The Woods are lovely dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep
And Miles to go before I Sleep,
And Miles to go before I Sleep,
(Lines from ‘Stopping by the Woods on
a Snowy Evening’, a poem by Robert Frost, dedicated to Sachin
Tendulkar on his Birthday 24 April 1973)
Sachin
Tendulkar! For years, this name has stayed with the cricket crazy people
of India like a magic. All cricket fans, be it children, youngsters or adults
simply admire this magnetic personality. Cricket is more than just a game in
India, it is an obsession. Over the years, our talented cricketers have become
the cynosure of all eyes. But Sachin Tendulkar, with his enormous batting
talent and his undying love for the game stands tall among them. Starting as a
child protege in the year 1989 against arch-rival Pakistan, Sachin Tendulkar
instantly attracted attention when he hit the great Pakistani bowler Abdul Qadir
for 27 runs in one over. And since then it has been a cricketing journey that
has only increased the stature of the batting maestro. Infinite world records,
Awards and immense amount of respect have been a feature of his dazzling
career.
Here
in India, there is a saying, “Cricket is our religion and Sachin Tendulkar, our
God”. People also say that ‘God wanted to play Cricket so he created Sachin
Tendulkar’ and why not? Whatever the problems, how bad the circumstances might
be in the country but all problems look small in front of Sachin Tendulkar’s
amazing stroke play. ‘We may be divided by religion or culture but we stand
united by Sachin Tendulkar’. Can you imagine, when Sachin Tendulkar was
struggling to score that 100th century, India too, was feeling the heat. Even
the world used to observe his game with utter nervousness. And the minute he
reached the milestone, people took a sigh of relief. Such is the aura of this
great man!
Now
Sachin Tendulkar stands tall with a century of centuries under his belt and we
do not know about the future but going by trend, one can say that this record
is virtually unbreakable. Sachin has given his heart, body and soul to the game
of cricket. For his deep love for cricket, he has taken all the suffering in
his stride and successfully managed to beat the painful Backache and the
fearful Tennis Elbow to continue his love affair with the game. No wonder, the
people not just in India but the world over are simply besotted by him.
Apart
from his gigantic talent, what elevates him in the view of the people is his
absolutely down to earth character. Sachin Tendulkar’s humility is the
highpoint of his huge stature. He has utter respect for his seniors and he is
also known for encouraging and guiding the youngsters. The youngsters look up
to him and cannot hear anything against him. Last year when India won the World
Cup, the whole team dedicated the marvelous victory to one man – Sachin Tendulkar!
Most of them said that they won it for Sachin Tendulkar, whose biggest dream
was to win the Cricket World Cup for India.
Team
India has many talented cricketers but Sachin Tendulkar brings a “Main Hoon
Na” kind of belief with him. If he is in the team, the fans and even team
members believe that ‘we can do’. The opposition adore him off the field
but does not like to see him on the field. But the best thing is that Sachin Tendulkar,
all of 39, is in no mood to oblige the opposition and with the 100th
century already in his kitty, he just wants to enjoy the game and when Sachin
enjoys then …it means doomsday for the opposite team.
It
has been a long long career for the champion but in this career, he has given
us infinite sparkling memories to treasure forever. On his 39th Birthday, we
pray that his thirst is never quenched and if ever he does decide to hang his
boots, it must only be on an extremely high note. “Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna”
Sachin, Never say Goodbye!
