Very few times in life you have something that you come across that truly lifts your heart, something that even would make an old man jump on his feet and whistle. That something, at present would probably be Sachin Tendulkar.
Unfortunately, for the people of my age group watching Sunil Gavaskar or Sir Vivian Richards playing was not possible. Even if we were fortunate enough to see some glimpses of them, I feel we probably were too small at that time to understand the finer nuances and nitty gritties of batting. For those who did, well they are very fortunate.
It’s shocking to know that Sachin Tendulkar has completed 20 years playing for India. For a person like me he has always been playing for India (that’s from when I’ve started watching cricket on television). Whether opening the batting or rising like a phoenix from the ashes by taking the team out of loosing situations he has always been there. Looking at his videos when he had just joined the team really makes me wonder. Atleast now he has grown in built and stature. What it must have been for him at that time to face the fast bowling greats like Wasim Akram, Imran Khan, Waqar Younis, Walsh, Ambrose, etc. At that time with no limits on the number of bouncers, I’m sure that it might have been more of defence rather than attack. But even though, he made sure they never got the better of him.
Probably the most vivid memory I have of Sachin is his Operation Desert Storm. The 134 runs against Australia at Sharjah is something I’m sure that I and also the millions of Sachin fans will never ever forget. The array of shots played was as if a simulation of the coaching manual was going on. May it be Warne, Fleming or whoever, Sachin showed that all hope was not lost. And though with defeat being in the face, he fought harder and harder and made sure that the two teams would be having an appointment again. There's a common saying that “Fortune favours the brave”. I would like to modify that its not only fortune but also God that favours the brave. The sandstorm was like a large group of angels that had come to descend on the field with all the good wishes and blessings of each and every Indian just hoping that we atleast qualify for the finals. After all, the God Almighty didn’t want to leave the God of Cricket alone in this hour of need. The sandstorm finally abated and out walked a man, with just one thing on his mind; not qualification but victory. In came the Aussie bowlers and out flowed the runs from the Master’s bat like blood oozing out of a fresh cut. Neither Fleming’s speed nor Warne’s spin web could stop him. The rest they say is History. India not only qualified, but also went on to win the finals.
Sachin’s career has been, in one word, illustrious with all the records in all formats (almost) of the game to his name. His charisma, style of batting, humility has caught the eye of one and all. So much so that even the all time great, the legendary, Sir Don Bradman took a note of it. Sachin is the only cricketer of the current generation to be included in the greatest of all time. So much so that even all the top-class bowlers of the world pray that they don’t have to bowl to him. The Indian bowlers on the other hand are the happiest as they never need to have that fear.
Even though of his genius and power on field, Sachin has not been a stranger to injuries. Whether it may be his back problem or his tennis elbow, everytime he has proved detractors wrong and has made a comeback harder and much stronger. Innings after innings, runs after runs, he just continues to inspire one and all. No one can and probably will never in a long long time match his abilities. Such a man is born just once in a century. His talent and prowess, uncanny ability to find gaps, running between the wickets and sheer presence at the wicket is so exquisite that it seems that God has taken special care and own sweet time to see that he is perfect. The beauty of Sachin is that even though he may have all the records to his name he always regards himself to be a student of the game. No matter what, there's always room for improvement. That’s the way to keep moving forward. Humility, I must say is Sachin’s motto.
With a staggering 12,773 runs in 159 Tests at a robust average of 54.58 with a mind-boggling 42 centuries and a whopping 17,178 runs in 436 ODIs at a healthy average of 44.50 with 45 centuries in the process, Sachin’s authority over the game is undefiable. His 44 Test wickets and 154 scalps in ODIs underline the fact that Tendulkar has been underbowled.
So, as Sachin makes his way out in the open on Sunday, the same way as he has been doing for 20 years, let us just stop and take a moment to say,” Thank You Sachin. Thank You for the cricket. May you keep going on and on.”
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