Even as the hype around Sachin Tendulkar’s 200th Test is growing by the day, the man has yet to show any signs of anxiety, says a report in DNA, adding that he seems calm, composed and unperturbed.
Speaking on the occasion of honouring a few members of the Navi Mumbai Police Sports Club, Tendulkar said, “My association with cricket would not have been possible without the support of my brother, friend, coaches and family. Nothing could have happened in my life if they would not have supported me.”.
“I was a very mischievous child so my parents decided to introduce me to cricket, so that all my energy would be consumed and, as a result, I would get tired at the end of the day and sleep! I was always passionate about the game, but it was tennis-ball cricket. My family provided me with a platform by sending me to Ramakant Achrekar sir. From then on, my only dream was to play for India. I wanted to do something special and the journey started there. The rest of the guys worked hard but, for me, it was pure enjoyment which was the most important thing. I enjoyed playing the game,” he added.
He further said: “People speak about my sacrifices, but I don’t think that I had to sacrifice because whatever I did, I was happy doing it. And nothing would have been better than cricket for me. And it continues to be so,” he told the gathering.
According to a news report in The Indian Express, there might be intense speculation over Sachin Tendulkar's imminent retirement, but his one-time India teammate Ravi Shastri feels the champion batsman is not quitting anytime soon and is hopeful that he would play at Lord's ground next year when the national team visits England.
"He (Tendulkar) will not quit the game so soon as you all keep saying. He would continue to play and you will see him at Lord's next year too," said the 51-year-old Shastri to a question after he delivered the Dilip Sardesai Memorial Lecture at the Bombay Gymkhana.