What is the hurry, Mr. Tendulkar?
Genetic aggression, sheer class, striking after a long time – you can’t really express your feelings when you see god of cricket doing it yet again. This is the magic of IPL. It’s good to see a relaxed and cool little master delivering again in the match against Pune Warriors, apparently without much pressure. Like countless supporters do, it is not right to expect a century every time, that too in T20, but when it comes to Sachin, we always ask for more!
All of a sudden, one badly executed shot, followed by a marvellous catch by Marsh, led to a break in the rhythm, along with a break of a billion hearts! He was gone. All of us, disciples of Sachin, always think, what is the hurry, sir? The moment he appears to be settling down, a rookie shot takes its toll. Of late, all the faithful supporters have cut short their expectations to half-centuries, with hopes that the almighty lets us see some fluent batting. But then, today’s date is 13th. Perhaps it was unlucky for all of us.
Few of our friends blame it on “consistency”. But almost all who love the game, from experts sitting on sports channels, commentators, sports columnists, to the average fans, have got their hopes alive, based on Sachin’s past glories. Some also put the blame on the “pressure” the little master faces. Certainly not, in my opinion. With 100 centuries, the valve has already been released.
Also, on a different note, as one of the very young Sachin devotees emotionally but correctly assessed the game and said, “look at the agony of fate. The idol lacks nothing, be it compassion for the game, rich experience, excellent judgement for eyeing the ball, skill, technique, improvisation. You name it and Sachin has it, so it is nothing but bad judgement at times, ageing clubbed with sheer bad luck.., more so for the millions of fans.”
Whatever it is, let us pray that once for all, one final great inning comes, and the supremo might opt for a much expected grateful exit.