Sachin Tendulkar's contributions to Indian Cricket apart from his batting

Regulating the Team Temperament in the ICC World Cup 2011

The 2011 World Cup was an epoch-making event, as it was being held in the subcontinent after a span of 15 years, and was supposed to be the last World Cup of Sachin Tendulkar. The players, the fraternity as well as the cricket fanatics were emotionally charged.

Sachin had earned a demigod status by then, and had more than double the experience of other players. Having played five editions of the multilateral tournament without success, it was no hiding that the Master was resolved to lay his hands on cricket's most coveted silverware.

Though the talismanic batsman ended as India's highest run-getter, his contribution to the Indian triumph was much more than that. As the most experienced player in the side, he ushered a sense of security and stability as well as shared nuggets of wisdom with the team.

His guidance turned out to be most fruitful on three occasions - in the games against South Africa, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The group stage match against South Africa saw a dismal collapse to the Indian innings from the driver's seat, as they lost 8 wickets for a paltry 29 runs, and were bowled out inside 50 overs. It was then that Sachin reprimanded the side and asked the middle order to step up with more responsibility. This chiding worked wonders, as the middle order anchored the victories in the remaining matches.

India v Pakistan - 2011 ICC World Cup Semi-Final

In the Semi-Final clash versus arch-rivals Pakistan, the players had been frustrated due to the late arrival of lunch, as it reached the venue at the time of toss. Once again, Sachin steered the focus of his teammates to eye a historic spot in the final, motivating the players to satisfy their hunger on the ground. What followed was an inspired team performance, as India beat Pakistan to advance into the finals.

There was a controversy resulting in a repeat of toss

The summit clash between India and Sri Lanka was spectacled with the toss controversy, as Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara made an inaudible call, forcing the toss to take place again; a rare and astonishing event considering the enormity of the occasion.

The Indians were livid at this act, citing compromise of sportsmanship. It was Tendulkar who once again calmed the dressing room nerves and ushered a sense of tranquillity.