CII presents bat signed by Sachin to US Treasury Secretary

07 Apr 2010 

New Delhi: US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner today received his "best gift in public office" – a bat autographed by cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar.New Delhi: US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner today received his "best gift in public office" – a bat autographed by cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar.

"Perhaps the best gift I received in public office," exclaimed Geithner after receiving the autographed bat from CII mentor Tarun Das.

Geithner, who had spent five years of his childhood in the city`s posh New Friend`s Colony, revived his memories by playing cricket before getting down to serious business of launching the India-US Financial and Economic Partnership along with his Indian counterpart Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

The Treasury Secretary says he had learned to play cricket and baseball while in Delhi.

For Geithner, bowling is more challenging, though batting is more rewarding.

"I found bowling more challenging than batting...Batting I think is more rewarding", he quipped when asked by Das about his preference.

The US Treasury Secretary further said he could play cricket and revive his memories as "fortunately" there were no mediapersons around. On how well did he bowl today, he remarked "not with a distinction."

Geithner is on a two-day visit to India.

No Tendulkar in T20 WC good for others: Afridi

29 Mar 2010

Karachi: Pakistan's Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi has joined the list of advocates supporting Sachin Tendulkar's inclusion in India's Twenty20 World Cup squad, saying the champion batsman's absence from the next month's event is a blessing in disguise for other teams.

Tendulkar, who quit the format along with Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid in 2007, has been in red hot form in the IPL and it forced former as well as present cricketers, including Afridi to ask the right-hander to change his decision and play in the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies.

"The way he has blossomed in the last few years, he is only getting better and better as a batsman. If he is not playing for India in the Twenty20 World Cup, it is certainly a big advantage for other teams," Afridi said.


"If Tendulkar had played in this World Cup, I am sure he would made big impact for India," he added.

Notwithstanding the hue and cry, Tendulkar has recently ruled out the possibility of returning to Twenty20 International cricket.

However, Afridi feels with age Tendulkar is getting better day by day and could be a destructive force in T20 matches.

"With every match he seems to be growing as a batsman and getting better. He is playing like a teenager. There is no sign of age affecting his game at all," the Pakistani all-rounder said.

"The biggest thing that he still enjoys playing the sport and he is hunger for runs has not died at all," he said.

"I think even in T20 cricket you need to bat properly and at times even playing out 20 overs is a big challenge for a team. You need to play orthodox cricket," Afridi noted.

Raj Singh Dungarpur shaped my career, says Sachin

25 Mar 2010

Mumbai: The late Raj Singh Dungarpur had shaped many a career in his lifetime including that of batting great Sachin Tendulkar. As a chief selector of the selection committee in 1989, he picked a 16-year-old freckled teenager — Sachin —for a tough tour of Pakistan.On Wednesday evening, Sachin unveiled Dungarpur’s portrait at the Cricket Club of India and recalled his long association with the cricket administrator.

“It is an emotional moment. I am very attached to Rajbhai and today it gives me immense pleasure to have his portrait here. It is indeed an honour and I am grateful to the president to have chosen me to do this honour,” the maestro told the media.

Going down the memory lane, Sachin revealed that the former BCCI president had a huge influence on his career.

“In my cricketing career, Rajbhai has been an integral part right from the school days. He was one of the seniors instrumental in giving me various opportunities. For any player, however talented you are, you need the opportunities and need the right platform. Rajbhai provided that to me,” the Mumbai Indians’ skipper said.

“He sent me to England in 1986, my first overseas tour,” he added.
“Rajbhai’s dream was to see some big matches here again. Unfortunately, Test match returned to the venue after he passed away,” Sachin said. “I know Rajbhai is around us and enjoying the moment,” he said.

Former greats want Tendulkar to play in World T20

23 March 2010

Sachin Tendulkar's sparkling form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has intensified calls of his inclusion in the Indian team for the Twenty20 World Cup next month.

Tendulkar, who is a month away from his 37th birthday, had decided to stay away from Twenty20 internationals and concentrate on Test and One-day cricket. But former cricketers feel Tendulkar should reconsider his decision and play in the upcoming World Twenty20.

