Indoo - Vindu

On a gloomy afternoon at Port Elizabeth, the rampant Australian side was facing Sri Lanka in the 2003 World Cup Semi Final. Batting first at 51-3 it seemed the Aussie Juggernaut was facing unexpected turbulence. Sri Lanka believed. In walked Andrew Symonds, who had announced his presence against Pakistan earlier with a swashbuckling century enabling Australia win from nowhere. But here the conditions were alien to Australia. Sri Lanka had the upper hand on a slow sticky wicket. It didn't matter. Symonds batted like an imposter to ensure the Australians had a score to defend. They defended it in style and went on to win the World Cup. There were many such heroes in that 2003 capmapaign. But when everything was on the line, Symonds stood up at Sri Lanka's cost.

Fast forward three years it was the second final of the Victoria Bitter Triangular series. Winning a final against Australia in that era was rare. Sri Lanka had surprised the Australians in Adelaide three days prior. Again Sri Lanka believed there were in with a chance on achieving the unthinkable against the mighty Australians. Chaminda Vass had ripped open the Australian top order. Gilchrist, Katich, Martyn. All back in the hut. Three down for a mere ten. In walked Roy. Fondly called by him team mates. What followed was absolute decimation. In the company of Ricky Ponting, Symonds sent the Lankans on a leather hunt. Muttiah Muralitharan was smashed for 99 runs off his ten overs. Yes you read that right. Whatever Murali delivered didn't matter. It was vintage Symonds. An era where power hitting was what it is these days. Australia prevailed again. But Sri Lanka new they were up against a monster. Fair play. Symonds had delivered again and ambushed Sri Lankan hopes. But this time employing an approach quite in contrast to what was seen at Port Elizebeth.

In between he made his test debut at the iconic Galle stadium in 2004 against Sri Lanka. Symonds was a player who was ahead of his generation. Power hitter. More than useful bowler. Brilliant fielder. The complete package. Quite unfortunately discipline led to his downfall. As per the Australians Symonds was let down during the Monkeygate scandal in 2008. The Indians have a different perspective. We would never know. He was a hit in the first IPL edition. Went for big money and delivered some memorable performances. But just when the word was eagerly looking for players of his type to rule he faded into oblivion. A career that promised much but didn't deliver as much as it should have. Yet he gave moments to remember. Moments where we were completely in awe of his skills. Afterall that's what counts. Irrespective of what he was, he made fans feel good with his athleticism. Gone too soon. Yet the memories will live