It’s almost that time of the year – the time when an entire nation comes together to watch this legendary sport (whether that be on your screens, or live, the excitement is uncontrollable either way)! So in preparation for this, here’s a few pointers to make certain you’re utterly and completely prepared for the cricket season ahead!
1. Make sure you read up on Aussie Cricketer Steve Smith. This bloke is going to be one of the absolute stars of this World Cup. Then, when he pulls off a dramatic piece of fielding you can impress all the boys by casually remarking “Oh, but it pales in comparison to what he’s been doing in the IPL so far”.
Psst, here’s a glimpse:
2. Plan a party for Sunday – 15th of February. The India vs. Pakistan match will be in full gear and you’ll be Ms Popularity for life, if you provide the beer and large screen TV for the evening.
3. Get out there and place a bold bet. Challenge the most smug-faced cricket fanatic you know, on who will strike the maximum number of sixes in the tournament! I’ll give you the top bets: our very own Virat Kohli, Australian bad boy David Warner, West Indies’ Chris Gayle, Kiwi Kane Williamson and South Africa’s AB Super hot de Villiers… (no of course thats not his name. But it should be.)
4. Get toughened glass protective film put on your windows. Because all the boys of the colony WILL suddenly start playing cricket – morning, noon and night. Better to be safe than sorry.
5. Get a T-shirt printed with Sachin’s face on it and the words “We Miss You” written in large bold letters. Keep it folded and in your handbag on all India match days. If India looks like they might lose, just whip it out and put it on. You will earn a lot of good will and perhaps even score a few free drinks at the bar.
6. Support Afghanistan when you’re not rooting for India. Because seeing them reach the World Cup for the first time is nothing short of a miracle. From refugee camp cricket to the top echelons of the game – it’s the kind of inspirational journey that movies are made about!
7. Take Friday, March 20th off. Apply for leave now! Why? Because that third Quarter final at the Adelaide Oval is likely to feature India. Err… no, I’m not privy to dodgy information. This is a very educated guess.
8. Start crushing on Virat Kohli. Just do it. It makes life more fun. And then when he blows kisses to his girlfriend, pretend its you and blow kisses right back at the TV.
9. Get ready to bid farewell to MS Dhoni. He’s already done it all – taking India to No.1 in Tests and ODIs, winning the T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup on home soil. But his legendary ‘Midas Touch’ faces a final litmus test, as India are the defending champions. If India win the World Cup again, MS Dhoni will be the first Indian captain to win back-to-back titles. And he’s going to hang up his boots after this tournament. I can bet my boots on it!
10. Keep a full stock of poster colours ready (in orange, white and green) because there is nothing more fun than sitting down to watch an India match with your friends and patriotism splashed across your face.
Tina Sharma Tiwari is a Sports journalist, news anchor on Times Now and author of the forthcoming novel ‘Who, Me?’ which promises to be a hilarious take on finding oneself and finding love in the mad, mad world that is urban India. Keep a look out!
Till then, have a happy cricket season and keep a lookout for all our cricket blogs at www.missmalini.com!
Also, don’t forget to join MissMalini’s Bowled Over By Cricket Hangout this friday afternoon! Here’s the link to join:
https://plus.google.com/u/1/events/cdvk21797f1jv5vrfniv53s3ldg