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Manmohan Singh, Sachin Tendulkar feature in 'Time 100'

2010-05-01T01:32:00.004+05:30

WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and economist Amartya Sen are among nine Indians figuring in Time magazine's annual list of 100 most influential people while Bollywood sensation Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan tops its 100 Alumnae list.

Manmohan Singh finds himself in the 19th spot in the Leaders list headed by Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva with US president Barack Obama in the fourth place.

As India's finance minister from 1991 to 1996, Manmohan Singh "released India's potential for the benefit of its people. Now, as Prime Minister, he is guiding India into the ranks of the great powers," wrote PepsiCo's Indian American chairperson Indra Nooyi.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar gets the 13th place among 25 "Heroes" headed by former US president Bill Clinton who is recognised for his work as a fund-raiser and anti-poverty activist.

Writing about Tendulkar's double century in a One Day International match, new age guru Deepak Chopra says: "To millions of Indians and countless fans around the world, this act, which caps a career of record-breaking feats, arouses a sense of awe."

"The Alchemist" is the favourite book of Time Alumnae Aishwarya, who lists "certainly my mother and father" as the two people who had the most effect or influence on her.

Sixth placed among heroes Dr Perumalsamy Namperumalsamy, 70, was recognised for performing cataract surgery at the Aravind Eye Care Hospitals since 1976 and having treated 3.6 million surgeries to date-a new one every 15 minutes.

Indian entrepreneur Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw gets the 16th spot among 'heroes' for donating $2 million to support health insurance coverage for 100,000 Indian villagers and another$10 million for creating the 1,400-bed Mazumdar-Shaw Cancer Centre in Bangalore.

A paramedic from Toronto, Rahul Singh in 22nd place is recognised for his relief work in Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that hit the poor Caribbean nation on Jan 12. In 1998, Singh founded GlobalMedic to provide disaster relief using volunteer professional emergency workers.

Chetan Bhagat, author of bestsellers, "One Night @ the Call Centre" and "Five Point Someone" is the lone Indian in the list of Artists headed by extravagantly outfitted singer Lady Gaga.

"I've seen the effect Chetan has on his readers," writes Academy Award winner Indian composer AR Rahman. "He often writes about following your dreams and not bowing to others' expectations. That isn't easy in India, where family opinion matters and some professions are regarded as more serious than others."

Nobel prize winner economist Amartya Sen is 20th on the "Thinkers" list. "Occasionally loquacious, often ironic, usually genial, always brilliant," Sen's notion of measuring human development is now central to the work of the United Nations and the World Bank, notes Harvard University history professor, Neil Ferguson.

Indian-America doctor and Harvard professor Atul Gwande is fifth on the list of 'thinkers' for his contribution to medicine. "In this historic time for health policy, the need for smart, creative thinkers is greater than ever. Gawande certainly is one and it is equally certain his influence will grow," wrote former US State Senator, Tom Daschle.

Humanitarian worker, Sanjit Bunker Roy's Barefoot College has trained more than 3 million people for jobs in the modern world, in buildings so rudimentary they have dirt floors and no chairs, Time said.

"Roy combines humanitarianism, entrepreneurship and education to help people steer their own path out of poverty, fostering dignity and self-determination along the way," it said.

Mango variety named after Sachin Tendulkar

2010-05-01T01:32:00.001+05:30

After several roads, pavillions in various stadia and different merchandise named after him, the cricketing star Sachin Tendulkar’s name now adorns a mouth-watering new variety of Mango developed in Malihabad of Lucknow district.

The variety named as ‘Sachin’ after the ‘God’ of Indian cricket has been developed by none other than Kaleemullah Khan, a Padma Shri award winner and a noted mango grower of the country.

Khan, an ardent fan of Sachin like millions of others all over the world, said he had developed the saporous variety after crossing various flavours of delicious ‘Chausa’ mango. He had decided to name it after the batting sensation much before the variety was successfully developed.

”I have sent an invitation to Sachin to visit the orchard in Malihabad, about 25 km from the state capital Lucknow, to savour the taste of this new variety,” he said.

This is the first time that any of Tendulkar’s fans had named a research product after him.

”Yes, it is my humble way of thanking the batting legend for the entertainment he has provided us for two decades,” Khan said.

DD News

My kids wanted me to get the orange cap: Sachin

2010-04-05T19:51:00.000+05:30

In-form Mumbai Indian Skipper Sachin Tendulkar has said that he feel happy after getting Orange Cap. He also said that his kids wanted him to hold the Orange cap in this season.

IPL awards an Orange cap to the highest run-getter at any stage of the tournament. There was a tough competition between Jacques Kallis and Sachin Tendulkar. Kallis has scored 310 runs. Sachin scored 11 runs in the games against the Kings XI Punjab which took him to total of 314 runs in the tournament so far.

“It has been good, my kids obviously wanted to get this cap, but it doesn’t come so easily - you have got to work hard for it; I am glad it has come”—he said.

It will definitely be a good competition between Kallis and Tendulkar for the Orange cap as the game progresses.

He also said that he is quite happy to get the full strength squad.

“Last two years we didn't have full strength. We had our main players on the bench, because of injuries. So it’s nice to have full strength.”

I am not scared of Tendulkar: Warne

2010-03-30T19:49:00.000+05:30

New Delhi: Legendary spinner Shane Warne reiterated that Sachin Tendulkar was the best batsman he has ever bowled to, but his famous quip that he had nightmares about the Indian was said in jest and people seem to have taken it too seriously.

"I want to make it clear that this nightmare remark was a joke। Sachin without doubt is the best batsman of my time and I always enjoyed the challenge of bowling to him, but I am not scared of him or anybody for that matter," said Warne on the eve of the his Rajasthan Royals match against Delhi Daredevils.

Warne was at the receiving end of Tendulkar's batting fury wherever Australia played India in the late 90s, forcing the leg-spinner to say that he had nightmares.

"I am never frightened of anyone. And that's not me being arrogant, I am just confident of my ability. I have enjoyed bowling against great players like Sachin and Brian Lara.

"If I were scared I wouldn't have taken so many wickets in my long span of career. I had quite an experiences when he hit me to all parts of the park but I also got him out quite a few times," said Warne, who has 708 wickets in Tests and 293 in One-Day Internationals.

Warne went on to say that he had dismissed Tendulkar once in the Indian Premier League (IPL) when the Australian led Rajasthan Royals to win the inaugural edition.

"I remember getting him out in the semi-final in 2008. I think I can get him out this time again," he said.

Asked, if he was planning to play in the next season, Warne said: "It all depends whether I am enjoying it or not. I didn't enjoy the first three matches, but I was touched with the way my boys made a turnaround by winning the next four matches. I also don't know if Rajasthan Royals wants me for the next season and if I have to go through re-auction. It is a complicated process."

But Warne wants to stay with the Royals.

"I want to show my loyalty towards Royals and would love other youngsters to do it as well," he said.

Sachin Tendulkar named UN Goodwill Ambassador

2010-03-11T22:20:00.000+05:30

Adding to his lengthy list of accomplishments, cricket superstar Sachin Tendulkar has been named a Goodwill Ambassador by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Mr. Tendulkar – the first player to score 10,000 runs in one-day internationals – will use his massive global popularity to raise awareness and harness support for environmental action in his home country of India and around the world.

“I have played and enjoyed my cricket across the planet. Now it’s also time to do something for the planet, which is our only home,” he said.

“Being part of the effort to save the planet is an immense undertaking but it is a challenge I am ready to undertake. Working with UNEP and cricket fans across the globe, I am in good company. Together we can do it.”

The agency’s Executive Director, Achim Steiner, voiced confidence that Mr. Tendulkar’s “character, personal integrity, intellect and profile will catalyze widespread environmental action.”

With 2010 being the UN’s International Year of Biodiversity, the cricket legend will work with the agency to boost the global and grassroots response to the loss of animal and plant diversity worldwide.

Mr. Tendulkar is no stranger to the work of the UN, having lent his voice to a UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) campaign in India on the importance of personal hygiene

* Tendulkar requests Dalmiya to shave off Eden grass

2010-02-14T02:23:00.001+05:30

Kolkata, Feb 13 (PTI) With India facing a must-win situation to retain their numero uno Test status, Sachin Tendulkar today requested CAB chief Jagmohan Dalmiya to mow down the grass on the Eden track ahead of the second and final match against South Africa starting here tomorrow.

According to Cricket Association of Bengal sources, a considerable amount of grass was shaved off from the pitch this evening after Tendulkar requested Dalmiya on behalf of the Indian team.

"Tendulkar spoke to Dalmiya after India's practice today and requested the CAB chief to cut off the grass," claimed the source.

However, Dalmiya's secretary Kunal Ghosh denied any such development.

"Whole day, he (Dalmiya) was busy with the arrangements of the match. There was no question of meeting Tendulkar," Ghosh said.

Tendulkar mobbed at Kalighat, returns without praying

2010-02-14T02:22:00.000+05:30

Kolkata, Feb 13 : Batting genius Sachin Tendulkar's wish to pray at the famous Kalighat Kali Temple remained unfulfilled Saturday after his car was mobbed by a huge crowd and was forced to turn back.

Tendulkar, who had gone to the temple in south Kolkata after the team’s net session ahead of the second Test against South Africa beginning Sunday, could not alight from his car as hundreds of his fans jostled to come near it.

Failing to make passage for Tendulkar, the escorting policemen did not want to take any risks and asked the driver to turn back.

Tendulkar seemed disappointed but kept a smiling face as he waved to the crowd. On every occasion in Kolkata, Tendulkar has visited Kalighat a day ahead of his match.

Later in the day, VVS Laxman offered prayers at the temple.

* VCA felicitates Tendulkar for 20 years in int'l cricket

2010-02-07T23:03:00.001+05:30

Nagpur, Dec 7 (PTI) Vidarbha Cricket Association, which is hosting the opening Test between India and South Africa here, today honoured senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar for his feat of completing two decades in the international arena.

Tendulkar, who had made his Test debut in Karachi against Pakistan in 1989, was presented with a miniature silver bat at the end of the second day's play at the new stadium at Jamtha.

Sachin Asked me to Enjoy my Game: Sreesanth

2010-02-02T18:18:00.001+05:30

“It was a rare moment of my life when Sachin scored a hundred and I was next to him giving a hug to him. Very honestly after my debut, I always wanted to bat with Sachin.” Sreesanth said, when he was asked, what he felt when he was at the non-striking end when Sachin Tendulkar scored his 44th Test hundred in Chittagong.

“That was the first time I had batted with Sachin. For me to be with Sachin when he scored a hundred was the happiest moment. From the bottom of my heart I told him can I hug you and I hugged him,” he said.

In lighter moments, Sreesanth said, “Hopefully when I score a century next time he (Sachin) will be next to me.” Asked what advice Sachin gave him when he came to the crease in Chittagong, Sreesanth said, “He told me: Sree, just enjoy your game. I know you are excited.

Sachin Tendulkar derives inspiration from Bollywood trio

2010-02-02T18:12:00.000+05:30

NEW DELHI: Sachin Tendulkar has been a role model for a whole generation of cricketers but when it comes to deriving inspiration for himself, the Sachin Tendulkar batting great says he looks up to three Bollywood icons.

Tendulkar said the passion and energy that legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan and melody queens Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle put behind their performance make them really inspiring.

"I get inspired by different sources. A powerful speech may inspire me or flawless tennis in a Grand Slam final. You also get inspired seeing the passion in some of the greats. The Mangeshkar sisters (for instance) -- Lataji and Ashaji," Tendulkar said.

"Recently,I was part of an audience where Asha Bhonsle sang. At the so-called old age of 75, she was amazing! Even at this age she was enjoying herself thoroughly while singing. The energy was unbelievable.

"Then Mr Bachchan. I simply love all his movies. Especially that dialogue from 'Agneepath' where he says "Mai Vijay Dinanath Chauhan..," Tendulkar was quoted as saying in 'Sach', a book by Kolkata-based journalist Gautam Bhattacharya.

Tendulkar, along with actor Mithun Chakraborty, had unveiled the cover in Kolkata in December even though the book, brought out by Deep Prakashan to mark the cricketer's two decades in international cricket, was released on Sunday.

Tendulkar was in awe of the Bollywood trio and wondered how they managed to retain their passion after so many years in the industry.

"Mr Bachchan, Lataji, Ashaji -- maybe because they are all from Mumbai that I get to meet them more often. But to me, they are all living inspirations. These are the people who enjoy every moment in their creative lives. They don't want short-cuts. I simply love this attitude," Tendulkar gushed.

"I am also a great admirer of AR Rehman. I felt very proud when he had won the Oscars. We were playing in New Zealand then. From there I had sent him a text," he added.

Tendulkar is assured of cricketing immortality with his mind-boggling collection of more than 30,000 international runs and critics put him in the same league with Don Bradman and Viv Richards.

There, however, is a school of thought which believes using helmet diminishes Tendulkar's aura to some extent but the cricketer himself felt even Bradman would have used it had it been available then.

"I think it is only sensible to use protective gear if you have them in circulation. Twenty years from now there will be some protective gear which I cannot think of today.

"The fact of the matter is that in the past such protective equipments didn't exist. You can only use what you have today, isn't it?" he asked.

Apart from his skill, Tendulkar's legendary focus has stood him in good stead and more than once, he put behind personal tragedies, like deaths of his father, close friend Mark Mascarenhas and patron Raj Singh Dungarpur, and performed upto expectations.

Asked how could he manage that, Tendulkar said, "I cannot answer this, honestly. It is very hard to explain. Something happens inside the ground. Body and the mind takes charge somehow.

"It is very tough and you have to possibly experience it to understand. You have to be very tough and brave to handle such situations," he said.

"When my father died (during 1999 World Cup in England) and I returned home, my family members, including my mother, asked me to go back and play for the country. They said, father would have loved that," added Tendulkar.

Of his contemporaries, Tendulkar spoke highly of Brian Lara.

"I wasn't following Lara's career minutely in that sense to get inspired...But I would certainly watch Brian on TV. He is one of my favourite all-time players.

"Contrary to what people thought there was no rivalry between us. On the contrary we clicked right from the word go," he said.

"We first met in Canada in 1990. We were playing for the Rest of the World against Imran's Pakistan...I remember having a 150-160 run partnership with Brian. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience of batting with him. Watching him from the non striker's end was great," Tendulkar added.

Tendulkar to attend Ashraful's wedding

2010-01-30T19:28:00.003+05:30

Monday, January 25, 2010

Dhaka: Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar will top the list of invitees when former Bangladeshi skipper Mohammad Ashraful gets married next year, his father has revealed.

“Sachin will be on top of our invitee list when my son decides to marry. Sachin asked my son what should be brought as a family gift but his visit to our home itself will be the biggest gift for us,” The Nation quoted Abdul Matil, as saying.

Although several other players have visited Ashraful’s house, including former Pakistani player Saeed Anwar and Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh, but Tendulkar’s visit stands out in Matil’s memory.

Speaking over his mobile from Dhaka on Sunday morning, he said, “Former Pakistani player Saeed Anwar visited our house last year when he came to attend some religious function in Bangladesh.”

“Sachin is my son’s favourite cricketer and since childhood he is his ideal hero. We are very happy to receive him. Sachin is a very simple, sober and down to earth person,” Ashraful’s father said.

“Some 1000 people flocked him to see Sachin at my house. The people came to know about Sachin’s visit through media and mouth to mouth publicity,” he added.

Matil recounts how Tendulkar relished on Bangladeshi dishes served to him.

“He liked jumbo prawns and Hilsha fish (Ilish) very much. The sweets and fruits of his choice were also served,” he said.

Sachin and Zaheer break into top 10 test list

2010-01-30T19:25:00.000+05:30

The 2-0 series victory in Bangladesh has ensured India remain the No.1 test team, while Sachin Tendulkar and Zaheer Khan returned to the top 10 of ICC Test Players rankings.

India have 125 points, ahead of South Africa who have 120 points.

It sets up an enthralling two-Test series between the two top-ranked teams, starting in Nagpur from February 6, with India trying to defend their No.1 ranking, while South Africa aim to regain it.

South Africa need to win the series to become No.1. However, they will slip behind Australia to third position if India win both the Tests.

The series win in Bangladesh has resulted in Sachin Tendulkar returning to the top 10 Batsmen list for the first time since December 2005.

Sachin Tendulkar climbed to 9th position after scoring two centuries in the recent test series. Besides Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid too moved up the order. He has jumped four places to occupy the 15th position on the back of his century in the 2nd test.

However, VVS Laxman has dropped four places to 19th spot after missing out on the second Test due to injury.Among others, Gautam Gambhir maintains the top sport while Virender Sehwag holds on to his sixth position.

Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal has also moved up the rankings,climbing 13 places to the 42nd spot after he scored 151 in the 2nd innings of the 2nd test.

In the bowlers' category, Zaheer has become India's highest-ranked bowler in sixth position.He jumped five places after recording his maiden 10-wicket haul in the Mirpur Test to win the man-of-the-match award. Harbhajan Singh, however, has slipped two places to eighth position after managing just two wickets in the entire series

Sachin highest tax paying sportsperson in country

2010-01-10T21:08:00.001+05:30

New Delhi, Jan 10 (PTI) Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has become the highest taxpayer among sportspersons in the country for the last quarter of 2009 while film stars Akshay Kumar and Aamir Khan edged past others in Bollywood on individual tax payers category.

Sachin paid Rs 1.5 crore for the quarter till December and stood at 115th position ahead of Indian cricket team captain M S Dhoni among the 500 top tax payers of the country.

Dhoni and Sehwag had paid Rs 1 crore each for the same period and stood at 199 and 201 positions respectively in the latest list of top 500 tax payers with the Finance Ministry.

Akshay Kumar and Aamir Khan have occupied 25th and 26th positions respectively edging past all others in Bollywood, including Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan by dishing out Rs 4.

Starry, starry night for Sachin at Sea Wind

2009-12-08T18:19:00.002+05:30

Sunday night, was a double whammy for batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar as Nita and Mukesh Ambani celebrated his 20th year in cricket elegant and high-powered dinner that also rejoiced in Team India’s newly-acquired No. 1 world status and acknowledged the contributions of Messrs. M. S. Dhoni & Co. to the sport.

The dinner invite simply said, “One man’s triumph is everyone’s celebration.” At that time, as Nita Ambani gracefully said in her welcome address to the distinguished guests gathered on the lawns of Sea Wind at Cuffe Parade, nobody had an inkling that India would also top the ICC Test rankings with a triumphant victory over Sri Lanka the same day. But it happened at the Brabourne Stadium. And so the Ambanis — handsome and thoughtful hosts, included the Sri Lankan cricket team (so gracious in its defeat) to join Sachin and Anjali Tendulkar and Team India at their party as well.

The celebrations were held under a night sky of stars, with the Ambanis extending a long and warm arm of hospitality to everyone on their home turf. This had to be the first time that Team India visited anybody’s private residence, and Sachin — plainly overwhelmed by his hosts’ effort, said he was touched by their gesture. Mukesh Ambani, making a rare and emotional speech, said that in his line of business he never gave forward-looking predictions... but in this case, he was willing to predict a long and fruitful innings for Sachin.

A lively entertainment programme meticulously worked out by Nita Ambani herself, kickstarted by Aamir Khan on a personal note and flamboyantly finished by Shah Rukh Khan, which included cricket audio-visuals and dances, and a song by Asha Bhonsle, showed that in India — cricket and Bollywood are the truly the joys and highs of the people. Everybody invited to the dinner, from eminent captains of industry to Bollywood’s biggest and most beautiful, were either friends or fans of the man being honoured, or his privileged team mates, and said as much in short, heartfelt addresses.

Once they had finished felicitating Sachin, the Ambanis invited Team India onto the stage, champagne was popped, glasses of bubbly passed among the guests, and a toast was raised to Indian cricket and the one man who had stood like a colossus between the wickets and among the runs for 20 years. Sachin Tendulkar, the weight of two decades off his shoulders, visibly relaxed, shed his reticence and mixed comfortably with the guests. As did the shy Mukesh Ambani who was most at home interacting with people and ensuring that everybody had dined and had a good time... but then he was at home.

Sachin has not made any sacrifice for nation: Sena

2009-11-22T23:26:00.001+05:30

Days after Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray lashed out at Sachin Tendulkar, an article in its mouthpiece, Saamna, has again targeted the master blaster.

The article said: "Sachin is a great cricketer, but doesn't match Lokmanya Tilak. He does not measure up to any Marathi revolutionary."

Underlining that Sachin has not made any sacrifices for the country, the article said: "Sachin's exploits are restricted to BCCI and record books and has not won Mumbai for Maharashtra."

