Date: 02-04-2012 Time: 12:30PM
“Master Blaster failed again”….. “The Little Champ is playing for selfish reasons”…. “Sachin can forget to make tons but doesn’t forget to change his hairstyle”…. “There is no more godliness left in God”…. “Catering to personal looks is more important to Mr. Tendulkar than playing for country”…. Arrgghh!!!!
I woke up with a bad dream where many more such cynic headlines, news features were floating around the day after historic match of India Vs Bangladesh on March 16th, 2012 – in which India lost and Sachin has not been able to achieve his 100th hundred (of course in my dream!).
But, was my dream inappropriate? Would Sachin’s life be the same as today if my dream was a reality? Weren’t our critics and media barons ready to flip on either side based on outcome of the match and Sachin’s 100? Being an ardent fan and follower of Sachin, I was very nervous to hear about his change of hairstyle (yes you heard it correct! Hairstyle) as I couldn’t muster courage to pick up a daily or open a news channel, which I am sure, would have ripped him apart had things been the other way round. The last thing I’d have suggested him is to change his style, looks or get involved in any personal indulgence before completing this much awaited milestone. Lesser mortals like me would do that way, to succumb to the humungous pressure - to perform, to hit a hundred every time you are on the ground. When 30, 40 or 50 runs don’t count, even 80+ are discounted and forgotten easily.How unfair, isn’t it?
We are talking of a man who has served this country since 22 years. He has the power to make entire nation stand still when he bats and has mammoth achievements to belittle anyone in the cricketing world. I agree no one is above The Game, at the same time no one should be judged by his performance in 14-15 matches over a year, when he has played 600+ matches spanning more than two decades, when he is the highest scorer in all formats of the game in the International arena, when he holds almost all records in the cricketing world and to reflect his statistics chart even the TV screen falls short!
In past one year entire media and cricketing fraternity talked only about Sachin’s 100th 100 and his retirement. I am perturbed, what is the connection between Sachin not scoring his 100th 100 and his retirement? Has he not been performing? He was still agile on the ground; he was still playing decent shots. In fact, between his 99th and the 100th 100, he played 12 ODI and 8 Test matches and scored decently four times 53, 85, 48 and 39 in ODI and 56, 40, 91, 76, 94 and 73 in the test, the innings we often tend to forget. He still has passion of a fresh incumbent and is still willing to learn from his mistakes. His sincerity and dedication towards the game makes him excel in it. He still takes out time to practice. A person of his stature can very easily become boisterous and bend things like one wants to. However, not once such an instance occurred with Sachin. He practices with the team, remains grounded and focus on his one and only love ‘Cricket’, despite being one of the highest taxpayers in India. His impeccable career and humble nature is cause of envy to many.
He epitomizes the glory of The Game. He is the metaphor for dedication and perseverance and is an idol for the people who want to follow their dreams with sincere commitments. We must refrain from passing lewd remarks and judgment on Sachin and his tenure for he is the best judge of what to do and when to do on that Green Field. No fan, no critic is qualified enough to call the shots on him and must avoid any mudslinging, as it only grimes the one who does it without harming The Master anyway. As they say, “Though the dog may bark the caravan (kafila) moves on”.
I dread the day when ‘God’ will follow the footsteps of the ‘The Wall’. ‘The Wall’ is now a history and we can only cherish those innings exuberating uber class and perfection. Let’s spend the rest of the time in watching and enjoying Sachin playing, as the day he puts down his bat will lead to a huge void in the game which will take an era to fill up….. Who knows?
