Photos : Sachin Tendulkar at Mumbai Indians camp - March, 31 2012 | Wankade

Skipper Sachin Tendulkar on Saturday formally joined Mumbai Indians' conditioning camp for the upcoming Indian Premier League campaign at their home ground, Wankhede stadium. The batsman was busy playing for the country in Australia and then in the Asia Cup in Bangladesh when the camp began and, after India's early exit from the Dhaka four-nation tournament, went to London on a brief visit for medical consultation about his injured toe. 


Tendulkar, who achieved the unprecedented landmark of scoring 100 international hundreds, during the Asia Cup, will be spearheading MI's bid to clinch the crown for the first time in the cash-rich T20 event, commencing on April 4. MI's campaign opener is scheduled against last year's winners Chennai Super Kings, to be led by India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. 


The preparatory camp is set to conclude on Saturday. The MI squad and the support staff - including mentor cum bowling coach Shaun Pollock, advisor cum fielding coach Jonty Rhodes, head coach Robin Singh, assistant coach Paras Mhambrey and spin bowling coach Maninder Singh - are set to leave for Chennai on Sunday. 


Tendulkar looked in no apparent difficulty while batting at nets for half an hour with different bats against the likes of Munaf Patel and RP Singh. Later, the MI players were split into two teams to play a game, and the senior batsman also batted in the practice match held under lights.

© PTI

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Near impossible for anybody to reach Sachin's landmark: Gilchrist

Former Australian wicketkeeper and explosive opener Adam Gilchrist feels there is a big gulf between Sachin Tendulkar and the rest of the top batsmen, something that makes it almost impossible for anyone to get anywhere near the legend's landmark of 100 international centuries.

Giving example of Ricky Ponting, who has recently retired from the ODI format, Gilchrist said 29 centuries separate Tendulkar from his former skipper. "That speaks about Tendulkar's greatness -- the gap between him and the rest. He is way ahead. I really doubt that anybody would ever break this record," Gilchirst said.

"If you look at the records, Ponting is the world's best batsmen next to Tendulkar. But his combined tally (of Test and one-day centuries) is 71 (41-30)," he said. Tendulkar's critics could argue that he has played more matches against countries like Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, he said adding but even 10 centuries were added to Ponting's, he would still be 19 centuries away.

"Tendulkar's record is truly unique, remarkable. He is playing with the same intensity for last 22 years... That shows how big a player Tendulkar is," he said. Gilchrist, who was part of an invincible side that dominated world cricket winning a hat-trick of World Cups from 1999-2007, said Indians need to be patient in the coming days.

"Rahul Dravid has just retired... Now only VVS Laxman and Tendulkar are playing. It would be a huge boots to fill when Tendulkar goes away. We faced a similar phase. But the fans need to patient," he said. Gilchrist feels that India have cricketing talent in abundance but the supporters need to be patient. "Undoubtedly, there is no dearth of talent in India. In fact, it's just the opposite. The fans just need to be patient with the youngsters like Virat Kohli," he said.

With his recent exploits, Kohli proved that he was ready to step up and, the Australian said," To me, he is one of the best players in the world cricket at the moment." Asked if Kohli could fill in the No. 3 slot left void by Dravid, Gilchrist said: "He is an upcoming player. I don't know his preference. And, I also don't want to form an opinion about him. He has showed that he is very confident against the new ball. He is surely a great player in the making."

The Kings XI coach-cum-captain in the upcoming IPL, Gilchrist disagreed that too much cricket and Twenty20 was the reason for India's routs in the recent overseas series in England and Australia. India were ill-prepared for the Australia tour against a very professional attack that put pressure on the batsmen, he said.

"Twenty20 is a very exciting concept that requires skill at a high level. It needs a lot of thought and you have to maintain the intensity and pace coupled with the pressure. I'm sure the Test cricket is ultimate," he said. "The challenge here is for the administrators not to overdo.... If it's well administered, there is room for all the three formats," he said, giving example of the poor scheduling of the one-off T20 against South Africa in Johannesburg on Friday.

© Times of India

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Sachin Tendulkar is the reason I started playing cricket: Virat Kohli

"Sachin Tendulkar is the reason I started playing" -- said India's most promising batting talent right now, Virat Kohli, as he paid tribute to the senior batsman for completing a century of international hundreds.

At a felicitation function organised by industrialist and IPL team Mumbai Indians' owner Mukesh Ambani, Kohli was asked to give his thoughts on the 39-year-old, who completed the incredible feat during the recent Asia Cup in Bangladesh.

The 23-year-old right-hander, who is in the form of his life having scored three hundreds in his past four one-dayers, said as a child he only dreamed of catching a glimpse of Tendulkar in person.He is the reason why I have started playing cricket. Like me I think most of the youngsters in the India started playing cricket because of him," Virat said as Tendulkar looked back at him smiling.

"Now it is just a great honour to share the same dressing room with him. I remember when I was small, my only dream was to see him in real life and to play with him now is just a great honour for me. I couldn't have asked for anything more," he added.Tendulkar too is quite impressed with the spunky batsman and has stated that he could be the one breaking the 100 centuries record apart from another promising name -- Rohit Sharma.

© TOI

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Missed being at Rahul Dravid's felicitation event: Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar has said he missed being at Rahul Dravid’s felicitation function here on Tuesday night. The Little Master was a notable absentee at the event organised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

“I spoke to Rahul in the morning (Tuesday morning) and expressed my inability to attend the function. Much as I would have liked to be present, it was not simply possible. I had to leave for London and this trip was arranged much earlier. I had to meet the doctors urgently,” Tendulkar told DNA from London on Wednesday evening.

