Dec 15, 2004 03:21 PM
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(Updated Dec 15, 2004 03:24 PM)
Hero - a mantle far too small
for a boy, against giants,standing tall
Knowing when an in-swinger is enough
And a low full-toss is not
The line he walks
like the waves against the rocks
persistent and unyielding
can the rocks weather his storm?
Salaam to the Sultan of Swing!
There was a time, not so long ago when India's bowling attack came to its own. Jawagal Srinath was bowling his best and India had a young feisty lad called Zaheer Khan spewing fire. It was during this time that there circulated a rumour about a certain Pathan who was billed to be the next fastest thing. This rumour started gathering momentum and the public were left picturing a knight in shining armour who would take the attack to the opposition. Okay...I overdid the knight in shining armour bit but a cherry flinging giant we did expect.
When this product was finally revealed to the great Indian audience, there were silent sighs...this wiry kid is Pathan? Hopes of watching an Indian Imran Khan came tumbling down on first sight. People were hoping that he did not get hurt on the field. But then true to his reputation, he let the beast in him control on-field proceedings. The nation stood up to realize the new find. He, along with Balaji were baptized in fire during the tour of Australia. In every adversity there is an opportunity - He realized this very early and took advantage of the situation. Soon Wasim Akram took interest in him and the 'boy' took definition from the 'man'.
Pakistan tour, 2004 - Adversity - Zaheer Khan was injured and India had to depend on Irfan and Balaji to spearhead the bowling. This is probably the situation that very few tyros would have liked to be in a.) because of the specific opposition and b.) because they had everything to lose. He had an option - lie down and be counted out or stand up and be counted. He chose to stand up and deliver... not just with the ball but also with the bat. Did we have a Kapil in the making?
A particularly interesting feature in Irfan is the fact that he is persistent and ever-so-eager to be the fly in the opposition's ointment. He has the making of cricket's own 'Cassius Clay' - Fly like a butterfly and sting like a bee!
Now he has a double whammy 5 wicket haul in Bangladesh. It may be Bangladesh but he shows no mercy when it comes to hunting with the cherry. That is the defining quality of a strike bowler and that is what makes him world class. It is by no means a mean feat to make the great Akram say, ''He is better than what I was at his age.''
The followers of the Indian sect of cricket should pray that Irfan's romance with the game and his killer instinct remain with Team India.
