What limits would you cross to watch your favourite cricketer in action? Bunk work, skip classes or maybe ditch your lover for the day maybe? In that case, would you go to jail? Well, Mahatma Gandhi's son Devdas did just that so he could watch Don Bradman bat.
But there is a story to it.?
Wikimedia Commons
Devdas was a big fan of the Don and when the legend said that 1948 would be his last tour to England, he knew he had just one chance to watch him in action. He happened to be in London at that time for a meeting. The first Test was in Nottingham and Devdas headed there to watch the game. But unfortunately, tickets were sold out. While he was able to get a pass, the issue was where to stay because all the hotels were full.
In sheer desperation, the son of our Father of the Nation was able to convince the warden at the Nottingham County Jail on June 10. Does one wonder how he achieved it? He had been arrested during the Salt March, but this time he was back on his own accord.
After having breakfast with the convicts the next day he headed for the ground to catch a glimpse of the man who had made life hell for English bowlers for 20 years.?
He would not be disappointed. Bradman launched himself into England's bowling and was 130 not out at the close of play. He was almost 40, but just as dangerous. Devdas got his fill and left for London after the day's play. He had watched what he came to see and had no more regrets.
Reuters
Australia won by 8 wickets, but it is the story of how Devdas pushed the limits to ensure he was there to witness Bradman bat. So this is how he spent one night in jail to see the legend play. Almost Seventy-five years later, this story still leaves people amazed as it becomes a part of cricketing folklore.?