VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO SACHIN TENDULKAR !
The number 24 reminds me of various things that happened in Sachin's career and a little bit
connected to me as well. The very day of February 24 is special in 2 ways for me if only once for Sachin and surely it is much more special for him than to me. In 2005, the very same day, i remember how i scrambled to get the great man's autograph at the Uppal Stadium, Hyderabad.
I never thought i was going to get it, considering the security and surveillance that was hosted there. I had a ray of hope that my liking for him is so immense that he may have a glimpse at me and my 6 metre long banner that i prepared sitting from 10pm to 5am on Feb 22' 2005. Well, that was a net practice kind of session to get use to night shifts, later when i joined IT sector.
The Duleep trophy match between West zone captained by Sachin and South zone was underway and on the second day just before stumps the nightwatchman had to come for West zone instead of Sachin, but another wicket and end of day made it sure hat Sachin would come to bat, the very next morning. The ground was filled and i started for the match at 7:30am and reached there by 8:30am. People were running in to watch the master play and he came in with all the charm and grace that surrounds him everytime he walks down to the holy place where he stands and mesimerises millions of hearts. Here comes Anil Kumble and the result, obvious, ball hitting the fence all along the ground the very first ball. Next a brilliant forward defence that youngsters can make it as a writing on the wall. The third ball was tragic, kept low and flummoxed the master, elated kumble. Nevertheless, the match was pretty one sided, West zone was too strong for the south. West pulled it off on the third day.
There was a guy glued to me, saying that "i am sure, Sachin will give you autograph and i too can have if i stick with you". I hoped his words should come true. Everything was over and here came Sachin with 2 cordons of police and security personnel and the very loyal creatures - dog squad, around him. He got into his Bolero GLX 3333 and it started. I was holding the stretch of the banner i glued with what all are his pictures from magazines that i collected, hideously stolen from library, torn from a magazine, newspaper, chewing gum cards....what not !
SACHIN saw me from the window of the car, he was seated infront beside the driver. He asked the driver to stop the car with a gesture and the next gesture was, waving his hand to come to him. BOY ! I was eleated and dumbstruck, not that he called, but the humility and empathy he showed in such a moment to a fan. He quickly asked the driver to pull down the glass and i took a paper on which he gave 2 autographs and said, to give him one on his picture postcard that i collected during fun days of my college. He scribbled fast as it was the third autograph and i shook hands saying ALL THE BEST. He just played his first match for practise after the tennis elbow surgery and the previous day i met John Gloster to say, "How is Sachin?". He replied positively, "oh! Very Good". I nodded and said, "Well ! Take care of him". He smiled.
That day was so special for me 24th FEBRUARY 2005 and 24Tth FEBRUARY 2010, Sachin scored a DOUBLE CENTURY at Gwalior. Thats a special day and special connection.
Once again Happy Birthday to a Genius cricketer - ON and OFF the Field.
