Game on!

He fled past the intersection aloof of the pedestrians trying to squeeze in past the ravaging traffic. He switched on the stereo when it struck him how long it had been since he'd used the Pioneer Dolby speakers installed in his Corolla. He didn't care which song was on. He passed by the aristocratic high roads of Bombay, vainly wondering if perhaps; on that day his instincts could fail him that one time when he trudged on that familiar yet fateful path even as his eventful past flashed past him.
Sudeep's journey from the dreaded slums of Dharavi through the enchanting streets of Borivali to the extravagance of Pali Hills was an unlikely one, one that fairy tales are made of. He had learnt his lessons not from the inscrutable exhaustive books but from the squabbles of the underprivileged not from the lavish praises of the wealthy sycophants but from the constant bickering of an unforgiving society. But parallel to his mundane life was one that boasted of a class extraordinaire and a life humbled by unparalleled achievement, making Sudeep his ardent fan. Sudeep was only 17 when he first heard of his hero- then a young 16 year old Tendulkar who he rembered speaking with a meek voice but a noticeable stupendous poise in his eyes. Ever since he heard that Radio Broadcast about a baby-faced 16-year-old with one season of first-class cricket to his name facing upto Waqar Younis, Sudeep was fascinated by his mesmerizing rise - not too dissimilar to his own, he had imagined. They had both boasted of early modest living in Bombay to glitzy success in Mumbai. While Tendulkar excelled at cricket itself, Sudeep showed articulate flair for cricket betting, and he'd nurtured a natural instinct for it.
After 17 minutes of mumbling in gibberish to himself nervously, he found himself make a cumbersome car parking perilously close to a shiny Lancer parked in front of a gloomy grim looking broad building. Ajit was standing in anticipation in a pair of Versace’s and flashy shades, which had failed to make up for his graying hair and unflattering mid-riff. He gave a vehement look in Sudeep's direction pointing towards his watch and got out his mobile and engaged in conversation even as Sudeep accompanied his friend and partner Ajit unmindfully towards that building. Sudeep had been betting for a long time now, but he knew very well that this time it was different. It was a Sharjah final- India v/s Australia. Bookings would be rampant and Sudeep had decided to put more than half of his life’s earnings at stake. He nudged past the creaking door and they made their way to the bar where Ajit lit a cigarette and made a hollow pretence of being in deep thought. An awkward silence followed,which was broken by a roar from a group of people transfixed upon a 42 inch television set which showed Azharuddin and Steve Waugh enter the field. The gambling began. It is not unusual for people at gambling hubs to bet on the most vivid of objectives- from the coin toss to what Azhar's shirt number will be; from the result of the match to who’s wife would be sitting in the stadium. 12 of the 27 people there bet on an Indian toss win, 5 bet for Waugh. Sudeep only watched on. Amidst heavy groans and abated cheers Waugh could be heard electing to bat first. At the betting counter, Gilly and Ponting’s names saw heavy bookings for a century, someone even raising the stake to 7.25 lakhs for a Gilly century. Sudeep had done his home-work. He knew the routine way too well. MAking his way towards the betting counter, he glanced in Ajit’s direction momentarily and turning towards the bookie dauntingly said “ 75K for a 250 Australia all-out “as he thrust out a bag full of notes. The bookie had known Sudeep way too well. He was'nt surprised. The bookie replied back almost in a whispering tone “The odds are stacked 4-1 against you” .He had heard others whispering 275 and 300, and some even placing bets for a farcical 350. Ajit had tried to cajole Sudeep into betting for a Gilly half century the previous night but Sudeep was inexorable and adamant and reluctant. 27 minutes and delirious boos and inexplicable cheers later, Gilly and Mark Waugh made their way onto the lush green outfield. Ponting and Waugh- the stalwarts, fell early, and Gilly fell 5 short of the 50 run mark. And before anyone realized it, it was 121 for 5 and India looked good to bowl them out and Sudeep of making a neat 3 lakhs. Waugh and Bevan, both of whom who always had heavy bets placed for them had other plans though. They didn’t disappoint and did what they knew best- got Australia out of a pit. With a neat 70 from Lehmann, Australia pounded a daunting 270, which under the lights held potential to make the Indian batting look moronic.
