Baseball & Business

Yesterday, one of my directors at work was giving us a pep talk about continuous improvement, etc. To drill it into boneheads like yours truly, he used a football analogy. He said, “We are the quarterback of the organization. If we throw a great ball and the receiver drops it, we have to get in his face about it, but that doesn’t mean we stop throwing the ball back to him”. I thought this was a nice way to put it. Business is a team sport. If another team makes a mistake, we should be calling them out about it, but that doesn’t mean we should lose trust in them.

A cup of Joe and a meeting later, I was thinking of how many sports terms we come across in business everyday, especially baseball. How if I do a great job (ok! That’s rare!), I would have “hit it out of the ball park”. If Joe Smith goofs up, he is supposed to have “dropped the ball”. People arrange meetings to “touch base” with others. If the numbers from my analysis don’t look right (often the case), they are “not even in the same ballpark”!

If a task is easy to achieve, it is a “slam-dunk”. If I have an incorrect understanding of a project, I am “way off base”. If I am big risk-taker, I am labeled as one who “swings for the fences”. If a major change occurs midway through a project, it becomes “a whole new or whole another ballgame”. Executives think about employee succession strategy, otherwise known as “stocking the bull pen”.

Of course, we have all heard of someone getting “strike one, two, three and out”. If he/she had “stepped up to the plate” and “hit a home run”, “right of the bat”, they could have saved themselves. I guess when your manager “throws a curveball”, it is hard to hit indeed. Finally, if all of this did not make a whole lot of sense to you; obviously, you are “way out there on the left field”!

Of course, there is a whole another analogy about “rounding bases” and “getting home”, which I won’t get into, in this piece!! ;-)

Take Your Pick - Prophetic or Pathetic? - Week 3

Tough loss for Texas last week. But, they will be back! Clemson lost in double OT spoiling my pick record to 3 – 2. On the sunny side, at least it is a winning record. Without further ado, here are my picks for what is going to be the most exciting week of this 2006 regular season. A great slate of games! My Nebraska pick is an “inspired” upset pick!

• Michigan @ Notre Dame ----------Pick: NOTRE DAME

• Nebraska @ USC Trojans ---------Pick: NEBRASKA

• LSU @ Auburn ----------------------Pick: AUBURN

• Florida @ Tennessee --------------Pick: FLORIDA

• Oklahoma @ Oregon ---------------Pick: OREGON

Pick Accuracy

Last Week: 3 – 2

Season:---- 3 – 2

Will Colt Fire Right? Ohio State vs. Texas

More a century of football history, nine championship titles between them, arguably the icons of their respective states, I could go on all day and still may not do justice to Ohio State and Texas. The week is here and the magical night will descend upon Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium soon. Two teams whose oozing talents are only belittled by the lofty expectations of their alma mater and fan bases. To add the cherry to this Sundae, it is a 1 vs. 2 match-up on a Saturday night. Could one be greedy and ask as Oliver Twist did, “I want some more”? It is hard to imagine, but the game could outlive its hype. “Proof?” you say, last year’s game in the Shoe. Okay, let’s try a quick and clean breakdown of this colossal clash, shall we?

Offense

Running Backs

JC is under-rated outside of TX and he will be a surprise speedy back against a porous OSU run defense. One of the best OLs in college in front of him, JC and Selvin will ensure Texas has a 170-yd rushing game. While Pittman and frosh Chris Wells are above average, the Texas Run D will be too much for them.

Advantage: TEXAS

Quarterbacks

Troy Smith is more talented and experienced and has a big edge over Colt or Jevan.

Advantage: OHIO STATE

Tight-Ends

Texas has to replace the efficient and reliable David Thomas. J Finley and Tweedie should be able to step up though. OSU does not have a Jeremy Shockey and have 3 freshmen and a soph instead. Hardly scary!

Advantage: TEXAS

O-Line

The Horns have one of the top 3 offensive lines in the nation. Sendlein, Dockery, Blalock, Studdard are all big and agile. Quite capable of pass-blocking and run protection. The OSU O-line is not bad either.

Advantage: EVEN

Receivers

While Sweed, Cosby and Pittman are very good, it is hard to go against a receiving corps captained by Ted Ginn (even after disregarding the hype).

