The Neighbours Meet

After a hiatus of 5 long years, it's India versus Pakistan...

And along with that comes encounters with no less of passion, spirit, drama and volatility than perhaps the Ashes, on any given day. And what's really beautiful to see is the fact that two neighbours with a lot of shared history and culture, are for once leaving the politics behind them to engage in these encounters, best described as emotional.

If Centurion, 2003 was remembered for Tendulkar's loft over third-man, then Karachi, 2004 was remembered for his leg-break that could make Warne proud. And if these memories manage to bring a nostalgic smile on one's face, then one better not forget the spotless 97 at Gwalior against the same opposition in more recent times.  But sadly enough, as I write, a truth encompasses the nostalgia, this series will be best remembered as the series before which the Master called it quits from ODIs. Ever since his '89 debut, Tendulkar has seldom missed a series against Pakistan. And did it not make for beautiful viewing - a steaming in Akhtar up against a poised Tendulkar. Long before the Kohlis and the Ajmals took centrestage, such clashes (including Wasim v/s Ganguly) made sure that Indo-Pak matches were a compelling watch.

All said and done, the absence of Tendulkar makes the series no less anticipated. There was indeed a time when streets used to be devoid of population at the time of an India-Pakistan match, but with bilateral ties resuming post 2004, the marginal utility seemed to be diminishing  However, 4 years after the tragic 26/11, the glimmer of hope was seen in the revival of political ties between the two nations and what better than sport, to bring the estranged brothers together.

Agreed that the series ends before it begins and agreed that Test matches would add more depth to the series, but the very fact that its India versus Pakistan, makes the statements appear largely diminutive. It'll be very interesting to see how the present bunch of Indian players cope with the pressure that comes from facing Pakistan on home soil. One knows for a fact that nothing might compare to the pressure that was faced during the 2011 WC Semi Final at Mohali, but losing against Pakistan at home could very well ensure the curtains on some promising careers.

Saying so,  if one does want to see the positives that could very well emerge from this series - it would be in the form of a chance for the boys to become men. And one wouldn't find a better opportunity than playing a match saving knock at a  packed Eden Gardens. The likes of Rohit Sharma can achieve a lot in terms of confidence that could be gained from decisive knocks played against Pakistan under testing circumstances and most importantly at home.

 It's a much anticipated meet, not because of Rahman Malik's comments but because a lot of fun, excitement and joy for the fans can be derived out of such meets between nations that have so much in common, with so much yet to prove. No matter what Dhoni says about this series being just another series, we all know that the world would be watching. Not because it is India versus Pakistan, but because it is India versus Pakistan, once again.