A legend in the making: Sachin Tendulkar in a file photo shot 20 years ago.
Many voices, countless recounts, endless walks down the memory lane...Sachin Tendulkar is not only a peerless cricketer, but also a human being par excellence. Savour these ‘experiences’ and discover the man anew...
Karun Chandhok, GP2 racer
Sachin is one of my sporting heroes and meeting him at the F1 pit was a real pleasure. Though it was for a very short while, I was quite surprised to see how enthusiastic and knowledgeable he was about F1. He is extremely humble and for someone of his stature to be so down to earth is unbelievable.
Narain Karthikeyan, F1, A1 GP racer
I have known Sachin since 2004. He likes motorsports and fast cars. So it was instant friendship between us. I have learnt a lot from him. The amazing thing is, even after so many years, the fire inside in him is still there. I have always taken his advice as far as a sporting career is concerned.
Amay Khurasiya, Former India cricketer
Sachin had returned to join the team in England during World Cup after his father’s death. Not being a front-line player, I was not getting to bat at the nets and he could feel my urge to get a knock before the match against Kenya. He just had a personal tragedy but still offered to bowl at me. I can never forget that gesture.
Abhinav Chaturvedi, Media personality
I met Sachin a couple of times earlier and wanted him to sign a photograph for my son. All he needed to do was oblige me with an autograph but he went out of his way to enquire about my son’s interests and whether he played cricket. Such gestures tell you a lot about the humility of the man and his kindness in general.
Geet Sethi, Billiards champion
I met him about five years ago when I was called for a chat with the Indian cricket team. We exchanged a lot of ideas and I was struck by his calmness which I think is his greatest asset. We are all humans and prone to distractions. But Sachin can blank those distractions. I think that is the secret of his longevity.
Arvind Bhat, World No.23 shuttler
I had an ankle problem and tried many physiotherapists but couldn’t find a cure. I heard he had had a similar problem and managed to speak to him on the phone. He told me to visualise the healing process, and I found it really helped. He told me he uses visualisation to cure many of his injuries.
Wasim Jaffer, Mumbai captain
It was only my second season in the Mumbai Ranji team (1997) and Sachin had come over to practice with us. He was batting and Sulakshan Kulkarni was ’keeping. Coach Balwinder Singh Sandhu was bowling. He was careful to hide the ball in his palms. Nevertheless, Sachin told Sulakshan that it’ll be an outswinger. Spot on. Before Sandhu sir bowled the next delivery, Sachin mumbled ‘inswinger’ and Sulakshan was left stunned again.
Kiran More, Former chief selector
Sachin has given us quite a few shocks with his sleepwalking. Once in Sialkot he walked on a terrace that had no boundary, creating panic. He also used to appeal in his sleep. I remember one instance when he twisted his gold-titanium bracelet out of shape in his sleep. Naturally, he had no memory of the incident in the morning. I still can not forget the formidable 148* in Australia in 1992.Sachin is most definitely the unassailable King of the game.
Abhishek Nayar, Mumbai cricketer
Sachin has always been a positive influence on every young cricketer and it has always been an amazing experience sharing the dressing room with him. Ever since I started playing cricket, I had always dreamt of playing with him. There was a flaw in my technique and he asked me to make some changes. Since then I am batting successfully. I will remain grateful to him.
Pankaj Advani, World billiards and snooker champ
When I was a kid I got to know that the Indian team is coming to Bangalore. I rushed to the airport and asked Sachin to give me an autograph to which he immediately obliged. For me it is one my prized possessions. If there is anyone who deserves to be called a legendary sportsman it has to be only Sachin. Not many in this generation are like him. It is a reflection of his undying passion and commitment for the game and the country.
Amol Muzumdar, Friend and cricketer
We have been childhood friends and I always knew that he would make it big...Maybe not so big! There are many instances and memories involving him as you may imagine. The one I remember right now is when we won the Ranji Trophy for Mumbai in 1999-2000. Just after the match, we partied till 3am. That must be the first time that Sachin visited a discotheque.
Manoj Tiwary, Bengal cricketer
Around two years back when I was just starting my international career in Bangladesh, I had a bad injury. Paaji was to fly to Bangladesh via Kolkata. He called me up and inquired about my injury and the treatment. I told him that I was to see the physician appointed by the board. He referred me to Andrew Wallace in London. He also arranged for me to fly to London and get the treatment done. I shall forever remain grateful to him for his concern and guidance.
Deep Dasgupta, Bengal cricketer
It was in Trinidad when SS Das, Sachin and I went for a lunch-and-shopping. Sitting in the front seat of a cab, Sachin struck a conversation with the cabbie who couldn’t recognise him. He asked him whether he likes cricket and who is his favourite cricketer. The cabbie said ‘Sachin Tendulkar.’ It was really funny.
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