A Salute to the Master

A very common saying is that we should not expect anything from anyone. It’s said to be one of the ways of not getting hurt or disappointed. But is it possible for anyone of us, and also for the one who said the above saying, to not to expect anything from anyone? We all in life want to fulfill the expectations of many people we know and, in the same manner we expect many things from other people. The main question is how many people’s expectations ride on our shoulders? 10? 20? And honestly, we have buckled many times because of the pressure of these expectations. Ever thought of the pressure on the person who has carried the burden of one billion expectations on his shoulders and met those expectations with dignity for 20 years?

In next few days you will read and listen a lot of things about this person: Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. When I started writing this blog, I thought what is there that I can write that has not already been written about this maestro? But I think my blog will miss out something if I miss this golden opportunity to write about Him.  You’ll find Bachchans, Khans, Gavaskars of the world praising this man. So may be, I can write about him from a common man’s perspective.

I belong to that generation of viewers whose interest grew in cricket as Sachin’s stature in the world cricket grew. I can say that I started watching cricket because of Sachin only.  And that is still my reason to watch cricket. I, as a kid, loved to watch a short-tiny guy sending the fiercest of the bowlers out of the grounds. I’ve grown watching this short-tiny 16-year old newcomer to a 36-year old mentor of the budding cricketers. Everything has changed in cricket but Sachin. Whether it was his demolition of NZ in world cup ’92 or his heroics on Nov 2009 against Australia.

My favorite scores in One-dayers is Ind: Anything for no loss and in test cricket it is Ind: Anything for 2 wickets. Because these scores are assurances that yes, he’s still there. There are many cricketers who will equal his records (as ponting is approaching in Tests) but one thing about him that is unmatchable is the dignity with which he has carried himself.

When our new generation cricketers go over the top after hitting one century, imagine how much effort this guy needs who has 87 centuries to his name. But he denies that he needs some extra effort. It’s his upbringing that helps him to remain humble. And that is what he has been a symbol of. He is an icon not because of his runs and centuries. He is an icon for hard work he has shown. He is an icon for the humbleness he has shown. He is a symbol of honesty. He is a symbol of middle-class aspiration. He has given courage to all the people who want to do something in life.

I remember when I used to stick to the TV even if India is 9 down but Sachin is there. And turn off the TV when Sachin’s out. No one can command this power over the audience. I wish that he gets the only feather that is missing from his crown- World Cup Victory. I know he’ll retire from cricket someday. But he will always be remembered for more than his runs and centuries. How I wish that he can continue playing cricket forever. I thank God that I have seen God of cricket playing. I salute the God. Of Cricket.