What more can a Man do?

In March 1999, I witnessed one of the best fourth innings knocks ever played - and it was by Sachin Tendulkar, against arch-rivals Pakistan. Yes, I refer to the painstaking 136 that Sachin played on a terrible track against a brilliant bowling attack. Having to chase a tricky target of 271, India found themselves in a hole and in a precarious situation midway through the fifth day. In came Tendulkar to the rescue and he almost single-handedly took India to the verge of what would have been a fantastic win, but not to be. The moment he succumbed to the guile of Saqlain, the late order crumbled like nine pins and handed over the match to Pakistan, gift-wrapped. The ill-fated across the line swipe from Nayan Mongia that initiated the collapse still hurts.



Fast track to 2009, the present - At the age of 36 when many consider shifting their focus towards family and business, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar is still going strong, as hungry as ever. Chasing a massive 351 to win and while the Aussies kept chipping on the wickets, Tendulkar played an extra-ordinary ODI innings of 175 (out of the team's 347) and once again took India close to an improbable win - Not to be, again. He got out playing one of those cheeky paddles (Certainly, am not complaining, It's his shot, just that it didn't work this time) - obviously he can't keep hitting them right - And the rest faltered and India finished second best. Not for the first time, Sachin Tendulkar was left crestfallen, heartbroken, deflated, devastated, whatever you add to this, you will never be able to completely explain how sick he would have felt, after this defeat.

Back in '99, I ended up dropping tears on realising India has actually lost and Tendulkar's laborious efforts have all gone in vain. Today, after 10 years, I have grown and matured and thereby, didn't cry, but the feeling of dejection and pain is equivalent, if not more. So will be the case for millions of fans and viewers across the country and the world over, but but but...Spare a thought for this tireless little champion, who continues to keep everyone bewildered and ask - How long can he go on with such remarkable passion, How hungry for success can someone ever be, How much pressure can someone live with, Is there anything this person can improve on technically - and finally, How much more can an individual do, score and aspire?

All these questions do not have definitive answers, but the simplest complement that Team India can offer him is a World Cup triumph. Having achieved absolutely everything under the sun, a WC win is the only missing element in Tendulkar's CV. He has done all that is expected of him and much more - now it is repayment time. Go Dhoni and company, Gift the Master the perfect farewell gift, by winning the coveted trophy in 2011. And as I type the word Farewell, I feel a blade scything through my heart, because I firmly believe that "When Sachin retires, Cricket won't be Cricket".

I am extremely proud to have been a Sachin fanatic for the 15th year running - Long live the Maestro, Long live his deeds to Indian Cricket and Short live his critics, if ever they exist after today's innings.

I could have easily made the title as "What more can a Human Do?" but I didn't - the reason is, I have no doubts in my mind that he is Super-Human - There has never been someone like him, there will never be one.


And before I wind up, Congratulations Sachin for reaching 17,000 ODI runs, wish you end with 19,000 and thereabouts...and hang up your ODI boots and continue playing Test Cricket for a few more years - Its not me alone who is greedy, I have millions with me asking you to continue playing as long as the body could withstand. I would dread to see the sight of Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar walking into bat for one last time. Dear Oh Dear, let that day be far far away, I simply can't imagine...