Sweet Revenge: A toast to victory: India vs Australia 2020

Its been almost a decade and ages since I blogged. A 2021 new year resolution (of course resolutions are meant to be broken :)) is to pen a few thoughts in some recurrent frequency. I would begin with a theme that has always been close to my heart. Yes people who have known me indeed know about my passion and interest for the game of cricket. To one who has been reared up in a nation that worships the game as a religion this comes as no surprise. Of course along with the worship comes the the emotional and decisive opinion on the game, which is almost a fundamental right we all exercise with vigor, intensity and vehemence.

While my interest in the game was still growing in the late eighties, its the nineties and early twentieth century the interest consolidated to a passion, so most of my memories stem from this era. I don’t want to sound too old, but yes, I have been almost fixed to the Sachin era of cricket and have taken ample time to move ahead as a spectator. Thanks to the lockdown 2020l I have revived my interest in the game to some extent. As the saying goes, taking things for granted and of course an overdose of cricket in the country, it took me a complete "cricket cool off " period to come back and watch a first IPL. Yes, its true, even SRK and KKR could not get me to watch IPL previously. While I was not able to follow all of it with equal vigor and intent, but certainly familiarized myself with some of the stars of cricket and witnessed  the twists, turns and excitement of the shorter version of the game.

The recent India Australia series have really grabbed my attention particularly the test series. I was curious to see how an Indian team who won a series last time in Australia would fair after being away from this form of cricket so long. This was coupled with the fact that our star cricketers were missing from action. I pondered what was in this team that was so highly rated for test cricket on papers

Needless to say the first test match left me much like others in a state of shock, disappointment and hurt. I found it hard to believe that I had witnessed an hour of cricket which I would like to forget forever. Not that I have never witnessed sad defeats and close misses, it was just the turn of events and something which none of us could comprehend- why did it happen and how? Every analysis failed - a great pitch, unplayable deliveries, lethal bowling. Only spot on bowling with zero misses from Aussies, all misses from Indian batsmen, and yes maybe the pink ball (as I heard some experts opine). An inexplicable turn of events for a side that seemed to be pretty much better than their opponents till then left us baffled. Sometimes unpredictability of events can shake you up completely. I was not willing to hear any harsh criticisms or watch any critical videos for some time. Yes, that’s Test cricket, where you have to earn everything after winning physical and mental battles. Suddenly the bowlers have all the weapons which they exhibit so ruthlessly after being bantered and butchered in the shorter form of the games, thanks to the terrible imbalance in favor of batsmen To a nation where almost every spectator and non spectator is a self appointed cricket critic and master, I thought we did well to represent some balance in terms of opinions good, bad, harsh, and inspirational. With social media almost stalking, dissecting every minute of our lives,. I honestly did read some balanced viewpoints of some experts for the match. Its easy to say its only a match, it happens but to digest this was hard. 

I decided not to watch the second match and devote my energies elsewhere. In a way I felt relieved that the red ball match started early am time am where I am almost dysfunctional. However laying in bed at 6:30 am, I checked to see Aussies were 38/3. As India was bowling, I felt I could take a chance to follow the match for sometime through live scorecards. When I finally opened the television the first thing which struck attention was the “body language” of the men in blue on the field, in sharp contrast to the previous match. The intense net practice and cohesiveness as an unit was visible. Another surprise was the amazing exhibition of leadership by an underrated and overshadowed captain. The backing, support and the constant encouragement he gave to the team and his young debutants was amazing. Yes he was a man who commanded respect through his action- rock solid and cool.  

