History to hysteria

Finally, the plane took off for what seemed to be just another journey. But the next 70 minutes were quite something: the cricketers shed their star status and moved around, mingling like ordinary human beings.

They signed small bats, boarding passes and books. They posed for photographs, they chatted, they joked. The tensions of the past six weeks seemed to have been left behind on the ground at Islamabad.

First to move out of his seat was Ramesh Powar and he was soon followed by Ganguly, Kumble and Pathan. Kumble even had the temerity to pull his captain8217;s leg, asking him to pose with the group of Bengali journalists who follow Ganguly closely. 8216;8216;Dadi bas ek minute,8217;8217; he said, as Ganguly readily posed.

Those who sat were immersed in reading the Indian papers, checking out home news after six weeks. It seemed they were interested in news of themselves, and there was no shortage 8212; every paper had splashed the test win on the front page, which made them happy.

The only moment of concern was a bit of turbulence, but soon after that the captain announced the plane had entered Indian airspace. As New Delhi neared, the cabin crew started requesting the passengers read: cricketers to settle down. They finally got themselves seated and the Indira Gandhi International Airport got closer. Once the plane touched down, the excitement was of a totally different kind. It seemed the entire IGI Airport staff had stopped work: there was a double line of people from the aerobridge to the special entrance.

Some were with their kids, some others just wanted to touch the cricketers. Indian coach Wright and skipper Ganguly were garlanded and were soon followed by the stars of the tour Irfan Pathan and Balaji.

In fact unlike Pakistan it was Irfan who was much in demand. The people mobbed him for autographs. While all this was happening, Irfan8217;s attention was fixed on his parents. 8216;8216;Theek ho8217;8217; he kept asking as he tried to cut through the crowd.

One excited parent came with his 2-year-old son. 8216;8216;Irfan mere bete ko uthao,8217;8217; he requested. This surprised Irfan who asked 8216;8216;Kaise8217;8217;. 8216;8216;Koi gal nahin mera beta heavy nahin hai,8217;8217; replied the fan. Irfan obliged him right then the security took over and cordoned off the area.

For most at the airport it seemed that was the last of their heroes. But no the locals Aakash Chopra, Virender Sehwag and Ashish Nehra came around the luggage area.

They were ostensibly there to pick up their luggage, but the photographers pounced over them there as well.

Yes, it was chaotic, yes it was exhausting but it also felt great to be back in India.