‘They are still our heroes’

When Darren Lehmann took the final catch of World Cup 2003 to win the cup for Australia, there were apprehensions in the press box that it w...

When Darren Lehmann took the final catch of World Cup 2003 to win the cup for Australia, there were apprehensions in the press box that it would unleash the demons that had seen effigies being burnt, houses stoned. But, like the team, it seems the fans have come a long way.

Instead of immolating effigies, the Indians at The Wanderers were more keen to embrace their heroes. Even as Ricky Ponting was being handed the World Cup, the chants were loud and clear: ‘Sachin, Sachin’. And when the Indians left the stadium, their bus was encircled by cheering fans.

The mood was summed up by Suresh Cherian from Mumbai. ‘‘There is no insult in losing to the best side in the world. Our team played like champions, so what if we are the second best. They played so well in the tournament and came back so strongly after the bad start. They still are our heroes.’’

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‘‘After the New Zealand tour and the loss to the Aussies in the second match, we never thought our team would reach so far’’, said Amish Patel of Bradford. ‘‘I’m so happy that my team was in contention till the last day of the Cup.’’

‘‘There is no way I will part with this ticket, I will show it to my grandchildren and tell them that I was there when India played the World Cup final’’, said an emotional Rohit Bhasin from Ludhiana.

The goodwill was not saved for the Indians alone. The Hill, just below the dressing rooms, was where a huge number of Indian fans were stationed; it resounded with lusty cheers when the Australians walked by. Touched by the gesture, Ponting doffed his yellow cap and took a bow.