I'm in a bit of a dilemma. Sachin Tendulkar has made his 100th international ton. And the same match in which he'd crossed his important milestone - and definitely difficult to emulate - was conceded to Bangladesh, the minnows in cricket, by his team in their ongoing quest for the Asia Cup.
The team's loss has taken the sheen off his achievement, which he'd got after years of dedication and focus on the game. Moreover, it has given the skeptics reasons to ask as to whether his team's loss was due to his cautiousness while concentrating on achieving his personal triumph, thereby sacrificing the badly needed high run rate and consequently, precious overs which could have notched up a huge, unattainable score by the opponents!
He has been felicitated at every stage, adored by all of us and has been paid handsomely - I suppose - by the cricket board and sponsors at every stage of his glorious career. And we shall continue to love him for what he is.
But being the devil's advocate that I'm, it's my opinion that personal achievements mean nothing if it has no bearing on the team's performance and thereby, the country's standing! No one is greater than the game. And more than that, no one is greater than the country!!
Tailpiece.
And Sachin, on a personal note, I ask this of you. I've not been able to understand your statement that you'd love to play for the country as long as you enjoy playing the game. Well said and brave words, these! But ask of yourself this question, 'Are your agility and reflexes adequate to sustain pressures of international cricket as of date? Don't you think that there are very many deserving youngsters with raw talent, waiting out there, to take your place? You can't keep them waiting till eternity so that they lose out on their chance!
The team's loss has taken the sheen off his achievement, which he'd got after years of dedication and focus on the game. Moreover, it has given the skeptics reasons to ask as to whether his team's loss was due to his cautiousness while concentrating on achieving his personal triumph, thereby sacrificing the badly needed high run rate and consequently, precious overs which could have notched up a huge, unattainable score by the opponents!
He has been felicitated at every stage, adored by all of us and has been paid handsomely - I suppose - by the cricket board and sponsors at every stage of his glorious career. And we shall continue to love him for what he is.
But being the devil's advocate that I'm, it's my opinion that personal achievements mean nothing if it has no bearing on the team's performance and thereby, the country's standing! No one is greater than the game. And more than that, no one is greater than the country!!
Tailpiece.
And Sachin, on a personal note, I ask this of you. I've not been able to understand your statement that you'd love to play for the country as long as you enjoy playing the game. Well said and brave words, these! But ask of yourself this question, 'Are your agility and reflexes adequate to sustain pressures of international cricket as of date? Don't you think that there are very many deserving youngsters with raw talent, waiting out there, to take your place? You can't keep them waiting till eternity so that they lose out on their chance!
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