An Evening with Sachin Tendulkar
An Evening with Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar was felicitated by the Mumbai Cricket Association at the Bandra Kurla Complex in the city on(January 9). The little master was felicitated for crossing a milestone of 12,000 runs in Test cricket.
The felicitation function which was held in Mumbai was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, ICC vice-president Sharad Pawar and the BCCI president elect Shashank Manohar.
An extensive ceremony was organised by the MCA which also conincided with the inauguration Indoor cricket Academy and a recreational club.
On accepting his felicitation, Tendulkar proceeded to take opportunity to speak about the general state of Cricket. In the course of his speech Tendulkar urged the BCCI to allow the youth, especially school children free entry for Test matches inorder to halt the falling interest in the five-day game.
"I have a suggestion for the BCCI. Whenever Test cricket is played, local school and college students should be allowed free entry on weekends so that 10 years down the line these children will become lovers of Test cricket. Children aged between 12-13 should be introduced to Test cricket and that will be the way to keep their interest alive 10 years down the line," Tendulkar said.
He added, "I remember when I was 10-year old, I went to the Wankhede stadium and watched the West Indies in action. I still remember Michael Holding's bowling in that match."
Can you tell us about your early memories in Test cricket?
I still remember the first Test match that I watched. It was the India-West Indies Test in the 1983-84 season in Mumbai. Michael Holding was fielding at third man and I was right behind him in the stands. I did not know he was such a great bowler then but it still was such a thrilling experience for me. Then I saw Vivian Richards. Those memories inspired me.
I still remember the first Test match that I watched. It was the India-West Indies Test in the 1983-84 season in Mumbai. Michael Holding was fielding at third man and I was right behind him in the stands. I did not know he was such a great bowler then but it still was such a thrilling experience for me. Then I saw Vivian Richards. Those memories inspired me.
What are your thoughts on the proposed all-night Tests? The cricketers will also have to make the switch mentally.
I really don’t know how this will play out. Will the white ball retain its colour all through? Or would they find some other colour for the ball? Then you have the dew factor at night... I have played all my Test cricket in whites. Difficult to imagine Test matches not being played in whites.
I really don’t know how this will play out. Will the white ball retain its colour all through? Or would they find some other colour for the ball? Then you have the dew factor at night... I have played all my Test cricket in whites. Difficult to imagine Test matches not being played in whites.
The switch-hit is an interesting innovation. What’s your take on this controversial stroke?
I don’t really know the leg-before call for the umpire once the batsman changes his stance. If his stance is that of a right-hander, I believe, the umpire should regard him as a right-hander irrespective of whether he changes his stance or not. (Then, he gets up, stands straight facing the imaginary umpire, holding the imaginary bat between his legs). What am I now? Am I a right-hander or a left-hander? The stance is extremely important and the umpire should ask the batsman the question at the start — “Are you a right-hander or a left-hander.”
I don’t really know the leg-before call for the umpire once the batsman changes his stance. If his stance is that of a right-hander, I believe, the umpire should regard him as a right-hander irrespective of whether he changes his stance or not. (Then, he gets up, stands straight facing the imaginary umpire, holding the imaginary bat between his legs). What am I now? Am I a right-hander or a left-hander? The stance is extremely important and the umpire should ask the batsman the question at the start — “Are you a right-hander or a left-hander.”
What are your impressions on India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni?
Dhoni has been a very balanced captain. He is calm and composed. A lot of credit for our success also goes to coach Gary Kirsten. He’s quietly efficient. The support staff has contributed immensely. Paddy Upton, Robin Singh and Venkatesh Prasad have played their parts. Dhananjay, our video analyst, has chipped in. Russell, who organises our travel, has been running around for us. So it’s not just about the players.
Dhoni has been a very balanced captain. He is calm and composed. A lot of credit for our success also goes to coach Gary Kirsten. He’s quietly efficient. The support staff has contributed immensely. Paddy Upton, Robin Singh and Venkatesh Prasad have played their parts. Dhananjay, our video analyst, has chipped in. Russell, who organises our travel, has been running around for us. So it’s not just about the players.
India has also been flexible with its tactics. The packed off-side field with the pacemen bowling outside the off-stump frustrated Australia…
We controlled the pace of the game. We were ahead in the series. They were 1-0 down in the series and I was pretty surprised that they did not do enough to counter our plans. In fact, they were a little passive and played into India’s hands.
There has been a shift in the balance of power in world cricket.
The Australians face a difficult period. India and South Africa have played some good cricket and are extremely competitive. The gap has narrowed and this is good for the game.
How much does the No. 1 spot mean to the Indian team?
We are looking at the process rather than any goal. It is like constructing a building. You build it brick by brick, slab by slab.
The present New Zealand side is not the strongest of teams. Yet, a tour of New Zealand has always been demanding?
It should be an interesting challenge. It could be freezing cold out there and the players might have to cope with icy winds.
The Australians face a difficult period. India and South Africa have played some good cricket and are extremely competitive. The gap has narrowed and this is good for the game.
How much does the No. 1 spot mean to the Indian team?
We are looking at the process rather than any goal. It is like constructing a building. You build it brick by brick, slab by slab.
The present New Zealand side is not the strongest of teams. Yet, a tour of New Zealand has always been demanding?
It should be an interesting challenge. It could be freezing cold out there and the players might have to cope with icy winds.
