By Venkatesh Prasad
It is Sachin’s swansong and, as expected, emotions and expectations ran high as the Wankhede was the cynosure of all eyes! The event was marked befittingly for the little master, with accolades and felicitation pouring in.
What stood out was the release of a postage stamp in honour of the eponymous hero’s double century of Test appearances. It is a proud moment for all cricketers like me to know that Sachin is only the second living person to be given such an honour, with Mother Teresa at the top of the list.
Soaked in a humdinger of celebrations and celebrations, the Mumbaikar couldn’t have asked for more! It was a delight to watch his mother and family in attendance, and they were completely engrossed in the festive atmosphere. As a cricketer, I would certainly say it is a matter of great pride and excitement to be playing before your family.
India’s bowlers – with Prajyan Ojha in the vanguard – bowled exceptionally well to limit the visitors to less than 200. A left-arm spinner, especially with a conducive Mumbai wicket, I feel, is a perfect prescription to pack off the opposition.
Meanwhile, it is extremely heartening to know that Ravichandran Ashwin became the youngest Indian to take 100 Test wickets in the least number of matches (18).
This feat is a standing testimony of his zeal to perfrom at the highest level, in trying circumstances.
And then, as the apple of all eyes walked in to take guard, it was a sight for the gods as the Wankhede erupted in joy and gave him a rousing, deafening welcome!
Seeing him play that flurry of shots, anybody would agree that he is in awesome form and will keep the spectators enraptured!
With him still at the crease, there will be a tsunami of spectators on day two and their expectations will be sky-high, hoping to see the master one last time, signing off on a high!
The Wankhede pitch, truly to its nature has offered a lot of turn and bounce making the game even more interesting.
The visitors seemed to struggle to negate the turn.
Having said that, West Indies skipper Darren Sammy does not deserve any sympathy, for he played an audacious and irresponsible shot at a time when the need was to be more judicious. Even in Eden Gardens, his temperament was in question, playing a needless shot at a crunch time.
Friday is a fresh day. West Indies need to apply the brakes to ensure India don’t gain a sizeable lead.
And as regards the hosts, Tendulkar and company must not get carried away and just ensure they take a mammoth lead, with an intention not to bat in the second innings.