10 reasons why the cricket world will miss Sachin Tendulkar

4. The Mastermind – plotting strategies

Perhaps inspired by the Don, Sachin suggested the promotion of promising young all-rounder Irfan Pathan up the order during the captaincy of Rahul Dravid and tenure of Greg Chappell as the Indian coach.

The move paid off almost immediately during the Sri Lanka series, with Pathan belting 83 in one game.

Sachin has always been an integral part of the team’s strategic processes, and has been observed having lengthy, animated chats with the captain on the field. In a recent interview, India skipper MS Dhoni has acknowledged that his inputs and differences of opinion with the master about overall strategy resulted in his elevation to the hot seat.

Along with plotting against rival teams, Tendulkar also masterminded the downfall of Shane Warne during Australia’s 1998 visit to India. He would regularly and repeatedly charge down the track to hammer the bowler for boundaries, almost at will.

He has also come up with several unorthodox shots – the paddle-sweep, scoop over fine leg, and the trademark upper-cut over third man, and these strokes have paid rich dividends. This, if not his presence, will be hard to forget for the fraternity at large.