Birthday Wish

“Beneath the helmet, under that unruly curly hair, inside the cranium, there is something we don't know, something beyond scientific measure. Something that allows him to soar, to roam a territory of sport that, forget us, even those who are gifted enough to play alongside him cannot even fathom. When he goes out to bat, people switch on their TV sets and switch off their lives” -BBC on Sachin

Dear Sachin,

It must be strange not be a part of the World Cup. It must be strange to be in Mumbai when Barbados is the place you would have died be in at this time. It must be strange that all the fans who probably spent all their waking hours worshipping you, those who skipped offices, colleges and schools just to see you wield that willow and take on the best in the world, those who wished they could see you in person if only in their dreams seem to have deserted you all of a sudden. It must be strange to be ostensibly dropped for the next tour.

Why should the blame of our failure be placed only on your shoulders?

I guess it’s because greatness has its own drawbacks. Lesser mortals can’t understand greatness. Public memory is short. However having said that I do have some complaints. Of late, you don’t seem the same player. You seem to be stifled by some unknown force. I hate those inside edges onto the stump…. I seem to lose a small part of my belief in you every time you make some mediocre bowler seem like a world beater by handing over your wicket by being too circumspect. Why don’t you play freely? Surely we have other players and the pressure on you would be less than before. I am late in posting this but thats exactly the complaint i have with your timimg these days. Why cant you of all people meet the ball solidly in the middle of the bat?

Enough of this of course. I have digressed enough.

Let’s get to the main point now….

Happy Birthday Sachin! Having a rocking year! Let your bat do your talking and silence the critics as it always does. India needs you.

Your supporter forever
Gautam