I watched keenly as Sachin scored 70 runs and bagged the Man of the Match award...
I was all of seven when I first saw
Sachin on T.V. It was the 1996 World Cup match between India and West Indies. I
had no idea what cricket was then. My dad explained the game to me, that day. I
watched keenly as Sachin scored 70 runs and bagged the Man of the Match award.
I don’t remember having missed a single innings of his ever since...
The 136 v/s Pakistan in Chennai was
such an amazing innings that it hurts so much when I come to think that India
actually lost that game. Sachin held through with a sore back, even as he
writhed in pain. Is it fair to say that he is not a match winner just because
he did not finish that game for India? Certainly not! What was Mongia thinking
when he played that reckless shot when India was within striking distance? Why
pick on Sachin always? What was Jadeja thinking when he went for that suicidal
run in Hyderabad against Australia? Doesn’t he bat at a position where he is
expected to be a “finisher”? Why call Sachin a bad finisher then? I hope these
unfair naggers understand that Sachin is an “opener” for India in ODIs. Where
were these people when India won against Pakistan in WC 2003? Where were they
after the VB series finals in 2008? So is Sachin’s match winning capability
judged based on how well or badly the lower middle order plays? How fair is
that!
There is so much one can learn from
Sachin and I have been privileged to learn so much from observing the man! I
have learnt to be hard working and sincere. During his school days, he used to
religiously practice for 8 hours every day! Even today, he is a picture of
concentration and dedication in the practice sessions at the nets. He is a
perfect example of the fact that there are no shortcuts to success. A rare
combination of talent and hard work, he is an inspiration to all of us. He is
the reason why the Kohli’s and the Gambhirs took to cricket! And not once has
he taken success for granted! He is a simple, humble man who has always lived a
principled life. Not much has been talked about the charitable deeds he has
been involved in – be it his sponsoring of 200 orphaned kids every year or his
initiatives towards educating girls in rural areas.
I was blessed to meet him in person
on the 27th of March 2008 at the Taj Connemara, Chennai, thanks to my uncle,
who’d arranged for this meeting. I had so much I wanted say to Sachin! The
moment I’d been waiting for, for 12 long years had finally arrived! But when I
eventually met him, I completely froze. The world around me came to a
standstill. When he shook hands with me (twice), my hands went cold. Here was
my dream, right in front of my eyes, but I was barely living it! I hope I get
to meet him again, and I hope I don’t screw up the second time around at least!
Just to brag more – he replied twice to me on twitter.
http://facebook.com/srtendulkarfanclub
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