There was a lot of speculation over Tendulkar’s absence, but he said he was not aware of the felicitation until recently. “I got to know about this function only three days ago and it was not possible to rearrange my schedule,” Tendulkar said. He has gone to London to seek medical advice on the inflammation on his right toe.

Besides Dravid, Tendulkar also spoke to BCCI president N Srinivasan, secretary Sanjay Jagdale and chief administrative officer Ratnakar Shetty. “He had to rush to London urgently because of an appointment with a doctor, and he spoke to all of us expressing regret over not being present in the evening,” Shetty told this paper.

Tendulkar, however, paid glowing tributes to Dravid, his teammate for over 16 years. “If I were to be present at the function, I would have dwelt on his dedication, discipline and commitment to the game and the Indian team,” Tendulkar said when asked about what he would have said in his speech. “I would have also spoken about the number of great innings he played for India.”

The Master Blaster, who recently scored his 100th international hundred, said it would not be easy to point out one great moment of Dravid in his large body of work but singled out the 180 against Australia in Kolkata in 2001 as his favourite innings. “His partnership with VVS Laxman in Kolkata ismy favourite Dravid moment,” Tendulkar said when pressed for an answer.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians have confirmed that Tendulkar would be available for the entire season of the IPL 5. “I can categorically say Sachin is available for the entire duration of the IPL. He has gone to London just for consultation and is scheduled to be back soon. He will join the team camp on March 31,” a spokesman for the Mumbai Indians said. He also ruled out surgery on Tendulkar’s injured toe. Tendulkar is the captain of the Mumbai Indians team.

© DNA India

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Full Event Videos : Ambani’s Party to Celebrate Sachin’s 100th Ton

Many eminent personalities from Bollywood and Indian cricket fraternity were present at Mukesh Ambani and wife Nita's lavish party to celebrate Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 100 hundreds in international cricket.

The B-town celebrities included Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao, Hrithik and Sussanne Roshan, Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Lata Mangeshkar, Raju Hirani, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Preity Zinta, Shatrughan and Poonam Sinha with Sonakshi, Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh, Raveena Tandon and Anil Thadani, Ekta Kapoor, according to a report in Times of India.

Former Indian captains - Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri were present and even Tendulkar’s teammates – Virat Kohli, Harbhajan Singh, Virender Sehwag were also present at the event.

Ambanis host grand bash to honour Sachin on hundredth ton

Sachin Tendulkar chats with audience at Ambani function

Aamir Khan lavishes praise on Sachin at Ambani bash

Lata Mangeshkar reminisces about moments spent with Sachin

Abhishek Bachchan's humour packed speech for Sachin at Ambani function

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Sachin can play like a kid again: Pollock

Shaun Pollock is an important member of the Mumbai Indians' support staff. As mentor and bowling coach, Pollock is one of the busiest men during practice sessions - getting his men together and then putting them in various groups at the Wankhede Stadium.

The former South African captain swiftly moves from one net to the other to ensure the preparation is thorough for Mumbai Indians' opening game against defending champions Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League at Chennai on April 4. Pollock took some time off after his session to speak to MiD DAY on Monday.

Excerpts:

On being with Mumbai Indians (MI) from inception:

The way we do things now has changed. In the first IPL, it was just about getting people together and playing to the best of their abilities. The game plans are set now; the team is also settling down. There have been many changes, a lot of players have come and gone. It is exciting to see younger talent coming through. Ajinkya Rahane was with us and now represents India. It has been a nice journey.

On adding another wicketkeeper (Dinesh Karthik) to the side:

Karthik is an international player. He has done a good job in finishing games. He is an experienced cricketer, who knows Indian conditions well. We will be looking up to him to get us over the line by keeping a calm head and choosing the right shots. He has the ability to do that.

On managing high profile players:

It does take a managing process to handle them. They are class players who can win matches. We just have to make sure they are motivated throughout the tournament.

On giving tips to Tendulkar, Malinga:

There is very little that you teach Tendulkar about the game. It is difficult to coach someone like Malinga. He is unique in the way he approaches the game. You have got to learn where they are mentally and what they want to do preparation-wise. There are a few technical things we worked on Malinga. Sachin maybe, a bit of advice once in a while about the match, pitch etc. There is not much you can teach them.

                                                            © TOI PHOTO

On Tendulkar's 100th international ton:

Even if he had scored one in the IPL, it wouldn't have counted (laughs). Though I haven't spoken to him, I have heard some of his interviews where he says it's nice to get the monkey off his back. I am sure he is relieved, and there won't be any weight on his shoulders now. He mentioned how he wants to have fun. This format (T20) and playing for MI will help him do so. He can sometimes play like a kid, a bit carefree as there is no burden of expectations from the country.

On Mumbai Indians' opening woes:

There is no doubt that we have to get a good start. Unfortunately, Davy Jacobs got injured last season. Aiden Blizzard had a few good games. We haven't yet settled down with a regular opener with Sachin Tendulkar. We have Richard Levi now, and quite a few other options. It is important we have a steady partner with Sachin. We hope to find the right combination very soon.

On new T20 hero Richard Levi:

We discussed him as an option before the auction. We always thought he had the potential to do well. He has got that raw ability and if we can just hone it in the right direction, I am sure he can win many games for MI. He is an exciting prospect. We are fortunate enough to get him. We cannot compare him with Gayle.

On domestic and international scheduling affecting IPL preparation:

It is nice to have the guys prepared and sort things out. But at the end of the day, playing international cricket is the best preparation one can have. Your skills will be sharper. And when they come in, they can settle down quickly. It might take a little bit of adjustment initially.

