I agree that the innings defeat took the sheen off the humongous achievement of 50 test tons. Wow!! What are we talking about? How could a cricketer who is human ever achieve this milestone?? I am sorry, but did you say 50 test centuries?? Crazy man…!!
Well, that’s exactly would have been the words uttered when you ask a Gavaskar or a Richards or even a Bradman for that matter, to even dream about those elusive figures. But not today.
Ladies and Gentleman, please welcome or rather, let’s worship and put our hands together for the one and only, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar.
I have and will continue to adore him for what he is; as a player and a human being. I have been his devotee ever since he scored that scorching century in Manchester or the ominous innings in Old Trafford at the tender age of 19. His 155 against the rampaging Aussies, the painfully staggering 136 against a world class attack of Wasim, Waqar and Saqlain, the divine 248 in SCG and the 6 majestic knocks against the potent Proteas are vivid in my mind as I recount the stories of inarguably the most gifted batsman the world of cricket has ever solemnised. Well, I certainly haven’t seen anybody better. I agree, I missed Bradman and Sobers; I have not seen Gavaskar or Boycott either; I even bypassed Barry Richards, Clive Llyod and Vivian Richards. Trust me, I have no regrets. I was probably delayed to have the finest at my disposal.
I have seen Sachin gone past numerous turmoils in his career spanning over a miraculous 21 years; I would probably land myself in the graveyard if I played a sport that long for my below ordinary credentials. But the Master has always exceeded expectations in style. Passion, simplicity and humility have been his hallmarks; tenacity is his watchword and discipline has always been his greatest armoury. I believe, that’s almost, nearly almost, the perfect package for any individual to succeed and accomplish. He is gifted, but talent has to be nurtured and Sachin has never taken his capabilities or success for granted. And for me, that’s what makes him what he is today. A superstar of the nation, a legend of the game and an all time great in the annals of world cricket. Yet, today, he manages to safeguard his cherubic image with an astonishing blend of wavering passion and devotion for his profession, which is contagious to say the least.
I need not state these today when he is on the pinnacle of his game; I found myself aptly placed to write about one of the greatest role models in my life.
As I sign off, I salute him for what he is; not for his achievements but for the way he has accomplished every feat in a fashion of indispensable maturity.
@Lifeoholic 