Re: India Vs SriLanka … ICC World Cup Final on 2nd April
I thought we were a goner after Mahela coordinated the ending burst and when we lost Sehwag and Sachin. My generation of Indian fans has still not got used to the idea that Sachin’s fall no longer means the end. The way the young guys picked up the innings from 30/2 and withstood the pressure to forge the victory was great to watch. Obviously elated over winning the cup, but what makes it more special is the way in which the victory was earned. The win over Pakistan felt unconvincing - this one did not, hence was very satisfying. Loved Virat’s quote after the team carried Sachin around the ground - “Sachin has been carrying India on his shoulders for 21 years, all we did was carry him aorund the ground once.” Good to see Kirsten get the same treatment too.
I have not been a big Dhoni fan - have felt he is too stubborn and inflexible, but he really did play a true captain’s knock today. His composure and equanimity under pressure are something else to watch. True leader of men, and the capital that buys him covers any minor blemishes.
Finally, a big thanks to Gupshup, and especially to the Pakistani posters for the graciousness shown in the midst of all the (understandable) Indian celebrations. I have been on this forum since 2005, and I have to say that the level of civility in the exchanges between Indian and Pakistani posters this World Cup has been better than anything I’ve seen in the past (probably the only other comparable time was during the India visit to Pak under Ganguly). While some level of poke and prod between opposing fans is needed to keep things interesting, having an underlying level of bohnomie makes all the difference.