His presence will bolster India's chances in the West Indies, more so when most of the youngsters are going through a lean patch, they say.

"I think the kind of form and the fitness he is in, if he decides to comeback it will be wonderful," former Test cricketer Abbas Ali Baig told IANS.

"He has adapted himself marvellously in the shorter format of the game. When he decided not to play in the Twenty20, he must have been in a different state of mind. But today look at the the way he is playing. If he decides to play, he should be welcomed to the side."

Legendary Sunil Gavaskar also said Tendulkar "should make himself available for World Twenty20."

Navjot Singh Siddhu said Tendulkar still has the hunger for the runs irrespective of the format.

"I think the selectors will have to consider his current form. He has made a strong case the way he is batting in IPL.

"Sachin is a cricketer who can adapt to any situation and score at any level. He is like a little boy whose enthusiasm for cricket refuses to die."

Former Test captain Bishen Singh Bedi felt the decision should be best left to Tendulkar.

"He has not played in the previous two Twenty20 World Cup and we should respect his decision. Why force him to comeback at this stage of life and career," Bedi told IANS.

Former India player Surinder Khanna concurs. "Tendulkar is a champion player and he knows best whether his body can bear the demands of Twenty20 cricket. It was his decision not to play and we should respect whatever decision he takes now."

Tendulkar was not part of India's Twenty20 World Cup winning squad in 2007 and also last year when India made an early exit.

The master batsman has been in blistering form in the ongoing IPL. He scored a match winning knock of unbeaten 71 off 48 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Brabourne Stadium Monday. It was his highest T20 score and second fifty in IPL.

This season Tendulkar is third on the list of top IPL run scorers --176 (ave. 58.66) in four games -- behind Jacques Kallis (264) and Virender Sehwag (186).

My favourite fight is against Sachin: Flintoff

24 Mar 2010

DUBAI: As Sachin Tendulkar reinvents himself to reap a new harvest of runs, records and renewed respect of fans and peers, one of his hero-worshippers and a hero himself, will be quietly raising a toast to the Little Master in faraway Dubai.DUBAI: As Sachin Tendulkar reinvents himself to reap a new harvest of runs, records and renewed respect of fans and peers, one of his hero-worshippers and a hero himself, will be quietly raising a toast to the Little Master in faraway Dubai.

Andrew Flintoff, now the sports ambassador to that rapidly-evolving city in the Gulf, is an avowed fan of the Mumbai Indians skipper, who produced yet another match-winning knock, this time against the Kolkata Knight Riders on Monday.

"I love a fight against the best players in the world, and my favourite fight is against Sachin," said Flintoff during a one-on-one with TOI, when asked what egged him on more - rivalries like the Ashes or quality opposition. "I remember watching him while growing up, though he is not much older than me. Now that I've got the chance to play against him, I want to not just get him out but impress him as well," he added, sounding more like someone from Tendulkar's legion of adoring fans than the star all-rounder that he is.

Impress? "Yes, I want him to walk off thinking... Oh! Freddie can bowl, can't he? Or, if I got some runs, for him to think... Well, he can bat a bit," smiled the former England skipper who has now made Dubai his home.

"Obviously, that's because of the respect I have for him. I enjoy playing against the likes of Sachin, Dravid... It's a great test."

Having retired from Test cricket last year, Flintoff has moved with his family here to be nicely poised for the next phase of his career. "It's been a good move as a family and were spending a lot of quality time together," he said.

"It's been great professionally as well, with all the facilities and the (warm) weather just right for my knee rehab. India is only three hours away and it will allow me to come back between some of the IPL games. I want to play in different parts of the world - in South Africa, in Australia eventually. Where Dubai is on the map, it's perfectly placed," he added.

