Dear Shafali,

It’s almost as if we, the fans of the Indian cricket team, are intruding on private grief. Every one of you in the dressing room seem in mourning after the defeat to Australia, something that has undoubtedly harmed the team’s proud self-esteem. To compound your misery, many hold you the culprit for dropping Alyssa Healy’s catch in the first over.

I know that any attempt at consoling words from a fan (who only got to watch the matches on a television some 8000-odd kilometers away) can bring little comfort at a time of such sorrow but please consider this. The sheer depth of the hurt has been felt by all of us in this World Cup tournament.

Many times, we have seen India’s distinction in cricket. But it was probably one of the few times when you guys and not Virat Kohli and co. were being heralded. But sometimes the heavens open up and weep and all one can do at that time is soak it all in.

For when you were trying hard to cover those little droplets of tear, so was this cricket-crazy country. (Image: T20 World Cup)

You don’t always win, despite your best efforts. Even for those who have outright talent, the sun does not always shine. But sometimes it is in mourning that the love for the sport in the country is truly revealed. For when you were trying hard to cover those little droplets of tear, so was this cricket-crazy country.

Try and forget this one evening. Look back once, look at the mistakes and then rectify. For you are only 16, and this cannot be the end of the world. You have to believe you will be here again. Maybe, as a 24-year-old, leading your troops in a final against Australia. Then will be your chance.

The obsession will still be there amongst us, I promise. Because cricket’s power here is everywhere, be it men’s or women’s. It is seen in our offices, in our houses, in front of the electronics shops — when everyone stands up during the national anthem. It is that little fan who screams ‘Shafali, Shafali!’ every time you hit a six. It is at those discussions in every gathering where every shot, every ball is dissected. It is everywhere.

Cricket is on everyone’s tongue, in everyone’s life. Shafali, cricket is nothing less than a religion in the country. But who knows it better than you girls?

People express their disappointment. You will be blamed. You gave India incredible starts in every match but in the final, you dropped that crucial catch. But you know what would have been a scarier response? Indifference and negligence. People are in pain. They care and that’s why they lash out. In a way, we, the fans are flawed and crazy.

So block out all the noise, harness all this emotion, rectify your mistakes, work on your weaknesses and go again in glorious pursuit of the World Cup. Good luck.