A cherished victory

Right after winning the match, rookie Kiran opined "We should go for a victory lap around the ground". Skipper Ashith's matter-of-fact reply was, "In this hot sun?? who is there to watch us??". "No body but still..." retorted Kiran.

The euphoria of India winning the Cricket World Cup was still lingering when the IISc cricket team won the intercollegiate 'IISc Centenary Cricket Cup 2011'. Agreed that the two victories - one enjoyed vicariously and the other directly - are at completely different levels to be of any comparison at all. Yet little separates the kind of joy experienced in each case. At this moment of success, team IISc wishes to express its special thanks to all those who made it possible.

Skipper Ashith Shyam describes it as "A victory to cherish my whole life, in fact the most satisfying one I have ever had". And gives credit where it's due, "Thanks to one and all especially to our coach Sreedhara sir and sports officer Poonacha sir for their whole-hearted support".

The expert services of Saurav Bhattacharya in capturing key moments on camera is greatly appreciated. All the tournament photography credits go to him. Generally, nobody from IISc - apart from the players themselves - turn up in matches. This tournament saw a welcome change in that respect and the team expresses special thanks to those handful  who took time out to support us. 

Here are a few moments frozen in time courtesy Saurav.

Ashith on song during his match-winning 76 in the semifinal versus DSCE.

Prof. Chanakya greets the players before the final.

The silverware waits for its holders.

Team huddle before the all important final.

Arindam flicks one during his swash-buckling 71 in the final versus RNSIT.

The winning moment - IISc players celebrate the narrow victory over RNSIT.

Ashith Shyam receives the Man-of-the-Series trophy for his 101 runs, 9 wickets and excellent captaincy in the tournament.

Arindam Ghosh receives Man-of-the-Final trophy for his sparkling 71 and a crucial spell.

Team RNSIT receives the  runners-up trophy.

Team IISc receives the winners' trophy.

We are the Champions!

Captain Courageous.

The ageless Arindam and the man behind the scenes coach Sreedhar.

The winners pose in the greens in front of the Faculty Hall.