At 33 and recuperating from another surgery on his right knee, it would have been easy for Flintoff to blame it on "too much cricket" but he prefers to put things in perspective. "Pace bowling involves such an unnatural action - you're running in as hard as you can, you twist and turn, you slam your feet as hard as you can... Careers are going to become shorter, especially for the fast bowlers, but by then they’ll have earned many times more money than their predecessors. Imagine what Garfield Sobers would be worth in the IPL!"

Sachin determined to not play in T20 World Cup

24 Mar  2010

Mumbai: Considering his superb form in the ongoing extravagant Indian Premier League, people from all over anticipated Sachin Tendulkar to reconsider his decision to not play in the T20 World Cup this year.

But the Master Blaster seemed quite determined to stick to his verdict as he made it clear on Tuesday that no matter what, he is not going to be a part of the Indian cricket team’s campaign in the upcoming World Cup, scheduled to be played in West Indies.


In an interview to an Indian news channel, Tendulkar said that he is ‘not going to play the World Cup’.

He also said that he had made his decision not to play in T20s in 2007 and that he intends to stick with it.

The clarification comes as a big disappointment for all the Tendulkar fans, who had been relishing his antics with the bat in the ongoing IPL season three for the Mumbai Indians.

Tendulkar played a match winning knock of 71 against Kolkata Knight Riders on Monday, which was also his highest Twenty20 score till date.

Tendulkar’s runs tally of 176 (ave. 58.66) in four games is bettered only by Jacques Kallis (264) and Virender Sehwag (186) in the third edition of IPL.

Tendulkar earned his fourth MOM award - the most for Mumbai Indians in the IPL.

Azharuddin backs Sachin in T20

Mohammad Azharuddin, former captain of Indian team spoke exclusively to TIMES NOW and says that he backs Sachin Tendulkar in the T20 World Cup. With the selection for the T20 World Cup in 3 days from now speculation is growing on whether Tendulkar should be a part of the squad for the World Cup. Sachin is not part of the original list of probables for the World Cup having opted out of the international T20 cricket.

Sachin firm on no T20 for India

24 Mar 2010

Calcutta: Some pundits are calling for Sachin Tendulkar’s inclusion in the India squad for the World T20, beginning next month, but there are good reasons why he won’t figure in the line-up.

No.1 is that Sachin isn’t among the 30 probables for the tournament’s third edition.

Then, Sachin is himself not keen on making himself available, even if the Board of Control for Cricket in India pulls strings to have an exception made for the top batsman of the modern era.

Indeed, in response to an SMS from The Telegraph, on Tuesday evening, Sachin responded with an unambiguous “No.”

Sachin, it may be recalled, featured in India’s first T20 International, against South Africa (late 2006), but never played again.

During last year’s IPL, in South Africa, selector Yashpal Sharma did ask Sachin to “review” his decision, but the maestro stayed firm.

Sachin is understood to have told Yashpal that he didn’t wish to disturb a “well-settled young bunch.”

The “young bunch” didn’t deliver in the World T20’s second edition, last year, but Sachin’s position hasn’t changed.

Clearly, Sachin’s focus is Tests and ODIs, the two forms where he’s not only the highest run-getter, but is the No.1 in the number of hundreds, too.

Sachin, who turns 37 next month, scripted a brilliant 71 not out in Monday’s Mumbai Indians versus the Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL clash.

The selectors, meanwhile, will be picking the World T20 squad on Friday. India won the inaugural edition, under Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s captaincy, in 2007.

Hero for millions, but who's Sachin's inspiration?

12 Mar 2010

Mumbai: Despite having nearly every batting record against his name, Sachin Tendulkar remains the epitome of modesty.Mumbai: Despite having nearly every batting record against his name, Sachin Tendulkar remains the epitome of modesty.

At the CNN-IBN Reliance Real Heroes awards ceremony, Tendulkar, in his typical understated self, thanked his fans and lauded his own heroes.

Reflecting on ODI cricket's first ever double hundred against South Africa at Gwalior, Tendulkar said, "To be honest when I got the double hundred, it was pretty normal. I packed my bags because we had to go to Ahmedabad for our next match and it hadn't hit me then and I didn't play the third match; I came home."The kind of reception I got from my friends who had organised a surprise was completely different. That's when it dawned on me," Tendulkar said.

