To
The only GOD out of the 33 million, whose aura has actually affected my life in fundamental ways....
April 2, 2011, Mumbai, : The image of Tendulkar holding the tricolor aloft waving it proudly to the crowd while being chaired by Virat and others, has just frozen in my memory. The expression on his face at that time; one of pride, gratitude and sheer joy. With Sachin's dream fulfilled I was relieved, thrilled, and speechless all at the same time. I probably wouldn't experience such an array of emotions if and when my own dreams come true. That is what struck me few days back when I was re-living the glory of WC 2011. I felt a huge surge of emotions within. I strongly felt the need to write. But what shall I write, that hasnt been written before?? Certainly not a technical analysis of his batting. I felt that this could be my tribute to the man, whom I have loved so much and experienced a different level of connection with, inspite of not having watched him in flesh and blood even once.
So why does this happen to me only when Sachin is involved? Why doesn't the same intensity of emotion, love come out for anybody else? Why am I ready to compromise on sleep, work, studies, food, a beautiful date, just to watch Tendulkar bat? Why have I never heard people bunking work just to watch Sehwag or Dravid get their hundreds? Why is it more soothing to know that Sachin won a match for India? It might not be right in a true sporting sense, but its what I have always felt. This is because he invokes a genuine sense of belonging which are others are not able to. The runs he makes the hundreds he scores, you feel they are your own. Whenever you watch him, you become one with him. You forget all your tensions, sorrows, petty issues in life and focus. Its a rare and beautiful blend. That explains why people keep such an accurate track of his runs, hundreds and even averages to the second decimal point. They might forget their marriage anniversaries, but not this. Another reason why people of my age group identify with Tendulkar immensely is because, he epitomizes this generation. A generation of young talented people who dream big and have the determination and the belief to achieve it. Be the best in the world. A generation which while keeping a strong base of tradition and culture alive will not hesitate to explore hitherto unexplored horizons.
I cannot even recall how Tendulkar suddenly became the most prized possession, the idol, the hero. Amidst the blurred memories of the 1992 World Cup I recall a small figure with unruly curly hair playing a match winning knock against the Pakis, but not much after that. The classics which he wrote in Perth and Sydney I watched only later. Now, since that was not an era of Breaking News television so meetings with SRT used to be few and far between. But he was surely creating a very special place for himself in my heart. I simply adored the way he celebrated with child-like enthusiasm after he bowled a nerve-wracking final over in Hero Cup 1994. Most kids like me felt, he's just like us, little did we know that this was Arjuna of our generation. A warrior so determined, so perfect, so humble, and yet you couldn't miss the fact that someone up there wanted him to be what he is today.
The 1996 World Cup was my first passionate connection with Cricket. 523 runs in 7 games from the blade of SRT made sure that my 6th std annual exam score went down by 20%. Till date I remember the fierce anger in my mom's eyes after seeing my report card. Typical mom dialogue followed .." Tendulkar is making millions playing, but with your recent performances I am not sure of what ur gonna make". I dint take it to heart cos frankly the joy of watching the perfect straight drive cannon past a hapless bowler is manifold compared to finding out whether two triangles are congruent or similar or whatever.
Since then I have been following India's 2 biggest national obsessions....Cricket and Tendulkar with great detail. My childhood is so intricately intertwined with Tendulkar that it cannot be separated. Its like we have grown up and matured with Tendlya. His achievements have been our joys and our sorrows have been only because he failed in a particular match. Hes been the focus of our discussions whether it is lunch box or lounge. I have seen people jump in with newer and newer anecdotes / incidences / trivia about the man whenever they can, from whatever source they can. Its an instant ticket to be cool if u know something which others do not. Its a matter of unparalleled joy for a true Sachinist. Umpires are not allowed to be human when it comes to giving Tendlya out.