Sachin has never supported Marathi cause in sports; he could not even help Vinod Kambli stay in the team.

http://www.ndtv.com/news/india/sachin_has_not_made_any_sacrifice_for_nation_sena.php

Sachin's focus made him more successful: Imran Khan

2009-11-15T11:36:00.000+05:30

In 1989, there was a void in India's public imagination after the departure of Sunil Gavaskar two years before that. It was only fitting that

another youngster from his own city Mumbai, should fill that void.

My first memories of the debut-making Sachin Tendulkar are of him taking a blow early in his innings, and saw glimpses of his talent in the Tests but more in a charity game where he took on Abdul Qadir in a benefit game.

Today, at a time when Twenty20 creates stars in a matter of three hours, it is very difficult to gauge a cricketer's true merit. I have always said that Test cricket is the best test of a cricketer's mettle, and Sachin has been a very major figure in the last two decades of Test cricket.

There are many who rue the fact that Sachin stopped playing his uninhibited strokeful knocks about a decade ago. I personally felt that the later, more mature Sachin had more to offer. It is also notable that he became a little more watchful and less impetuous because he saw there were younger players like Virender Sehwag to don the mantle of aggressor.

Today, Sachin seems to be completely in charge of his game and can switch gears almost at will. He can be explosive at times, and he can construct an innings if he has the time. It is this intelligence and thought that has helped Sachin stay focused on his batting.

It is not a case of talent alone, because mere ability no matter how prodigious does not sustain itself long if temperament and hunger is lacking. I have seen far too many talented cricketers not achieve what they could because they lacked the temperament.

If there is one area in which Sachin is ahead of his contemporaries, it is focus. Inzamam-ul Haq was possibly even more gifted, but Sachin was more successful due to his commitment and focus.

I would imagine that he will be around for the World Cup in 2011, and the Indians would hope that they see one last flourish from him.

When Sachin appealed for Lagaan’s Bhura: Aamir Khan

2009-11-14T23:48:00.000+05:30

You will be surprised to know that I have seen Sachin bat against the best bowlers at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) even before he played for India. I clearly remember, Dilip Vengsarkar had come to the Indian team nets with a 14-year-old. After the nets he asked the boy to pad up and handed over a brand new ball to Kapil Dev.

Kapil thought Dilip was trying to play a prank and he bowled some dollies to the kid who looked visibly upset. Dilip went to Kapil and insisted that he should bowl at his normal speed. Kapil, reluctantly, bowled some quick balls but the boy faced all of them with great confidence. Now he was happy.

Kapil’s ego had been hurt. After all, how can a 14-year-old handle him so easily? He marked his run-up and bowled some nasty balls. But the lad faced them with supreme confidence. We were stunned.

After the session, Dilip told Kapil, “This is the wonder boy I was talking about. His name is Sachin Tendulkar.” “Goodness me,” said a startled Kapil. “At this age he seems so matured. You are right; he is special.” All of us were tracking his progress, primarily through newspapers. Less than two years since that amazing net session, Sachin was awarded the India cap. Our career started almost at the same time.

Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak was released in 1988; Sachin made his international debut in 1989.

I first met him when he was invited to give the muhurat-shot clap for our new film Avval Number. He was very shy and far too polite. Since then we have nurtured a special friendship. I would like to narrate two stories which are close to my heart. We were in the final stages of Lagaan and were in need of some sound bytes. You usually hear two kinds of noises in a packed cricket stadium. One is a giant roar when something spectacular happens. The second is a deafening silence when something goes unexpectedly wrong.

An India-Australia match was played at the Wankhede Stadium. I called Sachin so that he could get us approval from the right authorities to record sound bytes when the match was on. Sachin promptly got us the consent. The stadium was full and we got the bytes we dearly wanted. When we listened to the track, we had to cut almost 80 per cent of the footage. The reason? When Sachin is on the field spectators will continuously chant: Saaaachin, Saaaachin.

It was not possible to use those sound bytes given that Sachin was not playing any role in Lagaan. Before its release I invited him for a private screening. It was an amazing scene: Sachin watching Lagan and I watching him. I was dying to see his reactions. The film rolled on and when Bhura took his first wicket in the film, Sachin unwittingly lifted his left hand and appealed: “How’s that.”

I was relieved. That was it; I knew we were on the right track. I felt confident that the cricketing part in the film was just fine and the chances of success bright. I was invited for the Indian Premier League final (of its first edition) at the DY Patil Stadium. I was damn lucky since I got a seat next to Sachin. During the course of the match I asked him about the possible bowling changes. He explained the situation and predicted who would be bowling next. The change was made and the same bowler, who he had foreseen, came in to bowl next. For the next half an hour he was reading the game like an open book. He was only making an accurate prediction of the bowling changes; he was spot on with his views on field placement. He could even sense what shots the batsmen would play. It was unbelievable. I was stunned by his observations, his knowledge of the game, and the way he read the minds of the opposition. Completing 20 years in international cricket is a great achievement. I think his single-mindedness, dedication, passion for the game and his values have made this possible. His enthusiasm remains undimmed. Even after reaching this stage, he is so simple and humble. He is still fighting fit and motivated too. Let us enjoy watching the legend for a couple of more years at least.

2009-11-14T13:50:00.001+05:30

From loneliness to legspinners, injuries to influences, Sachin Tendulkar opened up as he rarely does on cricket and life while talking to a select group of journalists in Mumbai on Friday.

Sachin Tendulkar on his first international tour, to Pakistan in 1989 © AllSport UK Ltd

Twenty years, can you recount some of the poignant moments, or highlights?

The first and most important moment I'd like to remember right now would be the day I wore my India cap first. It was a dream which had come true, so I was on cloud nine. It was an absolutely fabulous feeling. After that there have been many but the most important one was that. Because growing up as a child the dream was to play for India and nothing was bigger than that for me, and it continues the same way for me today. I think I'm very fortunate to be living that dream, and 20 years is a long time so there have been many special moments. To actually start counting them would be tough but I'd definitely say the first day, walking with the playing eleven, playing a Test in Pakistan was probably the greatest feeling. The journey began there and whatever I did after that was a mere reflection of my contribution towards the nation's cause.

What do you remember of the first tour apart from the cricket?

A couple of times we went out shopping, and then obviously interacting with the media because we were not going out much, hardly once or twice in 40-45 days, it's a long time to be in the hotel. We used to have this 'Sunday Club' and the media also joined the entire team and we were dressed differently. I was with a moustache and it was a bit hard to believe for a 16-year-old to have a thick moustache and lipstick and that kind of thing, so it was party time and that's something which I remember because there were so many pictures taken and every now and then you see them. Other than that I felt the tour was tough and we played some terrific cricket. Over the four Tests it was a drawn series and I felt that there was no dull moment in the entire series, Lahore was the flattest track where nothing much happened off the wicket, but otherwise the remaining three surfaces we played on they had a bit of life, bounce, pace and the cricket was also entertaining.

How have you managed to change with the times? How difficult was it to do that?

Since 1989 plenty of things have changed in the game; that includes the introduction of the third umpire, the hot spot and various things, the introduction of Twenty20. The most noticeable change I feel is because of Twenty20, we've seen plenty of innovative shots, which are occasionally used in Test cricket. In one-day cricket batsmen are backing themselves to try something new, also occasionally in Test cricket. So in a one-day match the average score has definitely gone from 210 to now 265-270 as a par score. To make 265 on a decent surface is not a great score as such.

Also, in Tests you see more results now. There was a phase where you used to hear that Test matches are getting boring because there are no results, but I don't think that is the case now; there are results in virtually every match and that is probably because it is played more aggressively and batsmen are willing to take more chances. With time I have also changed, and everyone sitting in this room, we've all changed for the better and I've tried to make myself a better cricketer. There is always room for improvement, and I've always believed that whenever I go out and practise there has to be a purpose. The process continues, it's never-ending because every day there is a fresh challenge and you need to be on your toes. You've got to be moving forward and that is what I've tried to do.

Tendulkar on match-fixing

It was a dark phase, I don't want to reiterate that on this occasion. But I heard something that was fascinating, the series we played against Australia immediately after that (in 2001) it was the three Test match series and five ODIs and both series were decided in the final half hour of their duration. Both these series were instrumental in bringing back the crowds to the stadiums and I thought we as a team really performed well in that series and that started a new chapter, something I was looking for, to close the previous chapter and it's better that we keep it closed.

How do you stay on your toes for 20 years?

It was definitely a lot of hard work and there are certain things that all sportsmen have to follow: dedication, discipline, your focus on the game, your priorities in life. All those factors are extremely important and for me I felt I was very lucky to have a family like (I do), my brother always guided me, my father always supported me, my mother always fed me well. There's this combination of inner forces contributing in different directions. Mother doesn't understand much about cricket, but she prays for my success and India's success, so all these things are important. Long discussions with my brother on cricket and then support from the other brother and my sister - I represent all of them when I go out to the middle, but then there are those difficult moments which I feel are challenging, and [I wonder] what should I be doing in these moments, and that is what I share with my wife, my entire family, and that is one reason I've been able to last for such a long time. I cannot fail to thank the people of India for all the affection and love, the support. Whatever I do, whatever level I perform, you need people around you to share your happiness with them and I've got more than a billion people to share that with, so that means a lot to me. Because of all these things you are inspired to go out and do something special for all the people.

Has it been hard to stay humble over the years?

Well I've not made any effort to stay humble, it's just my upbringing. In the early stage of my career when I hadn't played for India, I was just playing school cricket, I was still scoring a lot of runs but nobody got carried away in my family over success. It's quite easy for a 12- or 13-year-old boy to get carried away when he sees his picture printed in the newspaper, because it's something special, but that is where I felt my family made sure my feet were on the ground.. We always celebrated by distributing sweets, it wasn't very fancy, and that was where it stopped. Everyone was happy and enjoyed that moment but the next day was what happens in the next game, and how do you get better in the next game, and that process has continued. That's something which has kept me grounded, and needless to say just watching my father - my father didn't teach me - but just looking at him and watching him closely I picked up a lot of things, and the most important thing he told me was: "it's your nature which is going to stay permanently with you, the rest will come and go."

David Boon tells a story about you asking him for advice on facing West Indies. Can you elaborate on that?

David Boon… When I was in Australia in 1991, I hadn't played many West Indian fast bowlers, the only time I had played a West Indian was when we played county cricket against Derbyshire (in 1990) when Ian Bishop was there, and I played one exhibition game in Canada against West Indies. But other than that in an international match I hadn't played a West Indian. In Australia we were playing a triangular series where West Indies joined us and they had some terrific players, world-class fast bowlers. I'd watched Boon quite closely, and I thought I should be picking up things from the top players in the world and I wanted to get as much information as possible and become a better cricketer. I thought it was a good chance to speak to him, and get to know how to face certain bowlers on Australian tracks.

Sunil Gavaskar has been one of the people Tendulkar has looked to for advice © Getty Images

Who has been the biggest influence on you as a player?

I think it's my brother Ajit, with whom I discuss a lot of cricket and he knows my batting possibly better than any other person in the world, and he understands my mindset as well, so I talk a lot with him. Then there are the other players from India; Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri, they travel with us whenever we're out there playing, it's good to have them there to share an opinion or get their views on how we are playing as a team and an individual. That has helped over the years and there have been so many other senior players who have been coaches, so all those guys have been helpful, and as far as help and guidance is concerned, there hasn't been an instance where a senior player has said I'm not interested or I've not been watching you and don't want to share any opinions. They've always been helpful and shared their ideas, which has played an important role.

Regarding practising with purpose, one of the more celebrated instances was having legspinners bowl at you into the rough from around the wicket before you faced Warne in 1998.

In 1998 I prepared differently, we were practising in Chennai and before that I practised in Mumbai. All my Ranji Trophy colleagues, I used to ask them to bowl around the wicket into the rough, because that was something which I hadn't faced for a long time; in spite of having been around for almost nine years at that stage, I hadn't played any legspinner that would bowl around the wicket in the rough, so I made all the bowlers do that. Then when we went to Chennai, Laxman Sivramakrishnan bowled to me, he gave wonderful practice. So all those sessions really helped and the purpose behind that was just to get used to those angles and the areas, and identify which are the areas from which I can attack and which are the areas I need to defend.

Between Warne and Murali, who did you consider the most dangerous and why?

I'm of the opinion that if someone goes past 500-600 wickets, how do you differentiate? Both guys are special, both are matchwinners and both are world champions. I would not like to pick one, I believe in respecting an individual's strengths and the way they both have motivated youngsters in various parts of the world is just incredible. I would just sit back and applaud them.



	I requested both Azhar (the captain) and Ajit Wadekar (coach) to "just give me one opportunity. I'm very confident as in the first 15 overs I can play some big shots. I feel I'll be able to deliver. And if I fail I'll never ever come to you again". How Tendulkar got to open the innings in one-dayers. He blasted a 49-ball 83 in his first chance

If they were both bowling at either end, who would you rather not face?
I think I would probably go and sit in the dressing room (laughs).

Tell us about the time you were hit by Waqar [Younis] ]in 1989.

I still remember that incident. Ajit had come to watch me for the first time. I could see him sitting in front of the dressing room. India were in a fragile position in the second innings at 39 for 4 with a day and half still left when I got hit on the nose. Even before that I had been hit on the nose in school cricket on bad practice wickets, an experience that had got rid of the fear. So when I was hit by Waqar that got me more competitive and I decided not to move from the middle and I would continue to fight.

In 1989, before you played Pakistan, there was speculation you might be picked to face the West Indies, did you think at that time that you were ready?

I remember the late Raj Singh Dungarpur was the chairman of selectors at that time, and we were playing Ranji Trophy semi-finals against Delhi in Mumbai and he walked up to me and said "I know there has been talk and there've been articles in the papers that you may go to West Indies, but I want to tell you that you won't be going because we still feel that it's too early and it's important for you to prepare for your SSC exams." So I did that. Before that also I'd known him for quite some time. So his guidance and encouragement meant a lot to me, and what he said was: "There'll be Irani Trophy, I'm sure you will be a part of it, and go out there and enjoy yourself, give your case, and good things will happen."

What was different about batting at international level or did you just find that this was too easy?

Nothing is easy and you have to work hard for it. I'm a person who hates taking anything for granted, I want to prepare to the best of my ability. I was always confident about my ability. I wanted to go out and express myself to the best of my ability, and if the pre-match preparation was good then I was in a position to go out and deliver, and that is something I focussed on. Even today I do that. There may be inning where you don't do well, that's fine, but as long as you have given 100%, that is what matters to me. That is something which has been happening right from my school days.

I realised early that I could hit every ball, in school cricket and to a certain extent in Ranji Trophy, I would go out and attack, but after going to Pakistan and New Zealand, England, Australia, those first few series and also South Africa, it taught me a lot. It taught me to be more selective, taught me to build an innings, and also taught me to respect bowlers. I think to respect a bowler when he's bowling very well, is a wise thing to do, which I learned, and it's something which happens with age and experience. You need to have that exposure and I felt that the first few tours really helped me.

Tendulkar on being asked whether he felt lonely when the team loses after a solo effort from him: "Yes you feel bad because I've done well but the team hasn't well. So you are not excited and you cannot share that wonderful moment with people because you've lost the game" © Getty Images

How have you separated your cricket from everything that happens around you?

I don't know, cricket lives in my heart and whenever I'm on a cricket field I enjoy it, and somewhere there's still a 16-year-old hidden inside who wants to go out and express himself, so I do that and it comes naturally and I don't make any special effort to show enthusiasm. It's been my life and I enjoy every moment, I enjoy challenges, it's a package deal, ups and downs, wonderful moments and there are disappointments, so all that makes you a stronger person and you learn to deal with various things in life.

Do you feeling lonely when you do well and the team still loses?

I have never been asked this question before. But, actually, yes you feel bad because I've done well but the team hasn't well. But I play for the team and it is not about individuals. You got to win as a team. So you are not excited and you cannot share that wonderful moment with people because you've lost the game. It is a difficult thing. But on the brighter side when you have one billion people to share your joy there is no better than that. But when that doesn't happen you look forward to the next game and try and make sure that you perform better as a team and do something special which can make all of us smile.

What would you rank as your most memorable innings?

There are a few innings where I've really done well and where the team has won. In that respect the 2003 World Cup game against Pakistan was the biggest match of my life.

Going back to the earlier part of my career the second Test, at Faislabad, I scored only 58 or 59. But in the previous Test I had got out early and I had actually questioned myself whether I belonged here (international arena). I felt out of place, tense, and didn't know what was happening and it wasn't a great experience. In the second Test I went out and decided that come what may I'm going to be there: I had already spoken to a lot of players and they had told me: "Just be there for 15-20 minutes things would start getting better." So I decided I was not going to get worried about runs and at what rate I was going to score them. That particular innings was the turning point of my life because after that I felt I do belong here. It is just a matter of tackling the first few minutes, of judging the pace, bounce, spin. I was new to Test cricket and something like that needed to happen to make me feel good and make me believe that I belonged here.

Could you share with us some of your memories from childhood?

My childhood was spent in 'Sahitya Sahwas' colony in Bandra East. Every moment with my friends was special. Cricket started for me there, I broke a lot of glass panes of neighbouring houses but all the seniors appreciated the competition on display. It was a good atmosphere and the passion for cricket started there.

My actual cricket started when I was 11. My brother spotted the spark in me and then he took me to Achrekar sir. Those three to four years under him were really important for my development. He would hide behind trees to see our games and then later he would point out the errors later on. We would have fun but it was guarded.

Tell us about the first century of your life.

I was unbeaten on 96 overnight and couldn't sleep. We [Sharadashram English] were playing against Don Bosco and I was impatient to get to my first ever century. Another reason for my impatience was I had invited Achrekar Sir to dinner at my home but he said the day I score a century he would come. Next morning my father took me to pay obeisance at a Ganpati temple. I scored the century in the very first over. The first thing I told Achrekar Sir on going back to the change room was he now had no way out but to come to my house.

Does the relentless media introspection suffocate you?

This is the way I've known my life from the age of 14. That is when I started playing my first-class cricket when I was part of Mumbai Ranji Trophy team. But I'm comfortable with it. I don't do anything differently, I just do whatever I'm comfortable with. People have appreciated me for what I'm so I don't make any special effort to change. I believe every individual should respect the other in whatever you say or do and you have to think twice. I'm not aggressive off the field because I need to conserve it for the play on the field.

One of the highs of Tendulkar's captaincy, the Sahara Cup in 1997 © AFP

What is the secret behind your success as a cricketer?

Plenty of hours on the field, not as many hours in the gym! It is a combination of long practice sessions, workouts and playing as many matches - practice and live - as possible. One important thing my coach Ramakant Achrekar introduced me to was the concept of match temperament. The reason my brother [Ajit Tendulkar] took me to him [Achrekar] was solely because he made all his students play as many practice matches as possible. I would attend my school in the morning, go to the ground in the afternoon and bat at No. 4 in a practice match. That gave me the confidence to go out in the middle and perform in a match and also taught me how to read various situations in a match. Because every afternoon the conditions were different situation, different theme, and I had to bat differently. So all those factors were extremely important in making me the cricketer that I am today, and however much I thank him [Achrekar] it is not enough.

Was opening for the first time a big step?

In 1994 we were playing in Auckland. I was the vice-captain then and just before the ODI I got to know that [Navjot Singh] Sidhu was not fit as he had woken up with a stiff neck. I requested both Azhar [Mohammad Azharuddin] and Ajit Wadekar (captain and coach) to "just give me one opportunity. I'm very confident as in the first 15 overs I can play some big shots. I feel I'll be able to deliver. And if I fail I'll never ever come to you again". They both agreed graciously and I was able to go out and perform. It helped me as a cricketer because you go out and face the new ball and at the same time you are looking at putting the ball away. Those days the first over one would look to leave as many balls as possible and not lose wickets early on and then gradually accelerate. But things started changing around that time with [Mark] Greatbach in 1992 World Cup and then [Sanath] Jayasuriya in 1996 to play big shots in the first 15 overs and I did the same once I started opening. To do that you had to move in quickly and get in the right position. Overall that decision (to open) helped my game because in ODIs I was facing the new ball and batting No. 4 in Test cricket. Overall I was enjoying the balance.

Are you satisfied with your two captaincy stints?

It was a great honour to captain the country. There were some wonderful moments: The very first Test itself was a memorable in Delhi. Then we won the Titan Cup in India against the two toughest opponents - Australia and South Africa. Then, in Toronto, when we beat Pakistan in the Sahara Cup. There were many occasions where we came close to winning but just couldn't cross the final hurdle. It was an experience full of highs and lows.

