And the battle wages...

It is funny how little things affect our “national pride.”

I lie on bed flicking channels. The stage is set. There is a panel of 3, and the moderator, of course, a well dressed lady who should be modeling, discusses cricket.

Sidhu sits beside her and vociferously talks about how we have been classified as racists. Of course, Indians are not racists. We have always stood against racism. With patriotism in full glow, can we forget Mahatma Gandhi. No, he fought against racism all his life. And they have th audacity to call us, US racists!!

Of course, it’s a small point that nobody has labeled us a nation of racists. The ICC has merely ruled that one Indian made one racist remark in one cricket match. That in itself was an unfair ruling, is something we have even stopped contesting. So, why bother Gandhi after all these years. Really, he deserves a break after all these years of constant calling upon, for absolutely no rhyme or reason!

We can, also, totally do with lesser emotions! Being outraged at blatant unfairness is one thing. But asking India to pull out of a tournament is completely another. And why? Because ‘they’ call us a nation of racists… well , let them call us what they want to? Have the confidence in yourself that you are not. You are visiting another nation to play. Go ahead and do that.

No, I am not going to quote the “Do you karma, and do not be bothered about the result,” part we have grown up on. But yes, I will definitely say that, this tournament, inspite of it “technically” going against us, has proved us the heroes. We were “victimized” and yet, we showed grace. We were “pulled down” and yet, we showed solidarity.

Indeed, we might have lost the match, but we won the game.

The India and Australia spat.

We just lost the second test match in Sydney. Captain Kumble said on TV, "Everybody knows why we lost." It was a composed, matter-of-fact statement. How it could it not be matter of fact? Technology has indeed revolutionalized the way the world works.

It is, therefore, fantastic how Benson and Bucknor have passed the judgments! I am amused beyond words. Did they really think they could get away with more than a million people watching them, a thousand channels broadcasting them, and of course, not to forget the cricketing fraternity itself! I mean c'mon, you can definitely not be that dim witted. Or are you?

Or is it a certain cockiness that says "We can get away with what we want."....I have a feeling you won't. Not this time...And if you still do, you haven't won. Because unfortunately, you have already been branded bad sport.

I cannot help smiling again when I think how insecure the 'greatest cricketing team' must be to take to tactics like this in a desperate bid to win India. (I mean if Aishwarya Rai poisons my drink before participating in a beauty contest with me, I would think I have already won! ) Mr. Ponting, are you sure you think India can only win 20-20s? Why am I not so sure suddenly?

I am glad India went down under. We now know who ICC needs to remove from the umpiring bench. We also know that Kumble's boys instilled fear in the host team's minds. We know our dear Bhajji was a threat enough to be played around dirty tricks with.

We might have lost one series, but have won the game!