Advantage: OHIO STATE

Defense

D-Line

Texas boasts a spectacular D-line with Crowder, Robison, Okam and Lokey. Their back-ups are no less talented either. Pitcock and Patterson are proven for OSU but others don’t have game experience.

Advantage: TEXAS

Line-Backers

OSU will miss the Sunday players (Hawk, Schlegel and Carpenter).

Advantage: TEXAS

Defensive Backs

Although a bit inexperienced, Texas is deep in this position led by Aaron Ross and Michael Griffin. OSU has some brand new faces.

Advantage: TEXAS

Kicking and Special Teams

Texas has blocked the most number of kicks/punts in NCAA since ’99 or 2000. Return game is solid. Greg Johnson is reliable in kicking and punting. OSU has Ted Ginn!

Advantage: EVEN

Coaching

I would have given the edge to Tressell last year, but now both have won a national title and are well respected.

Advantage: EVEN

Environment

DKR is not the best college atmosphere. As much as I love Austin, it is a semi-pro style crowd. The end zone seats are some distance away from the field. The open architecture does not create a gladiatorial feel. Plus, OSU has experience playing in bigger and better stadiums like Happy Valley and the Big House. However, the heat may be a factor. Texas players displayed no uneasiness last week in the high noon heat of Texas. They may be better conditioned. But, I am going to call this even.

Advantage: EVEN

Verdict: Light the Tower Orange! Hook ‘Em Horns!

Score: 31 – 24

Game MVP: Jamaal Charles, RB, TEXAS

ESPN.com Fan Poll showed that 109,000 had voted with 58% predicting an OHIO STATE win. We’ll see about that!

Football Picks - Prophetic or Pathetic - Week 2

I have rolled the dice for the first time this season and here are my college football game picks for Week 2. (I know, I should have begun in Week 1. Laziness won that battle). Better late than never! Going forward, you can see how I fared the previous week and in the season.

• Ohio State @ Texas; Pick: TEXAS

• Penn State @ Notre Dame; Pick: NOTRE DAME

• Georgia @ South Carolina; Pick: GEORGIA

• Clemson @ Boston College; Pick: CLEMSON

• Washington @ Oklahoma; Pick: OKLAHOMA

Pick Accuracy

Last Week: 0 – 0

Season:---- 0 – 0

This Week, Last Year - Texas @ Ohio State

The day was Sep 10, 2005 when the ‘Horns played the Bucks last year and I was on a nine-hour flight from Chennai to Paris, cut off from the world. Even “Da Vinci Code” could not keep me from thinking about this game.

It was like looking at a fast-paced montage of images on TV; Robert Langdon unscrambling “O’ Draconian Devil” into “Leonardo Da Vinci”; Vince pulls one down and is streaking past the Buckeye Sam linebacker and the safeties for a score; Sir Leah Teabing keeping the mood light with a joke about how a Harvard sculler has never won over an Oxford one; Vince completes a clutch third-down pass to a wheel-route running TE David Thomas…you get the idea…

Without much luck in finding a USA Today at any of the Paris airport concession stands, I was pleasantly surprised to be handed one on the plane from Paris to Cincinnati. Alright! Here we go, I thought. Sports pages… nothing about the game.. Turns out it was the previous day’s edition. Oh, talk about dangling a carrot in front a mule! Thus, I was relegated to playing the game in my own mind for another nine hours.

Landing in Cincinnati, Ohio, clad in burnt orange, was a calculated risk on my part. After all, isn’t fortune supposed to favor the brave? After clearing customs, I dared to ask a baggage handler (wearing an OSU hat) about the game. His reply, “Ah! It was so close last night, we should have won... blah.. blah”. I had heard enough. It was a “W” for Texas. My jet lag was up in vapors just like that. The final segment of my trip from Cinci to Houston was a pleasant one. I got a recap of the game from another fan that was flying back to Texas after bearing witness to this epic classic at the Horseshoe. What an indelible “I was there” moment for him.

Needless to say, I have been counting down to 09/09/06 ever since. That day is now less than three days away. This time, I am watching the game!!

PS: Look for a preview and prediction of this year’s game in the next day or two in a separate post.

Believe It or Not! Desis in College Football!

