As it is the season for the cricket world cup right now, I think I owe my friends an explanation for my animated reactions to match results. When I say animated reactions, I refer to either the blatant cursing out of a team that India has lost against (I root for India in cricket), or an outburst of happiness for Team India’s victory. Most of my friends have accepted that I become uncontrollable once a game is on, but the severity of my reactions shock them just the same. I have realized over the countless games that I have watched that there are five distinct stages that I go through when I watch cricket. These stages can probably be extrapolated to any game of any sport that ardent fans watch.

1. The Pre-Game Pressure:

Before the game begins, I am always filled with nerves. I rattle off every statistic I know about the teams that are playing (usually it is India versus some team), and then I talk about my personal feelings towards the opposing team. Some teams I am indifferent about, but then are others who I feel strongly against simply because India has lost to them multiple times and I am not willing to accept India’s weakness.

2. The Beginning:

The game seems to be going okay. There is nothing to speak of quite yet. I keep up with the score in peace, trying to play it cool and promise myself that I will not get angry at any point. However, I can feel nervousness take over me and I become a little hyperactive, feeling like a dog being pulled in every direction by hundreds of squirrels. Not many people that I know of are watching the game, so I go ahead and post a Snapchat or two of my screen as I keep updating the scores.

3. The Tension Trek:

Here my stress starts to build up. In a usual game, something seems to go wrong for Team India and I start worrying bit by bit. Initially, I tell myself everything will be okay and try to play it cool. “Just have faith,” I tell myself, but I know that sooner or later this motto will be thrown out the window.

4. The Meltdown:

At this point, I usually feel hopeless and begin screaming at everyone who tries to calm me down. My head will constantly be in my hands as I struggle to deal with the conflict of whether I should check the score or not. Usually, I end up checking the score anyway, and then end up whimpering a little as my heart sinks about the game's prospects.

5. The Renewal:

In the scenario where India wins, there is usually a turning point in the game that perks me up just a little bit. My eyes get wide and my jaw drops as I see the tides turn in favor of Team India. I wonder what’s going on, and those who may be around me ask me what’s going on. I barely squeak out words in fear of jinxing it. It is not until the final play of the game, when India cinches their win, that I let out a sigh of relief and I clap my hands like a seal. After a win, I will have a great day no matter what happens, and everyone who asks about my day has been will receive a thorough play-by-play of the winning moments.