After bowling the Aussies out cheaply, when India started batting in the first innings, it seemed every single run was a milestone by itself and double its value. The bruise of 36 all out was so deep and would take to heal. After losing the first wicket for zero, it took India three overs to get a single run. Solid demonstration of grit, positivity and hunger to perform by Gill, the young debutant who I anticipate would have a huge fan following. Much like a millennial, he made use of every opportunity thrown to him. Rahane’s hundred was worth a double century- hard earned, solid and persistent. Ravindra Jadeja followed along, demonstrating the required flair and the temperament which distinguishes this version of the game from the others. The  second innings bowling was a demonstration of fierce determination to get the opponents out. While there was support in the first innings from the pitch, this time it was will and hours of grill before Bumra, Ashwin, Siraj  and Jadeja could dismiss the Aussies. Jaspreet Bumra with his tacit and smiling aggression, Ashwin battling with variation in a non spinning wicket, and Jadeja persistently trying. Mohd Siraj demonstrated great passion, aggression and attitude not subdued by his personal losses. This time every wicket taken was twice the effort. The Indian team seemed invincible. Even Umesh Yadav’s unfortunate exit could not curb their sprits. The wheel of balance was now tilting to their favor but with very hard effort. Every moment seemed so near yet so far till it actually happened. 

Indeed revenge indeed seemed sweet when backed with attitude, spirit, and persistence. A well earned victory exhibiting strong character (the most common phrase to define the match, by everyone) and skill. I heard and read so many phrases- a great bench strength, solid silent captaincy, amazing debut, solid game plan, turning hundred, disciplined performance. This was amongst one of the most memorable matches I  watched ever since the India vs Australia  test @Eden Gardens. What we lost in an hour we gained back in 3.5 days. Thanks to Team India for providing happiness, hope and belief and raising our spirits in a incredibly challenging year that has shaken the world globally. 

I’ll end my excerpt with the thought that the character and quality of the game has changed significantly, along with the players. The pluses of the current generation of cricketers are much like our corporate professional millennials professional, enthusiastic, hungry to perform and exploit every opportunity and business like. This brings a flavor of maturity in the cricketing milieu, instills an ability to bounce back, and do the job at 100%. What we desire to view sound  batting demonstrating technique, class, and temperament, solid opening, a gutsy middle order and a clean finish. Our former cricketing heroes exhibited sound techniques and style to fight it out on unplayable Aussie pitches, lethal bowling attacks and strong formidable oppositions. While we accept the new, and the positives, we could afford to take a leaf from the past too. 

As a spectator, I hope to watch some great games 2021 and develop a balance towards the current era of cricket. Hope 2021 is a rocketing cricket year!

SF CALLING …SECOND VISIT TO THE PROMISED LAND!

