.jpg)
Somehow it is unfortunately apt for Indian Cricket God. I just wish I haven't seen the last of Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar in test matches- a sight of Southee rattling his midddle stump, then a pang of anger controlled before it was to erupt-you knew the man with many highs was feeling low. In a career that had peaked again in last few years, one could have seen 'The Master' signing off at different highs. After World Cup 2011 probably.But, it never came. Not because he was selfish to earn more money, but because he wasn't selfish to retire when team needed him most. I felt bad today when a certain sections of media said " Sachin should go". I suppose they haven't earned the right to ask him to leave. I understand that nobody is bigger than the game itself, but some sportsmen are a big part of the definition of that game.
Roger Federer for Tennis. Michael Schumacher for Formula1. Tiger Woods for Golf. They make the game what it is. Sachin Tendulkar is that figure for world cricket. A household name synonymous to a good cricketer. When a child manages to hit bat with ball for the first time, people say " Sachin banega ye tou". That is how big the man is.
A section of media said "Raina shouldn't make way for Rahane, Sachin should..Raina is the future, not Sachin". These narrow-minded literary experts don't know what impact Sachin has in dressing room, on the youngster even on the bench.
When a certain 20 year bowler shouts at him. He looks away and hits next ball for four. That's how big he is.
When he hits a century, he looks at the skies for God and his father , and not at critics. That's how big he is.
When he recieves booes from his home ground, he helps his team to a world cup win years later on that ground. That is how big is.
No he isn't bigger than the game. But he is bigg enough than your senseless comments.
In Castrol Awards ceremony, Sachin told a reporter recently" the day i wake up and find no will to pick up a bat and play, I'll retire". It is amazing how somebody can have that will to give 100% for 22 years, every single day. Career of Sachin has been longer than the age of some Indian Cricketers, that tells you of his legendary cult status. And now to have fingers pointed at him, when 3-4 balls have found space between his pad and bat, is to disrespect the 22 years of selfless service. This makes you feel that perhaps, it is good to be be selfish and retire at a high. Because a hero who defined Indian Cricket for decades, should walk out as a hero. Nothing less.
'On a good Length' feels Sachin has the right to take his call.
