After Monty Panesar's lofty performance in the Second test in the series India vs England in Mumbai, India had to face a set back in the series. Most affected from the shame was Sachin Tendulkar who eked out only 16 runs in two innings. Worse yet he was dismissed by the same bowler, Monty Panesar who had been on a roll for the second test. Unlike most of his dismissals he was bowled out in the first innings and caught leg before wicket in a full length delivery in the second.
While his poor performance was ample opportunity for the critics to voice out opinions that he has seen enough of cricket already, Sunny Gavaskar has made a nuanced comment from the box suggesting that Sachin should be talking to the selectors and discussing his plans. This was an insinuation from the yesteryear captain and star from Indian Cricket, that he should consider retirement.
Sachin however paid no heed to such comments, like he always did previously. After a good night's sleep, the master blaster walked onto the green fields skipped the regular fitness regimes that other players were involved in and summoned Ojha for a special session.
Ojha was asked to bowl all variations of his balls at a specific length as Sachin continued to improve his defence in the line. He also asked coach Duncan Fletcher to stand by him and observe his technique while suggesting him how to improve it. After the intense sessions, Duncan and Sachin had a word after the former noted a few points.
Sachin has begun to understand his lack of form and is clearly ashamed of being dismissed in a poor way the past few matches. But he has not lost the determination that he earlier possessed.
Should Sachin retire? Will the Indian team be the same without the legend who definitely plays a major role intimidating the opponents and spreading enthusiasm in the team? Are those who secretly wish he would retire before the series ends right, especially after his hard work? I, for one, wish Sachin has learnt where he was wrong and continue to take India further ahead.
(AW- Anil)
