MSD: THE MAN, THE LEADER

by Biswadeep Ghosh

During the presentation ceremony, after the loss against South Africa, he was booed by followers of Indian cricket who were present there. To his credit, he handled it remarkably well. ‘It’s not the first time I have been booed. When we lost in 2007 World Cup (against New Zealand), mera antim sanskar (my last rites) was also done. But I don’t feel bad. It shows the expectation levels of fans,’ he said. Then, he narrated an interesting anecdote, ‘I was told by a senior a few years ago. He said if somebody is appreciating you, don’t hit seventh heaven. If you fall on the floor, it wouldn’t be good for you. So adopt a central path. I try to do so.’ As years went by and he accepted cheers and jeers with the same degree of calmness, why he took this suggestion seriously became inceasingly evident.