June 29, 2024

 I saw 30 needed from 30 and I went to bed. I don't have the stomach for edge-of-the-seat thrillers these days. Nor do I have a stomach for crushing disappointment.

I was the same girl who was 'brave' enough to watch the 2007 T20 final, but these days despair comes faster. 

Even as I was drifting off to sleep, I was waiting to be told that we lost. I was ready with alternate topics of conversation. 

Then, suddenly, the door bangs open and I hear, “Wake up! We are gonna win!”

I came outside, everybody was on their feet and we watched the last ball, an inconsequential ball that no one cared about. 

Then came the tears —on screen, at home, all over India—sheer happiness in liquid form. 

I have been lucky enough to witness (and recall) the 2007 and 2011 finals.. but why am I writing about this?

Because I think there is nothing as difficult as being at the jaws of defeat and still finding the mental strength to carry on, and that's exactly what our boys did.

As we see enough of the world, we are bound to become a pessimist, a firm believer in Murphy's law. Isn't it easier to prepare for the worst, than hope that there is still a chance? But this also means that we give up before the end. 

Now, I think of Bumrah and Arshdeep and Hardik, who believed they could still make a difference, of SKY who lunged with all his might even at that juncture, or Rohit who probably had his heart in his throat and still held his team together, and its because they all played their part till the end that we won. 

Yes, India was a strong side, they were unbeaten, but they had their past looming over them. To shut their eyes and ears to that and simply do what they had to do was the ultimate sign of strength.

We think it is ‘grown up’ to not believe in miracles, but maybe what we actually stop believing in is our abilities. 

Think about it. 

“Though the evening comes with slow steps and has signalled for

   all songs to cease;

 Though your companions have gone to their rest and you are tired;

 Though fear broods in the dark and the face of the sky is veiled;

 Yet, bird, O my bird, listen to me, do not close your wings.”

- Rabindranath Tagore

P.S. Please don’t @ me with cricket stats, I am more of a feelings and emotions kinda person.