It’s
been exactly a year since India played Australia in the Border Gavaskar test
series at home. The first match, which was held here in Chennai was a
monumental one for us, having defeated the Aussies by a comfortable 8 wicket
margin. As a huge cricket fan, I was waiting for the test match as it would be
my first one.
The
tickets were bought and the day arrived. I still remember having painted my
face with the tri colour of the Indian flag, holding the national flag in one
hand. I remember having stood in the sun the whole day, at the end of which I
wanted to go back yet again, the next day. That was the effect the game had on
me. I was lucky enough to witness few great performances and I got to witness
Sachin Tendulkar up close. It was a surreal feeling.
After
five days of cheering madly and getting sun-burnt, it was all over. The feeling
of emptiness hovered over me and I tried my best to let it to. It took some
time for me to get back to reality. Those five days made me realize what it
feels like to love and live the one sport which has made me who I am today. It
made me realize the importance of supporting a team, irrespective of their
failures or successes.
I
knew after those five days that life was not going to be easy. Getting
sun-burnt, going without food, going without sleep were things which we were
bound to go through in the long haul of life. Somewhere down the line, this
match would be remembered.
After
a year, I still can’t believe the effect it had on me. I got to meet a few
members of the team, sit along with them for a picture. For those few days, I
felt alive. I felt like I belonged. I knew that sports would be a part of my
life forever, an important part.
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