No Fear Cricket

How can I not post about cricket this week? Last week itself, when I sat down in front of my TV and saw some of the matches, I was marveling at the incredible love we Indians have for cricket. I think even if the British hadn't brought the game here, we'd still have loved it that much, and still been as good at it as we are.

I was listening to our commentators. Ravi Shastri and Harsha Bhogle. Listening to how Brit they spoke. I was thinking of my mum, far away in Bombay, and her absolutely ridiculous superstitions. Superstitions like, 'Cross your right leg over your left leg when you sit, its good luck.' And, 'If we see the batsman who's to come out for batting next, a wicket will certainly fall.' God, we've laughed at those. I was thinking about the thousands of times I've wondered how boys can play cricket at Azad maidan in the phenomenal heat of a Sunday afternoon in Bombay.

It was raining. It was the most perfect thing to do - let the sounds of cricket wash over me, and wow, the excitement of Twenty 20 Cricket.

India was in excellent form. When I saw South Africa collapse, I decided that the most exciting parts of cricket are:
1. Getting an opponent batsman bowled.
2. A pull-out-of-the-air catch.
3. Run outs.
4. Stumped.
5. I hate LBWs.

And of course, when your batsmen are batting - the boundaries, and the perfect cover drives.

But what I really want to write about, is the World Cup Final Match.

India vs Pakistan. World cup final. An event that will make millions of crazy cricket fanatics hold their breaths and scream in a single voice.

It was in office that someone suggested that we put up a big screen and watch the game. The big screen was not a problem. The problem was the cable TV connection. Our marvelous facilities and tech teams pulled off the feat easily, and we had a new cable connection installed right in time for the match.

India was batting!

What followed was a completely awesome experience. More than a hundred crazy Googlers, three large screens, and not to forget the ample Googly free food, as Pranav put it - what more can anyone ask for? Beer, I would say, but I could make do without.

The atmosphere was so electric - and the most classic moment was when someone in the crowd started a crazy chant - jeetega bhai jeetega, India jeetega! And the crowd joined in... and as our voices hit a peak, we got a wicket. It was amazing... Everyone jumped and went crazy. And this went on non stop, till the end.

(I was most astonished to see this chap from my team, who's as quiet as a mouse generally, being the one who started the chant, and was the leader in all the chanting. In fact, he teased the crowds and played with them, slowing and quickening the pace of the chant and getting them to do the same. Later, after all the insanity and raucous behavior was over, he gave me a shy smile. After all that! )

My happiness actually is in the attitude of our new team, and its brave new captain. It's easy to see that he means it when he says that he wants our team to play no fear cricket, and ultimately wants the boys to have a good time. Am glad cricket is back.