Ricky Ponting retiring doesn't mean Sachin also has to quit: Gautam Gambhir

Ricky Ponting's decision to call it quits might have added fuel to the fire in the raging debate over Sachin Tendulkar's retirement, but India opener Gautam Gambhir feels his senior teammate still has a lot to offer.

"Nobody can force anyone to retire. Each individual knows when is the best time to retire. Ponting retiring doesn't mean that Sachin also has to quit now. It's an individual decision. They are from two different countries, two different individuals. So there is no question of a comparison," Gambhir said.

At a time when the 39-year-old Mumbaikar's place in the team has been questioned by critics, Gambhir went to the extent of saying that Tendulkar still has the "capability to make lots of runs for India".

"His presence in the dressing room itself is a big thing for the country. I am sure he will come out of it. Everybody goes through ups and downs. It's the sheer joy of playing the game, he loves playing.

"He is the greatest cricketer India has produced. Not just on the field, as a mentor he contributes off the field too. He still has the capability to make lots of runs for India," Gambhir said at an event here.

Coming back to Ponting, who today announced that he will retire from Test cricket after playing in the third Test against South Africa in Perth, Gambhir called him Australia's "best ever captain".

"He is a legend of the game. He has played cricket on his own terms, he is retiring on his own terms. His record in all three formats speaks for itself. He has been Australia's most successful captain ever."
Gambhir came out in support of Mahendra Singh Dhoni and saw nothing wrong in the skipper asking for a turning wicket.

"A captain should get the kind of wicket he wants. There is nothing wrong in it. We all should support him instead of making it an issue. If he thinks he can win on a particular sort of wicket we should support him.

"After all he is your captain and he will only think about victory. All the former captains would ask for turners. I think during Mohammad Azharuddin's time we used to play on turning tracks, nobody had raised a question then."

The Delhi player also felt that he and his teammates should not be blamed all the time for defeat.

"What amazes me is that we never appreciate the opposition. We should also praise the opposition rather than criticise our own players.

"The opposition does play good cricket. They are not here to just make up the numbers. The series is tied 1-1, we haven't lost it yet and we can still come back. Any country can bounce back today," said Gambhir.

Asked how crucial was his second-inning half century in the Mumbai Test from his career's point of view, Gambhir said, "Any knock is important for me. Every run I score for my country is very satisfying.

On the English spinners' performance in Mumbai Test, he said, "They bowled very well, both (Graeme) Swann and (Monty) Panesar, but that doesn't mean we can't tackle spin well.

"England can win anywhere, they have got the quality in batting and bowling. But remember we were world number 1 and have won Test matches in Australia, South Africa.

"We are looking forward to the Kolkata Test. We need to be positive. Would look to dominate them."

Gambhir was here as the face of the Hindustan Times' 'You Read, They Learn' campaign where he played cricket with the kids and talked more about his contribution to the project.

"Kids have to go to school for overall development, discipline. My biggest motivation is to contribute something for my country, like educating the kids so that they can take their own decisions," said Gambhir.

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Anil Kumble Blasts Critics over Sachin’s Retirement Talks

Amidst the growing clamour for Sachin Tendulkar's retirement, former India skipper Anil Kumble on Thursday hit out at critics questioning the veteran batsman's place in the team, saying he should be left alone and given the "emotional space" and respect he deserves.

Tendulkar's prolonged lean patch led many people to question his place in the Indian team but Kumble says it's not the time to point fingers at him but support him.

"There have been instances when he has been the sole reason for India's wins, but he has never been the sole reason for India's losses. It’s best to leave it to him to deal with what is in front of him now, because no one else has been in his position. No one else has played 192 Tests, made 34,000 runs, or scored 100 centuries. Let's not jump the gun, let's give the man the respect he deserves," Kumble wrote in his column for the 'Week' magazine.

"For 23 years, he has helped people dream, he has made them feel better emotionally. More's the reason why we need to give him his emotional space now," he wrote.

"...This is the time for him to be left alone. He is such a great player that he doesn't need anyone else's advice on how to score runs. He just needs people to back off and allow him to work out what he needs to return to run-scoring ways, which I am confident he will," he added.

Kumble said that it's not only Tendulkar, who is going through a bad phase but the whole Test team and implying that team is doing bad because of Tendulkar's poor form would be highly unfair.

