It’s been five days and people have
still not gotten over the news of Sachin Tendulkar’s decision to retire.
Certainly not Irfan Pathan.
The left-arm fast bowler at a press
conference here on Monday spoke on what India’s greatest sporting ambassador
has left behind and what fans can look forward to from the ‘master blaster’.
“I didn’t react to the news as a
cricketer, who has spent the last decade or so sharing the same dressing room,
but as an Indian first. His contribution has given fans joy, tears when he gets
out, the memories are endless. I was saddened by the news but one had
this feeling that we’ll have to prepare ourselves mentally for such a day. And
that day has finally come,” said Pathan.
He added that Tendulkar has left
behind more than just a legacy. “He has given us many memories. He has scored
100 centuries in all so far, so if you watch one century of his every day, you
are sorted for a good three months. What more could a cricket and a Sachin fan
ask for.
“Sachin can never leave our hearts,
he will be leaving behind nothing but love for a nation where this sport is no
less than a religion.”
On a personal level, there was a lot
that Pathan learnt from Tendulkar. “He was of immense help when I was a
newcomer. There was so much to learn from him. He understands bowling so very
well that I improved my reverse swing immensely. Not just cricket, but I learnt
a lot of things on the human side of life from him. Today’s generation couldn’t
have asked for a better role model than Sachin Tendulkar.”
On his return to international
cricket, Pathan said he is on the road to recovery. “I’m looking forward to
playing the Ranji Trophy and hope my performances there earn me a comeback to
the national team.” Irfan said that he has hired a personal physio.
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