Sachin Tendulkar - Facing the pressure of the millions

Sachin Tendulkar: Facing the music, yet again!

Pele, Maradona, Carl Lewis, Joe Frazier, Sir Viv Richards, Brian Lara,  Sir Don Bradman, Roger Federer and Sachin Tendulkar – what is the common factor among all these names? They are the most popular sports personalities who have ruled the arena of their respective games for a long time. Also, their popularity is spread globally.

All of them have got a huge fan following but there lies a big difference. No one has ever undergone the pressure Tendulkar is facing regarding the right time to say goodbye!

Tendulkar has always drawn the attention of the media throughout his glorious career. When he entered international cricket as a 16-year-old kid facing dangerous Pakistani bowlers, everybody was concerned as to how this innocent kid would survive and perform? The same level of curiosity exists today. He is the only one who has been able to sustain such a huge fan following across the globe for a period of 25 years.

His batting was always a joy to watch. But with the passage of time, this transformed into an addiction. Now we want to see him making records every time he appears at the crease. Gradually, apart from his aggressive batting, he started bowling as well. This proved another feather in his cap and his outstanding contribution while fielding proved to be an added advantage.

He has shown unparalleled commitment to the game. He has consistently delivered and even voluntarily relinquished his captaincy to concentrate on batting. Normally, anybody who has achieved such a stature would have dictated his terms on the field. But this humble cricketer has always kept a low profile and maintained a down to earth approach.

A few years back, a young fan of Sachin Tendulkar asked me why he has been termed as the ‘God of cricket’, as there are many excellent players in the world? I said that his simplicity and devotion to the game make him the god of cricket.

So many rewards and awards – the honor of becoming a member of the parliament, an iconic status, billions of crazy fans – nothing has made even a slight impact on his humble, submissive lifestyle. Now, only the highest civilian award awaits – the coveted Bharat Ratna. As someone had once opined, it would be like honouring the honour!

Tendulkar’s role has not been limited to his own batting. He has also contributed to the team as a mentor, supporting and guiding youngsters and captains whenever needed. When he has been a part of the team, it has acted as a great morale boost for youngsters.

Here, I intend to make a humble request to one and all, that keeping in view his services towards to the nation by Sachin Tendulkar, we should stop speculating. We should also stop bothering about the career of his son Arjun, as requested by the master himself. We should honour the desire of a genius.

Ahead of the upcoming CLT20 and West Indies Test series, we should try and ensure that Tendulkar has a free mind. As fans and media, we need to understand our responsibility and try not to indulge in any kind of speculation. The man has faced enough pressure for two and a half decades, and should be left alone now.

This cricket legend is going to thrill all of us again in a few days. Have you ever thought of the void that will remain there forever in absence of the supremo? There isn’t and there will never be another Sachin Tendulkar. On a personal note, this will be a big blow. We are simply lucky to be born in the era of the greatest ever cricketer.

Long live, the master!