© CricketNext

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Sachin Tendulkar's 100 international tons is impossible to beat : Murali

Ever since playing his last international game — the World Cup final at Mumbai — Muttiah Muralitharan has been busy hopping flights and losing himself in the adrenalin rush of Twenty20 cricket. And now he is all set to play for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the forthcoming Indian Premier League.

The world's highest wicket-taker with 1347 international scalps was a bustling presence at the KSCA (B) nets here on Wednesday. He bowled the odd delivery, chatted with awe-struck team-mates and bonded with good friend and team mentor Anil Kumble.

“After I retired from international cricket, I played a little bit in the last IPL with Kochi. I then went to Gloucestershire and played about 16 Twenty20 matches and then travelled to New Zealand and played five (for Wellington). After that I played in the Bangladesh Premier League but I could not play much (for Chittagong) because I got sick. I have played a little bit but not as many matches as other international cricketers (ahead of the IPL),” Muralitharan said.

Great opportunity

The Sri Lankan legend is hoping that he can replicate the good stint he had with the Chennai Super Kings during the first three years of the IPL.

“I have done well in Twenty20 when I played for Chennai. I didn't get many opportunities with Kochi as I played only four games. But when I played in other parts of the world, I did well. Now I have a two-year contract with RCB and it's a great opportunity for me to play for a good side. RCB has many key players including Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle, who is in a different mood, and I think nobody can play a T20 game like him,” the off-spinner said.

Added bonus

The added bonus of interacting with Kumble, is another fringe benefit that keeps Muralitharan in good humour.

“We have got more than 2000 wickets in Tests and ODIs. It's a pleasure to be with him. He will be on the managing side and I will play a few matches here and there because I know they got me as they needed a second spinner. Daniel (Vettori) is going to captain so he is going to play the majority of the matches,” the man from Kandy said while keeping one eye on the Test at Galle, where Rangana Herath's exploits have lent him hope about the continuing legacy of Sri Lankan spin.

On Tendulkar's feat

Muralitharan also emphasised that Sachin Tendulkar's hundred international tons is impossible to beat and added that the recently-retired Rahul Dravid, who batted in the maestro's shadow, was an equally accomplished player.

© The Hindu

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Sachin Tendulkar Will Play IPL 5: Mumbai Indians

The Mumbai Indians have rubbished the reports that their skipper Sachin Tendulkar is doubtful for the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League.

"Mumbai Indians captain Sachin Tendulkar will be joining the in-progress camp at Wankhede Stadium from 31st March 2012 and is fully available for the entire IPL season 5," Mumbai Indians said in its statement. Reports had been doing the rounds that Sachin might have to give the tournament a miss due to an old toe injury, which has resurfaced and might need surgery.

But Sachin is in London for what is merely a routine check-up of an old toe injury. "Sachin is in UK to consult his doctor and will be back in India to join the camp from 31st March", Mumbai Indians said.The IPL is all set to commence on April 4 in Chennai, where Tendulkar's Mumbai Indians, the last year's runner-up will take on defending champions Chennai Super Kings at the M A Chidambaram Stadium.

Tendulkar, who notched up his 100th international ton in the recently-concluded Asia Cup, also did not attend the BCCI-organised felicitation function of the retired batsman Rahul Dravid last evening at a hotel near his residence here, as he had already left for England.

Sachin had suffered an injury to his toe almost a decade ago. It came back to haunt him last September and upset his plans to play the ODI series in England after a not-too-successful run in the four-Test series that preceded it.He was withdrawn from the team sheet before the first ODI, which was washed out. And then the BCCI issued a statement, saying that Tendulkar had been ruled out of the series "due to a toe injury".

The Mumbai Indians have announced that their captain Sachin Tendulkar will be available for the entire IPL Season 5. Here's their official statement:

"Mumbai Indians captain Sachin Tendulkar will be joining the in-progress camp at Wankhede Stadium from 31st March 2012 and is fully available for the entire IPL season 5. Sachin, is in UK to consult his doctor and will be back in India to join the camp from 31st March", Spokesperson, Mumbai Indians”

This came statement was issued after some reports said that Sachin might have to give the tournament a miss due to an old toe injury.

Tendulkar had consulted a specialist in London after suffering the injury and was advised four weeks' rest.Tendulkar came back to play the Test rubber against the West Indies at home after missing the Champions League Twenty20, which was won by Mumbai Indians under the stand-in-skipper Harbhajan Singh.But after playing the Test series against the Windies, Tendulkar again opted to rest for the ODI series.

© NDTV

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Toe trouble sees Tendulkar dash to London specialist

Having weathered 23 seasons of international grind, the body has taken a toll. It's not just the weight of expectations that weighed down Sachin Tendulkar in the run-up to his 100th century. He was discomforted by the aggravation of an old toe problem (the right big toe).As a precautionary measure, he flew to London on Tuesday afternoon to consult a specialist. He is expected to be back in a couple of days and join the Mumbai Indians' preparatory camp for the IPL starting on April 4.

It's the same problem that flared up before the start of the limited-overs series in England last year, forcing him to miss it. The Mumbai maestro had opted for other forms of treatment like acupressure and avoided surgery. It is learnt he is feeling better and it would be just a routine check-up and that he will play in the IPL. However, it remains to be seen if he will play all the games or pick and choose.

Tendulkar feels playing in pain is part of the game. During his media interaction on Sunday, he said: "To deal with injuries is not easy and at my age it becomes even more difficult. I have played a lot of innings like that. Specific innings that come to my mind is when I got that double century (against South Africa) at Gwalior. I remember before that game I was lying on the physio's table, getting various treatments and my whole body was in trouble and all we were discussing was that 'let us win the series and then I am going to request the BCCI for a break from the third match'. I was completely exhausted. I couldn't even stand on the field.