"For the first time, people are questioning his place in the team. The expectations are that he should retire because his performances over the last year or so haven’t matched the standards he has set over the previous 22 years. Yes, we have not seen the best of Sachin in this phase, but it is not just him alone. If you look at the overall picture, the team has struggled in Test cricket, so are we suggesting that India are still a one-man army, still totally dependent on Sachin? I think not," he said.
Kumble, one of the best spinners to have played the game, said the Indian team's consistent poor show in Test cricket actually made Tendulkar's failure more prominent.

"The performances and the mindset of the Indian team are not helping Sachin any, either. India have won just three Tests in the last year, all at home, which probably has magnified his failures," he wrote.

The leg-spinner asked his critics to stay away from him.

"This is the time when you need to give him space for him to think about what he needs to rectify rather than put all kinds of negative thoughts in his mind. People are asking if it is time for him to go. That's a question people ask in India when you cross 30; the only difference is that in Sachin’s case, it has come at 39."

Kumble also hailed Tendulkar's longevity and presented a few statistics to show how great his journey has been after making debut at the tender age of 16.

"Sachin was the 187th Indian to play Test cricket. The last debutant for India was R. Vinay Kumar, No. 274. If I am right, nearly 60% of the 87 players who made their Test debut for India after Sachin have already retired from the game.

"That, to me, is the perfect illustration of the desire, hunger and commitment that have driven Sachin to turn out match after match, and perform more often than he has failed."

Kumble was confident that eventually Tendulkar would comeback strong.

"At 39, it's more of a mental battle for a batsman while it is always a physical grind for a bowler.... mind needs to be fresh and it doesn't help when the mind is bogged down by negative thoughts implanted by extraneous forces.

"The only issue with age is that no matter how fit you are, the recovery gets tougher and takes longer. But knowing Sachin for this long, I can say that he is exceptionally mentally tough and still does every physical routine to prepare himself for every Test. In all my years of playing and watching the game, I haven't seen anyone else adapt to conditions better or faster than Sachin."

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I am hopeful that Sachin will silence his critics at Eden – Harbhajan

Mahendra Singh Dhoni might have drawn flak for India's poor performance against England in the second Test at Mumbai, but Harbhajan Singh on Wednesday came out in support of his skipper, saying one should not judge him on the basis of just one bad performance.

The off-spinner, who was part of the playing eleven at Wankhede Stadium, said one should not forget Dhoni's contribution in making India the world champions.

"Winning and losing is a part of the game and players and captain like Dhoni, should not be criticised for just losing a single game," Harbhajan said.

"We should not forget that Dhoni is the same captain who won us the first World Cup after 1983 triumph. He is one of the best rated captains in the country. By losing just a single match, one should not raise questions at his ability," the tweaker, who like his other spin mates was put to test by the English side in Mumbai, added.

The 31-year-old deposed faith in his team and said the side will bounce back in the forthcoming Test at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

"People should not forget that we have beaten England in their home on many occasions. They should not criticise players and captain like this. We will perform better at Kolkata and will win there," he said.

Asked about Sachin Tendulkar's poor run with the bat, Harbhajan, who was here along with teammate Suresh Raina, said: "Sachin has priceless contribution, not only to Indian cricket, but to the world cricket. If he fails in one or two matches we should not criticise him.

"My wish is that he should keep playing for the country. His presence gives an edge to the team. Kolkata has always remained one of Sachin's favourite venues and I am hopeful that he will silence his critics with a brilliant knock there."

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BCCI claims ignorance over Sachin Tendulkar’s talks with selectors over his future

The Indian Cricket Board on Wednesday claimed it was unaware of any talks between senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar and national selectors on his future in the wake of a prolonged form slump

"I am not aware of it," said BCCI secretary and senior selection panel convener Sanjay Jagdale when contacted in Indore for his reaction to media reports on Monday that Tendulkar spoke to chief selector Sandeep Patil before Tuesday's selection meeting at the Board headquarters here.

Media reports claimed that Tendulkar was asked about his future plans, specifically about his retirement from the game which he has played for over two decades. The selectors were reportedly told by the record-setting batsman that it was their call to decide on his future.

The 39-year-old, who has completed 23 years in international cricket, is among those who are under the fire for the humiliating 10-wicket defeat in home conditions against England here two days ago that helped the visitors level the four-match series 1-1.

