Sourav Ganguly is India’s first left-hander with over 7,000 Test runs. He reaches a century of focus and solidity in Mohali, writes S. Dinakar.
He unwraps his pads after a batting stint. It is a quiet corner of the nets. And his face betrays no emotions. Soon Sourav Ganguly extends a warm hand to yours truly. He has not changed over the years.
Ganguly is still direct and forthcoming. He speaks about the challenges ahead, the disappointments and a sense of hurt. The message that comes across strongly is: “I cannot take it anymore.”
In a few minutes, he is to make an important announcement.
The Dada’s responses during a routine press conference are typically feisty. At the end of it all, he declares, “This will be my last series.” It is a sad moment.
Anil Kumble, the Indian skipper, is unhappy with a section of the media. The constant speculation about the retirement of a few senior cricketers is bothering him.
Meanwhile, it’s raining in Bangalore. Will the weather improve when the first Test begins?
This is the beginning of a fresh season — if such a term actually exists today — and a new set of selectors are in place.
The chairman of the new panel, Krishnamachari Srikkanth, buzzes around the nets. He chats with the players, has a look at the surface and requests the media not to field deceptive or loaded questions.
“Do not try to get me caught in the slips,” he quips. As a former opener, he comprehends much about outswing and edges.
It’s also time to catch up with friends in the Australian media. Malcolm Conn is around. Down Under, they say ‘Do not mess around with Mr. Conn.’
He looks like Matthew Hayden’s elder brother and is possibly bigger than the Australian opener. Not too long ago, he growled in the press box at Perth when distracted by the noise around and soon there was order! Jokes apart, Malcolm is a friendly man and a nice bloke.
The Aussie scribes relish the open press box at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. There is a closeness to action that is compelling. Being in the middle of the crowd is being a part of the atmosphere.
And people come in numbers to watch the match. Test cricket is not dying, at least not in Southern India.
The weather predictably is pleasant in Bangalore but the traffic is congested. The city is changing its shades; the pace of life is faster. Of course, for those who love the Bangalore of old, there are still the gardens to disappear into.
It also rains during the Test and the groundstaff, dragging those huge covers, make an appearance. With so much money pouring into the game, will the BCCI ensure that these sons of toil get their due?
Rain and fading light dominate the concluding stages of the Test. The crowd builds up as Tendulkar approaches the record for the highest run-getter in Test cricket. The maestro falls short and a wave of disappointment sweeps through the stands.
The Test concludes and there are doubts over Kumble’s fitness. The skipper, though, is unhappy with speculations.
In Bangalore’s modern greenfield airport, this writer catches up with the Australian team. Greg Chappell is around too. His spontaneous smile and hug reflects genuine affection. Chappell is a happy man even as his Indian experience continues albeit from the other side of the fence.
The cricket caravan moves to the leafy, green and spacious Chandigarh. Mohali, the venue for the second Test, is no more than a few kilometres away the charming city.
It’s pouring here as well. There are bold words from Daljit Singh, the chairman of the Board’s Grounds and Wickets panel. He insists that the grass on the pitch will not be cut. He talks about pace and bounce and natural wear and tear.
The pitch for the Test, however, is a flat deck, a surface bereft of grass.
A sore shoulder keeps birthday boy Kumble away, but Sachin Tendulkar keeps his date with history on an unexpectedly sunny day.
The maestro has conquered Test batting’s Mount Everest. He cherishes the moment by looking into the sky and raising his arms in triumph. A display of firecrackers — rather long and uncalled for — marks the occasion.
At a crowded press conference, Tendulkar is a picture of dignity. The little boy has evolved into a wonderfully composed and balanced human being. His words are as measured as his batting. Despite a mountain of achievements, his feet are firmly on the ground.
Tendulkar reminds everyone about the circle of life. The journey continues for Ganguly as well. India’s first left-hander with over 7,000 Test runs, he reaches a century of focus and solidity. These old soldiers... they live on.
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