"All kneel down and praise whatever god you fancy for the mighty Sachin Tendulkar. This could just be turning into the greatest year of his international career, more than 20 years after it began,"
At its simplest level, sport is about possibilities. We fans dream up spectrums of possibilities. We align ourselves based on these spectrums, pledge our allegiances and set ourselves up for emotional and sometimes even physical reactions based on how things actually turn out. Most times our dreamt up possibilities are restricted by our citizenship - in itself a simple piece of paper, if you think about it.
It is perhaps then all for the good that there still exist a few in the realm of sport who make you forget about these restrictions and think only about the sporting possibilities. It takes no special skill to surmise that I am talking about Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar and the possibilities that only he brings to the sport that he adores and so beautifies and typifies - cricket.
The magnitude of emotions, enjoyment and realization he has been able to convey and amplify to millions and maybe even billions of people over the years across borders of nationhood, religion, economic means, caste, creed and colour ensures that it is so. It is not difficult to describe the drives, the cuts, the pulls and the cutest of nudges that he essayed today on his way to the first double-century in one-day internationals. But it would merely be superfluous
Sachin Tendulkar scored One-Day International's first double century to set up a 153-run win and a series victory for India over South Africa on Feb 24. Tendulkar, smashed 200 not out off 147 balls to help India post 401-3 and take a winning 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Tendulkar struck 25 fours and three sixes in a spectacular innings that combined power, timing and enthusiasm with stunning stroke play.
The way he celebrated when he reached his 200 epitomised the man's persona. There was no running laps around the field, no aggressive gestures, nothing over-the-top. He did what he always does, raised both his arms, closed his eyes for a moment and quietly acknowledged that it had been done.
Whatever record is seen to be impossible to achieve, he makes it possible. It seems as he's getting older, he is becoming more and more mature. No wonder Sir Donald Bradman saw himself in the way Sachin bats. It shows his mental and physical toughness. He's a player who does not throw away his wicket once he's set. He always places a huge price on his wicket.
Little Master is not only one of the greatest players ever; he is also the senior most player at present. In his international career of 20 odd years he has played 166 Test matches and 442 ODIs. In a country where cricket is considered a religion, a star player is always under immense pressure, which can break a player physically or mentally but Tendulkar has not only silenced his critics with his bat but also promises to continue his illustrious career.
