New Zealand batsman Martin Crowe goes airbourne as he cuts a ball towards the boundary during day five of the 4th Cornhill Test match between England and New Zealand at the Oval on July 18th, in London, England (Getty Images)
In fast-paced newsrooms, time is a luxury one can ill afford.
When I informed my colleague about Martin Crowe's death, he shot back, 'he died long back.' What he meant, was that Crowe had passed away eight hours ago and that he had already published the story. And yet I felt, it was the time that played a trick against Crowe, the more famous (and deservedly so) of the Crowe brothers.
For, how else could explain almost total forgotten memories of this legendary cricketer who led New Zealand to the semi-finals of the 1992 World Cup?
He retired from all forms of cricket in 1995, but only after he had scored a century against India in an ODI series. He may not have created any sorts of records that every generation admires. But let me say this in hesitation- he was David Gower - whose batting everyone loved to watch despite knowing he was not going to create any records.
For those who don't know much about Crowe as the batsman, should read this column by the finest ever cricket writer Peter Roebuck. Of course, Roebuck wrote this in defence of the man he brought in after axing greats such as Viv Richards and Joel Garner from Somerset county that he was captaining. Roebuck was angry that Ian Botham had simply dismissed Crowe as an ordinary club player and produced this piece hailing Crowe's greatness. As if an answer to his critics following five single-digit scores in his appearance for Somerset, Crowe produced scintillating 190 in the second innings to win Championships for Somerset alongside his captain - Peter Roebuck.
His captaincy in the 1992 World Cup remains etched in memories, though.
New Zealand is an extremely small nation and the cricketing community is even smaller. Better laurels and perks are reserved for the rugby players who can be real brutes.
And hence, it was such a paradox to see this bit stodgy guy put together a team that could storm into the semifinals of the World Cup.
It is his skill to spot real talent from the really small pool of players and then hone their skills as per team requirements that make him a great captain of his time. Anyone can lead a team of super talented players such as Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Adam Gilchrist. Like Geoff Boycott once famously said, "Even my mother could lead such side."
But to pick right players from a handful and give them right roles is what defines the greatness. Crowe was one such great. He hand-picked Mark Greatbatch as a pinch hitter and gave him the license to thrill in 15-over limitations for fielding side. And while bowling, he handed new ball to off spinner Dipak Patel, befuddling the batsmen who expected fast bowlers to unleash pace on them.
First his dodgy back and then his knee gave up on Crowe as a player, forcing him to end his career even when he was still playing well. Then cancer finished whatever we could have seen of Crowe as coach or commentator.
53 is not an age to die. Not for legends.