Chak De India, might become India’s biggest hit this year but not many people would know that Men and Women Asia Cup Hockey tournaments are currently taking place, and India is topping the tables at both the events. Even fewer would know that Leander Paes has made it to the final of the mixed doubles at the US Open. But I am pretty sure that most would know the score line of yesterday’s nail biting match at the Oval, and a good percentage would also be aware of the fact that Sachin Tendulkar got out in 90’s for the fifth time on this tour. A few of us might even remember what exactly Rahul said after winning the match.

Why am I writing all this? Well I am not cribbing and I don’t complain if other sports do not get enough attention in our country. There is something about cricket which puts it above the rest for an average Indian. Even before, the news channels started covering it passionately, and Cricketers started appearing in the commercials, the game was followed with immense passion and matches were discussed and debated in schools and offices unless the next one had been played.

After scratching my head for some time, I can enlist some reasons which make watching this sport, a favorite for most of us:

• It’s a dynamic game, as it moves forward with every delivery making it engrossing at all times, unlike games like football and Hockey, which might end up in a goal less draw.
• The relatively slow pace of the game makes it easier to understand. There is ample time between two deliveries for even a lay man to understand what has happened.
• Players are highlighted and get enough coverage (while batting, bowling or even fielding) so they are easy to identify.
• Performance of every player is comprehensively analyzed, by easy to understand scoring techniques, distinguishing everyone’s performance while contributing to the teams performance.
• It’s less physically demanding as compared to some other sports even though the duration is more than any other sport.
• It’s a perfect example of teamwork, as every player has to be good at different skills at different times in a match.
• The various scoring measures enable players to make and more records in many areas thus keeping interest alive for their followers as well.

So, if you think that other games are not popular because Cricket is too popular, it’s time to think differently and let loose your temptation to fall for this amazing game.

Cheers Team India … Chak De!!!

 SUMIT