We can't be a Ricky Ponting without a struggle!

I heard it multiple times that God give us the same amount of happiness and sadness in our lives. I understood it practically when on 3rd December 2012, I witnessed the last international inning of my hero Ricky Ponting! On the same date a year ago, I was so filled with joy when I fulfilled one of my biggest dream to meet Rajasthan Royals players. But this year, one of my biggest nightmare came true, Ricky's retirement from Test cricket!

A lot has been said and written about him since his farewell match till today but I was waiting for 19th December to share my feelings. Every Ricky fan know the importance of this day, the day when our legend and our idol was born!

Everyone has a childhood hero; whom they imitate, follow and want to become like them. For me, it was always Ricky Ponting! My interest in cricket started during the 1999 World Cup. At that time, I was more of a South African team fan. But gradually, I got attached with Australian cricket team when Ricky Ponting became the captain of ODI team and then, later of the test team. His leadership qualities always attracted me; his never say die attitude and love for cricket made me respect him a lot.

I have learned a lot from this man. He is an institution for me; a man who taught me to love my job completely. He is the one who taught me that I should never give up in life even if I am on the verge of loosing. He taught me that I should give my best even when I am on the top. We become lazy after achieving something big but he taught me that we should keep on working hard to stay there at top for a longer period. He taught me to excel in every department of my job like he did with his batting, fielding and captaincy. I learned leadership qualities from him. He always treated the whole team as his baby and took care of them every moment. I never saw him running away from his responsibilities and that's why every moment he taught me a new lesson.

I won't say that he is an extra ordinary human and not even that he is the best person but I would definitely agree that he plays an important part in my life. He is that person who inspires me always whenever I am tensed and sad; he motivates me and he is the reason why i keep on going in my life. I feel so proud to be his fan forever.

Ricky, I miss you a lot when i see cricket matches and its not at all special without you. I don't see you eating chewing gum in the ground any more; i don't see you making fielding changes in the ground; i don't see you biting finger nails during a tense moment at the game!

I don't know if I will ever get a chance to meet you but trust me, my good wishes are with you forever!