The India-Australia match a couple of days back had a surreal moment.
The crowd was expecting MS Dhoni to come on the field and take strike and began chanting his name in expectation. By now, he must have got used to hearing his name being shouted out by thousands of passionate fans in unison.
But the crowd was in for a surprise.
In walked newbie Vijay Shankar. The chants of ‘Dhoni’ slowly died down.
It goes without saying that Vijay Shankar’s fan base cannot compare to Dhoni’s, who is one of the biggest stars Indian cricket has ever seen. Nonetheless, he ended up playing an important knock as well holding his nerve while bowling the last over and helping India win a close match.
Surely, his cheering squad has increased after the match.
We all have cheering squads. More importantly, we all need cheering squads, people who rouse us when we need an extra push or when we’re feeling a little down. Social media sometimes creates a make-believe world where you falsely believe that you have a lot of support. It’s only when the chips are down and you’re down on your luck that you realise who your cheering squad actually comprises of.
In that regard, I lucked out.
Over the last year, I got to know my cheering squad. And it was an eye-opener as the people I thought I had on my side weren’t really and people I hadn’t met in years were rooting for me.
When the times are good, everyone will cheer you on.
It’s only when times get tough that your cheering squad becomes clear.
There is another important part to the equation — being a part of someone’s cheering squad. Everyone needs a cheering squad, not just you.
P.S. On this Women’s Day, cheers to the women who have been a part of my cheering squad.
And thanks to all those who sent me birthday wishes. Your cheers mean a lot to me.