It’s one of those rare moments in my life wherein I have finally got down to penning some lines about my present jaunt @ SF. No! I won’t coin "busy ness" or work as an alibi. It is just a question of acknowledging how laid back and lazy I am. It’s an extreme rarity that the pen takes over my lackadaisical nature. And it’s true the all engulfing monster called "work" keeps haunting me in such a way that even when I am not working the images and thoughts just keep passing by. I have been battling with time, laziness and energy all at one go.
Coming back to SF was simply great. I consider myself to be fortunate to have a second opportunity to live a portion of my life here. During my last visit, I was in awe of the place and trying to make this most of my US visit almost spending every weekend in a new place -be it cross country or southern California or Nevada . It is my firm belief this time I came back to spend more time here and can finally say that I made communion with SF. It’s superseded the feeling of being in USA , feeling big or glamorous, and craving for the best in life. I can succintly declare that I am in love with the city of SF itself. After my hometown, no city has evoked this feeling in me.
The SF skyline, the Golden Gate, the Bay Bridge, Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the haunting sound of sea gulls. It seemed that that the vivid memories that were previously trapped in the mind raced out to envision itself in reality again. I felt connected totally. My first visit to the Deloitte office evoked a feeling of being "BIG." I was mesmerized by the Bay Area that could be foreseen from the office. I wondered what it felt like to view this picturesque vision. Perhaps it seemed normal as is anything that becomes a part of routine life. I had the premiere experience of jaunting through Muir Woods and gazing Sausalito.
[By the time I have reached this paragraph, I am back in India for about a month. I feel ashamed about my track record for writing but nevertheless thought of writing some more paragraphs about the SF jaunt and finally sign off today]
Apart from the absorbing and scenic beauty, I recall some of the spectacular memories during my stay. Madhu’s constant support, her warm home contributed to the at home factor in SF. We celebrated Valentine’s day at “Temple”-my first nightlife experience in SF followed by some more 'tending to uncensored ventures' (no pun intended of course).
End of March started with the reunion of our college buddies- Bags, Madhu and me. This was a crazy experience-nonstop MASTI for three days! Starting from the Supper Club on a Friday night, watching dances in massage styled couches, bumping into strangers, dancing spiritedly, shouting and laughing through the moon roof at Golden Gate (post 1am at night), continuing the dance spree, having a gala time and loads of fun @ Bollywood night, making new friends, shouting at the waiter(that its a sin to be vegetarian-poor guy!), walking with tired legs at Fisherman’s Wharf, hogging a sumptuous meal at a bayside restaurant, attending dinner , starting Monday @ work, going for coffee and shopping, squeezing an office meeting inbetween , gulping tasty Indian Chinese food, and chit chatting the entire Monday night, till it was flight time for Bags to leave-yes we completed the gallore of activities within a span of three days-Friday to Monday. This toast of a time was definitely a welcome breaks from my hectic weekdays.
The first weekend of April was one of the most special experiences in my life. I finally got to see my ten month niece live @ Saint Clouds, Minnesota. This was quality family time spent with the family for three days. The first time I saw Ahona (my niece)I felt something that I cannot put to words. I still recollect her twinkling eyes (touchwood) gazing at me. I must admit that I was apprehensive of holding her in my arm considering the fact that she was so tiny and delicate. But I soon felt naturally at ease. I also saw my sister in the new role of a mother. Reunion with cousins, Minneapolis, Mall of America, good grub, and a get together spaced itself within last three days of the week. In no time I was at the airport, struggling to send an email. Another new experience was that I accessed internet on the sky for the first time.
In no time it was time for me to leave SF, in the week to follow. Busily trying to accommodate shopping and packing amidst all encompassing work, I finally was ready to leave on Friday evening for New York. It seems departing from NY is fast becoming a norm for me. I was extremely low on adrenalin, but as like before NY energized me and offered me an opportunity to sign off with some more crazy experiences with my crazy friends. We had a wonderful time needless to say with two sleepless nights. Hogging the Indian roll, Bengali food, buying a suitcase to contain my disease of travelling overweight, central park comprised the agenda for NY. The peak was of course the desi disco wherein we were asked to get down from couches and stop opening curtains which foresaw the view of Times Square by the bouncers. Posing in the glitters of Time Square@ 2am was an electrifying experience.
Although I had very little to ponder and reflect, I would sum up my visit as a roller coaster both in terms of work, fun and enjoyment! Nevertheless it reiterated to me the balance of equations and the fact that life is a great leveler. I indeed cherish those wonderful memories, the inexplicable SF connection, the grand reunions, family associations and living in extremes. I would end with the status message I had a few days back-"SF Calling…I am responding with my heart (please no pun intended) and soul!"

Trip to Vizag

Our jaunt to Vizag was a freak out plan that took birth about four weeks ago. Drained and strained by the hectic chores of life at 3:30 or 4 am on a Friday (that’s quite like us) we took a decision to pack our bags and leave at the earliest possible date that was commensurate for all. At times in life we often reach a point wherein the mechanical routine gets so much into you that the solitary desire to ‘break free’ overtakes every other daily duty, routine office work and responsibility that binds you. Such was our frame of mind when after six months of deliberation (am sure all of us involved know how many times we have discussed a vacation) we took the call to just ‘go’ “come what may” be the consequences.

A vacation is the only time wherein we get time to contemplate about life, where we are and maybe what we intend to do. My agenda for the trip was a bit different. As mentioned before it was to break free from the shackles which bound me for the last few months. But alas destiny has its own plans in every intended trip which sparked some colorful moments, hilarious incidents, surprise separations, heightened emotions - all of which paved way for some great experiences and thought provoking realizations.

Amongst the other places of visit (Kailashgiri, beaches) I somehow knew that I would go back to the Kali temple eversince I visited it for the first time in 2007. I felt at strangely at home and relaxed. Ma Kali’s eyes conveyed unconditional assurance. I thanked the person who built this wonderful temple facing the sea.

