STUMPED!!

Nothing like a good game of cricket and if it's India and Pakistan head on, the pleasure is infinite! Remembering the words of George Orwell here, "Serious sport is war minus the shooting". Nothing short of a duel when the arch rivals meet !!

The temperature was a horrible 40+ with high humidity so I was contemplating to stay and watch it in the comfort of my home. But good sense prevailed and I packed caps, a small hand fan and water bottles. Slathered sunscreen and picked a cotton dress in bright CSK yellow (tweety bird looks as my friend tweeted) reached the venue with 2 hours to spare as we needed to get the best seats available.

The parking lot was a good 1.5 kms away from the stadium, we had to walk in the scorching sun. I turned red with the heat and exertion and with my bright yellow dress, I was a sight!

The security at the gate refused to allow my water bottles inside, I was sad to part with my favourite bottle, my friend had warned me to take disposable bottle, well do I listen to anyone !?

Upon insistence the security said, Ind- Pak match so communal fights might erupt, we are not allowing these as it could be used as weapons. The sun was glaring, we picked up a place where there would be shade in a while. We were the early birds and everyone got on to sliding, tapping and clicking on their phones.

Sunday being the first day of the working week the stadium remained vacant but as the sun went down the stadium got full and was exploding.

It was heart warming to see the Indians and Pakistanis posing and exchanging mobiles to click each other. Each admiring the others' banners and headgear, face paint etc. A wonderful experience to sit shoulder to shoulder with the "rivals", our erstwhile brothers and watch cricket. The gesture of goodwill as everyone stood up in respect to the Pakistani National Anthem played first followed by the Indian Anthem. The video of a Paki national singing our anthem during the last match was viral already.

The cheering and booing, the dances and the slogans " Jeethega bhai jeethega " followed by thunderous "India jeethega" by us and "Pakistan jeethega"by them. The thrill when a player fielding near the boundary waves his hand towards our side and as Dhoni turned his head, my heart skipped a beat! Maybe he was exercising his neck but each of us felt as if he personally looked at us! The constant standing up, clapping, formation of the wave left us with aching joints, but we enjoyed every moment in the sweltering heat. The hawkers were continuously selling water (in thin plastic), aerated drinks, pizzas, kfc and ice creams, samosas, shawarmas and what not! Of course beer too was sold in the VIP section, walking all the way getting it and coming back to the seat - the fun element faded. Still we downed a few.

The Sachin fan, Sudhir and Dhoni fan sponsored by the players (?) were just a few rows front of us along with a Pakistani follower, someone famous in their parts, was sitting between these two. The 3 were celebrities with people thronging to click selfies with them. The Pak supporter Bashir chacha, (Google !) was full of fun and enthusiasm. He would scream "Jeethega bhai Jeethega " and we Indians would out number the Pakis and answer back " India Jeethega" and he would make a face at us. He would suddenly change the slogan "Harega bhai harega" and we smartly chorused  "Pakistan Harega".

As the match progressed and we were gaining the upper hand,  the old man's antics fondly called "chachaji" by the Indians (too) was so entertaining. He faked tears and started saying India jeethega! A group of boys from Pakistan had a banner with Imran Khan and the slogan " Boys Gabrana Nahi", the boys were not to be seen when Dhawan and Sharma were charging!
The person next to us had an eagle's eyesight, he could recognize any player however far they were.  I had a whistle hanging around my neck (my friends daughters!) and after 75 overs of whistling I was feeling lightheaded and immediately the neighbour borrowed my whistle and made optimal use of it !

There were slogans of Ganpathy bappa moriya and Bharat mata ki jai...also a few Modi bhakts chanting Modi zindabad. The furore was high when AR Rahmans "Jai ho"  played on the speakers.
Indians were excited whenever Shoaib Malik was batting or bowling. Chants of "jijaji" and "sania" filled the stadium. India showered love on him! I was not a fan of Rohit Sharma but sort of liked him when I saw him lead the team to victory.  First time I was watching a complete 50 overs match. I was diverted by the cheering and missed some of the action on the field and had to watch the replay in the big screen. We all sang " Happy birthday " to Rayudu, witnessed Dhawan's 15th ODI century and Sharma's 19th ODI century. Sujith wanted to leave after the centuries but I insisted maybe one of them will get out and Dhoni will come to bat. No such luck and we left after the last run was taken and India Jeethgaya !

P.S. With jijaji, chachaji and all it was a family affair! Sibling rivalry!!