Sudeep was already 75K down. He usually bet when India batted- more because its uncertainty, its unpredictability and its intricacies fascinated his vivid imagination. He immediately went to the counter amidst a maelstrom and checked out what the odds read. “14 to 1 for Australia” the bookie had said. Sudeep didn’t look surprised. Ajit, who was known for his reckless nature among his circles,inexplicably looked nervous and thoughtful. He came up to Sudeep and said in a jaded nervous tone “ Bhai. I think Australia will win tonight. Sachin aaj nahi khelega. Aakhir who bhi insaan hi hai. It’s a huge risk. India aaj shayad harega bhai. Phir se soch lo bhai”. Sudeep heard him. He always did. But always acted according to his own will. Even as he was talking a big man with devilish good looks draped in a black suit came up to the two and said in utter disdain “Listen to good advice. India ki haar to aaj pakki hai. Sachin kuch nahi kar payega”. Sudeep didn’t have to turn up to see who it was. He instantly recognized that hoarse voice of Abbas-an acquaintance he always loathe, yet a rivalry he fancied.
Abbas was quite the contrary to Sudeep. Born with a silver spoon, he knew of life only as a trade and a gamble. He was as wily and cunning as a fox; cold and calculated, arrogant and stone-hearted. He had set-up a casino in Goa’s hinterland and also ran a couple of brothels in the heart of the city. Inspite of his affluence and wealth; match after match he always found himself enticed to the gloom of that filthy building, gambling and betting for a sport he loved- not for its spirit and emotion but for its uncertainties and logistics.
He continued. “Anyone with little sense of logic and judgment can predict the result. Do so bees mein all out.. likh lena.”
Sudeep didn’t answer. He never did. Ajit retorted “Dekh lenge Abbas bhai. Aaj to is paar ya us paar.”
Sudeep did not place a bet. He waited. 16 minutes later the tested pair of Ganguly and Tendulkar made their way to the field as thousands cheered in the stands and millions at home. Tendulkar had just come of an innings that was already being described as one the great innings of all time. He also happened to be celebrating his 26th birthday that day. Sudeep sensed that he was destined to have a big birthday bash- one that would have given joy to a billion people.
Sachin came to the striker’s end on the last ball of the first over. Fleming was the bowler. Both Fleming and Tendulkar had a marvelous series;one with the ball, the other with the bat. Their contest would be sparkling, Sudeep thought. He didn’t place a bet. He waited.
Tony Greg in all alacrity “Sachin’s first ball would be something to listen to. His first ball….” Through covers off the middle of the bat. Hit supremely for a couple. The noise was deafening. 11/0(1.0 over(s))
This spectacle was all that Sudeep needed. His keen eye judged well. He went up to the bookie and checked out the odds placed for Sachin’s fifty. It was 2 to 1: against. He went up to the bookie “5 lakhs Sachin ki fifty ke liye “he said. The bookie noted down and collected the cash. Abbas immediately made his way to the counter placed a neat 3 lakhs for a Sachin fifty and 20 lakhs against the three figure mark and a handsome 5 lakhs for a Warney four wicket haul. Sudeep thought it wasn’t a bad call after all. One of Sachin and Warne definitely had to sparkle. They were champions; both of them; on their way to becoming legends. A contest to be savored thought Abbas.
21/0(3.5 overs) “Oh well played; that’s 4. Lovely elegant cover drive….” Sudeep cheered for his idol- his hero.
34/1(6.3 overs) “He‘s nearly hit his partner. What a sparkling straight drive. Right off the meat of the bat…” Sudeep’s instincts held him in good stead. He always waited for Sachin’s straight drive. That was his sign; his litmus test. He looked at Ajit as if seeking an approval, but he knew he had it; made his way to the counter , composed himself and confidently said to the bookie “ 40 lakhs for Tendulkar’s 100 and another 40 for India’s win” and thumped a bag full of cash as if it meant nothing to him. Eyebrows were raised. Abbas was in dismay. He gave a grin- a sort of grin which could have even qualified for a frown. “I gotta warn you. The odds are heavily against you. If Sachin gets out before 99 you lose your 40” the bookie said. Sudeep checked the board which featured the odds and quickly retorted “But if he does score I win a staggering 4.4 crores!” and made his way out of there towards the TV screen, with a smile on his face;a nervous smile.
Sudeep was right. Tendulkar was in his element that day. He lofted, chipped, drove, defended, smashed-leg side, off side- square, straight down ;cross batted, straight bat- every shot in the text and some out of it as well. Perhaps what had made Tendulkar special for all these years would have been his uncanny ability to read any game- to accelerate when necessary, and to be circumspect when it demanded.
Warne was introduced in the eleventh over and it had the makings of a riveting contest. Tendulkar gave Warne the respect he deserved, chipping for singles, not making too much headway into the run rate. By then they’d also lost Ganguly- one of the best players of spin. Nayan Mongia was the surprise no.3 batsman- causing a fair many to lose their money who’d put their money on Azhar coming in at 3.
