It is said: "If cricket is a religion in India, then Sachin is the God." The prodigy from Mumbai has been a phenomenon for Indian cricket. At this point in his career (spanning nearly 18 years), amid mounting pressure calling for his retirement, he stands in a league of his own.

Each time he goes for an overseas tour, speculation crops up that it’s going to be his last series in that region. The records speak volumes, along with his individual contribution to Indian cricket’s success. It would take me several days and a whole manuscript to pen his achievements.

The game of cricket really got into me when I saw him playing for the first time back in early 90s. During those days there were many batsmen who were at their best and playing outstanding cricket. But it was Sachin’s elegance and technique, while playing any shot, that caught my attention and admiration. It’s flawless.

'Amid all the controversies that have gripped Indian cricket, Sachin is one of the few established cricketers who remain unscathed by any charge'


Later on, his style became a benchmark for me to evaluate other batsmen. But still today I couldn’t find any one near to him. Sir Donald Bradman had to admit that Sachin’s style was reminiscent of his technique. Sachin's role in Team India’s success has been massive. It is this conviction that he has weaved in the heart of Indians that has induced so many expectations on him, each time he goes out to bat. For nearly a decade it was his form that was decisive in the outcome of a match.

But when injuries occur, performance can be adversely affected. Being a mere mortal, he collected injuries and  the heavy bat that he uses takes its toll. But Tendulkar has always proved his critics wrong with splendid performances after recuperating from injuries. It is unjust on the fans to anticipate big knocks from him every time. Cricket is a mysterious game. It takes one ball to dismiss a batsman.

In his career, Sachin has fallen prey to countless bad decisions by umpires. People who suggest that whenever he scores big, India are on the losing end, overlook the fact that one single performance can’t decide a match. It’s the cumulative effort of the team that seals the outcome. True, there are some scintillating performances that can turn a match single-handedly. But things never go as planned and there are always discrepancies.

Amid all the controversies that have gripped Indian cricket, Sachin is one of the few established cricketers to  remain unscathed by any charges. All the former legends have the highest regards for him, and for youngsters he is the one to look up to. To be in the limelight for nearly two decades and performing consistently needs excellence and loyalty. Sachin has proved why he is still reckoned as the best in business.

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