Sachin Tendulkar has conquered the world, once again! If it were up to an avid fan of the Little Master, this write up would be complete after the first two words, for, it might sound cliché, but the name is enough.
Almost 13 years after Saeed Anwar (194) took India for a ride in Chennai, and about five centuries after the game's invention, Sachin Tendulkar trounced past the record that has only been sweet dreams for many.
Sachin Tendulkar, the cricketer with super natural powers, as I believe, has finally pocketed the record that seemed to be the only missing feather in his already full cap - that of scoring 200 runs in a One-Day International - enough to take the breath away.
Cricket lovers argued that a double ton in ODIs was certainly a possibility; that one fine day the Sehwags and the Afridis of the cricketing fraternity will make the figure look insignificant.
Herschelle Gibbs (175) almost made it look real in Johannesburg while chasing Australia's 434. MS Dhoni (183*) was just about there against Sri Lanka in Jaipur before the number of overs fell short.
And to top it all, out of nowhere, Zimbabwe's Charles Coventry came into the limelight with his 194* and threatened to bask in the glory but a double ton evaded him too. The Haydens, the Gilchrists and the Vivs of the world have all had a go at it, but all in vain. Thankfully!
It had to be the Master, the God of the cricketing fraternity. It had to be Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar folks, for, the best things suits best on 'The Best'.
I join the lucky others to have witnessed Sachin celebrate the record - arms up in the air, a helmet in one and his 'sword' in the other, looking up at the sky as if thanking the stars and his father who continues to watch his son weave the world together with his game.
Suddenly everything seems insignificant. The hunger has died, the head is high, chest broadened. It is celebration time, everywhere. Hugs and high-fives are doing the rounds. No one cares about the caste or creed now. It is all about humanity for the moment. Well, it is amazing how Sachin Tendulkar unites us, and makes me proud and brings a smile all around. Sigh!
When Tendulkar is in supreme touch there is no sight more majestic in the cricketing world. He has the measure of every ball and when he spanks the ball cleanly to the ropes, it is difficult not to see some celestial spark at work.
Perfect balance, horizontal bat, head straight, elbow pointing towards the umpire, compact and eyes on the ball with daunting courage, an intangible quality given only to geniuses - anticipation-perfection personified.
With his trademark stance, Sachin stood tall, despite his tiny frame, before a mighty South African attack and caused havoc at the Captain Roop Singh Stadium in Gwalior with his magnificent array of strokes.
In a flawless display of batting, he wielded his willow in a fashion that resembled a surgeon at work, smooth and with precision.
Decorated with 25 hits to the fence and garnished with three gigantic hits into the crowd helped Sachin to the 'once hypothetical' score of 200 runs. Not to mention the sixes that could have done 'Google Earth' proud if the cherry had cameras.
Such was his innings that the deadly Tsunami could be easily put to shame! And I hope the same for the Genius' critics.
No matter what one says or what justification one gives to prove that he is not as great as he is made to be, Sachin has done enough to cast his supremacy in the cricketing fraternity and without a doubt, there is no one above him in the game.
Long may The King regale his willing subjects!
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