86/1(17.2 overs) Tendulkar took a single and raised his bat amidst ecstatic crowds as he completed his 46th 50. Sudeep heaved a sigh. He was 6 lakhs richer ;Abbas was richer by 3. But Sudeep was worried about the bigger picture. 80 lakhs was at stake. Almost half of how much he’d earned in 4 years of ruthless gambling.
Warne came back into the attack in the 21st over. (105/1). Warne to Tendulkar. Sudeep was on the edge of his seat. So was Abbas. And another billion watching at home.
Ravi Shastri, the commentator. “Warne comes round the wicket.. A change in tactic here… And Tendulkar greets him by dancing down the track and hammering him over long on. This is amazing stuff….. “Lovers of cricket all round the world erupted into wild cheers by the dazzling spectacle, a six straight over Warne’s head and Warne looking despondent.
(167/2)In the 28th over Mongia caved in.. He had played his part.
189/2(36.3 overs). Delirious crowds chanting Sachin’s name as Sudeep sat on the edge of his seat in anticipation. Abbas stood by the door. He shot a glass of whiskey.
A deft touch square leg side.Shastri again.’ That’s it.. 100 no 16 for Sachin Tendulkar in ODIs. Tremendous ovation from the crowd.. What a player!!!..” Sachin raised his bat to his teammates in the pavilion in toast, in celebration even as Sudeep and Ajit lost their composure and began screaming deliriously. It hit Sudeep immediately that he was rich. Rich beyond what he wanted to be, even in his wildest dreams, those that haunted him when he had slept on the footpaths of Dharavi.
Tendulkar went on a rampage after he completed his 100. He was devastating, mind boggling, artitistic, magical and most of all splendidly entertaining.
217/2(41.1 overs). Warne to Tendulkar. 2 consecutive 4s. One bludgeoned straight down the ground, one caressing gracefully wide of cover. India were inching towards victory.
Sudeep was still anxious. Tendulkar loses his wicket and it could all collapse. He’d seen it happen so many times in the past.
228/2(42.4 overs) Moody to Tendulkar. Tony Greg commentates. “ Ohh! He’s hit this one miles. Great shot. Oh.Its a biggie.Straight over the top. The little man has hit the big fella for 6.He’s half his size and he’s smashed him down the ground. What a player.. What a wonderful player!!!....” People went nuts; endlessly dancing in the isles- man or woman, young or old; Indian or Australian!!.
235/2(42.5 overs) “Whack again.. Through cover this time. Picked up on the boundary. Back for the third. This is great batting. Wonderful cricket entertainment.”
240/2(44.0 overs) Kaspy to Tendulkar. “Ohh .. This is high.. What a six. Way down the ground. It’s on the roof. It’s dancing around on the roof. Kasprowicz is the new bowler. He’s smashed it down the ground for 6……….. Well this little man is the nearest thing to Bradman has ever been.. What a player he is…!” Even Tony Greg went berserk. He painted a wonderful picture with his vivacious commentary. A billion people back home could only be marveled by the magic they beheld.
Tendulkar scored 134 and eventually won the game for India. It still rates as one of the best innings in ODI history. Sudeep and Ajit – became rich and settled down gracefully. Abbas went about his life continuing his betting antiques and moved to Goa full time.
Sachin Tendulkar, today, is recognized more as a phenomenon; a legend, a dazzling story of making it big despite the odds against him, who can tantalize or disappoint a billion people.I was no exception, which is why, perhaps, as an 8 yr old kid I had realized that the healthy 20 year old Sardar from Punjab, and the Marwari girl from Rajasthan and the 80 year old sagacious Babu from Bengal all would pray and would desire what me, the young lad from Karnataka wanted- A Sachin century and a subsequent Indian victory. Perhaps, then for the first time it truly hit me that I was an Indian and stood proud when the tricolor waved after every Indian victory. Some may deem this nationalism hollow, but certainly may not rubbish the pride.As i see it,this national consciousness, fallible or otherwise was unequivocally unprecedented.
For more than a decade, a billion people would switch off their TV sets when Sachin lost his wicket. A country would sleep well if Sachin scored.Sometimes it didnt matter what the match result was. But, perhaps what would wrench the heart of a cricket-lover today would be the fact that one fine day; India will come out to bat at Wankhede and Sachin will be made terribly conspicuous by his absence. I suspect, for millions of cricket-lovers across the country, with his retirement, cricket would never be the same.