Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, the name is enough to inspire the world. A person who played international cricket for 24 long years.Today he bid goodbye to competitive cricket after finishing his last test match on a winning note. I think it will be the longest duration for any sport that needs physical strength, agility and mental toughness. His name is synonymous to hard work, perseverance, determination, success, integrity and humility. He started pretty young in international cricket. His international cricket career started in the year 1989. He made his test debut against Pakistan in Karachi. He was just 16 years old. I was reflecting as to what my mindset was at that age. I think I was a clueless young teenager then. And here was one boy stepping into international cricket rubbing shoulders with men much older to him. In the real sense, I do not think he was physically tall enough to rub shoulders with them. However, the talent and ability he possessed made it possible to share space with the greats of Indian and international cricket.
Many equate him to God. However, this is where I beg to differ. I consider him a super human (http://vijitspeaks.blogspot.in/2012/03/sachin-tendulkar-super-human.html). I am not denying that he is one of the greatest ever to play the game of cricket. He was sent to this world to play cricket and inspire the masses.
There has been no one like him and there will never be anyone like him ever. He is the pride of India and his humility inspires me the most.
I rate him as high as Swami Vivekananda when it comes to being a source
of inspiration not just for India but the whole world too.
The way he summed it up in his final speech is something that showed how wonderful a human being he is. He remembered to thank each and everyone who made it possible for him to achieve what he has. Father, Mother, brother, sister, wife, kids, in-laws, friends, fellow cricketers, doctors, managers, physio, photographers and even the media. The same media who though are glorifying him today but were speculating that he should have retired long back. He thanked his wife for sacrificing her career and taking care of family so that he could concentrate on his career. Of all the positives associated with him, his humility is what inspires me the most. I have been guilty of reacting negatively on few occasions when criticized. However, looking at Sachin and how he has carried himself despite being criticized is something that each one of us can learn from and implement in our personal life and career. I have not seen him react harshly ever when posed with questions about his retirement. He always seemed in control both on and off field. Success at an early age typically is not handled well by men and women alike. However, here is a great human being who has not let success affect his mental composure. Not seen ego get the better of him at any point in his career. He deserved to be part of a world cup winning squad and which he managed to do in the year 2011 when Indians became World champions.
Very recently Ricky Ponting was found criticizing Sachin over his role during the monkey gate episode (scandal in the 2008 Sydney Test). I did not see any comment from Sachin as a reaction to it. Ricky had written a book and to sell his book he had to create some controversy. I think Sachin understands this and hence he chose to keep silent. Australians who are notorious for sledging especially when they fear losing have no right to point fingers at a cricketing legend like Sachin Tendulkar.
He deserves the Bharat Ratna award for being a source of inspiration to thousands of Indians. I would like to conclude by saying Sachin....Sachin.
Full text of Sachin's speech, courtesy DNA India:
http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report-full-text-of-sachin-tendulkar-s-farewell-speech-at-wankhede-stadium-1920240
