Cricket lovers around the world, today, witnessed a rare spectacle when the capacity-packed crowd at Eden Gardens supported Shoaib Akhtar for getting rid of Virender Sehwag for a duck. The Indian (Kolkatan, to be precise) crowd erupted with joy at the second legitimate delivery of Shoaib Akhtar. And then there was no turning back. He remained the crowd favorite throughout. Not only the crowd, but his team owner Shahrukh Khan was all praise for him with words and actions. How often will we see the Indian crowd supporting a Pakistan bowler? That’s IPL for you. Wonderful really. Cricket has no boundaries. It was probably one of the best crowds I’ve witnessed in one of the best matches played at IPL.

It was Shoaib’s debut at IPL after a controversial ban and lay-off period back home. Today, he was out to prove what he is worth of. With so much happening around him, he managed to grab 4 top wickets in three overs that won the match for his team which at halfway seemed almost impossible. For his fans, it must have been extremely refreshing to see him bowling around the 150 kph mark consistently, pick up regular wickets and celebrate in his famous style, arms wide open.

To all those who consider him a liability, it must have been painful to see the star treatment that he deservingly received before, during and after the match. To those who think he is finished, this was an eye-opener. A display of magic which only Shoaib Akhtar is capable of.