My best is yet to come: Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar is “happy but not satisfied” with his current form.

In spite of playing some of his finest knocks in both forms of the game in the past two years, Tendulkar is “looking to improve” and “will always be a student of the game.”

In the Capital on Friday to fulfil his endorsement commitments, Tendulkar shared his thoughts during the launch of Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet's launch of six high-end timepieces in the country.

The ICC Cricketer-of-the-Year 2010, Tendulkar said, “I never played for awards. As a child, I always dreamt of playing cricket. I wanted to play for the country. Each individual contribution adds to the team effort. And when such efforts get acknowledged, it feels good.”

No wish-list

The man with 95 centuries and more than 31,000 runs in international cricket was categorical in stating that he had no wish-list at any point of his career.

“Landmarks were never on my mind when I set out to play for the country. You want to keep doing well and keep improving. Every achievement was like a station in my long journey. Looking back, I don't want to think of my best time. I believe, my best is yet to come,” said the 37-year-old.

Asked about India's recent 2-0 triumph over Australia in the Test series, Tendulkar said: “It was fantastic. It feels great especially when the win comes against Australia. During the first Test (at Mohali), Laxman had acute back pain. He had trouble even while jogging. But he played one of his best knocks. In partnership with Ishant Sharma, Laxman kept us alive in the match and later helped us win.

“At Bangalore (in the second Test), when Australia scored around 475 in the first innings, no one thought India could win that Test.

“It was an important win for us and helped us stay at the No. 1 spot (in Test rankings).”

Refusing to look too far ahead, Tendulkar said his focus at present was on the upcoming home series against New Zealand. “This series is extremely important. We don't want to be complacent (against the Kiwis).”

The series may well see Tendulkar reach his 50th Test century.