I am not the best person to write an article about a cricketer. Although cricket is our 'national religion' and we are supposed to be theists in this particular case, I lack the knowledge necessary to write a biographical article about a cricketer. However, I have always adored this particular cricketer and today on 8th July (his birthday) I can't have a better way of wishing him than writing about him, although the faint probability that he would ever come across this particular article remains less than the probability that I would attend all the lectures without dozing off in the afternoon slots. This one's for you, my hero.
"Hurry up! Complete your dinner" Baba exclaimed, clearly excited as he didn't wanted to miss this one. As soon I completed eating and washed my hands, he took me and hurried to the house of some XYZ Patel who, at that time was privileged enough to have a color TV at home. This dates back to my childhood, when I was probably 3 or 4 years old. This match, was one between Pakistan and India I guess, which clearly justifies Baba's excitement. Day-Night ODIs were a rage those days . I don't know where the match was played, neither do I know who won it but I clearly remember a tiny piece of conversation between Baba and Patel Uncle. "Dekho aaj Tendulkar aur Dada khel rahe hai. India chase kar legi! " Patel uncle exclaimed. In reaction to that, I, sitting next to Baba asked "Baba, Dada is in Calcutta right? How is he playing in the TV?". For me, Dada was my cousin brother living in Kolkata. I didn't have any idea about the other Dada. Both the gentlemen bursted out in laughter. Yes, childish inquisitiveness gets embarrassing at times. I never got the answer from Baba that day, however, I couldn't forget that little piece of conversation between the two of us.
The coming years saw some significant developments. Color TV had finally become a necessity for the middle class. Baba bought a 21-inch Sony TV, finally replacing the old black and white TV. This was probably when I was 5. Life was good with color TV now. The most significant change for me was that Baba stopped telling me to hurry up with dinner on the days of Day-Night matches. I could eat on the dining table and could the the men in blue in action. Two faces became familiar to me who used to walk down in the beginning of the blue team's batting innings. One had a taller stature than the other, with a ferocious look in his eyes. He was called the 'Bengal Tiger'. I loved those matches in which both of these guys played well and it was natural for me to get upset if they didn't. ICC knockOut championship, 2000 was a memorable series which I remember. Although I was just 7, I clearly felt dejected with the blue team losing the finals to the black team, although that guy with a taller stature than the other, whom Baba referred to as Dada played well.
In the successive years, my sense of understanding improved. So did my bonding with TV, cricket and men in blue. I now knew that guy's name. Sourav Chandidas Ganguly, THE captain of Indian cricket team. By now, S.C. Ganguly had become my first sporting hero. Under his captaincy, team India witnessed a new
dawn. He mentored numerous players to get the best out of them. Who can forget those memorable moments of Natwest Series 2002 when Dada out of excitement removed his shirt to celebrate the victory of the men in blue in the tournament. Success followed the captain in the coming year with India reaching the finals of 2003 ICC World Cup. Dada won a million hearts due to his frank behavior, ferocious attitude and vision.
However, just like a lot other sporting heroes, Dada too was surrounded in controversies numerous times. The incidents like his 'chickening out' of Nagpur test, losing a match to Bangladesh, the famous controversy with Greg Chapel and later with Kolkata Knight Riders' coach John Buchanan, his exit from the Indian cricket team never kept him away from media. Dada continues to remain the favorite child of controversy.
His exit from the Indian side was heart breaking for me. I always adored him as a hero and no one can really see their hero failing in life. However, the Bengal tiger wasn't done with it. I remember one cold drink's ad of his, when he was sidelined from the team in which he uttered those unforgettable words "Bhoole toh nahi?'' He smiled in the ad but the pain was visible, a pain that Dada and his devotees shared mutually. It was difficult to see the Fab 5 incomplete. However, just like a true sporting hero, he made a comeback in 2007. And the comeback wasn't a lukewarm one. It was red hot, and an appropriate reply with his bat to silence all his critics. He was fitter than ever and the average after his comeback remained better than his career average.
This fantastic journey of an awesome cricketer finally came to an end on 6th November, 2008. He played his last test against Australia. Moist eyes of mine bid adieu to someone who was more than a cricketer for me. He was my idol, a hero who never bowed against bullies, had a backbone strong enough to stand against the odds. His attitude towards life made him stand apart as the best captain of the Indian cricket team. Although I won't really like to compare, this photo tells the story:
However, just like a lot other sporting heroes, Dada too was surrounded in controversies numerous times. The incidents like his 'chickening out' of Nagpur test, losing a match to Bangladesh, the famous controversy with Greg Chapel and later with Kolkata Knight Riders' coach John Buchanan, his exit from the Indian cricket team never kept him away from media. Dada continues to remain the favorite child of controversy.
His exit from the Indian side was heart breaking for me. I always adored him as a hero and no one can really see their hero failing in life. However, the Bengal tiger wasn't done with it. I remember one cold drink's ad of his, when he was sidelined from the team in which he uttered those unforgettable words "Bhoole toh nahi?'' He smiled in the ad but the pain was visible, a pain that Dada and his devotees shared mutually. It was difficult to see the Fab 5 incomplete. However, just like a true sporting hero, he made a comeback in 2007. And the comeback wasn't a lukewarm one. It was red hot, and an appropriate reply with his bat to silence all his critics. He was fitter than ever and the average after his comeback remained better than his career average.
This fantastic journey of an awesome cricketer finally came to an end on 6th November, 2008. He played his last test against Australia. Moist eyes of mine bid adieu to someone who was more than a cricketer for me. He was my idol, a hero who never bowed against bullies, had a backbone strong enough to stand against the odds. His attitude towards life made him stand apart as the best captain of the Indian cricket team. Although I won't really like to compare, this photo tells the story:
