Everyone likes to be part of a revolution, a change that sweeps across the masses. Our grandparents would have been overjoyed to have been living during the time of India's independence. Our parents lived through India's inclination stint towards glory, the Beatles and Hare Krishna movements.
Most of the present generation, I am sure would consider it a priviledge watching India's cricketing giants play as they grew up. Anil Kumble, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Saurav Ganguly and VVS Laxman have been motivational figures in different aspects. Ah! To watch their struggles and comebacks makes you want to apply it to your daily life. I belong to the present generation and have been inspired by each one of them.
Anil Kumble: Determination; Sachin Tendulkar: Humility; Rahul Dravid: Hardwork; Saurav Ganguly: Attitude; VVS Laxman: Perseverence. Qualities that would sum up these greats.
Today we are at a threshold where it is time to bid adieu. Two of the five have already hung up their boots. The services performed by these players cannot be described in words. Their commitment to the country cannot be doubted. Their influence on a nation cannot be questioned.
As we stand on the brink of seeing these warriors ride proudly into the horizon, all we can do is stand up and applaud. Sometimes there is so much one wants to say or write but a gesture is just sufficient.
In this entry, I recollect some of the moments (not in order of importance) that gave me hope that when all seems lost, perseverence is the only attitude that matters....
1) Sachin Tendulkar's twin centuries against Australia at Sharjah that enabled India to come from nowhere to lift the Coca Cola cup.
2) Rahul Dravid's kiss of the India cap he scored the winning runs were scored at the Adelaide Test.
3) Sachin Tendulkar's six of Shoaib Akhtar during the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.
4) Natwest Series Triumph in England where two young guns carried the flame of hope to victory.
5) Saurav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid's partnership at Taunton in the 1999 World Cup against Sri Lanka.
6) VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid's partnership at Eden Gardens against Australia that brought India from no man's land back into the limelight.
7) Anil Kumble bowling 14 overs with a bandage in West Indies and claiming the prize wicket of Brian Lara.
8) Rahul Dravid's first century at the Wanderers in South Africa.
9) Anil Kumble's 10 wicket haul at the Feroze Shah Kotla against Pakistan.
10) Anil Kumble's leadership during the 2008 India/Australia test series.
Now as the mantle seems to be passing on (if there is anyone who is willing to take it), I am sure no one will be able to replace the Fab Five. At this juncture all I want to do is thank them for impacting my life and always wearing their hearts on their sleeves.
Here's wishing you the best in the future.