Tendulkar, who is the only batsman to score 100 international hundreds and holds the world record for the maximum number of runs in Tests and ODIs as well as the highest number of tons in these two formats, is going through a lean patch dating back the Sydney Test in January in Australia.

He has been bowled or fallen leg before five times in his last four home Tests, prompting experts to say his reflexes have slowed down because he's pushing 40.

Though India lost heavily, the national selectors have not dropped anyone from the next Test squad for under-performing and the lone man left out, Umesh Yadav, has been dropped because of a back injury.

The Kolkata Test is to be followed by the fourth and final game at Nagpur from December 13-17. For the last two Tests initially had a rethink and chose the team only for the third match.

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Sachin Tendulkar will return to form soon, says a confident Navjot Singh Sidhu

There might be growing criticism against Sachin Tendulkar after a string of poor performances but former India opener Navjot Singh Sidhu feels the senior batsman's presence is crucial at a time when the team is going through a transitional phase.

"We don't have VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly any more in the team. So we badly need experience and till the time we find an option we just cannot think about Tendulkar's retirement," said Sidhu.

Tendulkar has scored just 153 runs in the last 10 innings at an average of 15.3 and has also been a major disappointment in the last two Tests of the four-match series against England.

On Tendulkar's extended form slump, the cricketer turned commentator said, "Sachin is not God, he is just a human being. He doesn't have a 'sudarshan chakra', he just has a willow and the bat fails at times."

Sidhu said that he feels sad whenever Tendulkar is criticised.

"Sachin is not just a personality, he is an institution. He is a 'Kohinoor' and can't be turned into glass.

"I am confident he will return to form in the next two Test matches," he insisted.

Sidhu, however, admitted that Tendulkar's reflexes have gone down with age.

"His reflexes might have gone down but he has been playing for the last 23 years and is experienced enough to come out of this slump," said Sidhu.

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Sachin Tendulkar does not need any advice on his future: Rajiv Shukla

Sachin Tendulkar's streak of low scores might have raised a question mark over his future but senior BCCI official and IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla on Monday came out in support of the senior batsman saying one needs to look at his "colossal record" before making any comment.

"He will hang up his boots when he thinks it's time for him to go. He does not need any advice on this. Before making a comment on his performance you have to see his colossal record and his past performance," Shukla told reporters outside the Parliament adding that the veteran cricketer will come back strongly in the forthcoming matches.

"He will do well in forthcoming matches," Shukla said.

Tendulkar has been battling poor form for sometime and his last 10 innings have yielded just 153 runs at an average of 15.3, the lowest by an Indian top-order batsman in the corresponding period.

The 39-year-old's last three figure score in Tests came in January last year against South Africa.

Asked about India's loss to England in the second Test at Mumbai, Shukla said: "It is sad. After the victory in Ahmedabad the batting line-up could not perform the way it should have. It was a turning wicket and English spinners performed better."

Shukla, though, said the board will look into the matter and would take necessary corrective measures.

"We will discuss the shortcomings and so will the team management to see how the performance can be improved," he said.

On the selection of the team for the next two Tests against England, Shukla said it remains the prerogative of the selection committee and nobody should interfere in their domain.

"Selectors are also former players and they will take a call on this. Whom to select and whom not to, it is their domain," he added.

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Video : The Sachin Tendulkar “EXCLUSIVE” Interview at TAJ, Mumbai

On the sidelines of an event hosted by Audemars Piguet in Mumbai a couple of days back, the brand's ambassador Sachin Tendulkar opens up about his life beyond cricket to Chitralekha's Publisher & President Mitrajit Bhattacharya. Video Courtesy : CHITRALEKHA YOUTUBE CHANNEL

 

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Video : Sachin Tendulkar honoured by the Cricket Club of India

The Cricket Club of India Honoures senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar as part of celebrating its 75th anniversary at its famous Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai few days back

Cricket Board president N. Srinivasan was the chief guest as CCI honours the “First Citizen of the World of Cricket. Visiting England team captain Alastair Cook, team director Andy Flower and batting coach Graham Gooch, among others, was present on the occasion.

Tendulkar has fond memories of the club, which changed its rules to allow the then 14-year-old cricketer to use its dressing room when he featured in local cricket tournaments in the late 1980s.

