At first glance, the setting wasn't befitting of the occasion. It was an invitation-only media session with Sachin Tendulkar on the eve of his completing 20 years in international cricket. The Taj Land's End hotel was the perfect venue because it was only a few minutes’ drive from his home in suburban Mumbai. But the room was small, tucked away in a corner of the second floor; dimly lit; and had such a narrow entrance that the television cameramen struggled to get their equipment through.
Of course only a few had been invited. Inevitably, though, word got around and inevitably everyone piled in. Could it really have been any other way? So there were nearly as many television cameras as Tendulkar’s Test hundreds; the chairs were taken up quickly so many of the journalists squatted on the floor, almost engulfing Tendulkar in a semi-circle. Coverage of the event was embargoed till November 15, the actual day of Tendulkar’s landmark, but word came soon that a couple of television channels were broadcasting it live. It felt shambolic.
Even so, the organisers couldn’t have made it more charming had they tried. There was no flash or ostentation, no grand stage and no barriers; Tendulkar was in such proximity that some of us could have extended our arms and touched him. It felt intimate and cosy and the most colossal of superstars felt endearingly human. It was apt too, because he has been the most human of superstars. I use word human here to describe simplicity and humility, not frailties and misdemeanours associated with fame and glory.
Throughout his life Sachin Tendulkar has worn his celebrity lightly. He could have hardly been unaware of it yet somehow he has managed to stay impervious to it. Perhaps it’s just been easy: that’s the way he has grown up. When asked if has found the mantle of greatness tedious or the scrutiny by the media suffocating, he has an uncomplicated answer. “This is the way I've known my life from the age of 14. I'm comfortable with it.”
Not everything about Tendulkar has stayed the same. His game has changed, evolved rather. It has become more nuanced, more mature, subtler, more versatile and, to the occasional chagrin of his fans, more watchful. His voice has got more timbre in it and he speaks a lot more at press conferences. He is father to two children, and the 10-year-old Arjun tries to hit as many balls into the stratosphere as he can. In a newspaper interview published on the occasion, his wife Anjali was tickled by the idea, however improbable, that father and son could play together.
But there is a Tendulkar that hasn’t grown up. Cricket for him is not a vocation, not a ticket to stardom and riches, and perhaps not even about the India cap he so cherishes. It is what defines him, what makes him, and he has no hesitation in admitting that he needs cricket as much as cricket needs him.
I asked him how he has managed to retain his enthusiasm for the rigours of practice after so many years. He didn’t have to search for an answer. “Cricket lives in my heart,” he said with striking simplicity. “Whenever I'm on a cricket field I enjoy it, and somewhere there's still a 16-year-old hidden inside who wants to go out and express himself.”
It was meant to be a 90-minute session; it lasted close to five hours. Everyone wanted a slice of him and Tendulkar was in the mood to oblige. He switched effortlessly from English to Hindi to Marathi; dignified the most inane question with an answer; even took on a politically-loaded one that provided newspapers with a front-page headline (Mumbai belongs to India, he said when asked, indirectly, about the recent campaign by a party that has made Marathi chauvinism its central plank); but had the wit to not to be drawn into the Warne-Murali debate (Whom would you rather face if they were bowling together? “I’d rather be in the dressing room.”); and didn't lose patience with the photographers who all wanted that final shot.
I left while he was getting ready for another one-on-one session. “Must be the most varied attack you have had to face in a day’s play,” I remarked, attempting lame humour. He flashed a wide smile. His face is beginning to show signs of age but the smile retains its boyishness. “Yes, a lot of variety,” he said. He still looked alert and fresh. The cricketer in him would have approved.
sachin v love u n i hope u play till nxt 50yrs ..!! plz dun retire..!! d day u will retire i think each n everyperson in india will cry..!
Posted by: Anonymous at November 14, 2009 8:07 PM
nice
Posted by: sneha at November 14, 2009 8:13 PM
god wanted to play cricket from day one it has started and then waited long enough to come down and play himself.so he reformed himself into a great player.dats the little master and "THE GOD OF CRICKET" SACHIN RAMESH TENDULKAR
Posted by: NAVNEET at November 14, 2009 8:18 PM
5 long hours of jamming & such a small article?.....just kidding. again a nice one Sumit. And also liked a lot the previous one of yunish khan. Though i am not a regular reader, but enjoy your article quite often.
sachin gives us one of the many reason to be proud as an INDIAN. GOD BLESS HIM & FAMILY.
Posted by: Vikram at November 15, 2009 12:18 AM
Tendulkar is greatest player, but not a greatest match winner.
