Indian cricket and Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar have been synonymous for the past 16 years. Is there a reason to believe that all that is on the wane? Multiple injuries haven't helped, nor have the failures which one should say is becoming more frequent. Is he at a premium in the side? Am not a cricket expert, but let's try and dissect this premise – from a cricketing side, from a fan's side and above all India's side.
Exciting talent, a captain who is fast improving and a side that is winning – that's Indian cricket this season. There are many stars who have become the flavor of the people, who are slowly going to be getting more endorsements, and become more famous. Where does Sachin stand amongst all this? I would take you back to the third one-day international against Pakistan at Lahore this season. I wouldn't go into stats, but India had a big total to chase. Having lost two quick wickets, it was time for Sachin and Dravid to steer India out of trouble. And boy did they.
But here's where you'll find and interesting paradox. Dravid is a giant amongst contemporary batsmen. The most technically correct, and the most consistent. And here's where I would like to put all the talk about “Tendulkar's end” to rest. India walked into seaming conditions,with the Pakistan opening bowlers making good use of it.Dravid, played, missed and looked all at sea.Sachin's knock was a lesson in batting,of perfect coordination,of letting go the good deliveries.For 35 overs it was a master teaching the cricket world on batting against the seaming ball.It's always been a pleasure watching Sachin decimate bowling attacks.But watching Sachin leave,was for me the stamp of his genius.He swerved,missed a few but kept the bowlers at bay.But never did he compromise on the scoring.And Dravid, all the while looked like a duck lost in a pond.I am by no means belittling his contribution to the important partnership,or his skill.It was a day where he looked second best to genius.And you have to accept that.
The signature straight drive,the seering pull shot,the exquisite cover drive and the cheeky paddle past the keeper are still at their very best.
Even after 16 years of cricket which drains the very best people of their competitive juices, you'll still find that childish enthusiasm whenever he gets a bowl, the same intensity when he comes to bat and the same athleticism on the field.He still pulls his weight in the cricket team,be it with his performance or with the way he guides the youngsters.It was one of the saddest days in Indian cricket when some in the crowd(at Mumbai's Wankhede,3rd test against England) booed Sachin after he got out in the second innings.
Sachin is again out on an injury break.Let us consider the worst and suppose Sachin never plays a test match for India again.In such a case Wankhede would have been his farewell match and what a farewell did we give to him.I know a few rotten oranges don't spoil the basket but is this the way we treat one of our beloved sons? I'm sorry, but we spoilt a few pages of our history here.We surely haven't seen the last of him.Lahore is a good enough example for me.India would have lost the match that day had it not been for his innings.
He is a shining example for sublime batsmanship, and a statesman cricketer.Let's hope the light keeps shining.
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