I did not know of a football player of Indian origin, current or former. Until now, that is. Folks! Gurminder Thind is the starting Left Tackle (O Line) for Steve Spurrier’s South Carolina Gamecocks for the 2006 season. Wow, I always imagined this day was 10 years away. It is refreshing to see an Indian in an American sport other than the Spelling Bee! Wouldn’t you say so?

He is playing for Spurrier, no shame at all, and in the SEC, arguably the toughest conference. It is only fitting that a Punjabi guy represents India in the quintessentially brawny sport of football. Gurminder is a 6’-4”, 293-lb sophomore, originally from Toronto. As I am writing this, he makes a bonehead play, a personal foul for shoving, 15-yd penalty.. oh.. well, played like a true sardarji (as in the sardarji jokes!). Well, he has some ways to go.

Further googling unearthed a 2002 Michigan State back up QB, Amish Patel. By the way, Amish is from Austin, TX (where I went to school for 2 years and change). There are probably more such players who I don't know about. The foundation has been laid; let’s see how the superstructure shapes up...

Jack, Here I Come!

Tiger, in his customary Sunday red attire, won Major No.12. In contrast to last month’s British Open triumph, this time he was playing the longest course in major championships in Chicago. So, he had to use the driver quite a lot and the result… Victory by 5 strokes, 18-under, almost matching his own record of lowest score ever to win a major. So much for driving being his “weakness”! I think 2011 is when he is going to break Jack Nicklaus’ 18 majors. Tiger is the “King of the Forest”, again. Watch Out!

Vintage Warne

Shane Warne, on a cricket pitch with the red cherry in hand, is truly the “Wizard of Oz”. I have not seen Tiger O’Reilly, Richie Benaud or Subash Gupte, but it is hard to imagine they would have been better than Warne. These deliveries definitely serve as ample testament to his wizardry. Also, consider what’s not shown, the mind games and the setting up of the batsmen. Oh.. yeah, he was no slouch at that either! Enjoy!

My personal favorites from the video:

The one to Gatting. Enough said!

The great flipper to Stewart homing on middle like a guided missile

The awesome top spinner to Kallis for numero 300!

A Great Ball by Akram to Dravid

Wasim Akram bowled a great delivery to dismiss Dravid on the final day of the 1999 Chennai Test. Pure Magic!

The German Autobahn - A Driver's Dream

Admit it; the thought of zooming at high speeds on our freeways, feeling the adrenaline and thrill, has crossed our minds at one time or another. Most of us have at least followed races, be it NASCAR or Formula One, and it is the control at high speeds that makes it so exciting. Yeah, the saying goes “Speed thrills but kills”, but it doesn’t have to be that way. The answer is the German Autobahn, a system where you can drive fast and not break a law.

Some facts about the Autobahn,

• There are no speed limits only through 50% of the road sections, though there is a recommended speed of 81 mph. By the way, if you drive above 81 mph and wreck your vehicle, the insurance company is only partially liable! Damn these insurance companies, they are the same, wherever you go!
• The roads are inspected regularly using advanced scanning machines and the entire section is replaced if a crack or fissure is found (What a contrast to developing countries like India!)
• Research has shown that the accident and fatality rates in Autobahn roads are actually lesser than US and other European highway systems with significantly lower speed limits. This has long been a contention of mine that speed and safety don’t necessarily have a positive correlation. Thanks Autobahn for proving this!
• It is a criminal offence (not just a small fine) to run out of fuel on the Autobahn because this is considered to be a preventable offence

Now, I understand why the Germans excel in designing great cars. After all, they are only doing justice to the work of their civil engineering counterparts! Can’t wait for my turn…

India's Sixtieth I-Day

India celebrated its sixtieth I-Day this week. The PM had some interesting opinions and facts to share with the nation. I thought he painted a realistic picture of India in his address from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

Some things that grabbed my attention. India has sustained 8% YOY growth for the past three years. Better yet, Manufacturing has grown at 11%. This is good news because it is generally believed that IT is fueling all of the growth in India. This statistic indicates a more balanced growth which is essential in the long run. After all, how long can Indians buy swanky cars without the road infrastructure to support them?

