Intense Desires...

A Miraculous Escape...

In September 2001,

The Indian Cricket Team in 2001, led by Sourav Ganguly, was a team in a rebuilding mode following the fiasco of the Match-Fixing Scandal, which shocked the whole cricketing fraternity, with great cricketing names going down and every game being scrutinized. And India was preparing to meet Australia, the World Champions, in a three-match test series. They had gone undefeated in the previous fifteen test matches, a world record at the time, and had swept everyone they faced by large majorities. The Australians were the clear favorites, with cricket experts forecasting a 3-0 clean sweep in their favor. I recall the first game of the 2001 series in Mumbai going just as everyone had imagined. The Indians were rolled over by the Australians. In the second game, Australia batted for a large score of 445 all out in the first innings, as per India's current form, and bowled the Indians out for a meager 171 all out, prompting India to bat again following on.

With the Indians down by 274 runs, the second innings got off to a good start as their first wicket fell for 52 runs. Sadagopan Ramesh was caught at slip by Shane Warne, the King of Spin (fondly called). The Indian captain played his gamble by sending VVS Laxman (also known as Very-Very Special Laxman among his admirers, despite his famous name) instead of Rahul Dravid, who was out of form and low on confidence. In the previous three completed innings, Laxman was the only batsman in the Indian team who appeared at ease against the Australians. India needed a big score to stay in the match, and he struck the ball beautifully. The Indians were 232-4 when Ganguly left at 48, down by 40 runs, and another batting collapse could have handed the series to Australia, who were sniffing it. Then Rahul Dravid joins Laxman in the center. Laxman was in fine form, and the cricket ball resembled a football to him. Every Australian bowler was smashed by him.

Perhaps I witnessed the greatest game of cricket played in my life, perhaps the greatest ever. The marathon collaboration began. Both cricketers brought their A-game, and their onslaught was so intense that Australian captain Steve Waugh was obliged to deploy seven fielders on the boundary, despite the fact that the ball was still crossing it. Dravid had a score of 180, while Laxman had a score of 281, the highest by any Indian for a long time. It was a truly 'Very-Very Special' and a counter-attacking partnership between both batsmen. In the third innings of the test match, India declared 657-7 and challenged Australia to chase 384 to win (2nd for the Australians).

The Australians were particularly heavily hit, and they were still hallucinating as a result of the assault. They were, however, great Australians. Their openers, Matthew Hayden and Michael Slater, came out firing and put on a show, scoring 74 runs before Harbhajan Singh, dubbed the "Turbanator," got the better of Slater and was caught by Ganguly. Harbhajan Singh put the brakes on the Australians by scoring a hat-trick on the first day itself in the first innings. At 252-4, Australia was cruising to a monstrous score. The scorecard suddenly changed to 252-7.

In the Harbhajan Singh hat-trick, he first got rid of Australia's rising star back then, Ricky Ponting, by trapping him in front of the wicket. Adam Gilchrist was the next one to depart as he was adjudged LBW on the first ball that he faced in the innings and the hat-trick wicket was of Shane Warne, who was caught out. Warne tried to work the ball away only to find Sadagoppan Ramesh at forward short leg, who hung on to the catch. The last decision was referred to the third umpire, who decided to give it out, making it the first-ever hat-trick by an Indian in test cricket.

Following that, the Australians sank like a nine-pin. The Indians were pleased when they shot Australia all out for 212. What a coincidence that India won by 171 runs, the same number of runs they scored in their first innings. India's victory over Australia marked a remarkable turning point in Indian cricket. It was at this point that self-assurance became apparent. It was a near-miracle escape. From there, Indian cricket's graph only moved up as they established themselves as a global force to be reckoned with.

The entire cricketing community was stunned after watching the events unfold during the 5-day cricket match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The entire cricketing community was stunned. Even though there were accolades from all around the world, they couldn't believe it. Some referred to it as a fluke, while others predicted that the Australians would come out hard swinging in the third game in Chennai. The Australian pride had been shattered, and they appeared to be wounded tigers. They had never been as excited about entering a cricket stadium as they had been about entering Chennai. They were eager to put things right as soon as possible. The Indian side was to be demolished. The series concludes with the third and final game in Chennai.

Waugh and Ganguly were both at mid-pitch for the toss with the match referee. Waugh correctly predicted the outcome of the coin toss and chose to bat first. In the spinning Indian circumstances, batting first was a fantastic idea. Other than Hayden, who hit a big daddy hundred of 203, only the Waugh brothers, 70 for Mark, 47 for Steve, and Justin Langer, 35, scored some substantial runs. The remainder of them only managed single digits, including four ducks (zero), and withered the 'Turbanator Storm', as Harbhajan picked up seven out of ten wickets. Australia was all out on 391 till the second day's lunch.

