Tendulkar

Well

I have always felt of writing something about Tendulkar, but always stopped at the thought that what more can I write? But then, let me start with whatever comes to my mind. Something is better than nothing.

Frankly speaking, I can either write about how good he is. Or I can defend against some of the criticism he faces. But I would do neither. Simply because there is loads of literature on both topics. (Though I would love to add to that later, if not now). So let me just write how did Sachin Tendulkar manage to capture all my imagination, and do so for so long.

It was a summer night in 1998, everyone but me fast asleep. I was glued to the TV set, watching India chase an (then) improbable total of 273, with us having lost a few wickets and match coming to a partial halt due to a storm of sand. The only reason though for me to stay tuned that late, as was the case with millions of viewers accross India, was this one man Sachin Tendulkar. As had been a norm with our team then, Tendulkar was our only hope to make any progress in tournament. And progress we did. What happened after that desert storm still gives me goosebumps. Tendulkar literally toyed with the Aussie attack, brought us home. Did a repeat show in the finals, won India the tournament and made a permanent impression in hearts of millions.

It was not just that one match, but many many of them. Each time he batted, there was very little else I could think of. The thrill, joy, pride he provided with his batting is unsurmountable. He totally dominated the opponents. Amazed all with his overall cricketing acumen (his ability to bowl every type of ball, just like his batting). Most amazing of all, always stayed grounded even when he was on top of the world. One of the humblest persons, always friends even with the fiercest rival off the field.

An Indian on top of the world. Could there be anything more to be proud of being an Indian?

Who else could a teenager want for an idol?

In good times and in bad, its always going to be only Sachin Tendulkar... for me.