CCI is one of the members affiliated to the BCCI but does not take part in the Ranji Trophy national tournament.

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Panesar relishes claiming wicket of Tendulkar, the prince of India

Delighted at dismissing Sachin Tendulkar, England left-arm spinner Monty Panesar said that out of the four wickets he took on the first day of the second Test against India, it was the wicket of the veteran batsman that he cherished the most.

“Obviously for me it has got to be the prince of India, Sachin Tendulkar. I was absolutely delighted with that,” said Panesar, who pushed India on to the backfoot by sending back Virender Sehwag and Tendulkar in the space of 11 balls before the hosts fought back in the last session.

This was the third time that Panesar had dismissed Tendulkar. Previously it was at Nagpur in 2006 and at Lord’s in 2007.

Panesar, who ended with the figures of four for 91 in 34 overs, said he had worked hard with England bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed to get his action right and that paid rich dividends at the Wankhede stadium here.

“During the practice session I have worked quite a lot with Mushy bhai in trying to get my action right. The previous ball, I remember, I got my action slightly wrong and dropped it. The next ball, I thought, I have to make sure that I get all the process I worked with Mushy bhai right. It seemed to click,” said Panesar.

“I got my action right and got my fingers nicely around the ball. These kinds of things obviously work and it came out nice. Mushy bhai has been valuable for us. He has played a lot of cricket in the subcontinent. He understands the rhythm of the game out here and he helps us — me and Swanny (Graeme Swann) — a lot to understand the type of cricket that Indians play out here.

“And you have got to adjust to that, adjust to the conditions, to the heat, to the crowd noise. All of that comes into play when you are a spin bowler. You have to adjust to the flamboyant shots that they play and accept that and keep bowling the next ball,” he added.

Panesar was confident that his team could restrict the hosts, who ended the first day today at 266 for six, to 300 tomorrow morning.

“They (Ravichandran) Ashwin and (Cheteshwar) Pujara obviously built a good partnership. So what we are hoping is to restrict them to 300 tomorrow morning, and that will be good for us. That kind of partnership has obviously given the momentum to India but overall I don’t think they expected us to dominate the first two sessions like that.”

“I thought we struck really well out there. We, especially, applied lot of pressure early on Indian batters, it was something that the Indian team didn’t expect. They won the toss and thought they would only have a few wickets down with may be 300 plus score. But we as a team put pressure on them, and having five wickets down early on is a testament on how we applied pressure to the team out there,” he explained.

Stating that there was a plenty of turn in the wicket, Panesar said, “Me and Swanny both provided each other a good platform. They have already played a Ranji trophy match there so the wicket is already been used. There is obviously turn and bounce in the wicket. They have prepared a pitch, on which a four-day match (Ranji Trophy tie between Mumbai and Railways) was played on, so they have prepared a pitch that is going to turn and bounce.”

“Bowling at all these world class cricketers, I probably will need every help down in the pitch to get them out and that obviously helped me. Those are the kind of balls you need to bowl at these players to get them out. They are very good players in their own conditions.”

Panesar, who was brought on to bowl his first over after just six overs of pace, said he enjoyed bowling with a hard ball.

“I have got various responsibilities with the new ball and sometimes you have to do holding role, sometimes I do play an attacking role. I just want to do them to the best I can and try and get the best for the team out there.”

“I knew there was an option where the captain may want to use me with the new ball and I was kind of prepared for that. It is something that I quite enjoy. It is something new that I have gone into but I do enjoy bowling with new ball. I have obviously had the experience in the Pakistan series in Dubai, when I bowled with the new ball,” said the bowler.

The spinner, who was surprisingly omitted from the opening game that England lost in Ahmedabad, said he was certainly upset at not having played in the series opener.

“Obviously there was a slight disappointment I didn’t play, but I am happy to be playing in this match. It would have been nice to play but I am delighted to be playing this one,” said Panesar.

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Upset wife more fearsome than enraged pacer: jokes Sachin Tendulkar

He has squared off against the most fearsome of pace attacks all over the world but veteran Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar jokes that it is nothing when compared to facing his wife when she is upset!

In the Marathi book 'Samvad Legends Shi' (Conversations with Legends) by Dwarkanath Sanzgiri and published by Majestic Publications, the 39-year-old batsman, who has spent over two decades in international cricket, opens up about things other than cricket that have shaped his life.