Ramesh and Shiv Sunder Das, India's openers, have now come on to bat. There was a noticeable difference in their stride as they entered the pitch. When they faced Australian and global legends, Glen McGrath and Jason Gillespie, they exuded confidence. With the exception of Sourav Ganguly, who scored 22, everyone in the Indian top six scored at least 61, with Sachin Tendulkar scoring a whopping 126 and India scoring 501. a commanding 110-run lead. Australia batted once more and were knocked out for 264 runs. On the fifth-day minefield pitch, India needed 155 to win the third Test and the series.

India began cautiously, but Das returned a catch to McGrath and the score was 18-1. VVS came in and put together a nice 58-run partnership with Ramesh until a mix-up occurred and Ramesh was run out, with the score 76-2. Gillespie induced an edge from Tendulkar, Jr. Waugh nabbed him at the slips for a score of 101-3. There were millions of Indians hoping for an Indian win as long as Laxman remained on the crease, and 54 more were needed. Ganguly arrived and went, adding 4 to the total, making the score 117-4. Bowled by Gillespie, caught by Waugh Jr., Dravid entered, and Kolkata's marathon heroes were on the field. Even when Sachin and Sourav returned to the pavilion, the Indians remained calm. At a crucial point in the game, Collin Miller came in and grabbed three key wickets, breaking the back of India's middle-order. He took the wickets of Dravid, Laxman, and Sairaj Bahutule back to the pavilion with a score of 135-7. After just half an hour of play, the Indian team that had been cruising to victory was about to collapse under the pressure.

Sameer Dighe, the Indian wicketkeeper, and Zaheer Khan, the pace spearhead, kept their cool to put up another critical 16-run partnership. Zaheer did not score a single run in the interim, but he also did not lose his wicket. McGrath beat Zaheer when India was only four runs away from the target, and India lost their 8th wicket on 151. Australia was two wickets away from a historic victory, but India only needed four runs to win. The contest was still undecided; it may go anyway. There are nerves all over the place. Not just among the players, but also among the spectators in the stadium, who were watching on television and listening to the radio.

After a few oohs and aahs, the 'Turbanator', Harbhajan Singh, finally tapped the ball for two runs, and millions screamed in joy. I'll never forget that experience. It was like a carnival, with men of many races and religions participating. There are fireworks, candies, and celebrations all over the place. People began to dance on the streets, at offices, and in their homes. Hugs and kisses all around. It wasn't India's victory; it was cricket's victory. So Dada the Leader (Sourav Ganguly is affectionately referred to by his fans) was born. True leadership was demonstrated, and one of India's greatest captains declared his arrival in international cricket. 'It Was A Miraculous Escape.'

The academic year was winding down. It wasn't particularly engaging, and the classes were relatively easy thus far. Ajay Kumar's Indian History lesson was the only one that was actually engaging. When matters of a more "adult" nature were at issue, he made the lesson entertaining by regaling us with anecdotes that were most definitely not in our textbooks, often remarking, "If you want the remainder of that story, you'll have to look it up yourself."

Ritvik and I had both signed up for the same Cricket Training League and requested to play in the same squad. He improved, but just marginally. Yamini and I had become pals. She had just turned sixteen (as I would in April of 2002) and had arrived in New Delhi from London on a student exchange program to understand our Indian culture. Her roots too belong here. Ritvik and I went to a few of her volleyball games since she was cool. After that, we hung out a few times and discovered that we enjoyed each other's company. Her black hair, blue eyes, and lovely body appealed to me as well.

We didn't have much of a choice of places to hang out near the school, so we mainly sat at shopping malls and sipped soft drinks.

"Delhi is not like London," Yamini explained. "There are coffee shops in all of the big cities, as well as most smaller villages, where we can hang out near the school."

"Vikas Puri isn't exactly a big town—there are a few establishments on H-Block, but they're too far away from school to walk to." Similarly, because you live directly across the street from the school, your mother or mine would have to bring you and Ritvik home. "

Ritvik lived approximately two miles from the school and could ride there if the weather was nice.

"What brought you to Delhi?" Ritvik was the one who inquired.

I had a cousin who traveled to Delhi to study and also performed quite well, and she said it was a lot of fun, getting to know about the real India. So, I decided to come along and give it a shot, even though my parents have never visited India. As far as I know, it was in 1937 when my grandparents moved to England. My parents were supportive and gave me the go-ahead, and here I am. Now it's my job to make my parents proud; they will undoubtedly do so when I explain to them and others about my stay here in India. " She explained the whole scenario.

“Do you want to come over to my house, boys?" My 'host mother’, who is an excellent hostess, assured me that everything would be OK. You may be picked up there by your folks. " She invited us.

“Sure!” I said that and walked over to the payphone. I called home and informed my mother that I was hanging out with Ritvik and Yamini at her house with her host-mother, and she promised to pick me up in an hour. I was hoping for a little more time, but she wasn't having it. "Fine," I responded sarcastically, knowing fully well that I'd pay for it when she came to fetch me. But, oh well.

We walked to Yamini's residence, where I met Mrs. Deshpandey, who she referred to as her "host mother." She was the same age as my mother and also stayed at home. I believe she knew my mother since I recognized Mrs. Deshpandey from a mutual event with my mother (my father and Mr. Deshpandey did not attend) where Ritvik and I were both bored by the constant women's chit-chatty conversation.

