Cricket now

Rinku Singh and Journalism (PC: X) Why do we play sport or watch it? Why do we cover it? Is it always about wins and losses, or runs scored and wickets taken? Is it just brick and mortar? Is sport only about statistics and nothing more? For me, sport is always about character. About the human traits that define us all. At the end of the day, sport builds character and defines who we are. Much more important than a win or a loss, the enduring legacy of sport will always be what it does to human beings. Rinku Singh is a glaring example of what sport is all about. Much like Sachin Tendulkar or Mohammed Siraj before him, Rinku joined the team within 24 hours of his father’s demise in an exemplary show of character. I lost my father when I was 24. I know how crushing it can be, for there is nothing that can make up for the irreparable loss. It makes you numb and it is almost impossible to overcome such situations. In Rinku’s case, he did – and joined his team, for that is where he belo...

Sanju Samson stole the show at the Eden Gardens (Image: Debasis Sen) At the halfway stage, Eden Gardens was tense – 196 was a challenging target in a knockout encounter. Yes, there was dew and yes, the West Indies bowling isn’t the best, but still the tension was palpable. India were expected to bat well to make it, and many were starting to chew their nails and bring out their lucky charms. The tension mounted when Abhishek Sharma holed out in the deep and, soon after, Ishan Kishan followed suit. But that’s when Sanju Samson found his mojo. In an innings of quality under pressure, Samson stood tall on the night that mattered. The thing about Samson is that he has started well multiple times but hasn’t really converted thereafter. Not so tonight. With Suryakumar Yadav also falling before the team total reached three figures, Samson took it upon himself not just to stay the course but also to guide India to a position of strength. Some of the shots, as always, were picture-postcard...