iRohit.com

As this year rushes towards it finality, I am compiling a list of the most memorable sporting events that we had the privilege to witness this year. There were quite a few this year. For India it was a bittersweet year.

So let me begin with the one event that had billion and half people come to a standstill on one promising Monday evening in late September. The event : The Twenty20 final. After, what could only be termed as the most disgraceful performance by the Indian team in the ODI World Cup a few months earlier, the expectations from us were at an all time low. Also, majority of the desi crowd were oblivious with this new format. So when our first match was washed out, we were like… déjà vu… But then the tie with the Pakis, and we winning the bowl out got us curious. This was quickly followed by a loss against the kiwis. Phhbbt… But from that point on… the rest they say is history. Sending the English out of the park, followed by stealing victory against the Proteas, and then outclassing the almighty Aussie and finally defeating the Pakis to claim the maiden Twenty20 World Cup had the whole nation euphoric.

The stars for India were Yuvraj, Dhoni with a young and fired up team. Dhoni, who was just made the captain, displayed outstanding leadership (I have never seen a more honest, calm, motivating Indian captain) and unwavering belief in his team. The moments that will forever be etched in our memories are Yuraj hiting 6 sixes, and Sreesanth beating the pitch…

Cheers to Dhoni and his desi brigade…

Well done Team India. I can almost hear the hallowed words, “First Twenty20 World Champions… India”. Poor host, they caught us on the wrong freaking day. Ofcousre, we were gonna win the match, but we wanted to top the group. No way were we getting out of Durban. Not with another weekend approaching. We get treated like gods here, especially by the female kinds. So after we win against the Aussies, we go straight to party.

And then on Monday, well why wouldn’t they just hand over the trophy! Does Pakistan really want to be humiliated once again? Last time, we were kind to them. We made it look as if it was real close. After all we are neighbours! But this time around we will take no prisoners. Prepare to die, you Pakis!

As for a final with NZ, naah, not a chance!

~views expressed are of a member of the Indian team