Within two years- in 1998- I had learnt not only all Indian player's name even ABC of this game. At that time me and cricket had become like magnetic opposite poles. We both were attracting towards each other. In this year Indian team went in Sharjah to play coca-cola cup tournament. There were three team in that tournament, India, Australia and New Zealand.
I have sweet memory of that tournament, specially for two matches of India against Australia. First match, when Indian team was fighting to assured ticket to final and second was, winning of final.
First, when Indian team was fighting : It was day-night match. It had been dark. Indian team was chasing the score which was set by Australia to win that match. India needed either win that match or became better run rate against New Zealand to reach final. Australia had already taken ticket of final. There was no electricity at that time, when Indian team was chasing the score. I went to a market (Bansal market) to watch that match. I was able to hear the irritating sound of electric generator set. There was a big ground in the market. I entered in that market. It was full of cricket fans. All shops were closed, excepts one. The shop, which was opened, there was a TV set just out of that shop. All cricket fan were watching cricket match on that TV. I had become one of them. Sachin was on the pitch. Hope was alive for Indian Team to reach the final. Sachin was hitting the ball brutally. People were hooting on every six and four of Sachin with joy. It was Sachin's storm, Indian team ensured final ticket. Sachin scored ton in that match and became player of the match.
...And Indian won the final : Just after winning that match, a big task was left for Indian cricket team. It was winning the final. Australia bat first and set the tough task for India to win that final. But it's was again Sachin's storm. Sachin scored again ton and India won the final. Sachin got not only player of the match award, even became player of the tournament.
Cover story in India Today : After few days, a cover story was published in India Today, Hindi Edition magazine (May be in English edition, but I don't know exactly). Sachin had become hero of Indian cricket team. Sachin's name was on every cricket lover's tongue. I had also become Sachin's fan. Often, I used to listen passing through the road during any Indian cricket match, 'oye, score chhod or ye bata ki Sachin ne kitne banaye? (Hello, leave the score and tell me, how much Sachin scored?).' I know, after November, 18 we will not hear this voice. Sachin has announced his retirement. I know, this day comes in every cricketer's life.
Sachin, after playing around 24 years and set uncountable milestone, nobody wants to leave you. But we know, one day you will have to leave this energetic game. We can't forget you...your game...your shot...and your passion. We will also watch cricket match after your retirement, but without you it makes difference...
