Champions!

86 is when I was born. Not grown up enough till 92. So the 1996 cricket world cup is the first world cup that is still very much there in my memory. And yes, even if I was just a 10 yr old then, Sachin had become a God for me. I still have some amazing memories of that world cup- going to my uncle's place and watching the matches with everyone, that old logo of star sports, and then sometimes falling asleep on the sofa during the middle overs of the afternoon innings. It was great fun until the semis, when the legendary Indian batting collapse made sure it was curtains for us. Elders at my place say I had wet eyes while the match was being called off at the Eden gardens and SL being handed over the victory. This was the 1996 world cup. An unrealised dream and a shattered heart.

Then came 99 - got cable connection for the first time at our home- especially for the WC and the event began with Hansie and his formidable (now they are called Chokers) side rated as the favorites.And they were the fav acutally.All of us knew. And for India, it was the three legends- Ganguly, Dravid and Sachin.It was all about them. And they did their bit too. The enormous sixes by Ganguly in his 183* at Taunton are still afresh in my minds. The understated Dravid had two of his best innings in that world cup. And Sachin's solid hundred after coming back to the team after his father's unfortunate death. India went into the Super sixes but in the end could not tackle the fierce Aussie attack in a crucial match, to be then thrown out of the tournament and the WC dreams over.

2003 -the team looked like they were on a mission under Dada's leadership and Sehwag's attacking presence in every match helped us reach the finals- yes, the Finals of the world cup. We were almost there. People had already bought their quota of beer, drums were almost taken out, newspapers headlines about India's triumph were almost ready.Almost.Until Ricky Ponting happened. The punter smashed us all over the ground and ruthlessly. His 100 is still a nightmare for many. The Aussies took the WC away from us in the first innings itself.The beer was unused,the drums unused and the headlines modified-now talking about India's end.

2007 -India did not participate in the 2007 WC for unknown reasons. :P

So finally it all came down to 2011 - back in the sub-continent and more special because it may probably be Sachin's last world cup and a victory at Wankhede would not only fulfill the nation's unfulfilled dream for last 28 yrs, but also be an ideal farewell for the Little Master. Under Dhoni's leadership and some really good team effort-where everyone contributed, India crossed some major hurdles (read Australia and Pakistan) to reach the Wankhede for the final crash with SL.The match turned out to be a game worthy of a WC final and Dhoni's six over long-on to seal India's victory was carved in our memories forever.

The jubilation began -on the field and on the streets- streets all over India- and outside India too wherever there are Indians. It was for something we have been waiting for years. People even had moist eyes when they (including me) watching Bhajji, Yuvi and Sachin cry on screen. I called up all my friends/cousins to share the experience. Everyone was elated. Everyone was on cloud nine. The internet was full of celebratory messages. It was a great feeling. It was something about which we had only heard from elders and the 1983 WC winning players' interviews. It was something that we would make us feel we are the best. And we are the Best! Officially now.2011 WC champions- India!

As I said, the hi-fis, the dance, the celebration was all over the place-everywhere. People took to the streets in thousands (and even in Lacs at some places) and with Tri-colour in their hands, chants of Chak De India, Sachin, India, Bharat Mata ki Jai were shouted by one and all. It was amazing. It is amazing. The scenes of celebration will remain in my memory for life time!

For many it may just be a WC trophy but for us Indians, it is much more than that. It is glory. It is emotions. It is pride.

Ending the note here.. as I again watch the highlights of the final on Star Cricket.

Cheers

KU