16th March 2012 will be etched in one of my happiest memories forever. After a year long wait Sachin Tendulkar completed his 100th International century. I have been avoiding watching him play since the England tour because I felt I was being unlucky for him. Even today, as he neared this milestone and my friends started passing comments I just left the floor, restless, desperate for him to get this gorilla off his back.
I wont say his 100th ton went in vain on account of our loss. He never had an ODI century against Bangladesh before, even when we consider them to be a weak cricketing nation. This ton is the check mark against all ODI playing nations of his generation. And it is his 100th international century while representing India! So why do you think it was a lost effort? Yes, the win would have made it sweeter but has he announced retirement yet?
For quite some time now I have been hearing and reading FB posts by many people saying India loses when Sachin hit's a ton. I think it is really hard for them to believe that 76 of his hundreds have helped India win or draw matches (references below). Now consider below stats. 2011 onwards whenever he has gone on to make a big one, the team has let him down. Is Sachin the unlucky charm?
| Result | ||||
| Period | Tally | Win | Draw | Lost |
| 1990 to 1995 | 12 | 7 | 4 | 1 |
| 1996 to 2000 | 39 | 20 | 8 | 11 |
| 2001 to 2005 | 22 | 14 | 4 | 4 |
| 2006 to 2010 | 23 | 13 | 4 | 6 |
| 2011 onwards | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
One of the passing comments I heard was Sachin playing selfishly for his milestone 100, as his strike rate was lower than his ODI career average. I don't buy this but lets just consider anyone in his place in this scenario. Tell me that person would not have done so, would not have tried to achieve such an impossible record having been so close to the finish line? You cant say that right, coz you are human; isn't he one?
Perhaps you must have assessed my frustration level behind this philosophy, research and number crunching. Hearing and reading a lot of stuff about the much awaited ton, retirement, breeding youngsters had really frustrated me to the core. I can't even say I imagine what level will be Sachin's frustration.Could there have been any other person to endure what he has done so brilliantly?
Sachin is my role model. I love him far more for the kind of person he is than a great cricketer. Sachin always shows you how important it is to be a good human being more than anything else. We belong to the same hometown and are maharashtrians, in which I take immense pride. He has always handled praise and criticism equally well. He has always made sure his work speaks for him. He is so very passionate about his game even after such a long career. His philosophy about his work is simply to improve what you do and results will follow. Be patient and humble. Quite certainly is a rare specimen, isn't he?
In today's press conference a reporter mentioned, "Are you aware this is your maiden ODI ton against Bangladesh?" to which he replied, "No. I didn't know that. I don't get involved in numbers. If I do that I will end up spending too much time, might as well put that time to practice for games to follow!" That's so true. Another century in ODI cricket by him will be the first ever 50 centuries posted by one man in history of ODI. 650 odd additional runs will make him the first ever batsman to post over 19000 ODI runs. And many more we wouldn't even had thought about.
It's my genuine request to everyone interested in the game of cricket. Enjoy Sachin's game till you can! These are his sunset years and you never know when you will cease to witness such a human being with this overwhelming aura, talent and conduct. We are too meager to comment, suggest or criticize him. Somewhere you know you love him for what he has done for India. Your envy for him is useless coz you can never match him. He is not an ordinary human, you see. He is Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, the God of Cricket for so many and the Master, for me!
Stats references -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_international_cricket_centuries_by_Sachin_Tendulkar
Very interesting indeed Rohan. I heard the great man talking to the press and telling about how equally precious the first 99 are and felt so great about the humble yet deserving gentleman.
ReplyDeleteIts a really fresh and clear outlook to this topic that you have expressed. Hearing people say him being selfish is a little disappointing and frustrating , but really their comments don't deserve such expressions.
All we need to do is enjoy the innings he has played and will play in the future as each of his innings comes with that 16 yr old freshness.....MAN Sachin Tendulkar is the greatest Phenomenon that has happened in my growing years a source of inspiration for years to come.............
totally agree with you Tushar!!
ReplyDeleteBillions of hearts weep…..on the day when Sachin (GOD) retire.
ReplyDeleteIndians wish that day never comes. It would be one of the most disappointing days of our life. Ever since Indians started watching cricket, it was Sachin, Sachin & only Sachin who made them feel cricket so special. Sachin is only responsible for making cricket a religion in India. They haven’t experienced watching cricket without Sachin. Whether he was injured/rested, there was always a ray of hope that he comes back to team soon. But after retirement, he will never be backing………..If anyone wants to achieve anything in life, Sachin is the best example for them.
I feel most people find it hard to digest that Sachin will no more be a part of Indian cricket…….on that day, isn’t it?
JUST imagine that day, when Sachin plays his last game. He comes to bat for the last time, and everybody in the stadium claps & the chants of SACHIN!!! came for the last time after he gets out, while walking back to the pavilion, the entire crowd gives him a stand awaition. Many of them will be in tears, millions of eyes wet watching their hero play for the last time. An era ends. The end of a legend came……..The bond between every generation breaks. Would you miss Sachin a lot? I think most of people would say “YES”. The saddest day of Indian cricket- when genius retires…LOVE YOU SACHIN!!!