While talking about helmets and when exactly he started using the equipment, Tendulkar, while being interviewed in London, was asked in a lighter vein who was more fearsome, an enraged fast bowler or an upset wife?

"You have already got me in trouble here. Well I am away from home so I can say an upset wife," the diminutive right-hander joked.

The celebrated cricketer also spoke about the people who contributed to his rise and apart from his father and elder brother, Tendulkar detailed the part played by three women, including his wife Anjali.

"Let me start with my mother. I think you know no one can take her place. She made sure I was fed well so that I could run around you know every day to practice for hours and hours to come back and my mother being a working lady she had to go to office and work number of hours and  then come back, look after the family," he recalled.

"It was really difficult and you know inspite of all these stresses and a notorious child like me to have a smile on your face required a lot of courage which she managed and you know she is a very very strong lady...The second lady in my life has to be my aunt. I stayed for four years with my uncle and my aunt," he said.

"Because when I started playing cricket as I said earlier that I had to change my school and from my house to get to my school I had to change two buses and then to get there and then come back and again go for practice was just too much of workload. So finally the family decided that I stay with my uncle and my aunt. Their house was walking distance to where  I practiced and literally 10 minutes away from my school," he added.

The trio included his wife Anjali and  Tendulkar credited her for giving him a new perspective of life.

"...last but not the least my wife. I met  my wife in 1990 and she's known me now for 21years and it's a long time. She's been through all the ups and downs in my career, all the difficult phases where I had lot of injuries and there was a time where my body was just not holding up.

"It was a difficult phase for me and she was right there with me, sort of giving me a different side of life where teaching me to think differently when I was injured, down and low. She actually taught me to thank for what the God has given me and for what the God has not given me; you know not to complain...So you know just to look at life differently  has been a huge difference to my career. So I want to thank her as well. So these women have played a significant role in my life," he said.

Tendulkar said but for his family's sacrifices he would never have scaled the heights that he did in his career.

"...honestly speaking my contribution and whatever I have achieved makes everything look small because what my family members have done for me, the sacrifices have been immense, massive; without this huge force with me I am nothing. Honestly without my brothers, my sister, my parents, my uncle and my aunt, not to forget who played a significant role in my life.

"It was because of my brother Ajit that I started playing cricket and then the constant encouragement from my parents and my brother Nitin. I think at the age of 10-11 when my actual talent was spotted and my brother Ajit took me to my coach Ramakant Achrekar," he said.

Talking about his father, Tendulkar recalled how the late Ramesh Tendulkar gave him the freedom to pursue his cricketing dreams.

"...he realised that this (cricket) is my passion and this is what I want to be and I had scored some big runs so all he demanded was 35 per cent from me; he said 'I know what you want to be in life; you don't find short cuts there but here you can get me 35 per cent';

"'if you bring 36 per cent, I will kick you out of the house because I am really not expecting 36 per cent, I just want you to pass but whatever you want to be in life don't find short cuts there and that advice was big one for me'," he recalled.

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Exclusive Pics : Cricket Club of India Honours Sachin Tendulkar

The Cricket Club of India is to honour senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar as part of celebrating its 75th anniversary at its famous Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai yesterday

Cricket Board president N. Srinivasan will be the chief guest as CCI honours the “First Citizen of the World of Cricket”, a media release said.

Visiting England team captain Alastair Cook, team director Andy Flower and batting coach Graham Gooch, among others, will be present on the occasion, the release added.

Tendulkar has fond memories of the club, which changed its rules to allow the then 14-year-old cricketer to use its dressing room when he featured in local cricket tournaments in the late 1980s.

CCI is one of the members affiliated to the BCCI but does not take part in the Ranji Trophy national tournament.

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Tendulkar deserves to be honoured by every nation, says Warne

Spin legend Shane Warne today backed his country's decision to confer Sachin Tendulkar with the membership of Order of Australia, saying the Indian batsman deserves to be honoured by every nation.

Tendulkar was honourned with the title early this month after Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard made the announcement during her visit to India last month.

Former Australian batsman Matthew Hayden, who is also a former recipient of the title, was, however, upset with the honour as he felt it should be bestowed "exclusive" on his countrymen.

However, Warne disagreed with Hayden and said he was proud that Tendulkar was bestowed with the honour.