Tendulkar was a special guest at the awards ceremony along with Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan.

"It feels great and it is a nice platform to give my heartfelt thanks to everyone because without your support it wouldn't have been possible," he said.

"These are the real heroes who have climbed the Mount Everest," Tendulkar said of the award recipients. "I take a bow and I would ask everyone to put their hands together for them. They are the real heroes.

Asked who his real hero is, Tendulkar said: "I have to say Mother Teresa - I have no words to describe how selfless a person can be. To bring a smile on a distressed face is the toughest thing and she's done that throughout her life and without any expectations."

Sachin Tendulkar named UN Goodwill Ambassador

12 Mar 2010

India's cricket superstar Sachin Tendulkar has been named a Goodwill Ambassador by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).India's cricket superstar Sachin Tendulkar has been named a Goodwill Ambassador by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Tendulkar, the first player to score 10,000 runs in one-day internationals, will use his massive global popularity to raise awareness and harness support for environmental action in his home country of India and around the world, the UNEP announced here today.

"I have played and enjoyed my cricket across the planet. Now it's also time to do something for the planet, which is our only home," he said.

"Being part of the effort to save the planet is an immense undertaking but it is a challenge I am ready to undertake. Working with UNEP and cricket fans across the globe, I am in good company. Together we can do it."

The agency's Executive Director, Achim Steiner, voiced confidence that Tendulkar's "character, personal integrity, intellect and profile will catalyze widespread environmental action."

With 2010 being the UN's International Year of Biodiversity, the cricket legend will work with the agency to boost the global and grassroots response to the loss of animal and plant diversity worldwide.

Tendulkar is no stranger to the work of the UN, having lent his voice to a UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) campaign in India on the importance of personal hygiene.

As one of his first duties as Goodwill Ambassador, he will lead a Green Pledge to save the planet when the Indian Premier League (IPL) kicks off its third season tomorrow night in Mumbai.

The vow to be made in front of the millions of fans expected to be watching live on television, YouTube or at DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai reads "the Earth is our home and together we must conserve our precious wildlife, forests and oceans. I am proud to pledge that I will play my part in caring for our natural heritage."

Along with Tendulkar, team captains from the Deccan Chargers to the Kolkata Knight Riders will sign a giant globe made out of recycled materials.

Noting that as a rapidly developing economy, India's consumption and production patterns could define the planet's future, Steiner said: "We need to make the right choices in terms of how best to manage energy and natural resources."

"To borrow a cricketing metaphor, these choices will define whether the world is running or soon will be run out."

I am living my dream: Tendulkar

11 March 2010

Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar said he was still receiving congratulatory messages for becoming first batsman in the history of One-day cricket to score a double hundred and he was enjoying the good time.

"It has taken many years for a batsman to get a double-hundred (in ODIs). I am still getting great feedback. It feels terrific," he said on the sidelines of a function here.

Asked when his fans would get to see a triple century from him in Test cricket, the master blaster said, "whenever it comes. It will be never late, I don't make big statements."

"I wanted to play cricket whole-heartedly for the country. I am living my dream and have played with two-three generations. I wanted to be a special member of the team and I have done it," he added.

Sachin Tendulkar: If there is God on Earth….then that’s Sachin

11 Mar  2010

Accept it or not, but if there is God on Earth then that’s Sachin. You just can’t call this guy a mere mortal human being. Today’s Double ton might have given him the top position in the list of Highest ODI Scorer but it’s doesn’t proves him the greatest player of all time.Accept it or not, but if there is God on Earth then that’s Sachin. You just can’t call this guy a mere mortal human being. Today’s Double ton might have given him the top position in the list of Highest ODI Scorer but it’s doesn’t proves him the greatest player of all time.

Yes coz his credentials are proved long back when he debuted on 1989 and since then he has kept setting his own standards with his on-field display and his off-the field courtesy.

