great article.i wish i had command over the language like you.

awesome!!!

The first few overs I felt that its all Srilankas cup ,omce Malinga removed from the attak confidence came back and it was all over

Good one. Summed it up all!

Hi Andy,
I am sorry for the idiotic Indian you had to encounter. Hope you had a nice time.

Great article!!!Great language!! I am sorry for the unpleasantness for the last incident you have mentioned ...It is some Idiot who said that!!!

Andy, brilliant, as ever! The comment on Srilanka picking up '3 Sreesanths' was just too good!
You combine an uncanny zest for statistics with a fantastic sense of humour and love for cricket- a very unique combination, I must say.
But what a night for us, Indian fans, it was yesterday!

All the mixed food metaphors aside (restaurant? pizza? cherry? cake?) this was a delight to read. Although my favourite might've been the bit about the miserly boa-constrictor. Not an anaconda, you reckon?

Aww. Don't go by what that idiot said, Andy. We love you in India!

Great...

Keep 'em coming,Andy.

White man, you love Cricket so much, you *are* home!

I enjoyed reading this. Well written.

To refute the bad manners of my fellow country man, may I extend an invite to you Andy to come back whenever you feel like it.

Your articles have been excellent, and I doff my hat to your comedic wit.

Ending was amazing !!!! Only u can come up with humour from literally
Anyrthing

Andy - thanks for the delightful articles all through the world cup and wish you a safe trip back home.

We can be a little bit (ok, more than that) crazy here in India, but i hope you generally had a great time visiting and covering this superb tournament!

Only you could conjure a masterpiece like this!

" I am prepared to accept that he was an employee of the airline company I am flying back to Britain with today, who had hunted me down on the packed streets of Mumbai to give me a verbal flight reminder. For which I am eternally grateful." LMAO!!!

It has been a great world cup for us Indians but it would have been a trifle bland triumph without the writings of this P G Wodehouse's reincarnation. Fabulous Stuff. Stay white white man stay here for ever. We Indians love talent and I amsure you have more fans here than in the stiff upper lipped London.

The incident described in the last paragraph is truly appalling and embarrassing. Apologies.

The lawyers for the estate of PGW will be contacting you shortly.
Stay here, white man, stay here.

Thanks Mr.Zaltzman , Your column was the second most source of joy through this world cup, first being Team India. Thank You, you are India's favorite Cricket Satirist. Cheers and please come again, we love you.

"so I am prepared to accept that he was an employee of the airline company I am flying back to Britain with today"

When I read this sentence at the end ur article. My wickedest of smiles came out. I like the way you 've thot in this sentence and I want to keep thinking in same direction.

Hi Andy, you are the only writer who makes me refresh cricinfo every now and then!! Thanks a lot and I apologise on behalf of that stupid man who shouted at you..

What's this new Cricket War strategy ? Absolutely Unique. "1: It wore the new ball out. A little. His pads are coated with a radioactive isotope that makes shiny leather biodegrade."

wow! what a great analysis....! a skylarking article on the game...

Fantabulous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Quite an absorbing and cool article. Mr.Zaltzman. Yeah I do very much like the narrative style of yours. Kudos!!

funny.......as always

u r awesome man !! india is awesome

totally floored by your profound take on Sehwag's critical innings.... and on the airline's reminder

A Great article...Fitting one for a great finale...

will miss you posts of the world cup....!!! thanks for the laughs!!

...perfect description of a perfect final match and funny where it should be..interesting examples ..

Recently discovered and have been thoroughly enjoying your columns.
Glad your humour helped you get beyond the idiot who yelled "Go Home" at you to the millions of my fellow countrymen and myself who would have you consider India home!

Super article Andy !

lovely sentiment to round off another brilliant article. your articles are far more realistic than so many other cricinfo writers, despite the obvious attempt at being humerous.

i also read that the indian team + management had planned this campaign for about a year or so, in Dambulla, i believe. It would be great if you could the minutes of that conversation between the team and management. i bet it would blow most people's socks off!

We enjoyed your articles throughout the World Cup and will continue to enjoy it. Thanks a lot. Besides the Indian team, you have also made us very very happy.

Thanks Andy for taking the comment on you to go home so humorously. Only great human beings can think like that.

Yes your prediction about Sehwag was spot on. No one would love seeing a 50 ball duck from him. And thank god they chose 3 Sreesanths (but the original sreesanth can beat them any day). He has a break dance (which he thinks is a break dance) move that's pretty hard to replicate.

Sorry about the douchebag on the street, Andy. Thanks for keeping us entertained this world cup.

sorry Andy..for the guy who asked to go back.. India belongs to nice people... all are welcom in india nice article

on behalf of the injun diaspora i can only apoligise for the idiot that reminded you of your flight home. not that it's any consolation but every trip i make to the motherland i usually get one wag similarly advise me to "go home london boy, go home". i guess i should stop dressing like the tragicbritish german dance duo of the late 80s... but anyway, really enjoyed your articles, videos and pods. well done on a great job and will be sure to attend one of your gigs in the future.

Awesome article Andy... The comparisons are poetic and I enjoyed it thoroughly.

superb ornamental language..
i envy this guy..
after so many days got 2 read a quality writing

"The three new men took 1 for 162 in 26.2 overs. Which was approximately the equivalent of India picking three Sreesanths" awesome !

