I turned the stones into milestones: Sachin

Sachin Tendulkar. The name that can mesmerize all cricket lovers in a country where cricket is not just a game. Today he broke the world record (cricket is all about statistics to keep later) in scoring the maximum runs scored in Test cricket history of the game. He overtook Brian Lara's (West Indies) record of 11,953 runs to claim his stake.

There are records you can speak on and on about this persons achievement. But for those who do not wish to keep records in mind, like me he is undoubtedly the greatest cricketer of our times.

Sachin Tendulkar: The Icon of Indian Cricket

I was reading an article in Press Trust of India while writing this article. In that PTI quotes Sachin's wife Anjali saying "Sachin will quit cricket when he will not enjoy playing the game." and the news from UNICEF website where it quotes "Star cricketer Sachin Tendulkar promotes handwashing in India". Wheras Sify reports about Sachin's emotional remembrance of his late father.

From this itself one can understand how the news agencies compete each other for getting varied news of the gifted and talented man of Cricket India.

I also wish him more milestones ahead.

Sachin reinvented

The Commonwealth Bank series which includes India, Australia and Sri Lanka saw some of the best cricket; fans worldwide can chew around for a long time to come.

 

From Indian point of view, it was a marvellous ending note. They won the series defeating world champions in two finals (third final was not required as India beat Australia 2-0). Dhoni and his boys defeated the Australians in their own turf to claim the trophy, which they have never won or even not dreamt of. Indian team is in good form and it gives ray of hope for future, as the average Indian team member’s age is around 22. Of course performance and not age is a big factor in cricket.

 

Now to begin with the title story, Sachin has yet again proved that he is a master of all situations. It was the finals, the first one at Sydney and the second one at Brisbane that Sachin proved himself and the country that he can still deliver. He also proved that his critics were wrong.

 

Sachin was reinventing himself. He is now matured with lots and lots of new skills he has mastered. The century which he made at SCG (Sydney Cricket Ground) was a beauty. Not to forget the fact that it was his first ton in Australian soil (ODIs). His innings was a perfect in all sorts.

 

It seemed like Dhoni, the captain was losing faith in his senior players. Sachin knocked done the captain’s fears. He is totally committed to the game that he never speaks out of the game anywhere. He is still our old little master.

 

Who cares if he is aged? If he delivers then even the selectors/captain cannot complain.

 

But what is certain is that he has to retire from the game someday. Let the god give him good times even after. But till then enjoy him play strokes that makes other batsmen jealous and think fresh.  

Smashing win for India against Bermuda

Yet once again Bermuda proved that they are the minnows. While the coin toss was happening the Bermuda captain remarked that they are not under pressure even after the defeat against Srilanka. They failed miserably against the Lankans.

On the other hand, India was under terrible pressure to deliver. There was no other go for them rather than to hit back. They did that in style against the Bermuda.

Records got tumbled in the match. The highest world cup total was born, the highest Indian score was born, the highest margin of victory in World cup etc. 18 sixes where totally hit by the Indians. Now even if you are not aware of what Indian batsmen hit, yes they crossed 400 and to be exact 413 was the score. India reached the huge score of 413/5 in the stipulated 50 overs.

Bermuda could only reach 156. In fact that stands the highest score of Bermuda in ODIs.

Starting with the Indian attack, Uthappa failed to deliver. In the first ball of second over a stunning catch by Leverock made Uthappa return to pavilion. India where 3/1 at that stage. Sehwag joined Ganguly and slowly build the innings. At last Sehwag has hit one century after 2005. Ganguly was slow in his batting but steady. Sehwag started the cracking shots and soon India reached 200. At 205, after an effective partnership of 202, Sehwag departed.

Yuvaraj singh punched a high profile innings. He raised the pace of Indian innings. It was due to his knock of 83 that India could surpass 400. Tendulkar was equally in the same path of Yuvaraj. It was very enjoyable to watch the early Sachin on display. He played a good knock of 57 not out. He signed off his 50 and India's 400 with a marvelous six. Dravid signed off the Indian innings with a straight six to put India on 413.

The Bermuda batting was weak. They lost the first wicket before scoring any runs. The only resistance came for the 6th wicket and 9th wicket partnership. For 6th wicket Bermuda increased 43 runs and for 9th wicket 44 runs.

Even in this victory the indisciplined Indian bowling attack was visible with the 27 extras. Agarkar opened his bowling with a big wide. If this department was not overhauled then it is only luck that could make India win.

Bermuda then lost for the highest margin in World cup cricket, for 257 runs. Congrats India. But don't be over enthusiastic as you have to face the Lankans in next match. Good luck for that.