Yuvraj Singh + The Most Painful Knocks in Cricket Hall of Fame

Its been just a shade over twenty four hours since the World T20 final and the story on everyone's lips continues to be how Yuvraj's knock of 11 from 21 balls deprived India of a second world championship in the shortest format. I watched the Indian innings in its entirety and I must confess that even though Yuvraj's knock was agonizing, what was even more painful to watch was the disappointment on the faces of the spectators (who had travelled far and wide to support the Indian team) and the disbelief on the faces of the players (in the Indian Team dugout) regarding what was transpiring on the field.

Yuvraj Singh unable to middle the ball

Yuvraj Singh Strike Rate 2014 T20 World Cup <Courtesy: Chandi Sports>

Now make no mistake I have tremendous respect for Yuvraj's determination and have been an ardent admirer of his talents right from his fiery debut in Nairobi. His unbelievable six-hitting in Durban was magical and his champion like performance on route to India winning the world cup in 2011 was the stuff of legends. But yesterday's performance seemed to once again outline that those glorious feats were a thing of the past and what he have now is someone who is well past his prime. Who knows if we have seen the last of Yuvraj and whether this innings was a one-off brain freeze brought about by incessant and disciplined Sri Lankan bowling. Whatever it may be Yuvraj's knock has definitely earned him a place on my "Most Painful Knocks in Cricket" Hall of Fame. Please keep in mind that I have only included those limited over innings I've personally watched on this list. That's the reason why Gavaskar's anti-epical 36 not out and Mohsin Khan's snail like 70 have been excluded from the Hall of Fame honors.

So let the drum roll begin. Here we go with some of the most painful knocks I've watched in my life in no particular order:

1)  Manoj Prabhakar and Nayan Mongia steal defeat from the jaws of victory: When a competent wicket keeper batsman walks out to meet a seasoned all rounder on the verge of a big century and the equation reads as 63 runs from nine overs with 5 wickets in hand, you would probably be tempted to favor the batting team. Think again, because not only did Prabhakar and Mongia not chase the target but also made a complete mockery of the fans and the game of cricket in general by not even attempting to give it a go.

The Aftermath: The sheer reluctance to fight shown by the batsmen produced an infuriating backlash and Prabhakar and Mongia were sacked for the rest of the series. The reversal notwithstanding, India still made it to the final of the triangular tournament (also featuring New Zealand) and won it in dominating fashion against West Indies.

Pain Level: About as Painful as a finger getting crushed while closing a door.

2) Kallis stone walls against Australia: When the number 1 ranked one day side met the world champions in a league match of the 2007 World Cup everyone believed the encounter would light up the otherwise drab looking world cup even though the outcome of the match was largely inconsequential as both the teams had already qualified for the Super 8s. And that's exactly what the teams delivered until at least about 70% of the match. Chasing a mammoth target of 378 runs set by Australia, South Africa seemed to be on course when Jacques Kallis walked in at 160/1 with 29 overs to spare. Instead of upping the tempo Kallis the Great proceeded to administer an anesthetic to everyone who was watching the match with his limpet like defence. The illogical strategy grounded South Africa's charge and the team went to lose to Australia by a whopping margin of 83 runs.

The Aftermath: South Africa never recovered from the thumping and went on to lose to the eventual champions Australia in an extremely one-sided semi-final. Kallis went on to have a legendary career and his histrionics have all but erased the blemish of that day.

Pain Level: About as painful as accidentally stapling your finger while trying to attach a piece of paper.

3) Jadeja scratches around on a historical night: Ajay Jadeja was arguably the hottest thing around in Indian Cricket in the mid to late 90s. And his stock was never as high as that day in March when India were taking on Sri Lanka in an all important semi-final. Jadeja came into the match on the wings of his trail blazing innings which tamed the man himself, Waqar Younis. No such heroics were on display that evening, when Jadeja found himself at sea on a fast deteriorating pitch where the Sri Lankan spinners were breathing fire. After 10 excruciatingly painful dots Jadeja tried to sweep Jayasuriya and was bowled around his legs for what could be the most number of balls taken without scoring a run in the elimination stages of an ICC championship. Jadeja's surrender pushed the panic button on an already agitated Indian side and more wickets tumbled before the crowd intervened to hand the match over to Sri Lanka by default (For a more detailed analysis of that Semi-Final Click Here).

Vinod Kambli's expression aptly represents Indian Team's state of affairs that night

The Aftermath: India would go into a lengthy rebuilding process after the World Cup and it would be 7 more years before they once again made the semi-finals of a world cup. Jadeja overcame the hiccup and continued to be a match winner in the limited overs format before the mother of all controversies ended his career.

Pain Level: About as Painful as dropping a hammer on your toe.

The riot which ended the match

So there you are my friends the list of matches and innings which literally pushed my buttons. The list proves that even legends and match winners have off days just like all of us. Only time will tell how well India and Yuvraj bounce back from all of this. So lets stay hopeful until future unfolds its mysteries and when it does you will see it right here on Life Etc Etc.

Until Next Time,

Your Cricket Raconteur.