24/05: A fairytale, almost
It's been a long time since I blogged. Sometimes, negative thoughts overwhelm you and you feel you have nothing to say. It required something really positive, perhaps even inspiring to put pen to paper.
Yes, cricket is just a game. You win sometimes and lose some other times. But there are parallels between life and sport, and the learning that one can take out of it is immense. The inspiration that sport can bring is truly amazing.
The story of IPL 2009 was one of immaculate organization, fascinating contests, some incredible performances and electrifying finishes. What more can one ask for? Yet, it was much much more than that. That it went down to the the last over, almost the last ball of the final to decide the winner, is testimony to the resounding success that it has been.
It was a story of how persistence and passion wins at the end of the day. It was also the story of how underdogs rise, how crucial moments are seized and how it requires just one moment of brilliance or just plain luck to turn it all around. Perhaps such is life. Just lie waiting and your time will come. But, seize the moment.
It was also about leadership - about inspiring leadership. About how a brilliant leader can turn the sagging fortunes of a team. One has to only look at the teams that contested the final to confirm that.
Perhaps it was almost unthinkable that the bottom two teams from last year should finish on top. But its surprising how many times life leaves us spellbound by making the unthinkable happen. Ah...there's something about the underdogs scripting a remarkable win that deeply warms the heart. And to top it all, the romantic thought of perfect reversals, of close, heart-stopping finishes, of great triumphs, and of lingering moments that took the heart away. My nails are no longer there and the words simply dry up.
As the Deccan Chargers, celebrated their moment of success, as the firecrackers lit up the air, it was time for everyone, irrespective of whom they supported, to rejoice, to drink to the success of cricket and sport. Perhaps cricket can become a truly global sport.
And if one man truly deserves the victory, it has to be Adam Gilchrist. He has been a great player and an true legend, not just because of this exploits on the cricket field, but also because of his wonderful attitude that stands out like a shining star amongst the rubbish that the other Australian cricketers spit out.
Of course, I would perhaps have been happier if the final had gone the other way. It was almost heart breaking that Royal Challengers Bangalore lost it from a winning position. It was almost a 'Royal Victory'. But, it stopped just short of that. I'm sure it will take sometime for them to overcome the disappointment. But, disappointments are part of sport, and indeed, a part of life. And the lessons learned will always stand them in good stead in the years to come. There's always another time, another chance.
So, a thrilling, most amazing, and wonderful tournament comes to an end. It leaves us with the satisfaction of having seen good cricket, having witnessed some terrific spectacles and of having felt the pulse of the stunning extravaganza. And, it has left us thirsting for more.
More importantly it leaves us with a hope - a hope to everyone that life does turn. This is the stuff fairy tales are made of.
Yes, cricket is just a game. You win sometimes and lose some other times. But there are parallels between life and sport, and the learning that one can take out of it is immense. The inspiration that sport can bring is truly amazing.
The story of IPL 2009 was one of immaculate organization, fascinating contests, some incredible performances and electrifying finishes. What more can one ask for? Yet, it was much much more than that. That it went down to the the last over, almost the last ball of the final to decide the winner, is testimony to the resounding success that it has been.
It was a story of how persistence and passion wins at the end of the day. It was also the story of how underdogs rise, how crucial moments are seized and how it requires just one moment of brilliance or just plain luck to turn it all around. Perhaps such is life. Just lie waiting and your time will come. But, seize the moment.
It was also about leadership - about inspiring leadership. About how a brilliant leader can turn the sagging fortunes of a team. One has to only look at the teams that contested the final to confirm that.
Perhaps it was almost unthinkable that the bottom two teams from last year should finish on top. But its surprising how many times life leaves us spellbound by making the unthinkable happen. Ah...there's something about the underdogs scripting a remarkable win that deeply warms the heart. And to top it all, the romantic thought of perfect reversals, of close, heart-stopping finishes, of great triumphs, and of lingering moments that took the heart away. My nails are no longer there and the words simply dry up.
As the Deccan Chargers, celebrated their moment of success, as the firecrackers lit up the air, it was time for everyone, irrespective of whom they supported, to rejoice, to drink to the success of cricket and sport. Perhaps cricket can become a truly global sport.
And if one man truly deserves the victory, it has to be Adam Gilchrist. He has been a great player and an true legend, not just because of this exploits on the cricket field, but also because of his wonderful attitude that stands out like a shining star amongst the rubbish that the other Australian cricketers spit out.
Of course, I would perhaps have been happier if the final had gone the other way. It was almost heart breaking that Royal Challengers Bangalore lost it from a winning position. It was almost a 'Royal Victory'. But, it stopped just short of that. I'm sure it will take sometime for them to overcome the disappointment. But, disappointments are part of sport, and indeed, a part of life. And the lessons learned will always stand them in good stead in the years to come. There's always another time, another chance.
So, a thrilling, most amazing, and wonderful tournament comes to an end. It leaves us with the satisfaction of having seen good cricket, having witnessed some terrific spectacles and of having felt the pulse of the stunning extravaganza. And, it has left us thirsting for more.
More importantly it leaves us with a hope - a hope to everyone that life does turn. This is the stuff fairy tales are made of.
