Now another article appears in Saamna written by a Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut criticizing Sachin even more. What has Sachin done to deserve so much of flak? Your thoughts please.

Here go excerpts from the interview

Q What’s the India of your dreams?

A (Pauses) One where everybody has clean water to drink… Where everybody has access to education, right from childhood… For me, both are critical issues…

How do you look at the India of 2009?

I’m not disappointed with the way things are, I know those in authority are making an effort… There’s no point sitting back and criticising for the sake of doing so… An effort is being made to change India for the better and I’m appreciative of that… I’m the positive sort and like looking at the positive side. Sure, one would like to have certain things in place, but I do realise that doing so could take time. It may not be easy… The question is whether India is heading in the right direction… It is.

What, for you, would be a nightmare-like situation?

India being hit by natural calamities.

Your vision…

I’d like all citizens to have the basic amenities of life… Nobody, ideally, should be deprived… I’m not talking of the big things, like cars or hi-fi music systems, but clean drinking water and education… You could add health care.

Is there an Indian you’ve admired?

Certainly somebody who made India her home, Mother Teresa… Throughout her life, she helped those whom others would shun… She made a difference to the lives of so many.

Did you get to meet her on one of your visits to Calcutta?

I couldn’t and that remains a regret.

Are you interested in politics?

No.

But you do vote, don’t you?

I exercise my right, that’s it.

So, there’s no chance of you going the way of an Imran Khan or an Arjuna Ranatunga?

(Laughs) Not at all!

Generally, how do you see life?

I consider myself fortunate… Blessed to have been part of the family I belong to… I like giving something to others, which is why you found me endorsing The Joy of Giving Week. As I’ve told you, nothing is ever too small to give. What matters is supporting a cause from the bottom of your heart… A shirt or a pair of shoes may not mean much to you, but would be like gold to somebody who needs that pair of shoes or that one shirt…

Just how much should icons be doing for the lesser privileged?

Look, it has a lot to do with how an individual feels about the whole thing, the way he sees his role (in society)… It can’t be that somebody has to compel an individual to do something. It has to come from within, not otherwise.

You’ve often interacted with terminally ill children. Have those experiences left you very distressed?

Yes… Each time that I’ve met them, I’ve come away feeling how lucky I am… Often, we take things for granted and just wait to complain about this or that… Yet, the terminally ill children have no complaints, despite probably having only weeks or months to live… I’ve always been moved… Meeting such children makes one appreciate the importance of good health, of not being handicapped in any way.

Would an Imran, who has built a cancer hospital in Lahore, score higher marks than cricketers of equal stature because of that one achievement?

I wouldn’t club the cricketing and non-cricketing sides together…

You were part of the Indian team which visited the hospital on the 2005-06 tour of Pakistan. Anything you remember off hand?

I remember it as a very fine facility where even the common man can get himself treated… Imran’s done an absolutely incredible job.

Now, for some cricket-specific questions… On the eve of his 60th birthday, in July, Sunil Gavaskar picked Kapil Dev and you as India’s “greatest” cricketers. Your thoughts?

Makes me feel special… Mr Gavaskar was an idol.

In your book, where would Gavaskar rank?

Without a doubt, he’s one of our best… I’d rate Rahul Dravid very highly, too, as also Anil Kumble.

How should greatness be measured?

(Pauses) One has to judge a player’s contribution to the team… It can’t be about having one terrific series or one very successful tournament… One has to judge over a period of time, take the consistency into account.

You continue to show the passion of somebody making his debut, not one around for 20 years. What, indeed, makes you tick so phenomenally?

Passion… The hunger for runs comes out of enjoyment… I continue to live my dream, which was to play for India… I have a responsibility to do well and carry the team on my shoulders… It’s not a small responsibility, but I’ve never felt burdened… Never thought that I’ve had to make sacrifices to get to where I am.

The motivation, therefore, comes from within?

It does… I don’t need an external factor to motivate me.

One target, it seems, is 15,000 Test runs...

Not a target… If it has to happen, then it will.

You’re already close to 13,000 in Tests. Would 15,000, then, be a driving force, so to say?

I wouldn’t look at it that way… I’ll keep playing, keep doing my job… If I’m destined to get there, I will. My job is to give my best shot (not aim for records).

When will you start focusing on the 2011 World Cup?

Can’t say…

Twenty years ago, how long did you expect to play?