"The three new men took 1 for 162 in 26.2 overs. Which was approximately the equivalent of India picking three Sreesanths" awesome !

He writes well,this Zaltzman, but he is so besotted by 1947 that he brings it up in pretty much everything he writes. If he isn't that old then why does he still carry the Raj hangover? Doesn't he realize that it isn't funny?

Awesome article Andy.. The two facts you gave to support your prediction are out of the world hilarious. I think i never would live to see sehwag getting 50 ball duck!!

GREAT ARTICLE.

boy, u killed me with dat isotope bit..hillarious..kp dem comin, Andy !!

Very entertaining and interesting article.

Fantastic end. That sure was awesome

Great piece! Thanks for ignoring the idiot shouting from the car. He should be ashamed of himself.

Andy. As great as ever. The last paragraph just made my day. I envy your sense of humour.

Andy, nice article as always! And nice of you to overlook the comment regarding the "white man". I believe at times like this, nationalistic emotions get the better of otherwise sane and civilized people. I hope you do not let this incident change your perception about the Indian people. My apologies on that person's behalf.
Regards.

outstanding as always

Good article from great writer.

As always...terriffic..the way you wrote about the not so good comment on the color of the skin is memorable...

outstanding as always

Excellent!! Excellent article... right amount of English sarcasm, wit and humor in it... two things i like the best in it..

1. "MS Dhoni grabbed the game by the throat and barked sternly into its face: You are coming with me. No arguments. Now sit down, and do exactly what I tell you." - love that quote.

2. "..he made a ballsy decision. He backed it up with granite cojones.." - and i agree Dhoni sure has guts to make risky decisions and then had sheer grit to support and make those decisions successful.

My believe is that this world cup is won by the country that has learn to improve from their mistakes and has the capability to capitalize on the pressure that comes with such events.

South Africa, England, Australia, Pakistan and even Sir Lanka, all have some how buck down when the pressure applied to them.

So my congratulations to all the Indians out their and a very big thank you to you Mr. Zaltzman for excellent articles.

Andy:

(1) Thanks for coming to India, you will always be welcome here.
(2) If you feel ----, come to India. (Fill in that blank with words like: "lonely;" "need to watch cricket," "the need to celebrate;" "the need for color;" "like running away from the complexity of modern life;" "the need for simplicity;" "feel the rush of blood."
(3) Thanks for the column and your travel diary, it makes the win much more special.
(4) I get a feeling cricket is dying in other countries. It is nice to see fans like you.

Please continue to keep writing and stay creative.

When I was in school and I remember the 1987 world cup on a summer day. I could knock on any door in a 2 km radius and say I wanted to watch the cricket match. They would let me in, give me some water from the fridge and give me a seat under the fan to sit. No questions asked. That is how we like our cricket.

In response to that guy who said, "Go Home," please accept my humble invitation. You are always welcome in India

Andy meting you personally during the course of the kevin o brien innings was the higlight for me during the tournament .. Of course Dhoni's six chnaged all that ....:-) But i am sure you are going back only with pleasant memories of india sri lanka and bangaldesh !! keep up your good work

Great Article Andy. I apologize on behalf of that man for his loose comment.India welcomes all.

Hope you had a good time during this world cup and you are welcome anytime.

Keep us entertained with your brilliant writing.

Briliant write! Loved the “Go home, white man, go home” bit. Hillarious.

"Go home,white man, go home".....

I am sorry Andy and I am ashamed. But I guess we all have our share of these lousy nuts. However I APOLOGISE on behalf of all Indians who do not approve such naked display of jingoistic fervor.
Keep visiting us and keep writing on cricket.

gud creative stuff. But even google did not seem to know what " Jeroboam of Chateau Criticism" means.

Another gift from Zaltzman.

Brilliant again!!! “You are coming with me. No arguments. Now sit down, and do exactly what I tell you.” - clearly shows how MSD took command over the game..not only the Captain cool but also courageous because he knows what would be the outcome if he failed to shine yesterday.

So many laughs in this. This is truly genius.

Andrew - great article. Sorry about the comment in poor taste by an Indian.Chalk it up to poor taste and exuberant nationalism on a night when both were at their peak. I know you took it well and kudos to your sense of humour. There will always be some stuck in a tme warp.

I couldn't stop laughing for the last paragraph. :) It is very nice positive outlook.

Superlative article. Damn funny!

Fantabulous, Andy i have been your fan for a long time and religiously read your satirical articles, but this one takes the cake with the icing. Marvelously written and like someone commented on top I wish I had the command over the balmy English language as you.

lol! Andy, this stuff is hilarious!

If you ever read the comments that we post here - I am absolutely saddened by the remark someone made to you about going home. I think just that all the celebration makes one too 'patriotic' (so to say). Its just plain unfortunate that this happens today. But I am sure the Indians that love you outnumber those who will scoff at you at least by as much as Dhoni outscored Sehwag in yesterday's game.

You rock!

Mr. Zaltzman,
Very commendable article and enjoyed reading and visualizing every bit of it..... This article will definitely powerdrill itself into the annals of my memory cushion.

Cheers Mate.

Sorry about the last bit Andy.. :-(
The guy sure got under your skin. Shrug it off !!! I am sure 99% of those party freaks would have bought you a drink that day.

