The Age of Kohli

World cup T20 - 2016, in my mind, heralds the beginning of the Kohli era. It promises to be one of unbridled emotion, raw passion and some breath taking performances. No matter what Flintoff may tweet about Root, the cricketing world has found its latest icon.

Avanti's generation will grow up with him; they will revel in his victories, shield him in defeat and take up cudgels against those who will inevitably criticize him from time to time. 

I am not such a big fan of comparisons, though for a moment all of us prayed that he will pull off a magical last over, aka Sachin. His day will come; and on that day he will transcend from a mere great, to being divine.

Enjoy the ride folks.

The wall

"W"all good things must end...More tragic a phrase could not have been invented. So Rahul Dravid joins Anil Kumble and Sourav Ganguly in retirement. This illustrious trio awaits the company of Sachin, Laxman who will hopefully take a lesson from Jammy on moving on in life.

Few things struck me as I watched Rahul announce his departure: 

1. This is possibly a first; where a great Indian player has actually had an off field retirement announcement. No Dhoni to hoist him on his shoulders, Rahul exited the way he played his cricket; thoughtfully, measured by an innate common sense and blessed with great timing. 

2. Only two of the fab five remain, i am feeling very old all of a sudden. Memories of the Kolkatta test, Kumble's century, Sachin's dessert storm and for some strange reason the match ICICI Pru lost by one run to ICICI Direct have all come flooding in. 

3. I hope Rahul returns in the capacity of an administrator - Vidharbha cricket association could use a good man like him. (Biwi ka gaon hai aur kumble is already in Karnataka). 

4. His farewell speech was simple, straightforward and reflective of his intellect. I hope to put up a transcript of his speech made on the occasion of the Bradman lecture... 

Farewell, Mr dependable, we could always count on you. 

Farewell, Mr courageous, you did it your way

Farewell, Mr Nice, you showed us that the good guy always comes out on top... 

And for all this a big thank you...

MSD

Wrote this a really long time back... Happy to be proved right...

The last test series with Australia was historic to say the least. The favorable result, in my opinion paled in significance on account of two major events. One, the beginning of the departure of the old guard - Jumbo and Dada retiring from test cricket, and two, the emergence of M S Dhoni as a leader.

Please allow me the indulgence of sharing my thoughts on the two events:

Kumble all of 900 international wickets, always fought the tag of the fastest spinner in the world. His coming out to bowl in Antigua despite a fractured jaw touched a chord in all those who witnessed his courage. His calm and dignified leadership in the last series in Australia was a sterling example of grace under pressure. Dada brought in attitude to Indian cricket. The god of the offside, prince of Kolkatta and more importantly inspiration to a whole generation who believe in “ I can”. I am sure all of you witnessed his shirt twirling at Lords after the Natwest final, we chased 300 + in that match. This simple act in my opinion ranks with Gandhiji’s act of making Salt at Dandi. Both these signaled to the world that we will not go quietly into the night and asserted that we have to be counted as a force to reckon with.

I will miss both these (Jumbo and Dada) gentlemen, well they are of the same age as I am, so in a way I have grown up with them.

Now for M S D. Three of gestures are worth noting

1. Handing over captaincy to Dada in his last match

2. Allowing Dada the use of the captain’s suite in the hotel

3. Getting Jumbo to receive the trophy

These acts, ladies and gentlemen, show him to be a rare leader. One who is not insecure, one who respects the people who created the team and lastly one who is incredibly decent. I believe these are qualities to be emulated. I am sure that MSD will be a great captain and go down in history as a greater human being.

Very soon we will see the departure of VVS, the Wall and the one and only Tendulkar. The inevitable process of change also holds within itself the reality of new heroes emerging. MSD is a sterling example….

growing up with tendlya

20 years ago, a wisp of a boy entered our collective consciousness. His feats over the years have ensured that he stays there.

Every generation needs its heroes. In Sachin Tendulkar, we found ours. So much has been written about him, so much has changed around him. He remains the same; the kid looking for the next match.

I think the debate about him being the greatest is pointless. There is no fair comparison. I always look at it as you had your Sunny bhai we have our sachin. Its not a safe stand just a more ‘susegad’ one. Should we compare two diamonds and argue over which one shines brighter. I simply cannot understand the point of it all.

For me the turning point in my life was the Sharjah sandstorms, post those brilliant innings I started believing in the concept of god. The opposition could have fielded 20 players without making an iota of a difference. It had to be a divine force powering those arms; it could not be simply dna, tissue,bone , genetics and ability.

I do not know how we will cope with his retirement, hope his last match is in Mumbai at wankhede or better still shivaji park where it all started.