Our PM did raise a lot of social issues too and this got me thinking about the reservation debate that was raging a few days ago. Our reservation system is frequently compared to the Affirmative Action policy in the U.S. I came across this article that highlighted the basic differences between the two. In my opinion, the social reservation system should give way to an economic reservation system, based on family incomes. The private sector should definitely not be forced into adopting this system. However, the Government could offer financial tax incentives to businesses that voluntarily undertake this initiative. Food for thought, don’t you agree?

NFL - Wonderlic Test Demystified

Football fans may recall that “Superman” Vince Young scored a “Six” on the Wonderlic aptitude test. It later turned out to be a rumor and he had actually scored a 16. Anyways, people were wondering if he will be a top pick after this rumor. I was personally wondering about the Wonderlic. What is the objective? How is it scored? What are some sample questions? What has been the correlation between Wonderlic scores and on-field performance for some previous draftees? Here are the answers.

Basically, it is like a 12-minute IQ test with 50 questions that measures general intelligence and ability to process information to make decisions. Average score of 20 corresponds with an IQ of 100.

Interestingly, Offensive Tackles and Centers have averaged more than QBs. This result actually challenges (may be even disproves) the common notion that linemen are “not so bright” compared their QB brethren. As it turned out, Vince was drafted No.3 overall and the score did not impact his draft status.

Vince has proved time and again that he is a cool customer and can come out of a pressure situation with a victory. As one Oakland Raider rep said "All I need to know about Vince Young is that he came up with one of the greatest performances ever in the Rose Bowl," Jones said. "In the fourth quarter, I saw Pete Carroll throw every kind of blitz at Vince. I saw Vince read the blitz and beat the blitz. I don't care what his Wonderlic score is. The only score I care about is 41-38."

So, who has had a perfect score on this test? Ryan Fitzpatrick, the current back-up QB for St. Louis Rams, is one. He is a Harvard graduate (Gee! What a surprise?). See if you can match Ryan or (if you are me!) at least do better than Vince! Take an abridged sample test. Of course, reporting scores is strictly optional!!

My NCAA Football Pre-Season Rankings

With the first kick-off of the pigskin less than 3 weeks away, here are my pre-season rankings for you to chew on. I must point put that my rankings are intended to predict the top 15 teams that have the best chance to reach the national title game in Glendale, AZ come Jan ’07. What does this mean? These rankings are based on ease of schedule, returning stars, road schedule and an iota of sub-conscious bias on my part! Also, I made an attempt not to get influenced by several such polls out there in the media (like the USA Today Coaches Poll). Looking for preseason rankings from major media outlets in one place? Stassen has compiled it for us! Without further ado, here they my rankings. Let the argument continue...

Cricket Anecdotes

Cricket, being a slow-paced sport, offers plenty of time for commentators to recount anecdotes that they themselves were part of or they happened to witness. I usually love these little stories. Ian Chappell is particularly adept at that. His set-up and punch line delivery are always effective and they usually leave a lasting impression. Here are a few that I can recall…

In an English County game in Glamorgan, a military medium bowler trundled in and beat Sir Viv Richards’ bat on more than two occasions consecutively. Frustrated, the bowler decided to have a pow-wow with Viv. He walked down the pitch, and went “Its red, its round, it weighs about 6 ounces and oh!.. by the way, you are supposed to get some wood on it”. Viv did not reply and probably just chewed his worn-out gum with a swagger as only he can. After promptly dispatching the next ball into the adjoining county river, Viv said to the bowler, “Mate! You know how it looks, go and fetch it!”

WG Grace, the popular 18^th century cricket icon, came in to bat in a big game. A Sunday crowd had gathered just to catch a glimpse of WG. As they waited with bated breath for the first ball to be smashed to a corner of the park, a shock awaited them. WG had his stumps uprooted the first ball he faced from a no-name bowler. Before anyone had time to react, WG promptly picked up the uprooted sticks and set them back in order, as if he were the umpire. The bowler’s bewildered look was answered with “All these people came here to watch me score a century and I am not going to disappoint them”. Now, I don’t know what transpired after this point, but given WG’s lore, I wouldn’t be surprised if he had held his end of the deal with the spectators.

