Money Games

Cricket Is Seeing ₹1 Lakh Crore Being Invested In The Space In The Next Few Years. There Is No Indication Of Interest Waning. But Will The Investments Pay Off?

- KRISHNA GOPALAN

THE TIPPING POINT. Yes, we know it is a book by Malcolm Gladwell. But we don’t know if Mahendra Singh Dhoni has read it. What we do know is that this legendary wicketkeeper-batsman marshalled a relatively young and inexperienced team that ultimately led to the tipping point for Indian cricket’s burst into the modern era and dominance since. On a warm afternoon on September 24, 2007, Pakistan were within touching distance of victory in the final of the inaugural Twenty-20 (T20) World Cup in the historic South African city of Johannesburg. Star Pakistani batsman Misbah-ul-Haq had hit the second ball of the final over for a six. With just six more runs needed for victory, the batter wanted to finish off proceedings with a flourish. Misbah went for the scoop shot over short fine-leg, but only skied the ball—and was caught. Pakistan were all out and India—led by first-time captain Dhoni—were champions! The victory saw India erupt into unbridled celebration, with a frenzy not seen since the country’s first ICC tournament victory, the legendary ODI (one-day international) World Cup win at the hallowed Lord’s ground in England in 1983. Then, too, a bunch of no-hopers had gone on to lift the then greatest trophy in the sport.