India vs New Zealand: Ashish Nehra sets an example for up-and-coming pacers to shine against all odds

“I’ll play my last match when I’m 40.” The above words said by Ashish Nehra in an interview that has since gone viral on YouTube spoke of the veteran pacer’s zeal to go on as long as his heavily-bandaged frame could withstand the pressure. It has, therefore, come as a big surprise for many cricket followers that the Delhi pacer has decided to hang his boots up for good, with the Twenty20 International between India and New Zealand that is to take place at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium on 1 November being his last appearance in competitive cricket. [caption id=“attachment_4189773” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Ashish Nehra’s retirement brought to an end a legacy of 20 years, with the sport undergoing a major revolution in the years that passed in between. AP[/caption] Nehra ji — an endearing term that Virender Sehwag had helped popularise through social media as well as television commentary — had for many become a symbol of passion and commitment towards the game that only a handful, including and especially Brad Hogg, had shown before. For someone who was written off for good after his appearance in the 2011 World Cup, it was remarkable to see him make an international comeback during India’s tour of Australia five years later. The wide-eyed expressions became even more pronounced when he proved his return wasn’t just a one-tour affair, with Nehra featuring in the Asia Cup, the ICC World T20, as well as for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the next two editions of the Indian Premier League (IPL) thereafter. During his resurrection, Nehra reinvented himself as a pacer who was a great resource for a captain during the death overs and also doubled up as a mentor to the up-and-coming pacers in the side. Who can forget his constant pep talks with Hardik Pandya when the latter was bowling the final over against Bangladesh in a crucial tie in the 2016 World T20. Or his memorable over to MS Dhoni during the Sunrisers-Rising Pune Supergiants game, restricting the glorified finisher from guiding his team home. A fairytale finish might be commonplace in children’s books but is selective when it comes to the game of cricket. A fitting farewell in front of one’s home crowd certainly is how every cricketer imagines ending their career. But we have seen many a cricketer who sign out on a quiet note, despite leaving behind an indelible footprint. For example, take the retirements of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman into account. Or for that matter, Zaheer Khan and Virender Sehwag (though the latter did have a formal ceremony during the India-South Africa ODI at the Kotla two years ago). Nehra might have been unlucky to miss out on quite a few opportunities throughout his career, and he might have a few regrets even if he may not quite admit to it in press conferences. However, the fact that he got to bow out in front of a raucous Feroz Shah Kotla crowd in his hometown, with India pulling off a comfortable win to grab the series lead, will help keep those memories aside for some time. And a fitting farewell it was indeed. Captained by Virat Kohli — who was a teenager when he was pictured receiving an award from then rising cricketer Nehra — with the shots still being called by senior wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni — whom he had memorably abused for a dropped catch a decade ago — he brought to an end a legacy of 20 years, with the sport undergoing a major revolution in the years that passed in between, including BCCI’s rise to power with the advent of the IPL. From the rare honour of bowling from an end named after him, being carried on the shoulders of Kohli and fellow Delhi mate Shikhar Dhawan to the emotional post-match interview with Sanjay Manjrekar where he said the now-memorable words: “I am happy, retired or not.” A wicket or two might have made it a little more special, but we don’t quite live in a perfect world, do we? As Nehra enters the second innings of his life, one certainly hopes the youngsters in the side, especially the pacers, have learnt a thing or two about dealing with the ups and downs of life, and going the distance against all odds. “If you can, then sprint. If not, then run. Can’t run? Then jog. Won’t jog? Then at least walk! Can’t walk? Then crawl but just keep on moving,” were the words uttered by the veteran pacer days before his farewell match. He certainly lived by those words. Let’s hope he’s inspired a few others in the dressing room to tread the same path.