Shane Warne is a name so much associated with cricket when spin-bowling comes to mind. He was a Rockstar and a living legend who brought style and glamor to the game.
During our ‘playing days’ in the 90s he was a sensation, we all tried to imitate his action when we played some form of cricket or other.
Shane Warne’s early death at 52 has shocked everyone – the way it shook us all when we heard the news of Michael Jackson and Maradona’s deaths.
MY BEST MEMORIES OF WARNE
I remember there was so much hype and focus about Shane Warne when Australia visited India in 1998, everyone thought he would spin webs around Indian batsmen with his ‘deadly’ bowling like the way he mesmerized Mike Gatting with the ‘ball of the century’ and the English batsmen.
However, in his first match itself against Mumbai, India’s ‘God of Cricket’ showed him who the masters of spin were. Tendulkar, I remember scored a double-century in that match at Brabourne stadium, and hit Shane Warne for over 100 runs in just 15 overs – giving him no wicket.
I guess, if we leave out Tendulkar and Brian Lara, Shane Warne ultimately dominated the game. Though our Anil Kumble was equally good with leg-breaks (which we could never figure out on TV even on slow-motion replays), Shane Warne (alongwith Abdul Qadir of Pakistan) stood top for his huge spin, charisma and style.
My other unforgettable memory of Shane Warne is his captaincy to win the first IPL for Rajasthan Royals. It was so wonderful to see a player, perhaps past his prime, playing a leading role.
ONE OF THE STARS OF OUR LIFETIME
Shane Warne’s life off the field was as exciting to follow as his cricket, be it controversies or stunts. But love him or hate him, you cannot deny the contribution he has made to the game. His legacy in cricket will be hard to imitate.
I must say, we have been lucky to see the ‘star’ in our lifetime. RiP Legend.