SO, it’s come to this, has it?

After a hundred international hundreds, a World Cup, and the odd duty-free Ferrari, are we really telling Sachin: “Thanks, but no thanks”?

What juxtaposition, to see a man praised for his humility for the last twenty years, finally being challenged over his perceived narcissism. You couldn’t make it up.

Depressingly, it is an all-too-familiar symptom of the international media machine that journalists are prepared to celebrate Sachin’s most epic of landmarks, and stick the knife in as soon as the celebratory fireworks have turned to dust.

Don’t believe the fatalistic hyperbole that has been permeating print and online media – not live on air, of course (not one commentator would dare take on Sachin on a live phone-in with Shastri).

I do not buy into the growing mob mentality surrounding Sachin Tendulkar, nor do I buy into the outright hero worship. But, there is no doubt that he has had a profoundly positive impact on the world of cricket, both in India and internationally. I have every sympathy for Tendulkar – in the eyes of the public, he has been elevated to become essentially spotless, a flawless and magnificent individual.

Therefore, it is only natural that in spite of his genius, he will have his cynical detractors: “He should have batted with more urgency”, “He batted selfishly”, “On finishing his 42nd Man of the Match press conference, Sachin didn’t carve unicorn carpaccio with an MRF bat, and hand-feed it to the foreign journalists – ungracious host that he is.”

The Indian public demands so much of Tendulkar, it’s a wonder that they haven’t called for his head after failing to solve the world food crisis, global warming, and bring peace to the Middle East.

Sachin Tendulkar: forever to be known as the man who didn’t solve The Suez Crisis?

Increasingly, criticism of Tendulkar has been taken to the next level by an inconsistent and pandering media, and fluffed up with out-of-context stats, making for pieces bordering on character assassination.

Tendulkar should retire when there are better players to replace him. Currently, only Virat Kohli has made the transition from promising youngster to consistent – and world-class – performer at international level. Rohit Sharma may be India’s most talented young batsman, but his temperament has let down his country as much as his talent raised its hopes. The likes of Cheteshwara Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane have paid their dues on the domestic circuit, and should take the spots of Dravid and VVS Laxman, whilst Tendulkar is still there in the middle order.

To muddy the waters, it is understood that Tendulkar has several concurrent multi-year sponsorship deals. We do not know the terms, but there is little doubt that the BCCI would like to milk this cash cow for as long as possible. If Tendulkar hits a severe patch of poor form, then this will be a perfect storm that will test the resolve of all involved. After all, after Dhoni, Tendulkar is the most marketable player in the world – not many can claim to have rebranded Coke.

Too often it is taken for granted that here we have a man who was thrust into the spotlight of a billion, aged just 15. He has outlasted his peers, and been a wonderful ambassador. For a modicum of appreciation, it is worth comparing Tendulkar to other cricketers. Shahid Afridi was thrown into the spotlight aged just 12 and a half, and now he’s on the verge of advertising genital whiteners for men. Excuse me – the discerning man. India could have had it so, so much worse.

sachin god einstein

Undoubtedly the most influential player of his generation, Sachin’s true legacy will only be revealed once he has retired, but one thing is for certain – we are more blessed to have Tendulkar than we appreciate.

 

 by the editor

Published with permission from Alternative Cricket...cricket for grown-ups.

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