A hero is just someone who is brave for a little bit longer… and thus believed Benjamin Andrew Stokes to play a defining innings for several generations to come. Almost a superhuman effort which probably a 15 year old stokes could not have imagined when his folks took that jet leap from Kiwiland to Old Blighty to stoke the lionhearted spirit. We have been witness to several outstanding knocks in our lifetime, some good some better and but his was probably better than ever. It symbolized belief in the cause, awe-inspiring confidence and was almost avenger-like in its execution. For all cricket enthusiasts who have nurtured that fantasy of bludgeoning a menacing bowling attack and single-handedly taking the team to victory (not to forget – a hopeless cause and an unskilled No. 11 for company), they now need look no further. Henceforth all superheroic knocks would be measured against this one.
For once, one could sympathize with the overenthusiastic ICC when they had tweeted Sachin and Ben’s photo with the caption “The greatest cricketer of all time — and Sachin Tendulkar”. Without going into the merits or demerits of the tweet it would be worthwhile to celebrate Stokes’ virtuoso performance as moments like these should not invite debate but be cherished for setting the standards that each successive generation always aspires for. The scintillating knock peppered with as many as 8 sixes was exactly how the script would flow in those impossible dreams. And this after an almost perfect finale to the world cup, you have superlativeness at its pinnacle. Stokes has the devil’s own luck and it only seems to be getting better.
Before his time in the sun, Stokes had his moments of extreme disappointment not least when he was carted all around the park by Braithwaite as England surrendered the T20 World Cup to the West Indies. His bar brawl only put him further down in the dumps. But what has been strikingly impressive is the way he has overcome the disappointment of an unsuccessful thrust towards victory against Australia during their recent World Cup encounter, to champion their cause over the next couple of games. The things that have stood out in Stokes are his refusal to celebrate personal milestones, his mental tenacity & ability to pick himself up and his almost obsessive desire to go on till the job is done. These attributes, though not unique in themselves, contribute immensely to the luster of the overall package. Just to prove that the success has not gone to his head Stokes also clarifies that all this would come to naught if the Ashes were not won. This is the new breed of superstar who utilizes every opportunity to reinforce the fact that his ability is better utilized in motivating the team and steers clear of grandstanding.
This year has been in a way exemplified by triumphs that resemble the impossible. Earlier Kushal Perera stuck an unbeaten 153 to singlehandedly help Sri Lanka chase down a target of 304, scoring 67 of the last 78 runs for the final wicket. In the comparatively distant past (1999) one could recall Lara’s 153 to chase down a victory target of 308 with 1 wicket to spare, in the 4th innings of a test against the mighty Australians (McGrath, Warne et al.) when the score read 105 for 5 at one stage with Lara on a personal score of 13.
But lately the targets have been rendered achievable by the fearlessness of the approach and a capacity to take calculated risks, as the batters race towards their target at breakneck speed. With stamina and endurance training techniques approaching unparalleled standards the Yoyo is all set to take a 360 degree level of upgradation. The increase in the stamina levels also helps up the mental focus as the player can now focus on the skills, without worrying about the ability to last the course. The gravity defying feats of the fielders and their alertness have already reduced the dimensions of the fields (this mercifully to the bowler’s advantage). But along with the far-reaching changes that have transformed the game, one has to hand it when the battle is won between the ears, for that is where the embers are stoked to fuel the march towards victory.
Article By : Shantanu Sharma
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