The Indian fans' disappointment notwithstanding, Darren Sammy's side deserves full credit for plotting Sachin Tendulkar's downfall in Chennai yesterday
The Indian fans' disappointment notwithstanding, Darren Sammy's side deserves full credit for plotting Sachin Tendulkar's downfall in Chennai yesterday
This city was not destined to witness Sachin Tendulkar's century of international centuries.
|
| The West Indies players are ecstatic as they celebrate Sachin Tendulkar's dismissal during the World Cup match at the Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai yesterday. PICs/SURESH KK |
The hype was unparalleled. Every television channel, local and national, played Tendulkar-oriented packages on the eve of the game. Former and current cricketers discussed plans to surprise Tendulkar and shower him with gifts, all out of love for the Little Master.
The stage was set when India won the toss and elected to bat. The spectators were informed 15 minutes before the toss that Tendulkar was 47 short of 18,000 runs in his 450th game, and a further 53 would take him to the milestone that everyone was waiting for with bated breath.
In fact, an hour before the start, there was a loud roar when Tendulkar walked out to get some batting practice.
First ball he faced was a loosener down the leg, which he tucked away at ease for two runs. Two balls later, Ravi Rampaul softened Tendulkar up with a bouncer. The next one saw Tendulkar stabbing at another short ball, with the ball thudding into the wicketkeeper's gloves.
The umpire was probably nervous, considering the reaction of the crowd, but it didn't matter. Tendulkar walked immediately, leaving the West Indians in a state of euphoria. Pin drop silence at Chepauk!
Former West Indian fast bowler Ian Bishop said that Darren Sammy deserved credit for coming out to the park with a plan.
"They were a depleted side ufffd two of their biggest stars ufffd Kemar Roach and Chris Gayle were missing. And yet, they came out firing all cylinders with a plan," Bishop told MiD DAY.
"Sammy deserves a lot of credit for this. There was a definite plan to bowl short and leave the on-side open.
Tendulkar will get his 100th hundred soon, but full marks to the West Indies for avoiding it today."
Now, the focus shifts to Motera. Don't be surprised if the locals there begin to get their hopes high. Ahmedabad already takes pride in the fact it witnessed Kapil Dev's world record 431 Test scalps, Sunil Gavaskar crossing the 10,000-run mark in Tests, and Tendulkar's maiden double century.
Sometimes, it's easy to forget that Tendulkar is just human, after all.