I hope he changes that in upcoming 2011 World Cup.
He is the only one who can make the whole-team perform to win the world cup. I think Australia is the team to beat. I hope there wont be another 2007 world cup in the back yard.
Posted by: Nata at November 15, 2009 1:17 AM
Love you Sachin! You have given me a lot of joy all these twenty years! I grew up watching you win matches for India. You have been the symbol of our hope and growth. Without you and the other fab four, our life would be incomplete. Some may say, you guys made a lot of millions, but you guys also made a lot many millions to believe in themselves. And that to me is the best you guys have given for this country.You are indeed a part of every family in India. The love and affection, even though not in person, showered by this country would take you to even great heights. I pray lord almighty to be with you and bless you. Like many other friends who mentioned in various forums, It is very very difficult to imagine cricket without you. Love you Sachin!!!
Posted by: dr sajeer at November 15, 2009 1:43 AM
i have been watching cricket since 1996, i became sachin's fan after 2years, i had bunked my first year bds university exams to watch sachin playin against pak in 2003 and i still continue to take leaves from clinic or make arrangements to watch cricket till he is in the crease, and when he gets out i am off watchin, and i will stop watching cricket when he retires, its been decided in my mind long back... i hope he ll play till 2015wc... hmm then he may be able to play with his son for india..... all the very best SRT, and thanks for giving us a wonderfull entertainment throughout your career.
Posted by: Anonymous at November 15, 2009 1:46 AM
NICE ARTICLE SUMIT... i have been watching cricket since 1996, i became sachin's fan after 2years, i had bunked my first year bds university exams to watch sachin playin against pak in 2003 and i still continue to take leaves from clinic or make arrangements to watch cricket till he is in the crease, and when he gets out i am off watchin, and i will stop watching cricket when he retires, its been decided in my mind long back... i hope he ll play till 2015wc... hmm then he may be able to play with his son for india..... all the very best SRT, and thanks for giving us a wonderfull entertainment throughout your career.
Posted by: manna at November 15, 2009 1:53 AM
none can be compared with sachin. u r simply out of universe .......play cricket for another 10 yrs plz...
Posted by: Kotesh at November 15, 2009 2:15 AM
What can we say about Tendulkar...I would like to quote what Mathew Hyden said ' I have seen God who bats at no 4 for India'
Posted by: Rakesh Reddy Narayan at November 15, 2009 4:15 AM
Hello Sachin Paji,U have been a gr8 source of inspiration to a billion population.I wish U play 4 INDIA as long as possible.... We love u.... Thanks for the pleasures U have given...
Posted by: Neeraj at November 15, 2009 4:24 AM
I love you Saching. You are the one, who has given the most number of 'best moments in life'. I know I am going to cry the day you decide to put your shoes off. In this life, I shall be always greatful that you played for us, you played for India. You are there as much as the family is. You are the second name of joy. You are Sachin.. The Sachin. Can not assume a cricket year without you. Just love you.
Posted by: Chetan at November 15, 2009 4:32 AM
Congratulations Sachin on your 20 years in international Cricket.. World would have been not same without you during these years. Love you and you inspires lot of people.. I never had a sports hero in my life cause i am too picky but your are the first one and i am proud of that..
Posted by: Prakash at November 15, 2009 4:54 AM
hi,
we r all enjoyed ur batting & hope to see INDIA clinching 2011world cup with u.You are only one who can make the whole-team perform to win the world cup.GOD BLESS SACHIN & EVERY ONE IN INDIA.
"JAIHIND"
Posted by: Prakash at November 15, 2009 4:57 AM
hi,
we r all enjoyed ur batting & hope to see INDIA clinching 2011world cup with u.You are only one who can make the whole-team perform to win the world cup.GOD BLESS SACHIN & EVERY ONE IN INDIA.
"JAIHIND"
Posted by: Kapil at November 15, 2009 5:06 AM
A Symbol of India Sachin is patience and persistence down to eatrh personified individual. There can be no other SACHIN!!!!
