NEW DELHI, MARCH 6: The destiny of man is beyond the comprehension of mere mortals. If the stars are shining for someone, no `conspiracy' can shortchange him from achieving his `goal'. Watching Mohammed Azharuddin raise both hands skywards and convey his thanks to the Almighty with a resigned expression on his face, one was, for once, willing to accept the world on Azharuddin's terms: If God is willing, no one can stop me from playing for India again.He had said those words once before, too. That was when he was dropped from the Indian team for the Independence Cup in 1997. He had repeated these words when a former legend had commented on his lack of commitment while playing in a one-day international and had even suggested that it was time for him to `go'. With India's exit from last year's World Cup, and a strong anti-Azharuddin sentiment sweeping across the fanatical cricketing fraternity, it was curtains for the wristy Hyderabadi. When someone is dropped at the age of 37 and when his `best' should be behind him, isn't it time to write that man's cricketing obituary? Add to the plotline stories of intrigue, of games being played outside the boundary lines and the world's most admired touch artiste being accused of a `lack of commitment' by his own teammates, and it appears that the last lines of a fascinating story are fast approaching.But our hero has not given up. Far from it. He slogs in the nets. He slogs for hours to keep himself fit and trim, and he slogs successfully in the mundane world of domestic cricket - something he has not done for years.And, finally, against all odds, he is chosen to play for his country again.But, his hour of glory is delayed. A thumb injury forces him out of the first Test, adding more grist to the already overworked mill. To a story which one thought had already been over and done with, more chapters need to be written.And today at Bangalore, Azharuddin reinvents himself with a strokeful century, which reminds people of his youthful days. It may be all in the stars but salute the man, for his `commitment' - to himself and his cricket.
