A Phenomenon!!

                                  So Often, the fall of Indian Second Wicket was cheered across the nation. By its Billion Fans!! On that overcast day in Bangalore, South Africa's second wicket was cheered!! In anticipation, that is!! Cheers not for the bowler, nor for the Indian team!! But for this man, playing his 100th test!! He didn't walk out!! When he actually came on, He was cheered until he left on 85!!

                                   Kanpur chanted his name!! So did Indore!! This spectacle continued until the Wankhede!! Bengaluru is his second home!! Currently the most loved overseas player in India!! AB De Villiers!!

                                     He has had his heartbreaks, the WC Quarter Final 2011, or the WC Semi Final at Adelaide 2015. He has been a part of the 'Chokers'. He has choked, his team has, a lot of times. One of the most delightful to watch. He has played all sport, but cricket has endeared him the most. The Superman!! He can play shots all around. The scoop from outside off to fine leg. Or the deft reverse sweep against the turn! He seems to bat on a different pitch, even as there are ruins all around. On pitches, which are by no means, rank turners!! Against balls by no means turning viciously!! 

                                       Men all around, falling to demons in their heads, rather than on the tracks or the balls!! But this man reverse sweeps one turns into him!! As long as he was there, seven down South Africa, requiring over 10 an over, in Chennai had a chance!! Number one in ODIs as well as tests, He has mastered the art of batting!!

                                        By being at the highest level for so long, and by being very much adaptable to the match situation (as he showed in that 200+ ball 37 at Adelaide 2012), he has been there for his team whenever they needed him. His remarkable fitness levels, showed by the fact that he played his first 98 tests without missing one before he finally took paternity leave, and his athleticism on the field are unmatched in this generation. (Or may just be matched by few).

                                       He has not just been a player, but a phenomenon. A true phenomenon which has taken Cricket to a different level. It is a shame that his 100th test didn't last more than a day. "Superman AB", as his fans call him, has been a huge asset for the game. After nearly three months since my last article, it is AB who rekindled my interest in writing one. Let's pray good luck and good health for this phenomenon, and May AB keep entertaining us all!!