The "New" Tendulkar

[Paoli]

However great Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar were, when Indian cricket is mentioned, the name Sachin Tendulkar is the first to spring to mind. Ever since making his test debut at the age of 16, the "Little Master" has enthralled crowds the world throughout. Don Bradman has labelled Tendulkar as his modern day heir apparent.

Recently, however, we have seen a different Sachin. One that is more careful in accumulating his runs rather than playing to enthrall the crowd. Although Sachin would love to entertain the crowd, he realises that runs are more important. But being able to accumulate runs without having to try to enthrall is a skill in itself. That is part of the reason why Sachin is considered the greatest batsman of the modern era.

I believe the new Sachin came out in the Sydney New Years Test of 2004, where he was under heavy pressure after failing in the first three tests, and he accumulated 241 n.o, helped along by one VVS Laxman and later Parthiv Patel. Sachin didn't play the enthralling cuts and hooks that we are used to seeing, instead it was a display of cautious drives, sign of a man who knew that he needed to make runs.

The population of India, which, incidentally, many look up to the quietly spoken Sachin as their idol, are rapt if Sachin is scoring runs. For them, to have him scoring 241 not out in a cautious display is much better than a swashbuckling 79 before going out trying to increase the teams score.

Probably the last of the old Sachin, over a prolonged period, happened in World Cup 2003. His 98 against Pakistan was absolutely brilliant; stuff that could make it easily known to a non-cricket follower that they are watching one of the best players of all time. His 97 against Sri Lanka, again, could make it easy to a non-cricket follower that they are watching a champion. However, when a huge knock was really needed, in the final, he didn't deliver. Sachin was out in the first over after hitting a brilliant four. At this time, I'm sure he would've liked to go alot more cautious in that innings. However, the truth is, he was trying to lend his hand at his team chasing a huge and essentially ungettable total.

Some predict that Sachin will score more double centuries in the second half of his career than he did in the first half. I believe that could turn out true. He scored two double centuries last calendar year; and denied one against Pakistan on 194 not out. This prediction is because there is a new Sachin, who knows that runs rather than entertainment are required for his country.

Peter Roebuck realises this. "We must understand, that as Sachin is getting older, he will not be out on a cricket field trying to entertain. Sachin now wants to accumulate his runs for his country". Although Roebuck says this, I believe Sachin will play on to 40. If Javed Miandad could, why can't Sachin.

And, to end with a Roebuckism, nothing more needs to be said.

[Zainub]

Certainly a very good post Paoli 69. Sachin has definately changed his approach significantly in recent times - that 241 not out in Sydney was a highlight in that respect - it was as if he had single mindedly told him self he was going to play as many shots down the ground as possible and as few shots square of the wicket is possible - the number of straight bat shots in that innings was remarkable. He was slightly different at Multan, and did as far as I can recall play quite a few shots square of the wicket on both sides, but in general, any one who knows the game even remotely will notice that Sachin has changed his mindset and approach in the last year or so. Some people tend to think (this view is purely media generated) that he's become more of a shaky starter now-a-days (the claim founded on the basis of an increased number of single figure scores in recent times)...but all that for me is in the end of the day just speculation and something to talk about...Sachin is Sachin, he'll always keep scoring 100s and inspiring people all over the world. Some people have predicted he'll end up with 50 test centuries.

I don't know if would be able to play on till being 40 though - his recent tennis elbow injury has indicated he will have to be very careful in the near future to have any chance of playing for that long, once you are in your 30s like is Tendulkar you are not only more vulnerable to injuries but also take more time to recover. I personally reckon he has another 5 years in him at least if not more.

[Beny]

The next injury will be a hip replacment!

[vvvrulz]

Certainly Sachin's career has taken a twist, and while he isn't the crowdpleaser he used to be, he is still making good runs, and that is fundamentally the most important thing for the team. However in my opinion, he should loosen up a little in the ODI's, as he did in the world cup 03. There isn't a real need for tentativeness in the shorter game. By the way, during an interview, it was shown that Sachin had actually intended to simply bat out the opening exchanges in that famous 98 against Pakistan. It was only when he middled a couple that he decided to go against his initial plan.

To me this is the wrong mindset for an ODI. He should play naturally and let Dravid and Laxman accumulate in the middle overs.

[Paoli]

Yeah the tennis elbow injury is one to look out for. I definetely think Sachin has it in him to play inspirational knocks. The only difference is he won't do something like 93 off 70, followed by 125 off 114, then 68 off 42 and so on. He might make that big century, and then play more cautiously.

[imaginarydiva]

Dude u really have a lot of faith in Dravid and Laxman,but just imagine...what if they fail?I think Sachin know whats good for him.He knows what right and he shouldn't think twice abt any decision.Also,in the recent times he has mad it clear that he has had to curb his natural strokeplay bcuz of his injury.

[Zainub]

Originally Posted by imaginarydiva

Dude u really have a lot of faith in Dravid and Laxman,but just imagine...what if they fail?I think Sachin know whats good for him.He knows what right and he shouldn't think twice abt any decision.Also,in the recent times he has mad it clear that he has had to curb his natural strokeplay bcuz of his injury.

You make a very good point about Sachin having to "curb" his natural game in order to protect him self from injuries. The tennis elbow injury it was widely talked about in cricket circles is one that develope because of the over use of the elbow.

Understandable for Sachin to make these and other adjustments, and again, reflects why he is such a class act. When you have the sort of talent and innate stroke making ability that he has, containing your self to explicit risk free batting can be a difficult ask - temptations are after all the only thing people find difficult to resist in all walks of life - but Sachin has shown that he can do almost anything he wants him self to do (batting wise I mean).

With respect to the particular point of him playing the way he does now-a-days in one-day cricket - I just think they key for any one to play ODI cricket is to try and play as many balls on its merit as possible.

[vvvrulz]

I'm speaking of ODI's here, where i think he is better served just playing naturally with Sehwag.

[imaginarydiva]

Originally Posted by Zainub Razvi

With respect to the particular point of him playing the way he does now-a-days in one-day cricket - I just think they key for any one to play ODI cricket is to try and play as many balls on its merit as possible.

that is so true.Which is why i applaud Sachin for maintaining a fairly good strike rate inspite of his injury.I admit he has not been in phenomenal form like the starting years of his career,but he still is a world class player.maybe its just that he isnt the instinctive player that he was,i guess he has matured as a cricketer which is cool with me.Come to think of it,maybe Sehwag will also follow a similar pattern,i mean some 10 years from now I wouldnt be suprised if he becomes a more controlled player.Makes me wonder,is it something to do with youthful enthusiasm?

[Paoli]

Originally Posted by imaginarydiva

Come to think of it,maybe Sehwag will also follow a similar pattern,i mean some 10 years from now I wouldnt be suprised if he becomes a more controlled player.Makes me wonder,is it something to do with youthful enthusiasm?

Nup. Sehwag is Sehwag, Sachin is Sachin. Sehwag will retain his game and I think you'll find in about 8 or 9 years Virender will be playing only ODI's in my opinion.