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At the request of @DattaNilanjan here is a thread I always wanted to share of a dark phase of our times when a bunch of cricketers travelled by train in fear, with no protection, trembling every time it stopped, going into huddle, a couple into hiding, praying when it moved
Part of this story had been written a day after Chetan Chauhan passed away on August 16 2020 due to COVID-19 on the role he had played in this episode. But there were a few other aspects which are highlighted here. Two players from that squad have left us – Chauhan and Ajay Jha
When a World Cup hero played a Hero off the field ! This was Duleep Trophy at Pune. North won its match against Central by 10 wickets on 30 October 1984. Everything perfectly to the script. Next day’s train booking to Ahmedabad for the final was in place. & then it all changed
Mrs Indira Gandhi was assassinated. The final was off. The team had to return to Delhi with Chetan Chauhan, Sarkar Talwar, @cricyashpal Ashok Malhotra, Ajay Jha @KirtiAzaad Yograj Singh @sherryontopp Manoj Prabhakar, RS Ghai, Gursharan Singh, Sunil Valson, @PillaiBhaskar
Azad left by flight. “He could afford a flight,” said Yashpal. The team had seven international cricketers and only one could afford a flight. Train tickets were secured. “We were used to train journeys,” said Talwar. But not used to face what lay in store. A nightmare
The train journey was more challenging than scoring a century or claiming five wickets. The train crawled more than it sped. & then one place it just stopped. “Mob trouble,” recalled Malhotra. There was panic. Chauhan, Talwar, Jha, Yograj, @ashokmalhotra65 Yashpal took control
“Whatever happens we are in it together,” Bhaskar remembered the united resolve. Sidhu, Yograj, Ghai, Gursharan stood assured. It was decided the four would hide under the seats if it came to it. Every time the train halted, Chauhan and Yashpal would stand guard at the doors
"World Cup player Yashpal. World Cup player Yashpal," was how Yashpal would introduce himself to the crowd. "Test player Chetan Chauhan. Test player Chetan Chauhan," would be the voice from the other door of the compartment. They just had to prevent people from coming in
“None of us had this experience of battling to survive literally. It was frightening,” recalled Malhotra. For Valson, it was no different. “You can say we survived. The sight of the mobs was petrifying. Once they even entered the compartment,” remembered Valson
After what seemed ages the train finally reached Agra. The players got a chance to relax thanks to Jha, an Air Force officer. “The platform was manned by army men. We were told of the riots happening,” said Yashpal. The players boarded the next available train with prayers
Yashpal requested the train driver to stop the train when it reached Okhla station. “It was close to my house but the driver refused. He could, at best, reduce the speed but won’t halt. Against the rules he insisted & could cost him the job. It was fine with us,” said Yashpal
The Punjab-bound players placed their luggage near the doors – ready to disembark at the station. “Just throw the stuff out on the platform and jump.” But as the train entered the platform, the players stepped back. “I saw tanks on the road. It was scary,” recalled Yashpal
Close to 72 hours after leaving Pune, the haggard North Zone team reached Delhi. The local players took taxis to their respective places but Yashpal was tasked with taking his Punjab colleagues home. “I could not have left them stranded,” said Yashpal, gritty as ever
Gursharan was escorted by policemen in a taxi from the station. “I sat with my hair loose, like a girl. It was an unforgettable ride,” recalled Gursharan. “I saw heartbreaking scenes,” remembered Bhaskar. “I was lucky to get down at Faridabad & somehow reach home,” said Talwar
Prabhakar does not want to remember that "horrendous" train journey. “We stood for each other, using cricket coffins as walls, and that was the only thing I would like to keep in my memory. Some of us made our international debut soon. But that journey is best forgotten.”
Yashpal still shudders remembering those heartbreaking days when madness ruled the streets of the Capital. “My Punjab colleagues managed air tickets in the evening," said Yashpal, who rode to the airport on his motorcycle. “To see them off. Just in case they needed any help.”
For the record, the final of that tournament was held at Delhi in February 1985. Eight players from that train journey figured in the title-contest won by South. Current India bowling coach, B. Arun took 7 wickets. As for the journey, Bhaskar said “We were happy to be home.”
