South Africa vs India - You have to love Sachin Tendulkar

Some cricketers are bon to be great. They are born to give greatness a new name and Sachin Ramesh tendulkar is that cricketer who is just born to give greatness a new name. Since his entry to this topsy-turvy world of international cricket, Tendulkar’s bat has been busy in rewriting the record books and he has simply turned the world of statistics upside down with his magical batting display.

At Centurion in the first Test against South Africa, India’s pride as the number one Test side in the world was at stake. They were bundled out for a 136 in the first innings and their bowlers were made to look club stuffs when the Proteas punished them in their first innings. India were trailing by a massive 484 runs. And in their second innings, India were reduced to 277 for 6.

But the little master decided to buckle down and hold at one end. He had Dhoni at the other end who had turned in to a murderer and took the Proteas attack to the cleaners. Dhoni’s knock was only possible due to the assurance from the other end where Tendulkar was rock steady. The Proteas were made to toil.

When Tendulkar was on his 80’s, the crowd at Centurion including spectators from both sides, started demanding the little champion’s 50th Test ton and in such situations, automatically a batsman’s concentration can get altered. But Tendulkar was in a different zone. His focus was to save the Test match and not the milestone.

Morkel and Steyn were and top and started to show their fury against Tendulkar with bouncers. But Tendulkar rather than getting carried away to play any rash strokes left them alone. The balls that kept low were negotiated with solid technique and he was giving the impression to the Proteas that what ever they do, they will not be able to dismiss him, Tendulkar was immortal at the crease.

At 97, Tendulkar was again digested with a flurry of bouncers but still he was cool as a cucumber and spent 10 deliveries without a run. In came Dale Steyn. Tendulkar got an inside edge to mid-wicket to add a couple. He was on 99. Then the little master played one through the covers to reach his 50th Test ton.

The  bat went high in the air, thanking the almighty and then responded the fans. Another milestone had visited the little master. But what more glaring was his concentration, solid technique and authoritative stroke-play even at this age. Simply brilliant!

I am one of his harsh critics but I cannot but love this man’s dedication towards his team. You have to love him

Thank You

Faisal Caesar