Gods Can Never Be Mortal

Gosh..Sachin, the man who has the power to stop millions of people in India for a moment (the others being the Indian Babus and Bollywood fantasy heroes), just eclipsed from his iconic status to a God status. Ever since his debut under Krish Srikanth in Pakistan 15 years back, Sachin has slowly shown the class batsman he is. He pulled, hooked, swept, drove and danced down the wicket for every bowler in contemporary cricket. Till 2003 he reigned in the status as the most feared batsman in the world. Till then, neither the critics nor the fan once reduced him from a prodigy status. But for the next 2 years he struggled in every single series, giving enough for the the romour mills. Critics said Sachin has lost his touch, started fearing the bowlers and doesnt step up to the plate. It all felt as if "All good things come to an end". Man o man, Sachin proved everyone wrong the last week. He came back from a long hiatus of 6 months and made his comeback look like he has just been playing all along. The drives and hooks, that we thought has disappeared for good from his quiver, resurfaced. The shots were not only used deligently, but also used in a manner which resurfaced the Sachin in late 90's. He showed the world what his class his and what he always was "fearless, shrewd and classy customer". Comebacks are for mortal. For Gods like Sachin, who was were out of form dont need a long comeback road. Did Tiger Woods need a comeback trail last year (2004)? I dont think Sir Don Bradman saw himself in Tendlya during the 1996 world cup, without a reason.

(Picture courtesy: Cricinfo.com)