If you believe that cricket is a gentleman’s game, this collection will make you think again! Some of these “gentlemen” will put a sailor to shame!

Life in the U.S - A Wood Anniversary Memoir

Exactly five years ago today, I came to the US for the first time. Still remember the day as if it were yesterday. The burnt orange Texas sun, people driving on the “other” side of the road, my first glimpse of the Forty Acres (Univ. of Texas at Austin) are the memories I have of that day. Wow, what a journey it has been since!

I have been a student, a part-time employee, an intern, a TA, and a professional during this period. I have had rough times and smooth and have taken the rough with the smooth, most times. It is unbelievable that I have spent 5 of my 26 years in life, in the US. It doesn’t feel that long. The highlights include having a whale of a time studying and teaching at UT, Graduation Day in Dec 2003, watching the Aus-Ind cricket series without a job, moving to Houston, thousands of miles in road trips, vacations and settling down (for now) in sunny Orlando. The lowlights and “this too shall pass” moments have been few and far between and when they have happened, they have made me come out of them a tougher man. As I try to compare this life with my score of years in India, I cannot say one is better than the other. All I can conclude is that they are merely “different” from each other. They are almost like two people, each with their own flaws and merits. I do miss home but then I wanted to come here when I was home. As they say “The other side of the grass, is indeed, always green”.

What’s left to say but “While the path trodden thus far has been rose-strewn, there’s still a lot of miles to go before I sleep…”

PS: I just remembered that today was end of 5 years and said to myself “what the heck; let me fill my blog up with something philosophical and reflective that I will have a good laugh at, a year or two from now!”

The Lost Charm of F1 Racing

There was a time I was addicted to F1 racing. It was between ’98 and ’01 (courtesy: proliferation of cable networks in India). After all, who wouldn’t love to watch cars that could go 300 – 350 kmph (200+ mph) when the reality out on Chennai streets was more like 60 kmph (38 mph, that’s a generous estimate, as many Chennai-ites would testify). The sight of a sleek, aerodynamic marvel burning the tarmac on the straights and the roar of the engines signified the conquests of automotive giants around the world. The drivers in their special suits littered with a slew of sponsor logos, were icons to be revered. The competition was hot between Mika Hakkinen and Michael Schumacher.

Fast forward to 2006, Ferrari has dominated the Constructors’ Championships and Michael, the driver’s championships from 2001 – 2004. After the first 2 races of a season, you can virtually predict the winner by just knowing some variables. Tires, Engine and Pit Strategy. The driver is almost a non-factor. The best machine gives the driver the best chance to post a great qualifying time and secure pole position. Once there, negotiate the first corner without incident (or accident) and you are on your way. To me, it is a machine-dominated sport and Michael’s dominance is hardly surprising. Upset victories are virtually non-existent. How many times have Minardis even finished in the top 6 over the last few years? I wonder how successful would Michael be driving a Minardi? Not very, I would venture to say. Just to draw a simple parallel, I’m sure Tiger Woods would have won the British Open whether he used his clubs or some player from the top 50.The equipment should be a side-kick, not a hero.

It is also pitiful that each team designates one of their drivers to be a primary driver. For instance, Barichello is contractually obligated to finish behind his teammate (and primary driver), M Schumacher, no matter what. This is a killer and absolutely takes the competitive spirit out of the sport. Borders on match-fixing, only officially approved! Why go ahead with season at all? Why rob the fans?

One thing that I always wonder about, is how many gallons of fuel these races (NASCAR included) consume? Now, I am no expert, but even I know that the mileage of an F1 car cannot be more than 4 mpg. Regardless of the green design of these engines, it still uses gasoline and it emits greenhouse gases. The western world should stop rapping the Third World countries for using more fuel and failing to stop pollution. “Practise, then Preach” should be the message to the West. Though I understand that these races and their fuel consumption may be a drop in the ocean compared to fuel consumption of a country, races have high visibility among the peoples and hence any positive message will have a great effect on the Third World.

Something to think about!

Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright...

