Sachin Tendulkar has conquered the world. Once again!
If this were only about adulation, the write up would be complete after the first two words. For, clichéd as it might sound, the name is enough.
Almost 13 years after Saeed Anwar (194) took India for a ride in Chennai, Sachin has reached a milestone not many would even aspire to. Sachin Tendulkar, the cricketer with super natural powers, has finally pocketed the one record that seemed to be missing in his collection - that of scoring 200 runs in a One-Day International.
Cricket lovers argued that a double ton in ODIs was certainly a possibility; that one fine day the Sehwags and the Afridis of the cricketing fraternity would make the figure look insignificant.
Herschelle Gibbs (175) almost did in Johannesburg while chasing Australia's 434. MS Dhoni (183*) was just about there against Sri Lanka in Jaipur before the number of overs fell short. And to top it all, out of nowhere, Zimbabwe's Charles Coventry came into the limelight with his 194*. But the double ton evaded him too.
The Haydens, the Gilchrists and the Vivs of the world have all had a go at it, but in vain. It was waiting for the master. It had to be Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, for onlt the Best deserve the Best.
I am lucky to have watched, nay, witnessed this Sachin innings and celebration - arms up in the air, a helmet in one and his 'sword' in the other, looking up at the sky as if thanking the stars and his father who continues to watch his son weave the world together with his game.
Suddenly everything else seemed insignificant. An entire nation stood up with a collective roar, head held high. Hugs and high-fives all around. No caste or creed now. No big or small, senior or junior. It is amazing how Sachin Tendulkar unites us in our pride in him.
When Tendulkar is in supreme touch, there is no sight more majestic. He has the measure of every ball and when he spanks the ball cleanly to the ropes, it is difficult not to see some celestial spark at work. Perfect balance, horizontal bat, head straight, elbow pointing towards the umpire, compact and eyes on the ball with daunting courage, an intangible quality given only to geniuses - anticipation - perfection personified.
With his trademark stance, Sachin stood tall, despite his tiny frame, before a mighty South African attack and caused havoc at the Captain Roop Singh Stadium in Gwalior with his magnificent array of strokes. In a flawless display of batting, he wielded his willow in a fashion that resembled a surgeon at work, smooth and with precision.
Decorated with 25 hits to the fence and garnished with three gigantic hits into the crowd the innings raced to the magical 200.
Critics take a deep breath. Sachin has proved his supremacy yet again. Long may the King regale his willing subjects!
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