Bharat Mata Ki Jai!

If you think it only happens in Rio, think again! I have just returned from what is without a doubt, the biggest street party in the world. And it's happening right now on Marine Drive in Mumbai. Electric!Thousands and thousands of euphoric Indians are on the roads - walking, on bikes, in cars, atop vans. There are more tri-colours on view tonight than ever before in the country's history! And to think a game can unite over a billion people and have their hearts bursting with unadulterated pride... joy... vindication! Dhoni played much more than a captain's innings - he lifted the spirits of an entire nation with one final sixer. When that last ball soared, so did our morale. Never have I witnessed such euphoria - spontaneous, clean and infectious. The Mumbai cops must be congratulated for their stupendous contribution tonight. They were EVERYWHERE - a reassuring and alert presence, ready to tackle any emergency. But the night belonged to just one man - you know who I'm referring to. Dhoni will probably get the nation's highest civilian honour for this feat. And why not? With one stroke, he managed to inspire and win over a billion plus people! As for Sachin - if this was indeed his swan song - what a perfect note on which to say goodbye. He bagged the one honour that was still needed to make him the world's most admired cricketer. To have been a part of the winning team at the World Cup will add the final feather to his cap. The finals saw two world class teams playing world class cricket. That's what a memorable match is all about. And Sanga's speech - it was a class act. As was Afridi's. What a win! What a World Cup!! So glad I'd kept the bubbly on ice! Champagne never tasted better....