Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Take a bow Master

Being an amateur writer and writing about a living legend is a dangerous proposition as it is extremely difficult to write something new about him that has never been written or to explore a new perspective. But writing a blog gives one that little bit of freedom to write whatever one wants to express. And today thanks to Bharat Bandh (ah at times actually they provide a little bit of relief from maddening corporate schedule) I’m taking full advantage of my creative freedom. And to all my esteemed readers, whose constant encouragement motivates me to use this platform to vent my feelings I sincerely request lets celebrate the Birth Day of the Magician who has enthralled all and sundry for the last two decades with his magic willow.



Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, it seems I have heard the name ever since I remember even though he started playing international cricket seven years after my birth (no prizes for guessing my age!!!!).He has been a part of almost every Indians’ life for last two decades and for cricket fanatics like me he is responsible for providing the maximum magic moments of my life. This man has achieved phenomenal success and he is still going strong. What differentiates the maestro from others?


His insatiable thirst for runs and the love of the game stands out. In a fast paced world, it is not easy to wake up everyday and do the same thing for two decades. And more so when one is a sportsman where physical fitness is of paramount importance. And here this guy is doing it since he has been sixteen and he still retains the child like enthusiasm. He still feels butterflies in his stomach before every match; he still plays the game with a plastered hand. Trust me you it is not easy to carry a nations expectations on your shoulders. In a country like ours where media decides who the fall guy will be and where everyone is a self proclaimed cricket expert only a handful of failure can spell doom for anyone. But Sachin has remained a phenomenon ever since he has stepped onto the cricket field. Probable because he does not play to prove anything to anybody, he plays because he enjoys it the most. It can be a learning for all of us lesser mortals.


Where Sachin succeeded and others failed was probably the way he carries himself off the field. It has a lot to do with his upbringing. A generation which has seen scandals involving Maradona to Warne to Woods, Sachin is probably among the few Superstars who remain unscathed even after being in the limelight for so long. Success did not reach his head and he kept his foot firmly on the ground. Being born in a cultured Marathi family he inherited it from his father during his early days. Even today after he reaches any milestone he looks up to the sky probably to seek blessing from his late father.


He keeps his game simple. Yes he was gifted with skill, but so were many others. But transforming skills into performance were the stuff champions are made of. Relentless hard work and a regimental life style help him to remain fit as a fiddle even at this age. The way he has reinvented himself is commendable. From being an attacking Batsman who loved to dominate the bowler, he changed gear to become a more measured batsman to provide stability to the Team. His mental strength can be measure from that famous match against the Aussies where he did not play a single ball outside the off stump while scoring a glorious 240.Who can forget his match winning knock against the same opponent in the deserts of Sarjaha in the summer of 1999.His straight drive is more gracious than a beautiful model on ramp. His square cut is like rampaging river. And now he has championed the version of cricket which was supposed to be meant for the younger generation by becoming the orange cap winner in IPL-3.


Even after playing more international matches than anyone in the world his enthusiasm for the game is still like a little kid. He is an inspiration of anyone who wants to achieve something big in life.


His contribution to world cricket in general and Indian cricket in particular has been tremendous. Still as a servant of the game he has never allowed himself to be bigger than the game. As a thorough team player he takes pride making the juniors in team comfortable and providing them numerous invaluable tips. Neither time nor tide can affect his achievement.


Thank you little master for enthralling us with those numerous moments of ecstasy. Thank you for helping so many people to dream big. Thank you for giving India a platform in the global sporting map.


KEEP PLAYING LIKE THIS.