Let us ring in the Sachin Cup

It is more or less established now, and accepted by even the most vociferous naysayer, that if anything binds this country of over a billion people of diverse race, religion and region, it is cricket. And as cricket is to the country, there is but one man to Indian cricket- Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar.

While there seems to be debate around "win it for Sachin" and "don't win it for Sachin alone", I have but one fervent wish. To see that cup in Sachin Tendulkar's hands.

That there has been no better servant or better brand ambassador of Indian cricket in the recent past, is indubitable. His harshest critic cannot wish away the fact that a man of scarcely 5-and-a-half feet, with the voice of a boy-man, can, in a sometimes parochial and clannish nation, raise passion that a thousand speeches or rhetoric cannot.

There is no denying the fact that the little master has an almost perfect game, possesses wonderful technique and a steely temperament to match. Scores of articles have been written by pundits and novices alike on the man and his game. It would be a travesty if one tried to write plaudits on his exploits - so many have so eloquently described those before me.

I shall merely be the fan and say what legions of us want to.

For all that this great man has achieved, the records that he holds and the love that a grateful nation has always showered on her favourite son, there remains but that one peak to climb, one challenge to quell. One monkey to get off his back - that of having never won the World Cup for India.

To speak thus of anyone else but Sachin would sound hollow and almost satirical - "Winning the World Cup for the country". In this case, it almost sounds sacred and as though it were always ordained and just needs to be realized now.

For many years, I have been one of millions in this country that have believed that if there is someone who shall win the World Cup for India after Kapil's merry bunch, then it has to be Sachin. That this could be his last chance is not lost on Sachin or us, his grateful fans.

This man of humility and greatness, who still possesses a childlike passion and love for the game never, ceases to amaze. To many of us who grew up as he grew up, watching him, reveling in his successes, marveling at his tenacity and bravery, wincing at his failures as well as his battle with fitness, never having ever thought of leaving his side, the appropriate culmination of this extraordinary journey would be the sight of this man holding aloft the World Cup trophy this year in India.

There would undoubtedly not be a prouder moment for Sachin Tendulkar and his millions of fans.    

Happily, Team India at this moment is probably the most equipped ever to bring the cup home. Led by the dynamic Dhoni, it has in its ranks a blend of experience, youth exuding wonderful togetherness as a unit and, most importantly, a hungry and fit Sachin. As an expectant nation waits with bated breath, Dhoni's men readied themselves at Bangalore to take on the world's best. On Sunday, they showed what they can do, in the warm-up match against Australia. A little over half the match was controlled by the visitors, before the Indians dramatically changed things by some inspired spin bowling, bundling the Aussies out in quick time. The last nine wickets fell for just 68 runs and the Indian team had reason to smile. This without Sachin!

There is a certain optimism and confidence that Team India exudes these days. Whether it is the sign of a team brimming with confidence in its ability to perform on the featherbeds of the sub-continent or a case of braggadocio, only time will tell. There does appear to be solidity and they need to work that to their advantage to reach the last four. After that it really is anybody's game in any case.

I have this happy suspicion that this solidity is due to the current form of a certain Sachin Tendulkar.

To the Gods above - hear the prayers of millions of Sachin fans. To the non-believers - remember cometh the hour, cometh the messiah. The time for redemption is here; let us join in ringing in the "Sachin Cup".