Newzealand may have lost the world cup 2019, but the entire cricketing world is rooting for them. Fans of what was once called a gentleman's game was united in their support at the end of boundaries verdict. Eoin Morgan may have won the world cup but Kane Williamson definitely won hearts."The best thing about Williamson is ability to stay calm. He doesn't lose his composure in any circumstance. It was unfortunate that he could not win the World Cup but it did not reflect on his face," Tendulkar told 100Mb. He was handed player of the tournament Trophy!
The situation was similar for tennis fans who openly wept when Roger Federer, the idol and undisputed hero lost to Novak Djokovic. So what affected them so deeply? Do they extend their sympathies only to losers? If this was the case, Pakistan’s cricket team would be fans favourite. It is far more than that. In a world of aggression and show-offs, these two sportsmen demonstrated admirable emotional maturity. There was no finger-pointing, no excuses and mainly no sense of martyrdom. Respecting the winner and accepting defeat requires a huge emotional reservoir.
Perhaps, we can learn many life lessons from these champions. Closer home, we are busy criticising M.S.Dhoni. Critics are also of the view that he should be back to the pavilion, forgetting the fact that he brought many trophies home with the same demeanour that he maintained in the World cup 2019. After all, he did not forcefully put himself in the team, he was legitimately selected. By criticising him, we are parading our weakness. To put it bluntly- we are poor losers. We only want to be on the winning side whether in sports or politics. We find it hard to make allowances for our heroes while they are facing a tough time or going through a rough patch. Booing and heckling those we have earlier deified gives us a sadistic pleasure.
Though it must be duly noted that when our team left the stadium, Fans went out of their way to cheer them up. We have come a long way from the 2003 World Cup when the cricketers were stoned and their effigies burnt.
Our Indian Political leaders like Rahul Gandhi needs to read up on men like Williamson, Federer and Dhoni to figure out his own political path. A leader never abandons his flock, never Sledges Opposition, never Shouts at own players and never gives up. A leader inspires through example. We hope to have an improved situation in 2023-24 when both World Cup and India’s general election will come around.