There are many stories which our grand mothers used to say about the maharaja's and the ancient mythologies and their awe inspiring courage in which the good beats the evil. But here is something which generations after generations will reiterate the courage of the young lad, who with the swing of his bat taught the whole world what we can become.......
1989-1990 Pakistan v India, 1st Test, National Stadium:
Picture this: Pakistan's National Stadium, packed to the rafters with home team supporters roaring their team on against the hated enemy. In the middle, easily the most fearsome pace attack of the time - the young Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram, backed by the legendary Imran Khan. Krish Srikkanth, Navjot Sidhu and Sanjay Manjrekar are blasted out in rapid succession (13/3). Prabhakar is fourth out - and a young lad of just over 16 years walks out into the cauldron.
Imran sets an attacking field, and the two fearsome young fast bowlers go for blood, with a barrage of short-pitched deliveries that buzz around the tyke's head. A ball from Younis rears up and smacks the youngster on the helmet. Concerned, the close in fielders and the bowler rush up to render assistance. The youngster shakes his head to clear it - and through the visor of his helmet, boyish eyes glare in defiance. He scored only 15 that day - but in the nerveless fashion in which he took guard again after having his bell rung, he announced himself a man among men.
Lets ask ourselves two questions:How many feet did Orville and Wilbur Wright traverse in their first flight? And what was our own biggest accomplishment at age 16?
1990, England v India, 2nd Test, Old Trafford:
England 519. India - powered by a swashbuckling 179 from Mohammad Azharuddin - 432. England in the second innings, 320 for 4 declared, leaving India 408 to make to win. What follows, is a sorry procession: Ravi Shastri, Navjot Sidhu, Sanjay Manjrekar, Dilip Vengsarkar and Azharuddin back in the hut with 109 on the board. Kapil Dev follows, 18 runs later.
And then a lad not yet old enough to qualify for a driving license drives England's attack to distraction. While Manoj Prabhakar (67 not out) holds his end up with dogged determination, the boy wonder cuts loose. A defensive innings at that point would have been hailed as a masterpiece - but 17-year-old Tendulkar attacks, shots of scintillating brilliance punctuating an unbeaten innings of 119 that carries his team to safety.
Passion to do something for the country is only amongst few.......Sachin is one amongst them....Very Inspiring.
** Courtesy Prem Panicker