Posted by: VivaVizag at November 15, 2009 5:29 AM
Sachin is undoubtedly India's proudest product. Thank heavens for providing Mother India with such a prodigial son. He inspired my generation, carried the hopes of a billion people, instilled something critically lacking in his team – a will to win, and epitomized everything an Indian ever aspires for. The manner in which he carried himself over last 20 years in spite of the towering achievements, awards and adulation is something everyone needs to take note of. To me, he is Gandhi in cricketing clothes. I consider myself fortunate to have been born in Sachin's generation and witnessd his superlative performances in all parts of the world. Imagine if he had born/played for some other country, India's record cricketing record would probably be very little to speak for. A banner I saw in Sharjah when Sachin was in full flow says it, "Cheating! India is playing with 20 players: Ten + Tendulkar". India's emergence as a cricketing giant can be attributed to one individual - SRT
Posted by: jeethesh at November 15, 2009 5:47 AM
every body likes sachin bcoz he made it so simple by making all the records looks simple when he bats
Posted by: Mudit at November 15, 2009 6:26 AM
Wish u all luck SACHIN...from past three days jst reading only about you on internet newspapers nthing excites d indians as ur batting does..Watchng u play is a poem is a song its jst so so spritual that i can miss 4 dhaam yatra jst to see u play those cover drives,upper cuts and flicks of the pad...We luv u!!! I hope my children ton get the oppurtunity to c u playng...
Posted by: Rohington at November 15, 2009 6:43 AM
LOVE U SACHIN!!
I guess asking for another 20 yrs would be too much ?!
Posted by: Sunny at November 15, 2009 7:38 AM
Hi, Sunny here. I m a Bangladeshi but i would love 2 see him perform against Bangladesh as well. He is my hero. I want Sachin to play as long as he want. God bless Sachin.
Posted by: nazeer at November 15, 2009 8:59 AM
1 word : MASHAALLAH
Posted by: Isaac at November 15, 2009 9:25 AM
Tendulkar redefined cricket in India, has been the source of inspiration for hard work in and off the cricket field. With the amount of fame and money that came his way any human being will be tempted to be lead astray and drift (footballers and other sports persons are living examples). I have been following his career all along and do not recollect one negative press about his behavior. This quality is not common among the new crop of crickets. They are known for their wild off field life. One might say how an individual leads his life is not any others business. Seldom do these people remember that they are being watched and being role modeled. Dravid is another person where they should learn on how to conduct ones self off the field. Both Sachin and Dravid are in the twilight of their careers hope they combine together and mentor the youngsters to be cricketers of note worthy quality in and off the field. God bless you SRT for carrying India in your heart and shoulders we love you!
Posted by: Jay at November 15, 2009 9:35 AM
@Vikram, not a match winner? What do guys like you want man? Exasperating bunch...
Posted by: RajaShigan at November 15, 2009 9:39 AM
Sachin you are the greatest person i have ever though of. you are my inspiration. Idont have anywords to describe teh amount of inspiration you have given to me. I wish only one thing from you, it is not greatness, power, money , stardom, praise or charm. but i only want your determined attitude. i want to come up in life for that i am in need of your humility and determination. if you read this please mail me how you got that determination in you unwavering for 20 years... truly you are my hero. i still remember myself crying for more than 2 days, when you got stumped in the semi of 1996 WC. i remember you forever till i die. the day when you retire must be the last day of this world. cant even think about u getting retired.... love u so much....Miss u so much
Posted by: Anonymous at November 15, 2009 1:13 PM
v all luv u sachin.. i hope u never retire from cricket.. i seriously do.. i started watchin cricket because of u and i wuld stop watchin it once u retire.. pls be like this forever.. :)
Posted by: Anonymous at November 15, 2009 1:14 PM
v all luv u sachin.. i hope u never retire from cricket.. i seriously do.. i started watchin cricket because of u and i wuld stop watchin it once u retire.. pls be like this forever.. :)
Posted by: barani at November 15, 2009 1:17 PM
Congrats Sachin. Sachin is a good cricker and not the best like Ricky ponting. Ponting contributes more than sachin in winning the GAme. Also we have a class player "Rahul Dravid". Rahul Dravid is a best player than sachin in Test Cricket. Dravid's contribution in winning/drawing a Test is more than Sachin. Sachin some times play like a selfish. His contribution was very poor in the finals. Any cricketer getting an opportunity continuously for 15-20 years with Opening slot, he can break all records created by Sachin in the future.
Posted by: antara at November 15, 2009 1:46 PM
we luv u sachin.may god bless u & plz keep playing 4 INDIA .Oh sachin tussi great ho!!!
Posted by: akansha at November 15, 2009 1:49 PM
v all luv u & r crazy about u .keep playing for INDIA
Posted by: chinmay at November 15, 2009 3:01 PM
only sachin knows when to retire;he must play till 2015 world cup!
his strokes outwitting warne,waqar,olonga,shoaib,lee etc etc. will be legend,folklores!!!!
Posted by: Prashant Tandon at November 15, 2009 6:10 PM
For me Sachin is GOD & 10 is "Holy Number" for me.
