Cricket...Passionate game??

The only thing that I was initially cribbing about during the planning of the trip was the fact that I was being “cajoled” to “dedicate” one entire day of my precious 6 day vacation watching the India-Australia match at Wankhede. Ironic as it may sound….it was the best day of my trip. Have never enjoyed cricket this much! I used to always think that it would be so boring to sit and watch an entire match in the stadium. No replays, no commentaries, no nice innovative hutch adds, no option to switch channels between the 20th and 35th overs. One match has changed my opinion. You need to be present there to feel the spirit. Extremely infectious crowd. So much so, that even I was actually jumping and cheering even when the Aussies bowled a wide!!

It actually took me some time to adjust. The first ball of the innings goes for a wicket. Everyone is cheering like crazy while I am clueless as to what happened. Initially I thought it must be just the excitement of the first ball. Later Suneer realized that I was a little lost and explained that it was an LBW! Delayed cheering from my side.

For first timers, it is a little difficult to comprehend exactly what is happening. I was glad to have an experienced cricket follower by my side. Even the technical aspect of cricket sounded so interesting. Once during Sachin’s batting, the ball went for a four. I instantly jumped up and started applauding. Soon realized that I was the only one doing so from my stand. The reason being that there had been an inside edge and the ball had first hit the stumps before proceeding towards the boundary line! (err actually, Suneer later tells me that Lee himself did not realize till the other Aussies started celebrating…so, you see!)

The crowd did have its negative side as well. I really did not like it when people started jeering Lee. I mean Symonds is still acceptable, but not Lee. He is too cute to deserve that!! There was a big gang of girls next to us, and they were the only ones cheering Lee. I joined them. I need to mention my favourite part….whenever there would be any kinna talks between the Indian batsmen and the Aussie player, the entire crowd would in unison go like “ey ey ey ey”, followed by the Aussie players slogan “- is a b******”. A little harsh, I agree,…..but as hosts there have to be a few advantages given! Everytime this happened, the next ball would invariably go for a four or a six! Amazing fun. Amazing time. Total paisa vasool!
Baby, thank you so much for convincing me with al that emotional blackmail. Loved every bit of it.
And the final topping of the day (or night) was that we actually went out to celebrate the Indian win! Just went home, changed, and went out. Loved the feeling of leaving home at 12 and coming back at 2. Amazing day. Too much excitement for a simple chandigarh girl.

Now, I am back to Chandigarh. Life will never be the same again!!