The recently concluded Cricket World Cup had much to offer to everyone around the globe. It converted a non-cricket fan like me into someone who followed every match India played, resulting in active participation in cricket discussions with all and sundry. On the way to work the morning after an India match, the driver would come up with his two cents on India’s performance the day before. Initially I gave little thought to this cricket frenzy, however, India’s overwhelming performance caught my attention and thus came about my transformation.
On the day of the semi-final against Pakistan, everyone at work could talk of nothing other than the upcoming match. Tri-colour ribbons were distributed throughout the office, face painting experts were brought in to paint the Indian flag on employees’ cheeks and people brought all sorts of accessories to cheer Team India. As Team India walked out on the field for the national anthem, 400+ people present in the cafeteria too stood up and sang the national anthem along with the team. Here was a moment when I felt proud to be Indian!
Recent articles on the legendary singer, Lata Mangeshkar’s love for the game made me aware of the impact the game has on our nation. At the age of 81, the nightingale of India fasted when India played Pakistan in the second semi-final and continued with the ritual when India played Sri Lanka in the final. Such dedication for cricket and especially Sachin Tendulkar is truly marvellous.
Not just in India but Indians all over the world waited with bated breath when a world cup victory after 28 long years seemed plausible when India beat Pakistan in the semi-final. A popular video posted on you tube is one such example. Indians in the Southall area of London were seen dancing on the streets the day India reached the finals. So much excitement over a game was something I witnessed for the first time, even the FIFA fever in 2010 was incomparable. The sheer number of Indians around the world ensured huge support for Team India. Not just Indians but foreigners in India too were engulfed in the cricketing mania. When out for dinner with friends last week, we came across some of our European friends and the very first question they asked us was ‘Did you watch the India vs. Pakistan match last night?’ Such is the impact the World Cup had on people.
It was extremely overwhelming to see how people from all walks of life came together on Saturday, 2nd April 2011, to witness what was a truly spectacular victory for Team India. The build up to the finals between India and Sri Lanka was enormous. India seemed like the clear favourites among all, but Sri Lanka entered the game with a highly competent bowling side. By the time the clock struck 2, tension had reached its peak. We were glued to the TV for the next nine hours.
At last Team India clenched the coveted title and became only the third country to win the World Cup more than once (Australia and West Indies have won it four and two times respectively). It was like Diwali came early this year. The skyline was lit by firecrackers and loud cheers for India could be heard through the night. Streets were full of people rejoicing India’s victory. We too went out on a nice, albeit slow drive to revel in the celebrations. People from all walks of life, old and young, Indians and foreigners were out together to express their joys. I was touched to see how everyone came together for a common cause. My grandfather was quick to note how the atmosphere resembled that on the day India gained independence in 1947.
Such was the impact the 15 Men in Blue had on us. Thank you Team India!
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