Sachin Tendulkar has kept his mind and heart on cricket
in the 23 years of deliverance in the game and still continues to do
so. He has expressed his views about his game, considering his will and
strength to stay on top, and how much it counts on his body for him to
stay in the game. A game which has remained his unrivaled passion for
over two decades and still is. In an exclusive interview with Times Now,
the Master Blaster has been posed with questions on his most recent
performance and the idea of retiring from the game. Sachin is unlikely
to give any certain answers on retirement, as he wants to take the game
one step at a time. As he said “I go series by series”. And will be able
to judge better after playing in November, as per TOI.
Sachin has been the favorite of many millions over the years, even the ones who don’t associate themselves with this game, know who Sachin Tendulkar is. He is the legend who brought the World Cup home and he is a real role model who inspires kids with a bat in hand and a ball to strike, to be a cricketer. He is the countries favorite because of his performance, his focus and dedication. Even then he has had rainy days, but with the zeal he returns to do better, without the past setback he has created his world class sports man image. Yet his standing in the cricket team is on the watch, since his last Test innings with New Zealand on 03 September 2012. It has annoyed the fans and raised the concern of whether he should consider retirement.
Sachin
has decided to remain composed about the situation and not yet decided
about his stay in the team. When asked if he was pushing too hard to
stay in the sport, Sachin
said “I have always been pushing myself, for the last 22 years and
more, to play for India.” He feels proud to be a part of Indian team and
representing his country at what he does best. The champion also
pointed out that, it is when he doesn’t try hard that he should be
questioned. All he cares for is playing for India and will not
compromise on it. If he does stop playing he should have the
satisfaction he gave his best shot. Moreover pressure brings the best
out of him, he says.
When asked about his poor play against New Zealand, where he was bowled three times, almost hit the wicket with his bat and raised his hand in anger, Sachin mentioned how it feels to be out, it’s never a happy moment, and he reacted to it, which was natural. But it has become an issue and talked about.
The comments of Sunil Gavaskar and Azharuudin were quoted which pointed at the sign of slipping at the game. Sachin
said that’s Gavaskar has also said things cheering him, then why dwell
on the contrary. He only believes in keeping the focus on the game and
the way to develop his skills. He also mentioned meeting Don Bradman in
1998-99 on his 90th birthday, and was told how natural it is
for a batsman to change when he is in his thirties. Sachin is placed
after Don Bradman as one of the greatest batsmen of all times.
Sachin
agrees that at 39 there isn’t much cricket left in him, he is not
expecting to play forever. He wants to go with his heart when it comes
to retirement. Regarding the recent events and further question over his
retirement he said “For instance, if this three-wicket
ordeal had happened when I was 25, no one would have questioned it.
Incidentally, it happened when I am 39, so questions were raised. This
is natural. But I am still the best judge of what happens to my mind and
body. When I feel it is time, I will take a call. It is going to be a
tough call nevertheless. It is going to be tough because this is what I
have been doing all my life. It is going to be difficult to suddenly
hang my boots one day.”
Sachin is still considering his next series in November, which will give him a better idea of his stay. But as of now he hasn’t made any concrete plans about retirement, even though the thought of it has occurred to him, being 39, its quiet natural. The legend wants his instincts to be the judge for deciding the time to exit and there still is a lot of cricket left in him, if his age is kept aside, just considering his spirits. Whether he is probed to come up with his retirement plans or about his recent performance, Sachin has his mind set on the grounds, when he will be back again to deliver his best. He is a legend at his game to quote Mark Taylor, former Australian cricket player during the test match in Chennai in 1997-98 "We did not lose to a team called India. We lost to a man called Sachin."
