India had already won the semi-final against Pakistan (almost a final) and I witnessed the usually boring, junk-food eating Ghatkopar erupt like never before. With those visuals in mind, one could only tell what scene would it be if India goes on to win the world cup. Friends had told their homies they’d be out the whole night, celebrating. I guess no one realized they’d be going home if India lost. People knew they were celebrating tonight.
The match was underway and every wicket, a run saved, every four and every six was appreciated. Nasik dhol at the local nakas, DJ music at the sports bars, roars and claps at those watching in their houses – a grand celebration was waiting to happen. The fall of an Indian wicket was mourned and the Lankans were cursed. Though the only dip of the day was seeing Sachin get out early and not get his 100th – 100. Perhaps the men God had chosen to see India through were Gambhir & Dhoni.
I don’t understand why people don’t think Gambhir is a great batsman to have in the side. He’ previous three 50’s in the tournament didn’t make a big splash but sure were worthy contributions. He certainly showed why he deserved to be on my wall for the past year and sure deserves to be in the future.
Dhoni – well not the most technical batsman and also not a favorite with me, the captain had scored just 155 runs in the tournament so far. He comes out to bat up the order in a stage like the world cup final despite the poor form. Men of great deeds, take up great risks on the biggest of platforms. What a time to rise up & get those 91 runs. The man deserved to hit those world cup winning runs for Indian cricket after 28 years.
The moment suddenly hit us, yes, India had won the world cup after 28 long years. We’re the world champions in a sport we eat, drink and sleep. The man we all love – Sachin Tendulkar finally accomplished his dream of being in the world cup winning team. What more the people of a cricket loving nation like ours ask for! Dream Come True
As expected, the party plans were on. Every Indian was high – high with happiness and joy. (Some other inducing things helped as well)
I visited Ghatkopar, Santacruz, Khar, Carter Road, Juhu and scenes were the same everywhere – one word: EPIC. People were out on the streets, on their car roofs waving the tricolor and chanting – INDIAAAA INDIAAAA. Everyone was waved back at, you just had to be an Indian today and you were a brother. I met a friend after years amidst the celebrations – didn’t greet each other with the regular hello and hey. Instead we hugged and shouted Indiaaa at each other. The language spoken was the same everywhere, echoes of just one word in the entire city – India. I’m pretty sure the scenes where similar in Delhi, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, throughout the country.
It’s amazing how 15 men are the reason why a billion people were so happy. They made a difference to their regular life surrounded by scams, corruption, poverty and shooting prices. People forgot all of that and danced away in adulations of the feat achieved by the ‘Men in Blue’.
The day the country has witnessed, will definitely have a lasting impact on its soul. I’m sure this will go to be amongst the happiest days of many people’s lives. Mine certainly.
More than winning the cup, more than winning it for Sachin, this world cup will be remembered for making us feel Indian again. As good as having our Independence back, all over again.
Whoooo! Indiaaa!
Jai Hind
- Bhavesh Dodi