India should play more Tests - Tendulkar

2009-11-14T13:47:00.000+05:30

"It would be nice if I can go on that that long (till 2015) but I don't want to think that far" © AFP

Sachin Tendulkar has expressed his disappointment at India not playing enough Tests in the near future. Besides the three Tests in the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka, which begins in Ahmedabad on November 16, India play only two more Tests, in Bangladesh in January, in the 2009-10 season. There are no further Test series planned at least till the end of the 2010.

"We should play more Test cricket for sure. It is obviously not great news that we are only playing five Tests this season," Tendulkar said at a media event on Friday to commemorate his completing 20 years in international cricket.

Test cricket, he said, was the true testing ground for any youngster and the best way to fast track his development. "Ideally for any team to progress you need to play more Test cricket as that is where the real cricket is according to me. Test cricket is cricket of the highest level and since it is played across five days at the end of each day it allows you to regroup, re-think, come up with fresh ideas and plan for the next day. Sometimes in Twenty20 and ODIs even before you realise the match is over."

As a 16-year-old Tendulkar cut his teeth in the 1989 Test series against Pakistan and immediately understood it was not going to be easy. In the final Test of that series, Waqar Younis drew blood after striking Tendulkar on the nose. Ajit Tendulkar, his elder brother, the man whom Sachin counts as his biggest influence as a player, was sitting in the stands. Ajit might have winced but his brother didn't: "When I was hit by Waqar that got me more competitive and I decided not to move from the middle and I would continue to fight," Tendulkar animatedly recounted the incident to a 75-odd media contingent.

Though the event was by invitation only for a select group of journalists, a lot of media personnel - aware of the unique opportunity it presented - gatecrashed the event. Tendulkar remained unruffled and for the next five hours remained seated in the middle of the room, answering hundreds of questions, even if most were repeated. Displaying the same proficiency he has shown against various forms of bowling, Tendulkar moved seamlessly from English to Hindi to Marathi in his responses, paying detailed attention to the questioner's every word.

While his zeal for the game continues to amaze, he is not at all surprised by it. He says it is because he is passionate about what he does and is confident and clear about what he wants to do.

It's not his fans alone who wonder how Tendulkar has been strong in various situations and stayed competitive over the last two decades; MS Dhoni, the India captain, recently said he did not rule out Tendulkar being in contention to play the 2015 World Cup.

Tendulkar, though, said he wanted to live in the moment and plan for the near future instead of dwelling on what could happen five years down the line.

"It would be nice if I can go on that that long (till 2015) but I don't want to think that far and concentrate on the next phase," he said. "My focus is on the near future. I've enjoyed every bit so far and I feel there is cricket left in me and everything is going really well."

Sachin India's proudest possession- Peter Roebuck

2009-11-14T13:36:00.002+05:30

Sachin Tendulkar has been playing top-class cricket for 20 years and he's still producing blistering innings, still looking hungry, still demolishing attacks, still a prized wicket, still a proud competitor. He has not merely been around for two decades. From his first outing to his most recent effort, a stunning 175 in Hyderabad, he has been a great batsman. Longevity counts amongst his strengths. Twenty years! It's a heck of a long time, and it's gone in the blink of an eye.

The Berlin Wall was taken down a week before Sachin Tendulka first wore the colours of his country, Nelson Mandela was behind bars, Allan Border was captaining Australia, and India was a patronised country known for its dust, poverty, timid batsmen and not much else. In those days Tendulkar was a tousle-haired cherub prepared to stand his ground against all comers, including Wasim Akram and the most menacing of the Australians, Merv Hughes. Now he is a tousle-haired elder still standing firm, still driving and cutting, still retaining some of the impudence of youth, but nowadays bearing also the sagacity of age.

It has been an incredible journey, a trip that figures alone cannot define. Not that the statistics lack weight. To the contrary they are astonishing, almost mind-boggling. Tendulkar has a scored an avalanche of runs, thousands upon thousands of them in every form of the game. He has reached three figures 87 times in the colours of his country, and all the while has somehow retained his freshness, somehow avoided the mechanical, the repetitive and the predictable.

Perhaps that has been part of it, the ability to retain the precious gift of youth. Alongside Shane Warne, the Indian master has been the most satisfying cricketer of his generation.

Tendulkar's feats are prodigious. He has scored as many runs overseas as in his backyard, has flogged Brett Lee at his fastest and Shane Warne at his most obtuse, has flourished against swing and cut, prospered in damp and dry. Nor can his record be taken for granted. Batsmen exist primarily to score runs. It is a damnably difficult task made to look easy by a handful of expert practitioners. Others have promised and fallen back, undone by the demands, unable to meet the moment. Tendulkar has kept going, on his toes, seeking runs in his twinkling way.

In part he has lasted so long because there has been so little inner strain. It's hard to think of a player remotely comparable who has spent so little energy conquering himself. Throughout, Tendulkar has been able to concentrate on overcoming his opponents.

But it has not only been about runs. Along the way Tendulkar has provided an unsurpassed blend of the sublime and the precise. In him the technical and the natural sit side by side, friends not enemies, allies deep in conversation. Romantics talk about those early morning trips to Shivaji Park, and the child eager to erect the nets and anxious to bat till someone took his wicket. They want to believe that toil alone can produce that straight drive and a bat so broad that periodically it is measured. But it was not like that.

From the start the lad had an uncanny way of executing his strokes perfectly. His boyhood coaches insist that their role was to ensure that he remained unspoilt. There was no apprenticeship. Tendulkar was born to bat.

Over the decades it has been Tendulkar's rare combination of mastery and boldness that has delighted connoisseurs and crowds alike. More than any other batsman, even Brian Lara, Tendulkar's batting has provoked gasps of admiration. A single withering drive dispatched along the ground, eluding the bowler, placed unerringly between fieldsmen, can provoke wonder even amongst the oldest hands. A solitary square cut is enough to make a spectator's day.

Tendulkar might lose his wicket cheaply but he is incapable of playing an ugly stroke. His defence might have been designed by Christopher Wren. And alongside these muscular orthodoxies could be found ornate flicks through the on-side, glides off his bulky pads that sent tight deliveries dashing on unexpected journeys into the back and beyond. Viv Richards could terrorise an attack with pitiless brutality, Lara could dissect bowlers with surgical and magical strokes, Tendulkar can take an attack apart with towering simplicity.

Nor has Tendulkar ever stooped to dullness or cynicism. Throughout, his wits have remained sharp and originality has been given its due. He has, too, been remarkably constant. In those early appearances, he relished the little improvisations calculated to send bowlers to the madhouse: cheeky strokes that told of ability and nerve. For a time thereafter he put them into the cupboard, not because respectability beckoned or responsibility weighed him down but because they were not required. Shot selection, his very sense of the game, counts amongst his qualities.

On his most recent trip to Australia, though, he decided to restore audacity, cheekily undercutting lifters, directing the ball between fieldsmen, shots the bowlers regarded as beyond the pale. Even in middle age he remains unbroken. Hyderabad confirmed his durability.

And yet, even this, the runs, the majesty, the thrills, does not capture his achievement. Reflect upon his circumstances and then marvel at his feat. Here is a man obliged to put on disguises so that he can move around the streets, a fellow able to drive his cars only in the dead of night for fear or creating a commotion, a father forced to take his family to Iceland on holiday, a person whose entire adult life has been lived in the eye of a storm. Throughout he has been public property, India's proudest possession, a young man and yet also a source of joy for millions, a sportsman and yet, too, an expression of a vast and ever-changing nation. Somehow he has managed to keep the world in its rightful place. Somehow he has raised children who relish his company and tease him about his batting. Whenever he loses his wicket in the 90s, a not uncommon occurrence, his boy asks why he does not "hit a sixer".

Somehow he has emerged with an almost untarnished reputation. Inevitably mistakes have been made. Something about a car, something else about a cricket ball, and suggestions that he had stretched the facts to assist his pal Harbhajan Singh. But then he is no secular saint. It's enough that he is expected to bat better than anyone else. It's hardly fair to ask him to match Mother Teresa as well.

At times India has sprung too quickly to his defence, as if a point made against him was an insult to the nation, as if he were beyond censure. A poor lbw decision- and he has had his allocation- can all too easily be turned into a cause celebre. Happily Tendulkar has always retained his equanimity. He is a sportsman as well as a cricketer. By no means has it been the least of his contributions, and it explains his widespread popularity. Not even Placido Domingo has been given more standing ovations.

And there has been another quality that has sustained him, a trait whose importance cannot be overstated. Not long ago Keith Richards, lead guitarist with the Rolling Stones, was asked how the band had kept going for so long, spent so many decades on the road, made so many records, put up with so much attention. His reply was as simple as it as telling. "We love it," he explained, "we just love playing." And so it has always has been with Tendulkar. It's never been hard for him to play cricket. The hard part will be stopping. But he will take into retirement a mighty record and the knowledge that he has given enormous pleasure to followers of the game wherever it is played.

http://www.cricinfo.com/magazine/content/current/story/434360.html

I don't even move when Sachin is batting: Anjali

2009-11-14T11:57:00.002+05:30

TOI: How easy or difficult is it to be Mrs Sachin Tendulkar? How do you cope with the pressures?

ANJALI: For me, it's very easy because I've known Sachin for 19 years now. I understand him so well. So whether I am his girlfriend or his wife, it's the same thing, just an extension of that bond. I don't find it very difficult and I'm used to it. Maybe, it's also because I've not known any other person in my life except Sachin. Of course, there are many challenges and difficulties to being his wife but the whole family, including my children, has learnt to deal with it.

TOI: Any regrets at all on the home front?

ANJALI: The only regret, even though we've learnt to cope with it, is that he's not at home most of the time. I think even Sachin has realised this, now that the kids are growing up fast. Sara is 12 and Arjun is 10. We sometimes wonder where all the years have gone. Since he used to be away most of the time when they were growing up, now he tries to come home as much as possible. If a match gets over early, he'll come home, stay overnight and then leave again in the morning. Though he's trying his best to spend more time with the family, sometimes he's not at home for birthdays, special occasions or even for the kids' annual day at school. It matters a lot to the kids.

TOI: Is it true you can't bear to watch Sachin live, and only see the recordings?

ANJALI: I don't know where this came from. The fact is I watch every game, that too right from the start. Yes, I never go to the stadium but I watch it on TV. Actually, I have one particular spot in the house from where I can watch TV and also keep an eye on my Ganpati (Ganesha). I don't eat. I don't answer phones. I don't drink. I don't even move. I don't reply to any sms until he's out.

TOI: What is it about his batting that you admire the most?

ANJALI: I'm not a cricket connoisseur. I can't talk about particular shots. What I like about him is that no matter how tense he is, or how much pressure there is on him, when he goes out to bat you don't see any of it. I've often asked him how it's possible not to get distracted while playing in front of thousands of screaming people. I do have friends whose husbands are also in highly stressful jobs, but they are not being scrutinised by the whole world every minute. So the way Sachin deals with the burden of expectations and doesn't seem to get affected is what I admire the most.

TOI: Do you enjoy watching him bat? Is there any knock of his that you rate as the best, or is etched in your memory?

ANJALI: My problem is, unlike Sachin, who remembers each of his innings, each ball and how he got out, I don't. Because when I am watching him bat, I'm so stressed and so focused that I just want him to do well, I cannot enjoy or remember much. For example, his 175 at Hyderabad has come in for huge praise, but I cannot say I enjoyed it. I was stressed out. But yes, I do remember that his Sharjah centuries were special. Then again, it is faint memory. I had had my first baby then and my attention was divided.

TOI: Do you lose sleep when he does well and the team does not, or vice-versa?

ANJALI: It's much worse when he does well and the team doesn't. I know how much it affects him because, for him, the country always comes first. To me it doesn't matter whether he scores one run or 10 runs or even a 100. I'll still be happy because I know he's really trying hard. But I know how much it affects him when he does well and the team loses, like it happened in Hyderabad. It's very upsetting. It was a terrible feeling for me when I got up the next morning. In fact, it was devastating. Had he not done so well and had the team still won, it would've made us all feel much, much better.

TOI: Does Sachin ever talk about the game with you? Or does he just shut himself out of all things cricket when he is with his family?

ANJALI: I think what he liked about me was that I knew nothing about cricket when I first met him. But then, me being me, I read everything about the game. I came to know all the fielding positions but he doesn't like me discussing cricket at home. But at times when he is low or upset, I do talk to him about cricket. Again, it's not the game but things related to it that we discuss.

TOI: Have you ever grown tired of waiting for Sachin to return from a tour?

ANJALI: It's always been like that. These days, whenever he goes on a long tour, we usually try and plan a short holiday with the kids. Maybe during the school vacation or something. There's no other option for us.

TOI: Don't you regret the fact that Sachin's fame prevents him from being a normal father?

ANJALI: It's been like this from the beginning, so you accept it. It's part of life even for our children. They know their father cannot do certain things. So we take the trouble once every year and go somewhere where he can be a normal father. Like in London, he takes Arjun to the park to play. Even there people recognise him, but they don't mob him and give him his space.

TOI: Please go back in time to when you met Sachin for the first time...

ANJALI: (Laughs) We've not really told many people this. I first met him at the Mumbai airport when he returned from his first tour of England in 1990, after scoring his maiden Test ton. In fact, when I first saw him at the airport, I didn't even know who he was. It was purely by accident! I was there to pick up my mother and Sachin was arriving with the Indian team. That's where we saw each other for the first time... we had a courtship of five years and got married in 1995. We had got engaged a year before that in 1994 and that was in New Zealand.

TOI: Do you believe in destiny?

ANJALI: Yes, it is destiny and I believe in that.

TOI: Sachin has been known to go out in disguise sometimes. Did he ever use a disguise to meet you?

ANJALI: Yes he did, just once. We had gone to see the movie Roja. I was studying medicine then and a couple of my friends planned it. Sachin did try telling me that that it would be difficult, but I insisted that he come along. To make sure nobody recognised him, we even got him a beard. He wore specs as well and we went in late. We watched the first half of the film, but during the interval Sachin dropped his specs and people immediately recognised him! It was a bit of a disaster and we were forced to leave halfway.

TOI: You could have been a very successful doctor...

ANJALI: I loved medicine and a lot of people often ask me if I'm wasting my education. I don't think so. Though I loved every moment of my studying days and my days at the government hospital, it then came to a stage when I realised that I could not be married to Sachin and also have a full-time career. It wasn't possible because he depends on me for almost everything. It was my decision. I thought I should be at home with him and make everything perfect for him.

In his childhood, brother Ajit did everything for Sachin, sacrificing his own interests. I thought I should do the same. Besides, mine would not have been a 9 to 5 job. I'm a paediatrician, so if there's a patient calling me or someone admitted at odd hours, I have to make myself available. With Sachin not around and me with two kids at home, it wouldn't have been possible. I took a decision and I have never, ever regretted it.

TOI: How good is your Hindi?

ANJALI: (Smiles). Not as good as my English. But my Marathi is better as I converse with my mother-in-law in that language. Actually, my mother is English so we spoke the language at home, but I studied Hindi without tuitions till the tenth standard. At St. Xavier's in the XIth and XIIth class, I studied Russian. My children speak Hindi much better than both of us.

TOI: Have you ever dreamt of your son Arjun playing alongside Sachin?

ANJALI: Actually, I have thought about it but, realistically speaking, I don't think it's possible. If it ever happens it will be fantastic.

TOI: Are you aware there are emails being circulated with pictures of your new, under-construction shell house in Bandra? There are pictures of the interiors too...

ANJALI: Yes. They're all fake!

TOI: When will the house be ready for you to move in?

ANJALI: It will take one more year.

TOI: Can you tell us a bit about the new house? Will it look like a huge mansion or just a normal bungalow?

ANJALI: It will be a normal house. If you look at Mumbai and its space constraints, we are lucky to be having a nice home which will have everything Sachin wants. If he wants to go and play cricket with Arjun there is a garden, not a big one but there is one. There is a parking area for our cars down in the basement, room for Sachin's mother and the kids.

Sachin is very clear and sure about what he wants. A lot of things in the house are what he's always wanted. But we are in it together. Also, I'm the more scientific type, the more practical one. I'm only bothered about where the switches are going to be placed, where the TV connections are going to be, what the kitchen and bathroom layout is going to be. He's into the fancy and decorative side.

TOI: No swimming pool?

ANJALI: There is one lap pool on the terrace and a shallow one just for Sachin's fitness. A gymnasium will also be there.

TOI: Have you ever driven the Ferrari?

ANJALI: When Sachin got his Ferrari home I asked him to show me how to change its gears because they are near the steering and move with the fingers. To my surprise, he said, 'You don't need to drive my Ferrari.' In fact, I needed to know because at times we need to move it when he's not around. It actually happened once and we couldn't move it. I've been longing to drive his Ferrari.

TOI: Any idea which is Sachin's favourite Lata Mangeshkar or Kishore Kumar number?

ANJALI: There are so many, I can't name one. He always likes listening to them. Initially, I had no knowledge about Hindi movies and songs, it's only after marriage that I began watching movies and now I really enjoy Hindi songs.

TOI: Do you have a big circle of friends and do you socialise much?

ANJALI: No, we have a close set of friends. They are either Sachin's long-time friends or my friends from the medical field. We don't get much time to socialise but we do go out for family dinners whenever possible.

TOI: What comes first in Sachin's life? Cricket, wife or family?

ANJALI: I think it was cricket first but now things have changed, which I feel is a natural progression. So now, it is both cricket and family.

TOI: Have you and Sachin ever thought about what life is going to be like after cricket, or how long he intends to play?

ANJALI: People often tell us that we ought to start thinking about what he's going to do after cricket. But I feel that when you are playing, you need to focus 100%. You cannot even think of what you'll do after cricket. So I always tell Sachin not to think about it. I tell him, 'It doesn't matter, surely you'll find something to do, you have lots of interests.'

Also, maybe we can just take some time off and travel the world and then look ahead. I always insist that he should not worry about the future. At the same time, he will be at a total loss because his whole life has been cricket.

Link ==> http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/interviews/I-dont-even-move-when-Sachin-is-batting-Anjali/articleshow/5228341.cms

When Sachin almost made me go blind: Atul Ranade

2009-11-13T22:40:00.000+05:30

ATUL RANADE recalls a few special incidents from the past

I and Sachin Tendulkar go back a long way, since kindergarten, in fact. I also opened the innings for our school Shardashram in that famous match in which Sachin and Vinod Kambli notched up the 664-run partnership in 1988.

I feel what makes Sachin different is the utmost respect with which he treats all kinds of people. Be it a groundsman or the senior-most cricketer, his behaviour is impeccable and identical. He makes this possible because the respect he shows is immense and straight from the heart.

Many people ask me what makes him go on and on. I think it's the devotion. He sticks to the basics,

does the hard work each day and follows everything with discipline and honesty.

He is mentally very strong. We were training at the Bandra Kurla Complex gymnasium in Mumbai recently, and while I finished in 45 minutes, he went on and on, for hours. He has certain plans in mind and sticks to them faithfully, to the core. He is also very aware that his road is long, and he wants to go the distance. He knows there are no short cuts in life. Sachin feels that he was fortunate to get a chance to get into the Indian team when he was 16 years old and he treasures his place. He doesn't want to let go of that.

His batting has changed over the years, of course, and he has started including new shots in his repertoire, like the upper cut. As a friend, though, he's still the same. He has always been concerned about our families and will do anything to help out. His sincerity and morals come from his father, who always imbibed in him the importance of being humble.

When we were at the Ramakant Achrekar academy, our coach would make us put the nets, roll the pitch and even learn to do things with the outfield. So if the groundsmen were missing, we could still get on with the game. These basics are deeply ingrained in Sachin. He's still the same hungry boy who always wanted to bat and bat.

He's a brat too. Once when we were on the tour to Ahmedabad with the under-15 team, he applied Sloan's balm around my eyes and pretended to be asleep. When I awoke in the middle of the night, I rubbed my eyes and realised they were burning. They seemed to be on fire! I started screaming, ‘‘I can't see anything, I've gone blind!''

Sachin rushed to me and took me to the bathroom and said, ‘‘Apply this cream it will make you feel better.'' The cream was actually a toothpaste and since I couldn't see that too, I rubbed it all over my eyes!

When we catch up these days, we still talk about our schooldays and have a lot of dhamaal!

Atul Ranade has played first-class cricket for Mumbai and Goa

Sachin ton made TRP ratings soar

2009-11-13T22:39:00.000+05:30

NEW DELHI: Sachin Tendulkar doesn't merely create batting records. He also does wonder to the TRPs. The Mumbai maestro's sensational 175 off 141 balls last week sent the television ratings soaring to a whopping 7.1, the highest in ODI matches in recent years.

According to Tam Media Research TV ratings, the ratings surpassed the Champions Trophy's highest TRP of 6.2 garnered in the match between India and Pakistan earlier this year. The TRPs increased as the tightly-contested series progressed. The first match had a TRP of 3.6 followed by 4.9 and 5.9 in the second and third games. The Mohali match, which India lost narrowly, had a TRP of 6.1.