The inimitable Tiger does it again!! Another Major (11^th) and another rung up the ladder that will eventually carry him to Jack Nicklaus’ 18 majors and beyond. Get this folks, he is 30! His 11^th major equaled Walter Hagen’s 11 and there is nobody between him and Jack now. To give you an idea of Tiger’s dominance, the Great Jack Nicklaus had won 8 majors by the age of 30. Tiger has 11 and a shot at a PGA Championship in Chicago in August (before he turns 31). It is widely agreed that 30s are the most productive years for a golfer. Jack won 9 majors between 30 and 40 years of age. If Tiger can emulate Jack in performance, only sky is the limit for this genius.

Tiger’s detractors try to make something out of nothing by saying how “he never wins coming from behind and how all of his major victories were achieved by just protecting the lead”. I have a bone to pick here. When Tiger is “in the zone”, he plays immaculate, creative golf consistently. Like this week at Hoylake, he hardly played a hole horribly. There is no way he was going to trail at any point. You need to come from behind only if you get behind. Tiger’s golf today at the Royal Liverpool was sublime. He did lead coming into Saturday and Sunday at The Open Championship. Four under-par rounds, with three in the mid-60s were simply stupendous and earned him the Claret Jug for the third time.

Usually, Tiger’s wins are credited to his long and powerful drives. He proved that theory wrong too this week. He used his driver exactly once (for a bad result) in 72 holes of golf. His extraordinary iron play and putting (oh! that silken-smooth putting) won him the Major today. In other words, finesse, not power!

May be I can pick up a golf tip or three when he returns with The Jug back to his Isleworth Community home in Windermere, 5 miles from my humble abode! Crossing my fingers! Sorry, I could not resist this snippet!

Cricket Rewind – Indo-Pak Chennai Classic

Prelude

The historic bi-lateral test series between India and Pakistan in 10 years got off to a sizzling start in the winter of ’99. What better place to host the match than Chepauk? The hallowed turf that almost always produces a result and ensures an even contest between bat and ball. Pakistan won the toss, batted and were dismissed for 200-odd before stumps on Day 1. India’s repartee matched Pakistan’s efforts and effectively reduced the match to a one-inning contest. Pakistan’s 2^nd innings total was largely due to a typical blitzkrieg from Afridi who scored half of his team’s 286 and overshadowed Prasad’s excellent 5-fer on a 3^rd day Chepauk strip. India needed 271 to wrest the initiative in a titanic series, if ever there was one. Time? More than anyone could ask for. Two full days and a few uncomfortable overs in twilight to take a 1 – 0 lead.

The D-Day

This was a Sunday unlike any. If you needed proof, you needed to be around Marina Beach. The normally buzzing beach-front was as calm as the Bay of Bengal by which it sits. The maidan cricket games by the shore, conspicuous by their absence, bore testimony to the marbles at stake just a mile or two away at Chepauk. Two bitter foes to battle it out for a historic Test victory. Both teams had enough reasons to back themselves. India needed 231 runs with Dravid, Sachin, Azhar, Sourav, Mongia and the Chennai crowd rooting for them and they were going against the skilful (if not plain scary!) trio of Wasim, Waqar, and Saqlain.

The throng of spectators outside the gates of the stadium was a sight to behold. They arrived in every possible way, walk, bicycles, two-wheelers, cars and the metro’s game-day buses. Most were in search of those non-existent tickets. A few managed to get in, many could not. You could feel the tension in the air, it was palpable. Though all ticket-holders had a seat in theory, this was an all-day “stand, watch and applaud” affair and guess what, nobody was complaining!

Act One

At a minute or two to 10 o’clock, Dravid and Sachin walked out to a deafening ovation that echoed all across India. This was a time when Dravid was still a man who had answers to most good balls, but did not always reap the rewards by penalizing the bad ones. With time out of the equation, India’s strategy must have been Dravid sealing one end up and others batt(l)ing around him to get that win. As is his wont, Wasim Akram stood in the way. With his signature short run-up and acceleration that would put a Kentucky Derby thoroughbred to shame, he made Dravid’s life a misery. He amply demonstrated his sorcery with the ball with two deliveries that he bowled to Dravid. The first one, swung in late, and a close LBW shout was negated. Akram must believe in euthanasia, for he decided to end Dravid’s misery the next ball. This one pitched in line but swung the other way and dislodged the off bail and just like that, Akram threw a spanner in India’s works.

