There comes a time when castles fall...

The most illustrious phase of the flame is when it shines intensely before it’s end. Seeing Sachin at the Oval on Wednesday reminded me of this flame. With slight tears of joy in my eyes, and hands applauding for every masterly stroke of his, I watched the master rip the English attack apart in what would in all probability be his last tour to the birthplace of the beautiful game. And, in every second of his innings which lasted for more than 90 minutes, he took us all back to the glorious 1990’s. I was reminded of the days when people in the arena fled back home when the wicket that mattered the most was done troubling the scorers.

But now, the scenario was different. He was 10+ yrs older, his fitness wasn’t quite what it used to be, and the Indian lower order wasn’t as ‘mutt’ like as it was before. Thanks to Uthappa and his brilliance, we coasted home with 2 balls to spare. But, ecstasy among Indian fans was momentary as the death rattle began to take wings around the world. I couldn’t take it! I know people would counter this post of mine with all the imaginable and unimaginable crap of theirs. The first among them being the ‘anti-Tendu’ maniacs who have already told me this:

“Dude…he earns billions…and what do you get by crying for him. Go get a life dude!”

But, imagine one thing guys. He was someone whom the entire generation of mine has grown watching. And, to watch an Indian batting line-up without that name is a big change that demands some time to adapt.

For people who keep passing ill comments about him… it is high time you started to reiterate your thoughts. Try imagining yourself in his shoes, walking out to the middle in a crucial ODI encounter. Every time you walk into the middle, there is gonna be 1 billion hearts pounding at the rate of knots. If you were dismissed, 50% of the hopes are gonna go down, (was 90% in the 90’s) and the effect of the loss is going to linger in the mind of every ardent Indian cricket fan for the next 2 days. And visualize the same thing happening on a constant basis for 18 continuous years! Doesn’t life sound like HELL??!!

Present news on his retirement have been put aside as rubbish, but it is time the fans started to realize that the real day is not far off. It has to happen sooner or later, and this piece of claimed garbage serves as an eye opener for all the cricket lovers. Sachin’s life with the bat has metamorphosed from no support to little support and finally with good support from his teammates. And for people who claim Sachin hasn’t won enough games for India, it is time you started adding more logic to your thoughts.

Sachin has/is/will be the GOD of the game, and replacing him will not happen for decades. It is tough to imagine watching a game without him….but there comes a time when every castle falls…