The average TRP in the first five matches of the India-Australia series was 5.51, which is higher than the average TRP of 2007 Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa, IPL I in 2008 (4.7), IPL II (4.2) in 2009. Even the average TRPs of the T20 World Cup in England this year was 2.89. This underlines that audience interest in ODIs is far from over.

In 2007, when Australia toured India after the T20 World Cup, the Nagpur match on October 14 had recorded a high TRP of 9.3. It was again a high scoring game and that time India were chasing Australia's 317 and eventually lost by 18 runs.

In that match too Tendulkar had made a run-a-ball 72. The average TRP of the 2007 India-Australia series was higher (6.6) compared to 2009 series. But then, two years ago, T20 was just new to the viewers and the Indians were fresh from a World Cup win in South Africa.

The highest TRP in a single game in the last couple of years has been in the 2007 India-Pakistan T20 final. The game recorded a high of 15.9. Even the IPL final match in 2008 got 9.8. There was a marginal drop to 9.3 in the following year's edition in South Africa.

Gujarat CM Narendra Modi to felicitate Tendulkar

2009-11-13T22:38:00.000+05:30

Ahmedabad, Nov 13 (PTI) Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar, who will complete 20 years in international cricket tomorrow, will be felicitated by Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi before the start of the first Test match between India and Sri Lanka here, a GCA official said today.

"Sachin will be presented a memento by Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who is also the GCA president, on Monday before the start of the first day's play at the Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera for completing 20 years in international cricket," Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) secretary, Rajesh Patel told reporters here today.

Sachin, who made his international debut with a Test against Pakistan on November 15, 1989, will be felicitated on behalf of the Gujarat government, Patel added.

The Sardar Patel stadium, built in 1983, has played host to some of the most memorable moments of cricketing history.

I've never seen Tendulkar throw tantrums: Ganguly

2009-11-13T20:07:00.000+05:30

What can I say about Sachin Tendulkar that has not already been said or written about? Isn't it enough to say that players of my generation have been lucky to share the dressing room with him?

Having known him from very close quarters right from our days we used to play under- 15 cricket, I have marvelled at the manner in which he has built his career, admired his single-minded approach to batting and the way he has handled fame and fortune.

After I took over the captaincy from him in 2000, I have often benefited from his cricketing wisdom. In my book, there are three aspects to being Sachin Tendulkar: the batsman, the person and the superstar.

The batsman

Simply put, he is the best batsman that I have seen or played with or against. He is head and shoulders above the rest and there is no comparison. Having opened with him in over 200 ODIs and been at the other end of the wicket on hundreds of occasions, I've marvelled at his ability to play shots that lesser mortals would not even think of attempting. With a cricket bat in hand, Sachin is supremely confident. There is no better sight in cricket than Sachin in full flow.

The person

The best thing about Sachin is that despite scaling new peaks of popularity, he has both feet planted firmly on the ground. That's the reason he has not only survived for 20 long years as a top-level athlete but continues to prosper in all walks of life. In life as well as in cricket, Sachin always strikes the right balance. I have no doubt in my mind that he will continue to do the country proud with the bat for as long as he chooses to play.

The superstar

In a cricket-crazy country where everyone wants a piece of him, I have never seen Sachin throw tantrums, on or off the field. He is a role model for the youth and carries himself with dignity. He also has very deep-rooted values and stands by them. He is easily India's biggest sporting icon of his generation.

Sachin Tendulkar ranks 98 vs Pak in WC one of his finest moments

2009-11-13T20:06:00.001+05:30

Mumbai: India's batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar today rated his blistering 75-ball knock of 98 against arch-rivals Pakistan in the 2003 World Cup at Centurion as one of the most memorable innings of his life

"I remember a few innings and important among them is the innings against Pakistan in the 2003 World Cup. We won that match (by 6 wickets)," said Tendulkar who walked down memory lane here today to celebrate his20 years in international cricket.

Tendulkar made his international debut in the first Test against Pakistan at Karachi on November 15, 1989 and it was on the same tour that he made his debut in ODIs too before going on to set world records in both formats.

Emphasising that earning his first India cap is the most cherished moment of his glittering career, Tendulkar mentioned a knock of 59 in his second Test at Faisalabad against Pakistan as the turning point in his career as that knock gave him self-belief that he belonged in the highest league.

"20 years is a long time and I have many special moments and it would be difficult to count them. But the first one (Test), the first day walking out in the playing XI in Pakistan probably was the greatest moment," he said.

"In the second Test at Faisalabad I made 58 or 59. It was the turning point in my career as I felt confident after that innings that I belonged at this level after not doing well in the first Test," he said.Asked how he maintained his passionor the game after playing for so long, Tendulkar said it came naturally to him.

"Cricket lives in my heart. I enjoy playing cricket. I have not made any special effort (to be passionate). I enjoy every moment of the game," said the batsman who has scored the most number of runs and centuries in Tests and ODIs.

"Playing for the country was my childhood dream and I have fulfilled my dream. I am fortunate to have played for my country for so many years," he said.

Tendulkar maintained that he always wants to celebrate team victories than individual glory if the latter did not lead to India triumphing.

"You feel bad (if team loses) even if I had done well. I play for the team. Even if you have not contributed when the team has done well you want to jump in joy," he put it.

Asked what changes have occurred in the game in the 20 years of his career, Tendulkar picked the advent of Twenty20, assistance of technology for umpiring decisions and batting innovations as the major changes that have taken place.

"From 1989, plenty of things have happened and the the game has changed a lot with the introduction of the third umpire and Hot Spot system to the introduction of Twenty20", he said.

Sachin is the greatest in the modern era: Sangakkara

2009-11-08T22:06:00.000+05:30


Mumbai, Sun, Nov 08 2009

Sangakkara lavished praise on Sachin Tendulkar, calling the Indian the "greatest player of the modern era"

Visiting Sri Lankan team skipper Kumar Sangakkara today lavished praise on Sachin Tendulkar, who would be completing 20 years in international cricket on November 15, calling the Indian the "greatest player of the modern era".

"He (Tendulkar) has been brilliant. To have survived the tough test of public expectation in India is something, which should be commended. The runs are an added bonus. He's probably the greatest player to play the game in the modern era and compares with the Bradmans and all the legends of the past," Sangakkara said.

"We run out of superlatives when talking about Sachin. He keeps getting better and better. Being that consistent under such pressure (from fans), especially at home is a wonderful thing," the Lankan captain and one-down batsman gushed.

Asked about any game plan his team had in the upcoming three-Test rubber to contain the master batsman, Sangakkara gave a wry smile and said there can be plans but that may not work always against Tendulkar.

"A lot of people have game plan (for Tendulkar). We have to see what works. When a batsman is scoring runs and doing the way Sachin is doing he will be a threat to any team. It's nothing new. I have been ans

Sachin's mind is still strong : Ian Chapell

2009-11-08T13:24:00.001+05:30

Ian Chappell's column : cricinfo

On a couple of balmy nights in Sharjah in 1998,Sachin Tendulkar carved out successive scintillating centuries against Australia to convince those of the men in gold who weren't believers that he was the best batsman in the world.

More than a decade later Tendulkar has converted a whole new set of Australian non-believers with a mercurial ODI century in Hyderabad. Well, that's actually not quite true. Ricky Ponting was in attendance in Sharjah, and for him Tendulkar just reconfirmed his great skill and tenacity.

As the opposing captain, Ponting was constantly plotting Tendulkar's downfall in Hyderabad, and it came in the nick of time to seal an Australian victory that for a time looked like it would be snatched away by one man. As the third, along with West Indies' champion Brian Lara, in what was a three-way battle for the batting crown, Ponting would've appreciated, if not welcomed, Tendulkar's mastery.

One of the more amazing things about Lara was his remarkable feat in recapturing the world record 10 years after he first established the high-water mark. Longevity isn't the hallmark of greatness but it's a requirement.

Not that Tendulkar needed another century to convince anyone of his prowess, but a masterful knock like the Hyderabad one was a timely reminder that he still has a few great innings left. That's the main difference between the Tendulkar of today and a decade ago.

In Sharjah he belted the Australian bowlers all over the park to get his team into the final, and then followed it up two days later with an equally dynamic showing to win the big prize. Now the hard part will be reprising his starring role in Guwahati when his body is still recovering from Hyderabad.

Tendulkar did prove one thing in Hyderabad: the mind is still willing. He displayed the same fighting spirit that was evident in Sharjah, the same desire to trump the opposition, and amazingly, his strike rate was better than in both of those 1998 gems. "I can't concentrate like I used to," I recall Greg Chappell saying near the end of his illustrious career. "I can still apply myself occasionally, but other days it's just a battle." And he was a strong-minded batsman.

Tendulkar is a strong-minded person but that isn't what defines his batting. His is more a mercurial attitude that allows him to sense the moment when to let loose his full array of shots and leave the bowlers clutching at straws. Straws that in his pomp were whisked away by a whirlwind of shots.



	Tendulkar's is a mercurial attitude that allows him to sense the moment when to let loose his full array of shots and leave the bowlers clutching at straws caption:

In recent times Tendulkar's batting has gained a mortal quality. He often has to battle and graft for runs, like a 40-average batsman. The fact that even in that mode he still churns out centuries, like a press printing 10-rupee notes, is a testament to his greatness. However, occasionally all the magic returns and on that day he can light up a cricket ground, the way he did in Hyderabad. The cover drive flows, the flick off the pads races to the boundary and the short-of-a-length delivery is punched off the back foot, while fieldsmen are left grasping at fresh air.

In batting maturity Tendulkar resorts to more deft deflections and little glides to third man but they are as much about resting tiring muscles at the non-striker's end as any concession to the bowlers' ability. He's also moved with the times and is now more likely to upper-cut a short-pitched delivery rather than employ the hook shot. He even indulges in the premeditated shovel shot over the short fine-leg fielder's head. It was one of those that ended his epic innings in Hyderabad, just short of him achieving deity and a thrilling Indian victory.

There will be nit-pickers who say, "There he goes again. Tendulkar succeeds but India fails to claim victory. That's the difference between him and Lara." The difference appears to be that Lara had a ruthless streak when it came to winning the match, while for Tendulkar one more risk is never too many.

To me the only disappointment is that 11 years after Sharjah, the Indian batting is still so heavily dependent on Tendulkar. After all his magical displays you'd think some of the next-generation batsmen would be clamouring to imitate Tendulkar's starring roles rather than being content to play the bit part in the shadow of the little master.

Chavan's first act - letter congratulating Tendulkar

2009-11-08T13:08:00.000+05:30

Sify News, Nov 11

After assuming office as Maharashtra's chief minister, Ashok Chavan's first official duty Saturday was signing a congratulatory letter to India's cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar for his record of 17,000 runs in one day international cricket.

In a letter to the Mumbai-based player, Chavan said: 'Your record has raised the stature of Maharashtra and India and we are all proud of you.'

Expressing his best wishes to Sachin, Chavan said that he felt a special thrill while affixing his signature on the letter, according to an aide.

Sachin's record feat came in a match between India and Australia in Hyderabad Thursday.

20 not out : Peter Roebuck

2009-11-08T11:34:00.002+05:30

Sydney Morning Herald, Nov 8

SACHIN TENDULKAR will celebrate 20 years as an international in a week's time. It's a heck of a long time and it has gone in the blink of an eye.

When Tendulkar first took guard in his country's colours, the Berlin Wall had just fallen, Nelson Mandela was behind bars, Allan Border was captaining Australia and India was a patronised country known for its dust, poverty, timid batsmen and other outdated caricatures.

In those days Tendulkar was a tousle-haired cherub prepared to stand his ground against all comers, including Wasim Akram and the most menacing of the Australians, Merv Hughes. Now he is a tousle-haired elder still standing firm, still driving and cutting, still retaining some of the impudence of youth but nowadays bearing also the sagacity of age.

It has been an incredible journey, a trip that figures alone cannot define.

Not that the statistics lack weight. To the contrary they are astonishing, almost mind-boggling. Tendulkar has a scored an avalanche of runs, thousands upon thousands of them in every form of the game. He has reached three figures 87 times in the colours of his country and all the while has somehow retained his freshness, somehow avoided the mechanical, the repetitive and the predictable. Perhaps that has been part of it, the ability to retain the precious gift of youth so that it is not swamped by the knowledge that time alone can bring. Alongside Shane Warne, Tendulkar has been the most satisfying cricketer of his generation.

The Indian master's feats are prodigious. He has scored as many runs overseas as in his backyard, has flogged Brett Lee at his fastest and Warne at his most obtuse, has flourished against swing and cut, prospered in damp and dry. Nor can his record be taken for granted. Batsmen exist primarily to score runs. It is a damnably difficult task made to look easy by a handful of expert practitioners. Others have promised and fallen back, undone by the demands, unable to meet the moment. Tendulkar has kept going, hunger unabated.

In part he has lasted so long because there has been so little inner strain. It's hard to think of a player remotely comparable who has spent so little energy conquering himself. Throughout he has been able to concentrate on overcoming his opponents.

But it has not only been about runs. Along the way Tendulkar has provided an unsurpassed blend of the sublime and the precise. In him, the technical and the natural sit side by side, friends not enemies, allies deep in conversation.

Romantics talk about those early morning trips to Shivaji Park in Mumbai, and the child eager to erect the nets and anxious to bat until someone took his wicket. They want to believe that toil alone can produce that straight drive and a bat so broad that periodically it is measured. But it was not like that.

From the start the lad had an uncanny way of executing his strokes perfectly. His boyhood coaches insist that their role was to ensure that he remained unspoilt. Sensing that he knew the game inside out, they were wise enough to leave him to his own devices, let him work it out for himself. There was no apprenticeship. Tendulkar was born to bat.

Over the decades it has been Tendulkar's rare combination of mastery and boldness that has delighted connoisseurs and crowds alike. More than any other batsman, even Brian Lara, Tendulkar's batting has provoked gasps of admiration. A single withering drive dispatched along the ground eluding the bowler, placed unerringly between fieldsmen, could provoke wonder even among the oldest hands. A solitary square cut was enough to make a spectator's day. Tendulkar might lose his wicket cheaply but he is incapable of playing an ugly stroke. His defence might have been designed by Christopher Wren. And alongside these muscular orthodoxies could be found ornate flicks through the on-side, glides off his bulky pads that sent tight deliveries dashing on unexpected journeys into the back and beyond. Viv Richards could terrorise an attack with pitiless brutality, Lara could dissect bowlers with surgical and magical strokes, Tendulkar can take an attack apart with towering simplicity.

Nor has Tendulkar ever stooped to dullness or cynicism. Throughout his wits have remained sharp and originality has been given its due. He has, too, been remarkably constant.

In those early appearances, he relished the little improvisations calculated to send bowlers to the madhouse, cheeky strokes that told of ability and nerve. For a time thereafter he put them into the cupboard, not because respectability beckoned or responsibility weighed him down but because they were not required. Shot selection, his very sense of the game, counts among his strengths. On his most recent trip to Australia, though, he decided to restore audacity, cheekily undercutting lifters, directing the ball between fieldsmen, shots the bowlers regarded as beyond the pale. Even in middle age he remains unbroken.

And yet, even this, the runs, the majesty, the thrill, does not capture his achievement. Reflect upon his circumstances and then marvel at his longevity. Here is a man obliged to put on disguises so that he can move around the streets, a fellow able to drive his cars only in the dead of night for fear or creating a commotion, a father forced to take his family holidays in Iceland because he might escape recognition in those parts, a person whose entire adult life has been lived in the eye of a storm.

Throughout he has been public property, India's proudest possession, a young man and yet also a source of joy for millions, a sportsman and yet, too, an expression of a vast and ever-changing nation. Somehow he has managed to keep the world in its rightful place. Somehow he has raised children who relish his company and tease him about his batting. Whenever he loses his wicket in the 90s, a not uncommon occurrence, his oldest asks why he does not ''hit a sixer''.

Somehow he has emerged with an almost untarnished reputation. Inevitably mistakes have been made. Something about a car, something else about a cricket ball and suggestions that he had stretched the facts to assist his pal Harbhajan Singh. But then he is no secular saint. It's enough that he is expected to bat better than anyone else. It's hardly fair to ask him to match Mother Teresa as well. At times India has sprung too quickly to his defence, as if a point made against him was an insult to the nation, as if he was beyond censure. A poor LBW decision against him - and he has had his allotment - can all too easily be turned into a cause celebre. Happily, Tendulkar has always retained his equanimity. He is a sportsman as well as a cricketer. By no means has it been the least of his contributions and it explains his standing in the game.

And there has been another quality that has sustained him, a trait whose importance cannot be overstated. Not long ago Keith Richards was asked how the Rolling Stones had spent so many decades on the road, made so many records, put up with so much attention. His reply was as simple as it as telling. ''We love it, we just love playing,'' he explained. And so it has always has been with Tendulkar. It's never been hard for him to play cricket. The hard part will be stopping. But he will take into retirement a mighty record and the knowledge that he has given enormous pleasure to followers of the game.

Dada lauds Sachin's heroics

2009-11-07T20:55:00.002+05:30

Sachin's heroics at Hyderabad turned out to be in vain, but as the Master Blaster crossed another milestone in cricketing history adding a total of 17,000 ODI runs to his belt, Indian cricket's most successful captain Sourav Ganguly hailed the splendid knock, calling Tendulkar the 'King of Cricket'.

“This is the best one day innings I have seen of his. Forty five ODI hundreds, 17,000 runs - but this is the best knock I have seen of his, ever. And I mean it because I have seen some of his special ones and while I was going through the game I was trying to recollect which one could have been better than this. But to be honest, I could not find anything better," said Ganguly

“But chasing in a pressure game, with 350 runs on the board was unbelievable, it was something worth watching sitting in front of the television the whole evening," Sourav added.

“At the age of 36-37 for him to field first for a complete 50 overs and then come and bat for 50 overs and get a 175 - is in itself, unbelieable. And I honestly feel and I believe it that this is his best one day innings ever," said the former.

Speaking about Sachin's dismissal, Dada said he was sure the Master Blaster would be "heartbroken" but that did not take away from his feat.

"18 off 18 with four wickets in hand, batting 175 - he will be heartbroken with the shot he played, but just give credit to him and don't worry about the shot, give him credit for the way he took the game so far," said Sourav.

Ganguly said India should have won the game despite Sachin's dismissal

'One of my best' - Tendulkar

2009-11-07T20:55:00.001+05:30

Sachin Tendulkar has rated his dazzling 141-ball 175 in the fifth one-dayer against Australia as "one of his best" innings. While orchestrating a stiff chase of 351, Tendulkar looked on course to break the record for the highest individual score in an ODI innings but was undone by a slower ball from debutant Clint McKay in the 48th over, after which India ended four runs short.

"It was one of my best innings, I was striking the ball very well and we were chasing 351 so there was constant pressure," Tendulkar said. "We maintained the run rate and brought the game close, but in the end it was very disappointing."

After sliding to 162 for 4, India were put back on track for what would have been the second highest target achieved in one-dayers by a 137-run stand between Tendulkar and Suresh Raina. India were favourites after 42 overs, needing only 52 runs with a Powerplay still in hand and Raina and Tendulkar in top gear. However, a combination of clever bowling and tigerish fielding from Australia, and some inept running from India handed the visitors a 3-2 series lead.

One bright spot for Tendulkar was that on 7, he became the first to reach the 17,000-run mark in one-dayers. When asked how he stayed motivated over the course of an international career which is days short of being two decades long, he said: "The passion - I care about playing for India. It's always been a dream and I'm absolutely honoured that I've been able to do that for the past 20 years."

Sourav Ganguly, with whom Tendulkar formed the most prolific opening partnership in one-dayers, lauded Tendulkar for reaching the milestone and hoped there was more to come. "It's really a remarkable achievement", Ganguly said. "I wish he scores another 2000 runs by 2011 World Cup. Sachin knows best how to accumulate runs. Once he gets going he becomes unstoppable."

Not 175, it’s the approach that mattered: Kapil

2009-11-07T20:51:00.001+05:30

It is not for everyone to assess what Sachin Tendulkar did in Hyderabad.

An innings of such scale, magnitude, brilliance and craftsmanship cannot easily be comprehended or commented upon by lesser mortals. But one man perhaps possesses that right. Kapil Dev had been there and done exactly that over 26 years ago in Tunbridge Wells on a nondescript day against Zimbabwe. If anything, he perhaps did one better, guiding India home with his unbeaten 175.

And India's finest allrounder didn't miss even a single ball on Thursday night. The day after the maestro single-handedly almost stole the game from Australia with his epic effort, Kapil was unequivocal in his definition. "There is no doubt that this is Sachin's best innings in the last 15 years," he told DNA over the phone on Friday.

