Rain Rain go away, little Dhoni wants to play

The professional Aussies, the exuberant Indians and the mighty Sri Lankans have something more than their oppositions to handle in the Commonwealth Bank Series, 08. It is the almighty Rain God

What happens when the world number one team (Australia) hosts the number two (Sri Lanka) with the closing-in-to-number-one team (India, of course)? It is aptly called as the clash of the titans or anticipated as the series of the year. To add to the best teams battling it out is the venue for the series. What is known to be the ‘graveyard for visiting countries’ is another ingredient which adds some spice to the assortment of the battle of the best.

Who would forget the build up to the series? The Commonwealth Bank series which features 12 matches between the three nations got all the hype and publicity whether it was looked-for or not. The Bhajji-Symonds episode assisted the broadcasting channel in getting the required eye-balls and more to the series. In fact the (Bhajji-Symmo) event had so much of value attached to it that for a while the fate of the series was lying in the hands of a few influential people.

But common sense prevailed and the game of cricket moved on. Spectators world wide were not deprived of the cut-throat competition between three of the world’s most explosive as well as talented cricket playing nations. But it was not only the talents of the game who would battle it out to be at top. There was someone at top who also wanted to show his mettle and make his presence felt. Psssst.. It was my favourite Rain God.

Third day of February, 2008 was when Punters men had to play against exuberant demons of Dhoni at the historically and meteorologically thunderous Woolloongabba stadium in Brisbane. It was a perfect Sunday event for one and all. India won the toss and elected to bat first. Brett Lee at his peak is a breathtaking site and most of the Indian batsmen preferred to see him off the field than on.

Lee scalped a fiver and India was bundled for what looked like a paltry 194. It was then for the fiery Gilchrist and make shift opener James Hopes to finish the job.

But India had other plans. Sreesanth and Sharma got the Aussies caught unaware with a spell of a lifetime. It looked like India was on top with the Aussies reeling at 39/3. In came the Rain God to save Australia and the match was washed out after seven overs bowled in the Australian innings. India, Australia both got 2 points each.

A day after facing the hosts, India and Sri Lanka were meeting each other at the same venue on 5th February, 2008. Dhoni won the toss and chose to bat first. Indian openers Sachin and Sehwag gave India a solid start before perishing. After the departure of Sachin came in the centurion Gambhir. Sehwag soon followed Sachin to the pavilion and came in Indian vice-captain Yuvraj Singh.

Murali got rid of Yuvraj in quick time and Rohit Sharma who replaced Yuvi was also out for a blob. A middle order collapse was on the cards. But captain Dhoni stitched a partnership of an unbeaten 184 runs with Gambhir to bail India out. India scored a respectable 267. The innings break turned out to be a break of two days for Sri Lanka and four days for India. My favourite Rain God blessed all the players with this break whether they wanted it or not was never the question.

The break seemed to have disturbed the Sri Lankan team.The next match they played against Australia at SCG on 8th February, 2008. The hosts thrashed the world number two by 128 runs. It had a ripple effect on the hosts. They looked as if they were invincible until India gave them a taste of defeat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on the tenth of February, 2008.

The Rain God could not resist without playing a role in the games from there on. He allowed two games to be played without any interference. On Tuesday when India and Sri Lanka moved to the capital city of Canberra to play the fifth match of the series Rain God played his role to perfection.

He didn’t allow the players to bowl a single ball for four hours. The match officials looked optimistic. They waited for rain God to give some respite. He did.

The match started as a 29 overs a side game. India scored 195 in the stipulated 29 overs. When Sri Lankans came to chase, the target was reduced to 154 of 21 overs, courtesy: again Rain God. India eventually lost the game.

Dhoni squarely blamed the shower for their defeat. But no one can challenge the role of Rain God till now. It has played a big role in the series. Two out of the 5 matches played have been reduced to no result games. Today’s match was almost called off.

Let’s all pray to our Meghraja to allow us and everybody in the world to witness the battle down under. Here is a small prayer for one and all.

Rain Rain go away, Little Dhoni wants to play.