Khushi Ke Aasun :)

         50 years down the line, when my grandchilren would be sitting on my lap, eager to listen to my stories, the day of the India vs Pakistan encounter would be my most repeated memory. In a day filled with passion, tension and innumerable mood swings, I finally realised what it means when people say 'Khushi Ke Aasun'.
         You knew the Indian team was up for the challenge when you consider some of efforts it put in. Sachin Tendulkar displayed tremendous grit while contructing one of his ugliest knocks, a knock in which he was lucky on no more than 6 occasions. What Tendulkar's knock also did was ensured that post his successful review of a LBW verdict against him, Indians who so far did not accept the UDRS are now in love with it. The ever casual Munaf Patel displayed his rare aggresive side on the field. The selection of Nehra in the 11 was criticised by all. However the same Nehra who could not bowl a yorker against South Africa, bowled with trememdous discipline and accuracy and was the best Indian bowler on display. Infact this Indian team does not wilt under pressure but thrives on it, never surrenders when faced with challenges but overcomes then with their hunger and detemination, and the semi-final was a prime example of it.
             One aspect of the game of this Indian team that needs special mentioning is the fielding. The standard of ground fielding has gone up several notches courtesy the youthful energy Raina and Kohli bring to the plate. No catch is an easy catch in a high pressure game, and the Indians have done very well to keep the buttery fingers at bay. Munaf Patel has found a spring in his step in the knockout games and his speed behind and towards the ball is defying of his body structure. Yuvraj Singh is back fielding in the point region and the full length dives are back, not worrying about its effect on his body. Even the man who has spent 21 years in international cricket is seen giving it all, running behind the ball like a school kid. Like always even here Sachin defies his age. One man who goes unnoticed in this is MS Dhoni. MS Dhoni is consistently clean behind the stumps, and his ability to whip the bails out in a flash stands out. Also as a captain, he is always switched on, knowing which fielder to place where and when.
            Now with the Mohali frontier crossed, the moment everyone had been waiting for has arrived. For the man sitting on 99 hundreds, it could not have been scripted better. If given a choice Sachin Tendulkar would willingly exchange all his 99 hundreds for the World Cup title he so longs for. Even though he's the favourite son of every Indian, playing the final in Mumbai must be even more special for the Almighty. With Ashish Nehra injured, Ravichandra Ashwin looks certain to replace him. Ashwin adds a lot of variety to this Indian attack. He has a Doosra and a Carrom ball which complement his stock ball, the conventional off-break, very well. However the quality that stands out in him is his tremendous self-belief. For a spinner to willingly take the new ball, bowl in the batting powerplay and also when the slog is on in the death overs is no mean feat. MS Dhoni sure has his critics, but he should be given credit for having the biggest hand in the development of this man from Chennai.
           A victory on Saturday would propel the Indian Team to the top of the ICC ODI rankings and will put to rest all debate on whether this team is the best in the world. Every team plays to win, but this Indian team has that winning habit. Thriving in pressure situations, unwilling to accept defeat combined with each player's desire to contribute to the team cause has got them so far, and will help them overcome the formidable Lankans.
                                      "Ab Hawaon ka rukh tay karenge roshni ke Faisley,
                                       Jis Diye mein Jaan hogi woh diya rah Jayega"
         Come Saturday night, Hindustaan ke diye mein Jaan hogi. The wait till that moment is painful, but the anticipation of a positive result is also there. The nation waits for its Warriors to take the the field and do us proud. The nation waits for the dream to become reality. The nation waits to experience again, Khushi Ke Aasun :)