To The Wall ..

Playing cover drives off the book,
Rolling his wrists over every hook,
Anchoring the innings,
Setting his partner free,
He owns the stadia without a decree.

He is the keeper of his team
On every track that does seam;
He holds none to ransom,
He has no demands,
Every catch in the slips is safe in his hands.

His head still over every stride,
Silence mocking those who deride,
He is calm, exemplified;
Dignity the aura marking his gait,
His response, austere, to the juiciest bait.

Even when not in his finest nick,
He harmonizes with time's ticks;
Standing his ground,
Is the sole aggression he affords,
Seldom,his actions go overboard.

Records to him are a reflection -
Of his circumambulation of perfection;
The Indian cricketing edifice -
Grand - ornate facade and all,
He keeps it impreganable, he is the Wall.