The climax of the trip was definitely the night out at the beach. Along with my friends I went absolutely crazy. We totally let loose, experiencing an all time high - shouting, screaming, running and absorbing the night in ecstasy. To load shedding and complete darkness added to the excitement. It almost unbelievable how we invested our efforts to get the correct focus of the camera and managed to pose in darkness for "perfect" photo shoots. The waves dashed and as usual I fell completely drenched. One of the few times, I let go completely. It seemed that all my virtues and vices fused in the unending sea and for once I felt I could be myself minus any pretensions and consequences.

The road to Araku got me connected with the mountains and their grandeur. The constant defenders of nature irrespective of time and space gave me the much needed feeling of consistency in vacillating times. Borra caves, gardens and coffee plantations was a time of prefect communion with nature.

To add to my philosophical reflections I would emphasize that the trip exposed me to a mixed bag. The eternal sea with the rising and receding waves reminded me of our journey through life with its highs and lows. I traced the path of a wave rising from eternity, making for the peak midway or towards the end but reaching its destination to this side of the shore at any cost. It seemed that the sea told me the story of life. On the other hand the mountains spoke of solitude, peace, determination and permanency in nature. I drew inspiration for my inward nature and internal solace. There could be no better balance and leveling of life a combination of the moving sea and still mountains.

My trip was not only one of reflections. I had a ball of a time laughing my heart out, cracking jokes, being a victim to the silly ones, tripping to glory, complaining, yelling, demanding food hungrily, fasting, yapping, sleeping, being sarcastic with anger…It covered almost every emotion… So a toast to the buddies who made this happen …I love you all!

I would coin this trip as certainly a one I would look back down memory lane. As the saying goes people, associates, acquaintances friends come and go in your life but memories, and feelings remain. And some moments which are trapped within frames of a photograph add to the bag of experiences that stay with you. Surprisingly I remembered a film dialogue that “The show must go on” irrespective of any situation. It’s our spirits that trigger us to move on. An interaction with nature reiterated this fact yet again.

She was in chains...

Quite some time a younger me wrote this one:

She was in chains...seemed like within four walls of prison
Confinement was her life, solitariness her friend
She dwelt alone with her thoughts in her small world
One day, the tempest arrived...the earth shook
Crumbling and rumbling the doors broke, the chains crashed
It seemed she was confronted with eternity, unlimited and boundless was her vision
The wind touched her face, she breathed the fragrance of nature
She ran wildly, screamed aloud, insanity drove her
She was free, forever free...
But insanity was transient...she heard the sound of chains again...
She felt the pain...tears gushed down her eyes
Running and panting she came back to the walls
All she could see was debris and total destruction
She wondered whether the storm had destroyed her life?
The alarm bell rang and she jumped out of the bed
It was dawn which transcended through the four walls which bound her
So was she dreaming or was it in nightmare?
She wondered in despair...
She went back in her little world where she dwelt in her own thoughts
But then she could hear the chains whispering again
Maybe someone someday would free her
With a mixed bag of hope and despair she continued through the day thereafter

A new ray of light in our lives

It was sheer excitement, hope and joy in ally with mild anticipation that began nine months ago and finally culminated into 21st May- The day when “Ahona entered planet Earth!”(That was my sister’s title line in the album she sent us). Life at times unfolds its beauty in the obvious yet most unique experiences. That’s exactly what dittoed my feelings the day my niece was born.

In spite of being located in the other half of the world, my pulses ticked with greater speed ever since I heard that Didi (my sister) was in the labor room. When I heard the news from Kingshuk da( my brother in law), I gauged that physical distance which is often coined as an obstacle is at times superseded by overwhelming emotions and happiness. Although I won’t deny that I would have loved to be there, I was no less ecstatic in my present vicinity. And in present times of pressure, stress and madness of the rat race, it’s not often that I feel this way.

What followed was endless phone calls, sms, exchange of greetings, deliberations about her pet name and celebration. There was a wave of euphoria between family members, relatives, friends and well wishers. I felt that the common chord of happiness struck between a group of people who were separated by physical distance and yet unified by their strong bonding and attachment. My niece’s birth reiterated this fact yet again.

When I first saw her photographs I was unable to believe my eyes. My imagination had been contoured within the frames of some magnificent pictures. Her gaze, laughter, tears, wonders and surprise stares summated to a pristine and pure feeling which filled me with gratitude to the divine. Didi’s subtle smile, Kingshuk da’s happiness and Ma’s joy were all trapped within the lenses. On this side of the globe, it’s amazing how her snaps can color even the dullest days and gloomiest moods with a heartfelt smile.