If you’d phrased your question differently and asked me, on the second day of my Test career when I’d got out for 15, just how long would I be playing, my answer would’ve been that the first Test would also be my last! I felt out of place, everything was new… I recall (manager) Chandu Borde spent quite some time talking to me and that made me feel better. The intensity of international cricket was so much more different.

You’d been so tired after the first day (November 15) that you went off to sleep on returning to your hotel room…

(Grins) I did, yes, for a couple of hours… That first day, in such a different environment, had left me drained.

Over the past 20 years, cricket has seen a number of changes. Your take?

Well, because the number of matches have increased, it’s more demanding physically… Some of the changes were needed, they’ve been important.

In terms of skills, is it that today’s cricketers have to be more skilful?

Even earlier, one needed to have the skills… That, surely, hasn’t changed much… But, yes, the quality of the equipment has changed. That’s progress.

Okay… Let me put it this way: Is surviving more challenging in 2009 than it was in 1989?

Twenty years ago, there were different challenges… The challenges and expectations change with time and differ from one level to the other. One has to stay focused and adapt to the changing demands.

Isn’t there a fear that T20 will produce rather mediocre cricketers?

But T20 demands that some batters come and just throw their bat around… If somebody does well, that way, then I don’t have a problem… At the end of the day, we’re talking of the same ball and bat… I don’t see why anybody should have a problem if somebody becomes a hero in a matter of seconds or minutes… You may not remember who holds the record for the marathon, but you’ll know about (Usain) Bolt… There’s space for all forms and each has its challenges… So many dream of playing for India, but you’ve got to be realistic, as well… Very few actually get to realise that dream and, if some can make a career out of T20, with one of the (IPL) franchises, then so be it… They will be able to look after themselves and their families.

Exclusively T20, then, is a viable option…

Absolutely… As I’ve said, somebody may never get to play for India, but could live his passion through a T20 career (in the IPL)… T20 has become hugely popular and will help globalise cricket… Will help increase viewership, expand the market.

But the easy money could actually ruin some cricketers, isn’t it?

(Pauses) There’s a downside to any positive… Surely, how one acts and behaves is in the hands of that person alone… Why blame the IPL? What makes you believe Test cricket cannot spoil a player? I don’t wish to go into details, but there have been instances of that…

Test cricket, though, remains supreme…

Of course, it’s the No.1 form. Has been so, still is and will remain at the top. Test cricket requires more imagination, better planning, sharper execution.

Are you in favour of four-day Tests and such matches being played under lights?

I’m for five days… Test cricket is a challenge and that challenge should be over that many days… As for day-night Tests, the balls could well be an issue… Day-night cricket should first be attempted at the first-class level.

You’ve suggested a change for the 50-over ODIs…

A bit of imagination is needed to take it forward… Indeed, people are putting their heads together.

Aren’t you disappointed that the Deodhar Trophy has been dropped by the Board this season?

Yes… Having said that, the Board introduced the Corporate Trophy, instead… I see that as a good move, for companies can only field permanent employees… Employment opportunities have opened… It’s a win-win situation and I’d like to compliment the Board.

Your advice for this generation?

The young players should live their dream… The desire to play for India fired me up… It should drive today’s generation, too… I’d say don’t look for big things straightaway… Work towards and on the small things and climb from there.

What goes into the making of a successful individual?

A dream… Then, the desire to chase that dream and to make it happen… Honesty towards the job, a sense of commitment… Vision, too, is needed. You can’t guarantee X or Y is going to be successful, but if the attributes are there, then there’s every chance that X or Y would end up being so.

How do you think the millions will remember you, once you’re through with cricket?

Not only as a record-breaker… I guess they will also remember me as somebody who inspired the next generation to take to cricket in a big way… Personally, I see that as my biggest contribution.

At any point, have you thought of what you could be doing after retiring?

No.

What if India hadn’t won the 1983 World Cup, inspiring you to make a career out of cricket…

Oh, I would certainly have been playing some sport… By nature, after all, I’m a sporty person.

Finally… As we speak, who are you most thankful to?

(Emotionally) My family, immediate and extended… All my coaches, starting from Ramakant Achrekar Sir… Teammates… People tend to forget groundsmen, but I’d also like to thank them… I can’t, at this moment, forget to thank friends — cricketing ones and those outside cricket… I hope I haven’t missed anybody…

Kambli, who began his career with much promise but fizzled out after innumerable comebacks, is reported to have made these allegations against the BCCI in a TV reality show, on which he also spoke against his childhood friend Sachin Tendulkar for not helping him enough.

