My prediction of an India vs Australia final series (Indian Newslink, March 1, 2012) failed to materialise after Sri Lankans came home strong in the latter stages of the Tri-series.
I am sure that all Indian fans will be disappointed with the Indian team’s performance but I think, in the long run, it might be a blessing in disguise.
A few young stars emerged from this series with their reputations skyrocketing.
Virat Kohli has long been admired as the next big superstar and his innings of 130 odd off 80 balls to overhaul Sri Lankans’ 320 was as good an innings as you will ever see. Interestingly, followed with another score of 183 in the recently completed Asia Cup to fully stamp his arrival on the world stage.
A phenomenon
Speaking of the Asia Cup, we finally saw the incredible achievement of 100 international centuries from Sachin Tendulkar.
It was such a phenomenal effort that will not be touched by anyone ever again.
I do not think anybody will ever play for as long as Tendulkar has in the future and for this reason, his achievements will never be beaten.
Without trying to anger Indian fans, in my personal opinion, only Ricky Ponting was better than Tendulkar. But let us be honest – that is like choosing the difference between a Ferrari and a Lamborghini!
They are the only two players who I have seen play will make a mistake when batting. By this, I mean their balance/technique/foot movement should be good enough for correction.
When you only have 0.4 of a second to make a decision on what shot you are going to play and then execute it, the ability of Tendulkar and Ponting to get out of those situations and carry on is what sets them apart from the rest.
I love playing against Tendulkar and other top players; if you can get them out, then you have truly beaten the best that will ever play the game.
In a weird kind of way, you are never in awe of playing against players of the ilk of Tendulkar, because you do know that it does not get any tougher and it is a great motivator to succeed against them.
The unthinkable
I think it will be a sad day when Tendulkar hangs up his cricket bat. He has been a magnificent ambassador for the game of cricket not just for India and its fans but the world over. 100 centuries is ridiculous to think about and all I can say is that it has been a privilege to play against him.
I am off to India for the latest edition of the IPL, arriving a week earlier than the rest of the New Zealanders.
I need the week to train, get used to the heat and make sure that if and when my opportunity to play for the Chennai Super Kings arrives, I would be ready and able to deliver for both my captain MS Dhoni and coach Stephen Fleming.
I am looking forward to heading away as its another chance to win the IPL,
Scott Styris is an all-round cricketer with Black Caps. He is a right-handed middle order batsman and medium pace bowler. He will soon be playing for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL matches in India. Scott will write a regular column in Indian Newslink.
