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It is unlikely master batsman Sachin Tendulkar would call it a day or the Indian Cricket Board end his eventful 17-year career when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) meet in Mumbai on April 6 to review team’s debacle performance at the World Cup.

Ever since Sachin first made it to local Mumbai newspapers in mid 1980s, he has been pretty much reigning deity of Indian cricket. His one snap could trigger stampede among press photographers; his one quote, however banal, would make front page headlines. Media respected, though, his privacy.

It was same with his mates. Tendulkar always got spot he wanted in the team bus. It was same in the dressing room where his mates did not dare to put even a towel on his chair. He was accorded space, grown up men walked a step behind him.

Every passing day only served to add to his aura. If Steve Waugh termed him second only to Bradman, ‘Don’ himself likened him to his own image. Shane Warne talked of ‘nightmare’, Viv Richards about his fascination with the genius. Monarchs of game, including Brian Lara, took a bow to the Indian emperor.

On the other hand, voices of dissent faced national disapproval.

Sanjay Manjrekar who questioned his authority faced national censure. Sachin’s cheap dismissal against England, which provoked boo from stands of Wankhede Stadium last year, was front-page news.

In background, of course, were whispers which questioned his ability to win key games. But frankly it never came to a stage when Tendulkar’s charisma dimmed in front of a Sehwag, Dravid or even Ganguly.

In many ways, it is biggest challenge of Tendulkar yet. In spite of his mountain of runs and centuries, he feels unfulfilled. It should be cause of celebration for Indian cricket except his failures are now unlikely to be glossed over. Revisionists truly are at work.

Source:The News