The one name that drives the nation…

Right now sitting in 13240 Patna express, visiting home after couple of months. But somewhere mind is sitting back in the east DDCA stand of Ferozshah Kotla. Let’s go back by a couple of days. Final day of mock project at work. While preparing for client checkpoint, a thought came to the mind. How about watching the 2^nd day of ongoing 4^th test match between India and Australia. Well, who better than Sumeet to give company for this cricketing partnership. He agreed, tickets were booked and plans were formed to witness the unwitnessed. A special occasion always requires a special costume. After a lots of thought process, Sumeet decided to go ahead with his CSK jersey and I opted for newly bought BCCI jersey. We were supposed to collect tickets from Ambedkar Football stadium, where we were told that we have to get them from a van near Rajghat. Well, while going towards the van, we came across a group of spectators returning after claiming their tickets and the way they cheered us and guided us towards the van, we felt overwhelmed. India is a country of so many languages but everynow and then I get amazed that how cricket has emerged as a common language and this was just one proof of it. Well, we got our tickets, cleared the security check points. This was neither Sumeet’s first experience of watching a live match, neither mine but I must admit that those few steps from security checkpoints to the entry of stands were something that was inexplicably amazing. We found our seats just a few rows back from boundary lines. Aussies were batting. It was probably the second over of the day and guess what, Sachin Tendulkar was pushed to Long-on for fielding. Now the crowd went crazy. There was just one cheer… Just one voice that has been driving the nation crazy for over two decades. We witnessed that amazing chant.. Sacchhiiinnn.. Sachin. We joined in too. And then, the master obliged, turned back and waived his shy and grateful hand towards the spectators. And we felt as if we just hit a jackpot. This incident kept repeating and the joy-everytime it was the same. After few minutes, Ashwin claimed a wicket. But the Sachin chant carried on. This might very well be Sachin’s last appearance in India in an international match, so the occasion was even more special. Finally the Aussies were bolwed out and India came out for batting. Since morning I was hoping for the two players to get out so that we get to watch the Master batting in front of our eyes. Well, that looked unlikely seeing the way Pujara and Vijay were batting. Pujara played some breathtaking shots but guess what, the chant was still for the Master. Now, Pujara departed. Aah, we would rather have seen the back of Vijay but nonetheless, the chances of Sachin coming out to bat improved. Now came the local boy Kohli a.k.a Cheeku. Well, my prayers for next wicket became stronger. We just had 30 odd minutes to left as I had catch this train in the evening so anxiety doubled. Will Sachin come to bat in next 30 minutes or not? After a few deliveries, Kohli was adjudged out.  The local boy fell. Well, I straightaway jumped in the air. But in a moment I calmed down fearing being kicked by Sumeet and crowd, afterall I was supporting India. But guess what, whole stadium erupted in a feeling of joy. For a moment, Australia might have felt they are playing in MCG or SCG. I believe we Indians are the only people who can celebrate the wicket of their team falling. I felt so bad for cheeku but soon the feeling was overtaken by the joy of Master’s anticipated arrival. Well, kohli returned to dressing room, yet no signs of Sachin. Then we heard a cheer from Tata End, who had got a better view of Pavilion’s entry and then came out Sachin. I wish I could describe what it felt like. The entire crowd of 25000 + stood on their feet and gave a thunderous standing ovation, a loud cheer to Sachin. It was a dream come true. It was like that today I was being rewarded for my lifelong worship of this game. Quickly wiping those tears, I joined the Sachin chant. I always heard that there were times when streets went empty while Sachin was batting. Always appeared little exaggerated to me but my experience yesterday made me believe that everything is possible seeing the compassionate support and admiration we have for this little man. Now I can say I have witnessed Sachin-mania in front of my eyes and will take this happy feeling to my grave; such is the feeling. Well, I don’t know we will see the Master again in India or whether if Master will go to Lord’s and mark his presence on the hall of fame board but all I know, he has created an everlasting memory in minds of millions of us and it will stay there forever.