Cricket

India is a huge country with over a billion people. A country of rich cultural heritage, it is also a land of diversity. As one travels from North to South, or moves from East to West, the languages spoken differ, festivals differ, customs differ, rituals differ. Even the food and dressing styles differ. Many religions are practiced in the country. Then there are various castes and sub-castes. However, there is one thing that unites this vast nation unlike anything else — Cricket!!

Hindu or Muslim, North or South Indian, young or old, you can always play cricket together. It is a common sight in India to find children playing cricket almost anywhere be it on streets (gully cricket), along railway tracks, open grounds, in affluent communities or dreary slums. I was in Gokarna beach with friends when I saw this group of kids enjoying a game of cricket on the beach, next to the shoreline. Certainly brought back some fun memories of childhood days.

People say, if cricket is religion, Sachin Tendulkar is God!! There cannot be talk of cricket in India without the name Sachin Tendulkar popping up. The great batting maestro hit his 100th international century today against Bangladesh in Sher-e-Bangla stadium, Mirpur. He became the first batsman to have reached this milestone.

In a career spanning over 22 years, he has played 188 test matches and 462 ODIs, amassing more than 33000 runs. Being part of countless successful endeavors including the recently concluded Cricket World Cup Championship, it will certainly be a disappointment for the great man that his achievement came in a match which India had to forfeit to Bangladesh, an opponent known to be the minnows of world cricket. Hundred international tons is an incredible feat. The whole nation is proud of this historic achievement. Heartiest Congratulation to the Master Blaster!! As Amitabh Bachchan aptly said, "Never done before, perhaps never after!!"