After the disappointment of the dress rehearsal, where we lost our no. 1 ranking, India won the final of the Compaq cup against Sri Lanka by 46 runs at the Premadasa stadium in Colombo. And once again "that" man was at the fore. Sachin Tendulkar who opened with Rahul Dravid, provided a masterclass in batting making a chanceless 138 in 133 balls to set up a huge target. Our bowling and fielding despite being tardy, came through the difficult onslaught by the Lankans. Bhajji's 3rd five wicket haul prevailed in making India win just their4th final in 21 finals appearances this decade. But a jinx was broken nevertheless.
Once again coming back to the Little Master, age does not dull this man and his hunger for runs and victories. In the post match presentation, Arun Lal questioned him that his demeanour was more relaxed nowadays but the man himself refused and said that it is only people who are beginning to perceive him differently.
But how much ever he might deny, there is definitely a consummate and stress-free approach to his batting for the last two years. With the emergence and maturity of players like Yuvraj, Gambhir, Sehwag and captain Dhoni, the Bombay bomber has just not had to think about conserving his wicket at any cost when there are proven match-winners waiting in the wings, a far cry from as recent as 6-7 years ago when he used to carry a million hopes on his shoulders.
Here's to Team India to continue with their excellent performances. They have been very consistent this year. We were the top team for less than 24 hours but the The Champions Trophy which is up next could rectify that.
Once again coming back to the Little Master, age does not dull this man and his hunger for runs and victories. In the post match presentation, Arun Lal questioned him that his demeanour was more relaxed nowadays but the man himself refused and said that it is only people who are beginning to perceive him differently.
But how much ever he might deny, there is definitely a consummate and stress-free approach to his batting for the last two years. With the emergence and maturity of players like Yuvraj, Gambhir, Sehwag and captain Dhoni, the Bombay bomber has just not had to think about conserving his wicket at any cost when there are proven match-winners waiting in the wings, a far cry from as recent as 6-7 years ago when he used to carry a million hopes on his shoulders.
Here's to Team India to continue with their excellent performances. They have been very consistent this year. We were the top team for less than 24 hours but the The Champions Trophy which is up next could rectify that.