"If Hayden criticised ( the decision to award Tendulkar Order of Australia) then I disagree. I think Sachin should have the honour of every country," Warne said.

I think he has done so well, so much for the game of cricket. The way he has conducted himself on and off the field has been first class.

"Whatever country wants to give Sachin stuff, they should give it to him because he deserves it. I was proud of Australia to recognise that and give Sachin that honour. Itwas fantastic to see. Hopefully, mine is next," he added.

On the retirement issue of Tendulkar, Warne said the veteran batsman should continue playing international cricket as long as he keeps scoring runs.

"Sachin should go on as long as wants. He should play as long as continues to score runs, which he seems to do. He can pay as long as he wants and I hope he plays 5000 (test matches) because I am not bowling anymore," he said.

Warne once again reiterated that his "nightmare" comment which he made 14 years ago was made in a lighter vein.

"My saying I have nightmares about Sachin, that was a joke. I think of other things in my dreams," he added.

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Sachin Was Born to Play Cricket : Rahul Dravid

Legendary cricketer Rahul Dravid said on Thursday that he knew from the first time he saw Sachin Tendulkar bat that he was born to play cricket.

Speaking on the occasion of a book launch here, the recently retired batsman said that it had been an honour to share the dressing room with the man who has a hundred international centuries against his name. "When I saw sachin for the 1st time, I just knew he was born to bat. Sachin is born to play cricket. It has been an honour to have partnered Sachin everywhere and share dressing room," he said.

While his own record as a cricketer is mighty impressive, Dravid said that Sachin had inspired an entire generation of players. "Sachin has inspired a whole gen of players. Not only from Mumbai but from everywhere... small cities (as well)."

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Exclusive Pics : Sachin Tendulkar at Nets a Day Before the Mumbai Test vs England

NDTV.COM : Buoyed by the comprehensive nine-wicket win in the series opener, a confident India will look to maintain their stranglehold over England when the second cricket Test begins here on Friday in conditions which are expected to suit the home team spinners.

Already 1-0 up in what has been touted as the 'revenge series', another victory for Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men will ensure that England's quest for their first series win on Indian soil in 27 years will continue. It will also keep Indian on track for a whitewash and avenge the 4-0 defeat they suffered during their last tour to England.

India totally outplayed England in the opening game of the four-match series on a dusty bowl at Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad except for a fightback by captain Alastair Cook and wicketkeeper Matt Prior that kept them afloat till the final day after the home side took a huge 330-run first innings lead.

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Sachin Tendulkar pays rich tributes to Virender Sehwag

Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar paid rich tributes to swashbuckling opener Virender Sehwag who would play 100 Tests in the second Test match against England.
 
Sehwag made his Test debut at Bloemfontein against South Africa with a century and a memorable 220-run partnership with Tendulkar. The Little Master reminisced Sehwag’s innings. He was quoted by The Hindu as saying, “I remember the first time I batted with him against South Africa at Bloemfontein. As soon as he walked to the wicket I asked him how he was feeling and he said ‘a little nervous’.
 
“I told him it was quite normal and happened to me too. I told him to relax and after sometime he would enjoy the moment. Then, once he got going I began to enjoy his batting. What I have really liked about his batting is his approach to the game and his bat swing.”
 
Sehwag’s lack of footwork and aggressive batting style came under the scanner on plenty occasions but Tendulkar feels these virtues make the batsman stand apart from the rest.
 
He said, “I have always felt he approached the game differently and backed his instincts. He may not be necessarily technically right, but he has better footwork than what people think. I would say he has beautiful control of his hands on the bat swing and that’s what makes him so special.
 
“His approach worked well for the team; India had a talented batsman who could go after the bowlers at the start; it was not planned, Sehwag was a natural. If he got going immediately in the first session the opponent was straightaway on the back foot.”
 
Tendulkar admitted that there were similarities in the way both approached their batting.  “We play the game basically in a positive frame of mind, “said the Indian batsman.
 
Tendulkar said it will be hard to control emotions when Sehwag steps on the field to play his 100th Test.
“I am sure it cannot be just another game. When the match starts it would be another game, but it would be a very emotional moment before the match starts. The whole cricketing world is talking about it,” he said. “To me, Viru’s 100th Test signifies great commitment and dedication to the game and, above all, the great satisfaction of playing for India.”