"But I went to the ground and forgot all about that. When you are focused, you are willing to find a path and reach the destination of winning the match.

Then after the game I was asked 'do you remember what you had said before the match?' It happens to everyone and sometimes you go through that more than others."

© Hindustan Times

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Sachin is the inspiration behind new variation: Umesh Yadav

India's young speedster Umesh Yadav today said that it was Sachin Tendulkar who encouraged him to work on a "surprise delivery" to bring about more variety in his bowling."It's because of Sachin that I am working on a new variation. As it was him who gave me the idea about my new weapon which can trouble many batsmen," Yadav said, during an interaction with the media after Delhi Daredevils' practice session here.

Yadav feels that having a captain like Virender Sehwag is of great help as he gives the bowler a lot of free hand."He himself being a very explosive batsman knows which balls are easy to hit and what puts him in a difficult situation. These are the things he shares with me and always keeps me motivating.

"During the match, he has always told me to bowl with confidence. When I am bowling he is so confident about me that he always lets me set my own field."He has been touted by many as the man who would spearhead India's pace attack once Zaheer Khan retires but Yadav reckons that it will be tough to replace someone of Zaheer's calibre.

"Zaheer bhai has been very helpful during times when I have got an opportunity to play alongside him. During pressure situations, he would always come up with some invaluable tips which has helped me. I feel honoured when people say that I can replace a bowler of his calibre. But it is never easy and it certainly won't happen overnight that you would get Zaheer Khan's replacement,"

During the two-week break that Yadav got after the gruelling Australia tour, he has worked on strengthening his shoulders."For a fast bowler like me, working on increasing the strength of the shoulder is very important. My emphasis during the break was on improving my shoulder strength. At the same time, I had to also ensure that I didn't do excessive gym work as one might end up being a bit stiff," Yadav said.

The 24-year-old bowler, who has played six Tests and 15 ODIs, said, "It would be best if I show it (surprise delivery) in the match rather than talking about it. But presently that delivery still needs a lot of work. I shall be bowling those deliveries only when I am comfortable with it and confident enough to use it in a match."Asked about the vacuum created by Rahul Dravid's retirement, he said, "Rahul bhai is a classical batsman. His attitude, nature and calmness on the field are something I want to learn from him. Team shall surely miss his presence during the games. His place in the team will always remain vacant."

T20 cricket demands bowler who can be effective at the death and Yadav agrees."Death over bowling is all about variation. So to prepare for death overs I am working on varying my pace and different game-plans that can be used during the match."The Feroz Shah Kotla wicket hasn't exactly been kind to pace bowlers in the recent past and Yadav feels that varying the pace is important.

"Best way to bowl in our home ground is to vary our pace. But as is the case on all the pitches, we have to keep trying to create wicket-taking chances. Frankly speaking the Kotla pitch doesn't have any problem."Yadav is keen to make an impression for Delhi Daredevils in the fifth edition of the IPL. the franchise which brought him into limelight."It was playing for Daredevils that made selectors and world take notice of me. I have and will always keep giving my best for them so that I keep developing as a good pace bowler."

© Indian Express

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Photos : Sachin Tendulkar at Mukesh Ambani's Grand Party To Celebrate 100th Ton

Turns out Sachin Tendulkar's "fav lady" is Nita Ambani. She and husband Mukesh hosted a magnificent party for the Master Blaster, commemorating his 100th 100. The party, held at Antilia, their imposing home, drew the largest list of Mumbai's A-list in recent times. Among them, the grand lady and Sachin Tendulkar's unabashed fan, Lata Mangeshkar. Some of the guests are Gavaskar, Ganguly, Kumble, Virat Kohli,Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Abhishek - Aishwarya, srikanth, priyanka chopra, priety zinta, Maharastra CM, harbhajan singh, jonty rhodes, robin singh, nehra and the list goes on. 

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It’s going to be difficult to replace Rahul – Sachin Tendulkar

IIndia’s next Test is many months away, in the 2012-13 season, but when the XI take the field then, Rahul Dravid will be a notable absentee.The former India captain has, after all, quit International (and domestic first-class) cricket, almost 16 years after his maiden appearance for India.

On Monday, the eve of Dravid’s felicitation by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), in Mumbai, senior-most pro Sachin Tendulkar remembered him with plenty of affection.In any case, it’s difficult not to think of Dravid in positive terms.Speaking to The Telegraph, Sachin said: “It’s going to be difficult to replace Rahul, such a solid No.3 for 15-16 years...“Rahul not only occupied that spot, but did unbelievably well... Getting somebody to fill-in will be difficult...

“I have the highest regard and respect for Rahul, who contributed so much not just for Indian cricket, but the sport as a whole.”Sachin, it may be recalled, turned very emotional the day (March 9) Dravid decided to announce his retirement. That came through in his text message to this newspaper.

The SMS read: “I have shared some of my best moments with Rahul in the middle... Our many century partnerships are a testimony to the hours we spent together...“For someone who has played 164 Tests and scored 13,200-plus runs, no tribute can be enough... All I can say is there was, and is, only one Rahul Dravid. There can be no other...“I will miss him in the dressing room and out in the middle.”

Asked what had been his reaction when Dravid called to inform him of his decision, Sachin replied: “Look, I believe an individual alone knows his mind and body the best...“Rahul knew what was right for him to do and what wasn’t... In such situations, you have to respect the individual and, as important, respect his decision. I did that.”

