He takes guard with an absence of fear
Bowlers immediately think, the end is near
Plays with a free spirit, and an uncluttered mind
Very soon the opposition is left miles behind

–

They say he is coming home for this game
But to this little genius, it’s all the same
Any Twenty two yards, is quite his birth place
And just about anybody knows his face!

–

The serious one on the Indian line
But when he is on, things are always fine
A calmness and poise, he does effortlessly bring
After a steady start, his ambition often takes wing

–

His is a great career, about to really start
He already has class, which sets him apart
Brave in approach, nimble on his feet
Sure to be around, for a sumptuous repeat

–

The prince then takes center stage
A lot calmer, having caged the rage
Now a rare talent, which has begun to flower
And never ceases to amaze, by the passing hour

–

Another greenhorn, but already a super king
Is life at the death overs, is the lord of the ring
Manages to pull India, out of many a dark spot
A childlike innocence, but plays with a lot of thought

–

A son of the soil, if ever there was one
For spinning webs, he is second to none
Is all heart, and proudly wears it on his sleeve
Every so subtly, urges the batsman to leave

–

Now the venerable leader of our bowling pack
With yorker length balls, has given many the sack
Never loses his line, even in the cauldron of fire
There is however no mistaking, his winning desire

–

Appears disinterested, but that’s not really true
Has proven when given a chance, he too bleeds blue
The others underestimate him, at their own risk
For his languid action unleashes, missiles ever so brisk

–

A young spinner who might open the show
A promising talent, say those in the know
Tall and accurate, can bat a bit as well
Is rearing to go give the competition hell

–

Finally the captain, the man with ice in his veins
Seems to have super powers, shows absolutely no pains
Astutely sets fields, never lets his confidence slide
Just soaks the pressure, and smiles watching it glide

–

But for the billion others, many who don’t walk the pitch
This is a magic moment, to cure a chronic ‘28 year itch’
We are at the Promised Land; we are poised to life the grail
With so many ardent prayers, how can we fail?

Poem by Vinay Kanchan

Vinay Kanchan is a creative thinking trainer and an independent brand consultant. He is the author of the book, The Madness Starts at 9 and also the patron saint of a footballing movement called Juhu Beach United, that celebrates, the unfit, out of breath working professional of today. He blogs at http://vinaykanchan.sulekha.com/and can be contacted at vinaykanchan5@gmail.com