OPINION
Follow UsIndia lifted the World Cup trophy for the second time in 2011, but, it was one man’s wait that had turned into a dream of millions. After playing six World Cups, Sachin Tendulkar finally had the most awaited trophy in his arms.
The journey of Sachin Tendulkar dates back to 1989 when he made his international debut against Pakistan at the age of 16 years and 205 days. The prodigal son of cricket started racking up records after records at a young age and a sense of inquisitiveness built around him. As time flew by, for every mountain of records set by different batsmen, Sachin was at the summit. However, there was one peak left for him to scale and that was the World Cup.
Prior to the 2011 World Cup, in a span of 21 years and 95 days, Sachin was a part of five World Cups, had scored close to 1800 runs in 35 innings and was the “Player of the tournament” in 2003. Yet, had no World Cup to his name. There were even times when few of the former cricketers opined him to retire. The worst of all, his body had taken a lot of load and was plagued with injuries. Despite all this, Sachin continued to push his limits. The wait worth it. In the sixth edition of the World Cup that he was representing, Sachin finally fulfilled his conquest of winning the grandest trophy.
THE LONG JOURNEY OF BARREN STREAK
Sachin played his first World Cup match in 1992 – The Benson and Hedges – in Australia. India managed to win only two matches that edition. In both the wins, Sachin won the man of the match award. Throughout that World Cup, he scored 283 runs at an average of 47.2 and had three 50+ scores. India crashed out in the league stages with only five points, finishing seventh among nine teams.
The pursuit then shifted four years later to 1996. Sachin had become the heart-throb of Indian cricket by then. Sachin kicked off in a grand fashion, scoring an unbeaten 127 against Kenya, 70 against West Indies, 90 against Australia and 137 against Sri Lanka. On the back of his sensational batting performances, India had made it to the Quarterfinals and beat Pakistan there to reach the semi-finals. Considered to be one of the blackest days of Indian cricket, Sri Lanka were handed the match after the crowd started a riot during India’s chase. Sachin was the top-scorer of the 1996 edition with 523 runs at an average of 87.2. Astonishingly, no other Indian had scored more than 200 runs. This speaks volumes of how Sachin had single-handedly taken India to the semi-finals.
The 1999 World Cup saw one of the most unfortunate events in Sachin’s personal life. After losing his father during the World Cup, Sachin returned to the side against Kenya and scored a century. However, that was the only successful innings he had in that edition. Apart from the match against Pakistan, India lost the two other matches in the Super Six stage to exit the World Cup.
The closest Sachin came to winning the title was in 2003. The likes of Sachin, Ganguly, Dravid and Sehwag had hit a purple patch just before the World Cup. Also, not to forget the upcoming youngsters in the form of Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif. India lost only one match in the whole tournament till the final. Five of team India’s players had scored over 200 runs and were in a rich vein of form. However, a blinder from Ricky Ponting and probably a tactical blunder from Sourav Ganguly resulted in a huge loss in the final. This meant another disappointment in another World Cup. Sachin was awarded the “player of the series” in that edition for his 673 runs, the most by a batsman in an edition of a WC.
Termed as one of the lowest points of his career, the 2007 edition of the World Cup was a nightmare for every Indian fan. Tiff’s with the coach, players not in harmony, Sachin dropped down to bat at number four, he even batted at number six against Bermuda – the lowest he has batted in his ODI career – and captaincy confusion just at the brink of the tournament. All these led to one of the most horrendous editions. India lost to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the league stages to egress out of the edition.
THE DREAM COMES TRUE
It is not only Sachin but every cricketer of the modern era dreams to win the World Cup. After being disappointed in the last five editions, this was probably the last chance Sachin had. The start to his 2011 World Cup wasn’t a great one, but as the series progressed, Sachin was at his usual self. A century against England in India’s second game. Then another century against South Africa, his 99th international century that went in vain.
The two of the most important knocks came against Australia in the quarter-final and against Pakistan in the semi-final. Sachin scored a handy knock of 53 against Australia. But, the 85 against Pakistan in the Semi-final was of the utmost importance. After a brisk start, Virender Sehwag was dismissed in the sixth over. Tendulkar’s innings was scratchy, but in times when India were losing wickets in regular intervals, his knock provided India with a fighting total. A strong performance from the Indian bowlers set up a title clash against Sri Lanka. India were in the finals of a World Cup for the third time and twice with Sachin in the side.
In the finals, Sachin might not have performed at his best. But, thanks to a sensational innings from Gautam Gambhir (97) and MS Dhoni (91*), Sachin’s dream of lifting the World Cup came true after 21 years and 138 days since he began his journey. Sachin ended as the highest scorer for India and the second-highest scorer in that edition overall.
“Winning the world cup is the proudest moment of my life. Thanks to my team-mates. Without them, nothing would have happened. I couldn't control my tears of joy. Thanks to the support staff. Thanks to Mike Horn, who has helped with the expectations and pressure. The team stuck together in the rough phases and proved people wrong who doubted our ability. Self-belief was always there, in the last two years, we have been very consistent. It's been great honour to be a part of this team. Thanks to Gary and Paddy Upton” Sachin’s words after winnings the final.
