Sachin creates and breaks his own records

Much like the famous pole vaulter Sergey Bubka, Sachin Tendulkar creates records. Since there is no one around to break them, he then breaks those records himself. A couple of years after Sachin made his debut, Sunil Gavaskar commented that if Sachin were not to score 15000 runs in tests and 20000 runs in One day internationals by the time he hung up his boots, he would have done gross injustice to his talent. Tendulkar is close to both the pinnacles today.

At 37, in 1987 Sunill Gavaskar said he wanted to retire when he realized that he didn’t find the same enthusiasm going for the game. Sachin is at that age today. At an age when the passion to do more in a sport like cricket will be on the wane, it is amazing to find Sachin Tendulkar maintaining the same levels of excitement that he showed at the age of 20. He seems more determined to win more games for the country than ever before. Lot of critics and experts had written him down after the debacle of 2007 World Cup. He might have had a few doubts himself with a few injuries, including the career-threatening tennis elbow, taking a toll on his body. But how well did he cope with injuries and criticism alike. He has come back even stronger after that disastrous world cup campaign and since has hit the form of his life. But what does form have to do for such a player.

He owes much of what he achieved to his self-discipline, the inner calm he maintains, his determination to work his way through injuries and pain and above all his sense of purpose and his ability to stay grounded in the face of pouring admiration. He is a role model not just for cricketers and other sportspersons, but for everyone in any walk of life. One gets the feeling that he is highly focused on the ultimate jewel missing in his crown, the coveted world cup. If and when that happens (and the entire country hopes that India wins the world cup), even the World Cup will be privileged being in his hands.

Injured Laxman much worse…for the opposition

VVS Laxman has delivered one more knock-out punch to the Aussies. It is really surprising to know that he did all the damage today, nursing a back injury. Laxman’s last two fourth innings knocks (today’s and the 103 not out against Sri Lank a couple of months back) came with a runner. Both of them turned out to be match winning knocks. Even in the 3^rd test against Sri Lanka in 2008 (Ajanta Mendis Series), when India were fighting to save the test match, Laxman was batt(l)ing with an ankle injury, made 61 not out, but India lost that match and series 2-1. He averages 50+ in 2^nd innings compared to his career average of 47+. So, going by the record, India doesn’t mind an injured VVS, especially in a 4^th innings chase or 5^th day. In fact he could turn out to be a bigger tormentor to the opposition with an injury.

Laxman fielded throughout the 1^st innings of Australia. But when he had to bat, he was constrained by back spasms. When he came out to bat in the first innings he looked really stiff and lasted all of 3 balls. Knowing that he is not in his best physical condition, Ricky Ponting would have discounted his ability to an extent when India started their chase in the 4^th innings. Pressure invariably has brought the best out of him, once again. Commentators have used up all epithets trying to describe his heroics. His pull shots were audacious in the situation, his drives through the covers delectable, his flicks through mid-wicket were classy. But what makes him so indispensable in such crunch situations is his ability to build partnerships, be it with top order batsmen or tail-enders. And partnerships typically do win matches.

Even if Laxman were to retire today with nearly 7500 runs, his match-winning knocks would be the talking point, of many a folklore for a long time to come. But for his own sake we wish that he comes out of his injury soon; may be the opposition teams too, as he might then be little less dangerous.