Playing It My Way: Best anecdotes from Sachin Tendulkar's book launch

#5 Ajit Tendulkar

Sachin’s elder brother, Ajit, has been his closest ally and his biggest confidante, and the duo dissected cricket all the time in their talks.

“Over the years we discussed more and more. There were more things to talk about” – Sachin.

“Even after my last innings, we talked about how I got out. Over my career, we discussed more and more. Playing at international level, you have a lot of pressure. For that I needed strong support. That was Ajit.” – Sachin.

It was Ajit, who first spotted Sachin’s talent.

“Before taking him to the coach I had seeen him playing in the society. I was convinced and took him to the coach. At that age I was very impressed. Bowler always [asked] questions and Sachin always had the answers. I used to watch him from the balcony and I could see him in pressure [situations].” – Ajit.

Ajit also recalled how he would not allow Sachin to eat duck, because he had heard that some cricketers ate that and got out on duck.

When Sachin faced trouble, getting out playing the cover drive, Ajit was there to advise.

“The way he was getting out, there was a different manner. I thought it was playing on his mind. The quicker the runs the better. He would first think of scoring and not defending. I suggested to him to stay long.” – Ajit.

“So many things Ajit has done for me, I only realised after I retired. Earlier, he would travel with me and would be in touch with me. We have lived this dream together. Whenever I went to bat, I knew he was there with me mentally. Whatever I say and how much I described, it is not enough.” – Sachin.