A man who came back just two after his father’s demise to score an crucial hundred in 1999 World Cup against Kenya can’t be a mortal character of this earth. If he is not a god then I also don’t consider Jesus Christ as the god. Sorry to all those out there. This comment is not to hurt any one’s religious sentiments but this is an expression of a die-hard cricket fan and true follower of Sachin Tendulkar. When cricketers like Sourav Ganguly and Anil Kumble has called it a day, little Master still carries on with the same passion and energy he had in his early years. Think about this when players like Freddie Flintoff and Brett Lee have bowed out from Test cricket, our Little Master is still scoring Hundreds and Double Hundreds and helping his country to level test series.

With the advent of IPL t20, lots of experts doubt the young player’s ability to give 100% for their country; Sachin provides the best example on how to carry on playing for our country and also for your glamorous franchise in IPL. His down to earth attitude is something that the young players should follow coz that’s what sums up a genius like him.

If you go back and see his past records you can clearly see the 2003 World Cup campaign, the Sharjah Series of 1998 were he scored back-to-back tons against Australia, brilliant Test match hundreds against Pakistan and of course Australia.

Today while scoring the double hundred he was suffering from cramp in the end of the innings but as usual he refused to get a runner or quit the battle field. In 2003 World Cup when he was suffering from cramps against the crucial group encounter against Pakistan he still continued without a runner giving India, the much deserved win against their old foes.

Another memorable knock was in Chennai in 1999 when he was struggling with his back problems but still continued playing scoring an hundred but sadly couldn’t finished the match for India.

There are many more instances that I can cite you about this great genius but then we don’t need to talk about those coz we know that he has served his country with great courage and temperament and no one I quote no one that includes the likes of lousy Shiv Sena can tamper with his energy, dignity, discipline and determination that carries him forward to represent his country.

Bravo Maestro, I know more to come, but in the mean time tell us about your favorite Little Master moment.

I'm waiting to see Sachin Tendulkar reach many more milestones: Rohit Sharma

10-Mar-2010

New Delhi: He is the one of his kind. Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkaris collecting Praise from all over the world for scoring the first double century in ODI history. Promising all-rounder Rohit Sharma today said the incredible innings was already written in the master blaster's destiny, and he is awaiting more such miletones from the Mumbaiker.

Excited as talking about Sachin, Rohit said ''That was incredible. Scoring a double century is not an easy task and Sachin achieved this milestone like the other achievements he has pulled off. He has achieved an unbelievable target and that which was already written in his destiny. ''I hope and want that he (Sachin) achieves many more such feat in the coming times.''

Tendulkar re-wrote the history books after he became the first batsman to score a double century in one-dayers during the second of the three-match ODI series against South Africa last month.

Sharma refused to comment on the issue of 'Bharat Ratna' for Sachin as many politicians and former cricketers are demanding it.

The young batsman also expressed his disappointment at failing to make his Test debut in the first of recently-concluded two-Test series against South Africa after he twisted his left ankle while warming up 15 minutes before the toss. ''I was really disappointed after I got the injury just ahead of the toss. I was all excited to play my first Test and that agaisnt a top side like South Africa. But the end moment wound ended my hopes,'' the 22-year-old said.

Sharma further said he has completely recovered from the injury and is raring to get back into action.

The all-rounder also shared his feeling of making a comeback to the ODI side in the third one-dayer against South Africa after a long span and said he wants to carry his consistant form to secure his berth in the limited format of the game.

''I want to continue my current form and play consistant cricket to get a permanent berth in ODI squad.

''Getting a Test berth is not easy, so I want to shine in the limited overs cricket and then play in the longer format,'' added the right-hander, who wants to play good cricket in all the three formats of the game.

Sobers and Sachin salute each other

Mar 5, 2010

A glorious past and present of Indian and world cricket came together on Thursday when Ajit Wadekar's Warriors were felicitated at the hands of the all-time great cricketer Sir Garfield Sobers at the Nehru Centre in Worli.

The heroes of the 1971 twin triumphs were on the same stage as modern great Sachin Tendulkar, who was called to receive a bat signed by the greats. Referring to Sachin, Sobers said, "I would like to tell him, you are great and congrats for your double hundred."

