Finally

18:something IST on the 24th of February 2010.

200 not out

Imagine a standard ninth class 20 years from now. A teacher asks a student what is poetic justice. The student goes up to the board and writes 24/02/2010 200*. For that is what it is. A perfect 200*, not a run more, not a run less. If there was any remaining shred of doubt, it has surely been blown away. If anyone person could have broken this barrier it was him.

But you know what is the most enduring image from the game? 49th over, last ball. Dhoni whacks it down the ground and he scampers through for a single. A single on 199 not out? With six balls remaining in the innings and enough runs on the board? That's selflessness personified.

For his entire career he has carried us on his backs, all the billion plus of us. He has fallen, only rise greater and better. I cringe at the mere thought of the Indian batting line-up without his name. Somehow, everything remains possible when he is there.

Each stroke from his willow has conducted the symphony of the heavens themselves. And the music has lifted our hearts, brought back our smiles, even enabled us to feel pity for Warne in 1998.

For 20 years, over a sixth of humanity has united in prayer to a single God. And there have been aspersions cast over him from the sect of non-believers. They said he was old, he was feeble, he didn't have it in him any more. That he was not the best.

And each time the gong of his response has been singular. The sound of the ball hitting the middle of the bat, and racing past the fielders on its way. His mouth has been his bat and it has done quite a lot of talking.

But we Indians are not satisfied. I want India to win the world cup at the new Wankhede in Mumbai and for him to score a century. You see how even I write 'want' and not 'wish'?

Most people would think what now? What is left for him? Rest assured, this 200 is special but it is neither his motivation nor his inspiration. They both still remain the Re. 1 coins that coach Archrekar put on his stumps at the Shivaji Park nets some 22 years ago.

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar - 200 not out. FINALLY