I hope Sachin plays his innings in Rajya Sabha like he plays in Test match, says Gavaskar

MP Sachin Tendulkar has generated a lot of debates some terming it a right decision on part of Sachin Tendulkar to join the Upper House while others hailing the decision of the maestro. Meanwhile legendary Sunil Gavaskar has said that Sachin Tendulkar should not restrict himself to just highlighting issues concerning sports during his new innings in the Indian Parliament but should also work for causes related to the common man, former.

Tendulkar on Tuesday took oath as a member of the Rajya Sabha and said that he would work for all sports and not just cricket during his tenure in the upper House of Parliament.

According to a report in the Indian Express, Gavaskar said, Tendulkar should utilise the big platform to raise issues which are not just confined to the world of sports. "I think, in my view he should not limit himself to just sports. It is a tremendous opportunity, tremendous platform to express on all matters what he and his generation thinks, should be done to take the nation forward," Gavaskar said.

"How he looks upon this, it up to him. But as I said, it is a tremendous platform, if he can use it to help India grow as a nation, that would be terrific," the batting great said.

Suggesting how Tendulkar should approach his new innings, the former Test opener said initially he could start by raising issues concerning sports and later expand his role.

"If you have people with integrity and credibility that Sachin has, his joining public life is good for country. I hope Sachin plays his innings in Rajya Sabha, like he plays in Test match, starting with V and later expand shots.

Meanwhile a DNA report says that Tendulkar, who became the first active sportsperson to enter Parliament, told reporters that he would like to be remembered as someone who contributed to the country and not as someone with great cricket statistics. “I will be happy if I’m remembered as someone who contributed towards sports in India. That would be fantastic.

“In the last 22 years of my international career, cricket has given me so much. Today with the nomination, I am in a better position not only to help cricket but also other sports,” he said while pointing out that he may face a few obstacles along the way.

“It is here that I will need help from my fellow parliamentarians, the administrators, the media and our countrymen. Together we can make a lot of changes,” he added.

“I did not go to anyone asking to be a Rajya Sabha member. It is an honour and I accept that with respect. However, I am here because of cricket. I cannot take focus away from cricket because that’s where it all began for me,” said Tendulkar after he was asked how he would take time out for Parliament from his busy cricket schedule.

“I will focus on cricket and as and when I stop playing, I will look at other things and see how I can help,” he added.