Another WC Final, another venue and another time Team India has made the arduous climb to the top but the crown is yet to be worn ! A billion ardent, zany, overexcited fans not just here but across the globe, are egging on the ‘Men in Blue’ and for two men at the helm of affairs, Coach Rahul and Captain Rohit, possibly the last hurrah of two legends ! A win in the Finals at the iconic Caribbean ‘Barbados’ grounds will send us into tizzy of wild celebrations. After all, this is one national issue where everyone cheers in unison across divergent lines and ideologies !
Since we are hyper expressive, emotive and sensitive about our cricket icons and their form, there is concern for King Kohli’s loss of that ‘talismanic touch’ and instability at the top order though ‘Hitman’ fires on undeterred. The redoubtable all-rounder, Jaddu is not quite looking himself and though he’s got intent ‘Dube’ doesn’t inspire confidence. There’s a limit even to the ‘SKY’s wonders. Luckily Hardik has overcome his IPL woes. It’s Bumrah’s consistency and guile of Kuldeep & Axar that’s really come to the party !
While our media dwells extensively on our strengths and records and creates cacophonic hype in the build up to the Finals, the Proteas almost maintain a stoic silence about their great run to the Finals and their chances today. Rohit, the astute leader, surely realizes the batting firepower that SA possess, Decock, Markham, Klassen, Miller for starters & all-rounders to boot. Their spinners outfoxed the valiant Afghans in the Semis and it’s also a first shot at the WC for the Proteas, who haven’t dropped a match in this WC !
The background for a heady contest is mouth-watering this Saturday evening, provided both play to potential and there are no huge hiccups. I remember, a few months back we had gone for a film ‘Laapata Ladies’ with no expectations but it was such a lovely treat. We’ll follow the same approach for today’s Finals. Yes, there’ll be prayers on our lips for the ‘Men in Blue’ !
Working on Living 