The innings of 175 against Aussies at Hyderabad was another example of how badly he still wants to pursue his passion -- playing for India. It's almost like Paul Erdos, mind you, the man who loved only numbers. It's simple folks. This is what his bat continues to say (IMO):
Look at my bat and my contributions to the team. Don't look at my age or at my stats. The day I have stopped contributing, be objective and make me sit out. We need to win games. Don't think about me as a guy with 87 (42+45) centuries and 29952 odd runs. You don't have to tell me when I have stopped contributing. I will know. Please, don't act like a billion parents of a 16-year old.
What disappoints me is the failure to see this passion of his which is a hallmark of his long career. Failure not by me or you who have not played at any recognized level, but by former cricket captains, batsmen and bowlers. Take Ian Chappell's two articles: one written in 2007 after India were forced out of the World Cup and one written in November 2009 after his mesmerizing 175. They have been titled interestingly enough (which is why they caught my eye):
It's amazing to see the tone in which both the articles are written.
Come on, sports critics, do better, make opinions that last longer and change your mind more slowly than average sports fans like me.Mr. Ian Chappell -- why should we respect your opinions of Tendulkar? (Because it's not clear what your current opinion of him is!)
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