ROFL...Hilarious Andy ..specially the predictions about Sehwag...good one!! Don't go White man. Dont go, come back!!

I apologize on behalf of that person who asked you to go home Andy. Anyway maybe as one of my friend said Asian domination over the decline of White dominated English invented game, is a mere stupidity of over-excitement. Maybe the waiting of the end of 28 years got into his head. But otherwise its a brilliant article, articulate of everything what some of those who watched cricket closely and not-so-experts opine of what you have said. Cheers mate!!!!

Loved your writings for this World Cup... And your predictions too... Have a blast back in England :)And keep writing Andy !!!

"equivalent of India picking three Sreesanths." Man, that just slayed me!!!

the last paragraph -- please don't take it the heart! You are always welcome to India.

Wonderful.

Great writing Andy! I really like the way you bring in words to enrich the cricket story.

My apologies for that idiot in the cab. You are welcome to stay: in fact, I think you should be made an honorary citizen of India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Andy,

This is the best piece so far. Your writing reminds one of a certain
Douglas Adams - perhaps you heard of him?
:)

I wish you would write a book - I promise to buy the non pirated version...

sincere apologies!individual opinions may be forgiven. we indians have always been welcoming anyone onboard. thank you for all your superdooper humorous mind tickling articles. LYA.

You will be missed Andy. Hope you update your Confectionery Stall as often as you did with On the Road With Zaltzman.

Fabulous article...

Hilarious. Loved Sehwag's radioactive pads. Don't go, Andy, come back. We love you.

Andy,

Great Narration, Just Awesome..keep your good work man...

In your style...just remove the green chilly topped on a "DELICIOUS PIZZA"

So you left india . There will be many sreesanths playing in IPL.who is going to give us the stats?

Stupendofabulouslyfantastical.."picking three Sreesanths"..was just great.apologies about the unpleasant incident mentioned in the last para...

I am a huge fan of yours. I find you really hilarious. Always look forward to the next article. The part about Sri Lanka paying for selecting 3 new bowlers for the final is spot-on. Perhaps that was the single biggest reason Sri Lanka lost. Sri Lanka was supposed to have one of the best bowling attacks in the competition. The bowling attack on display yesterday would have been taken to the cleaners by the Saracens batting line-up.Clever use of stats as always - like the one about 3 Sreesanths. Keep going Andy!

the las para... airline employee giving verbal flight reminder.... absolutely funny...wonderful article... m one of ur grt fans dude... long live..

“You are coming with me. No arguments. Now sit down, and do exactly what I tell you.” That's EXACTLY what I picture Dhoni saying when the going gets tough. A supreme captain's innings.

Andy, nice article. I think the comment from the by passer was in just and out of care for you. He was suggesting you to get into a safe place and not be on the streets where crowds can go frenzy with celebration.

Andy, how about coming back towards the end of IPL to enjoy and cover the shortest version of the game? As well: hope to see you in circulation when India tours England in the summer! Cheers

Thanks for being such a sport about your experience mentioned in the end ( and for turning it around with your humor!). LOL! hilarious summary.

It would appear that you are now a fan of Indian Team.

Hello Andy,

It was great to read your articles about the World Cup. We hope you have enjoyed visiting this part of the World and have had a good time. Apologies for the idiot who shouted out at you. You are always welcome.

This nation has seen some great personalities visit us - Alexander, Marco Polo, Mandela, and now Andy Zaltzman.

hi andy, your article was perfect. your sense of humour is great and really gives that ''i have to finish reading this before anything else'' feeling. god knows where you get these ideas from. i wish i could think and write like you. continue your good work.. best of luck.

The WC was just the main course... I believe you don't intend leaving before dessert is served!
The IPL is just around the corner!

Great work Andy. A masterpiece worthy of the WC Final that it covered. I will miss your articles just as much as I shall miss the World Cup. What a tournament! What a wonderful company with Andy's updates!

Cheers

Andy rocks. P G Wodehouse reborn. The best cricket journalism is as pleasurable as the game itself and Andy's writing proves that!

Brilliant humor..your way describing things is Wodehousian and fresh..and good job taking the last comment in your strides as you did! The comment was uncalled for though.

Andy,
The highlight of this world cup has been reading your columns (amongst other things). I loved your take on Kamran Akmal's 'keeping during the Pak vs NZ match. Nice to see someone so passionate about cricket actually belonging to the country where it originated. And don't worry about the fool who wanted you to go home last night. I guess there are a lot of us who would welcome you home and be glad to bear our addresses as your "India address". Keep making people smile.

loved your coverage of the world cup.
hope to see u soon in this country....maybe a stand up gig!! :)

you are a true humorist. standing ovations for the last paragraph

East or west, Zaltzman is the best!

Another fabulously written article, Andy! Despite the stupid incident at the end, I hope you had a reasonably good time in India. We love you here Andy - you are a rockstar! Do come back soon :-)

Andy...As usual you are great and one of the main reason to log on to cricinfo.

One of those rare articles that had me laughing lengthily, till people around me asked me "What happened?", especially surprised that I found something funny on a cricket website. Very witty. Very readable. And full of things to carry home in mind and heart and tell the family over dinner table.

Beautiful analysis written in "Queen's English".....!!!! Would like to read more from you...

