Jhakas | Sanjay Jha
I write this piece from a broadband connection in a hotel room in downtown Orlando, USA at an unearthly hour , as final tail VRV Singh and former skipper Sourav Ganguly put up an unexpected resistance, battling odds and a repeated onslaught from a fiery South African pace attack and took India to a modest yet reasonably acceptable fighting score of 249. When was the last time we saw India display such inflexible resolution, such a pugnacious determination and survival strength? Frankly, it seemed like old times. And then the incredible counter-attack by a phenomenally aggressive Sreesanth, and the resurgent Zaheer Khan humbling and humiliating the Proteas to a punched –out 84 runs on their own Johannesburg turf in the now thrilling first test between South Africa and India.
Old times indeed! It was a welcome trip down nostalgia lane to see the Famous Four together, and it was apparent what India has sorely missed over the last several months. Holding a crumbling fort against a formidable adversary fresh from tasting blood in the ODI series , it was Rahul Dravid (32), Sachin Tendulkar (44), VVS Laxman (28), and the comeback king, Sourav Ganguly (51*) who defended a savage assault. More important than their individual contributions, was the way they gradually created partnerships, consolidating the team total. This is exactly what India needs; it’s talented experience over reckless experimentation. Continue reading below
As for Sourav Ganguly, his knock of 51 not out is not about a half-century. It is not about being the highest-scorer in the team. It is not about hitting a towering six off Makhaya Ntini. It is not about staging a remarkable last-wicket recovery stand with a young rookie.
It is about character. It is about bravery. It is about self-belief in the face of life’s biggest testing moments of truth. It is about rising above petty criticisms, inexplicable hostility and deep skepticism. It is about a never-say-die spirit, courage, strength and endurance. It is about playing your guts out for your country, in a game you love, which is your life.
Over the last year, I have been often accused, abused and annihilated in vehement, vicious and vitriolic terms by my co-colleagues in the media, fans, critics, friends and passionate aficionados of cricket from all circles of life all over the world for supporting Sourav. The allegations have ranged from personal agenda, senseless support, myopic assessment, regional bias to downright stubborn bull-headedness. Believe me, my faith in Ganguly’s capabilities and commitment to do the best while playing for India would not have changed even if he had an unfortunate duck or a momentary lapse of reason while batting. Because those who know Sourav Ganguly well will tell you, he plays with a big heart and self-pride. He hates to lose. For him nothing is more important than representing his country.
The Prince is back. And more important, so is India.
Thank you, Sourav!
