Sachin Tendulkar retirement saga

For quite a long time, people have been saying Sachin Tendulkar to retire. What do they think about themselves? You see critics, sport fans and some people who are not even aware of the facts and just for fun, follow the trend on his retirement. They are obviously very distinguished themselves in the field of cricket and have eclipsed the master blaster to be qualified to say that, aren’t they?

Who are they to say? Have you seen love, dedication and commitment to the game, the way he puts not just India but cricket in front of him? Of course you will have. After the England series, he could have very well rested for a month or so like some other players for he will get selected no mater what. But he kept playing, first for Mumbai in the Ranji trophy and then in the Irani Cup.

Most of us were not even born when he started playing international cricket. Leave alone the countless records, the 23 years in the international circuit is enough to let him decide his own fate. You might say that he is now not the same Tendulkar, but did you see his magnificent 140 in the Irani cup or any of his knocks in the Ranji Trophy? Those trademark cover drives, those gorgeous cuts are enough to prove his form.

People say he is selfish. Then why did he retire from International ODI cricket? He was one century away from fifty 100’s. He was on the brink of a new record. 4 half centuries more and hundred 50’s – on the cusp of another record.

Over the years, the name Sachin has become synonymous to cricket. I grew hearing these two words. Our love for him is omnipresent. Any ground, anywhere in the world, people follow him. Whenever he bats, every run scored by him is cheered. A four or a six makes the crowd go ballistic and if another record is broken, there is a deafening noise. Many come to see just him playing. Forget batting, even when he is fielding, more than the bowler, he is cheered. We are nervous for him always. Our heart skips a beat on an appeal for his wicket. Every other ball we fear for him. We want India to win and Sachin to score a century in it. Many a times, he grows more important than India for us. He has become a role model for every second kid. He has become a deity, a God.

Let the man decide for himself. Who are we to comment? His retirement is up to him. Would you like anyone to tell you what to do? So why are you telling him?