Some may choose to read between the lines, but Sachin has actually been spot-on.The felicitation is going to be held at the Taj Lands End and the South Africa-bound T20 squad is expected to be present. As also, some former India captains and players who regularly shared the dressing room with Dravid in Test cricket.V.V.S. Laxman is among the invitees. Is he going to retire next?

© Telegraph

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Don't want to compare between 800 wickets and 100 tons: Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday refused to compare his stupendous feat of scoring 100 international centuries with other milestones in the game like that of Muttiah Muralidaran's 800 Test wickets for Sri Lanka.

"I don't like comparisons. I think getting to 800 wickets is a great thing, absolutely fabulous," said the senior batsman in a media interaction on Sunday."All the other players who have done well and have been successful at international level, they have made huge sacrifices. There has been lot of discipline, commitment and dedication in their life to serve the nation. I respect all of them."

"I also respect the guys who have not been successful because to play for your nation, you still have to go through the rigours and without that it doesn't happen. I don't like to compare and I respect every individual, who has achieved something."Asked whether anyone else can break his record, Tendulkar said he wanted an Indian to do so."About breaking the record of 100 hundreds, I dont know. All the records are meant to be broken. If somebody breaks it, then he must be an Indian."

When told he had not said anything categorical about his retirement plans, Tendulkar retorted, "I have answered. May be you guys have not understood properly. I have always said that when I decide to retire I will let you know. Where is the question of not answering?"He reiterated that the passion to play kept him going in ODI cricket even after achieving the dream of winning the World Cup.

"It is the passion for the game and as long as I feel the passion, as long as I feel the desire is there, as long as I feel that I can go out and deliver then I should be playing. But the day I feel I cannot do it, I cannot motivate myself even though I am performing then it is time to re-look at my decisions. There might be phases where I am not performing well but I am motivated enough and passionate enough, then I need not worry," he explained.

From personal experience, he advised the younger lot of cricketers to maintain focus and not be weighed down by external pressures...by criticism."I think it is an important factor to focus and not think about the external factor which sometimes weigh you down. There will be phases in their careers when the going gets tough, but that is a time that whatever you had practised over the years and I am not talking about practising in the nets, but outside the field helps."

"My advice would be to keep an eye on the ball and not what X, Y or Z is talking. Sometimes it feels good when people are talking good things about you, but it does feel bad when people criticise you.""So there has to be a balance between reading good things and bad things, and you got to maintain that balance and balance in your emotions about the way you celebrate and the way you respond to disappointments."

"If the balance is there, then in those tough phases you will be able to deal with it but if there is imbalance that is when the problem starts. It is upto an individual, and there is no particular formula to it that if you do this or that, it is going to work. There are guys who get motivated by certain things and it is important to know yourself, as to what works for an individual and follow that."

Asked about the difference between the older generation of which he was a part and the newer lot in the dressing room, Tendulkar said the only change was in the choice of music being heard."The difference has been only the choice of music. That is where the problem is. Otherwise we do the same things," he said adding the overt aggression of the youngsters was another difference.

Also See : Photos : Sachin Tendulkar at a Press Conference in Mumbai Today 

"I spoke about aggression, which need not be always vocal. There are youngsters who want to react to things immediately. I keep telling them don't worry, after sometime you will have a different opinion about that. With age your thoughts change, the way you react changes. It is part of growing - what you do when you are 17, you don't do at 35. It is a time-consuming process. It happens with everyone."

Asked about whether he will be playing Tests four years hence, he said he did not know."I don't know. When I started playing cricket I didn't see myself playing for 22 years either. I don't know what is in store. It is in God's hands."Asked whether anyone else can have such a long career as his in future, he replied he was not in a position to answer it.

"I don't know really. 20-22 years of playing is a long time. You can literally count on one hand how many guys have done in the history of cricket. It is definitely not easy. To make that prediction that somebody is going to play for 20 years, I don't think I am good enough to answer that."

Tendulkar made it clear he had no more dreams to chase after playing for the country and being part of the World Cup winning squad."I don't have any other dream now. There were two big dreams - one was playing for India and the second was to lift the World Cup. That was my biggest dream," he replied.

©  PTI

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I am madly in Love with Cricket – Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar made it clear on Sunday that he does not intend to retire anytime soon and left open the possibility of playing in the 2015 World Cup.

The master batsman, who will turn 39 next month, took on his critics who have been suggesting that he should retire from the one-day format of the game and focus on Test cricket. Kapil Dev, Imran Khan and some other former greats have in fact expressed views that he should have retired from ODIs when India won the 2011 World Cup."I feel that when I retire is something that I would decide because when I started was not decided by someone else. Those who are advising me about retirement did not bring me in the team," he said at a rare press conference in Mumbai.

Tendulkar, who reached an unprecedented milestone in the game's history by completing 100 international centuries nine days ago in Dhaka, was uncharacteristically blunt about his critics and said, "I feel those who say you should retire at the top, are selfish because when you are at the top, you should serve the country instead of retiring."

Asked about the prospects of him playing the 2015 World Cup to be held in Australia and New Zealand, Tendulkar refused to be drawn into any predictions but clearly did not rule out playing in the tournament."When this question was asked in 2007 (about the 2011 World Cup), it was tough for me to answer. It's the same situation."

"I don't know what to say about 2015, if people keep praying for me, that means a lot for me. I will keep trying, the rest is in god's hands. I just want to enjoy the game. I don't want to set targets," he added.Speaking about his 100th international century, which he scored after a year-long wait, the iconic player said, "When I reached my 100th ton, I looked at my bat and looked at the sky and asked god, what wrong did I do? Why did it take so long?"