"Forget about my innings," he said when reminded about his score against Zimbabwe. "That was in the past. This is current. I do not recollect seeing Sachin in this mood in recent times."

Kapil was adamant that the 175 didn't matter; it was the attitude that counted. "I do not care if he scored 25 runs or 100 runs or 175. If Sachin continues to play in this way, I will become his greatest ever fan."

There is little that is left unsaid about Sachin in his illustrious career spanning 20 years.

But on Friday, one of the world's best all-rounders ever, sounded deeply emotional. "Let me explain. There will be more runs scored and even more attacking knocks played. But I will never forget this innings. What he did was unbelievable. His intent and mastery of the situation was breathtaking. I repeat, at the twilight of his career, if Sachin adopts this approach more frequently, he will have a lifelong fan in me." Kapil's voice was shaking by the time he put the phone down.

Tendulkar doesn't need rankings to prove his worth: Vaas

2009-11-07T20:44:00.000+05:30

Hailing Sachin Tendulkar as one of the greatest batsman in cricket's history, Sri Lankan pace bowler Chaminda Vaas said the ICC rankings should not be used to judge his worth.

"The ranking does not really count for him. He is a great cricketer and has been scoring runs consistently for more than 15 years. He is a hero for this country. I hope he will contribute more for the country," said Vaas.

The left-arm pacer was commenting about the ICC rankings of all-time greats, where Tendulkar didn't even figure in the top 20.

Vaas, who is in Kolkata, to play for Mohun Bagan in the local season, said, felt Zaheer Khan has improved a lot following India's tour of England in 2007.

"Zaheer has improved a lot, especially after playing the series in England. He is bowling in good areas, getting good pace and swing. He is a brilliant bowler for India and has many years to serve the country," he told reporters.

Vaas, who played his first match for Mohun Bagan and made a quick-fire 23-ball 38 (5x4, 1x6) in their quarter-final win over Shambazar, said, "This is the first time I am playing a club match in India. It's a good feeling for me especially when I got some runs and bowled in the right areas. I'm really glad that we won the match and I contributed with both bat and ball."

What Big B has to say on Tendulkar feat

2009-11-07T20:43:00.000+05:30

Mumbai: Praises are pouring in from all quarters after Sachin Tendulkar scored 17000 runs in One-day cricket.

And, this time it came from none other than Bollywood super star Amitabh Bachchan.

Bachchan said: "Every time he (Sachin Tendulkar) sets a new example in front of us. I congratulate him and the entire country is proud of him."

Tendulkar shocked at Prabhash Joshi's death

2009-11-07T20:42:00.001+05:30

New Delhi, Nov 6 (PTI) Batting great Sachin Tendulkar today expressed his shock at noted journalist Prabhash Joshi's death, saying it left a void which would be difficult to fill.

Joshi, 72, complained of chest pain while watching last night's thrilling India-Australia one day match and was rushed to a private hospital where he was declared dead.

"I'm really shocked by his demise," Tendulkar told PTI.

"He was a keen follower of the game and his death has left a void," said the star batsman whose sublime 175 last night could not avert India's three-run defeat against Australia.

"Right throughout, his words and opinions have always encouraged me," Tendulkar added.

BCCI spokesman Rajiv Shukla also mourned Joshi's death.

Joshi, who began his career with 'Nai Duniya', was the founder editor of leading Hindi daily 'Jansatta' in 1983.

After retiring from the newspaper in 1995, he continued as the chief editorial advisor.

New wonder boy of cricket wants to meet Tendulkar

2009-11-07T20:41:00.000+05:30

Mumbai, Nov 6 (PTI) Sarfaraz Khan first surpassed Sachin Tendulkar's record to hit the headlines and the 12-year-old cricket prodigy now wants to meet the batting great in person to achieve his long-cherished dream.

Sarfaraz, who slammed 439 in the Harris Shield to better Tendulkar's inter-school unbeaten knock of 326 (rpt 326), showed maturity beyond his years as he dismissed any comparison made between him and Tendulkar.

"Sachin is my idol and I consider him as my 'Guru'.

Please don't compare me with him," the Rizvi Springfield student told PTI today.

"Even if I achieve one per cent of what he has achieved, I would be blessed. Meeting him is my dream, please write this," he insisted.

Ill at ease with his overnight celebrity status, Sarfaraz said he had in fact fainted after giving series of interviews on Wednesday.

Ponting better than Sachin: Chappell

2009-10-15T19:45:00.000+05:30

Former Australian captain Ian Chappell rates Ricky Ponting as a better batsman than master blaster

Sachin Tendulkar.

Through this statement, Chappell is believed to have started the war of words twelve days before Australia's first ODI against India.

Talking to Times Now, Chappell added that though the Indian spinners could trouble the Australian batsmen, the world champions are the favourites to win the series.

Chappell further said that the rivalry between India and Australia is for good for the game.

The first ODI of the seven-match series between India and Australia is to be played on October 25 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur

Kambli wants Sachin to campaign for him

2009-10-10T14:07:00.002+05:30

Cricketer-turned-politician Vinod Kambli, who is contesting the Maharashtra assembly elections from Vikhroli in Mumbai will ask his childhood friend Sachin Tendulkar to campaign for him.

Kambli said that he would request Tendulkar, who suffered food poisoning in South Africa during the Champions Trophy, to canvass for him.

"At the moment he is not well. I pray to God that he gets well soon," Kambli said. "If he gets well, I will ask him to campaign."

Kambli-Tendulkar relations have been in the spotlight following media reports of a TV show in which Kambli said: "Tendulkar did not lend a helping hand during my downward spiral."

The left-hander was also reportedly quoted as saying: "I always felt discriminated against by the cricket board because of my caste and colour."

Later, Kambli denied making any remarks against Tendulkar or the Indian cricket board.

Born in Mumbai, Kambli rose to prominence when he shared a then world record unbroken partnership of 664 in a school match with Tendulkar. Kambli contributed 349 not out before their coach forced the pair to return to pavillion by declaring the innings.

Kambli, who started his Ranji Trophy career with a six off the first ball he faced, soon followed Tendulkar into the Indian team.

Kambli had an exciting start to his Test career, making two double-centuries and two centuries in just seven Tests. However, he lost his touch mid-way through his career and was subsequently dropped from the team, while Tendulkar went on to become an icon.

Now, Kambli is contesting the Maharashtra assembly elections from Vikhroli as a Lok Bharati Party candidate.

Sachin makes eBay history

2009-10-10T14:05:00.000+05:30

Tendulkar coaching camp auction nets Rs 12 lakh highest in eBay India history. Proceeds to go to mom-in-law Annabel Mehta's charity

The eBay India auction that allows the winning bidder to train privately with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has ended with a new record.

The Sachin Tendulkar coaching camp auction went for Rs 12 lakh on the online marketplace, the highest-ever sale in all categories in eBay India's four-year history.

Two bidders won the auction one of them is from Whirlpool Company in New Delhi, while the other is a Mumbai philanthropist.

THANK YOU, Sachin: Annabel Mehta

Both of them tied with a bid of Rs 6 lakh each. And both have expressed a wish to remain anonymous after the bidding closed on October 5 at noon.

A coaching camp with the batting maestro has been on the eBay auction site for a week as part of the Joy of Giving campaign.

Proceeds are to go to the Apnalaya charity, that works for slum children.

Incidentally, Sachin's mother-in-law Annabel Mehta has been associated with the charity for 35 years.

Annabel said, "We are very happy and so grateful to Sachin for this." Said Deepa Thomas, senior manager pop culture, at eBay India, "The auction bidding tempo picked up by 10.55 am on Monday.

Then, two bidders bid Rs 6 lakh each, and they both won in a photo finish. A total of 99 bids were made in all," adding, "Sachin has agreed to have two coaching camps for both winning bidders."

Joy of Giving Week

The Joy of Giving Week, an initiative by a NGO called Give India ran from September 27 to October 3, 2009.

It aimed to engage Indians in giving back to society in a way that she or he chooses money, time, skills or resources.

Coaching Camp

Sachin Tendulkar's private coaching camp could take place on any day from October 2009 to March 2010.

It could be on any cricket ground in India with winners being given advance notice of 30 days about the venue.

Each winning bidder could bring in up to 14 persons, along with him to train or he could come in alone.

Sachin would train the winning bidders in: Batting techniques, inputs on fitness, practise routines to follow, developing match readiness, psycholo-gical training.

The camp would run from 9 am to noon. The participants would then have a photo opportunity with Sachin, followed by lunch with the batting maestro.

Sold on ebay

Some items sold previously on eBay India:
Drive a F1 car: Rs 1,70,000.
Bulk buy of 49 laptops: Rs 11,43,000
Rare 3.69 carat ruby: Rs 8,20,000
Spend a day on the sets with Priyanka Chopra: Rs 2,06,000

Tendulkar to miss NKP Salve Challenger Series

2009-10-10T14:04:00.000+05:30

Sachin Tendulkar has pulled out of the forthcoming NKP Salve Challenger Series seeking rest, the BCCI has said. He will join Yuvraj Singh and Irfan Pathan as the first-choice players who won't be featuring in the tournament; the latter two have been forced out because of injuries.

Tendulkar missed India's last Group A match in the Champions Trophy in South Africa because of food poisoning. His replacement in the India Blue side is Tamil Nadu's Abhinav Mukund, who followed an impressive Ranji season with a century in the Irani Cup last week.

Among the other changes, S Badrinath, originally picked for India Green, will now captain India Red in Yuvraj's absence. Yuvraj's direct replacement in the side is Maharashtra's Ameya Shrikhande. Irfan's replacement in the India Green side is Vikramjeet Malik from Himachal Pradesh. Manoj Tiwary, who was originally picked in the India Red side, has been called up to represent Delhi Daredevils in the Champions League Twenty20, with Saurabh Tiwary taking his place.

The Challenger Series will be played from October 8 to 11 in Nagpur, and will serve as India's last preparations before Australia arrive for a seven-match ODI series later this month.

I am chasing benchmarks set by Tendulkar: Ponting

2009-10-03T14:31:00.001+05:30

Centurion: Only the third batsman to amass 12,000 runs in one-day cricket, Australian skipper Ricky Ponting says he is chasing the benchmarks set by veteran Indian Sachin Tendulkar.

Ponting, after scoring a match-winning unbeaten 111-run knock against England last night to take Australia to their second successive Champions Trophy final, paid tribute to Tendulkar, who is completing 20 years in international cricket this November.

"The number of innings of his I have been able to sit back and watch, I think he is an amazing player. Look at his stats and records and it's quite incredible for someone to have stayed in the game for 20 years," Ponting said.

"He has set benchmarks for guys like me to chase him and get as close as we can. If I had to last 20 years, I would probably be batting in a wheelchair," he quipped.

Ponting is the first Australian and the third overall, after Tendulkar and Sri Lanka's Sanath Jayasuriya, to score 12,000 runs in one-dayers.

Tendulkar and Ponting, in fact, are the two biggest achievers in batting in contemporary cricket.

Tendulkar has played 159 Tests and scored 12773 runs with 42 centuries and 53 half centuries at an average of 54.58 runs. In one-dayers, he has turned out in 430 matches and scored 16903 runs with 44 hundreds and 91 fifties, averaging 44.48.

---> http://cricket.expressindia.com/news/I-am-chasing-benchmarks-set-by-Tendulkar--Ponting/524501 <---

Tendulkar collapsed on the eve of Ind-WI match

2009-10-02T14:22:00.001+05:30

Source :- Mid Day.

By: Debasish Datta

Date: 2009-10-02

Place: Johannesburg

Sachin Tendulkar lucky to escape with two cuts on his face after a dizzy spell knocked him out in his hotel room on tuesday night.

There was more to Sachin Tendulkar's illness on the eve of India's Champions Trophy match against West Indies on Wednesday than plain food poisoning.

Going by what he told MiD DAY before flying out to Mumbai from South Africa yesterday, it could have been fatal. Tendulkar said that he lost consciousness and hurt himself when he fell down on the table in his room after returning from dinner at an Indian restaurant here. It is not known what exactly he ate but he is quite a foodie and enjoys non-vegetarian food especially fish.

A cut near his nose and another one below the left eye as a result of the fall was some indication of the impact of his face hitting the table.

On Tuesday night, Tendulkar had gone to an Indian restaurant in Johannesburg for dinner with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Ashish Nehra and Harbhajan Singh.

When he returned to his room at the Sandton Sun hotel, he felt dizzy and collapsed. When this correspondent asked him to describe what exactly happened, he said all he could remember is feeling giddy and passing out.

In spite of feeling unwell, he went to the ground with the team but ultimately decided not to play. Yesterday, when seen at the team hotel, he looked down and exhausted. He cleared his bills before lunch; headed to his room and left for the airport.

When asked whether he had missed a match due to a similar illness, Tendulkar said, "No". "I am feeling much better than yesterday," he said. The batting star has been touring South Africa since 1992. Wonder what impact the news of Tendulkar's illness must have had on the India dressing room. Fortunately, his teammates were up against a second string West Indies team. Following Australia's win over Pakistan, the India vs West Indies game had turned inconsequential.

Such an incident on the eve of a game can unnerve the strongest of teams. An example of it was seen during the 1998 football World Cup final between Brazil and France. Brazil's star striker Ronaldo was stricken with convulsions just hours before the final played in Paris.

Confusion surrounded Ronaldo's status before the game. He was not among the 11 players initially picked by Coach Mario Zagallo in the starting line-up. But he was reinstated just before the game. Ronaldo played the final, but it was clear that his team was shaken by the sudden turn of events. It was not surprising that Brazil were listless to become easy pickings for a rampant France outfit.

Tendulkar has figured in six editions of the Champions Trophy (the 1998 and 2000 editions were known as the mini World Cup) but he will never forget this one.

Bringing smiles to the underprivileged gives me inner peace, says Tendulkar

2009-10-02T10:22:00.000+05:30

Mumbai Mirror - Oct 2

Sachin Tendulkar has various ways of distressing after a bad series. He continues to discover, and scale, higher peaks of the cricketing Himalayas because of his unique ability to delete unpleasant memories from his mental makeup. Tendulkar doesn’t believe in going into details of what went wrong, at least publicly. He has done his introspection, and it’s done and dusted. He finds ways to remain happy, and that reflects in his career.

One of Tendulkar’s biggest distressing tools is to give others happiness. He does it silently, like he is on the field, and is looking forward to recharge the batteries of his soul when he lands in India in the midst of the Joy of Giving Week.

In an exclusive interview with Mumbai Mirror in Johannesburg on Thursday, Tendulkar spoke at length about how he manages to achieve balance in a stress-filled lifestyle, and how his horizons have been broadened.

• You remain grounded in victory and defeat, and a humble person despite wealth and power. Apart from your family, does giving something back to others play a part in it?

It surely does. If you have inner peace, you will find success more often than not. I have a lot of time for initiatives like the Joy of Giving Week. You know, you had a tough day in office, things have not gone in your favour for some time, and then, you see a face lit up with joy because of you. Bang. You are back.

• It must be easy for you, because you are blessed with plenty…

That’s the misconception we are carrying. It’s not how much that matters. It’s the gesture.

I had a unique experience on August 15 this year. I bought a flag from a little girl on the road, and instead of Re1 or Rs 2, I gave her some more. Look, I didn’t give her a big amount, just little more.

I don’t think I will ever forget that pleasantly surprised look on her face. It’s about giving people what they need.

• Do success and failure get slotted into perspective for you through these philosophies?

It’s important to believe in something, even if it’s a philosophy. I do admit that I’m in a fortunate position in life. But at the end of the day, I’m like anyone else, with my struggles, my worries. Not just success and failure but you start seeing life itself in its true perspective when you discover the joy of giving. It’s very simple formula. In any walk of life, no matter what you are doing, when you know you have made a positive difference, you will have a good day.

• You and cricket are inseparable, it’s your profession. Are you what you are today because charity has allowed you to broaden your horizons?

I’m a father, and I often think of those kids who are living off the streets, who have nobody to take care of them. We just spoke about perspective. That puts the whole thing into perspective for me. As professionals, we are all over the world, but if we pause and think for a moment, each one of us who sleep in their beds in the night will count their blessings. And that’s where we need more initiatives like Joy of Giving Week.

• In sad times and happy tidings, you still keep going back to your late father, don’t you? And that song which is your philosophy of sorts, Main Zindagi Ki Saath Nibhata Chala Gaya?

Oh yes, it’s something personal. My father made me what I am, he will always remain my biggest support system. Again, the perspective. He told me, ‘All that praise on the cricket field is great, but there is something much more important in life. At the end of the day, it’s about how you are remembered’. You may do whatever in your profession, but at the end of the day, the success column is all about the kind of person you turn out to be.

Sachin Tendulkar in Test Team of the Year

2009-10-02T00:21:00.000+05:30

Test team of the Year as announced by ICC : Gautam Gambhir (India), Andrew Strauss (England), AB de Villiers (South Africa), Sachin Tendulkar (India), Thilan Samaraweera (Sri Lanka), Michael Clarke (Australia), Mahendra Dhoni (India, captain), Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh), Mitchell Johnson (Australia), Stuart Broad (England), Dale Steyn (South Africa).

Sachin sits out with bad stomach

2009-10-01T19:42:00.000+05:30

Johannesburg: Food poisoning kept senior-most pro Sachin Tendulkar out of the West Indies match here on Wednesday.

“Sachin started feeling a bit unwell from yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon itself... I don’t know what triggered it, though,” manager Anurag Thakur told The Telegraph.

Given Sachin’s fondness for seafood, it’s being assumed that prawns did the damage.

eBay begins auctions; pvt coaching camp with Sachin in offing

2009-09-30T21:51:00.001+05:30

New Delhi, Sep 30 (PTI) Here's some good news for all Sachin Tendulkar fans. If you wish to attend a private coaching camp and share lunch with the batting maestro it is now just a few clicks away.

Online marketplace eBay India has started a charity auction which offers the opportunity for interested people.

The original script of the film 'Jab We Met' autographed by its director Imtiaz Ali and original movie memorabilia from the scenes of 'Love Aaj Kal' with Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone, are also on auction.

The bidding for these auctions start at Rs 1,001.

As part of the private coaching camp, Tendulkar would train the highest bidder on batting technique and also provide inputs on fitness, among others, eBay said in a statement.

There would also be a lunch and a photo-opportunity with Tendulkar.

Sachin Tendulkar speaks on 'big gift of joy'

2009-09-27T23:02:00.002+05:30

Sep 27, Times of India

Click Here for Photos

As I reflect upon the forthcoming Joy of Giving Week, I realise that the joy of giving, for me, lies
in the happiness one sees on the face of the person receiving the gift. I have personally experienced this joy both as a giver and receiver of gifts. I remember how incredulously happy I was on being gifted leg guards by Hemant Kenkre when I was still in my early days of cricket. This was followed by a bat gifted to me by Dilip Vengsarkar when I was first selected for the Ranji team. And the same joy resurfaced when Sunil Gavaskar gifted me pads when I was chosen to play for India. On each of these occasions, I felt sheer delight that these people thought of me, and gave something of themselves to me. And I could see the same joy reflected on their faces.

Today, I continue to experience this joy as a giver of gifts. One incident etched in my memory, is when I gifted my father and brother a car as a surprise. My brother had come to visit and even as he was admiring the car downstairs, I gave him the keys and told him it was his. To this day, I can recall the look on his face, surprise giving way to joy.

All of us like to receive gifts, no matter how privileged we are, but it is important for us to count our blessings and share willingly. My daughter Sara, has imbibed this valuable lesson. Last year on her 10th birthday, she decided to forgo gifts for herself and instead, decided to host a party for the underprivileged children with the money she was gifted. The memories of the party she organized are worthy of being cherished and I am very proud of what went through in little Sara’s head. This is what appeals to me in the Joy of Giving Week — that people from all walks of life can give. This year, in addition to giving money, which is the easier part, I am offering a one-day cricket coaching camp for auction. The proceeds will benefit underprivileged children at Apnalaya.

In our country, there are so many less privileged, less fortunate people, that any small thing that we feel is no good in our hands, is like gold for someone else. So it is important to give what we can — from a pen to a watch to money, Rs100 to Rs1 lakh, whatever you feel you can give. Eventually, added up across all of us in India, it becomes a substantial amount. And it doesn’t even have to be money — you can give your time, skills or resources. Spend a day with elderly people who are isolated or children who need attention and experience the joy yourself.

I strongly believe that it is also very important to think of what the other person would like when we make a gift. I experienced this on Aug 15, when I gave a young girl selling flags at the traffic lights, a lot more money than the Rs2 the flag was worth. The look on the girls face told me the money meant a lot to her. I don’t think a watch or a shirt would have meant much to her. True joy comes from giving someone something that they need, knowing that your giving will bring joy to that person’s life.