The West Indian legend also recalled that Sachin coming up to him during his last tour of the West Indies and wondering why he was not scoring as heavily in the second innings as in the first.

"I told him, you are perhaps focusing more on the first innings and with your ability there's no reason you cannot do. I'm glad to see he's scoring heavily in the second innings too," he said.

Sachin privately expressed regret of not playing in an era when the West Indies were on top and said, "It is a special privilege to be here. Players of that era played without protection, on uncovered pitches. I can't imagine batting in the nets without protective gear."

Others from the Indian team, who were present at the function, were skipper MS Dhoni and left-arm-seamer Zaheer Khan. In fact, Sobers marked Zaheer for special praise. "I like the way your control and the look you give to the batsmen on your way back to the mark."

The Indian women team was also present there.

Earlier Sobers spoke on a number of issues. He advised youngsters to learn the proper technique while defending and not while playing shots.

"What is technique? When the choice is between hitting the ball and having your feet position in proper place you know what should it be. But youngsters should learn the proper technique while defending," the all-time great West Indian cricketer said.

Sobers, who has come down from Barbados to be the chief guest at the function to felicitate the 1971 Indian squad which was led to away twin series wins over the West Indies and England by Ajit Wadekar, regaled the large audience with his anecdotes.

When the six sixes he had hit for Nottinghamshire off Glamorgan left arm bowler Malcolm Nash was shown on the screen, he brought the roof down saying "Nash made more money than me by going for talk shows in England as the bowler who was hit by me for six sixes."

He also rated India's leg spinner Subash Gupte as the greatest bowler of his type he had faced and brought the roof down by narrating how he showed Wesley Hall from the non-striker's end how to read Bhagwat Chandrasekhar's unorthodox leg spin bowling with sign language during the 1967 series in India.

Sobers also praised dashing Indian opener Virender Sehwag for the same way he approaches his game whether it's Test match, ODI or T20.

"I like his approach and attitude. He plays the same way whether it's Test, One-dayers or T20s," he said.

He also gave first-hand account of what happened in the last seven balls of the famous tied Test against Australia in Brisbane in 1960-61 and said it was the greatest-ever series he had played in as all five matches went to the wire.

Apart from honouring the members of the 1971 Indian squads to the West Indies and England, the organizers also felicitated former Test cricketers Chandu Borde and Bapu Nadkarni.

‘You’ll never give the game away’

Posted On Friday, March 05, 2010

I have stared at him out of a mixture of apprehension. He frightened and enchanted me by turns” – wrote English novelist JB Priestley in a tribute to Gary Sobers. As Sobers regaled the gathering at the Nehru Centre with anecdotes from his playing days, we could sense what Priestley meant, why we just can’t have enough of the man.

“There are eleven players on the field,” said Bishan Singh Bedi. “Then why is it that you can’t take your eyes off one chap? I am saying it from the heart that it was a delight to be punished by Sir Garfield Sobers.”

It was a special day: Ajit Wadekar’s 1971 team assembled to celebrate the 40th year of India’s series win in the West Indies.

Sobers sprayed warmth throughout the evening, especially on Bapu Nadkarni calling him the meanest bowler he had ever faced.

And how could he have not lavished words on Sachin Tendulkar who was present for the occasion along with MS Dhoni and Zaheer Khan.

“Sachin you have touched me,” Sobers said. “It seems to me you will never give the game away. You are great in the true sense of greatness. Congratulations on achieving your 200.”

Sobers recalled a conversation that Tendulkar had with him the last time he toured the West Indies. Sobers said, “Sachin asked me why he wasn’t getting runs in the second innings. I told him it was mind over matter. Probably he was getting so many runs in the first innings that he wasn’t even thinking of the second.”

Then he turned his gaze on Zaheer Khan: “Young man, I am very impressed with you. You have the style of a fast bowler. I like the way you look at batsmen before walking back to your run up.”

