Venue was Ahmedabad. Indian team under pressure to perform. Ganguly even under more pressure. I had fought with Devendra for Sachin. I think there were utterly naive statements made regarding Sachin's current form. Here are a few of those meaningless statements:
- Sachin started the defensive approach in the III test at Bangalore.
- Sachin is yet to produce an innings to remember, in test cricket!
- He does not win matches anymore. Look at Kallis/Lara ...
I can't imagine how tough it would be for Sachin. I feel his pain, because I can imagine it is easier said than done to remain at pinnacle for so long.
Let me just complete my description of yet another remarkable innings from Sachin.
- He made 123 off 130 balls with 2 magnificent sixes and 10 fours.
- Started off really well, with positive frame of mind. Sehwag departed when he was caught napping by Younis Khan.
- Sachin made invaluable partnerships with Dhoni and Ganguly.
- Here is the shot selection made by Sachin:
- Real great strokes of the legs off Sami and Naved.
- Using "deleberation" against Razzaq who bowled really well. (10-0-42-0).
- Danish Kaneria was punished ruthlessly. The pitch was slow and it is difficult to make runs "behind the wickets". I can't forget the two lofted clean hits, both down the track, when Kaneria tried the round-the-wicket route. (One of the hits hit a photographer in the stands, right in his head. I hope he's okay).
- He finally had cramps at the 38th Century(!) mark, had a runner and still worked the ball well.
It was one of the best chases by Inzy and others and Pak won. Great cricket.
You know what, the guy who made a century also bowled reasonable 6 overs for 36 and a wicket.
Amazingly, he bowled the last over when 3 runs were needed to win and against an accomplished batsman like Inzy could concede the winning boundary only on the final delivery! A nail-biting finish.
What a cricketer!
Fellow Indians, he's a great cricketer. Please know who you're criticizing.
