Sachin Tendulkar Breaks More Boundaries
The world’s best batsman, fresh from making his 47th Test century last week in his 166th Test, flayed South Africa’s bowlers in the 2nd ODI at Gwalior. It was his 45th ODI Century in a remarkable career (442 ODI matches plus 166 Tests), and the first time any player has scored a double century in ODI Cricket. His beat highest previous ODI score of 186 not out, and went past the highest previous score of 194 made by a batsman in ODI Cricket (held jointly by Charles Coventry of Zimbabwe and Saeed Anwar of Pakistan).
Tendulkar’s use of the crease, both width and depth was a joy to behold. When he sits back, deep in his crease and manages to hit some of the world’s best bowlers like Dale Steyn over mid wicket for six off attempted Yorkers, I marvel at his innovation and execution of stroke. He used the bat like a surgeon’s knife, with clinical precision bisecting the fielders at will. MS Dhoni’s brutal 60 from 32 left Sachin with four balls in the last over to move from 199 not out to 200 (147 balls)and he did so with three balls to spare. Dhoni then smashed another two boundaries to make it a 100 partnership off 54 balls and bring up a total of 401. The previous highest team score on this ground was 289. Dhoni finished with 68 from 35 balls.
I never tire of watching ‘The Little Master’ bat. He has such style and grace in his play. His body balance is superb and the commitment to the timeless principles of batting such as presenting a full face of the bat to the bowler continues to underpin his remarkable consistency.
What is similarly pleasing, is the quality of the man. Sachin is one of the humblest men I have had the privilege of spending time with. To see him around the team as ‘one of the guys’, or in London doing some shopping in the anonymity of the West End, or engaged with his family such as throwing balls to his young son at Lord’s, is to see a man happy in his skin and just like any other proud father encouraging his son’s favoured leisure pursuits.
Sachin is a wonderful example of a sportsman pursuing mastery of his art. The fame, glamour and riches are his, but play little (if any) part in his motivation to play cricket to the best of his ability. He maintains an insatiable appetite for batting and making runs. His love for the game is deep. My sense is that this is the underlying foundation which supports his exceptional natural talent. Without a deep love for a subject, it is difficult to maintain a commitment to concentrated activity over a long period of time.
With many sportspeople, once they achieve the recognition and wealth they desired from reaching the top, they find it hard to retain the same enthusiasm for the commitment to ‘the small things’ which require attention on a daily basis. Over time, a regression develops and it is very difficult to return to the top on a consistent basis. As the saying goes, to stay at number one, you have to train like a number two’ – which is often too dificult a challenge for people once they experience the distractions and the trappings of success which often go with ‘world-class’ status.
My admiration is unending for all high achievers in life. Their capacity to make sacrifices coupled with the ability to overcome disappointments and setbacks sets them apart from their rivals. Sport’s rich history highlights those who had the courage to break boundaries.
The modern Champions of Sport are similarly exceptional and maybe better? I say this because of the nature of intrusion and public expectation has grown because of the media and communications industry has provided outlets for hype and intense scrutiny like never before. Hats off to Roger Federer, Tiger Woods, Michael Schumacher, and Sachin for being able to produce improved performances over time.
Achievement over time attains greater respect from fellow professionals than one-off performances (however memorable), or exceptional seasons. Longevity as a Champion requires a special ability to deal with a variety of distractions. Whether they be form, fitness, health, personal relationships and also, a desire in others to knock them off their perch, the top performers maintain a focus and a commitment to mastery which sets them apart.
Sachin in Numbers*:
166 : Test Matches
13,447 : Test Runs
47 : Test Centuries
55.56 : Test Average
442 : ODI Matches
17,598 ODI Runs
45 : ODI Centuries
45.12 : ODI Average
240 : 6’s
609: Total International Matches
31,055 : Total International Runs (2nd Ponting with 24,991)
93 : Total International Centuries (2nd Ponting with 68)
* As of 24.02.10.
