36 Comments
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Rohan Banerjee's avatar

An essay worthy of the subject. The level of detail and research is stunning.

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Sarthak Dev's avatar

Thanks man :)

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Ravi Nistala's avatar

So good. Your writing is like watching a thriller.

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Sarthak Dev's avatar

Thank you so much, Ravi! :) That's a very kind compliment.

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Kedar Kothavale's avatar

Such a beautiful writing.. It reads like a thriller.. Thank you

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Sarthak Dev's avatar

Thank you, Kedar!

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narasimhan khadri's avatar

Wow!!! I don’t follow football much, but this is a masterpiece storytelling. Who are you Sarthak? Why had I never heard you existed

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Sarthak Dev's avatar

Thank you, Narasimhan. You're too kind :)

I will be writing something around the Ashes too. I mean, hopefully, if the cricket is any good haha.

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narasimhan khadri's avatar

I only mean it as regret for having missed out on your writing thus far , not as a disrespect ofcourse . Are you planning to write something on the upcoming Ashes . Even if you don’t I will be reading whatever you write

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Renuka's avatar

You won't believe what I did while reading this absolutely stunning piece - I watched the highlights of the 1986 Argentina vs England match and saw the Hand of God goal. I don't know much about football technically, but I like the game and try and watch every game of the World Cup with an andh bhakti style of wanting Brazil to win each time. After reading this, I want to see Messi's game/s. Especially the ones you've described. What a player! Not el pibe but el gigante non?

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Sarthak Dev's avatar

Ahaha, hi, fellow Brazil fan! But yes, Maradona was indeed something else. As is Messi. Almost cut from the same football cloth.

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Ashish Chatterjee's avatar

What brilliant writing - what brilliant research. Loved it.

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Sarthak Dev's avatar

Thank you! :)

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Fox in the Box FC's avatar

Really enjoyed this piece, it’s clear you put a lot of work into it. I still remember the heartbreak of 2016 when Argentina lost to Chile on penalties, and you could see how much it crushed Messi. That’s why watching him finally lift the World Cup in 2022 felt like such an incredible redemption story

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Sarthak Dev's avatar

Thank you :)

And indeed, that 2016 Copa America final wrecked him.

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Pritam Sukumar's avatar

Amazing! Thank you for putting in the time and effort to write this!

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Sarthak Dev's avatar

Thank you, Pritam! :) Glad you liked it.

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Binu Sivan's avatar

Ufff! Beautiful ❤️. Seconding what Ravi Nistala said about your writing.

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Sarthak Dev's avatar

Thank you, Binu! :)

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Harsh Parikh's avatar

Sarthak: This is fantastic work. I learned of you through Kimber and Panicker restacks. I am so glad! You have a touch of Mitch Albom. I look forward to your work!

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Sarthak Dev's avatar

Thank you, Harsh! That's very high praise :) I love Albom.

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Maanav's avatar

How?

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le flaneur's avatar

What a tribute, Sarthak! Awesome writing!

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Sarthak Dev's avatar

Thank you! :)

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Avinash Shenoy's avatar

Bookmarked. Shared. Re-read a few times and listened to this as well. Stunning Sarthak. An all timer! 👏

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Sarthak Dev's avatar

Thank you so much, Avinash!

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Rakhi Kurup's avatar

Wow Sarthak. Just wow ❤️❤️❤️

This was a revelation. I didn't know about the booing and jeering at home.

Such a pleasure to read. Let me now forward to my football crazy spouse and my son A2.

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Sarthak Dev's avatar

Thank you, Rakhi! :D

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Anish Ramachandran's avatar

This was such a treat, Sarthak!! Your artistry with language makes your writing every bit worth the wait - it’s a Sunday ritual that I have come to look forward to. With some impatience 😬.

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Sarthak Dev's avatar

Thank you, Anish :) You're too kind. Glad the pieces are contributing to good Sundays! :D

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Aakriti's avatar

Wow! This is absolutely stunning. I'm going to have to re-read it to fully take it all in!

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Sarthak Dev's avatar

Haha thank you, Aakriti! :D

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