He has had 2 failed attempts at captaincy, which shows that batting is a much easier job in comparison. And then there are accusations that he has not won a test match for India in such a long time. But then people forget that many matches became one-sided contests when Sachin wielded his willow and his stay at crease inspired others to perform notches above their actual potential. Such is the greatness of the man that he has bore the mighty weight of expectations of this 1 billion Indian population, and has never ever wilted under such an enormous pressure. Still when he gets out early, people abuse him, and for the past 6 years at least I am listening, "Sachin should retire now", "He has lost it" and so on and so forth.. Still its Sachin due to whom we were able to beat Aussies in Australia in 2 consecutive finals of the recently concluded CB series. The architect of countless Indian victories has not lost it.. and will never lose it. And critics are silent again(for the umpteenth time).

On this note, I would give a break to my fingers which are keen to keep writing more and more about this phenomenon. Just one last compliment for Sachin, which again came in the form of a banner at Sachin's Cricket Ground(SCG - actually Sydney Cricket Ground, Australia for not so cricket crazy) which someone held in the crowd in a recent match.

“Commit all your crimes when Sachin is batting. They will go unnoticed because even the Lord is watching.”