Of idealisms, perfections and future: The cricketing road beyond Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar

A legacy of brilliance, a bequest of excellence and finesse and entitlements to all these, that still remain to be proven. Such has been the contribution of Sachin Tendulkar to cricket; a sport, which enjoys predominance in just a handful of commonwealth countries. To be a part of such a sport and elevate it to such heights that the world’s perception about the sport changes so thoroughly that it promptly recognises the player and the sport he stands for; that’s been the enriching factor of Sachin Tendulkar.

The entirety of the world may still not understand the significance of 34,000-odd runs, 100-odd centuries and 150-odd half-centuries and a 24-year old career span. The brevity of the scenarios in which most of these runs were constructed may still elude the world’s eyes especially considering that cricket’s rules and regulations are as confusing as ever to an unsuspecting layman. But where Sachin Tendulkar’s presence was influential in removing the shadow of obscurity that otherwise separated cricket from the rest of its sporting peers; his retirement then raises the issue about a player whose capabilities extend to not only outshining within the sport’s realms, but also continuing cricket’s chapter forward globally and internationally.

It’s quite a demanding task, for seldom has there been a player who has brought an entire sport to a halt with the announcement of his retirement. Sachin isn’t the first player to retire from active cricket playing nor will he be the last. But unlike many of his peers who hung up their boots after enjoying their share of illustriousness on the cricketing front, Sachin will be a rarity in the cricketing fraternity leaving the sport with his reputation unblemished and untarnished.

Amidst incidences of players provoking and needling opponents and opting for sly and underhanded tactics to turn the match their way; it’s remarkable indeed that Sachin’s career has been completely impervious to scandals. As far as Sachin is concerned, there are no grey-shaded areas that can be debated or argued upon. Cricketing rules may be dissected and ruminated upon, but there are no second-thoughts or ambiguities when it comes to players – past and present – discussing about Sachin and his unwavering sportsmanship. Sachin’s ability to stay true to the cricketing spirit and the gentlemanly fervour the sport seeks to inspire is as much a facet of greatness reflecting on his career, as his innumerable match-winning performances.

It’s quite fulfilling to have these inerasable qualities in a career that boasts of an uncanny perception to stay calm when under the line of fire, not just on-field; a confidence that looked too mature in the face of a 16-year old debutant but which only reinforced the self-assuredness of the same person as age swept by and an athlete’s determination to never let the nation down, against the might of any opponent.

Just as it was during Sachin’s playing heydays, with applauses and reverences coming in from all over, his retirement too brought forth a unanimous wave of despair from cricketing corners all across. For, it would be the first time; in about a quarter-of-a-century that cricket would have to be viewed without Sachin Tendulkar taking centre-stage. The time-span is monumental. It’s almost a lifetime for many and for the rest, an acknowledgement that the face of the sport is about to change completely.

These are then truly uncertain times for cricket even as the sport continues to undergo myriad changes. There is no dearth of new talent coming into the sport, as it did during Tendulkar’s prime. But inconsistencies in performances and undue boldness in conduct threaten to hamper the image of many a talent prodigies in the present times, as they did as in those days. The looming absence of Tendulkar thus brings a wave of uncertainty about the capability of players to do what Sachin did for so long, single-handedly.

To try and be along the lines of Tendulkar then, it’s more than just amassing centuries, half-centuries and a prolonged professional longevity. It’s about being selfless, putting the team and the country before the self-centred interests of the player. It’s not about being cocky and prideful of one’s achievements and successes but about having the right temperament to accept the pitfalls as a necessary due along with appreciation. In all these qualities, Sachin Tendulkar thus would remain a standalone, just like a certain past Australian cricketer with his near-perfect average. Players will then come and go, some even making up for Sachin’s place in the Indian team with their own distinguishing characteristics.

But when it comes to filling in the shoes of the perfect and idealistic cricketer, names will always fall short of being able to replicate Sachin’s perfection that enabled him to make a name for himself as a respected sportsman not just in cricket, but also a player worth knowing about from the perspective of the non-cricketing fans.