Answering a question about rising superstar Virat Kohli and other emerging youngsters, Tendulkar had a word of advice for them - they should have strong commitment and discipline."It has taken so much of time for me (to reach where I have) and others who will play, they will have to have the commitment and discipline. When we started, we had goals, I feel I have been able to do that for the next generation," Tendulkar said.

"Virat has done really well. I hope he continues that but there are other players as well. We need such performances to continue for the team."Tendulkar refused to predict whether his seemingly unconquerable record of 100 centuries would ever be broken but hoped that as and when it happens, the feat is accomplished by a fellow Indian.

"I don't know. I guess all the records are meant to be broken but I hope it's an Indian. I don't think you can predict that (whether it will be surpassed) but I hope it's an Indian whenever it happens," he said.Tendulkar said his family is his source of strength and he will continue till he keeps getting their support. "I get my strength from my coaches and family. When I feel I don't have that, on that day, I will think of retirement."

India went on to lose the match, that too against Bangladesh, in which Tendulkar got to the feat and he said the disappointment meant that the celebrations were muted."I don't think that we are celebrating that one match. Where I am right now took 23 years and not one match. I feel the result was very important. It was very disappointing. The day I got the hundred there was no celebration," he recalled.

For a player who has virtually every batting record that is there, Tendulkar said the biggest compliment for him was when the legendary Sir Don Bradman included him in his all-time Test XI."I think the best compliment was from Sir Don Bradman when he announced his all-time Test XI and I was part of that squad. That would be the best compliment," he said.

Talking about his journey so far, Tendulkar, the highest run-getter in both Tests and one-dayers, said his late father Ramesh Tendulkar was his idol growing up."My hero is my father because he is the one with whom everything started in my life. I follow my father. In cricket, even those who haven't scored a hundred were advising me but as long as it was in good intention, it was fine," he said.

When asked about India's early exit from the Asia Cup, Tendulkar said credit should also go to the rivals who played better than them."All three teams won two matches, it eventually boiled down to who beat whom. I want to clarify that Bangladesh are a good team and played well in all the four matches. The rival teams also come to win. Sometimes you play well but the other team plays better," he explained.

The diminutive right-hander said he does not have to prove anything now and would continue as long as he enjoys the game."I don't think I need to prove anything right now. I started playing this game because I loved it, I enjoy it. The passion for cricket was there. The dream was to play for India and win the World Cup, I don't think anything can be bigger than that," he said.

"I can't think of milestones. I have been able to play for India and win the World Cup. I don't know what is in store for me but my focus would be to just enjoy the game. I don't want to focus on what I have to achieve because I have already achieved what I wanted," he added.Tendulkar also detailed the one year barren spell during which he got into 70s and 80s but somehow missed out on hundreds.

"At the time of the World Cup when I got to 99 hundreds, no one was discussing about my 100th hundred because the focus was on the World Cup. But after the World Cup, the media built on it and started asking. I was only focused on playing cricket like always. I just wanted to score runs," he recalled.Talking about his own form in this one year, Tendulkar said, "I can say that there were patches when I didn't bat well, there were patches when I felt that I batted my best. I felt that sometimes you need luck to be on your side."

"Sometimes that luck factor was missing because as far as preparations were concerned, my commitment and passion was in place. I scored 100 out of 100 on that. But you don't always achieve the results that you dream of," he said."Something that is more important is not to lose hope. I did not lose hope, I continued trying my best. Here I only waited for a year but for the World Cup I waited for 22 years and it happened."Tendulkar said being a celebrity, his struggles hogged the limelight even though every individual goes through tough times.

"There are going to be rough phases in life. I don't think there is anyone who hasn't experienced rough phases but they are personal. But because we are public figures, our rough phases are on camera. But I didn't lose faith in my ability and that is what has allowed me to be where I am."Asked to assess himself, Tendulkar said he would leave that job to his fans and critics.

"I can't judge myself but definitely there was a dream to be regarded as one of the top players to have played the game. To be in that league that was my dream. I wanted to be right at the top or to be there in that group and I feel I am there but if you ask me to judge myself, I can't do that. That's for others to say," he said.Asked to compare the pressure he felt at the time of his debut hundred and the 100th hundred, Tendulkar said it is incomparable.

"I think in 94' when I did a press conference, even half of the journalists present right now were not there. There were few expectations. Today the expectations are a lot more. Even if I score 70-80, it is a disappointment like in Delhi last year against the West Indies," Tendulkar said."It's about how you look at things. My first century and this one can't be compared because expectations are different," he said.

Also See : Photos : Sachin Tendulkar at a Press Conference in Mumbai Today 

Like him, the Indian team has also gone through a tough phase since winning the World Cup in April last year. Tendulkar said the key to recovery lies in not losing hope."Wherever we go, we want to win. When you lose the number one ranking, it means someone is playing better cricket than you, you need to perform better and win. That is what we go out for. At no stage should we lose hope. It is a rough patch but we can overcome that obstacle, we require hard work and we will do that," he said.

"I think our team has had a few injuries. During the England tour, we suffered because of injuries. I don't want to give excuses because whoever plays, he is expected to do well. I can't pinpoint reasons but we can get better."I don't know how to put it across. I don't think you can find solutions in 3-4 sentences. It is a process. When we became number one, it was a process and we will have to repeat that," he added.

Talking about the state of the game in general, Tendulkar said Test cricket should remain the pinnacle."There has to be more importance to Test cricket. This format is very challenging for which you need planning. You need to play at a different pace at different times. If you ask any player, most would tell you that Tests have to be number one and I have no different opinion," he said.

