Legends of the Arena

March 24, 2011
The outcome of the quarter finals definitely signified the end of an era. Going into it, a defeat for either side would have underlined the departure of one of the two maestros of the cricketing world from the world’s most coveted stage of the game- permanently. Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting. Undeniably the greatest batsmen still in the game, they share almost all the records amongst themselves and together illustrate the best exponents of one-day cricket phenomenon. Overwhelming critics, negotiating expectations, eluding time- they have wielded magic at the world’s most prestigious arena, time after time. Their world cup records adequately representing that, yet excluding the influence they exerted to their own teams and their opponents. However, throughout their careers, Sachin managed to edge past Punter as far as statistics, reputations and opinions are concerned, and dear Punter had to remain contented being the second best in the minds of cricket experts and aficionados. These superlatives of world cup confronted each other in what could possibly be their last venture on the world cup canvas had their side lost. And as the Aussies were eliminated, Destiny probably decided to give the best another go, over the world’s next best. Ponting has chased Sachin in all his records, reaching pinnacles himself, yet living in the shadow of the tallest peak, yet in the agony of winning the silver. In the cricketing sky without Tendulkar, Punter is the brightest star. He made his point as he walked away today- the champion in his own right. Sometimes you just feel for him, just as this limerick says-

Had Sachin been not so much into cricket
Punter could have got himself the ticket
To journey ahead of all the rest
Instead of being the second best
And a little more value for his wicket.