Azhar came and went. Sourav suffered a freak non-dismissal. One of his fierce cuts ricocheted off silly-point and bounced in front of ‘keeper Moin, at which point, he swept it off the ground and as expected, appealed! A casual spectator on the top tier sipping piping hot masala chai could have seen this. Somehow, umpire Ramaswamy at square-leg, with his dark sun-glasses on, could not, and Sourav was back in Anna Pavilion. At that moment, I thought, yes, we do need two neutral umpires in all games! Whatever happened to “Benefit of the doubt to the batsman” adage that has been one of the tenets of cricket since time immemorial.

The Resurrection

India was on the back foot at this juncture, for sure. With Sachin and Mongia at the crease and 190 more runs to get, it was going to be an uphill climb. Wicket of Mongia would have made it a torturous climb with no oxygen tanks! Sachin’s wicket, well… we all know the climax to that plot and its better left unsaid. Saqlain’s bowling was like a beautiful “Urdu Shaayri” in the second essay. His metronomic consistency in length complemented by the variety of off-spinners and doosras. The Master had to play with caution and Saqlain had the command for a considerable length of time. The cat-and-mouse game was on and the two of them swapped roles quite often. One cannot even begin to verbalize the pressure that Sachin must have felt on his over-burdened back, having carried India to the Promised Land, many a time. Sachin played a lot of ground strokes and kept feeling his back. He played a copybook defensive shot and winced. He uncorked a gorgeous drive and winced again. Something was amiss. In the joy of watching India creep closer to the target, the back incident did not register in any of the fans’ minds. With chants to Sachin, The God, and drum rolls as punctuations, life was all hunky-dory again in the stands and across the nation.

Denouement

Mongia, who played a good hand, got out to a bizarre, uncharacteristic stroke and left the door ajar. Sachin’s spasms were now clearly bothering him and a till now, cautious, monk-like Sachin decides to back his genius and instinct to go for the last 50 runs in aggressive fashion. His back was probably a major reason and Mongia’s dismissal just made the decision easier. The aggressive approach imparted pain and pleasure in equal measure to the fans. It was stuff not meant for the faint-hearted. Only 17 runs were now required and the moment, that fateful moment, that every Indian feared most, happened. Sachin goes for one too many off Saqlain and miscues one to Akram at mid-off. As the ball made its way down, the will of 40,000 people at Chepauk and a billion all over India, could not make Akram drop the skier. Sachin was pain-stricken, in every sense of the word. There was still hope that the tail would knock off the runs, but, unsurprisingly, it proved to be an ephemeral one. The 3 remaining bowlers were dismissed like the 3 remaining pins that you topple to get a “spare” at a bowling alley.

Epilogue

A distinct “hush” fell over Chepauk. As the Pakistanis kissed the turf in celebration of victory, fans didn’t know how to react. Just then, Pakistan Coach Javed “wily” Miandad, displays the temerity to coax his team to take a victory lap around the ground. Under normal circumstances, it is not a huge incendiary gesture. However, given the long standing animosity between the nations, and Miandad’s character (or lack thereof), his gesture was clearly aimed at instigating the crowd. What followed still gives me the Goosebumps. The Chennai crowd instantaneously broke out into an applause acknowledging the efforts of both embattled teams in general and the victory-lapping Pakistanis in particular. This can neither be planned nor be taught. This sort of reaction is innate and is a manifestation of the culture of the city, and to an extent, the country. Many Pakistanis were in fact very pleasantly surprised (including Miandad and Akram). They were expecting a neutral reaction, at best. It makes me proud to say that I’m a Chennai-ite and an Indian. It is often quoted that “Cricket” was the true winner. It was apt on this occasion.

In hindsight, I always wonder what would have happened, had Dravid been in Sachin’s role, late Sunday. Would Dravid have endured the pain and ground out his way to ensure an Indian victory? I say this because he could not have made the decision to back his talent and aggression against Saqlain, Akram and Waqar, as Sachin did (fair assumption). Mind you, I’m not questioning the commitment of either Great. Sachin simply had two options and Dravid just one. Sachin went for the quick fire option. Did Sachin’s decision cost him and India? On the other hand, we did witness the collapse of the tail. So, was Sachin vindicated? We can only ponder, we will never know.