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Coca Cola to roll out 7.2 lakh cans featuring Tendulkar

Coca Cola India will roll out 7.2 lakh `golden cans' featuring batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar to commemorate his historic 100th international century."We have put 7.2 lakh golden cans and we don't think they will last many days," Coca Cola India - Director Marketing Wasim Basir told PTI.

"Wherever we traditionally distribute cans, these cans would be available there," he added.While nine of such cans in different colours have been launched in the markets in 2011, displaying the centuries personally picked by Sachin, the 10th limited edition Golden Can was put on hold awaiting his 100th hundred.

Also See : Photos : Sachin Tendulkar at a Press Conference in Mumbai Today 

The golden cans will be available for Rs. 20."This is the first time in history of Coca Cola India we are honouring someone....This is the first time we have agreed to put a face on our cans," he said.The Gold Cans are designed by Arun Narayan from Coca-Cola India along with Mumbai-based agency, Design Orb.

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What's with the new hairdo? Tendulkar says just like that

Like everything else about him, Sachin Tendulkar's latest hairdo has generated considerable buzz among commentators and his fans but the master batsman said on Sunday that there was no particular reason for it.

In the recently concluded Asia Cup, Tendulkar had done away with his traditional close cropped curly hair and was spotted sporting straight and longer hair.Some speculated that the change had been carried out to bring better luck since Tendulkar had failed to score his 100th international century during the past one year.When asked why he had straightened his curly locks, Tendulkar merely smiled and said, "I just felt like growing my hair but there is no reason for it."

Also See : Photos : Sachin Tendulkar at a Press Conference in Mumbai Today 

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John Wright told me I could get hundred 100s: Tendulkar

Senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday revealed that it was India's former coach John Wright who had first inspired him to score 100 international centuries.

"I remember a long time ago, in the 2003 World Cup (in South Africa), John Wright had told me 'you should become the first player to score 100 international hundreds'. We used to have many chats and in one of them he said this."

"He (probably) told that just to push me. The coach's job is to give the player that push and probably John was doing the same," Tendulkar said at an interactive media session on Sunday.

Tendulkar said India were tested severely in England and Australia, but felt the series Down Under could have turned out differently had they not allowed the hosts to build strong partnerships in all the matches.

Also See : Photos : Sachin Tendulkar at a Press Conference in Mumbai Today 

"I think it has been a tough phase for all of us in Test cricket, that is something we need definitely to look at. I felt the conditions were different if what you call it home advantage.

"I felt those teams played good cricket. England wanted to get the no. 1 spot and Australia, after all that (slump), were also looking a different side. If you compare the Australia series, in every Test match there was just one partnership which changed the game... otherwise if you look at the records, it was more or less the same," the champion batsman said.

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I hope an Indian breaks my record of 100 tons: Sachin

Sachin Tendulkar does not want to predict whether his seemingly unconquerable record of 100 international centuries would ever be broken but the iconic cricketer hopes that as and when it happens, the feat is accomplished by a fellow Indian.

In a wide-ranging interaction with the media, the 38-year-old Tendulkar also said that he does not intend to retire anytime soon no matter what the critics have to say.

"I don't know. I guess all the records are meant to be broken but I hope it's an Indian. I don't think you can predict that (whether it will be surpassed) but I hope it's an Indian whenever it happens," Tendulkar, who reached the milestone during the recent Asia Cup, told reporters here.

Also See : Photos : Sachin Tendulkar at a Press Conference in Mumbai Today 

"I feel that when I retire is something that I would decide because when I started was not decided by someone else. Those who are advising me about retirement did not bring me in the team."

"I get my strength from my coaches and family. When I feel I don't have that, on that day, I will think of retirement. I feel those who say you should retire at the top are selfish because when you are at the top, you should serve the country instead of retiring," he said.

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Photos : Sachin Tendulkar at a Press Conference in Mumbai | March, 25 2012

Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar speaks during a news conference in Mumbai on March 25, 2012. India's Tendulkar on March 16 became the first batsman in history to score 100 international centuries, adding another milestone in his record-breaking career.

Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar speaks during a news conference in Mumbai © Getty Images

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Sachin Tendulkar smiles during a news conference © Reuters

Sachin Tendulkar speaks during a press conference © AP Photo

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God, why did it take this long: Sachin after his 100th ton

An emotional Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday minced no words in expressing his passionate love for cricket but said that on completing his 100th international century, wondered why it took a long time coming.

Speaking about his years playing the sport and receiving almost every laurel possible for a player, Tendulkar said age has hardly stopped him. He however added that he questioned god after ending his quest for the landmark century. "When I reached (the) 100th 100, I looked at my bat and looked at the sky and asked god what wrong did I do, why did it take so long," he revealed.

Tendulkar took a little over a year to complete the feat, a first for any batsman in the history of the sport. His 100 came against Bangladesh in the recently concluded Asia Cup. He however did mention that it would be good for an Indian to break his record in the future. "If someone breaks my 100th 100 record I hope he is an Indian."

Also See : Photos : Sachin Tendulkar at a Press Conference in Mumbai Today 

The other star performer for India in Asia Cup - Virat Kohli - in fact had said earlier that he had been inspired by Tendulkar and that the veteran batsman has been a guiding force for the younger players in the team.

The team itself, according to Tendulkar, plays to win and not achieve records. "People have their opinions. I have never played for records. When we have team meetings, we discuss winning, not breaking records," he said.

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No one should tell me when to retire: Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar does not want to predict whether his seemingly unconquerable record of 100 international centuries would ever be broken but the iconic cricketer hopes that as and when it happens, the feat is accomplished by a fellow Indian.

