Indian cricket – A few faces that said goodbye in 2013!

Sachin Tendulkar

Well, if anyone asks me as to which is the best video of 2013 relating to cricket, the obvious reply will be the heart touching farewell speech of the legend Sachin Tendulkar. Every now and then, a sports channel runs that clip containing that historic heartfelt expressions – and most of us don’t dare to change the channel after that! We are missing Sachin day in and day out, and his absence was especially felt when we were struggling against South Africa during the recent tour. He is truly a role model for the youth of this country.

Another humble and truly gentleman cricketer said goodbye. One who was the heart throb of millions – Rahul Dravid. Millions of his fans appreciate his courageous stand taken against the wrong doing in the game of cricket. Now we are realizing as to what a trustworthy and dependable wall he was – always there to protect team India. He will always remain a guiding force and will be an example of commitment, contentment, and patience for the next generation of cricketers.

Ajit Agarkar is another cool and composed bowler who has contributed a lot during his journey with Team India. He also left the game in 2013. A friend of mine and a hard core fan of Agarkar always describes him as a cricketer who would have done wonder had he built some muscles. I adore his fearless manner of stroke play as well. I remember that he had won a couple of matches for India in Sharjah with the bat.

The game has truly become weaker after these retirements. The immense contributions they made will never be forgotten. Sachin and Dravid will always remain at the top in the record books as well. Its amazing that the first and fourth highest scorers in the history of test cricket have retired together. When it comes to centuries, both amassed plenty of them.

The most interesting stat is that two of these three have scored a hundred at Lord’s. You might think its Sachin and Dravid – but the answer is Agarkar and Dravid! Yes indeed, remarkably, Sachin never got a century at the home of cricket, and yet Agarkar managed one, albeit in defeat.

These three cricketers have done a lot for Indian cricket. While Sachin and Dravid fulfilled their true potential, Agarkar just fell short – quite like his deliveries used to be short! Best wishes to these wonderful players!