A new era started with Ganguly at the helm. The young brigade of India replaced fear with belief. Belief that could overcome problems with technique, playing in foreign conditions, or fitness concerns. Dhoni has taken this belief one step further and harnessed it to make India a serious force to reckon with. Let us see a few matches in the last decade or so that has made an impact on every Indian.
A glimpse into the future (India South Africa Centurion 2001/02)- It was a league game, not a final. The reason it was special because, since 1992, we had not won a single ODI against South Africa on their home soil. The best part about this victory was: With Kumble and Bhajji at their peak, we turned and won the game on a fairly seaming track. The stumping of Kallis bambooozled by a Bhajji doosra was a delight to watch. The only weird part was, if Kallis couldn't read the ball, how did Deep Dasgupta, India's worst keeper to-date, manage to read it.
http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/66100.html
True Grit (India England Natwest Series 2002) – A year before this game, I had gone to see India play England at Wankhede in the final of 5 ODI's. England outdid India in a close game and Flintoff, after taking the final wicket, removed his shirt and swung it around. Ganguly was livid. India got their opportunity again in the final of the Natwest Series, but it was a tough ask. In reply to a massive 325, India had their back to the wall at 146/5. I switched off the television and went down to chat with friends. An hour later, India were still hanging on and suddenly people started going back to check on the scores. Young Yuvraj and Kaif had scripted one of the best comebacks in ODI history and won us the series. And then, the usually gentlemanly Lords crowd went berserk when Dada removed his shirt and swung it around. Sweet revenge.
http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/66292.html
Sach, moment of truth (India Pakistan World cup 2003) – With Wasim, Waqar, Shoaib and a score of 273 to defend, Pakistan were sitting comfortable after the 1st half but the Little Master had other plans. He came out in a totally different mood to bat and whacked the seamers all around to set up a comfortable win.
http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/65268.html
The comeback kid (India Australia CB 1st and 2nd final): A tour known more for the wrong reasons, the monkey-gate, sledging, some horrible decisions against India in tests. India were trying their best to end the tour on a high. Personally too, Sachin was coming back from an injury, being criticized for his recent form, he had more than a point to prove. With good support from young Praveen Kumar in the bowling department and the top order, Sachin made a great comeback and shut his critics by handing India the cup.
http://www.espncricinfo.com/cbs/engine/series/291340.html
The Landmark (India South Africa 2009/10) – Could it ever be done? A 200 in an ODI would not only require batting through the innings but also scoring at a brisk rate. Sachin, once again, set the record books on fire by scoring the only double ton against a bowling lineup that boasted of Steyn and co. The consequence – India made 401 and won the match, easy. http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/441828.html
The Beginning (World cup 2011 Australia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka)- 3 big games, 3 convincing wins. Battles that were won fighting hard, out-thinking the opponent, move-by-move. With each game, the challenges got more difficult, and the boys came up a solution to every problem. Every run was cheered and every tactic was scrutinized. With overflowing emotions and euphoria, the whole of India bled BLUE. It is a dream come true. And at the center of it all, was a 38 year old man who donned the blue color 22 years ago waiting for this very day. Fortunately, this is just the beginning.
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