I appeal to the people of India to be a part of this Joy of Giving Week that we are all looking forward to. There are so many people in our country capable of giving on a large scale, if all of them step forward, we can make all changes we are dreaming of for our country, possible, maybe even in our own lifetimes. It is all about taking small steps, but keep taking those steps consistently. So let’s begin this Week!

Injury keeps Tendulkar away from bowling

2009-09-27T23:00:00.001+05:30

Centurion: Ahead of the must-win match against Australia here on Monday, it is Sachin Tendulkar's injury that is worrying India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Dhoni revealed after their 54-run loss to Pakistan on Saturday evening that India missed a part-time bowler. He said he couldn't use Tendulkar since the batting maestro is suffering from a shoulder injury. The shoulder has troubled Tendulkar from a long time. Dhoni looked uncomfortable when asked about Tendulkar's injury. "Tendulkar has a shoulder injury and he can't consistently bowl. He is our main batsman and we don't want him injured," he said.

Tendulkar is my inspiration: Yuki Bhambri

2009-09-27T22:58:00.000+05:30

Sep 26, ToI

KOLKATA: Fresh from his memorabale Davis Cup debut, India's new teen sensation Yuki Bhambri on Saturday said he draws inspiration from cricket
icon Sachin Tendulkar to deliver at the highest level.

"At this level, expectation will be there. There are hopes of a billion people on Tendulkar to hit a century every time he takes the bat. He is still the best player and continues to perform for the country," the 17-year-old Delhi lad said.

"Tendulkar is one of my idols whom I love to watch and draw inspiration from. In tennis, I like Rafael Nadal among the present crop of players and Pete Sampras from the past."

Replacing injured Leander Paes in the Davis Cup tie against South Africa, Yuki defeated Izak Van der Merwe in the dead fifth rubber to complete India's comprehensive 4-1 win.

Yuki said he dreams of bettering the record of Paes, who recently won the US Open doubles title with Lukas Dlouhy.

"You can never really replace a legend like Leander Paes, he is such a great player. But hopefully I will do even better than him (Paes). The goal is to play the Grand Slam in a couple of years and to be among the best in the world.

"But there is still time for that and there is a lot of improvements to be done," Yuki told.

I am living my dream: Sachin Tendulkar

2009-09-19T22:59:00.001+05:30

It was the winter of 1989 when a 16-year old Sachin Tendulkar made his debut for India against Pakistan, their fiercest rival. He came armed with an already formidable opposition and began the journey that scaled a summit that a few would imagine was possible.

Twenty years later, Sachin Tendulkar is a legend among his peers and a colossal that history would place on a heady pedestal. He still plays the game with limitless enthusiasm and continues to enchant.

CNN-IBN brings you the man himself, his unmatched success and the hunger that continues to drive him on in Tendulkar@20 in his own words.

CNN-IBN: Are you still as excited as ever to begin a new season of cricket?

Sachin Tendulkar: I am always excited to play cricket. Twenty years ago, it was a similar kind of excitement and today also it's the same. When it's cricket, the heart starts beating faster and it's not just me, but everyone around us. They all are looking forward to the season and so am I.

CNN-IBN: As you said, as the season starts, the heart starts beating faster but now you must know how to deal with the positive nervous energy in a much better way than when you were 16.

Sachin Tendulkar: Initially, I didn't realise this but as time went by I came to know that this is how my body gears up before a big game. I am a little restless and that's how my body is preparing and my subconscious mind is getting ready for the event. Now I am used to it. So I like it when I am a little restless. I'm comfortable with it.

CNN-IBN: Have you redefined the word genius? In two months time, you will become the second cricketer to complete two decades in international cricket. How do you look back at this entire journey?

Sachin Tendulkar: It's been a fantastic journey. I thoroughly enjoyed it and every moment has been a special one. Playing for India means the world to me. I grew up dreaming about playing for India and I am living my dream. It's almost going to be 20 years now.

I am thankful to God that I have been given the opportunity to play for the country for such a long period. I have been fortunate because so many people dream of playing for the nation and I have been doing it for a couple of decades. So I am quite happy about it.

CNN-IBN: You have broken almost all records a batsman can. So now what motivates you personally, apart from the team goals like winning a World Cup for India? Do you aspire to get 15, 000 runs or hundred centuries?

Sachin Tendulkar: First of all, when you play for India, you do not need any external factor to motivate you. When you play for India, you are motivated from within. I don't think anybody plays for the records. Records are just mere reflection of what I have been able to do for the country. It's just my contribution.

While playing, if records are broken, it's great. But what we look to do is go step by step towards achieving the team's target. And while achieving that the various things that happen are always welcomed. The most important thing is the team's glory and that's what we all focus on.

CNN-IBN: But someone as Roger Federer aims to have this many grand slam titles. Do you see yourself achieving 15, 000 runs? Is it something you are looking to achieve?

Sachin Tendulkar: I have never said I want to score 15, 000 runs. When I achieved 10, 000 runs Sunil Gavaskar said to me that I should achieve 15, 000. And that was what I was asked and I answered that if my hero tells me to do something, I have to put a big effort to do that. And that is where it ended.

It was projected differently. I have never made such big statements. I would like to enjoy the game. And if it has to happen, it will happen.

The only target that I can say I was given was 35 Test hundreds because we grew up watching Sunil Gavaskar and every now and then his examples were used. And if you wanted to be regarded as one of the greatest players, then you have to get to 34 hundreds and go past that. That was the target. I am quite happy because Gavaskar played a role in motivating all of us and left such a legacy that the next generation got inspired by what he did. And in every step in our cricketing life, we have used his example.

My son doesn't like it when I leave home: Tendulkar

2009-09-19T22:57:00.000+05:30

New Delhi, Sep 19 (PTI) In a two-decade long career, the only bouncer Sachin Tendulkar found tough to negotiate came from his own son, who would refuse to speak to him on phone during tours out of sheer annoyance over his absence from home.

Tendulkar, who will complete two decades in international cricket in November, disclosed that his son did not like him leaving home frequently and wouldn't come on phone until six years of age.

"It was tough initially because my son did not like it when I left home. For the first five-six years of his life, he did not speak to me on phone. That was difficult for me," Tendulkar said.

"Now he (Arjun) knows what I do and he appreciates that; so that's nice. I am a family man and they now know that I play cricket for India," he added.

PTI

Tendulkar is only improving with age: Akram

2009-09-17T00:29:00.000+05:30

New Delhi : Impressed with Sachin Tendulkar's match-winning 44th century against Sri Lanka at the Compaq Cup final, former Pakistan captain and pace legend Wasim Akram said the Indian batting maestro is like a vintage wine who is only getting better with age.
"He is improving with age. He is becoming greater with time. I don't know when he will stop playing cricket. He is just amazing. At the end of his career, Sachin would set all the possible batting records," Akram said.

Tendulkar scored a classy 138 against Sri Lanka at the sultry Colombo conditions to help India register a convincing 46-run win and lift the title.

The 36-year-old mesmerised the ground with his classy strokeplay as he smashed 10 fours and a six in his 133-ball innings to set the platform for the win.

"It was Sachin's knock that won the game for India. Sachin was superb in his strokeplay and even though there were useful contributions from (Rahul) Dravid, (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni and Yuvraj (Singh), it was a total Sachin show," Akram said.

Incidentally, suffering from cramps at the fag end of his innings, it was for the first time in his One-day career that Tendulkar called for a runner (Dravid).

"He must be super-duper fit, that's for sure. To come with such a marathon knock in humid condition is a job well done. It shows how well he has prepared his body even at this age. The youngsters must learn from him," the fast bowling great said.

SOURCE : Cricket Nirvana

Tendulkar's 'shell house' designs a net hoax

2009-09-16T19:11:00.000+05:30

India Today
September 16, 2009

A Bengali topline daily in Kolkata flashed on its frontpage on Monday that global brand Mexican architect, Javier Senosian, was designing an organic weird shell house for Sachin Tendulkar bang in the middle of Mumbai and even carried photographs as "first images" of what was purportedly the master blaster's TV room.

It was too good to be true and seemed outlandish though brilliant. The paper also said that the house, worth Rs 30 crores spread over 9000 sq feet, was being built on Carter Road in Mumbai and gave a host of reasons as to why Tendulkar was shifting.

The photographs kindled interest and a search on the net revealed hundreds of matches saying the same thing but what jarred was the look of the house, shaped like a snail with its snout out of the shell, which looked hopelessly out of place in Mumbai. It looked more weird and bizarre than imaginative. The Bengali newspaper also praised Tendulkar's "great sense of imagination." Incidentally, the report was written by a topline sports journalist who, it has always been thought, was close to Tendulkar and other international cricketers. Obviously, no one doubted the story.

This correspondent, however, rang up the Mexican designer in Mexico City after a look at his homepage showed photographs which had appeared on the net and thence in the Bengali newspaper but clearly said that the Nautilus House as it is called in Mexico City had no plans of replication anywhere else. The internet stories could be a fake.

It was early morning in Mexico and Senosian himself picked up the phone. First, he hardly knew English. Second, he was rudely jolted early in the morning by a name as unfamiliar as Tendulkar and this correspondent had to spell it out for him. "No, noâ€¦what is cricket? I have never been to India and this is nothing concerning me, "he spluttered."

Who is Senor Tendulkar?" he asked incredulously.

Later he sent India Today an email which reads simply: "Your query about the Shell House is accepted. That's not true, this house is not in Mumbai, India, and Sachin Tendulkar is not the owner of this house. The house is in Mexico City and Javier Senosian, Mexican architect, has designed and built it here in Mexico. He has never been to India. I have a house like a shell but we call it Nautilus House, and I don't have any work in India."

Sachin Tendulkar masterclass has Phillip Hughes on high

2009-09-16T01:17:00.002+05:30

IF ANYONE knows what it's like to be a small man with a bat facing up to the world's fiercest fast bowlers, it's India's Little Master Sachin Tendulkar.

So it came as no surprise that Tendulkar immediately hit it off with Australia's own little man, Phillip Hughes, when the pair met over a casual lunch in India earlier this month.

But what was discussed will forever remain a mystery, except to the pair and a handful of security guards at a plush hotel in Mumbai.

Hughes, 20, who joined his NSW teammates for the first time yesterday since his sudden Ashes axing, gave nothing away to The Daily Telegraph about his two-hour chat with the world's most prolific Test run-scorer.

Hughes wasn't commenting about pointers, batting tips or training advice.

According to Hughes, with a straight face, the short ball the English bowlers successfully adopted during the Ashes did not come up. Batting slumps also failed to rate.

"I don't think Sachin has ever had one,'' Hughes quipped.

The NSW opener was polite, but insistent on keeping the crux of his pow-wow with Tendulkar extremely hush-hush.

"The first thing I did say to him was, 'I think I've got you covered height-wise', and that hasn't happened too often,'' said Hughes, who stands at 170cm compared with 165cm Tendulkar.

"Sachin had just finished a gym session and we basically had a casual conversation over lunch and coffee.

"We did speak about a couple of things, but I won't let on too much.

"I had questions for him, and he had a few questions for me, mainly about my family. I do know I felt refreshed after meeting him. I grew up watching him on TV and it will be one meeting I never forget.''

Hughes was shown the door by selectors after the second Test at Lord's, despite starring on debut in South Africa a few months earlier.

The left-hander is determined to force his way back into Australia's starting XI as early as this summer.

He said the one thing the meeting with Tendulkar - the 159-Test veteran who has amassed nearly 12,800 runs - did do was help ease the disappointment of his Ashes exit.

Hughes is keen to perform well for NSW, including at next month's Twenty20 Champions League in India, where he will join forces at the top of the order with big-hitting youngster David Warner.

Hughes' Blues coach Matt Mott praised the youngster for seeking out Tendulkar. "Any time you can pick the brains of a great player, especially if they're a Test player, it's got to be a great opportunity,'' Mott said.

"We were fortunate enough to have Steve Waugh come in and speak to the [NSW] players last week and you could tell by their questions they were genuinely excited to pick the brains of a great.

"I thought it was a great initiative to go and see Tendulkar, and the fact he gave up his time is great for Phil and I'm sure he'll take a lot out of that.''

Mott said he had spoken to national selectors and Hughes was still in their short-term sights.

"Phil is only 20 years old, most blokes haven't debuted until 24 or 25, and he has showed he can do it at that level, so I'm sure he will be frustrated if he's not back in there sooner rather than later,'' Mott said.

Sachin Tendulkar returns to top 10 of ICC Rankings

2009-09-16T01:11:00.001+05:30

Dubai, Sep 15 (PTI) Riding on his fantastic performance in the tri-series in Sri Lanka, veteran Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar today returned to the top-10 of ICC one-day rankings, rising five places to seventh.

For the first time in 10 months, Tendulkar is among the world's top 10 after scoring his 44th one-day century for India, earning his team a 46-run victory over Sri Lanka in the final of the tri-series in Colombo yesterday.

Tendulkar scored 138 to lay the foundation of India's winning total of 320.

Tendulkar, also the leading run-scorer in the series with 211 runs, had slipped out of the top-10 after the home series against England in November 2008 and had rested for the first three ODIs of the five-match series which India won 5-0.

Tendulkar dedicates match-winning ton to Dungarpur; recalls how Rajbhai made the difference

2009-09-15T21:56:00.001+05:30

Senior Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar, on Tuesday, dedicated his match-winning hundred against Sri Lanka in the tri-series final to former BCCI chief Raj Singh Dungarpur, who died on Saturday.

"(I) would like to dedicate this hundred to Mr Raj Singh," Tendulkar said in a short message on Tuesday.

Tendulkar described Dungarpur's death as a terrible loss. "It's a terrible loss for us to recover from," said the 36-year-old champion batsman who was pitch forked into the international arena at the tender age of 16 by the Dungarpur-led national selection panel in 1989-90.

During his stint as the Cricket Club of India President, Dungarpur bent its rules to allow Tendulkar to use its dressing room as a 14-year-old.

The 73-year-old died following protracted illness on Saturday and was cremated in his home town the next day.

Mumbai: Raj Singh Dungarpur's largesse had touched the heart of a 14-year-old Sachin Tendulkar in 1987 and on Tuesday, at a remembrance meeting at the Cricket Club of India (CCI), the maestro paid unbridled tribute to one of the finest statesman and cricket romantic.

Tendulkar dedicated his century against Sri Lanka, one which he termed as one of his best, to Dungarpur and said the former BCCI president would have been pleased with the way the team bounced back in the tri-series final after a 139-run loss in the previous game.

"The Star Cricket Club was to play in England, but as I came from a middle-class family I couldn't afford to be on that tour. This is when he helped me get a sponsorship. I was in England for a month and came back wiser for the experience," Tendulkar recalled.

When Tendulkar made 70-odd against a CCI side led by Madhav Apte, the knock caught Dungarpur's eye. Dungarpur invited Tendulkar to use the facilities at the club. At a school match final at the CCI, Tendulkar once again impressed Dungarpur and then skipper Dilip Vengsarkar.

"I was invited to bat at the Indian team's practice nets and Rajbhai watched me closely. At the end of the session he told me to play my natural game and encouraged me. He was always approachable and always said something positive. When the doors of opportunity closed on any cricketer, who was talented and skillful, he would ensure that another door opened," Tendulkar added.

Dungarpur's passion for the game was infectious. "We had the opportunity to spend 45 days with him during India's tour of Pakistan in 2006. Seeing his enthusiasm for the game one would have thought he was a teenager and not a 70-year-old man. He watched every ball closely and applauded whenever he felt good cricket was being played."

Tendulkar also suggested that the main gate at the CCI be named after its former president who was in charge of the club's affair for nearly 14 years. BCCI chief administrative officer Prof Ratnakar Shetty read out condolence messages from former Cricket South Africa chief Ali Bacher, Waqar Nissar, the son of Mohammad Nissar, the fast bowler who took six wickets at Lord's in 1932 and ICC umpire of the year Simon Taufel.

Shetty suggested that the CCI revive their cricket academy in the memory of Dungarpur. Shetty highlighted Dungarpur's initiatives, including instituting the CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement award, starting the welfare scheme for former cricketers, establishing the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore and appointment of a consultant coach Bob Simpson, physiotherapist and trainer for the Indian team in 1997.

Among others present were--Bapu Nadkarni, Dilip Vengsarkar, Sandeep Patil, Karsan Ghavri, Balwinder Singh Sandhu, Milind Rege and Ajit Agarkar.

'One of my best innings' - Tendulkar

2009-09-15T16:42:00.002+05:30

Sachin Tendulkar has rated his risk-free 138 against Sri Lanka in the final of the Compaq Cup as one of his best innings. His 44th one-day hundred propelled India to 319, which proved 46 runs too many for Sri Lanka.

"This is one of my best innings. I will rate this up considering the conditions and the ground, the humidity," Tendulkar said. His superbly paced innings fetched him his 59th Man-of-the-Match award besides helping him to yet another Man-of-the-Series award. It capped a successful return for Tendulkar, who had to miss the one-day series against West Indies earlier this year due to a finger injury.

Tendulkar said India's success was due to the current team having more match-winners than before. "I think in this lot we have got match-winners and more big hitters as such and you know the guys have delivered at the crunch moment. It could be with bat or ball. But they have been delivering pretty consistently and you know they are all talented guys. You need match-winners to win consistently. That is what this team is about."

Tendulkar said this team was among the top ones he had played for since debuting in 1989. "There have been so many great names. I would not want to run anyone down by making comparisons about teams. I would like to respect the fact that I was fortunate to be part of various generations. This is definitely one of the top teams I have been part of. We have always tried to win but we have been able to produce results in the last couple of years or so. We have been able to perform pretty consistently. There are going to be upsets in between but if you look at the larger picture, we have had better days."

India's victory was only their fourth in ODI finals in 21 attempts since 2000, and their first trophy in Sri Lanka since 1998. MS Dhoni played his part in setting up the win with a brisk 56 after promoting himself to No. 3. "The victory is special," Dhoni said, "It feels great to win a trophy in Sri Lanka after such a long time. Being the second-placed team in world rankings we have to keep performing well to sustain the quality."

Despite the big total, India had to endure some anxious moments as Sri Lanka's batsmen battled hard till the end (Tendulkar said he had "no nails left" after the match see-sawed its way to the finish). The home side were helped by some tardy Indian fielding; two catches were grassed and several run-out chances were missed. The fast bowlers were also off the boil early on, wilting in the face of an onslaught from the Sri Lankan openers. "We have got to learn from our mistakes," Dhoni said. "We did lack a bit in the fielding and bowling departments and both are very crucial. Thankfully, we ended on the winning side today."

Dhoni dedicated the win to the former BCCI president, Raj Singh Dungarpur, who died on Saturday. "He was the manager during our tour to Pakistan [in 2005-06]. He was a great man. We dedicate the victory to him."

India's next assignment is the Champions Trophy, which kicks off on September 22 in South Africa.

Sachin Tendulkar Scores his 44th ODI 100 in Compaq Cup Finals

2009-09-15T16:40:00.008+05:30

For pictures of Sachin @ Compaq Cup / Tri Series Finals Click Here

For Stats Guru Updates Click Here

Sachin Speaks out on his 44th century - Click Here

Videos to be uploaded shortly

Why This innings of master is so special ??

First, see how master Played against all bowlers! (images below)

Just look at the wagon..

84 runs on off side. That shows his dominance on off side 2day. The day before he played many shots on leg side when wicket was very slow!!

And of course the 52 singles at the age of 36.

With this 100, Sachin Tendulkar is back to top 10 in the ICC Reliance ODI Rankings (No. 7)

Stats Guru : Compaq Cup Finals - How it affected Sachin's stats!!

2009-09-15T16:37:00.001+05:30

# Sachin Tendulkar's 138 was his sixth hundred in 38 innings in finals, and it pushed his overall average in such matches up to an impressive 55.54. In his last three finals, he has notched up scores of 117 not out, 91 and 138, and India have won each of those matches.

# In all, Tendulkar has scored 1833 runs in finals, which is easily the highest - Sanath Jayasuriya is next with 1613. Tendulkar also ranks very high in terms of all-time averages in finals: among those who've scored at least 500 runs in finals, only three have a higher average. One of them is India's current coach, Gary Kirsten - in 20 innings, he scored 1019 runs at an excellent average of 69.73. Tendulkar's stats are very similar to those of Viv Richards, who averaged 55.73 at a strike rate of 84.78 in 17 finals. Brian Lara, on the other hand, has struggled in finals, averaging only 28.16, more than 12 runs below his career average. His one century and two fifties all came in his first four innings; in his last 14 finals, his highest score was 35.

