MAN OF THE MOMENT- QUITE LITERALLY

“Cricket is so insignificant in the grand scheme of life. But yet you still want to try so hard. So it’s about understanding or capturing that element.”

Remember that stroke over third man? That stroke which gave birth to a form of cricket which was completely unheralded. A stroke which turned into a trailer for the brand of cricket this man plays – or in a matter of days, played. Zaheer Khan sprinted in from around the wicket and pounded it on a three quarters length. And the man barely played it, cramping for room as he opened his stance and tried to lift it over bowler’s head. And those were not the days when bats were as thick as the Kaboom of David Warner – nevertheless thicker than a decade ago. But such was the power of the little man and the ferocity of the blade swing that it went miles over third man- the last place he intended to send that into. That effort culminated into an exhibition, which any tournament will be proud of for propelling it into the conscious of the audience it aims to target.

If that undefeated 158 was the coming of age of an enormously talented young man, subsequent trail of his career attested that Cricket is not all about the Tendulkars, Pontings, Laras , Dravids, Kallises and the extremely talented crop of technically blessed young fellows. There is always a special place for the bashers, however ugly they sometimes might look whacking the leather off the balls. Viv Richards was gifted with both technique and this attitude. Virender Sehwag used this to carve a special niche for himself. But this man did all this like a stage performer hell bent upon entertaining his audience and at the same time living on the edge of the knife for the joy of thrill it gives to such daring persons.

Not that he was underwhelming before. The 2005 Christchurch game showcased his power hitting abilities and tenacious attitude as he combined with Daniel Vettori to haul a target of 332 set by Australia after being on the ropes at 250 for 8. The 96 at Lords in his debut series in 2004 introduced him to the big stage and though his inconsistency was evident, he remained an integral member of the test squad as he impressed with his keeping. He played a similar role, albeit with lesser success, as Adam Gilchrist, his role model played for the Kangaroos. After his stunning IPL inaugural performance, he flied to England and in starkly different condition and format, he continued in the same vein, stroking his way to 97, yet again missed on etching his name at the Honour’s Board.

The vivacity with which he played was on display as he scooped two 155KPH deliveries from Shaun Tait and Dirk Nannes on his way to be the second player after Chris Gayle to record a T20I century. He has two of them in his kitty now. The way he handled the crisis in New Zealand cricket after the unceremonious sacking of former skipper Ross Taylor was exemplary, especially as his tenure started with the ignominy of 45 all out in South Africa. He along with Coach Mike Hesson created a team environment which gave birth to a new brand of the sport – gentlemen’s aggression. Often praised for the way he and his team played the game in its absolute spirit, he encouraged his team to enjoy the game and play with a care free attitude which has been synonymous with his batting style.

He led his team on a path of famous overseas wins and remarkable come from behind performances. The unbeaten 13 test streak at home vindicated his approach. The perfect riposte for the people who branded him as a happy go lucky slogger came in the Wellington test against India. Not that he was ever humbled by the Indians – 3 out of 4 of his double tons has come against them. But he just proved what a dogged character he has developed into, when he reached the first triple century by a Kiwi and saving the test by batting two days, when defeat was imminent. First the graft and then the brutal capitalization celebrated one of the greatest moment in Kiwi Cricket history as Indian bowling capitulated.

And then came a campaign which put smiles on every cricket lover’s face, irrespective of the country he/she belongs. The whirlwind campaign started with a stunning down the pitch extra cover loft off a pacer and culminated in a first final for the Kiwis as they displayed the aggression of their brand and the gentle-manliness of their spirit in tandem, providing cherished moments to this man.

And if that wasn’t enough, the fascinating 195 against Sri Lanka at Christchurch, coincidentally the place of the swansong of this extraordinary career, proved two glorious facet about this man. First the inherent aggression he displayed by a breath taking display of power hitting and second, the unbelievable contentment which glared on his face as he walked off agonizingly short off the fastest double ton ever in tests by playing an unwarranted shot. As far as cricket goes, he lived by his words. Not many can be so nonchalantly passionate.

This career deserved a better conclusion than the series defeat in Australia and another possible defeat at home against their old nemesis. And his own indifferent form was vindicating his surprising decision to retire. But then he came swinging out against the hooping cherry and not only pulled his team out from a precarious position but ominously hurtled the bowlers off their length in some really difficult conditions for batting. Not that he did anything special, he just came into his own. He braved the storm and rode his luck but at the end of his effort, he has the World Records of fastest Test Century and Most Sixes to his name. The reason he was able to pull them off in his last test when normally players get caught in the glare of the occasion that he regarded it as just another game and situation his team need to conquer.

And the fans of this great man would be hoping a perfect finale and send off to this champion bloke, who redefined the game and has been the epitome of fearlessness. A man who deserve this victory. A man who never shied away from responsibilities. A man who won’t be sad if they lose, because at the end of the day, it’s just a game. A game of glorious uncertainties like those lofted drive off ferocious pacers – stepping out.

“It's the only record I care about, and the only one Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor aren't going to break.”

Brendon McCullum after equalling the world record for Test sixes.