“It is completely a baseless and uncalled for charge. BCCI does not believe in getting into all this. In fact, BCCI is one body which is fighting against racism at the international level,” BCCI’s Finance and Media Committee chairman Rajiv Shukla said.

Shukla said selectors always took performance-based decisions while choosing the national team.

“It was purely performance-based decision. Selectors take only performance-based decisions and the same yardstick was used for Kambli,” he added.

On Kambli’s remarks about Tendulkar, Shukla defended the batting maestro, saying he always helped his teammates.

“Tendulkar is one man who has always been helping all the players, even the juniors. This charge cannot be subscribed against Tendulkar,” Shukla said.

In the TV reality show, the 37-year-old Kambli is reported to have said that Tendulkar did not help him when he was on the decline.

“We are very close… We were very close. He could have done a little more, but he didn’t,” Kambli was quoted as saying by a newspaper.

About the BCCI, Kambli said, “I always felt discriminated because of my cast and colour by the Cricket Board.”

Despite repeated attempts, Kambli could not be reached for his comments, but one of his associates said the former player will address the media later in the day.

During the unveiling ceremony in Mumbai, Sachin said, “It is a great honour to be there at the Tussauds. I know I am the first sportsperson of the country to be there. I think it is an appreciation and a reflection of my contribution to Indian cricket.

I am not a person who normally reacts easily to anything. But when I and my family saw it, something identical to myself, my reaction was something different. I have not reacted like that before, my reaction was special. It was so real, it was fantastic. But I am glad it does not breath.

(My son) Arjun wanted to take down the bat and start playing but I told him not to get very close.”

Asked next to whom he would want his wax statue to be placed at the Tussauds, Tendulkar said, “I don’t mind to be next to anybody. The fact that it will be there itself was a great honour. There are so many great personalities there including Indians,” he said.

Asked if he felt authorities at Tussauds should have done it earlier, Tendulkar said, “I am not the person to decide whether my statue should have been one or two year before or this year. I am not concerned about that. I am happy that I will be there now. It is a happy moment.

Right from 15 years of age I have thought of going to the Tussauds and even during my stay in England to play cricket I did not have time to go there because of my schedule. This time I will be there to know how this wax statues are made of.”

Hadlee, who was inducted into the International Cricket Council’s Hall of Fame on Friday, was in absolute awe of the Indian run-machine and said he had no doubt that he was the greatest batsman ever to grace the game.

“I played against Sachin on his tour here in 1990 when he got that 80 or 90-odd at the McLean Park in Napier. You could see then as a youngster he was a player of immense ability and talent.

“We didn’t see at that time and you cannot visualise 20 years down the track what the player is likely to do in the context of the history of the game. He clearly he has been phenomenal,” said the 57-year-old, arguably one of the finest all-rounders of all time.

Justifying his high regard for the Indian, Hadlee said, “When you score as many runs as he has in Test and one-day cricket and score as many centuries and half centuries as he has done, it makes him arguably the greatest player ever in the history of the game. Statistics speak volumes of his contribution to Indian and world cricket. He is a phenomenal player.” Asked if it meant Tendulkar was greater than even Don Bradman, Hadlee said, “Well, Sir Donald Bradman has been regarded as the greatest player ever. He played just Test cricket. He hasn’t played any other forms of the game. Clearly that is understandable.

“But to see Sachin and other players actually adjust to different forms of the game and different conditions all around the world, even though the average is fractionally more than half of the Don’s is in itself incredible. You got to respect it and write those performances,” he explained.

Hadlee also felt comparisons should drive a player.

“At the end of the day it doesn’t matter who are compared with. It is what you actually do yourself. I don’t think anyone can dispute the contributions that Sachin and (Rahul) Dravid have made. The contributions of these players have made to Indian cricket are outstanding.”

(Courtesy Express India)

The Kiwis asked the visitors to follow on with at least 180 overs remaining in the test match to pick up 10 Indian wickets and it looked inevitable that the series will be leveled. But against all odds, the Indian batsmen lead by Gambhir & Laxman managed to survive all the 6 sessions.

