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Late Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, who was also a keen cricket enthusiast. PIC/AFP

FIELD Marshal Sam Manekshaw loved sports and particularly cricket. He came over to meet the Indian team which I was part of during the Delhi Test against the 1978-79 West Indians.

I was fortunate to cross his path just before lunch. We had an interesting cricket discussion revolving around the great Gavaskar, Vishwanath and Kapil Dev. I was mesmerised in the presence of a man who was so humble, extremely charming and sported a smile that made one feel so special.

Hero meets hero

Bhagwat Chandrasekhar was one member of our team the Field Marshal was very keen to meet. He wanted to shake his hand to recognize his big-hearted feats for India. His hawk-like eyes instantly focused on Chandra and a quick march had him at hand-shaking distance.

As lunch was to be served, a well laid-out table came in between him and his favourite cricketer. A well-laden table and furniture did little to deter a determined Army Commander who shot out his hand to greet Chandra.

The Field Marshal had a particular way of shaking one's hand and that was to hold it firm, shake it thrice and then jerk it forward towards him. Poor Chandra's polio-affected hand and wrist could not take the last gesture and we saw him being lifted off the ground and land right across the table with his face very close to the great leader.

Although Chandra was embarrassed and apologised profusely, the Field Marshal had no compunctions in enveloping him in a bear hug. Then, he turned around to shake each one of our hands and everyone ensured that they had their feet well balanced with a slight tilt in their back to they didn't land up  forward too.

His presence during that short visit was a moment to cherish, but my dear friend Chandra was in a dilemma as to who was his favourite Indian …Manekshaw or Mukesh.

The author represented India in the late 1970s