Last night’s World Cup T20 Cricket semi-final was a reminder that stardom is relative. Mumbai is India’s financial center home of the largest movie industry in the world. There are stars and then there are stars! With traditional stars in the stands, tonight’s starts were the India cricket team.
From chanting their names, cheering every action, and groaning with the players when something did not go perfectly, the crowd was engaged. Even in the upper stands, the young woman never sat for long; she stood, cheered and scream, reflecting the game’s emotions! It seems in her way of thinking, clapping is never enough! She demonstrated every emotion in the loudest, most flamboyant way possible to support her team.
Initially it looked and was good for India. From early batsmen started a bit slow, but quickly picked up pace. By the early phase of the game, India was scoring runs from all directions. My torn heart (I like the other team as well as India) could not help but root for India! Big hits, aggressive running, and an energy that I could feel in the upper decks. In contrast to the laid back West Indies team, India was amazing. The crowd cheered, stomped their feet, and expressed their emotions every step of the way. By the game’s midpoint, the India lead looked insurmountable.
The contrasting styles continued in the second half. India was energetic and playing like one person with 22 arms controlled by one mind. The noise in the stands was borderline unhealthy! I was sure that my hearing was going to be damaged before it was over.
The initial West Indies attempt to mount a charge failed miserably. The star player went without a whimper. The second star failed without anything to show for himself. With a quiet, relaxed, and defiant style, West Indies refused to give up. Slowly, relentlessly, they stayed in the game and ended up winning at the wire.
There are stars and there are stars; “God looms majestic in Zion, He towers in splendor over all the big names.” (Psalm 99.2)