Simply brilliant!

good comments andy....when will england win the cup...fourth time lucky????

Andy, your wit and humor are peerless.I have enjoyed reading you through this world cup. Hope the one sore apple does not spoil what has been a basket full of delicious Indian fruit during this world cup. Keep coming back,India welcomes you with open arms.

Looking forward to your articles (and predictions!) during the SL-Eng and Ind-Eng series this summer. Re-iterating my friends here - You're always welcome in India, AZ. Thanks for your awesome work during the world-cup :: Regards from Bangalore, India!

Andy,

You are a rare and endangered species among sports writers. While the rest of the sporting world takes the game and players too seriously, you are a welcome change. Bless your soul !

Truly Funny "3 Sreesanths"

Great Article Andy. I browse Cricinfo searching for your articles.
You have made this WC more memorable with your fantabulous Wit and Absolutely superb sense of Humour.
Sorry about that idiot. Please visit again and again and again.
Love you, take care.

Great!!!!! Sehwag`s contribution and 3 Sreesanths were really outstanding, hopefully `the man yelling from the car window` is forgiven, it happens after a worldcup final(irresepective of the result!!!)

Hi Andy,

I've been reading your each and every blog covering the world cup. Hats off to you for writing such wonderful stuff. Don't go back, just stay here to regale us further. Would surely love to see your stand up comedy routine sometime.

"...not merely agog, but severalgogs" how do you come up with these ??? Good work Andy. Your column continues to be one of my favorites on cricinfo. Best Wishes.

Great Article.....thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

Super entertaining column!!

Excellent article; keep writing as it could inspire others.

Andy Zaltzman - you have been terribly guilty of doling out consistently great stuff during the entire length of this world cup, which even the cricketers couldn't manage!! You are therefore banned from covering the next world-cup to be held in India (which is expected to be in 2021) - but as a fitting tribute to that "lagaan-inspired" fellow countryman of mine, you shall very certainly comeback to cover everything else, in the meanwhile.

Phew!! Where did you learn to come out with such analogies.....

Thank you, AZ.

Hi Andy,

The one bit of resentment I have towards you is due to the fact that you did your stand-up show in Bangladesh and not in India. WTF??? Still, that's easily remedied: come back to India (specifically Bangalore) whenever you can. We'd love to have you again, I'm sure.

All news headings say India's BCCI team won the World Cup Cricket. But Bupati and Paes won the Ericsson trophy and are the World Number ONE in Tennis doubles. No news headlines. So much hype for Cricket. Why? Viswanth Anand was called a foreigner after owning all his contribution. Very sad!
Only Cricket like the Congress and Ghandi family for India!

I am pleased that Andy has taken the "Go home.." comment lightly and is even able to make a joke out of it. I think if Andy does a few shows in India it would boost stand up comedy in India. Since his subject would be Criket I am sure he can attract masses.

V. Good article...one thing is missing though, India had the right to use home advantage and they used in pefection. India - Australia, they had pitch with one half sppining and the other had bounce for fatsre men. India - Pakistan, slow wicket and spray to root out the dew factor. Srilanka - India, flat wicket and dew at the end. Masterly used home advantade. Srilanka missed the trick at home.

Maybe the guy you found in the car was sreesanth himself who mistook you for Andrew Strauss the man who almost spoiled India's party before they regrouped. Maybe sreesanth just found out that there was ONE unaccounted run in that IND-ENG match that gives England a WIN and hence the results of subsequent matches have to be erased and replayed.

Andy - Please write a book. And, stay funny white man, stay!!

Hi Andy,

Amazing as always. Hmm, feel sad about the stupidness of the 60 year late guy. You are always welcome to our loving India. Come here to write for us. :) :)

Titus has said exactly what I'd have like to say !(Thanks Titus)

Only you could conjure a masterpiece like this!
" I am prepared to accept that he was an employee of the airline company I am flying back to Britain with today, who had hunted me down on the packed streets of Mumbai to give me a verbal flight reminder. For which I am eternally grateful." LMAO!!!

Andy, Great Stuff as usual. I seriously suggest you to compile all these articles into a book. I predict that it would be a very big hit in India and elsewhere .. Thanks for making us very happy with your extremely funny humor.

Great article, as usual lot of Zalt and pepper on it.Thanks for a nice read.

Andy,
I got critical about your blogs in the mid stages of the tournament...But you make a wholloping comeback with...

'The three new men took 1 for 162 in 26.2 overs. Which was approximately the equivalent of India picking three Sreesanths'...
My office-mates in UK are asking, what am I laughing about...
I wont bother to explain who's Sreesant and his impact on the game...

Good one...And the Pseudo racial abuse you experienced...I experience that too in Scotland...but i take it with the same pich of iodised salt you took it with...

Keep it up...

Nirav

AZ, thanks for the delightful coverage of the World Cup. Finding enough superlatives for the 'fun and laughter' approach you adorn is proving to be a Herculean task. Presumably, you gather the sentiment.

Apologies from a proud Indian for the idiot who was rude to you.

"The three new men took 1 for 162 in 26.2 overs. Which was approximately the equivalent of India picking three Sreesanths."
Classic!

