Respect

Dear Rahul,

It is exactly one year to this day since you retired. Your press conference still streams through my mind. I have not seen many, looking dapper with the India blazer and the tie, on similar occasions (or choose to don the India colours). But then, you were always the studious gentleman, weren't you? I can imagine you as a student in the classroom, refraining from tantrums and truants, and, instead engaging in very well-mannered frivolity, away from the eyes and ears of the teacher! Yes, that was probably what you did too...

Well, what else has happened in the past one year? Economic meltdowns, political turmoil and inhuman rapists aside, you did go quietly about your business post-retirement too. First, there were numerous emotional articles, writ with perfect diction and correctness, that can only be attributed to you. For some writers and journalists, you seemed to bring out their best strokes. If one ever had a doubt that you were an ethereal underdog who never seemed to get his due, the media and the blogging world lay this argument to rest with resounding success. Why, you were even bestowed with the country's third highest civilian honour! Honestly, the words- wall, consistent, dependable, technique, gentleman, champion, among several others took to a new level. Some of the articles and comments have truly been tear-jerking and I shed quite a few too. Gradually, philosophical ideas overtook current reality that, time does not wait for anyone. Alas, fans will now have to get used to a gaping void at the third position of the scoreboard, eventually to be filled by a bunch of letters, but, never again capturing the essence of India's greatest one-drop batsman.

Secondly, the felicitations from the governing bodies of cricket and the media followed where you had to struggle to keep yourself from breaking-down. And, you began laying the foundation of a perceivable future brick by brick in all those memorable speeches. Each carefully prepared, judiciously studied and eloquently delivered. I could not help but notice the tight bond between the core group of the team and time, which now form fairy-tales from yore. It was truly wonderful to realize that even in a professional environment, there could be true friendship and respect for peers.

A few months down the line, when the cacophony of the IPL ended, not many realized that the Rajasthan Royals finished up on top of the table for fair-play. I am sure, your presence at the helm would have resulted in that achievement. Budding players, blinded by the arc-lights of fame would have had a re-assuring arm on their shoulders telling them that individual brilliance is all fine ephemerally, but true worth lay in putting team over self, humility over arrogance, perseverance over lethargy. You would have told them that the five-day version of the sport would remain the summit to scale- the pearl in the oyster. I truly hope they would have taken this advice.

You then dabbled in some public appearances with your book launch, at leadership summits and literature festivals, lots of public awareness campaigns, where you appeared to feel right at home. There was the one very odd award ceremony where you looked completely at sea, sitting among film personalities and leggy lasses. One could see your face turning crimson red when you were interviewed by a model! Perhaps, clean-bowled by a fair maiden? But, it was nice to see you loosening up, albeit only momentarily, in these events.

You also did a measured stint in commentary and writing, which should be favoured areas of interest in the future as well, considering your penchant for the written word. You must be satisfied with this new guy, holding up your desk in the office. He does not seem to be too bad. But, hopefully, he is able to grab your baton in overseas conditions. We will have to wait and watch, for a repeat of his current performances can hopefully, bring down the anxiety levels when India is 2 for 1. Maybe, he can figure out a way to calm the nerves over the next ball, the bowler charging in after his success, the crowd behind the home team, and the ball released with fiery pace is safely "well-left" to the keeper without any hassle. It will be a thrill to hear the buzz in the stadium turn into an exasperation. Maybe, he has it in him to battle the whims of the weather-Gods and bide time for sunnier moments at Leeds. Perhaps, he can summon his yogic concentration levels in sweltering heat in the dust bowls of Rawalpindi, much like you did....

So, yes, I have been following your activities over the past one year with great interest and curiosity. For a select few of us, stationed across continents, you have been one of the prime source of conversation exchange. That is perhaps, a fresh accolade to your overflowing cup. Over time, I do see you getting more involved in cricket. Perhaps, you can team up with your legendary mates and spread the awareness of test cricket to the smaller towns in the country. Perhaps, you can engage in unearthing talent from different parts of the country. Perhaps, you can dig into the grassroots of Indian cricket, and volunteer to clean it up, just like you did, in the Indian colours.

But, whatever you do, it has been an absolute privilege watching, discussing, understanding and aping you. After a year, the hat of great "Ambassador to Cricket" now fits nicely, just like that India blazer and tie did a year ago. Thank you, Rahul, for the memories.

Siddarth.