world cup 2023

When Sachin Tendulkar wrote for his Icon :

'" I was a ball boy at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai during the 1987 World Cup....

What made it even more special was when Sunil Gavaskar called me to the Indian dressing room and introduced me to the then superstars of the Indian team. I had just entered my teens and couldn't believe my eyes. These were the men that I adored and here I was shaking hands with them. What's more , he then spoke highly of me and my cricketing ability to his teammates. For me , it was a big moment , a huge inspiration. After all , how many cricketers get the opportunity to enter the Indian dressing room before making it to the national team ?

I was then just a school cricketer, but from the way Sunil Gavaskar treated me it felt as if I had already played for India. I could feel his affection for me. Twenty-two years down the line , nothing has changed. I receive the same affection and love from him even today and I consider myself fortunate in this regard.

In a lot of ways , 1987 was a watershed year for me. I remember batting particularly well that year , making more than 1500 runs and it was a huge disappointment when I didn't get the award for the best junior cricketer from the Mumbai Cricket Association ( MCA ). I was just 14 , so my disappointment was perfectly understandable ! That's when I got a letter from Sunil Gavaskar. He wrote that I should not be disappointed at not getting the award because bigger award were in store for me.

That was a massive boost but , as usual , he had saved the best for the last. Right at the end of the letter , he mentioned that if I looked at the list of players who had received the award there would be one name missing that hadn't done too badly in international cricket ! He was , of course , referring to himself and that was a massive inspiration as well as a huge motivation. I thought if he didn't get the award and went on to become the highest run-getter in the Test history at the point , why should I feel demoralized and depressed. I still have that letter -- it was a timely and great source of inspiration. The letter is as prized and valuable as any award I have received in my career. '"

Exactly a month ago at this time of the day, Australia were bottom of the table. And here they are on their way to Ahmedabad for another World Cup final. Tells you how dramatic a turnaround it’s been for them in India

I can't believe many of the India fans that accuse everyone of "crying" are basically doing exactly that.

Your team was fantastic. Your players are as good tonight as yesterday. And Australia should be graciously applauded.

INDIA coach Rahul Dravid says he is exceptionally proud of all of his players, singling out captain Rohit Sharma for particular praise, after the team’s run to the final of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. India won 10 straight matches to reach the final on home soil, but were beaten on the day by an Australian side which delivered in all facets of the game to run out winners by six wickets....