# The Man-of-the-Match award was Tendulkar's 59th in ODIs, and his eighth in finals. It was also his 14th Player-of-the-Series award. Tendulkar leads the all-time list in both categories - he is 11 clear of the second-placed Jayasuriya in the match awards and three ahead in the series awards.

TO BE UPDATED

Dungarpur, the man who introduced Tendulkar to the world

2009-09-13T01:39:00.000+05:30

MUMBAI: Former BCCI president Raj Singh Dungarpur, who died on Saturday at the age of 73 after protracted illness, will be remembered in the history of Indian cricket as the chief selector who introduced Sachin Tendulkar at the international stage.

Affectionately called as 'Rajbhai' in cricket fraternity, Dungarpur headed the selection panel that chose Tendulkar in the team captained by Krish Srikkanth for the tour to Pakistan in 1989-90.

Dungarpur, who died as a bachelor, was also instrumental in amending the rules of the Cricket Club of India to allow Tendulkar to use its dressing room as a 14-year-old in an effort to smoothen things for the champion batsman very early in his glittering career.

It was also a selection panel with Dungarpur at its helm that elevated Mohammed Azharuddin as the captain of the Indian team and paved the way for what he later termed as the "Team of the Nineties" which included Tendulkar and Anil Kumble, among others.

"Mian, captaan banoage," were the famous words he uttered to Azharuddin before making the Hyderabad stylist the captain as replacement for out-of-form Srikkanth in 1989-90 when India toured New Zealand.

ICC open to limited-overs changes

2009-09-12T00:20:00.000+05:30

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has agreed to conduct an experiment to split one-day matches into two innings of 25 overs for each team.

Indian great Sachin Tendulkar recently suggested 50-over matches be played over two innings to provide similar overhead conditions for both teams.

ICC cricket manager Dave Richardson said a trial could be introduced soon.

"I quite like that idea, I believe South Africa may trial something along those lines," he told BBC Sport.

"This might work in day/night cricket where one team has to bat in day and the other at night.

"It provides something different and reduces the effects on the team who loses the toss and has to bat first on a damp wicket, for example."

Richardson revealed the concept of two 25-over innings had been proposed a number of times and resurfaced once again at the ICC's cricket committee annual meeting at Lord's in May.

The proposal could breathe new life into the limited overs format, which has been increasingly threatened by the meteoric rise in popularity of Twenty20 cricket.

The England and Wales Cricket Board recently agreed to scrap the Friends Provident trophy, the only 50-over domestic cricket tournament, in favour of an expanded Twenty20 competition along with a 40-over format.

The ECB's decision was made despite the fact the Cricket World Cup and Champions Trophy, which begins on 22 September in South Africa, are played in a 50-overs format.

Tendulkar, the highest Test and one-day international run scorer in history, said 50-overs cricket is becoming too formulaic because results of "close to 75% of matches" could be predicted after the toss.

But two innings of 25 overs would create new strategies and drastically reduce the influence of winning the toss in favourable conditions.

Although Richardson is eager to prevent results becoming predictable, he is concerned that splitting the innings could take away scoring opportunities for the batsmen.

He added: "I don't necessarily like the idea of playing two matches of 25 overs each with the openers batting again. The charm of one-day cricket is seeing someone batting at four and scoring a good hundred.

"If you bat in the middle order of a Twenty20 or a new 25-over innings, you're not to get much of an opportunity to hit three figures, one downside of the Twenty20 game."

South Africa looks set to trial the changes during one of the rounds its domestic season, although a Cricket South Africa spokesman said the matter was still in discussion and no firm dates have been set.

However, Richardson said the experiment would have to be trialled successfully at domestic level before implementing any changes to the international game.

"The bottom line is if we can come up with a product that is better than the existing one, then everyone would like to look at it," he added.

"If it has been trialled successfully at domestic level, it may give the trial to give it the go-ahead at international level.

"The ICC has been proactive with ideas and innovations, like the powerplays. The idea of the 'super-sub' (scrapped in March 2006) wasn't as successful and got rid of quite quickly.

"One of the criticisms was that we trialled things at international as opposed to domestic level.

"Our tactics going forward are member countries trial changes first domestically and if they are successful, then we can take them on board at the international level."

The ICC's cricket committee is set to meet again in 2010 when the results of the experiment will be discussed.

The Sachin Tendulakars New House - Shell house at Bandra, Mumbai

2009-09-11T02:49:00.004+05:30

Sachin’s long dream of getting a new house for him is been finally accomplished by the little master.Sachin got his new house in sub urban Mumbai in Carter Road, Bandra West.Dorab Villa was purchased by Sachin for Rs 35 crores. Dorba Villa was orginally built in 1920 square feet of 10,000 and the house was occupied by a Parsi family.Sachin is very hapy man since his long dream has come true.

Pictures of Sachin Tendulkar with his new Adidas Bat

2009-09-07T03:03:00.002+05:30

Latest Pics (Pictures) of Sachin with his new Adidas Bat

Joy of Giving: Tendulkar, Premji, Sachin Pilot to join forces

2009-09-04T23:19:00.000+05:30

Bangalore: Sachin Tendulkar, Azim Premji, K. V. Kamath, Sachin Pilot, Nandita Das and Rahul Bose all have pledged their support to the Joy of Giving Week, to be celebrated all over India from 27 September to 3 October.

They, along with several others from different walks of life, have not only promised to endorse the Week but also agreed to make specific contributions of time, skills, money and resources.

Conceptualised by GiveIndia, the initiative aims to get people from all walks of life together to engage in acts of giving—money, time, skills or simple acts of kindness—its Director Venkat Krishnan told a press conference, which was also attended by cricketer Rahul Dravid and former badminton ace Prakash Padukone.

Dravid would deliver a talk (for which tickets would be sold) to business leaders offering his thoughts on the pursuit of excellence, during the Week. “All proceeds from this talk will be donated to Dream A Dream, the NGO that I am supporting”, the former India captain said.

Padukone, the former All England Badminton Champion, said Tata Academy, which he runs, would provide free orientation to badminton to 200-300 underprivileged children during the week.

“India needs a movement like this,” Padukone said. “I call upon companies, government, schools, colleges, celebrities and the general public to join in the Joy of Giving Week in whatever way they would like to”.

Krishnan said GiveIndia is a ‘philanthropy exchange´ that connects individual donors to more than 200 NGOs that have undergone rigorous due deligence.

He said volunteer groups in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore, besides Ahmedabad, have planned various initiatives in these cities. The week would include various events nationally.

Personalities such as Surya, Madhavan and Shriya Saran in Tamil Nadu, Venkatesh, Nagarjuna and P. Gopichand in Hyderabad, Geet Sethi and Mallika Sarabhai in Ahmedabad will endorse the week.

The Joy of Giving Week aims to have two crore Indians engage in “acts of giving”, Krishnan said.

The Week would be held annually in the week of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary.

Hard to imagine life without cricket: Tendulkar

2009-09-04T23:17:00.000+05:30

Sachin Tendulkar is on the verge of history. Not many cricketers can dream of playing two decades in international cricket. Graham Gooch was the last to do so. Now the Mumbai batsman will join that elite list when he completes 20 years of international cricket in November.

Who can forget the baby-faced Tendulkar starting his career as a 16-year-old against the Pakistani pace battery -- comprising the legendary Imran Khan, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis -- and coming out with flying colours.

The ace batsman, who is currently the highest run-getter in Tests (12,773 runs -- 42 hundreds -- in 159 matches) and One-Day Internationals (16,684 runs -- 43 hundreds -- in 425 matches) still vividly remembers what spurred him to such a long career.

"I remember during my first international tour, to Pakistan, Kapil Dev had challenged me to play at least 10 years for the country and I am glad that I have doubled that. I am quite pleased with what I have achieved so far.

"It is a great feeling to complete 20 years in international cricket. It was always a dream to play for the country; didn't think when I started that I would play for so long," said Tendulkar at a function to launch adidas's range of cricketing equipment in India.

Despite giving his all to the sport in the last 20 years, it is hard to see the 36-year-old hanging his gloves anytime soon.

"Cricket is an integral part of my life and it is hard to imagine life without cricket," he asserted.

Tendulkar also admitted that he is very fussy when it comes to the cricketing gear he uses.

"I am very particular about bats, about pads, about gloves and about shoes. I can get fussy to a certain extent because I want to get everything right. Cricket is so important for me that I cannot compromise on anything and this has been my habit right from my early days."

Asked how he decides on which is the best bat for him by just knocking the middle of the blade, he replied: "The bat speaks to me and that is how I can make out whether it is a good bat or not."

Over the years, Tendulkar was laid low many a time with injuries, which some expert believe was due to the weight of the heavy bat he uses. But the batting ace differs, and with good reason at that.

"I have spoken to specialists who believe that if I use a lighter bat it will have more impact on my elbow. I have tried using lighter bats but it didn't work, maybe because it didn't have a similar bat swing," he said.

Adidas has introduced cricket bats, balls, protective gear, including gloves, pads, helmets and other accessories which will be priced between Rs 549 and Rs 13,999. The hardware products have undergone high-performance evaluations with the England and Wales Cricket Board at the Loughborough University's Performance Training Centre.

Sachin Tendulkar to Sport Adidas Logo on Bat

2009-09-03T19:50:00.003+05:30

Latest Pics (Pictures) of Sachin with his new Adidas Bat

Sachin Tendulkar has come a long way from that fresh-faced boy who debuted at the age of 16 in Karachi, against the Pakistanis.Now, he is a living legend to whom all of Indian cricket is looking up to.

Twenty years ago, when Sachin Tendulkar entered the imagination of the cricketing world, "Power" the sports goods brand was visible prominently on his bat.

A few years later he went on to attain legendary status and also drove the "MRF" brand along with him to attain cult status amongst his Fan Followers,thanks to its visibility on his broad bat.The "MRF Bat" has been the one he has been using since ages now and it has featured in almost everywhere he has been and done that,from being depicted as a GOD to His Madame Tussauds wax statue and through many Centuries

But as the 36-year-old takes fresh guard this season, the red initials of the tyre company will be replaced by global sports goods firm "Adidas".

Click Here for Latest pics of Sachin with his Adidas Bat

Indian opening batsman Gautam Gambhir is MRF’s new brand ambassador. K.M. Mammen, Chairman and Managing Director, MRF Limited, made this announcement here on Friday.

Rahane drawing inspiration from Tendulkar

2009-09-03T18:18:00.000+05:30

Ajinkya Rahane has achieved the primary goal of sharing dressing room with idol Sachin Tendulkar and the Mumbai top order batsman now wants to see his other dream -- of making India debut -- come true.

Playing for Mumbai Indians in the second Indian Premier League in South Africa , Rahane fulfilled his long-cherished dream of sharing the dressing room with his idol.

"It was a dream-come-true for me to share the dressing room with Sachin bhai. I was on top of the world. I not only shared the dressing room with him but also batted with him, sharing a 70-plus partnership in a match," an awe-struck Rahane, in Dharamshala to represent Indian Oil in the BCCI Corporate Cup, told PTI.

"Sachin bhai is my role model, right from childhood, not just on the field but off the field also. He inspired me to start playing cricket and now I am drawing inspiration from him to make it to the Indian team some day," he said.

The right-hander said interaction with Tendulkar helped him to brush off the cobwebs and he learnt a lot from the master batsman.

"He helped me a lot in correcting my flaws in batting and gave me tips. I have learnt a lot from him," he said.

Rahane became only the 11th Indian player to have scored 1000 runs in a single Ranji season last year but the Mumbaikar believes it was his performance in the IPL II which caught the selectors' eye and earned him a place in the Champions Trophy list of probables.

"It was great to perform with the bat in IPL in South Africa. It was a very challenging task and I am happy that I grabbed that opportunity in bowler-friendly conditions there," he said.

"IPL also gave me the chance to play alongside some star international cricketers," he added.

Rahane, however, could not make it when the Champions Trophy long list was pruned.

"It was great to be in the probables' list but at the end it is disappointing to not have made the final team. But this has made me even more determined to raise my performance this season," Rahane, who played a crucial factor in Mumbai's 38th Ranji title win, said.

With the likes of Yuvraj Singh , Rohit Sharma , Suresh Raina and captain MS Dhoni in the middle-oder, Rahane knows his entry would be far from a cakewalk, but the Mumbai lad said he would not shy away from competition.

"Actually, competition is something I love. It drives me to work harder and for any team, competition is a positive sign," Rahane signed off.

Hughes meets Sachin

2009-09-02T12:50:00.000+05:30

Mumbai: Promising Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes had his dream come true when he met Sachin Tendulkar over dinner here on Monday.

There was no official confirmation, but sources said the 20-year-old opening batsman kept the Indian legend busy with his questions on batting and the game in general.

The New South Wales player hit the headlines with a century in each innings in the second Test against South Africa earlier this year, but his form suddenly deserted him during the Ashes series and was benched after the second Test.

In an attempt to sort out his batting woes, Hughes decided to take batting lessons from Neil D’Costa, who coaches at a private academy in Nagpur.

Source : The Telegraph (Calcutta)

"We have plans for SL bowlers" : Sachin

2009-08-31T17:57:00.000+05:30

Sachin Tendulkar spoke to espnstar.com in an exclusive chat after the Indian team wrapped up its camp in Bangalore.

By Mukul Sachdeva

Q: So, how was the break and what all you did all this while?

ST: A lot of different things. It’s not a great feeling being away from the team or the game but then I get to spend time with my kids, help them with their small things, be with my close friends. I was in the UK for a while, watched some movies, relaxed at home. It was good fun.

Q: Now, you are all set for the triangular.

ST: Oh yes. The camp has ended on a positive note and the team looks pretty solid and hungry. Sri Lanka is one place which is not very free scoring. In that regard, it will be a challenge for some of the strokeplayers in our team. As boundaries can be difficult to come by, there will be a lot of running between the wickets involved.

Q: Going by that you feel that Sri Lanka and New Zealand have an edge over India since they are a fitter side or rather better fielding side?

ST: No, you cannot say that. We are an extremely good fielding unit and we turned around games with our fielding. It is a misconception to assume that New Zealand and Sri Lanka have an edge over us. We run well between the wickets, our run out conversion is good, our catching ability is amongst the best, our bowlers are much more disciplined as they don’t bowl wides and no balls. I think we are three evenly matched teams.

Q: On the last tour we handled Ajantha Mendis really well. Do you think we have decoded the Mendis mystery?

ST: These are the contests created by the media. Ajantha Mendis, Muthiah Muralitharan or Chaminda Vaas are all good bowlers and we as a team respect them. At the same time we have a plan for each one of them. On the last trip batsmen like Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir handled Mendis and Murali really well. I think we can build on that. These youngsters bring a fresh approach and mindset which then rubs off on others which helps the team produce good results.

Q: What do you think of Rahul Dravid’s inclusion in the team?

A: Oh, it should be help the team. He brings in a lot of experience on the table and also a lot of skill. I think his will be good value addition to the team.

Dravid adds value to the team: Tendulkar

2009-08-31T17:48:00.000+05:30

New Delhi, Aug 31 (PTI) Senior Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar feels Rahul Dravid's inclusion after close to two years has added "value" to the ODI team and his experience would come in handy during the tri-series in Sri Lanka and the subsequent Champions Trophy in South Africa.

"It should help the team. He brings in a lot of experience on the table and also a lot of skill. I think his will be good value addition to the team," Tendulkar said.

Tendulkar said the team is fitter and hungrier after wrapping up a four-day training camp in Bangalore to prepare for the tri-series in Sri Lanka, where New Zealand is the third team.

"The camp has ended on a positive note and the team looks pretty solid and hungry. Sri Lanka is one place which is not very free scoring," he said.

Maestro and Hughes to interact in mumbai today

2009-08-31T17:45:00.000+05:30

Bangalore: Sachin Tendulkar has, over the years, proved to be a nightmare for Australian bowlers. Now, a batsman from Down Under, Phillip Hughes, wants to resume living a dream with the maestro’s help.

After three days of playing mentor to fellow Team India batsmen, at the conditioning camp here which concluded on Sunday afternoon, senior-most pro Sachin will now be offering tips to the 20-year-old Hughes.

The left-handed Hughes had an excellent debut Test series, in South Africa this year, but got dumped after one failure (Lord’s Test) in the recent Ashes. Now, the opener wants Sachin’s guidance.

“I’ll chew his ear off... I’ve got questions about a lot of things that I want to ask... I like getting around and talking to the guys who have been around for a long time...

“I’ve been watching Sachin since I was a youngster... He always seems to be scoring runs and not just on one or two parks, he gets them everywhere... His consistency is so great and I still love watching him,” is what Hughes has said.

There have been instances when touring England spinners, for example, have got tips from former India captain Bishan Singh Bedi. The Sachin-Hughes interaction, though, will be precedent-setting.

Hughes’s move only confirms just how highly the Australians regard Sachin. The late Sir Don Bradman, it may be recalled, had paid the ultimate compliment by saying Sachin’s batting came the closest to his own.

It’s not surprising that the multiple record-holder himself didn’t wish to say much.

“I don’t know Hughes personally, but I got approached through somebody... I’ll be meeting the opener in Mumbai tomorrow (Monday), that’s it,” Sachin, in his 20th year of international cricket, told The Telegraph at the Lalit Ashok.

The venue of the Sachin-Hughes one-on-one hadn’t been decided till Sunday evening.

Khel Ratna Vijender, Praises Sachin

2009-08-29T20:42:00.000+05:30

The first boxer to win the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh is aiming to add another first to his name by clinching India's maiden medal at the September 1-12 World Championships in Milan.

"We have achieved a lot of firsts in Indian boxing in the past couple of years and form and fitness permitting, I would get our first medal in World Championships this time," Vijender told PTI.

The Haryana boxer revealed even though he is not a cricket buff as such, he admires Sachin Tendulkar for the way the batting great has carried himself both on and off the field.

"I don't watch cricket much but I admire Sachin Tendulkar. I like the way he has conducted himself over the years. He has been such a huge star for so long but has not had a single controversy against his name," said Vijender.

"He is somebody you can look upto," he added.

Source: http://cricket.ndtv.com/cricket/ndtvcricket/storypage.aspx?id=SPOEN20090106978

Corporate Trophy unveiled in Bangalore

2009-08-28T19:23:00.000+05:30

Bangalore, Aug 27 (PTI) The Indian cricket board today unveiled inaugural Sahara BCCI Corporate Trophy, with a number of cricketers including master batsman Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh in attendance here.

The 12-team tournament, aiming at reviving the waning corporate interest in the game, will be held in four venues across the country - Mohali, Vishakhapatnam, Dharamsala and Bangalore.

The trophy was unveiled by BCCI secretary N Srinivasan, joint secretary Sanjay Jagdale and corporate communications chief of Sahara Group Abhijit Sarkar.

Most of the Indian cricketer, including captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, will be seen in action during the one-day tournament to be held from September 1-8.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, which appeared to be a low-key event without much fanfare despite the presence of Tendulkar and Yuvraj, Srinivasan said over the years corporate interest in the game has declined.

Determined Hughes hoping to gain from Sachin

2009-08-28T17:38:00.002+05:30

Date: 2009-08-28 Place: Sydney

Australian opening batsman Philip Hughes is looking to "Little Master" Sachin Tendulkar to help him fight his way back into the Test side.

The 20-year old left-hander was axed from the Australian Test team during the recent Ashes after managing only 57 runs in three innings because of a pronounced technical shortcoming against the short ball.

Hughes is spending a week in India under the watchful eye of Neil D'Costa, his Nagpur-based, Indian-born high performance coach, in a determined bid to regain his place in the Test side for the first Test against the West Indies in Brisbane starting on November 26.

The diminutive New South Wales opener is hoping to have an invaluable session with Tendulkar this weekend to overcome his technical deficiency against the rising delivery, which the England bowlers, particularly Andrew Flintoff exploited fully.

"That's why I've been training hard for the past couple of months in England and now in India.

"Shane Watson did a marvellous job (opening) and he was beautiful to watch. He's also made it tough for me now to get back in," Hughes told The Telegraph newspaper.

Hughes burst on the Test scene with two centuries and an average of 69.17 against South Africa during the last series between the then two leading teams on the ICC table and was immediately hailed as a genius.

On his return home on Wednesday, Ricky Ponting said: "I think we all saw his deficiency in a certain area and the English bowlers targeted that and did it exceptionally well.

"He put himself under pressure and therefore put the team under pressure at certain times. He trained exceptionally hard that last half of the tour and there's no doubt in the future he's someone who will play a lot of Tests for Australia. He's got too much talent and ability not to do that."

