The headline is borrowed from a famous Amul hoarding in the mid 90s. While some of Amul’s communication is cynical and most of it exaggerated, this line was indeed spot on. It succinctly captured the sorry state of Indian cricket throughout the 90s. It was a time when most (if not all) cricket fans simply turned off their TVs the moment Sachin lost his wicket. I can personally recount many instances of community viewing when the Tandoori chicken was left to turn cold and the beer warm… His dismissal symbolised a sharp free fall of hope and viewer interest!
Tendulkar has finally decided (or has been coaxed as some may argue) to hang up his boots. Publications and websites are replete with articles saluting the genius. Every self-confessed fan will be brandishing records ranging from 100 centuries (which he painstakingly accumulated) to the first ever ODI double hundred (though the record belongs to the Australian woman cricketer Belinda Clark – unfortunately, we don’t seem to think much about women’s cricket).
It might be a super idea to take Sachin to the nearest lab to decode his genius dna. But since that could risk a “copyright” battle with the mighty BCCI – I have resorted to the next best option… Here is my list of 5 “filtered” stats that possibly highlight the mammoth proportions of brilliance that flows through his veins.
Bigger the Better: Sachin played a lot of cricket and is bound to be among the runs, but he saved his best for the biggest challenge. No one comes close to his record in the World Cup – most runs, most half centuries, most centuries and the maximum number of man of the match awards. In fact, even in his last World Cup when he was well past his prime, he was the highest run scorer for India. It was only fitting he got his hands on the coveted trophy.
The Toughest Test: The 4th innings of test match is the ultimate test of batting – The dynamics can furiously oscillate between chasing down a challenging total to sticking it out for a respectable draw. Sachin has the highest 4th innings tally in test cricket. Dravid might seem the more obvious choice for this record – well, he can stay content with second place (Probably, true for all records!)
Master Adapter: Imagine the supremely talented Geoff Boycott playing T20 or the destructive Jayasuriya labouring in a test match. Sachin is one of the few gifted cricketers who left a mark in all forms of the game - From test matches to the slam bam T20 variety. I remember my chance meeting with the Little Master just before the inaugural IPL. He was injured and slated to miss the first half of the tournament. I asked him (foolishly, might I add) if he would be uncomfortable with the further shortened format. His simple and to the point reply – “It is still a version of cricket and will allow me to bat more freely”. And freely he did bat. The third edition of the tournament witnessed Sachin emerge as the highest run scorer.
All In: The second test match vs Australia in Eden Gardens (March 2001) witnessed India winning after being forced to follow on. In fact India’s victory put a halt to Australia’s record 15 match winning streak. Everyone remembers the epic 376-run partnership between Dravid and Laxman. A few might even remember Bhajji’s 13 wicket haul. Sachin turned in a non-descript performance… merely scoring 10 runs in each of the innings. However he is not someone who can let an off day pass without a meaningful contribution. In the second innings, he scalped 3 wickets including that of the highest scorer Hayden and the very dangerous Gilchrist… On the field – he was always “all in”.
Opening the Floodgates: When there is so much talk of cricket, commerce cant be far behind. While a particular noodle strap clad anchor claims to be the reason for broad-basing the viewership of the sport… I would like to stick my neck out and insist it was the Sachin Effect. From grannies to unborn babies – Sachin brought in viewers by the hordes. However, Tendulkar’s multi-million dollar endorsement deal with World Tel in 2001 is what opened the ‘commercial’ floodgates for cricket. Cricket finally turned into a profitable profession! Suddenly, middle class parents from small towns were willing to let their kids become cricketers. Cricket was no longer restricted to the urban metros.
Soon enough, a few highlights from Tendulkar's career may be overshadowed by an emerging star. But one cricketer surpassing all the records…highly unlikely! But, there are still a few records that have eluded him - A triple hundred in test matches, and a century at Lords (something even the ‘wee-bit less talented’ Ajit Agarkar has managed). While he still has a remote shot at the former, even BCCI’s reputation as a ‘class bully’ cant make his Lord’s dream come true.
Indian cricket has come a long way in the last 2 decades. From being solely dependent on Tendulkar, to chasing down a score of 350+ against Australia (twice!) without him. Dhoni has replaced him as the face of Pepsi, Rohit Sharma is the new ODI double centurion in town and Kohli might stake claim to a lot of his batting records… But for a true Sachin fan (me, included) – it will always, always, be “Sachin Sachin...”
Sorbo is a self confessed Sachin fan. From Lahore and Lords, to most of the Indian cities in between, he has travelled great distances to watch his idol play. He is frantically in search for a ticket to watch Sachin’s last test in Mumbai. True to the little master’s immortal words – he will surely find a way to “Go…Get It!”
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