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Exclusive Pics : Sachin Tendulkar Honoured at BCCI Annual Awards 2012

CRICKETCOUNTRY.COM : Former India captain and legendary opener Sunil Gavaskar was today conferred with BCCI's prestigious Col C K Nayudu Lifetime Achievement award while Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli were also awarded for their achievements in international arena during past season.

Tendulkar was feted for his incredible achiement of scoring 100 international hundreds in Tests and ODIs combined.Earlier, after receiving his award, Tendulkar thanked Gavaskar and called him his inspiration for taking up the game.

"We grew up watching you. Thanks for inspiring me to play cricket. All I wanted to do was to follow your footsteps," said Tendulkar addressing Gavaskar sitting in front.

"I was 12 or so and was disappointed as I did not get the 'Best Junior Cricketer' award. I got a letter from Mr Gavaskar saying if you go through that list there is one person who did not get that award and he (Gavaskar) had not done badly in Tests," said Tendulkar.

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Exclusive Pics : Sachin Tendulkar at Nets Wankade | November 21,2012

England have not won a Test series in India in nearly 28 years and reversing the trend would a tough job for the world number two team.

They have been handicapped by the leg-injury to their 6-foot 7-inch fast bowler Steven Finn, who could trouble the Indian batsmen with his steep bounce even on the slow pitches.

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CCI to honour Sachin Tendulkar on Thursday

The Cricket Club of India is to honour senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar as part of celebrating its 75th anniversary at its famous Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday.

Cricket Board president N. Srinivasan will be the chief guest as CCI honours the “First Citizen of the World of Cricket”, a media release said.

Visiting England team captain Alastair Cook, team director Andy Flower and batting coach Graham Gooch, among others, will be present on the occasion, the release added.

Tendulkar has fond memories of the club, which changed its rules to allow the then 14-year-old cricketer to use its dressing room when he featured in local cricket tournaments in the late 1980s.

CCI is one of the members affiliated to the BCCI but does not take part in the Ranji Trophy national tournament.

The Brabourne Stadium was regular Test venue in this metropolis before all the international cricket matches were shifted to the nearby Wankhede Stadium in the mid-1970s, following a long-standing seat-sharing dispute between the club and the Mumbai Cricket Association.

When Wankhede was undergoing renovation before the 2011 World Cup and was unavailable to host matches, Test cricket returned to the Brabourne, albeit for just one game, when India played against Sri Lanka in December, 2009.

© The Hindu

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Rahul Dravid to launch new book on Sachin Tendulkar

A new book on batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar is to be launched in Mumbai on Thursday by former cricketer Rahul Dravid.
 
Titled 'Sachin: Born to Bat,' the book is written by veteran journalist Khalid AH Ansari and edited by sports scribe Clayton Murzello.
 
Tendulkar on late Monday night visited Matoshree to pay condolences to the late Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray’s family.
 
Founder of the Shiv Sena, Thackeray passed away on Saturday and was cremated at Shivaji Park in Mumbai on Sunday.
 

Tendulkar had earlier passed on his condolence through a social networking site where he had written.
 
"Really sad to hear about Balasaheb's demise. His contribution to Maharashtra was immense. It's a terrible loss and he will always be remembered and missed. Unfortunately I am in Ahmedabad as I would have liked to pay my last respects personally. My condolences to his family.May God rest his soul in peace.
 
Tendulkar returned to Mumbai on Monday night after India won the first Test against England at Ahmedabad earlier in the day.

© CricketCountry

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Exclusive Videos : Sachin Tendulkar’s Cooking Skills “The Foodie” Special

It's a special show this week as Sachin Tendulkar joins 'The Foodie' Kunal Vijayakar for a chat and also a treat. Cooking for the Master Blaster is Boria Mazumdar, who recently launched a brand new book on food. Join the three of them as they cook up a storm on this really 'sporty' episode.

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Sachin Tendulkar visits Matoshree a day after Bal Thackeray's cremation

A day after Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray was cremated, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar paid a condolence visit to the family on Monday. Sachin was accompanied by his wife Anjali when he visited Matoshree on Monday night.

The cricketer was away in Ahmedabad for the test match against England when Thackeray died on Saturday. Tendulkar had said he was saddened to hear about Thackeray's demise, saying the Shiv Sena chief would always be remembered and missed.

