An Idol Lost

It seems we almost grew up with Warnie. For me, he was the story of the Indian middle class. Dumped in ’92, resurrected right after, grew through the next 15 years, ended up a statesman. I, for one, idolized and despised (for being an Australian) him. And here are 6 other reasons why.

1.     Distinct style – 3-4 ginger steps, then the body whirled up by those inhuman shoulders. Tongue out on one side as the wrists fizzed on delivery. Followed by a bent knee, right-handed, uppercut, fist pump. It was magic when he took a wicket. Growing up, many of us practiced it in front of the mirror; even then, it looked poetic.

2.     Reviver of a dying art – Leg spin was dying. Australia had Benaud 30 years back. The world just had Abdul Qadir in the last 20 years; Chandra from India was more a fastish leg cutter. No other country cared for this art. He took it center stage. The grip down the leg to knock away the off bail was in fashion again.

3.     Scheming planner – A spinner has to set up the batter; that’s a given. Warnie was a different level, though. See him take Basit Ali in Sydney ’95 on the last ball of the day to get goosebumps.

4.     Leader of the un-led – The 1st OPL win with a bunch of newbies and a few old men. Warnie as a coach, captain, manager. They led right from the league to the championship. To emulate will be divine.

5.     Back from the dead – Be it bans, injuries, or controversies, he’d always come back. After being banned for drugs in 2003, Warne took 5 wickets in each of his next 4 innings vs. Sri Lanka. He wasn’t ever down, lived life to the fullest, kingsize.

6.     Yet erudite – After all was done, he ended up as one of the finest storytellers on the mike, standing out in the long legacy of Australian cricketer-broadcasters. Passion never met wit and reason with more fluency.

Adios mate. They ain’t making like you anymore. They can’t.

Read more from CEO speaks Column:-
– Returns vs. right on capital
– Rafa’s Teachings