Sachin to bless Belagavi Panthers in KPL

2009-08-28T17:38:00.001+05:30

Bangalore, Aug 27 : While Sachin Tendulkar is a popular figure and an icon, not many would have heard of Belagavi Panthers. Well, this is the team from Belgaum (Belagavi is the original name of the city) in Karnataka and one of the major contenders for Karnataka Premier League (KPL) that is to kickstart next month in Bangalore.

Sachin has agreed to launch Belagavi Panthers at a function here on Saturday. The team has Karnataka skipper and former India `A' player J Arjun Kumar, Manish Pandey and speedster David Johnson.

Sachin will be in Bangalore to attend the Indian camp for four days.

Belgaum is a hotbed of local cricket and the city has special Sunday one day matches in almost every locality.

Belgaum, for those who do not know the city, is famous for its Army presence and a special sweet called Kunda. This is probably the only place which has a `military Shiva' - the Military Mahadev Temple.

Source: India Syndicate

I’ve not called Sachin a liar, says Gilchrist

2009-08-28T17:34:00.000+05:30

Bangalore, 25 Aug: Former Australian wicket keeper Adam Gilchrist on Saturday sought to douse the controversy he flamed by categorically denying that he had ever called Sachin a liar or a bad sport in his autobiography.

I’ve not called Sachin a liar, says Gilchrist.

In an article published in leading dailies across Australia and in India, Gilchrist, who leads the Deccan Chargers in the IPL, said “neither of these accusations are true and I felt strongly enough on this to immediately ring Sachin once it was brought to my attention, to explain to him,” The Australian stumper, who was often referred to as the honest Australian for his penchant to walk without waiting for the umpire’s finger, said that after his chat with Sachin, to clarify matters, there exists no ill-feeling between the duo.

“I am pleased to say that at the conclusion of our chat, the same respect Sachin and I have always had for each other continues to exist.” He says that the reference to Sachin and Harbhajan not being available for a hand-shake after a match was mentioned more in the context of a cultural difference than of describing it as an example of bad sportsmanship. “It’s simply my thoughts and from my experiences it seemed that this routine (of shaking the opponent’s hand) wasn’t as important to some oppositions as it was in Australia, where it is drilled into us from an early stage,” he said.

He said his comments that Sachin and Bhajji were sometimes not around to shake hands were based on the cultural differences that he wanted to highlight as a reason that resulted in several of the disputes or flare-ups between the two proud nations of India and Australia in the past. On the question of Harbhajan’s hearing, he said the only reference in the book was to recall the way in which the events unfolded from the initial hearing through to the final judicial hearing a few weeks later. “All I stated are the facts that everyone knows, that initially Sachin mentioned he wasn't sure what Harbhajan had said, then later confirmed his support when Harbhajan said he'd used a Hindi word in the heated exchange with Symonds.

Nowhere do I accuse Sachin of lying,” he said. He said it was a great relief to have spoken to Sachin and clarified the matter with him. “I have always admired his amazing cricketing ability and spoken regularly about how I believe he has set the finest example of how to handle fame and the extraordinary public profile that comes with being an Indian cricketing superstar.” he said. He also went on to say that those who knew him well and have read the book in its entirety would understand the sincere affection he has for India as a country.

“I have always enjoyed touring here, and most importantly have many strong friendships in India. For those reasons and for my personal friendship with Sachin, I was most concerned that a few off-the-mark headlines and interpretations of my book could possibly sour those friendships,” he concluded. On his part, Sachin Tendulkar too clarified that the former Australian ace had spoken to him and clarified that his remarks were taken out of context and presented in a sensational way by the media. Source: India Syndicate

Sachin's auctioning his time, penny-pinchers not welcome

2009-08-22T10:21:00.000+05:30

Mumbai: Cricket icon will coach highest bidders -- only because the money's going to charity

Do you want Sachin Tendulkar to teach you batting? Well, it'll cost you. For the one thing India's top willow-wielder promises is that he will not do it for "kanjoos people...".

Before you ask what Sachin needs more money for, here's the answer: it's about giving, the joy of it.

As brand ambassador for the Joy of Giving Week (September 27-October 3), a nation-wide initiative that hopes to build a 'giving culture' in India, the batting legend has decided to auction a one-day coaching camp during that week as one of his other contributions to the cause.

After 20 years of representing the country in cricket across the world, Tendulkar is now batting for another Team India -- an India that wants to give back to its people, selflessly and sensitively.

"I will spend time with the guy who auctions generously, I don't want kanjoos people...," a smiling Tendulkar told DNA in an exclusive interview on Friday. "Whoever bids generously, I will generously spend time with them because all the money is going to a good cause."

Tendulkar's long-standing ambition has been to uplift the lives of underprivileged children. Not only will the bid amount be funnelled to them, he himself is doubling his personal contribution towards the charity. He will now be supporting the education and care of 400 children. "When I was young, I was on the receiving end," he said. "Now I am on the other side, and I would like to give."

Giving was a lesson he learnt early, both from his father, "my biggest influence, who gave more than he had", and his coach Ramakant Achrekar, "whose entire life was about helping others achieve their dreams".

At 36, Tendulkar is still learning about the joy of giving. His latest teacher? His little daughter Sara, who chose to celebrate her 10th birthday last year by organising a fun fair for underprivileged children. "There is an atmosphere of giving at home," he said, "and it's important for me to set the ball rolling in creating the momentum across the country."

Evidently, there are no half measures with Tendulkar. Be it in cricket, or life -- passion is his measure for success. As he says: "I wouldn't measure contribution in the amount of money generated. I would measure it by sheer passion. One might contribute Rs1,000, but if one is passionate about it, and it is the best he can give, it is equivalent to Rs1 lakh."

Tendulkar's coaching camp will not make you an instant champion, but the real payoff is what the joy of giving does for you as a person.

Excerpts from the interview with Sachin Tendulkar

What is the auction about?

Nowadays, time is the most important factor for anyone. I would spend time with the guy who auctions (for the one-day coaching) generously. I don't want kanjoos people. Bid generously and I will generously spend time with you, because all the money is going to a good cause. It's about helping the underprivileged, a genuine cause. We all have to join the force, and once you set the ball rolling, it can gather momentum. But to push the ball, you need collective effort. Not just from three to four people, but from the whole country.

How did the idea of 'giving' originate?
Last year, when we were thinking about how to celebrate our daughter's birthday, we were wondering what would she like, where we'd have the party and what we'd gift her... And then she said that 'this year I've decided not accept any gifts. I'm going to tell my friends that if you're thinking of spending Rs200 or Rs300 on buying me a gift, instead give me that cash and I'm going to organise something for unprivileged children'.

We had a wonderful outing one afternoon on her birthday. She organised a fun fair kind of activity, games and food, in Govandi (a downbeat Mumbai suburb). They have this ground right on the highway. She felt good and I was extremely proud of her. What goes on in-between those ears in that small head is whatmatters, and I know she's on the right track.

What do you get out of giving?
The satisfaction of giving something and watching people react. When I was young, I was on the receiving end. Now I am on the other side, and I would like to give. Everyone, at any level, feels good about receiving gifts. It may be an ice cream, but you feel nice that somebody's thought of you. I felt that to support this cause (of giving) was important to create that awareness.

Which early influences shaped this perspective?
The biggest influence of my life, without any doubt, has been my father. He was so generous, never once did he mention what he was doing. Whatever he gave, he did it quietly... Somebody who doesn't have much in life, and a family to take care of, he was still sharing with others. He used to always encourage the newspaperwala and milkman to study. He even helped them with college fees. That had a huge influence on me.

Does your sport have any heroes who gave selflessly?
There are so many unsung heroes. A great example is my coach, Ramakant Achrekar. He himself wasn't an international cricketer but his entire life was about giving his students the best possible infrastructure and helping them achieve their dreams. For example, my club fees were just Rs11 per month but after practice, when I was tired, sir (Achrekar) would take me out for vada pav, a soft drink... all these things are about giving and being selfless.

Not everyone can give equally...
But if you have a heart, you will be part of it (giving)... It could be a contribution of Rs10. And I wouldn't measure contribution in the amount of money generated. I would measure it by sheer passion. One might contribute Rs1,000, but if one is passionate about it, and it is the best one can give, it is equivalent to Rs1 lakh.

Chief guest Sachin Tendulkar with The Express Group

2009-08-21T18:57:00.000+05:30

An evening with some of Indian cricket’s most well-known and erudite figures is bound to be an interesting one. The launch of Out of the Box: Watching the Game We Love, a compilation of Harsha Bhogle’s columns in The Indian Express, was held at the Taj Lands End, Bandra, on August 18. In attendance were eminent faces, cricketers and fans of the game. Sachin Tendulkar was presented with the first copy of the book. Also present were former national hockey captains Dhanraj Pillay and Viren Rasquinha, former world billiards champion Michael Ferreira, seasoned sports writer and editor Ayaz Memon, Academy Award winner Resul Pookutty, actors Atul Kulkarni, Rahul Bose and Ashmit Patel, TV personalities Cyrus Broacha and Shenaz Treasuryvala, educationist Nandini Sardesai, ad filmmakers Aarti and Kailash Surendranath, musician Nandoo Bhende, and veteran painter Prabhakar Kolte, to name a few. The book was launched in the presence of The Express Group Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta and Chairman of SAIL SK Roongta. Gupta opened the evening by paying tribute to Bhogle’s immense knowledge and passion for cricket as well as his undeniable talent in writing about it. The launch was followed by an animated discussion about the game. The panellists included the eloquent Lalit Modi, chairman and commissioner of the Indian Premier League, Rajdeep Sardesai, editor-in-chief of the IBN 18 Network, Sanjay Manjrekar, former cricketer and commentator, and Bhogle. It was moderated by Gaurav Kalra, sports editor of CNN-IBN. The panellists discussed the merits of the T20 format and talked about bringing fans back to Test cricket, with Bhogle saying, “For years, we’ve abused the Test fan, by making him sit on bare concrete with no shade or other facilities. We need better infrastructure to woo fans back.” Hear, hear.

Sachin wants Mussoorie house, ministry refuses nod

2009-08-21T18:42:00.000+05:30

Sachin Tendulkar is keen to own a bungalow in Mussoorie but the Defence Ministry has refused to give him permission. The ministry said clearance cannot be given for security reasons.

Tendulkar wanted to own a bungalow named "Dahelia Bank". He saw it on a visit to Mussoorie with his family.

The house is located near the Institute of Technology Management, which is a part of the defence ministry. So the ministry is not ready to give permission.

"We received a letter from the defence ministry, saying that 50 metres around the institute was a restricted area and construction was not permitted," said Jharna Kamthan, SDM of Mussoorie.

The house lies in an area designated as "sensitive". The ministry has identified five bungalows that cannot be sold at any cost. It includes "Dahelia Bank".

Officials also feared that Tendulkar's celebrity status could draw huge crowds to the area and terrorists could use that opportunity to attack the institute.

Sachin at Harsha Bhogle's book launch

2009-08-18T22:07:00.001+05:30

Mumbai: Sachin Tendulkar has suggested a unique way to retain fan interest in Test cricket: involve school children for free.

Speaking at the launch of Harsha Bhogle's new book Out of the Box - Watching the Game We Love, Tendulkar, the highest run-scorer in Test as well as one-day cricket, cited his own example as a cricket fan which enabled him to realise his dream.

Bhogle's book launch was followed by a high-powered panel discussion on the changing face of the gentleman's game.

Source : Cricketnext

Tendulkar can continue as long as he wants: Ganguly

2009-08-14T20:45:00.000+05:30

Kolkata, Aug 14 (PTI) Age might be catching up with Sachin Tendulkar but former India captain Sourav Ganguly feels the Mumbai veteran is the best cricketer in the world right now and can continue as long as he wants.

The iconic left-hander said his 36-year-old former opening partner is a better batsman than him and can pick the time to call it quits.

"To be honest, he is a bigger player than I am. He deserves to go whenever he wants to. He is probably the best in the world with (the retired) Brian Lara. He can play until anytime he wants and I am sure his performance will remain consistent," Ganguly told PTI in an interview here today.

Ganguly said he enjoyed partnering Tendulkar at the top and doesn't regret quitting earlier than him.

Sachin Tendulkar Spotted at Mumbai airport

2009-08-13T21:44:00.000+05:30

Reader Sumeeth Pai sent us this photograph from Bangalore.

'I am from Bangalore and I met Sachin Tendulkar at the Mumbai airport. Never knew that we were in the same flight,' writes Sumeeth.

'Whoever said that God cannot be seen !!!'

Thank you, Sumeeth, for sharing this picture!

Image: Sachin Tendulkar at Mumbai airport

Tendulkar to attend fitness camp in a few days: Kirsten

2009-08-11T22:53:00.000+05:30

Mumbai, Aug 11 (PTI) Sachin Tendulkar will attend the pre-season fitness camp in a few days' time as he was unavailable today due to prior commitments as eight players were put through their paces here.

Coach Gary Kirsten, who oversaw the fitness camp at the Mumbai Cricket Association's Indoor Academy in Bandra-Kurla Complex today, said it was not possible to get all the players available for the camp at a short notice.

"Sachin was unavailable today. It was not possible to get everyone available at such a short notice. Sachin would do the test in the next few days," Kirsten said.

The eight players who took part in the fitness camp conducted by Indian team physiotherapist Nitin Patel and trainer Ramji Srinivasan, who is tipped to soon join the national squad, were Yuvraj Singh, Rohit Sharma, Yusuf Pathan, Dinesh Karthick, Pragyan Ojha, Abhishek Nayar, Ravindra Jadeja and S Badrinath.

Sachin, other Test cricketers back Wadekar for gymkhana post

2009-08-11T22:52:00.000+05:30

Mumbai , Aug 11 Sachin Tendulkar and a number of former players have come in support of former India captain Ajit Wadekar in his quest to retain his seat as the President of the famous Shivaji Park Gymkhana in Dadar here.
Supporting Wadekar, who led India to historic back-to- back series wins over the West Indies and England overseas in 1971, Tendulkar, in a letter to the former Test batsman, said the gymkhana, where he learnt his ropes as a young boy, needed Wadekar&aposs leadership qualities it its centenary year.

"I am glad to learn that the Shivaji Park Gymkhana (SPG), which has produced so many cricketers for the state and the country, will be completing 100 years soon,"the champion batsman has said in his letter to Wadekar.

"It is also heartening to see the tremendous progress made by SPG not only in cricket but in other sports like tennis, billiards and lots of indoor games too, especially in the last six years.

"It requires sporting leadership and I hope that you continue to lead SPG as President in the centenary year too", Tendulkar has said in his letter to Wadekar.

Wadekar&aposs former Mumbai and India colleague Bapu Nadkarni, ex- India skipper and selection panel chief Dilip Vengsarkar and flamboyant ex- India batsman Sandeep Patil have also written letters to Wadekar extending their support

Asnodkar misses a good chat with Tendulkar

2009-08-11T22:50:00.000+05:30

Coming from the land of beaches - Goa, this small-in-size-yet-dynamic batsman has been the leading run-getter for his Ranji side. And as the inaugural Indian Premier League changed the lives of many young cricketers, his story is no different.

"IPL was a dream come true," says Swapnil Asnodkar, who proudly chose cricket over professional singing as his career and has no regrets whatsoever.

Once considered underdogs, the Rajasthan Royals picked him up for their squad. Hence, he has been lucky enough to get a coach-cum-captain like Shane Warne, who showed immense confidence in his young players. It was a gamble using an inexperienced player like Asnodkar high up in the order alongside South African batsman Graeme Smith, but the youngster proved his mettle and eventually became Warne's blue-eyed boy.

In an exclusive chat with CricketNDTV.com, Asnodkar talks about his dreams, his IPL experience, and like any other emerging Indian batsman, says his idol is none other than Sachin Tendulkar. Excerpts...

Congratulations on your team's recent win in the one-off British Asian Cup T20 match against Middlesex Panthers at Lord's. You played a crucial 41-run innings for the Royals. How was the experience?

It's a great feeling to be part of the Rajasthan Royals. Obviously, it was one of the best moments since the match was played at Lord's. Every cricketer dreams of playing there, and there are many who have played almost on every ground in the world but not at this elite venue. It means a lot to play there. It was fantastic!

On your IPL debut, you blasted 60 runs off 34 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders and the whole world noticed. How important was IPL for you?

It was a stepping-stone for me. I had been playing for so long and there were not many people who knew about me in spite of the fact that I was doing well in domestic cricket. IPL gave me the platform to get noticed and my batting skills got highlighted. Rajasthan Royals made it possible for me.

Shane Warne took a big gamble by sending you to open. What difference did it make to you as a cricketer?

It is his approach towards the game that makes a difference. He's the most dedicated player I have seen on the field. He always motivates every player before the match so that we give our best. I have been fortunate enough to play under him. It's a great feeling. I have grown watching Shane Warne, Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara play. I had never even thought in my dreams that I would get an opportunity like this. It was one of my happiest moments to know that the legendary Shane Warne will be leading Rajasthan Royals.

In the first edition of the IPL, you scored 311 runs in 9 matches that included two fifties while in the 2009 edition, your batting stats were comparatively modest with just 98 runs from 8 matches as RR exited early from the League. What went wrong?

We didn't play good cricket and there's no point giving excuses. We didn't play according to the roles given to us. We won IPL's first edition and in this one we failed as a team, to end up way low in the points table. Speaking of my batting, there are certain aspects of it I am working on and I will make sure I improve and come out as a better batsman.

Which form of cricket is more important to you, Tests or ODIs? What about T20?

I don't discriminate any form of cricket and at the moment I'm enjoying the game in every way. Otherwise, in India particularly, every youngster dreams of becoming a successful Test cricketer and of course, wants to play for India. T20 matches and ODIs are also very important but Test cricket is the ultimate.

One bowler you would never want to face or if I may say so, the toughest bowler you have ever faced?

Umar Gul was hard to play in Indian Premier League first edition. I have played with most of the top-class international bowlers in IPL and I enjoyed a lot. And due to its short format, a bowler is given only 2-3 overs - making it difficult for a batsman to judge a bowler in that particular time period. I try to give my best efforts against every bowler.

Tell us something about yourself that your fans and the media don't know?

(Smiles) I think the media knows quite a lot about me by now, thanks to IPL. I don't think there's anything left to be told.

Talking about cheerleaders, did they distract you?

(Smiles again) No, not at all. They are there to distract the crowd, not the players. Their moves surely entertain people.

If Swapnil Asnodkar were not a cricketer, he would have been...

Either an engineer or a professional singer (smiles).

Your idol?

Sachin Tendulkar. I have not been lucky enough to spend much time with that great man. But I'm really looking forward to an opportunity to spend some wonderful time with him and I know a good conversation with the legendary batsman will inspire me more.

Your most memorable moment?

When I scored 254 (not out) against Railways in first-class cricket and also when I got a call to join the Rajasthan Royals.

Tendulkar targets 15,000 Test runs

2009-08-08T10:39:00.000+05:30

Sachin Tendulkar has said he is not satisfied with his achievements and hopes to accumulate 15,000 runs and win the World Cup in 2011.

"I am not pleased yet with what I have done," Tendulkar, who has scored a record 12773 Test runs at an average of 54.58 from 159 matches, said in an interview with the Wisden Cricketer. "Sunil Gavaskar has told me that I have to get to 15,000 runs. He said he would be angry with me and would come and catch me if I didn't. I admire him so much and to score that many would be a terrific achievement, but that is not the only aim." His other big cricketing ambition is to "win the World Cup in 2011".

Tendulkar, 36, also spoke about how he has been consistently playing with pain. "I always play in pain, all the time. I played with a broken finger for the last three months, but you know when pain is manageable or not, and most of the time I can do it," he said. "I can still do what I did when I was 25 but the body is changing, so your thought process has to change too. I have had to change how I think, which is about taking less risk."

Tendulkar also disagreed with John Buchanan, former Australia coach, who felt Tendulkar had become susceptible to the short ball early in his innings because of a lack of footwork. "It is only his opinion; John Buchanan doesn't have to be right all the time. If I couldn't handle short deliveries, then I wouldn't still be scoring runs," he said. "Maybe he needs to change his opinion. There must be something very wrong with all the bowlers around the world that they have allowed me to score so many runs."



	"I would say Virender Sehwag comes closest to my style."

Don Bradman had said Tendulkar reminded him of himself and the Indian batsman was the only modern player in Bradman's all-time XI. Does Tendulkar think the same way about anyone? "I would say Virender Sehwag comes closest to my style."

Tendulkar said he was not thinking about retirement yet but he would know when to quit cricket. "I will know when it is the right time, I won't have to be dragged away. I am the person who will make the decision and I will know whether I still belong."

He admitted life after cricket wouldn't be easy. "It's a scary thought. It has been there for my whole adult life, it will be difficult, I have been around for a long time, I can imagine when I finish I will long to face just 10 more balls but you have to move."