TEN–ACIOUS TEN–DULKAR ...A PERFECT TEN
Sham Samaroo
04/07/01
Last weekend, Sachin Tendulkar achieved another milestone during the third one dayer between Australia and India at Indore. When Tendulkar scored his 34th run, he found himself in unchartered waters as the only batsman in limited overs cricket to complete 10, 000 runs. And, as befitting the occasion, he sailed on majestically to register his 28th century – another ODI record – and, in the process, knocked the Aussies out of the match. In 266 games Tendulkar has scored 28 centuries and fifty 50’s to amass a total of 10,105 runs at an average of 42 odd. This is even more astounding if we consider the fact that he did not score his first century until his 79th game. Since then he has a ratio of about one score over 50 every three games.
Still, there are those who contend that these numbers simply indicate a tremendous appetite for runs. But, to take that view is merely to say that the Moonlight Sonata is so much paper and ink. Tendulkar always, I believe, has a plan when he walks to the crease. He never plays an innings without design. Much in the same way that a painter regards his canvas, before he begins to paint. Each innings is a work of art, and he avails himself of resources, which, it seems, he alone possesses. With his unlimited repertoire of strokes, Tendulkar paints a picture of complete domination from the very first delivery he faces. In this regard, he is very much like Sir Vivian Richards. But, not even Sir Vivian – the greatest batsman for the last 20 years – is quite in this class. Tendulkar has elevated the art of batting to an unprecedented level of perfection. His style is a unique blend of effortless grace, impeccable timing, flawless technique and raw power. Tendulkar at bat is the very essence of beauty and elegance. His ability to punish even good deliveries separates him from the rest. Yet, despite his individual brilliance, Tendulkar has a greater purpose in mind – his team. According to Barry Richards, few batsmen have the ability to turn a match on its head like Sachin does. Of his 28 tons, 21 have resulted in Indian victories. That’s a success rate of 75 percent, and it confirms how much of a team man Tendulkar is. “I’m happiest when I can make runs and help the Indian team win matches”, he once remarked.
Above all else, like the late Sir Donald to whom he has been compared, Tendulkar loves the challenge of having to live up to high expectations. Six of his hundreds were made against Australia, and his duel with McGrath (the greatest fast bowler of our time) has taken on historic proportions. Prior to the start of this series McGrath took the liberty of proudly boasting that he intended to dismiss the “Little Master” all six times. In the past, this ploy has worked wonders for McGrath against some of the leading batsmen in the world. The question is – will it work against Tendulkar? The last time they met in this form of the game was in the ICC Knockout in Kenya in 2000. Then, Sachin completely dominated McGrath and set the stage for India to knock the World Champions out of the competition in the very first round. One picture, forever etched in the minds of cricket lovers, is that of McGrath shaking his head in utter disbelief after Tendulkar, charging down the pitch, rocket launched him straight back over his head and into the sight screen for a thunderous sixer. Tendulkar understands that the key to India’s success is for him to tame McGrath. Like a wayward schoolboy who must be scolded for his errant ways, McGrath has been singled out by Tendulkar for some very special treatment. McGrath, you see, has disrespected Sir Sachin, and it seems that “His Majesty”, by ‘Royal Decree’, has ordained that McGrath must be punished severely for his transgressions.
In this series, Tendulkar has taken a different approach – even more domineering and explosive than he usually is – and McGrath admits that ‘the "Little Genius" has got the better of him.’ At Bangalore he smashed a 26-ball 35, scorching McGrath for three fours and a six in one over. At Pune it was a 29-ball 32. Again McGrath was singled out as he hoisted him from on or about off stump over backward square for six, then, later in the over, transferring the weight to the back foot, he drove him imperiously through extra cover for four. In the third game, with the series tied 1-1, Tendulkar was simply unstoppable as he carved a 125-ball 139 at Indore. He was in full cry as he pulled, hooked and cut McGrath all over the place to register his 28th ton. In the fourth game, chasing an improbable target of 338, he took the fight to the Aussies. Once again McGrath found himself on the receiving end and fell to pieces. He argued with the Umpire and even went down the pitch to have a few words with Tendulkar, who responded with “Bradmanlike” distinction rattling up eleven 4’s in his 38-ball 62. In 37 overs so far, McGrath has conceded 223 runs, that’s over 6 runs an over from the number one bowler in the world! He managed just 9 wickets – 4 of which were tailenders. The Little Genius has made his point, don’t you think?
Throughout the series, the observation is that this is a different Tendulkar. The hand speed and eye coordination are reminiscent of the Great Sir Donald. In fact, the feeling is that whatever secret the Legendary Sir Donald shared with him when they met in 1998 has finally dawned on him. This past weekend my cousin made the point to me that this new approach started the very day after Sir Donald passed away. Something for enquiring minds to think about, isn’t it?
It is a measure of his integrity and character that, even though he has walked with kings, Tendulkar still maintains the common touch. He is the “gentleman” of cricket and the consummate professional. In a time of much controversy between players and officials, he never questions an umpire’s decision. There might be a look of disappointment on his face but that’s as far as it goes. To the media, and the public at large, he is polite to a fault. As one writer puts it: “He is one cricketer whose integrity has never ever been questioned. One look at the intensity with which he approaches the game makes it plain that no bookie would ever have the guts to approach him.”
It is said that the true measure of a man is how he relates to children. Tendulkar’s warmth and gentility is most felt in the company of children. He always has a few words about school or something to make them feel special. Our world (and the game of cricket, I might add) needs more Tendulkars. Long may he live, and continue to delight us with the secret that was gifted to him by the Great One.