The day was 23rd?of March 2007, the opponents were Sri Lanka and the venue was Queens Park Oval at Port of Spain. It was Dilhara Fernando bowling and the greatest batsman on the Planet was batting in a bid to chase his unfulfilled dream. Tension was in the air and it was around 1:00 A.M in night when he was bowled by Dilhara Fernando and what followed next were grief, hopelessness, and anguish all around India. Yes it was the End of World Campaign for India, even though there were few batsmen remaining in the hut but every Indian knew that with Sachin gone it was the End.
It was first time in my life I was seeing Sachin so dejected and I remember I was crying the whole night and felt asleep in the morning after I got tired of crying. Next day, Media circulated report of Sachin Tendulkar crying inside the dressing room which added more injury to my already wounded soul. There was funeral like atmosphere all around Mumbai and India. ?Team India? was out of WC 2007 even before reaching the Super Eights.
It was probably the last World Cup for three musketeers who had taken Indian cricket to new heights. The three musketeers were Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Saurav Ganguly. Well for two Musketeers ??their dream was shattered but the first one was very special. He decided to give it another go. For many he is the GOD of Cricket and some things are even tough for GOD. Same can be said about Sachin Tendulkar.
After playing in 5 World Cups and reaching the final on one occasion, the most treasured trophy in Cricket still awaits the Legend. He has almost all batting records in the game of Cricket but sadly he has never been a part of World Cup winning team. He has given his best in all World Cup editions but still the most wanted trophy in cricket eludes him.
After serving his country more than two decades, the body has become tired, reflexes have become slower but the passion and still the same. The GOD has given him one final chance to achieve his dream and make his country proud. Sometimes few scripts are written above. So here is the script written by GOD for his replica on Earth. He has a chance to win the World Cup in his own country and in a city in which he was born.
He has 99 international centuries and GOD has given him a Golden chance to score his 100th?century on a stage where whole world will watch him play and occasion which will be encrypted in the memories of his fans forever. Come On SACHIN, win the World Cup for ?TEAM INDIA? as I want to shed tears again as I did in 2007 but the tears will be of Joy, Satisfaction and will be treasured by me for entire life time.