We have always heard that cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties and no one can safely predict what’s going to happen next in any game! This rule applies to all formats of the game – test match , ODI and T 20.
If the above is indeed true, why we as fans react so weirdly when any game doesn’t go our team’s way? Why the players whom we treat as demigods one day, become an object of ridicule the next day? What about the law of averages that states beyond doubt that no streak – whether it’s a winning or losing streak- is perpetual? Above all, while we all are passionate about our favourite game and its exponents, why don’t we reconcile to the fact that it’s after all a game and our favourite exponent a human!
Afghanistan’s rather pathetic display against formidable South Africa should not make the team and its players a villain from an overnight hero that they were after cruising into last four only day before yesterday. The people of Afghanistan should continue to rejoice at this extraordinary effort by their team that’s no longer treated as a dark horse, but acknowledged as a team of great substance!
In the evening, we witness the second semifinal between England and India. Given the uncertainties of the game, multiple results are possible – rain can wash out the game, easing India into finals automatically based on the team being a group topper, it can be a one sided disaster going either way like Afghanistan SA match, it could be an exciting hard fought battle going either way or it could be a tie going into super over! Let’s first acknowledge that we have sent our best players, who have so far performed commendably and then tighten our belts, hoping for a great game of cricket. As Indians and supporters of our team, we all want cup to be ours, but at the end of it, no one can escape the glorious uncertainties of this glorious game!
All the best team India!
Arvind Arya blog 