THE MAN – A LEGEND

“Steve Waugh …. Steve Waugh … Steve Waugh”, chanted the crowd. And was it a boisterous reception at that. I was nearly deafened by the roar and enthralled at the support. Here was Steve Waugh walking onto the cricket field, whose exploits had made him folklore. A man, who has become a legend in the annals of Australian cricket.

I absolutely adore this man, as much for his grit and determination as for his simplicity. A man who batted like he lived his life, always straight from the heart, unflinching and unwavering like the rock of Gibraltar. A leader of unusual character, who led by example. He always thrived on and relished challenges. And has never shied from one.

I had this unusual privilege of watching him play in his second last match at the MCG. The atmosphere was electric and the big man looked nervous a bit. He was on his last tour and India had surprised everybody, including themselves by being ahead in the test series, a spectacle the Australians rarely get to see. It was the Boxing Day test match, a tradition in Melbourne, and the stadium was jam packed, bursting at the seams. All of them there to pay tribute to this great man, well, almost everybody. India had a cracker of the first day but then on the game belonged to the Australians. All of them playing for one thing, to save their great captain from ignominy, such is the power of this great man that he drives his team to achieve greater heights.

A man, known as much for his ruthlessness on the field, as for his humility off it. A man with his association with charities in India and the world over did his bit for the society and quietly at that. A person who took both victory & defeat as they come, with grace and humility.

At the end of it , I am proud that I had this unique opportunity to watch the great man play on his last tour. This memory will always be etched in my mind. And I wish this man all the very best that life has to offer. Hats off to a true legend.