An Open Letter to Sachin Tendulkar

Dear Sachin,

Just now I heard the news. The news regarding your decision to contemplate retirement and your decision to assess your performance after every tournament.

I had quite mixed reactions after hearing the news. Considering your longevity and how many years you have played, it really seemed that you would keep on playing for ever, yet, it was always hard to accept that even you are a human being and like others, you too age. Recently, I could not bear you being criticised by others and called for your retirement after a bad series against New Zealand. Yes, you did have a bad series, but you had played after a long time so it is impossible to just come out and score centuries. Even for a player like you, it is a daunting task.

For me, from the age of 4 or 5, I started watching cricket and in turn, started watching you play. I used to try to imitate your flicks through the leg side, your trademark shots. It used to be a delight to watch, the way you used to play even the most unplayable deliveries.

2003 World Cup was the first tournament in which I followed India’s matches closely. You looked like a man on a mission, a flawless competitor. I still remember your innings of 98 against Pakistan, when you made even the likes of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis look like amateurs.Though India could not win the World Cup, I was happy. Happy to see my idol, who had given his best.

Yet, for the next three years after the World Cup, you had a horrid time. I clearly remember how people used to criticise each and every bad performance. Even your home crowd, Mumbai, booed when you came in to bat. It was shocking how India’s greatest batsman ever was being harshly treated by the media. But yet, you remained calm, composed and did not care what the media had to say about you. I admired your composure.

Then, after a lean patch, you were back to your best. Your records, which were in danger of being broken by Ricky Ponting, had now gone beyond the reach of any competitors. But still, you were the same old Sachin, devoid of ego or over confidence. I admired your character.

Then in 2011 World Cup, you had your mission. To win the World Cup, no matter what it takes. Every one knew what a World Cup victory meant to you, and even your teammates shared your spirit and determination. And lo! India won the World Cup, and you had achieved your life long dream.

From then on, you were questioned about your retirement in each and every press conference you attended. Yet, you had the patience to say that you know when to retire. Again, I admired your patience.

And now, finally the moment has come, when you said that you are thinking about your retirement. 23 years is a long career to play out. Even today, when I watch your old matches, it just surprises me again and again how you have managed to play consistently for such a long time. I just cannot imagine the Indian middle order without you.

For me, you were more than a cricketer. Your simplicity has always kept me in awe. You have inspired me, along with millions of others, how to be a real gentleman, without any controversies or problems. You may retire from cricket soon. But you will never retire from our hearts.