An enchanting pair

Do you know the story, of this enchanting pair?
Regal and resolute, solid with flair.
A defeat once stared, but the duo said nay -
Valiantly they stood, battling an entire day.
Inspired by the two, the team came out as one
Dragons were slayed, and a victory was spun.

a miracle!, they said
never before, or in times ahead
deeds like these, ever get done.

Let's move forward, to two years and more,
Adelaide's the venue, and an amazing encore.
Xcuse me? Those two again?
Mocking history, in a manner so vain?
A team steps forward, one more battle is won
New chapters are needed, the war has just begun.

A sequel to "Reverse Swing"

also published on Cricinfo

Vishal Misra,  2003

Update. Dravid and Laxman read the poem and autographed it!

Reverse Swing

Would you believe this incredible pair,
a captain's dream, batsmen's nightmare,
swing and pace, that amazing mix,
in and out, and the one that kicks,
meet the kings - they have it all.

alas and despair, the thomases doubt,
noises are heard, allegations sprout,
do they tamper? is that their call?

What's the secret, of the swing reverse?
abounding arguments, mostly perverse.
quietly they continue, casting spells
actions speak, and the talent tells,
reality strikes - the theories fall.

Also published on Cricinfo

Vishal Misra,  1994

An old tribute to Seth

Sometimes I wonder if it were my fate,
to make my millions like the inimitable Seth.

He started off, with the Golden delight -
addressing next, the Sleepy tonight.

Onwards he went, with Beastly tales
making waves (and booming sales)

The best one yet, is his latest joy -
for I've just read, A Suitable Boy

The pursuit was long, taking ages
through sleepless nights, and 1400 pages

This time in prose, he unfolds his story
(but poetry fleets, his perennial glory)

He rekindled a fire, dying of late
so now it's me - a poet reincarnate!

Vishal Misra,  1993

Shastri

One could never wish, a sorrier fate,
for a foe or friend, enemy or mate, 
spoken of, with extreme distaste, 
he's the man, you love to hate.
Shastri - the man and the image.

Erased are memories, of glory days,
of sixes hit, of winning ways,
time it was, he was the best around,
justly so, was the champion crowned.
Shastri - the world was his stage.

Slowly but, things turned around,
losses stared - a scapegoat was found,
selfish and arrogant, he was claimed,
for all evils, only one was named.
Shastri - the hunted and the caged.

Picking up the pieces, he resumed the fight,
the stars were away, but he showed their might,
leading from the front, the hungry pack,
to its rightful home, he got Ranji  back.
Shastri - the coming of age.

Also published on Cricinfo, 1994

Kambli The Mystery Bat

With apologies to Kambli, T.S. Eliot, Macavity and other feline friends.. Kambli is the mystery bat, he's the new southpaw for he is the master batsman, who can defy the law. he's the bafflement of England, the Sri Lankan's despair. but when they need the runs abroad, Kambli's not there! Kambli, Kambli, there's no one like Kambli he's broken every batting law, his backlift defies gravity. His craving for tons, would make Gavaskar stare but when pace rips us apart, Kambli's not there! You may seek him for style, you may search him for flair, But I tell you once and once again, Kambli's not there! Kambli is not a ginger bat, not too tall or thin, you'd know him, if you saw him, goldchains, he's draped in. his eyes are deeply browed in thought, (probably they are loaned) his bat is covered with dust from neglect, his hair is uncombed. he sways his head from side to side, movements like a snake, and when the trundlers think he's fast asleep, Kambli is wide awake! Kambli, Kambli there is no one quite like Kambli, he is a fiend, a monster of mediocrity, you may meet him in record books, you may see him in the square, but when a crisis is discovered Kambli's not there! When the runs are needed quick, or the bowlers get on top, when India needs to save a test, or when a win hangs by the hair, that's the wonder of the whole thing - Kambli's not there! Kambli Kambli there is no like Kambli, he's a genius, a monster of tenacity. You may meet him in the record books, you may see him in the square but when a crisis is discovered, Kambli's never there! Also published on Cricinfo Vishal Misra, 1995