Cricket, a game foreign to us, a hangover from the past, a colonial legacy, in all the countries that felt the influence of a country, once known as Great Britain. A game that stayed in India, a game that is close to the heat of her people, elicits such passion, a game that can bring the whole nation together, irrespective of caste, creed or religion.
The World Cup series 2023, played in India,lasting several weeks now, brought much excitement to the cricket fans . With each match and each new win, India reached the finals, much to the exhilaration of her country men . So it is on the nineteenth of November, that all gathered in their respective homes or at community centres, to watch the Indian team play, to win the cup.
Glued to the television a whole nation watched, the World Cup final played at Ahmedabad , praying and cheering with pride, for the men in blue. The toss, the Australians won, but chose not to bat, but to bowl. The Indian team, with confidence, started batting, and it seemed a sure win, until the quick fall of the first couple of wickets . Undeterred they went on, each batsman fiercely facing their opponent, batting with determination, playing to win the Cup, for their country men.
The score at the end looked good, until the opposition took to the field. When the initial wicket fell quickly, there was much hope and rejoicing, for we thought it was setting the pace for a quick victory. But then their batsman slipped into a slow, steady scoring, sure of each run, sure of each ball that came at them. Winning the match with a great lead, the foreigners took the cup, and the men in blue, ceded defeat, with much emotion.
Though the crowd was despondent, there was some cheering for the foreign winners, with fireworks to celebrate their glorious performance. Congratulations were exchanged, sportsmanship displayed, amongst the players from both sides. The disappointed crowd however, was slow to celebrate with the winners, but quick to commiserate, with the home team, and thus ended an evening full of anticipation, for a saddened nation. Victory is never predictable or guaranteed, even with our best efforts, but it’s wise to remember, it is only the game that truly matters.
Mary Jacob 