As Glenn Maxwell smoked the fastest-ever ODI World Cup century on Wednesday against Netherlands -- off just 40 balls -- legendary Sunil Gavaskar was in all praise of the swashbuckling all-rounder. The 35-year-old was in carnage mode against Dutch in the national capital as he hammered 9 fours and 8 sixes on his way to a mind-boggling 44-ball 106. Read more on TOI
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Cricket 2023: 'I Took 40 Balls' As cricket enthusiasts, we all have our favorite moments from the game that we cherish and remember for years to come. From stunning catches to breathtaking innings, cricket has given us countless memories that we hold dear. Today, I want to share with you a personal experience that will forever be etched in my mind - the day I took 40 balls in a cricket match. It was a sunny afternoon in 2023, and I was playing for my local club in a friendly match against a formidable opponent. As an amateur cricketer, I had always dreamt of making an impact on the game, but little did I know that this particular day would turn out to be one of the most memorable days of my cricketing journey. Our team was batting first, and as luck would have it, I found myself walking out to the middle earlier than expected. The opposition had a strong bowling attack, with a couple of fast bowlers who could generate significant pace and movement off the pitch. As I took guard, I could feel the adrenaline rushing through my veins, knowing that I had a challenging task ahead of me. The first few balls were nerve-wracking. The bowlers were relentless, hitting the right lengths and making the ball swing both ways. I played each delivery with utmost caution, focusing on getting my eye in and surviving the initial onslaught. The crowd, consisting of my teammates and a few spectators, cheered me on, providing the much-needed encouragement and support. As the overs went by, I started gaining confidence. The bowlers, perhaps sensing my resilience, tried different tactics to dismiss me. They bowled bouncers, yorkers, and even slower deliveries, but I managed to fend them off with determination and a bit of luck. The fielders grew restless, hoping for a breakthrough, but I remained steadfast in my approach. By the time I reached the 20-ball mark, I could sense a change in the atmosphere. The opposition, initially dismissive of my presence, started to take notice. The bowlers, frustrated by their inability to dismiss me, grew more aggressive, hoping to force a mistake. But I was determined not to give in. With each ball, my confidence grew, and I started playing a few shots. A crisp cover drive, a well-timed pull shot - these strokes not only relieved the pressure but also instilled a sense of belief in me. The crowd erupted in applause, acknowledging my resilience and determination. As the overs progressed, I could feel fatigue setting in. The physical and mental exertion of facing a relentless bowling attack was taking its toll. But I refused to give up. I reminded myself of all the hard work and practice I had put in to reach this point. I knew that this was my opportunity to leave a mark on the game. Finally, on the 40th ball I faced, a mistimed shot led to my dismissal. The fielder took a comfortable catch, and I walked back to the pavilion, exhausted but proud. I had achieved something that day - I had taken 40 balls against a formidable bowling attack, and in doing so, I had shown resilience, determination, and the ability to withstand pressure. Cricket is a game of uncertainties, and it is often the small moments that define a player's journey. While my innings may not have been a match-winning one or filled with boundaries, it was a testament to the spirit of the game and the power of self-belief. That day, I learned that cricket is not just about the runs scored or wickets taken; it is about the experiences, the challenges, and the memories created along the way. As I reflect on that day, I feel a sense of pride and gratitude. Pride for my own accomplishments and gratitude for the game of cricket, which has given me so much joy and taught me valuable life lessons. And who knows, maybe one day, I will have another opportunity to make an impact, not just by taking 40 balls, but by making a significant contribution to the team. Until then, I will continue to cherish that day in 2023 when I took 40 balls, reminding myself that in cricket, as in life, it's not always about the big scores or the flashy moments - it's about the small victories, the resilience, and the love for the game.