India erupts as World Cup wait ends
Source: Agencies |
April 4, 2011, Monday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
INDIA hasn't hosted a party like this for 28 years.
Many of the revelers who poured onto streets across the country weren't even born the last time India lifted the World Cup in 1983. In a nation which places cricket in a near religious context, the euphoria after Saturday's six-wicket win over Sri Lanka arose as much from relief as joy.
The sound of firecrackers continued through the night in Mumbai, the scene of India's success, and by 6am yesterday, a few hardy fans were still riding around the city on motorbikes, flags waving behind them, eking every last moment of pleasure out of India's victory.
There was blanket coverage across India's news channels. Nothing else mattered. The newspapers dedicated page upon page to the historic win. "The World At Our Feet" was the headline on Sunday's edition of the Times of India.
"The wait has ended and a new legend has been born," the newspaper said. "(India captain) Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his intrepid warriors now stand atop a pedestal hitherto occupied only by Kapil's Devils."
Until Saturday, Kapil Dev's World Cup-winning squad of 1983 was revered as India's greatest sporting heroes. Now they've got company from the likes of Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh.
Tendulkar is the only member of the current squad old enough to really remember the exploits of Kapil and Co. and to have experienced the knock-on effects of their achievements.
The world's best batsman and India's greatest sportsman didn't play a major role in the final match, but he was given center-stage in the celebrations. The picture of a tearful Tendulkar being carried around his home ground on the shoulders of his teammates will not only be one of the defining images of this World Cup, but of India's sporting history.
"Our one dream was to win it for India and for Sachin, and we've done it," Yuvraj said.
Cricket is regarded as a unifying force for India's 1.2 billion population, breaking down cultural and religious barriers. It was never more evident than in Saturday night's celebrations when millions celebrated together. They were wrapped in flags, had their faces painted with the tricolors of India, and wore the light blue replica team shirts.
India's politicians, dignitaries and celebrities queued up to heap praise on Dhoni and his players.
"I join the nation in congratulating the Indian cricket team on their victory," India Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said. "The Indian team has made India proud."
On Saturday, Tendulkar was still the undisputed star.
The stage had been set for the world's leading batsman to win his first World Cup in six attempts, and to do it in his home town.
But he was out for 18, leaving Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir (97) to score the bulk of the runs as India chased down 275 in the closest and most climactic World Cup final since 1992. Dhoni clouted a soaring six to bring up the winning runs.
Tendulkar admitted he shed some tears of joy. "They were happy tears, so I don't really mind. It is the proudest moment of my career and it is never too late to win the World Cup."
Batsman Virat Kohli summed up the team's mood in a tribute to the most senior player. "He has carried the burden of the country for 21 years," Kohli said. "It was high time we carried him around on our shoulders."
India became the first team to win batting second in a final since Sri Lanka beat Australia by eight wickets in 1996.
Many of the revelers who poured onto streets across the country weren't even born the last time India lifted the World Cup in 1983. In a nation which places cricket in a near religious context, the euphoria after Saturday's six-wicket win over Sri Lanka arose as much from relief as joy.
The sound of firecrackers continued through the night in Mumbai, the scene of India's success, and by 6am yesterday, a few hardy fans were still riding around the city on motorbikes, flags waving behind them, eking every last moment of pleasure out of India's victory.
There was blanket coverage across India's news channels. Nothing else mattered. The newspapers dedicated page upon page to the historic win. "The World At Our Feet" was the headline on Sunday's edition of the Times of India.
"The wait has ended and a new legend has been born," the newspaper said. "(India captain) Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his intrepid warriors now stand atop a pedestal hitherto occupied only by Kapil's Devils."
Until Saturday, Kapil Dev's World Cup-winning squad of 1983 was revered as India's greatest sporting heroes. Now they've got company from the likes of Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh.
Tendulkar is the only member of the current squad old enough to really remember the exploits of Kapil and Co. and to have experienced the knock-on effects of their achievements.
The world's best batsman and India's greatest sportsman didn't play a major role in the final match, but he was given center-stage in the celebrations. The picture of a tearful Tendulkar being carried around his home ground on the shoulders of his teammates will not only be one of the defining images of this World Cup, but of India's sporting history.
"Our one dream was to win it for India and for Sachin, and we've done it," Yuvraj said.
Cricket is regarded as a unifying force for India's 1.2 billion population, breaking down cultural and religious barriers. It was never more evident than in Saturday night's celebrations when millions celebrated together. They were wrapped in flags, had their faces painted with the tricolors of India, and wore the light blue replica team shirts.
India's politicians, dignitaries and celebrities queued up to heap praise on Dhoni and his players.
"I join the nation in congratulating the Indian cricket team on their victory," India Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said. "The Indian team has made India proud."
On Saturday, Tendulkar was still the undisputed star.
The stage had been set for the world's leading batsman to win his first World Cup in six attempts, and to do it in his home town.
But he was out for 18, leaving Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir (97) to score the bulk of the runs as India chased down 275 in the closest and most climactic World Cup final since 1992. Dhoni clouted a soaring six to bring up the winning runs.
Tendulkar admitted he shed some tears of joy. "They were happy tears, so I don't really mind. It is the proudest moment of my career and it is never too late to win the World Cup."
Batsman Virat Kohli summed up the team's mood in a tribute to the most senior player. "He has carried the burden of the country for 21 years," Kohli said. "It was high time we carried him around on our shoulders."
India became the first team to win batting second in a final since Sri Lanka beat Australia by eight wickets in 1996.
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