Damn The 100th

“Iconic Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar scripted history by becoming the first cricketer in the world to score 100 international centuries.”

                      This time celebrations was muted, but it has been overshadowed by a sense of relief. This would be the first time that a Sachin had scored century and everybody is feeling relief rather than celebration (may he also).Looking into last 2 years,2010 was brilliant year for him as he scored total 8 centuries.He scored his 99th century on 11th march against South Africa in World Cup 2011.After that match he got 4 opportunities for golden ton in World Cup 2011 but he failed on every occasion. Since then it had been an long wait for the master blaster, whose every inning was watched with anticipation and excitement. He came so close so many times, in Oval against England , in Mumbai against Westindies or in the first two Tests in Australia.He was out of form during India's Test and ODI whitewash at the hands of England last year and though he recovered quite a bit in the later series, the hundred was still not coming.

                            Tendulkar seemed to be in good touch during the Tests but his form waned after he missed the 100th hundred despite coming close a few time.Following this, he made himself available for the ODI tri-series against Sri Lanka and Australia but there too, the milestone proved elusive.A long wait of 33 innings has frusted all his fans,But the wait finally ended in familiar sub-continental environment.When asked him about his feeling after 100thton, he said he felt 50 kilos lighter after the century, he was obviously referring to the pressures of expectations that he had to carry for over a year. None of us can feel that pressure as those who haven't gone through it won't know how difficult that was.This inning adds one more record of scoring century against all ODI playing teams.

                          

                            This golden moment could have been better, against quality opponent and on a wicket that didn’t really have the typical subcontinent feel about it. It could have happened in Australia, or in England, or during the World Cup. But then, this is not the time to brood on what could have been. This is the time to congratulate,celebrate ,chear ,enjoy and hoping that best is yet to come....