But its not been an entirely smooth ride for him. Just like all great people, adversity did not spare Sachin too. Now, I have seen other idols of mine (Schumacher and Federer) going through rough times. Federer has no answer to the venom of Rafa and there's been no Michael Magic since Schumi shunned the scarlett prancing horse. These things definitely hurt, but I am never troubled by it to an extent that I loose sleep over it or think about it continuously. But when the same thing threatened to be happening to Tendulkar (From mid 2004 till the 2007 WC) I spent a lot of time dwelling over the events. His form had left him with no premonition, one injury followed another, the footwork wasnt assured, the mind wasnt clear about his role in the team hence affecting his style of play. Suddenly the man seemed mortal. The pressure of the coveted 35th test ton dint help matters. Some ridiculous doubts such as his ability to play pace had crept up. I still remember the news article titled 'Endulkar' as if it was yestarday. It had pricked me really deep. Or when on the cruel day of March 19, 2006 he was booed by his own fellow Mumbaikars at the Wankhede. I was disappointed to the core. So deeply was I involved that I was not able to think of anything else. All those things looping in my mind endlessly. Every time I saw him bat, I prayed for a revival. It took a long time coming, bit it finally did. I am grateful to the almighty that my prayers were answered and HOW!!!. His re-invention of himself has been one of his real great triumphs. A triumph of mind over everything else. The technique the ability were always there, but it was the mental strength which got him back. Nothing gives u more fulfillment than your hero fighting adversity, and coming back stronger, fresher and more assured to re-instate himself on the topmost pedestal again. This unique intensity of attachment, almost to the point of being possessive can happen only with Tendulkar.
Meeting him in person is, was and will forever be my most cherished dream. But I wish to meet him when his mind is totally uncluttered. No small talk then. I just want to sit and listen to him answering my barrage of questions in great detail. Play videotapes of some of his innings and get to know what went on in his mind when he launched that stunning attack on the Australians in Sharjah 1998. Or what was his state of mind when India lost the 1999 Chennai test by a heartbreaking 12 runs, after he conquered injury, heat, pressure and Pakistan in what is arguably one of the great test innings of all time. Most importantly get to know his take on life in general. Mannnnn, that would be some conversation, exactly the stuff dreams are made of. Just thinking about this put a big smile on my face, imagine if even a small part of this happens in real life!
Gavaskar recently said in an interview that if he were to describe Sachin in one word it would be 'balance'. Perfect balance while playing any shot in the book, or outside it and most importantly balance off the field. In spite of all his achievements, the boyish charm, the guy next door simplicity and immense respect for country, family and roots is what puts him in a league of his own. Ever noticed the determination in his eyes when he sings the national anthem just before a match? Couple that with a tremendous work ethic and a fierce desire to overcome competition and we find ourselves the perfect role model. A role model even our parents would approve of. And that I think is what is missing in current crop of cricketers. However successful Yuvraj Singh is today , I will not want my son to emulate him. Never.
Whenever saffron and green polarize my countrymen, Sach is the Ashok Chakra which binds them together. Is it a coincidence then that he is 'THE Man in Blue'!!!
For most of our generation SRT has been like 'The Sun'. Constant source of energy and inspiration. Burns himself up every single day to provide you with light, and in this case pure unadulterated joy. There have been phases where people thought the sun has set. The fact was, the clouds had just covered it for a while. It shone brightly again, and will forever in our minds and hearts. When he walks out to bat and while wearing his gloves, glances over his left shoulder to his counterpart in the sky, the silent conversation which takes place in that one look remains the single most conversation I would love to eavesdrop on.
I simply dread the day, when this man will retire.The fire within would be still burning strong, but age cannot be defeated. Reminds me of the lines from a beautiful poem in Marathi by Kusumagraj. " अजून जळते आंतर ज्योती.....कसा सावरू देह परी!!. The void hence created would be impossible to fill, in this life at least. It would be like mid-life crisis arriving way too early for a bunch of 25-30 year olds. I might give up on cricket entirely. There cannot even be enough tears for the infinite memories that this man has given us. And I will keep praying to God to allow me to see that high left elbow just one more time. Just once. ............and keep praying.
This blog can go on forever, and I hope can never finish it!