Hi Andy,

Only one error in the usual master pieces that you come up with..the opening line is wrong. Its not "Yesterday night" but "Last Night"...the other apparent mistakes - I am assuming is intentional...otherwise nicely done...Oh and the idiot who asked called you white man...forget him...we all love you:)

Andy,
I would remember this world cup for being introduced to a lovely human being, someone who loves cricket at heart, someone whose bald pate will go into annals of cricketing history, someone who miraculously is also a family man inspite of being a cricket fanatic, someone who in my mind will be intimately connected to world cup' 2011 .. of course you, of all the people, would know whom I am referring to - Sehwag. Best wishes ..

Let me apologize you on behalf of the person that shouted at you. He might have been in a shock and uncontrollable state of mind. These things do happen knowingly/unknowingly and I appreciate your positive spirit in taking the moment.

Thank you Andy, you have been excellent with your articles and I am proud to be an Indian after this world cup win. It means not only they brought the cup hope, but this could be a new beginning to many people and now as Shah Rukh Khan said, now 'D' goes for Dhoni in every kids life. I hope the new generation get their inspiration from Dhoni and the way he lead the team. Personally, it is a very inspirational leadership and a perfect team work.

Chak De India!!!!

Thanks for the lovely blogs and the smiles all through, Andy.

Hope you enjoyed your trip to the sub-continent.

Our apologies for that screaming fool but there are a few buffoons still around - in every place

Thanks Andy, for the riot that you conjured. As for the last guy, he was probably bi-polar in nature. In a nation of a billion, we may have a million like him. Not too bad a sampling I suppose.

Hello Andy, I love your articles. I am an Indian (third generation living in South Africa). That comment is just from one moron. As another guy said "we love u in India" and that would be true for 99.999999999999999999% of the people. Indians are a loving bunch, even gary Kirsten felt immediately at home.

As for the 'Go home white man' comment. It deserves the same treatment that i give when i get 'p*k*' comment in the UK - a resolute stare followed by a very idiotic smile and a stammered .....no speke english......hahhaha!

Andy.. Guess we can't apologise enough for stupid 'go home' man. Thanks for laughing it off though.but.. You leaving ??? What about IPL?? Come on.. Stay on mate.

I was waiting 4 this moment in my life!! I can die with happiness now!!may the ghosts of 2003 Wcup rest in peace!!A huge monkey is off the back now!!!
as it is said that nothing succeeds like success I have some fascinating facts-
-sri lanka lost both Wcup finals when they were outperformed by the wicketkeeper.Even in their T20 cup 2009 final,kamran demolished their bowling,
-india won both ODI Wcups on saturday,
-india started the campaign with a 4 and ended it with a 6,
-india played their last and first match against the 2 teams with oustered then in 2007 Wcup,
-Shane Warne emerged as "PAUL" of cricket,
-sri lanka didn't beat any Wcup winning side in this Wcup,
-mahela scored ton in a losing cause,
-highest ever run chase in final,
-274 was enough 4 srilanka 2 win..but they saw rajni & ghajini in crowd..
-home side jinx broken,
-gambhir top scored under MS in both finals of 2007 t20 and this one,
-srilanka drinking the tea in plate...coz india took away the cup.LOL

great wit. keep it up.

Such racist comments occur everywhere in the world. Try walking on streets during late friday/saturday nights (forget about game nights) in White countries you can hear racist comments. Don't try to comment India for every damn reason.

Good one....

Dear Mr. Zaltzman,

Of all the comments you received in your month long trip to the sub-continent, you chose to conclude by one "go back" slur.

Perhaps the guy was right in requesting you to leave. You could use this *love* and try to fix *other places* where such slur is a little more common place.

Sincerely,
A

Hey Andy,

First, I just enjoy your writing and thanks for yet another excellent piece! My apologies to you for that fan's (jerk's)reaction who does not know how to behave with another human being. But trust me you'll find those types everywhere...I hope not very many in India. Looking forward for your next visit to India...

Andy “THE GREAT” !
Thanx for multiplying the fun EXPONENTIALLY !

Hi Andy,
I've been following your blog religiously. I thoroughly enjoyed reading each & every article u wrote. Amazing wit & sense of humour. I also want to profoundly apologize for the random comment passed by some idiot. Indians are hospitable people & would always welcome anyone.

Please do not go by what some moron on the street shouted at you. We apologise for the incident and we welcome people from all countries in India. Btw the article was a wonderful read.

That guy was probably upset at the white men getting tickets for the final while the police beat the locals that tried to buy tickets.
ICC should go home.

These are the kind of morons that give any country a bad name. Seriously such people should be banned from celebrating even their birthdays. We are extremely sorry, Andy from everyone who considers themselves ambassadors of India(paid or unpaid). Hats off to every team and country that participated alongwith their countrymen who made the tournament a success. Boo to ICC for deciding to allow just 10 teams, we would def like to see a lot more of Ireland, Canada, Netherland, Kenya.

Amazing one Andy. Just loved reading it. That Last paragraph: overwhelmed by your sense of humor. Unbelievable, to see a Non-Indian writing this well about India and it's most celebrated game :)

Hey Andy,
Loved your article as always. Sorry you got subjected to such a treatment by a hyper-excited brown man. :)
You are most welcome here in this country. Great to see you could create something funny of the situation. Respect!

