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.
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