Tendulkar's ode to past masters

On an evening when greats of the game, a large number of them from Ajit Wadekar’s triumphant side of 1971, shared old notes, cracked jokes and reeled off dressing room gossip, Sachin Tendulkar paid a timeless tribute to West Indian great Garry Sobers and batsmen of the previous era.It’s often said, and it was reiterated by Tendulkar and Sobers earlier this week, that cricketers from different generations cannot be compared because the number of changes to the rules and playing conditions.

Tendulkar believed that batting in the previous era needed loads of courage in addition to all the skill involved. He took the opportunity to thank his seniors for ‘showing him the direction’ and admitted that batting without armguards and chest guards and on uncovered wickets is difficult.

“To play without protection would have needed a lot of courage,” Tendulkar said after being handed a bat autographed by the Class of 1971 by Sobers. “I can’t imagine even completing a nets session without proper guards,” he said paying tributes to the players of the past.

“Also the fact that the wickets were uncovered and that there were no proper guards meant that batting was a challenge. The game has changed drastically and we have to just move on. In another 10 to 20 years it could be completely different. But hats off to the seniors for motivating us and showing us the way,” Tendulkar added.

Ajit Wadekar, Farookh Engineer, Venkat Raghavan, Bishan Singh Bedi, Salim Durani, Bhagwat Chandra Shekar, Erapalli Prasanna, Jayantilal Kenia, Risu Jeejeebhoy, Syed Kirmani were among those who were felicitated for being part of the teams which won India’s first ever series win in West Indies and England.

Sobers had earlier praised Tendulkar. “You are truly great. You have touched me by your presence. It seems like you are never going to give up this game,” the West Indian great said.

Sobers recalled how Tendulkar had approached him during India’s last tour to the West Indies to figure out why he wasn’t scoring runs in the second innings.

“Do you remember that? I told you that it was just a question of mind over matter. It is good to see that has changed. Congratulations on your 200,” Sobers said.

He also reserved praise for left-arm speedster Zaheer Khan. “I have seen India play a lot of cricket as it is shown in West Indies late in the night. I must tell you young man that I am very impressed with the way you bowl,” Sobers said to Zaheer. “You have the style of a real fast bowler and I like the way you look at the batsman after you have completed the delivery.”