Tendulkar was conferred with a bat signed by Erapalli Prasanna, Abbas Ali Baig, Bhagwath Chandrasekhar, Salim Durani, Bishan Singh Bedi and Ajit Wadekar among others.

Asked what the 71 team meant to him, Tendulkar said, “To talk about the great players who inspired us, I think to bat without thigh guards and helmets requires a lot of courage. I don’t think I can have a net session without a protective gear. But more remarkable was to play on uncovered wickets.”

• There are eleven players on the field. Then why is it that you can’t take your eyes off one chap? I am saying it from the heart that it was a delight to be punished by Garfield Sobers

— Bishan Singh Bedi

• To talk about the great players who inspired us, I think to bat without thigh guards and helmets requires a lot of courage. I don’t think I can have a net session without a protective gear

— Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin rare, says Sobers - It was a delight to be punished by gary: bishan singh bedi

It was supposed to be a felicitation function for the victorious Indian team of 1971, but throughout the evening the spotlight stayed firmly on former West Indies captain Sir Garfield Sobers.It was supposed to be a felicitation function for the victorious Indian team of 1971, but throughout the evening the spotlight stayed firmly on former West Indies captain Sir Garfield Sobers.

Sir Gary, on Thursday evening, showed that he was not only a master at wielding the willow and hurling the red cherry, but also a mesmerising raconteur.

Sobers, the chief guest at the gala ceremony to celebrate the 40th anniversary of India’s series wins in the Caribbean and England, narrated with how he taught Wes Hall to handle the spin trio of Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, Erapalli Prasanna and Bishan Singh Bedi.

“We were six or seven down and in comes Wes to bat. Chandra is ready to bowl when Wes walks up to me and says, ‘Captain, I cannot read him’. I say, ‘Tell me something new! If Kanhai, Butcher, and others can’t read him, how do you think I will expect you to read him’.

“Then I told him that I will watch Chandra’s hand and will put my bat to the right if it’s a googly. So, Wes plays some shots and Chandra is looking, ‘Wes Hall! Reading me?’

“And then, later, Chandra bowls another googly and I don’t move my finger. Wes goes for the cover drive, and the middle stump rolls.”

Sobers also recounted his six sixes in an over off England bowler Malcolm Nash.

“Believe me, I never played for records. Six sixes were not in my mind. It was just the situation. We were looking to make a declaration… But after five sixes, a record in itself, I knew I had to go for it.

“And later when we were walking to the pavilion back I saw Malcolm smiling. I said, ‘Malcolm, why are you smiling?’ He said, ‘Gary, you couldn’t have done it with me’.”

Sobers praised Sachin Tendulkar who was among the audience. “Sachin, you are rare,” the 73-year-old legend said addressing the world’s leading run-getter.

The West Indian legend also relived the final moments of the first ever tied Test, between Sir Frank Worrell’s West Indies and Australia in 1961 and also of his knock of 254 against a tearaway Dennis Lillee while leading a World XI team Down Under in 1977.

Bedi spoke of how it was to bowl to Sobers: “It was a delight to be punished by Sobers. I am grateful to have played during his time, just as I had wished to bowl to Bradman and Tendulkar.”

Later, the members of the 1971 team presented an autographed bat to Tendulkar. “It’s our blessing. May he keep batting for many years to come,” Wadekar said.

That’s incredible: Sachin

March 03, 2010

 

Six days after Sachin Tendulkar scored a double-century in the ODI at Gwalior, the master batsman was still unaware that he wasn't the first person to do so, merely the first man. Australian Belinda Clark achieved the feat in a Women's World Cup match in 1997.

 

"I have not heard of it, but if she has done such a thing, that's incredible," he said. He was addressing the media as brand ambassador for the Joy of Giving Week, organised by non-profit organisation, GiveIndia.

 

Clark's 229, which came in 181 minutes against Denmark at Sachin's home turf, the MIG Cricket Club in Bandra, was hailed as a tremendous innings by umpire M. R. Singh, who had stood in that game, in a conversation with HT on Feb 26.

 

Talking about his milestone, Tendulkar said he was not nervous while playing the last six runs before hitting 200-mark.

