Jacques Kallis
has been among Sachin Tendulkar's biggest competitors for more than a decade,
yet they are good friends. The South Africa all-rounder, who is seven short of
Sachin's 51 Test centuries, shares his feelings on Sachin's retirement and his
personal targets with TOI.
Excerpts:
Having seen SachinTendulkar from close quarters, how does it feel to see a friend leave the game?
Sachin has had a great and long innings in the game. But I suppose this is part of life, unfortunately. We will miss him a lot. Honestly speaking, it will feel quite strange playing against India at home without Sachin.
But then, in the last few months, Dhoni's men have done remarkably well. Will Sachin's absence affect India in South Africa?
That's true, but one of the many things that Sachin brought to the setup was experience of playing in the South African conditions. In his absence, India would certainly miss that.
Sachin has a huge fan following in South Africa too. Do you think that the series will lose out on the glamour factor this time?
I am sure that Sachin will be the first one to say that the game is always bigger than any individual. I firmly believe that the game will continue to be glamorous with new gladiators in the ring.
What's your prediction about the upcoming series?
I'm sure it will be a great series between two good sides. India played here last in 2010 and I'm looking forward to the series again and I can assure you a great clash.
Most of your contemporaries have hung up their boots. Are you also mulling retirement?
No. I will continue as long as I am enjoying myself and as long as I'm helping the team win matches.
You are seven short of Tendulkar's 51 Test tons. Will that be on your mind when you take on India next month?
This is not on my mind and let me tell you it's certainly not something what drives me.
Tendulkar has been criticized for poor form, and you too have gone through a similar phase. Herschelle Gibbs slammed your 'picky policy'. Do you think the superstars need a little more respect?
I understand that there is no way that a cricketer can go on forever and there comes a time when he needs to retire. Hopefully, I have played the game well and have conducted my life that deserves respect. Talking about Mr Gibbs' 'picky policy', I have met South Africa coach Russel Domingo and the Proteas management committee to plan about the future and we have mutually agreed to a playing schedule all up to the World Cup. Maybe, Mr Gibbs should be a little more concerned about his own career than interfering in something he knows nothing about.
As a friend, where would you like to see Tendulkar five years down the line?
I hope Sachin spends many happy years with his family and enjoys watching the great game that we all love.
Excerpts:
Having seen SachinTendulkar from close quarters, how does it feel to see a friend leave the game?
Sachin has had a great and long innings in the game. But I suppose this is part of life, unfortunately. We will miss him a lot. Honestly speaking, it will feel quite strange playing against India at home without Sachin.
But then, in the last few months, Dhoni's men have done remarkably well. Will Sachin's absence affect India in South Africa?
That's true, but one of the many things that Sachin brought to the setup was experience of playing in the South African conditions. In his absence, India would certainly miss that.
Sachin has a huge fan following in South Africa too. Do you think that the series will lose out on the glamour factor this time?
I am sure that Sachin will be the first one to say that the game is always bigger than any individual. I firmly believe that the game will continue to be glamorous with new gladiators in the ring.
What's your prediction about the upcoming series?
I'm sure it will be a great series between two good sides. India played here last in 2010 and I'm looking forward to the series again and I can assure you a great clash.
Most of your contemporaries have hung up their boots. Are you also mulling retirement?
No. I will continue as long as I am enjoying myself and as long as I'm helping the team win matches.
You are seven short of Tendulkar's 51 Test tons. Will that be on your mind when you take on India next month?
This is not on my mind and let me tell you it's certainly not something what drives me.
Tendulkar has been criticized for poor form, and you too have gone through a similar phase. Herschelle Gibbs slammed your 'picky policy'. Do you think the superstars need a little more respect?
I understand that there is no way that a cricketer can go on forever and there comes a time when he needs to retire. Hopefully, I have played the game well and have conducted my life that deserves respect. Talking about Mr Gibbs' 'picky policy', I have met South Africa coach Russel Domingo and the Proteas management committee to plan about the future and we have mutually agreed to a playing schedule all up to the World Cup. Maybe, Mr Gibbs should be a little more concerned about his own career than interfering in something he knows nothing about.
As a friend, where would you like to see Tendulkar five years down the line?
I hope Sachin spends many happy years with his family and enjoys watching the great game that we all love.
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