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... and not the other way round. It was a strange moment for someone who grew up in the 90's watching the Little Master win games single-handed, and when he didn't countless debates "Why did he hit that shot?", "For once he should stop playing for records", "It is Sachin's fault that we lost" In fact when he snicked it to Sangakarra I shuddered to think what would happen. Surely, not 2003 again.
Flashback to 2003: For all the master's work in taking India to the finals, it was he who was blamed for not getting the job done. How could he take it for so many years? How can he be so humble after endearing abuse from so many people, his own people. In fact, I sometimes thought he didn't deserve India. I think he must have cried that day, just as he had during his epic 136 against Pakistan at Chennai in '99 and countless other occasions. I know I did.
Apr 2nd, 2011: Something brilliant is happening. Gambhir and Kohli are taking the fight to Srilanka. As Kohli cut Dilshan to the boundary, I thought to myself just maybe this is the day. Next ball, Dilshan takes blinder of a catch. Oops, I jinxed it. Step up the leader of the next generation or should I say the face of new India calm, composed as if this was just another cricket match. That six of Kulasekara will be played back and again many a time in the future. As he hit it, surely you heard billions of Indians across the globe celebrating. Oh well, they were just my speakers on high volume in the quiet city of Richmond. But, the feeling was so overwhelming. Yuvi and Dhoni celebrating on the pitch. Gary Kirsten (you beauty) pumping his fists, 4 years of hard work paying off. Then you see a small jubiliant man ... no wait ... a 37 year old kid rushing towards the scene. Mahi! he hugs, Yuvi! who hides him in an enormous bear hug. 20 years carrying the burden of the team on his shoulders, hiding tears from the press conferences. No more he says! I'm crying tears of joy. Definitely true, I know because I did too.
The dawn of a new future, a new India. A team which does not need Sachin to win them matches. A team in Sachin can just entertain and trust that his teammates have the "bottle" to finish the game off. All his 20 years of toil, hardwork, determination rewarded by 14 other men who watched him and idolised him growing up. Is there anything more he could ask for?