Thanks Andy for all your columns during this WC. As someone else pointed out, it was the second best thing in this WC season to me next only to Team India's performance and win. My favorite among your posts are - the one about Kapil's 175, one on Kamran Akmal and the final one here. My apologies for the rude incident you encountered. But then by now I am sure you know its stupidity and anachronism which I already see you have taken in your style. Continue writing. Thanks for that..

What an article. Absolutely enjoyed every word of it. Racist remarks always props up anywhere in the world. Take no notice of it. Please do visit the great country any time you wish, people here are very humble and polite except a few.You have a new fan. Keep witing.....

Hi Andy,

Your "On the Road" column was the one shining beacon in a sea of rather listless and sycophantic journalism. You have this wonderful gift of actually embellishing an article with healthy doses of self-deprecation, using a series of radically unusual comparisons for emphasis. Heck, you even managed to put a ridiculously positive spin on a racial slur uttered by an ignoramus country-mate of mine.....All I can say is, " Forgive him, O Andy, he knoweth not what he does". Although you seem unoffendable, I would like to offer my sincere apologies for his boorish behaviour.

I will really miss your daily columns and podcasts, now that this World Cup is over. You have to come up with some new excuses to amuse your loyal fans(and I am definitely one of them) more frequently.

Hey Andy,

Worldcup is over, will miss your articles. Keep on writing n really sorry own behalf of guy who shouted on u..............u r always welcome to india:)

Excellento! I have hereby decided to never read your column at work. Thanks to you, people think i am nuts. I live in canada and my colleagues cannot fathom what about cricket makes me laugh out loud. I love cricket and I love you writing.

Excellent article.

Methinks you made that stuff up about "white man go home". All the suckers here fell for it.

and what is up with that hair?

Hi Andy,
Good and bad people everywhere. I received verbal abuse from Aussies and English while walking in the streets “Indian dog ... Go home”

Good article.

The name was "odd" I did not realise that he is a good q writer. Took interest in cricket reading JH Fingleton in 1953 and afterwards. Later read Peter Ditton from West Indies. Commentaries by John Arlott, Brian Johnstone, Trevor Bailey, EW Swanton, alan macgillvary (sp.?) interested me. I have to read this gentleman - from now on.

Andy,

Your column is a delight. Thanks for following the Men in Blue and writing up this delightfully funny piece. I am sorry (and I am sure many Indians will join me in this) for that ill-advised and immature bigot who was rude to you. Please do not let that keep you from visiting India in the future. You will find, way more times than not, Indian hospitality to be quite an inviting factor.

Hey Andy,
Have thoroughly enjoyed all your write-ups on this WC 2011. You are not only incredibly funny, but very shrewd as well - many of your observations are spot-on. Your analyses are unique, no other cricket "expert" has made the analyses you have made.

Andy man, we just love you and I for one hope you will make India your home, in spite of that foolish chap. There are some people like that who really don't know what they're saying. The same fellow, had you spoken to him, might very well have taken you to his house as his guest!

Warm regards from Bengaluru, and eagerly look forward to your triumphant return!

Andy, just ignore what that Indian uttered - it was pure trash. You are most welcome to move around anywhere in India. Indians welcome their foreign guests. Your mastery over word play is unparalled and so humorous and entertaining at the same time. Not only that, you sum up the game's twists and turns so beautifully. A sharp intellect, Andy.

Andy,
Great fun reading your article. A billion hearts apologize to you for that comment by a crazy Indian. Please keep coming back to India. We love you as much as we love our cricket and our Cricket god!

Hi Andy, I log on to Cricinfo just to read your article. What a sense of humor and command on language. Thanks for your contributions.

"The three new men took 1 for 162 in 26.2 overs. Which was approximately the equivalent of India picking three Sreesanths."

i wish sree had read this one..he wud also have lost his guts like us...this is HOWLARIOUS MR. ANDY

Hi Andy - i am an inian and i am sorry for what that jerk (fan) said to you.Not every indian are the same.

Hi Andy,

It was fun reading your articles during the world cup. I am sorry of behalf of the whole mumbai and India for that stupid remark. Please feel free to come to india whenever you like. Its an amazing country and don't judge it based on few outliers.

Looking forward to IPL analysis from ur end :)

Nice article...let us not be over-apologetic about the "white man go home" comment. It happens to non-whites in other countries all the time. I am not condoning what the guy said...but stuff happens

Andy, you're the (white) man! Well written, and hope to see more of your writing in future.

You know, I was out of town since the final and the first thing I did after opening Cricinfo today was to see what Mr Andy had to say about the final and boy, you never disappoint! The bits about Jesus's missed trick and equating Sri Lankan selection to three Sreesanths were priceless!!!
Hope you had a good time in India Andy, and sorry about the idiot on the street. Cheers!

Hi Z...man. Great article. I am also a Sehwag fan. I can understand your comments about him. You are right, if he doesn't contribute, he lets other to contribute. Rightly said about Sri Lanka, foolish idea of picking 3 players worthy of 1 wicket in a finale.

We Indians are not known for the arrogance or tough nature. Even that reflects in the sledging stories. We'll usually be on the other side.
So I don't mind sometimes, we being dominating rather arrogant. It's needed sometimes, otherwise, we ll be beaten up always!

