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.
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