Questioning the Spirit of the Game??

“It is OK. No Team wants the opposition’s batsman to score over a century…” said a humble Sehwag. But, this is for sure, that he was too, feeling disappointed for missing the Century. All of you, who would have followed the last cricket match of India vs Sri Lanka, or the Hype following it, would orchestrate with me.

It was almost certain that India will win when Randiv came down to bowl the final over of the innings. Diligently supported by Dhoni, Sehwag was holding the ground firm, at 99. This is a figure of the Cricketing History which makes every batsman think. But Sehwag, as you all know, was keen to hit a boundary, despite of the fact that a win was certain.

The first ball from Randiv was missed by Sangakkara, one of the better wicket-keepers in the world. It was a straight forward delivery & any average WC will grab it with ease. Sanga might have missed it. It happens. This leveled the scores. Subsequent to the two deliveries, Viru hit a mighty six, raising his bat towards the sky. All of us at the room were jubilant, untill we realised that it was a no-ball and a six. According to the rules, no-ball’s run is counted first and those scored by bat, later. All of us took a deep sigh, similar to Viru. Disappointment prevailed….

Looking at the replays, and one of the longest foot-overs for any no-ball in my Life, I was not sure if that was a genuine delivery. It was only after yesterday’s News informed me that an Enquiry Commission has been set up to investigate the matter. There was also a piece of audio grab from the stump microphone. Reportedly, it was Sangakkara giving some instructions in the local language to Randiv.

Indians have always played the Fairer Game as compared to a couple of other Nations & so has Sri Lanka, till now. While the above controversy might prove wrong and Sri Lanka might get a clean chit, but it has surely brought the Spirit of the Game to a new low. This small incidence, has, in a way, Questioned the Spirit of the Game. Whatever may be the outcome of the post-match Enquiry, the-need-for-a-case has surely dampened Sri Lanka’s image as a Fair Cricketing Nation.

Viru, who shared the greater loss in this drama, was rightly awarded “Man of the Match”. On Tony Grieg’s question on missing the century, Viru said, “It doesn’t matter if it is a 99 or 100. What matters is, [the country’s] Win”. Hats Off Viru!!!