Gauti scored his 5th test hundred, his slowest ever, with a resilient 137 off 438 balls(18 fours) while Very very Special Laxman carved a sensible 124 off 212 balls(25 fours). Sachin, Dravid & Yuvraj played a key role & helped India save wickets & kill time.

Scoreboard

India leads the series 1-0 and Jessy Ryder was awarded the Man of the Match.

McCullum was decidedly fortunate to survive a leg-before shout from Munaf Patel when he was on three, and Simon Taufel missed a bat-pad catch when he had 67. But those apart, he played his strokes freely, with MS Dhoni not employing too many close-in fielders and more than content to give him singles. With the field spread, he cut the ball with immense power and played a couple of pulls too as the innings defeat was avoided.

O’Brien defended stoutly and hit a couple of boundaries himself as the partnership assumed frustrating proportions. Almost inevitably, it was Harbhajan that provided succour, though there was more than an element of doubt about the bat-pad decision that ended O’Brien’s resistance. He could have few complaints though after the third umpire had given him the benefit of a run-out call.

It had taken India almost an hour to break through in the morning but once they did, wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Harbhajan was at the forefront, bowling round the wicket and flighting the ball into the few rough patches. He varied his pace cleverly and the bounce in the pitch made tackling him a most arduous proposition.

Flynn started the day in positive fashion, cutting and pulling Zaheer Khan for fours, but Ross Taylor struggled terribly against Ishant Sharma, who had bowled him in the first innings. It was left to Flynn to keep the scoreboard ticking and he did that with two guided fours behind point when Munaf was introduced into the attack.

It took New Zealand 42 overs to bring up 100 and Flynn then cut Ishant beautifully through cover to bring up his half-century from 118 balls. The applause had barely died down though when Taylor, who had eked out just four from 29 balls, slashed a Munaf delivery straight to Virender Sehwag at gully.

Jesse Ryder was fortunate that the uppish drive with which he got off the mark just evaded Harbhajan at cover, but there was nothing lucky about two ferocious pull strokes that went for four and six off Zaheer. But thoughts of a sensational counterattack, as in the first innings, vanished soon before lunch as Harbhajan came round the wicket to trap him plumb in front.

New Zealand’s plight would have been much worse if MS Dhoni had not put down a catch off Flynn when he had made 55. Harbhajan turned away in disappointment as the chance went down, but it was only a matter of time before India made further inroads.

James Franklin, selected on the basis of robust batting form as well as his bowling, never looked at ease, and a scoop to point was safely taken by Munaf. When Flynn was caught at short leg off bat and pad, it brought Daniel Vettori to the crease, but though he played two magnificent off-drives, there was no repeat of the heroics that had saved face in the first innings. Harbhajan arrowed one in at the body and Vettori could only get a thin inside-edge that Dhoni did very well to hold on to after it brushed the thigh.

That gave Harbhajan his 23rd five-wicket haul and it was something of a surprise when Dhoni decided to take the new ball 10 minutes before tea. Though McCullum and O’Brien kept then kept India at bay for an hour, it wasn’t a costly gamble, and Sehwag wasn’t even required to open as Gautam Gambhir and Rahul Dravid finished things off with a flurry off fours. One more jinx ended by an Indian team that has now won four of its last six Tests.

Dileep Premachandran is an associate editor at Cricinfo

© Cricinfo

India have consolidated their position in the first test by posting a target excessive of 450 & taking a strong lead of 179 runs(as I post this news, India at 458/8). The other major contributors in the match were Gambir(72) & Dravid(66). On the whole Sachin continues to shine as ever!

St Paul’s Collegiate student Owen Robinson got a chance to bowl at Tendulkar in the nets at Seddon Park on Monday and realised that the Mumbai batsman may be susceptible to a lofted drive.

“I found Tendulkar likes to drive and drive on the up and put a few in the air,” Robinson was quoted as saying by the ‘Dominion Post’.

“…But he might have just been toying with me though,” said Robinson, laughing at the prospect of tearing apart the form of a player who has scored more Test centuries than any other cricketer.

Robinson, however, did not enjoy bowling at Virender Sehwag.

“He smashed me,” said Robinson, who belongs to the same college represented by New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori.

“It was a privilege to bowl to them, pretty overwhelming really,” the teenager added.

Robinson predicted the New Zealand side had a tough ask of winning the three-Test series against India.

“I think they’ll go well in Hamilton but it’ll be tough in the other two Tests,” Robinson said.