At the moment the severely rain interrupted finals of the IPL 2023 finally came to end last night, there was a wide range of unchecked emotions on display. On one side, pure relief and joy on the yellow side at having pulled off an incredible run chase. On the other, abject disappointment on the blue side of falling at the final hurdle of an incredibly clinical season.
The television cameras panned in on the Chennai skipper for reaction. Even for someone who is known worldwide for his ‘Captain Cool’ persona over the years, the reaction was startling. He was looking down pensively, not giving away much almost completely devoid of emotion. It is hard to imagine that the moment was anything but, for someone who having made his debut international cricket nearly 20 years ago, has redefined all conventional cricketing wisdom since while making his way into millions of hearts for reasons that are as diverse as the ages of his fans. When 11-year-olds dance in front of television screens clad in yellow colours and chant his name, how do you tell them that they were not even born when we saw that famous helicopter shot etched in our memories?
India has always been a cricket crazy nation but the adulation he receives does not seem to be diluted by geography. An English commentator once mentioned that it seemed unfair for England to be hosting India in Edgbaston yet not get home advantage. Likewise, this year at the IPL, it seemed that regardless of opposition or venue, the familiar yellow army paid their respects in noise and numbers to this legend seemingly denying local franchises of their home advantage.
His IPL stats are quite phenomenal in a highly star-studded field. For all players to have played 200 or more games (it is quite a short list of 9), he is fifth on the batting aggregate list with the highest batting average and the second highest strike rate. He also tops the list for most wicketkeeping dismissals, and the lightning quick reflexes seem to defy his age (he will be 42 in a little over a month) All this while raising the bar for leadership on and off the field.
Above all, there were three standout moments for me from yesterday.
First, the opposition skipper, no stranger to competitiveness, conceding that if he had to lose to someone, he was happy to have lost to this legend. “Good things happen to good people”
Second, when asked about why his fans adore him, he mentions that it could be that his unconventional technique endeared him to them “they feel they also can play like me”
Third, he does not hesitate in sharing the spotlight to let the two people who played significant parts in the win lift the trophy “the team is more important than the individual”
How do you top this fairy tale finish to this story? He admits that it would be perfect moment to bow out, but his obligation to his fans may bring him back. Personally, I’m not sure we will see this legend entertain us again, he didn’t want to steal the headlines by making it about him yesterday.
Whether we see him again on the field or not, this champion deserves our applause. For reminding us of what the art of the possible is. And giving us memories that will last a lifetime.
A wonderful tribute to a great sportsman. A beautiful article indeed. When Sai Sudarshan was blazing all around I couldn’t stand the tense moments I had to go through and preferred to close my eyes and ears for the mayhem that was going on was killing.. The Rain Gods were with us and helped us to reach the shore safely. Hail Thalaiva. Long live your reign at the helm.
Beautiful tribute to arguably the greatest T20 captain ever and the most grounded cricketer that I can remember. A little bit of his phenomenal stats to emphasize the monstrous accomplishments too. Well done Sri.
thanks Sree, of course, no greater super fan than you to appreciate this 🙂
Very aptly said about this great champion Sri. Fantastic tribute to a legend where the world can stop for a “whistle podu”. ?
Many thanks Soman ! We will all miss him when he calls it a day.
Very nice tribute to the one and only Thala…Above all his attributes, it is his calmness that takes the stage. Never have I seen him lose his cool even when the odds are against him in India or CSK colours. ?
He’s in a different league to everyone else
Beautifully written boss, sorry there’s only one boss MSD.
You should have added 60 + millions Gujjus sentiments; Jaddu being Gujju bashed GT when GT gave their Heart & Soul. I have never thought that I would ever scrim on top of my voice if MSD gets out, but did yesterday; and feeling bad about it. Very mixed feelings. May be next article, specially for me and Chirag.
Sorry, Naren, the heartbreaks are collateral damage when you are scripting such a memorable end to the career of the legend
Love your passion for cricket… beautiful tribute indeed. Thanks for sharing. I can totally relate being a fan of some legendary sports personalities myself… amazing how endearing they become and how much we can learn from the great ones.
Thanks for the kind words. Means a lot