The last hurrah of living legends - Sachin Tendulkar vs Rahul Dravid

“It’s the name on the front of the jersey that matters most, not the one on the back”, Joseph Paterno had once famously said to emphasize the importance of ‘The Team’ being more important than ‘The Self’.

The legends of the game – one last time facing off against each other after playing together for more than a decade

Variants of this quote have been used in many sports movies. Each time we read this quote or heard it on the silver screen, we, even as sports fans were always left in awe. No other maxim captured the essence of ‘team games’ more beautifully.

Yet, today, these words have ceased to hold any meaning for me as the team which Sachin Tendulkar represents takes on the team which Rahul Dravid represents. It is irrelevant what teams will be playing. It is irrelevant that this is the finale of what many people consider the biggest cricket league. It is the last time we will see Dravid on a cricket field, and the last time Sachin will be seen in coloured clothes.

The two have scripted 6920 runs together in Tests, and 4117 runs in ODIs in each other’s company; the two they have together seen the team through numerous ups and downs, played under each other’s captaincy; even been involved in certain controversies.

One has enjoyed the limelight while the other has made the shadows his own. One had decided to stop playing meaningful cricket, while the other chooses to continue to battle the demons on and off the field.

But more importantly, these two have crafted many a dreams together. They have given many people a reason to turn to cricket, a reason to live. I would often wonder if I would be able to follow cricket with the same zeal once these greats are gone. Over the past few months, I have discovered the answer. It has been an emphatic NO.

Today, the two legends will lock horns for the final time, to try and get on-up on the other. They have left their heydays well behind them. But perhaps, we will still get to see a Sachin straight drive, or one punched through the extra cover by Dravid.

Perhaps we may get to see Dravid pouch one at slips or Sachin punch the air after picking up a wicket. Perhaps Sachin will raise his helmet and bat and look skywards one more time, and Dravid will remove his helmet to let all the sweat fall out after an intense knock.

Whatever happens, it will be safe to say that today cricket will be the winner and from tomorrow cricket will be the loser.

I had once written that I would always remember Dravid by the two images – of how he had kissed the national crest on his cap in Adelaide on taking India to a fairy-tale victory, and then when he threw the same cap in Edgbaston on dropping a catch.

I’ll be surprised if your franchisee cap will hold the same meaning to you as did the Team India cap, but here’s an image I would like from this match for my memories.

An image of Dravid dripping in sweat; the eyes still focused as if facing a fast bowler; that look of determination that has never left ever since that day in Lord’s in 1996; the lips giving way to a hint of smile and some pride at what ‘his boys’ have accomplished – and holding the trophy.

I’m sorry Sachin, you know that I have been one of your greatest disciples. But. #ThisTimeForDravid.