 

Ever since Tendulkar's latest record, politicians in Maharashtra have been keen on pushing for a Bharat Ratna for the little master. "The Bharat Ratna is a very rare achievement. The people who have won the award are not only my heroes but of the entire nation," Tendulkar said. "It would be a great achievement to get that award and join the greats, but I am not thinking of it yet. I will just continue playing cricket and not bother about the award."

 

While politicians are talking about the honour, cricket circles have been abuzz with debates on whether Tendulkar was the greatest batsman of all time. Inevitably, people have suggested he is better even that Sir Don Bradman. "It is unfair to make comparisons. I have never believed in comparisons because I respect every individual." "That is how I look at life, not only in cricket but off the field as well. Every individual has his own identity and I am not only talking about Sir Don, but all the other players who have played for a long time at the international level."

 

"They all have made huge sacrifices, and along with them their families have also made sacrifices. We need to respect that. We need to value rather than compare them with someone or the other. I feel we should appreciate what everyone has done and respect them because that is the way I would prefer to look at it."

 

Master backs hockey

Caught up in the wave of excitement that the World Cup has generated, Tendulkar offered his unqualified support to the hockey team. "Your performance may fluctuate but our support for you is unwavering."

"I am a fan of the team and my good wishes are always with them, whether they perform or fail to live up to expectations.In fact, as Indians our support should be stronger when the team goes through tough phases."

Sachin tops 'trust' list in cricket; Lalit Modi at bottom

03 March 2010

The legendary Sachin Tendulkar has been named the country's most trusted person in the cricket arena, wherein IPL Chairman Lalit Modi has been ranked at the bottom.

 

In a list of 100 most trusted people compiled by Readers' Digest magazine, Sachin figures at the eighth position -- the highest among people related to cricket and next only to chess champion Viswanathan Anand (overall 6th).

 

In the same list, IPL Chairman Lalit Modi, arguably the most controversial cricket administrator, has been ranked 93rd -- the lowest rank for any cricket-related person in the list.

 

About Modi being at the tail-end of its Trusted list, Readers' Digest said "perhaps it's controversy that still stalks Lalit Modi, cricket administrator and chairman of Indian Premier League, who at 93rd position is the only sports personality to feature amongst the trust list's tailenders."

 

While Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, ranked 97th, is also related to the field of cricket in his capacity of Chairman of BCCI (Board for Control of Cricket in India), but he's more of a politician.

 

Among people in the list who owe their fame to cricket, Sachin is followed by Team India captain MS Dhoni at 42nd position in the overall list.

Last week, master blaster Tendulkar dedicated his record unbeaten knock of 200, scored in the one-dayer against South Africa, to the people of India.

After the match, Sachin thanked his fans and people of India for their support and said: "I dedicate this ton to the people of India. I thank those who supported me and this is indeed a special moment."

 

Besides cricketers, other sportspersons on the list include Viswanathan Anand (6th), shooter Abhinav Bindra (25th), Mahesh Bhupati (49th), Leander Paes (57th) and Sania Mirza (81st).

ICC Announced

ICC Announced That Sachin Tendulkar's Birthday on April 24 will be Celebrated as "World Cricket Day"

Maharashtra to recommend Bharat Ratna for Tendulkar

Friday, February 26, 2010

Maharashtra will urge the central government to confer the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award, on master cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, Chief Minister Ashok Chavan said here Friday. 

'The state government will take up the proposal soon and then we shall forward it for the consideration of the Centre,' Chavan told mediapersons here.
 

He said that Mumbai-born Tendulkar was the most outstanding sportsman and has brought laurels to the country and Maharashtra. The chief minister added that the sportsman was at the pinnacle of the cricketing world with his achievements over the years.

 

'He has won the hearts of his countrymen, is idolized in the state and is respected the world over. We feel that he richly deserves the honour of a Bharat Ratna,' Chavan said.

Two days ago, Sachin created yet another world record by becoming the first cricketer to score 200 runs in a one-day international match.