Of the many things that happened in 2003, I can remember only one significant detail: I fell in love with the Cricket World Cup. No, it wasn't just about cheering for Team India or about staying up late at night to watch an excellent match.
It was about the entire experience: the tense final overs, learning the difference between a short leg and a silly point, breaking into tears when India was thrashed in the finals, guessing the Man of the Match, arguing with Mum about who will win the match, not watching a particular player fearing that I will jinx him, putting the volume on mute and giving my own commentary. Those were the days that made another cricket-obsessed Indian.
The 2003 World Cup, therefore, was my definitive cricketing experience. The T20 World Cup that we won didn't even come close. It was too snappy and short and while the result was delightful, it just didn't equal the amazing passion and emotion of the ODI World Cup in South Africa. The 2007 World Cup in the West Indies was probably one of the most boring, tedious tournaments in cricketing history and most people were just glad to see it get over without further mishap. But this year promises to be special, for cricket's biggest tournament is back to its biggest fan base.
When the Indian team plays, a nation unites
Jokes abound on Twitter about all scamsters being the happiest people with regards the upcoming World Cup, for it means that the attention of both the people and the media will squarely be on cricket. That is certainly not far from the truth. As February 19th nears, India gets ready to drown in the ocean of its favourite game. 'Breaking News' will soon mean results of matches and in the case of some channels, every wicket. Score updates will be received with frenzy via SMS, Twitter, Facebook while on the move.
It is a lost cause to try and ignore cricket in India. Unless one plans to live in a rock for the next few weeks, cricket is inescapable and omnipresent. Prayers for India's victory, homa or rituals for Sachin Tendulkar's century and offerings to Cricket Ganesha will get underway. Chale Chalo from Lagaan will be played by many news channels in their feature videos wishing good luck to the Indian team. Politicians will comment on the team's performance - good, bad or ugly. Betting rackets might be busted. Teachers will make mandatory statements about the timing of the World Cup and how it distracts students from their final exams.
I'd recommend that we all take the plunge and enjoy every moment of this wondrous sport, for few things unite India the way cricket does.
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