We sat on the couch, drinking juice and listening to the radio. Yamini was plainly flirting with Ritvik. He'd just turned seventeen and was rather attractive-certainly more attractive than I was. I could tell she was fascinated by the way she spoke to him, laughed at his ridiculous jokes, and otherwise acted.

Darn. Him. I'm not one of them. Ritvik was either oblivious to the situation, indifferent to it, or both. I couldn't figure it out, and there was no way I could question him right then! I was also irritated that the London angel seemed uninterested in me. I couldn't figure out why we got along so well. Why? I couldn't hold it against Ritvik because we'd become such good friends, but I was envious.

I knew it was time to leave when I noticed my mother's station wagon parked in the driveway. Ritvik requested a ride, and I agreed, knowing that my mother would pick him up. "Man, she's a screamer for you, a stunning half British, half Indian girl! You have to approach her and ask her out! " As we walked out together, I said

"Nah, I'm not really interested," he responded, looking at me.

"It's insane of you not to ask her."

"Nah, I'm not interested."

I simply shook my head and drove away. It didn't make sense to me. How could he say no to her straightforward offer? What a moron?

"You can't use the tone you used on the phone with me, Ashvani." You're lucky I didn't come to collect you immediately because I let you come here. " My mum remarked.

Nothing came out of my mouth. Whatever I replied would have been incorrect, and I had learned that if I just kept silent, she would shut up faster. Yes, I had a strained connection with my parents that was only becoming worse. She recognized Ritvik and gave him a warm welcome. He is, after all, a ladies' man. Yamini was previously interested in him, and now my mother is treating him well, as she always does.

"Thank you, Mrs. Tyagi, for driving me home."

"You're welcome, Ritvik," says the mother.

We said goodbye to Ritvik and returned home. Dad was home in the early afternoon, as he normally was. He made his own schedule as the proprietor. He loved to get to work early in the morning, come home in the afternoon, and then work in his home office in the evening. My connection with him was far from ideal.

"Ashu, it's time to mow the lawn."

There wasn't even a hello. A typical father. I had an hour before supper, so I figured I'd do it now rather than wait until tomorrow and hear him shout at me for no reason. As I passed by, my brother Anoop put his tongue out at me. I didn't bother to complain because my parents were powerless to intervene. As was customary,

I changed into shorts and a t-shirt, took out the lawnmower, checked the gas, filled it up, and cut the grass. Because it wasn't a large lawn, I was able to do it in about 30 minutes, front and back. I didn't have to rake because it was a bagging mower. Before dinner, I had enough time to shower. On my way to my room, I hurriedly showered and passed my younger sister Sheetal.

"Hey, litsy-bitsy," I say.

"Hey, big bro," Sheetal replies in fun.

That's what I'm talking about! She was the only one in the family with whom I got along. She was nine years old, adorable as a button, and quite intelligent. "How is it going with Yamini?" Are you going to go anywhere with her? "

"No," I sighed. “Ritvik is more appealing to her. I believe she'll just be friends with me. "

"It's a bummer for you, but Ritvik should be content." He's also adorable! "

"He's not into her!"

“What? Does he have a girlfriend already?"

“Nope. He simply isn't interested. I'm not sure what kind of person he is."

"Well, all the lads in my class think girls are gross," she explained after a brief pause. “Perhaps he still believes that?" She also laughed.

“Maybe. We've never actually discussed it."

We were summoned to dinner by Mom. Chapati and green vegetables. It was dry and bland, as expected. She was unable to prepare meals except for my lunch. Dad was a good cook, but he only cooked on Sundays and on the barbecue. At the very least, there was chicken, so I could eat that and only the bare minimum of greens. The usual mix of admiration for whatever Anoop accomplished, hatred for anything I did, and treating Sheetal like a princess dominated the talk at the table.

Almost everything I said was ignored or despised. The "Scotch" event, in my opinion, is a wonderful example of how my parents handled me. "It has to be made in Scotland," I responded in response to my father's remark about Scotch. I'm still not sure why he determined I was incorrect, but he did.

He'd answer, "No, that's not true."

I'd counter, "Yes, it is."

"No, it isn't, and you, young guy, have said enough."

Really? I knew I was correct, so I dashed to the World Book Encyclopaedia's 'S' volume. I also showed him and my mother. And I was immediately confined to my room for a week. I'm not kidding. This happened when I was twelve years old, and I'll never forget it.

I went to bed after dinner and homework and dreamt of Yamini. My terrible luck continued, and she appeared in my dreams, but this time with Ritvik, and she was going to kiss him. Fortunately, I yelled and awoke. I was fortunate enough to have my own room, complete with a television and record player, as well as my books. As I lay in bed, I realized that it was just another day like any other. And, I reasoned, there will be a lot more of them this school year. Then I went to sleep soundly, this time without having any dreams.