Few words of caution for Master Tendulkar

Never before in the past has the Mumbai Cricket Association’s U-14 off-season training camp been in so much news. But when a 12-year-old boy, by the name of Arjun Tendulkar is one of the 32 probables selected for the camp, things ought to be different. My initial reaction on reading this was pure happiness. The kid is on the right track and may soon be playing cricket at the highest level. But then, I realized that I was dreaming too fast too soon. The kid has to first play well in this camp, then hope of having few good seasons under his belt and then take it forward step by step. And these things have to be done by every budding cricketer who wishes to make it into the Indian team. But for Arjun Tendulkar, there are few more things he has to be wary of.

Firstly, I would like to believe that Arjun has made it in the list on the basis of merit and if so, we should be giving him credit for that. His recent achievements of a 124, a 39-ball 65 and bowling figures of 22/8 do show that he is in the list because he deserves to be there. But, it would be very easy for us to belittle his achievements by giving credit to his surname alone; I am sure there will be a set of people who would do this. Arjun himself will be subjected to a lot of these talks. His biggest challenge will be to absorb all of this and still focus on the game. His father could teach him a thing or two about handling this. After all, he himself has been successfully turning stones into milestones for the last 23 years or so.

Secondly, as he moves up the cricketing ladder, there would be obvious comparisons made between him and his father. The pressure of being a ‘Tendulkar’ in Indian Cricket will then be felt by him. His father has achieved everything possible in the game. A record partnership in school, centuries on his debut in the Ranji Trophy, Irani Trophy and Duleep Trophy, Test debut at the age of 16 and many such milestones on the cricket ground: some of them of everlasting stature. Arjun himself should realize that the boots are too large for him to fill and he would be better off trying to make his own individual mark. The Indian public may not look at him as a different individual, and may constantly equate him to his father. It is up to him to create his own identity in the game and in the hearts of its lovers.

Thirdly, he has to ensure that he lives up to the expectations of people, not just in cricket but in all facets of life. His father has been an ideal son for his parents and a perfect role model for youngsters and kids. His father has brought us joy and pride not only through his exploits on the field, but also through his impeccable behavior off it. Living up to this public image would be the real test of character for Arjun.

Sachin Tendulkar had once said ‘‘If I could be half of what my father was, I’d be a very good person in life.’’ And if Arjun Tendulkar could be half of what his father is, in cricket and otherwise, he would do great service to our country.

All the best, Master Tendulkar!