India
vs England, 5th Test (2016), Day 5: Not many gave
India a chance to pick up ten wickets in one day and win the match. The pitch
was still very much flat and only the natural variation was on offer. No turn,
no awkward bounce. England makes it to lunch without any loss. The match is
heading to a dull draw. Having witnessed a historic triple hundred, just the
previous day, and now this match is dying a rather slow and painful death. But
just then the Magic occurs. Ravindra Jadeja, with all the natural variation on
offer to make him difficult to play, rises up to the occasion. Picks up his
career best seven wickets, and fashions India to a stunning victory in the last
hour.
Eight
Years ago, India vs England, 1st test (2008):
Having returned home following the terrorist attack in Mumbai, England return
to play a two test series in Chennai and Ahmadabad. Amid heavy security, the
match takes place and England set a daunting 387 run target for India. Sehwag
gives them a rapid start on the fourth evening, and Sachin Tendulkar notches up
a fantastic fourth innings ton, as India complete a stunning six wicket win on
the final day.
A
Further Nine Years ago, India vs Pakistan, 1999: A
familiar scene in the 1990s was an Indian collapse after Sachin’s wicket.
Sachin was leading a tricky chase against Pakistan with a superb fighting
hundred. But he falls within touching distance of the target, and India lose
last four wickets for 12 runs. Pakistan emerges victorious. To the shock of the
celebrating Pakistan players, the Chennai crowd gives them a standing ovation,
with constant clapping. They symbolised the true sportsmanship.
13
More Years ago, India vs Australia, 1986: Chasing a huge target
of 347, India, led by Sunil Gavaskar, gave the mighty Australians, a huge
scare. So much that India were favourites to win the match now. Destiny had
different ideas. It decided to make this match a memorable one. India were
bowled out for 346, and the test was tied. The only tied test India had played
in. And one of the two tied tests, in cricket history, till date.
Go
back another 34 years, India vs England, 1952:
India had been playing test cricket since 1932. But they had never managed to
win a match. Post independence though, it changed. India registered their first
ever victory in international test cricket, against England in 1952, at
Chennai.
These five instances,
arguably five of the finest instances in Indian Cricket History, happened at
Madras (now Chennai). The MA Chidambaram Stadium at Chepauk, has been witness
to many special moments for Indian Cricket. Sachin Tendulkar loved playing at
Chennai. The only two triple hundreds by Indians at home have been scored in
Chennai. One of the toughest places to play cricket in, because of the
unforgiving heat, Madras is also a magical place. It conjures up moments of sheer
brilliance. India’s most successful captain till date, MS Dhoni, represented a
Chennai based Team in the IPL, and they are the most consistent and successful
side in the cash-rich league.
The city itself is
known for its never-say-die attitude and an indomitable spirit. Ravaged by
unprecedented floods in 2015, Chennai admirably rose from the ashes, with
volunteers helping each other. Humanity prevailed over all differences of
caste, creed, religion etc. Barely one year later, again devastated by the Cyclone
Vardah, Chennai has risen up again. With the MAC Stadium damaged severely by
the storm, just four days before the test match, the groundsmen worked day in
and day out, day and night, to get the ground ready for the match. They
produced a pitch, on which the match ended in one of the finest ever victories
for the Indian side. A Triple Hundred was scored, and several records were
brought down. They used innovative methods like burning coal, to dry up the pitch.
Adding to the Sporting
Legacy, Chennai is the only city which hosts an ATP Tennis Tour Event (Chennai
Open). And IIT-Madras, are the most successful IIT in the Inter IIT Sports
Meet, with a whopping 18 General Championships. Former World Chess Champion,
Viswanathan Anand hails from Chennai.
Chennai has given birth
to several great cricket players for India, including the present World No. 1
bowler and all rounder R Ashwin. Ashwin signifies the spirit of Chennai. In
spite of being dropped for lesser bowlers from the Indian XI in late 2014, he
emerged again much stronger, and is now an indispensable part of the team.
There is an
unmistakable sense of magic, associated with Madras. And it has embraced Indian
Cricket ever so strongly. Witness to many legendary moments, Chennai, indeed
has a very special connection to Indian Cricket.