Posted by: reddy at November 15, 2009 6:14 PM
@barani, I love Ponting and unquestionably he is a very good batsman but comparing Ponting with Sachin is like comparing human with GOD. To understand why such is uncomparable with Ponting or anyone else, ask Ponting to play in Indian team and see how many runs he scores and how many matches he can win. I am more than sure that you will go into some thinking but I confidently can say that if Sachin is in Australian team he would have scored double the number of runs and Australian team would not have lost a single match.
Posted by: Rao at November 15, 2009 7:23 PM
Sachin, you are our proudest superstar of cricket. Keep batting well and create history that can not be broken! wish you a good health.
Posted by: satyajeet at November 15, 2009 7:33 PM
i just wish that sachin play for for another 6-7 years. I am still confused if i am a cricket fan or a SACHIN'S fan. I switch off my tv whenever sachin gets out. Please sachin,WE all love you n i hope , u will entertain all of of us in the same manner as u did all these years.
Posted by: Michael Anderson at November 15, 2009 8:51 PM
Congratulaions Sachin.You have served your country with dignity and honour.Continue to do so as long you enjoy the game.
Posted by: Arvind at November 15, 2009 9:31 PM
I wish Sachin plays cricket for India until the end of time. I wish the days of Sachin, Ganguly and Dravid never ended. I sorta felt guilty as I thoroughly enjoyed watching Sachin bat with Raina the other day when he hit 175. Such was my loyalty to the Indian batting trinity.
Someday, I hope Sachin, Ganguly and Dravid rule and run the BCCI. I really wish they do. That'll do a lotta good to the game.
Posted by: Edward Smythe at November 15, 2009 10:43 PM
Whaddaplayaaaaaa....
Forget about all the records and all the achievemnets. He was SUPPOSED to do that. What's amazing is how Tendulkar carries himself, and brings dignity to the game.
This media session is in stark contrast to the fawning narcissistic crap fest that Freddie foisted upon fans in Manchester, and light years away from the Gen Y drama of naked Cosmo shoot starring, hot martial arts girfriend banging, towel wearing quasi-porn photo shooting, breakdancing, 3 lion tattooing, Bollywood starlet dating, whingeing, complaining d-bags.
Give me a Tendulkar (or failing him, a Punter or a Huss or a Kallis) any day!
Posted by: Arun Bhatnagar at November 15, 2009 11:03 PM
Sambit,
As Editor of Cricinfo, I really appreciate the ink that you have spent on celebrating SRT's 20th anniversary as an active cricketer of legendary proportion.
However, Legends have to have a distinct identity, which distinguishes them from the Greats. A knighthood for SRT would truly be a fitting recognition for the heir apparent of the Original Legend - Sir Don Bradman. Without a doubt, if the Sir DB were alive to see this day, he would have approved of this. (Did he not acknowledge during his lifetime, that SRT reminded him of his heydays.)
Cricinfo should start a campaign for SRT's knighthood by rallying the powers to be in BCCI & ICC to take up this matter with the Royalty before World Cup 2011.
The entire cricket fraternity, the legion of fans across the globe and the ALMIGHTY support this campaign. How much would it take to convince the Royalty? Perhaps, they are already convinced. Someone just has to initiate it.
Sambit, what are you waiting for?? Go and grab the credit for shooting a sitting duck.
Posted by: tiku at November 16, 2009 1:37 AM
I think he is the best among all, the game has ever seen..He is far ahead than Lara and Ponting..I have one question always in my mind when whene they compare him even with Sir Bradman..Would Bradman had the same records if he had played 169 tests and 436 ODIS? ....
Posted by: Vinodpal Reddy at November 16, 2009 4:44 PM
Too much of cricket coverage often distracts me out here in USA but it a'int TOOMUCH as long you are playing Sachin....always love watching you play.....keep up the good work....you're the BEST.
Posted by: Garry Conway at November 18, 2009 12:22 AM
About time Tendulkar retired gracefully, it is a sad state of Indian cricket when an old man like him takes up a spot and no one can force him out of the team. This is largely the reason why India does not dominate. They hold onto their "Heroes" too long. Dravid must go as well. Both good players, but do we really want to see 40 year olds playing for India when we could have seen a new talent. India selectors are to blame either that or the BCCI is a very weak organisation. Retire gracefully or pay the penalty.
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When Sambit Bal joined Wisden as its Asia editor in 2001 after a varied
career in journalism that included reporting on crime and politics and
editing a monthly features magazine, he gave himself two years to indulge in
a passion. But eight years later he still hasn't been able to wrench himself
out of a job that has so grown on him, he sometimes wonders if there is life
beyond cricket for him.
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