Wonderful Andy. It is an excellent piece positioning the words at the right places and sequencing the perfect way.
As avid readers, vivid followers of your articles and proud Indians, we feel ashamed on reading the behaviour of a nut. This India will isolate such fools.
Keep coming back; Keep enthralling us with your wonderful language. Thanks for the great coverage of an astounding tournament.

This is hilarious. The best WC 2011 article I've read so far. Thanks!!!

Dear Mr. Hemant please have your stats right. The 1987 World Cup was played in India, Pakistan & was the last world cup without the colored clothing,white ball & of course the flood-lights. But how can cricket be played in India during summer. The cricketing season in the sub-continent begins in October and ends early April. The 1987 World Cup started on Thursday 08.October.1987 and the final on 08.November.1987 & I was in Std. VI at that time.

Dear Mr. Hemant please have your stats right. The 1987 World Cup was played in India, Pakistan & was the last world cup without the colored clothing,white ball & of course the flood-lights. But how can cricket be played in India during summer. The cricketing season in the sub-continent begins in October and ends early April. The 1987 World Cup started on Thursday 08.October.1987 and the final on 08.November.1987 & I was in Std. VI at that time.

Hey Andy i like the way you put MSD's resolve to win the game.
"MS Dhoni grabbed the game by the throat and barked sternly into its face: “You are coming with me. No arguments. Now sit down, and do exactly what I tell you.”
These are one of the best lines i have read recently and yes sorry about the stupid guy hanging out of the car.

Hi Andy
Youve tried to make every line dramatic, just like how indian media hypes every cricket match . I think you need to modify your strokes, you should not try and hit a six every ball

Hi Andy,
Excellent article and Great narration!
BTW I live in Sydney and had been to SCG few years ago when India played against Oz as well as while walking down the street, had similar experience like you (whitemen, I should say Teen while man shouting at me) and happened few times, I just ignore them as the percentage of this kind of people are negligible, at the same time I am trying to justify about that Idiot shouting at you, you being a popular person can write things which reaches people deep down, but there are quite a lot of incidents go unheard and unread, but generally vast majority of people here are wonderful and even better than our fellowmen, however, please ignore such nasty experience and continue your journey.
All the best!
Sydney Suppu

Hi Andy,
My previous post had some mistakes, which I have corrected and reposted.
Excellent article and Great narration!
BTW I live in Sydney and had been to SCG few years ago when India played against Oz as well as while walking down the street, had similar experience like you (whitemen, I should say Teen white man shouting at me) and happened few times, I just ignore them as the percentage of this kind of people are negligible, at the same time I am not trying to justify about that Idiot shouting at you, you being a popular person can write things which reaches people deep down, but there are quite a lot of incidents go unheard and unread, but generally vast majority of people here are wonderful and even better than our fellowmen, however, please ignore such nasty experience and continue your journey.
All the best!
Sydney Suppu

As you say:the cherry on the top!
now thats what i call cricket writing!
Please post me more of your brilliant articles.
thanks again

Hey Andy.... "Go home...." Did it really happen? But still I must say every finger is different in shape and size, so please don't mind. It was in the heat of the moment.

Andy,
Not Good Srilanka Vs. Bad Srilanka this time? Like you said Good Pakistan Vs. Bad Pakistan and not giving its opponent India any credit whatsoever in the semi-final?

His pads are coated with a radioactive isotope that makes shiny leather biodegrade. That is a fact. - hilarious man! been following ur blog all throughout the world cup!

"The three new men took 1 for 162 in 26.2 overs. Which was approximately the equivalent of India picking three Sreesanths." I would say one :)

Yeah, the difference was the number of Sreesanths, India had 1, the Lankans, 3 .... & Jayawardena beware, you'l be having him in the Tusker side ...Alas !!

Perhaps the White Man wasn't wearing his blue jersey when the airline employee saw him? :)

A real way with words. Recently discovered the weblog. Wish had earlier. Have a great time in Whiteland and do write similarly on the Light Blue, Blue, Dark Blue teams' tour in a few months time.

I too woz there to watch the events unfurl. A British Indian draped in an Indian flag.

Aah! the "white man" man - would you have any resemblence to a Mr Ponting by any chance? If you did, that might explain the method of his madness.

Remember, idiots are everywhere.
LOL at "roughly the equivalent of India pickign three Sreesanths" Your sense of humour is next best only to Monty Python's in my book. But if you read "Lord of the Ring" you'd find something totally different, then again its not my book.

Hi Andy, i apologize on behalf of 1.2 billion -1 (the douchebag who yelled at you)
It was really great having you here, hope you dont come to a conclusion that we are racists. we do admire you and your love of cricket regardless. and all the comments on this article backs me up as almost all of them are from indians.

Looking forward to hear more from you, and i really enjoyed your pitch reports :D, you stay classy!

Hi Andy, i apologize on behalf of 1.2 billion -1 (the douchebag who yelled at you)
It was really great having you here, hope you dont come to a conclusion that we are racists. we do admire you and your love of cricket regardless. and all the comments on this article backs me up as almost all of them are from indians.

Looking forward to hear more from you, and i really enjoyed your pitch reports :D, you stay classy!

Andy,

"MS Dhoni grabbed the game by the throat and barked sternly into its face: “You are coming with me. No arguments. Now sit down, and do exactly what I tell you.”"

