“If you ever decide to gift that willow to someone, remember the man behind the wickets.”
– Jeff Dujon to Sunil Gavaskar when Gavaskar scored his 29th Test Century matching Bradman’s record
Cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties. Even before the action begins, there are furious debates about the nature of the pitch. More often than not, its vagaries belie the predictions. A green top turns out to have low bounce. A supposedly dead track livens up the game.
As the hour draws near, men in white coats march on to the field bearing serious expressions. Everyone looks to the heavens while a coin follows the laws of gravity.
The ball whizzes through the air. Batsmen unleash a flurry of shots. And the fortunes swing with unfailing regularity. As the day wanes, the tearing pace gives way to the guile of spin. The see saw battle takes on a new edge.
Through this pulsating, edge of the seat drama, there is a man behind the wickets. He is beset with many questions – anticipate the pace, read the spin, watch out for the edges.
At every success, he jumps with joy. At every setback, he must try and restore the spirit with encouraging words. At times, he may even use a harsh word or two. Sledging’s part of the game after all.
The last year behind the wickets has been a very exciting one. Every delivery brought new challenges. But through all of this, I was able to count on your support, your friendships and your dedicated efforts.
Amidst the many uncertainties, that was the one certainty. Thank you all for the wonderful teamwork. It is now time for me to hang up my gloves.
Today, I will not collect the next delivery. But I will carry with me a gift of friendships more prized than any willow. I will smile at a word that would make every wicketkeeper cringe – Bye!