I later learned from Didi that Ahona means dawn or the awakening light. The name is indeed symbolic. Ahona is the first member of the next generation in our family. As Didi and Kingshuk da enter parenthood, we (me, cousin brothers and sisters) become Mashis (Aunts), and Mama (Uncles), and our parents, aunts and uncles become grandparents, it is the beginning of a new phase for all of us. She has entered with a light of sunshine in our lives, rejuvenated our spirits and a belief that life is beautiful.

Endless Abeyance

Four months of the year have just flown by and it’s just about the third time that I have got down expressing a few incoherent thoughts. I have never quite believed the common jargons…of being caught up or being busy with work but being in similar boots has made me quite realize the validity of the statement. I find 24 hours of the day not enough for the cycle of lie with its chores. That’s quite the magnitude of the crazy schedule I have been following for the last one and half months. My thoughts have taken a back seat amidst this roller coaster ride of action.
Amongst the wave of rising and receding thoughts that pass by the one that hits me pretty often is why am I doing this? Being a staunch believer that every human action is stimulated by a primary drive be it money, power, love, lust, greed, family requirements, fear, status or simply working for the heck of it. This of course includes the basic necessities as a sub set within its ambit.
I have not managed to find an answer about what my fundamental drive is. It seems the present state of my life is mere status quo or an unwillingness to confront the larger realities of life. I am working or appear to be working as a mere escape from everything- situation, people, and vacuum and most importantly from myself.
Watching IPL, shopping, eating, talking, reading, recession fear-everything seems to be a substitute for another act. The spirit and soul is buried deep down.
Once again I am floating with no direction. Its endless abeyance!

The Winds of Change

"Take me to the magic of the moment
On a glory night
Where the children of tomorrow dream awayIn the wind of change."

There are some songs that can elevate you from any mood, situation or emotion! And so simply yet lucidly proclaim the feelings which you have been yearning to coherently organize and express. That’s the amazing power of music to strike a chord with the soul! It’s inspired me to write my a few lines from my heart.

My first association with the song was by sheer accident. It was one of the classics by the Scorpions that were within my ‘borrowed’ collection of songs. The very first time I heard it, I could connect with it instantly.

Strangely enough, earlier I was so apprehensive about change, its repercussions and effects. Status quo was and is always the comfort zone to which I love clinging. And paradoxically it is change and mobility which has been the source of existence in my life or for that matter anyone’s life.

New experiences, lessons of life, shedding of the rigidities, breaking free from inhibitions, developing new bonds, accepting life for what it is, giving way to what is new-these are some of the phrases linked with the meaning of change to me . The excitement, thrill and sheer experience of the magical moments would make me want to experience and absorb more and more. I would truly love to keep “blowing with the Wind of Change”. Because it is only change which is constant and keeps one moving.

"Walking down the street
Distant memories
Are buried in the past, forever.."

It’s true that somewhere the child in me still dreams away. After every disappointment, loss and struggle there is a sense of hope that prevails-as per cyclical law of nature happiness will dawn. I almost sound cynical but as the saying goes that the deepest of emotions and soul searching is colored by a spark of grief of the past and bygone years.

"The Wind of Change
Blows straight into the face of time
Like a storm wind that will ring the freedom bell.."

And it’s so true that time has been the best healer for every difficult experience and bitter memory–“The Wind of Change blows straight into the face of time” And once I release and let go the memories that imprisoned me, I felt liberated and free.

It was much later that I read about the background of the song and learned that it was about breaking the communist system down and about the positive turning of communist countries in Europe to democracy. Although there was nothing political about my thoughts. Neither does it reflect my allegiances. But somewhere I can always connect with the values of freedom, liberty and the new order (the old giving way to the new).

It’s so strange that some songs tie the personal to the collective and cross every barrier of time and space. The sheer expression of opposite feelings of hope and despair at the same time makes it a soul stirring composition that elevates me from every possible emotion which binds me. I feel larger than every experience and a step closer to the divine.