As this year rushes towards it finality, I am compiling a list of the most memorable sporting events that we had the privilege to witness this year. There were quite a few this year. For India it was a bittersweet year.

So let me begin with the one event that had billion and half people come to a standstill on one promising Monday evening in late September. The event : The Twenty20 final. After, what could only be termed as the most disgraceful performance by the Indian team in the ODI World Cup a few months earlier, the expectations from us were at an all time low. Also, majority of the desi crowd were oblivious with this new format. So when our first match was washed out, we were like… déjà vu… But then the tie with the Pakis, and we winning the bowl out got us curious. This was quickly followed by a loss against the kiwis. Phhbbt… But from that point on… the rest they say is history. Sending the English out of the park, followed by stealing victory against the Proteas, and then outclassing the almighty Aussie and finally defeating the Pakis to claim the maiden Twenty20 World Cup had the whole nation euphoric.

The stars for India were Yuvraj, Dhoni with a young and fired up team. Dhoni, who was just made the captain, displayed outstanding leadership (I have never seen a more honest, calm, motivating Indian captain) and unwavering belief in his team. The moments that will forever be etched in our memories are Yuraj hiting 6 sixes, and Sreesanth beating the pitch…

Cheers to Dhoni and his desi brigade…