SACHIN TENDULKAR IS A VERY GOOD BADMINTON PLAYER TOO: BKC COACH

Sachin Tendulkar hates to lose his wicket. He hates to lose, irrespective of the game he plays. Ask his badminton practice partners and they will tell you about his skills with the shuttle.

"Much like cricket, he never wants to lose a match. He is a very good badminton player and gives his hundred percent every time he enters the court. He is famous in the cricketing world for batting long hours at the crease. Similarly, he doesn't want to leave the badminton court even after the allotted time ends and often practices for more than two hours," revealed Sachin Bharati.

Bharati, who is a former national-level shuttler, is a badminton coach at the MCA's Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), where Tendulkar has been playing for the last few months. "Before the Champions League in September, Tendulkar used to come four times a week to play badminton. He is very fond of the game and plays it with the same intensity and passion like he plays cricket," he said.

Former Indian players Sameer Dighe and Paras Mhambrey and his childhood friends Atul Ranade and Jagdish Chavan are his regular practice partners. He wants to keep improving and comes up with regular queries on technique," said the 37-year-old Bharati.

Bharati said the Tendulkar Group's practice time was 2 to 3 in the afternoon but Tendulkar would often stay on the court till 4.30 pm. "Actually, youngsters start coming to practice at 4 pm. Like a true gentleman, Tendulkar never blocked the court. He would leave the moment the kids would come in. No wonder, he is respected all over the world for his humility," said Bharati.

Bharati said after the Champions League, which Mumbai Indians won, Tendulkar has got very little time for badminton because of his busy cricket schedule. "However, we often met as he came to BKC for his cricket nets and gym sessions. I think after his retirement now, he will start playing badminton again as it is the best game to keep oneself fit," he said.

The coach said that Tendulkar's son Arjun also accompanied his father on a few occasions. "Tendulkar feels badminton will help Arjun in improving his fitness. However, it seems Arjun does not like badminton as much as his father does," said Bharati.

 He said Tendulkar preferred playing doubles because he didn't want to stretch much and get injured as he had a job to finish on the cricketing field. "But now after retirement, I am sure he will play singles too," said Bharati.

There is huge speculation over what Tendulkar will do after serving the nation for 24 years. One thing is certain: he will be seen more often at the BKC badminton courts. Love all, play!