Page 50 - The Indian EYE 082225

The Indian Eye
STUMP VISION AUGUST 22, 2025 50

world’s best. It also laid the founda-
tion for the rise of limited-overs crick-
et in India. The 1980s and 1990s saw
the emergence of stalwarts like Ravi
Shastri, Mohammad Azharuddin,
and Anil Kumble, who balanced flair
with discipline, helping India consis-
tently challenge cricketing giants.

INDIVIDUAL LEGENDS
unil Gavaskar’s historic
10,000th Test run in 1987 sym-
Sbolized endurance, technical
mastery, and consistency. Gavaskar’s
elegant strokeplay and ability to han-
dle pressure made him a role mod-
el for young cricketers. His records
stood for decades, inspiring players
like Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, and
Sachin Tendulkar.
In the early 2000s, India experi-
enced unforgettable moments under
Sourav Ganguly’s captaincy, notably
the Kolkata Test comeback against
Australia in 2001. After a crush-
ing defeat in the first Test, Dravid’s MS Dhoni’s calm leadership and strategic acumen ushered in India’s golden era in limited-overs cricket. Winning the 2007 T20 World Cup, the
180 and Laxman’s monumental 281 2011 Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, Dhoni became the only captain to secure all three major ICC trophies
helped India secure victory, turning
the series 2-1 in India’s favor. “That
match changed how the world viewed tional century in the 2012 Asia Cup and a festival-like atmosphere, the diversity, passion, and resilience.
Indian cricket,” recalls former team- immortalized his career. Tendulkar’s IPL became the world’s most popu- Every victory resonates nationwide,
mate Harbhajan Singh. “It showed work ethic, humility, and relentless lar T20 league. Former commissioner from the villages to the metros.”
we could beat the best under pres- pursuit of excellence created a lasting Lalit Modi observes, “It wasn’t just a
sure, even away from home.” impact on Indian cricket culture. league; it was a cultural phenome- RIVALRIES THAT DEFINE
Rohit Sharma carried the torch non. It brought cricket closer to fans INDIAN CRICKET
ICONIC CELEBRATIONS forward, with his record-breaking in ways that Test cricket could never
264 against Sri Lanka in 2014 still the match.” IPL matches now draw mil- he India-Pakistan rivalry con-
he limited-overs format pro- highest-ever ODI score. Sharma’s lions of viewers and inspire young tinues to capture imaginations,
duced iconic moments, includ- ability to pace innings, play long-form cricketers to dream big. Twith each encounter bringing
Ting India’s thrilling win over cricket in ODIs, and dominate bowl- unmatched tension and excitement.
England in the 2002 NatWest Series ers with elegance established him as MODERN ICONS Similarly, contests against Australia
final at Lord’s. Chasing 327, India one of India’s modern greats. and England have produced some of
won with just three balls to spare. irat Kohli’s captaincy led In- Indian cricket’s most memorable mo-
Ganguly’s shirt-waving celebration ERA OF ICC TROPHIES dia to its first Test series win in ments, from Eden Gardens 2001 to
became a defining image of Indian VAustralia in 2018-19, making the NatWest Series 2002 and beyond.
cricket’s confidence on foreign soil. S Dhoni’s calm leadership India the first Asian side to achieve These rivalries push players to per-
Cricket writer Sanjay Rao notes, “It and strategic acumen ush- the feat. Rohit Sharma carried for- form at their peak, creating stories
wasn’t just a celebration; it was India Mered in India’s golden era ward this momentum, leading India to that fans relive for decades.
announcing to the world that it was in limited-overs cricket. Winning victories in the 2024 T20 World Cup
fearless and ready to compete.” the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. A JOURNEY OF PRIDE AND
Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 These triumphs, achieved without PASSION
FEARLESS BATTING ICC Champions Trophy, Dhoni be- losing a single match, demonstrate
came the only captain to secure all India’s dominance in modern cricket. ndia’s cricketing journey post-in-
irender Sehwag’s triple centu- three major ICC trophies. Former dependence is a saga of courage,
ry against Pakistan in 2004 at teammate Yuvraj Singh remembers, HOME DOMINANCE Iskill, and unforgettable moments.
VMultan showcased fearless, “Dhoni had the rare ability to make From tentative early victories to
aggressive batting that set the tone everyone believe in themselves, ndia’s unbroken streak of home World Cups, individual brilliance to
for modern Indian cricket. Sehwag whether it was a young debutant or a Test series wins between 2013 team dominance, India has carved its
redefined how Indian batsmen ap- seasoned star. He instilled calm and Iand 2024, spanning 18 consecu- place among cricket’s elite. As the na-
proached the game, combining clas- courage in the team.” tive series, reflects consistent excel- tion celebrates Independence Day, it
sical technique with audacity. lence and tactical mastery. Cricket is fitting to honor not just the freedom
Sachin Tendulkar, the “Master THE IPL REVOLUTION is woven into the cultural fabric of fighters of 1947 but also the sporting
Blaster,” achieved milestones that in- India. From stadium roars to street heroes who have carried the spirit of
spired millions. His 200 against South he Indian Premier League, celebrations, fans across the country India onto the global stage. In India,
Africa in 2010 made him the first launched in 2007, revolution- celebrate cricket as a collective ex- cricket is more than a game—it is a
male cricketer to score a double cen- Tized cricket globally. With city- perience. Historian Rakesh Mehta reflection of the nation’s resilience,
tury in ODIs, while his 100th interna- based franchises, international stars, notes, “Cricket mirrors India—its dreams, and indomitable heart.

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