In a wide-ranging interaction with the media, the 38-year-old Tendulkar also said that he does not intend to retire anytime soon no matter what the critics have to say. "I don't know. I guess all the records are meant to be broken but I hope it's an Indian. I don't think you can predict that (whether it will be surpassed) but I hope it's an Indian whenever it happens," Tendulkar, who reached the milestone during the recent Asia Cup, told reporters.

"I feel that when I retire is something that I would decide because when I started was not decided by someone else. Those who are advising me about retirement did not bring me in the team. "I get my strength from my coaches and family. When I feel I don't have that, on that day, I will think of retirement. I feel those who say you should retire at the top are selfish because when you are at the top, you should serve the country instead of retiring," he said.

India went on to lose the match, that too against Bangladesh, in which Tendulkar got to the feat and he said the disappointment meant that the celebrations were muted. "I don't think that we are celebrating that one match. Where I am right now took 23 years and not one match. I feel the result was very important. It was very disappointing. The day I got the hundred there was no celebration," he recalled.

For a player who has virtually every batting record that is there to be taken, Tendulkar said the biggest compliment for him was when the legendary Sir Don Bradman included him in his all-time Test XI. "I think the best compliment was from Sir Don Bradman when he announced his all-time Test XI and I was part of that squad. That would be the best compliment," he said.

Talking about his journey so far, Tendulkar, the highest run-getter in both Tests and one-dayers, said his late father Ramesh Tendulkar was his idol growing up. "My hero is my father because he is the one with whom everything started in my life. I follow my father. In cricket, even those who haven't scored a hundred were advising me but as long as it was in good intention, it was fine," he said.

When asked about India's early exit from the Asia Cup, Tendulkar said credit should also go to the rivals who played better than them. "All three teams won two matches, it eventually boiled down to who beat whom. I want to clarify that Bangladesh are a good team and played well in all the four matches. The rival teams also come to win. Sometimes you play well but the other team plays better," he explained.

Also See : Photos : Sachin Tendulkar at a Press Conference in Mumbai Today 

The diminutive right-hander said he does not have to prove anything now and would continue as long as he enjoys the game. "I don't think I need to prove anything right now. I started playing this game because I loved it, I enjoy it. The passion for cricket was there. The dream was to play for India and win the World Cup, I don't think anything can be bigger than that," he said.

"I can't think of milestones. I have been able to play for India and win the World Cup. I don't know what is in store for me but my focus would be to just enjoy the game. I don't want to focus on what I have to achieve because I have already achieved what I wanted," he added. Tendulkar also detailed the one year barren spell during which he got into 70s and 80s but somehow missed out on hundreds.

"At the time of the World Cup when I got to 99 hundreds, no one was discussing about my 100th hundred because the focus was on the World Cup. But after the World Cup, the media built on it and started asking. I was only focused on playing cricket like always. I just wanted to score runs," he recalled. "But as time went by, people who were listening to the media, those people, excluding my friends and family, would wish me about the 100th hundred. But I felt cricket should be the focus and that is what I kept telling myself," Tendulkar said.

"I can say that from a cricketing point of view, it was a tough phase because the good wishes were not stopping. Now, at least they won't pray for my 100th ton and my ears will get some rest," he joked. "I can't complain about all these good wishes." Talking about his own form in this one year, Tendulkar said, "I can say that there were patches when I didn't bat well, there were patches when I felt that I batted my best. I felt that sometimes you need luck to be on your side."

"Sometimes that luck factor was missing because as far as preparations were concerned, my commitment and passion was in place. I scored 100 out of 100 on that. But you don't always achieve the results that you dream of," he said. "Something that is more important is not to lose hope. I did not lose hope, I continued trying my best. Here I only waited for a year but for the World Cup I waited for 22 years and it happened."

Tendulkar said being a celebrity, his struggles hogged the limelight even though every individual goes through tough times. "There are going to be rough phases in life. I don't think there is anyone who hasn't experienced rough phases but they are personal. But because we are public figures, our rough phases are on camera. But I didn't lose faith in my ability and that is what has allowed me to be where I am." Asked to assess himself, Tendulkar said he would leave that job to his fans and critics.

"I can't judge myself but definitely there was a dream to be regarded as one of the top players to have played the game. To be in that league that was my dream. I wanted to be right at the top or to be there in that group and I feel I am there but if you ask me to judge myself, I can't do that. That's for others to say," he said. Asked to compare the pressure he felt at the time of his debut hundred and the 100th hundred, Tendulkar said it is incomparable.

"I think in 94' when I did a press conference, even half of the journalists present right now were not there. There were few expectations. Today the expectations are a lot more. Even if I score 70-80, it is a disappointment like in Delhi last year against the West Indies. "It's about how you look at things. My first century and this one can't be compared because expectations are different," he said.

Like him, the Indian team has also gone through a tough phase since winning the World Cup in April last year. Tendulkar said the key to recovery lies in not losing hope. "Wherever we go, we want to win. When you lose the number one ranking, it means someone is playing better cricket than you, you need to perform better and win. That is what we go out for. At no stage should we lose hope. It is a rough patch but we can overcome that obstacle, we require hard work and we will do that," he said.

"I think our team has had a few injuries. During the England tour, we suffered because of injuries. I don't want to give excuses because whoever plays, he is expected to do well. I can't pinpoint reasons but we can get better. "I don't know how to put it across. I don't think you can find solutions in 3-4 sentences. It is a process. When we became number one, it was a process and we will have to repeat that," he added.

Talking about the state of the game in general, Tendulkar said Test cricket should remain the pinnacle. "There has to be more importance to Test cricket. This format is very challenging for which you need planning. You need to play at a different pace at different times. If you ask any player, most would tell you that Tests have to be number one and I have no different opinion," he said.

© PTI

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