Very well described. It was certainly a very commanding business-like innings from Captain Dhoni. Watching him execute his intent was the highlight of the game for me! Fantastic Dhoni! Fantastic India!

am i reading a cricket review or fiction full of metaphors ? . i forgot i was reading cricket article

nice article
wonderful way to interpret that stupid comment, hope you had a good flight :)

Dear Andy,
A Face Book reference to read your article brought me on your scene. Amazing control on your pen you have. Subtle is the word. Your description of individuals and the play is just too good. I am grateful to Manohar who suggested reading your article on the Face Book. Andy Cricket has lost its charm as a game. I am not too sure whether it is betting or individual Hero WORSHIP that has landed this game at this gateway to its critical destiny. Could you ever imagine if we would have lost. Our past performance suggest tearing of players kit or throwing stones at their houses, like it happened with Tendulakar in his own stadium, and that of Dhoni's in Ranchi. We need to steer away from this madness, watch and enjoy the game as it should be, Yes Sangarka has already put in his papers. What ever one does is subject to scrutiny but with the hind sight view. Regarding the remark about White Man going home is just another expression of joy out of ignorance. Please dont mind. HMS.

How about a couple of more lines on Sreesanth's inclusion ?

GO HOME WHITE MAN GO HOME! Amazingly simple comment, without being abusive. Just read again, he has not used any abusive word. Andy is white and the man didn't know Andy's name so he called him white man. The advise to go home could be out of concern for Andy's safety who was roaming the street after midnight. It is amazing that even drunk people in Mumbai do not get abusive. Instead of crediting an airline, you should give the credit to the increasingly arrogant and 'brave in a mob' citizenry of India.

The three new men took 1 for 162 in 26.2 overs. Which was approximately the equivalent of India picking three Sreesanths,,,,,,,,,,,, i'm from kerala i like the way you presented it. ha aha aha aha aha aha aha ha hahahahahahahahaahahah

Andy, that was awesome, particularly the closing para!!

Absolutely magnificent article! Almost equal to watching Sachin play the straight. Your response to the racial insult shows your grace.

sincere apologies on behalf of that stupid man

An absolute blinder mate,specially dhoni's word and the prediction of sehwag..stunning,simply stunning..keep it up...

Excellent article. I personally feel sorry for that fan's uncivilized reaction. I am sure you would have also noticed hospitable nature of Indian people so please ignore that idiot;s dirty comment

People's Choice Award goes to ANDY ;-)

i just could not help laughing after a miserable day at work! it was awesome. ingnore the last idiots comments. we indians love you andy!!

Very good article, as always. Except Dhoni seems so placid and pleasant, I can't imagine him grabbing anything by the throat, or speaking so intensely!

I am not completely satisfied with this. Justifying that you are correct in predicting sehwag plays a crucial innings is really bad part and secondly saying India will win without Dhoni's innings is the worst part. You never know yuvi and raina may also be dismissed at low scores like sehwag and sachin which is witnessed already.

Almost a week since "that" moment, and since this article came out, and I refresh this page everyday with the hope that you would've posted something new. Thank you Andy Zaltzman for making this cup all the more memorable and funnier! As for the not-so-great farewell, I sincerely apologize on that person's behalf, and on behalf of every true Indian. Hats off to you for taking it in such a light spirit. Hope you enjoyed your trip to our country and here's hoping we are treated to more of your wonderful posts!

Beleive me, Mr. Zalzman we are as sweet as any other country when it comes to hosting foreigners - black, brown or white not necessarily in any order. You got a great sense of humor. And we get too much carried away with few small things in life even though i might risk getting lynched back here if I say india winning world cup is small thing in life, this side of the world!

hahaha....."Go home, white man, go home."

Zaltz you crazy man........can't wait for your next article!

India is truly an unknown quantity.You need to be here more often Zaltzy.The more you come here the better you know what India is about whether its cricket or the people.

Mr Zaltsman,

You write so well! It's always a pleasure to read a well written article. But you can definitely avoid making light of a remarkable leader - Jesus and ensure that your humour does not stray into an area that's precious to a section of the society. Turning a sickly child into a mahogany bookcase!! Surely you of all people should know this can hurt the sentiments of those who esteem Jesus highly, like myself.Thankyou.

Tremendous article, Andy.

And sincere apologies on behalf of that idiot.
But for every one like that, you will find 10 others who will welcome you with open arms.

And the way you have added humor to that unpleasant incident is just awesome .
Keep up the good work.

Stir the melting chocolate smooth with a cricket bat! Crazy to the end! Guess it has to be laugh a minute when a standup-comedian picks up the pen to write about cricket...
It all happens only because of India... mind it :-).
I'd say there won't/can't be another like the 2011 WC... but you and others like you are always welcome in this glorious land.

the 3 sreesanths and the biodegrading of the leather by the paint on Sehwag's pads were most funny... hoooo haaaah....

Humour aside, your writing skills are incredible and you have truly mastered it. I would love to able to write as 1/2 as good as you do. Keep the good work up!!

If ever there is a World Cup in writing articles, where the winner would be adjudged based on satire, flow, humor an uncanny knack of summing up the topic as well as self-deprecating wit, Mr. Zaltzman would win, not one but at least a hat-trick of such World Cups. Kudos, Andy.