He had said, "Really sad to hear about Balasaheb's demise. His contribution to Maharashtra was immense. It's a terrible loss and he will always be remembered and missed. Unfortunately I am in Ahmedabad as I would have liked to pay my last respects personally. My condolences to his family. May God rest his soul in peace.

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Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag to be felicitated by Mumbai Cricket Association

Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag will be felicitated by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) before the start of the second Test between India and England in Mumbai on November 23.

"Tendulkar will be felicitated for completing 23 years in international cricket and for completing 100 centuries. Sehwag will be felicitated for playing his 100th Test match," MCA president Ravi Savant told PTI.

The two senior cricketers will be presented with a silver salver at the Wankhede Stadium, Savant added.

India on Monday took a 1-0 lead in the four-match series with a nine-wicket victory here.

© PTI

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Sachin Tendulkar offer condolences over Bal Thackeray's demise

Sachin Tendulkar posted on his Facebook Page “Really sad to hear about Balasaheb's demise. His contribution to Maharashtra was immense. It's a terrible loss and he will always be remembered and missed. Unfortunately I am in Ahmedabad as I would have liked to pay my last respects personally. My condolences to his family. May God rest his soul in peace.”

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Exclusive Pics : Sachin Tendulkar at nets a day before the 1st test vs England at Ahmedabad

Billed as the revenge series, India would aim to pay England back in the same coin when the two teams renew cricketing rivalry when they go into what promises to be an engrossing four-match Test rubber from on Thursday.

India had suffered a humiliating 0-4 series whitewash when they had visited England in July-August last year and would like to avenge the defeat on the back of its spinners in favourable home conditions.

England have not won a Test series in India in nearly 28 years and reversing the trend would a tough job for the world number two team.

They have been handicapped by the leg-injury to their 6-foot 7-inch fast bowler Steven Finn, who could trouble the Indian batsmen with his steep bounce even on the slow pitches.

Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar during a training session at The Sardar Patel Stadium at Motera in Ahmedabad on November 14, 2012. India plays their first test cricket match against England from November 15 in Ahmedabad. AFP PHOTO/ PUNIT PARANJPE (Photo credit should read PUNIT PARANJPE/AFP/Getty Images)

Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar during a training session at The Sardar Patel Stadium at Motera in Ahmedabad on November 14, 2012. India plays their first test cricket match against England from November 15 in Ahmedabad. AFP PHOTO/ PUNIT PARANJPE (Photo credit should read PUNIT PARANJPE/AFP/Getty Images)

Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar during a training session at The Sardar Patel Stadium at Motera in Ahmedabad on November 14, 2012. India plays their first test cricket match against England from November 15 in Ahmedabad. AFP PHOTO/ PUNIT PARANJPE (Photo credit should read PUNIT PARANJPE/AFP/Getty Images)

Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar during a training session at The Sardar Patel Stadium at Motera in Ahmedabad on November 14, 2012. India plays their first test cricket match against England from November 15 in Ahmedabad. AFP PHOTO/ PUNIT PARANJPE (Photo credit should read PUNIT PARANJPE/AFP/Getty Images)

Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar during a training session at The Sardar Patel Stadium at Motera in Ahmedabad on November 14, 2012. India plays their first test cricket match against England from November 15 in Ahmedabad. AFP PHOTO/ PUNIT PARANJPE (Photo credit should read PUNIT PARANJPE/AFP/Getty Images)

Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar during a training session at The Sardar Patel Stadium at Motera in Ahmedabad on November 14, 2012. India plays their first test cricket match against England from November 15 in Ahmedabad. AFP PHOTO/ PUNIT PARANJPE (Photo credit should read PUNIT PARANJPE/AFP/Getty Images)

Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar during a training session at The Sardar Patel Stadium at Motera in Ahmedabad on November 14, 2012. India plays their first test cricket match against England from November 15 in Ahmedabad. AFP PHOTO/ PUNIT PARANJPE (Photo credit should read PUNIT PARANJPE/AFP/Getty Images)

Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar during a training session at The Sardar Patel Stadium at Motera in Ahmedabad on November 14, 2012. India plays their first test cricket match against England from November 15 in Ahmedabad. AFP PHOTO/ PUNIT PARANJPE (Photo credit should read PUNIT PARANJPE/AFP/Getty Images)

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